Atlanta Intown - January 2024

Atlanta Intown 30th ANNIVERSARY

A

Publication

JANUARY 2024 Vol. 30 No. 1 ■ RoughDraftAtlanta.com

Luxury Redefined: Ken Covers, Your Pinnacle in Real Estate Excellence

Featured Listing 589 Pelham Road NE 5 Bed | 4 Bath | Offered at $1,395,000 Morningside at its Very Best Describes This Custom Designed Brick Total Expansion & Modernization.

Looking for outstanding results for the sale of your home ? Let’s discuss the possibilities.

Get in touch by scanning the QR code below or call me at 404.664.8280.

Good Neighbor Award, Atlanta REALTORS® Association Honors a member making exceptional contributions to community life improvement.

Featured Listing 1850 Wildwood Place NE 5 Bed | 4 Bath | Offered at $1,299,000 Total Back to Studs Modernization of this Residence Situated on a Prime Cul-de-Sac in the Desirable Neighborhood of Morningside-Wildwood Place.

20 Year Morningside Resident With Nearly $500M In Accumulative Home Sales Featured Listing

9 Year Recipient of The 5 Star Real Estate Agent Award

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Spotlights industry standouts—just 5 agents in Georgia earned the honor!

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Just Sold 1302 Middlesex Avenue NE 5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | Offered at $1,970,000

Whether you’re curious about buying, selling, or the projected home values for Morningside in 2024, scan here to get started.

Ken Covers, Real Estate Advisor Engel & Völkers Atlanta 1411 North Highland Avenue | Atlanta | GA 30306 M +1 404.664.8280 O +1 404.845.7724 ken.covers@evatlanta.com | kencovers.evatlanta.com ©2024 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent license partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act. Source: FMLS 2024

2 | JANUARY 2024

Philip Pettit’s Outstanding Custom Home boasts a Spacious Dining Room, Gourmet Kitchen, Great Room, Screened Porch, & an Amazing Primary Suite.

This Residence is Truly Special.

Coming Soon 936 Virginia Avenue NE 4 Bed | 3 Bath | Offered at $1,595,000 An urban gem—a modernized bungalow with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, an open floor plan across 3 levels. Featuring an oversized primary suite, media room, and a walk-out backyard accessible from the main level.

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Contents JANUARY 2024 Editor's Note

4

Community BeltLine Southside Trail

6

South Downtown Sold

6

News Roundup

8

May I Be Excused?

8

Focus on Education 20 Under 20

10

Children Read

20

Georgia Film Academy

24

Education Briefs

25

Sustainability Above the Waterline

26

Arts & Entertainment

28

Georgia Tech Art

28

Underground Creative Directors

30

Dining Women + Wine

32

In the Spirit

33

Quick Bites

35

Real Estate

35

2024 Real Estate Forecast

36

BeltLine Affordable Housing

39

36

Atlanta Intown A

Publication

Reporter Newspapers A

Publication

Silver Streak By

atlanta

Editorial

Published By

Advertising

Collin Kelley Editor collin@roughdraftatlanta.com

Rough Draft Atlanta

sales@roughdraftatlanta.com

Keith Pepper Publisher keith@roughdraftatlanta.com

Deborah Davis Account Manager | Sales Operations deborah@roughdraftatlanta.com

Neal Maziar Chief Revenue Officer neal@roughdraftatlanta.com

Jeff Kremer Sr. Account Manager jeff@roughdraftatlanta.com

Rico Figliolini Creative Director Circulation

Suzanne Purcell Sr. Account Manager suzanne@roughdraftatlanta.com

Each month, 27,000 copies of Atlanta Intown are mailed to homes and distributed to businesses in and around ZIP codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324 and 30329.

For delivery information, delivery@roughdraftatlanta.com

Operations Savannah Pierce savannah@roughdraftatlanta.com

Sammie Purcell Associate Editor Staff Writers Dyana Bagby Cathy Cobbs Bob Pepalis Logan C. Ritchie Contributors Cory Atkinson, Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Kristina Ferdinand, Isadora Pennington, Sarah Pierre, Katie Rice, Clare Richie, Stephanie Saputo, Tim Sullivan

To subscribe to home delivery, ($75 / year) email delivery@roughdraftatlanta.com

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Mia Silverman, left, and Sierra Pape strike a pose at Midtown High School. Both students are honorees in our 15th annual 20 Under 20. See more remarkable students starting on page 10.

(Photo by Isadora Pennington)

Honored as a newspaper of General Excellence

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©2024 with2018 all rights reserved Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Reporter Newspapers or Rough Draft Atlanta.

JANUARY 2024 |

3

The spirit of 1994

SUPPORT FOR THE EXHIBITION

MAJOR FUNDING FOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION

AND CATALOGUE IS PROVIDED BY

THIS EXHIBITION IS

SERIES SPONSOR

PROVIDED BY

William N. Banks Jr. Trust

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS

ACT Foundation, Inc. William N. Banks, Jr. Cousins Foundation Burton M. Gold Sarah and Jim Kennedy

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS

Robin and Hilton Howell

O N V I E W T H R O U G H F E B 18 | H I G H.O R G This exhibition is co-organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta; Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills, MI; and the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.

Sonya Clark (American, born 1967), The Hair Craft Project: Hairstylists with Sonya: Sonya Clark with Jamilah Williams (detail), 2014, pigment print on archival paper, courtesy of the artist. Photo by Naoko Wowsugi. © Sonya Clark.

Nothing compares to proven performance.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD E XPERT WITH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

#1 AGENT IN DRUID HILLS • #1 INTOWN BROKERAGE

With the new year fast approaching, now is the time to plan and prepare.

Contact me today to learn how I can help you reach your real estate goals!

Peggy Hibbert c. 404.444.0192 o. 404.874.0300 peggy@atlantafinehomes.com © 2023 Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Source: FMLS. 1/1/21–12/31/21.

Druid Hills. All Property Types + Price Points. Intown Ranking: TrendGraphix. Top 5 Firms. 1/1/21– 12/31/21. Zip Codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324. All Property Types + Price Points.

4 | JANUARY 2024

I can barely wrap my head around the idea that Atlanta Intown is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. And that I’ve been editing it for 22 of them.

My first recollection of seeing Intown was just after the first issue was published in 1994 when it was known as 30306, the zip code of founding publisher Chris Schroder.

Even then, I thought it was an eclectic publication unlike anything else I’d ever read.

In 1994, Atlanta’s place on the international stage was on the cusp of becoming a reality with the upcoming Summer EDITOR'S Olympics. The city took off like a rocket in 1996, with the NOTE revitalization of Downtown and historic neighborhoods, the creation of the game-changing Atlanta BeltLine, the arrival of the tech industry, and the nascent film and television production sector exploding to transform metro Atlanta into Hollywood South.

In 2002, I was offered the job of not only editing Intown but Collin Kelley remaking it for the new century. While the look changed, I knew the content could not. We had to remain eclectic, hyperlocal (which wasn’t a word anyone used then), and a monthly must-read to discover people and places you couldn’t find in any other publication.

The spirit of 30306 and the communities we cover is still in Atlanta Intown’s DNA. While Intown has had several owners in the past three decades, we’ve stayed true to our roots. Now, as part of the Rough Draft Atlanta family of publications, we’re one of the last “alternative” publications still standing.

How readers absorb the news has drastically changed in the last 30 years, which is evidenced in the 15k-plus followers we have on Instagram (@RoughDraftATL) and the thousands of you who visit RoughDraftAtlanta.com on a daily basis.

With so much bad news and negativity in the world, Intown remains the place to find positive stories about your neighbors, the opening of new local businesses and restaurants, features on nonprofits, reviews, arts and culture happenings and, of course, if you’re looking to buy a new house, Intown has long been the go-to source.

This month, I’m excited that Intown and Rough Draft will be joined by Beth McKibben as our senior editor for food and dining. Her expertise and following in Atlanta are second to none, and I still can’t believe she’ll be my colleague.

Beth will be curating our Side Dish newsletter as well as coordinating food coverage across print and digital. It’s a fantastic way to kick off Intown’s next 30 years.

We’re planning a special 30th-anniversary issue of Intown in November, so The November/December 1994 debut issue of let me know what you’d Atlanta 30306, the progenitor of Atlanta Intown. like to see included by dropping me a line at collin@roughdraftatlanta. com. I’d especially love to see any photos from Atlanta in the '90s and early '00s of people, places, and events that hold special memories for you.

Despite the ongoing turmoil across the world, I hope you all had a good holiday season and wish everyone a happy new year.

As always, thanks for reading.

RoughDraftAtlanta.com

A Community of Care.

Close to Home.

We’re proud to be your community of care. Our top experts use innovative methods guided by compassionate care and personalized treatment for every patient. Northside is leading the way to healthier lives in Midtown.

Ask your doctor for more information or visit northside.com/Midtown-locations

Northside Hospital Center for Perinatal Medicine 1110 W Peachtree St. NW Suite 1000 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-898-2550

GYN Surgical Specialists 1110 W Peachtree St. NW Suite 1050 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-303-3157 gynsurgicalspecialists.com

Midtown Medical Associates 1110 West Peachtree St. NW Suite 1040 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-215-6525 midtownmed.com

northside.com/cpm RoughDraftAtlanta.com

JANUARY 2024 |

5

COMMUNITY

Atlanta BeltLine seeks bids for final segments of Southside Trail

Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail. (Courtesy ABI)

By Dyana Bagby Atlanta BeltLine Inc. has put out an invitation to bid for a construction firm to build segments 2 and 3 of the Southside Trail.

The project totals 1.9 miles and will be the last major section of the Southside Trail to go into construction. The segments will connect from the current end of the completed trail at Pittsburgh Yards on University Avenue to Boulevard, just south of Grant Park.

The Southside Trail is four miles in total length. When complete, segments 2 and 3 will provide passage under 16 lanes of Interstates 75/85 and an active vehicle and freight rail intersection, while connecting to several Atlanta Public Schools, parks, and 12 adjacent neighborhoods, according to ABI plans.

The schools the trail will connect to include Slater Elementary School, Carver Early College High School, Carver High School, and Barack and Michelle Obama Elementary School.

Neighborhoods to be connected include Pittsburgh, Capitol View Manor, High Point, Villages at Carver, Joyland, South Atlanta, Peoplestown, Chosewood Park, Summerhill, Boulevard Heights, Benteen, and Grant Park.

“We look forward to receiving bids from diverse, local companies to partner with to build these next segments of the BeltLine,” said Kimberley Wilson, vice

6 | JANUARY 2024

president of Design and Construction for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., in a news release.

“To us, equity is a business imperative that extends across all areas of our work as we bring people together to build more BeltLine for Atlanta,” Wilson said.

Segments 4 and 5 of the Southside Trail between Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue broke ground in March and are expected to be completed this spring.

Segment 1, alongside Pittsburgh Yards, was completed in 2021.

Segments 2 and 3 of the Southside Trail are targeted to go into construction in the second quarter of 2024. Construction will include a 14-foot-wide concrete multiuse trail, landscaping, fiber duct bank, retaining walls, connections to adjoining streets, the reuse and rehabilitation of several bridges, stainless-steel handrails and guardrails, storm drainage and stormwater management with a focus on green infrastructure, brownfield remediation, lighting, and security cameras, according to ABI. Each trail project considers the plan and space needed for future transit.

The BeltLine continues to partner with City of Atlanta departments, Georgia Department of Transportation, Verizon, and Georgia Power. Trail design was completed by Kimley-Horn. eX2 is building out a fiber network in the duct banks under the multi-use trails.

The majority of funding for the Atlanta BeltLine comes from BeltLine

TAD partners: City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools. Lead philanthropic support to complete the full BeltLine corridor comes from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Inc. and The James M. Cox Foundation.

Additional funding comes from the Special Service District (SSD) and federal and state grants.

Atlanta BeltLine Inc. also received the maximum amount of federal funding possible for construction of the Southside Trail through assistance from U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Ralph Warnock, U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Ossoff announced last year $5 million in federal funding to help complete the Southside Trail. The $5 million is on top

of a more than $16 million federal grant awarded in 2021 to go toward completing the critical link that will eventually connect the Eastside and Westside Trails.

The Atlanta Regional Commission also awarded a total of $10 million in federal funding in 2021 and 2022 for construction of the Southside Trail.

Once a construction contract is executed, the BeltLine will host a public meeting to introduce the selected contractor to the community and outline work timelines. Construction is expected to take approximately two years and to be complete in 2026.

As of November 2023, the Atlanta BeltLine consists of 10.4 miles of open, completed mainline trail, 4.3 miles of mainline trail in design, and 3.4 miles of mainline trail under construction with an additional 2.7 shovel-ready miles.

There are also more than 10.3 completed miles of connector trails. For up-to-date information about each project in design or construction, visit beltline. org/projects.

Atlanta Tech Village founder buying S. Downtown properties

By Dyana Bagby Atlanta Tech Village founder David Cummings is buying up acres of South Downtown properties that were set to be sold at foreclosure as part of a plan to create a tech startup community.

Cummings and Jon Birdsong of Atlanta Ventures, an investment group that founded Atlanta Tech Village in Buckhead, have teamed up to buy up some of German developer Newport RE’s properties, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Atlanta Tech Village is one of the country’s largest centers for technology entrepreneurs.

Newport’s plans to redevelop 10 blocks of the neglected Downtown area near the Five Points MARTA station into a thriving neighborhood dubbed “South DWNTN” collapsed earlier this year when the company said it was forced to sell its portfolio after investor funding dried up.

Many of Newport’s properties were up for foreclosure when the company defaulted on loans after a deal fell through to sell its portfolio to Braden Fellman.

Cummings and Birdsong announced their plans to buy the entire Newport portfolio — 53 parcels including 6 acres of parking lots — in a statement posted on the Atlanta Ventures website.

They praised Newport’s “compelling

vision” to revitalize South Downtown. That vision deserves to be pursued, they said, to develop South Downtown into a potential hub for tech entrepreneurs. A larger plan for the property could be completed in the next year with plans for mixed-uses to be open in time for the 2026 World Cup. “Our first priority is listening and ensuring the mechanisms are in place to keep South Downtown in a state of progress,” the statement said. “Progress towards the continued combination of historic preservation and new construction, with a greater emphasis on creative doers and entrepreneurs from every corner of our city.”

“Returns and proceeds from companies started on streets we all know, Peachtree and Piedmont, are fueling the continued vision set forth nearly a decade ago. We, at Atlanta Ventures, will not let our city go backwards,” the statement said.

“Innovation, progress, and risk-taking are in our blood. It’s why we choose to call this city home. It’s why we named our firm after our city,” the statement said.

“Now is the time to be on the offense. An opportunity to create a safe, walkable, and livable neighborhood in the once forgotten ‘heart of the city’ is right in front of us.

Every great city in the world has a vibrant downtown, it’s Atlanta’s turn,” the statement said.

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C E L E B R AT I N G

$112M+

PENDING + SOLD, 2023

$100M+ in Sales FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS

#1 Agent in Atlanta ATLANTA REALTORS®, 2020 + 2021

Top 100 Agent SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY® WORLDWIDE, 2022 + 2023

CHASE MIZELL c. 770.289.2780 o. 404.874.0300 chasemizell@atlantafinehomes.com C H A S E M I Z E L L .C O M ©2023 Sotheby’s International Realty® used with permission. Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. #1 Agent Volume, 2020+2021, Atlanta REALTORS® Association.

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JANUARY 2024 |

7

News RoundUp

Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. Text DRAFT to 66866.

Emory University selected Dr. Sandra L. Wong, an accomplished surgical oncologist and researcher, as the next Dean of Emory University School of Medicine. Wong will serve as the first female dean of the School of Medicine in university history.

Alfred “Shivy” Brooks beat incumbent Tamara Jones in the Dec. 5 runoff for the Dist. 7 At-Large seat on the Atlanta Board of Education. Brooks, who teaches economics and government in Clayton County, is the first active teacher elected to the board.

Dr. Terry Maple, credited with transforming Zoo Atlanta from one of the worst in America to one of the best in the world, died Dec. 3 at the age of 77.

A new Fulton County Jail facility constructed on the current Rice Street site in Atlanta could cost up to $2 billion, according to a feasibility study presented to the Fulton County Commission in December.

One last dribble for ‘Built to Thrill’ My solace from the winter months has always been the basketball gymnasium.

Growing up in the New York Catholic school leagues, it was The Father, The Son, MAY I BE The Holy Spirit, and EXCUSED Basketball. For some of us, it wasn’t even necessarily in that order.

Luckily right around the time my body told me to quit Tim Sullivan

playing, my kids were old enough to join a team. So, for ten winters now, I’ve coached them in the Decatur Recreation League. Of course, to most of our participants and their parents, basketball is just a fun activity and not some quasi-religious, devotional sport so, clearly, I’m the weirdo here.

I decided that if the level of play was relatively unimportant then at least the naming of my teams would be paramount.

NBA names like “The Pacers” or animal names such as “The Wolves” seemed awfully lame to me. Even worse are the made-up,

Over 25 Years of Experience HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we recover from the holidays and enter a brand new year, it is important to remember that the spring real estate market is about to be in full swing. With over 25 years of experience in Atlanta's dynamic real estate landscape, I am here to guide you through this exciting time. Whether you're looking to sell your property or find your dream home, my expertise and dedication are at your service.

CARMEN POPE F O U N D I N G PA R T N E R c. 404.625.4134 o. 404.874.0300 carmenpope@atlantafinehomes.com carmenpope.atlantafinehomes.com © 2023 Sotheby's International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission.

Each Sotheby's International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby's International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

8 | JANUARY 2024

hotshot names ‘Built to Thrill’ on the like “Fast court in Decatur (Photo Breakers” or

by Tim Sullivan) “Flameballers.”

I mean, we’re playing basketball here, no need to be cringe.

That’s exactly what Margo accuses me of though since I settled on musically themed monikers. I took Elliott’s 12-year-old team, “Boyz II Men,” to a Championship and followed up the next season with “Men at Work.” A couple of years ago for Margo’s team, we went with “Red (Chuck Taylor’s version)” which only appeals to the small subset of people, like Margo and I, who appreciate both Taylor Swift and the iconic, canvas basketball sneaker.

Last year Margo’s team was “Built to Thrill,” a play on one of my wife Kristen’s favorite bands, Built to Spill. Snappy, right? Over Thanksgiving weekend, we were brainstorming with our friends the Borgmans and Joel just started spitting out winners left and right: “3-Pointer Sisters,” “Girl Jam,” “Taylor Swish” and I was like, dang – Joel was born for this!

I offered “ballgenius” which I figured was a winner because it’s clever and boygenius is a band both Margo and I really like. Kristen quickly nixed it though, as the teenage boys in the adjacent room were snickering. It’s 2024 and we still can’t say ‘ball’ or ‘balls’ without someone finding it comical. Margo didn’t want any genderreferencing name anyway because why is the professional women’s league called the WNBA and the men’s just the NBA (not the MNBA)?

She makes a valid point, so we renewed “Built to Thrill.” It’s a darn good name and apropos thus far – with a come-frombehind 14-12 victory in our second game to

go along with a come-from-behind 10-10 tie in week one. And, yes, we occasionally have ties in Decatur Rec. Basketball. The league also serves up laughter, frustration, schedule changes and torqued-up dadcoaches with stacked rosters. I’ve returned year after year for wrong-way baskets, sweat, tears, and elation. I draw plays on my whiteboard during timeouts that usually fall apart immediately. Occasionally though, it resembles proper basketball and that’s magical.

It’s our last season. Margo has reached the age limit for the league and Elliott has already graduated to the rank of assistant coach. It’s the last go-round for sketching out practice plans and fighting traffic home from work to make sure the kids are getting ready. I won’t be scheming player rotations on Friday nights and planning my entire Saturday around the games. Figuring out how to get a kid who has never scored before her first basket will be someone else’s task, but also their reward.

The league will go on without us, although creativity in the naming department will take a dip. This silly, frustrating, at times exhilarating chapter in our lives will crescendo in an impossibly loud gymnasium next month, and then it will all come to an unnaturally quiet end.

Debating whether it was a sport or an activity may be selling it short. Perhaps you can tell, it was more than either of those things ever could be.

RoughDraftAtlanta.com

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JANUARY 2024 |

9

FOCUS ON EDUCATION

SPECIAL SECTION

Rough Draft presents our 15th annual 20 Under 20 honorees for 2024. As in past years, we are in awe of these students’ abilities to juggle their education while giving back to the community in such meaningful ways. From creating nonprofits and fundraising to creating podcasts and donating 650 pairs of shoes to children in need, this year’s honorees have gone above and beyond to bring positivity and leadership to metro Atlanta. While narrowing down this year’s honorees and runners-up was more arduous than ever, we think these students will inspire and motivate you to give back to your communities.

– Collin Kelley

10 | JANUARY 2024

Sierra Pape, left, and Mira Silverman outside Midtown High School. (Photo by Isadora Pennington)

RoughDraftAtlanta.com

M

S

ierra organized an event at the Midtown MARTA station to honor the victims of the Kramatorsk train station attack in Ukraine after a missile strike during the Russian invasion. She also leads Midtown Votes, a chapter of the national organization When We All Vote, to engage students in voting initiatives by hosting forums for school board candidates and spearheading registration events. Sierra said it's part of her pursuit of inclusive civic participation and education among her peers. Serving as the Fulton County Youth Commissioner vice chair for the past two years, Sierra champions crucial youth-centric initiatives, having received the prestigious U.S. Presidential Service Achievement Award for her contributions. Sierra is also a standout journalist for The Southerner, Midtown High’s student newspaper.

RoughDraftAtlanta.com

Sierra Pape, 16 Midtown High School

ira is the founder of Drift the Map, a series of free walks aimed at expanding Atlantans’ knowledge of their historic city. She also drafted the land acknowledgment statement adopted by the Freedom Park Conservancy, recognizing the Indigenous people’s homeland, those who later fought to protect the neighborhoods around the park when they were threatened with demolition to build a highway, and to honor The Carter Center. Mira also spearheads the Midtown High initiative, Cranes for Peace, aimed at bringing Mira Silverman, 16 the student body together and creating Midtown High School serenity. So far, students have folded over 500 cranes and placed them around the campus. “What I think is most important to me is branching outside of your circle,” Mira said. “Being indoors and curating your own circle is perpetually unchanging; when you’re actually outside and there are things that surprise you and catch your eye, you suddenly see the world in a very colorful light.”

JANUARY 2024 |

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A

s founder of DermaTeens, an international nonprofit dedicated to educating teens on skin health and sun safety, Ellis led a team of over 45 teenagers from around the world in publishing 100 medically reviewed articles related to skin, skin health, and health equity. As a Volunteer and Project Coordinator with IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit, Ellis collaborated with the South Fork Conservancy and the DeKalb County Parks & Rec Department to fund and install a dozen public sunscreen dispensers across the county, including Zonolite Park. “My skin cancer and public health service efforts are a reflection of the support, inspiration, and passion of those all around me,” Ellis said. “None of these efforts would have been possible without my parents and mentor figures. I believe that making a difference relies on the value of collaboration and connection with others.”

I

nspired by his connection with Josie Hull, a formerly conjoined twin, Michael launched Atlanta's teen chapter of Once Upon a Room in 2021. The nonprofit’s mission is to enrich the lives of pediatric patients suffering serious illnesses and trauma, through hospital room makeovers. As president, Michael has led his team in raising over $20,000, supporting over 15 hospital room makeovers, primarily in partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For his Eagle Scout project, Michael continued with the children theme, building shelves to organize donated goods for the Center for Safe and Healthy Children, a nonprofit supporting abused kids. “Far and away the most important and impactful project I have been a part of is Once Upon a Room,” Michael said. “I’m humbled by the brave patients we serve and proud to be a part of an organization committed to lifting the spirits of children who are suffering.”

Ellis Schroeder, 17 Druid Hills High School

Michael Doller, 18 The Lovett School

Read and share profiles of the 20 Under 20 at RoughDraftAtlanta.com

BEING A TEENAGER IS STRESSFUL. ACADEME CAN SUPPORT YOU. Our comprehensive framework goes beyond the textbook to support children through their high school years including:

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ylie chairs the Girl UP Club, which collected over 14,000 personal care items to donate to underserved girls and women in metro Atlanta. As an aspiring astronaut, she has challenged herself academically, but also beyond Lovett's classroom. She actively tries to bridge the gap for young women in STEM by giving presentations and recently served as a mistress of ceremonies for the annual LEGO League Robotics Showcase. “I am the President and founder of the Lovett School Girl UP club. Over the past three years through my organization, I conducted annual feminine care drives, collecting Rylie Tatum, 17 feminine hygiene products which I transport to The Lovett School local schools, pantries, women's shelters, and other donation centers,” Rylie said. “My efforts have culminated in donating around 18,000 products and therefore impacting around 4,000 girls and women in the Atlanta metro area.”

Applications Due

JANUARY 22

Learn. Lead. Serve.

Serving grades 7–12, Marist School provides an unparalleled Catholic

I

n 2022, Ryan created the nonprofit GearTogether using soccer as a way to bring communities together.

Last summer, Ryan partnered with Friends of Refugees, initiating a soccer program at the Summer Youth Experience and leading over 100 kids through various team-building and soccer activities. Additionally, Ryan also partnered with the soccer organization TYSA to donate two high-quality soccer goals to the Friends of Refugees program. He also helped to create the Atlanta branch of PingPongParkinson, a global movement aimed toward suppressing the progression of Parkinson’s through ping pong. “Change doesn’t have Ryan Dong, 17 to come rapidly, but change requires a The Paideia School start and a beginning for improvement to happen,” he said. “Community service is an action that may not have grand effects immediately, but impacting even one person is always greatly rewarding in the long term.”

education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by a college-preparatory curriculum and enjoy extensive extracurricular activities as well as opportunities to deepen their faith. The distinctive Marist educational experience forms students into faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders.

LEARN MORE AT:

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or her senior project with the Daniel Zalik Academy, Sidney is collaborating with Wish for WASH to create menstrual health kits, proactively addressing period poverty among local teens.

She’s also leading a school-wide effort with the Period Project to provide feminine hygiene supplies to schools in need and is actively seeking ways to advocate against the luxury tax on these essential products through her work with Georgia STOMP. "My English teacher, Ms. Corinne Skott, recently said something to my class: She sees us not only as who we are today but also as who we'll be tomorrow,” Sidney Sidney Parker, 17 said. “I think that'll stick with me for the The Weber School rest of my life – the belief that if you aren't who you want to be today, keep working and putting in the effort so that when tomorrow eventually comes, you can look back on today with pride."

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JANUARY 2024 |

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paceacademy.org/admissions

CONNECTING LEARNING TO LIFE AT EVERY LEVEL

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ou might have seen Collin on the local news after he donated 650 pairs of athletic shoes to every student at Lake Forest Elementary School last year. To raise money for the shoes, Collin and his cohorts spent more than 500 hours organizing and hosting a 5k charity race, Cocoa Classic, with 390 registered runners. The event raised more than $18,000. Although Collin organized the fundraising event as his Eagle Scout project, he plans to make the 5k an annual event. The second annual Cocoa Classic (runcocoaclassic.com) is set for February. You might also see Collin at the Community Assistance Center in Sandy Collin Maher, 17 Springs, where he regularly volunteers at The Mount Vernon School the food bank. "Personal achievement, for me, is the ability to uplift others,” Collin said. “Not just community involvement but community impact, which is a strong belief I have when shaping intentions and morals.”

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auren has devoted much of her time to connecting Westminster students to La Amistad, the nonprofit organization that provides Latino students and their families with academic and life enrichment programs. She helped orchestrate several events with La Amistad, such as a field trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and movie nights. Lauren also created the student group, ¡Educación para todos, that provides other opportunities for her peers to volunteer their time with La Amistad.

In addition, Lauren is a bilingual volunteer with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and a Civic Engagement Fellow helping connect Lauren Foglesong, 16 fellow students with partners for comThe Westminster Schools munity initiatives. "Working with students through the La Amistad program has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Lauren said. “Over the past three years, as an after-school tutor, I have seen the immense academic progress of a group of primary school students; I am grateful to be part of their journey.”

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ryonne’s list of volunteer activities is extensive, including founding the upperclassman Ignite Mentorship program and serving as a student ambassador, tutor, and church Youth Director.

Most notably, Aryonne has created and produced the weekly “Ari Talks” podcast, which seeks “to help people of my generation see themselves outside of what is normally accepted, such as hypersexual culture, closeted religion, and promotion of herd mentality.” Her podcast is aimed at youth between the ages of 13 to 19.

Topics focus on teens’ growth in relationships with self, God, and the people around them. “As a writer and podcaster, I am happy to say so many people have poured into me and my journey,” Aryonne said.

“My way of giving back is authentically pouring into others.”

Aryonne Fears, 17 Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School

Protesters clash with police near the Cop City site. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)

14 | JANUARY 2024

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race established her own foundation, A Touch of Grace, which focuses on aiding women and children in need. Projects have included organizing coat and blanket drives, collecting backpacks and school supplies, providing Christmas presents for kids, and assembling toiletry kits for adults. She said her unwavering determination is to ensure that all donations reach various charitable organizations in Atlanta, such as Atlanta Mission, My Sister's House, and Atlanta Children's Shelter. Grace also devotes her time to engaging with other organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Girls SupGrace Novascone,16 porting Girls, Habitat for Humanity, and Marist School leading campus ministry retreats. "I think sometimes teens think they are too young to make a difference, but I disagree,” Grace said. “If you can help even one person, then your efforts matter. My message to anyone reading this is to get involved – little or big – but share your time and talents.”

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mar witnessed firsthand the public transportation crisis in his native Uganda, especially during the pandemic when the country was on lockdown.

He created the Bicycle Project and reached out to different organizations for financial help to buy and donate bicycles to the neediest. After winning numerous financial awards, Omar founded Bomlee's Bicycles, which became part of the Ugandan Transportation and Mobility Initiative. Omar has helped distribute 40 bicycles and two motorcycles, impacting three communities with this project that all began in his 10th-grade year. “Attending a local school Omar Jingo, 17 in Uganda during my formative years proAtlanta International School vided me with invaluable educational experiences and insight into global socioeconomic disparities,” Omar said. “I'm driven by the desire to give back to other warm, nurturing communities like this school, recognizing how much it has shaped me and consistently given me so much to be thankful for.”

In a culture elevating self, we elevate Christ.

In a culture pursuing trends, we teach what is timeless.

In a culture swayed by confusion, we instill confidence.

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A classical Christian school serving PreK-12th grade

E

zra has been an advocate for change through her work with the Ohio-based non-profit Justice for Keith LaMar and her creation of the Justice for Keith LaMar Youth Advocates. LaMar is a wrongfully convicted Black man held in solitary confinement for the past 28 years on Ohio's death row. Ezra has corresponded with and met LaMar several times and has been inspired by his plight and courage.

Ezra worked with a team to gain LeMar a temporary stay of execution in November.

They are determined to continue the fight to see his conviction overturned. Ezra has also been involved with theater, mock Ezra Yeboah, 17 trial, and orchestra, and other clubs of Atlanta International School interest like the Black Student Union and the Gay Straight Alliance. “I am inspired by the activists who've come before me. They taught me the value of action; that the time is now,” Ezra said. “I believe we should strive to extend empathy to people we are taught to hate – our division benefits systems of power, and we are stronger together."

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From Pre-K through 12th grade, creating opportunities for each child to thrive is THE

WOODWARD WAY

100% of our students earn acceptances to four-year colleges and universities.

Gabby Mautner, 18 Pace Academy

Ellie Arenth, 18 Pace Academy

Anjini Naidu, 16 The Westminster Schools

Arjun Naidu, 16 The Westminster Schools

woodward.edu/visit

THE JOY OF LEARNING aischool.org

162023.12.15_AISAd_RoughDraftAtlanta_4.94x6.185_DEC.indd | JANUARY 2024 1

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he Naidu siblings co-founded and operate Auraa Designs, a nonprofit business selling jewelry to support children and families battling cancer and autism. Aside from their collaborative effort, the Naidus have separate pursuits as well. Arjun has volunteered for Odyssey

of the Mind, serves as Student Government President, and serves on the Georgia Works Students Advisory Board, among others. Anjini is the executive director of Circle of Women and President-elect of the girlFriends board for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and also volunteers for Odyssey of the Mind. Urvini is student government RoughDraftAtlanta.com

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or the past three years, the seniors have run the school’s Bloom Closet club, an organization that supports The Bloom Closet, which provides a unique shopping experience for children in foster care. The club’s twice-annual clothing drives have become highlights of Pace’s calendar, with families across the school taking part. Ellie and Gabby have not only picked up the mantle from past Bloom club leaders but have continued to grow the effort at Pace, including coordinating a sock hop benefitting The Bloom Closet. “After watching my sister, Leah, volunteer with the Bloom Closet, I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps,” Gabby said. “Bloom has been an important part of my life for the past six years, and I have loved giving the Pace community the opportunity to give back in an important and meaningful way. Ellie agreed, calling The Bloom Closet a “vital organization” for Georgia. “It not only provides services to foster families but also creates a community in which they feel welcomed and supported,” Ellie said. “I am so grateful to the Pace community for helping me and all the volunteers that make the Bloom Closet what it is.”

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Upper School – Wednesday, January 17 Lower School – Wednesday, January 24

EXPLORE WHY YOUR NEIGHBORS CHOOSE GAC. Congrats to Ivy Holland (GAC ‘24) for winning 20 Under 20 Award and to Stephen Michael Phillips (GAC ‘25), selected as runner up!

VISIT GAC

Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.

Urvini Naidu, 14 The Westminster Schools president at Westminster, active in Girl Scouts, and a girlFriends board member and student member of Circle of Women.

Like her older siblings, Urvini also volunteers with Odyssey of the Mind, while also tutoring at Kumon and Agape.

Schedule your family’s tour at gallowayschool.org/visit!

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PRE-K3 – GRADE 12 JANUARY 2024 |

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s part of the school's Amnesty International club, Carlota reached out to Amnesty International and coordinated an educational event aimed at promoting awareness of women's sexual and reproductive rights. She established a partnership with Planned Parenthood and successfully organized a Zoom event to further educate the community as well as organizing a reproductive rights educational event at Olive & Pine. Carlota also took the initiative to establish Green Academe, a volunteer-based, student-led group that organized a clothing swap for the Decatur community and which proCarlota De Luna Garza, 17 motes recycling and sustainable practices.

Academe of the Oaks "Each project I've undertaken has shed light on different issues, and contributing to my community brings immense fulfillment,” Carlota said. Witnessing our community unite—parents, students, and teachers alike—to support various causes has been truly amazing."

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vy was a two-term president of the Buckhead Atlanta chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., the national nonprofit that works to stimulate the growth and development of children. She has also given countless hours to Meals on Wheels, Nicholas House, and Ronald McDonald House. She was awarded the Lumiere scholarship to conduct research on the harmful effects of THC in adolescence in conjunction with Yale University. She’s also a virtual National Security Language Initiative Youth (NSLI-Y) Mandarin student through the American Council. With her education and experience in research, Ivy plans to create Ivy Noel Holland, 18 programs for physicians to work in various Greater Atlanta Christian School communities nationwide and abroad. “In life, we must strive to be our absolute best. However, that doesn't demand perfection, only giving your utmost effort,” Ivy said. ‘Using your gifts and talents to walk the path God has created for you. There is no other copy, you were created to be you."

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fter discovering the nonprofit World of Change, which provides essentials to support children and families with the collection of spare change, during summer camp, Maelyn decided to bring the program to Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. Recently, the change collected during Sunday School was donated to the Israel Defense Fund. She also established a fundraiser through the Jewish National Fund and Alexander Muss High School in Israel to support the war, meeting her goal of $1,000 in two weeks.

She was also recently accepted to Atlanta Leaders for Tomorrow, which empowers Maelyn Alexander, 17 students to become Jewish leaders and Woodward Academy advocates in Atlanta and beyond. Maelyn also works with the nonprofit Friendship Circle of Atlanta and Creating Connected Communities, among other endeavors.

“My passion for serving the Atlanta community as a volunteer will continue throughout college and as an adult,” Maelyn said.

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raden led his junior class to build the first ever Holy Innocents’ Habitat for Humanity Home. Braden spearheaded the build with his team raising more than $125,000 and gathering 300 volunteers to spend nine weeks building a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for a family. The build began on Aug. 12 and was completed on Oct. 14th. The fundraising for the build began in the fall of 2022 with a Habitat Club Logo designed by Braden.

Students gathered for multiple meetings to promote peer-to-peer online fundraising and asked family members and friends to support the cause. A Bears Brunch Braden Gill, 17 was hosted last spring to bring families Holy Innocents' Episcopal School together to kick off the efforts. A Mellow Mushroom giveback night was also organized. The home now belongs to a young mother and her two daughters with a 0% interest mortgage thanks to the efforts of Braden and his team.

18 | JANUARY 2024

Dana Cohn, 17 and Leah Ren Taube,17 Riverwood International Charter School

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he Riverwood seniors created an outdoor garden curriculum for Lake Forest Elementary School and implemented lessons in the garden with students in 2023 which will continue this year. English is a second language for most Lake Forest students, and officials said the garden experience created by Dana and Leah has been invaluable for developing science skills and gaining new vocabulary through experiences. Dana has also been a regular volunteer in the after-school program at Sandy Springs Mission and participated in Leadership Sandy Springs as well as Creating Connected Communities. Leah has volunteered at Creating Connected Communities and at several health-promoting local businesses including Strive Foods, The Peachtree Road Farmers Market, and TURN Studios.

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Lula Greene, 17 Academe of the Oaks From volunteering at local daycare centers and summer camps to creating a school business to raise funds for international students in need, Lula is a busy junior.

2020

Elizabeth Hodges, 18

Wesleyan School

Elizabeth volunteers with Hand in Hand, a club that allows high school students to tutor lower school students. She was the sole high school student chosen to intern at the Atlanta Office of the City Solicitor this past summer.

UNDER RUNNERS-UP

Elizabeth McCall, 17 Marist School

Elizabeth dedicates her time to projects such as combating food insecurity at community food pantries and organizing programs to help mothers and siblings cope after the loss of a child.

Truman Gephardt, 17

collection with more than 400 brand new books with main characters of color, so students could see themselves in books.

Sara Nikhil Deshpande, 17 Decatur High School

Sara started and leads the STAR program at Decatur High (Students Talk About Race). From that came about the organization Asian Student Union. She also leads the Sidekicks program for the school district where seniors interact with elementary students to create a feeling of inclusivity.

Samuel Kuran, 17 North Springs High School

Samuel was the National Grand Prize Winner of the “Your Voice is Power” coding competition sponsored by Pharrell William’s nonprofit YELLOW, Amazon Future Engineer, and Georgia Tech. The competition encourages the creation of music through code to promote entrepreneurship and social equity.

Kamari Carter, 17 The Lovett School

As the two-year vice president of Lovett’s Girl Up Atlanta chapter, she co-led its Period Poverty Product Drive which collected over 2,550 units.

Stephen Michael Phillips, 17 Greater Atlanta Christian School

Stephen volunteers with Project Kids Eat at Campus Church of Christ, providing essential meals to children in local extended-stay hotels who might go hungry without these lunches.

The Howard School

A steadfast volunteer at Horizons Atlanta at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, Truman was one of 40 high school students selected to participate in Youth Leadership Sandy Springs.

Elizabeth Cohen, 18 Capstone Academy

On top of her extensive work within Capstone, Elizabeth has also found time to found and manage the Run for the Rhinos group, a one-mile fun run organized to raise money for a rhino sanctuary.

Maya Chopra, 16

The Mount Vernon School

In addition to her passion for dance, Maya started her own jewelry business, Maya Anjali Designs, which has raised over $500 to date for the Ovarian Cancer Society.

Olivia Grove, 17 Chamblee High School

Since she first began training with the City Springs Theatre Company’s Conservatory in Sandy Springs two years ago, Olivia has shown exceptional talent as a performer and as a leader among her peers.

Zaara Khawaja, 17 Woodward Academy

As the liaison to Project Downtown ATL, Zaara spearheaded the creation of more than 1,000 hygiene kits to support Atlanta’s homeless population.

Noah Benz, 17 Pace Academy

Noah has been running his own businesses since 12, published a book at 16, and currently leads the creation of a virtual reality portal aimed at promoting free access to education, on-demand internships, workshops, and library tours from anywhere in the world.

Addison Genovese, 17

Riverwood International Charter School As president of Riverwood’s Best Buddies club, Addison has helped grow the club to 150 students, who host monthly social events for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities and offers advocacy training opportunities.

George Williams, 18 The Westminster Schools

George overhauled the library at the Agape Youth and Family Center and created a

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JANUARY 2024 |

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Record-Breaking Sales

Happy New Year! –Jared

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1026 REEDER CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $3,695,000

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© 2023 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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21

Need a New Year’s resolution? Host a book drive for Children Read

By Clare S. Richie As of early December 2023, Children Read has distributed 153,458 Pre-K children’s books to families in need.

“Books that are donated to us go directly into the hands of children to increase their literacy and love for books,” said Cindy Jaret, Children Read president and a retired pre-kindergarten teacher.

Sixty-one percent of families with low incomes have no children’s books in the home. This lack of early exposure to books is one of the biggest obstacles to literacy and to later school success. Sadly, those who are poor readers in third grade will likely remain so in high school.

Children Read seeks to overcome this obstacle by giving a child eight books for their home library. The nonprofit collects and repairs gently used and new books for ages birth to 5 and volunteer readers deliver them to Title 1 Pre-Ks in DeKalb County Schools (DCSD) and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and to Head Start and Sheltering Arms child care centers in metro Atlanta.

“Providing our students with access to free reading books that span multiple genres is an excellent opportunity to enhance their early literacy skills,” said Dr. Zack K. Phillips, DCSD Director of

the Early Learning Center. “These books serve as a fantastic platform for students to connect with the text as they read and discuss them with their parents or guardians at home.”

In addition, parents with low reading skills can improve their literacy by having books in the home.

“It also really increases the adult-child bond when you read to a child,” Jaret said. “You sit close to each other, look at the pictures, and talk about it.“ Children Read is looking to reach more schools within APS and DCDS by securing more books and volunteers.

The all-volunteer nonprofit relies exclusively on book donations and book drives conducted by schools, faith groups, workplaces, scouts, and more with resources available at www. childrenreadatlanta.org/donations.

They’re seeking board books, picture books, storybooks, and those that introduce the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and rhymes.

“One year the HBCU Queen chose Children Read as her community service project and collected 3,000 books for us,” Jaret shared. More recently, The Goddard School of Vinings donated 1,500 books.

Morningside Elementary School (MES) took a different approach, gifting

Children Read provided books for students at Doraville United Elementary

hundreds of books from its school library.

“As we make space for newer titles, older titles must be removed,” MES Librarian Michael Rawls shared. “Finding a home for these books was important to me as the simple acts of flipping through a book, browsing pictures or spying familiar words build a foundation of reading.”

For the past six years, the Druid Hills High School Beta Club has helped prepare donated books for distribution.

"Volunteering at Children Read is a relaxing activity that makes an impact,” said Cole Christopher, a DHHS junior coordinating this Beta Club effort.

“While doing something good for the community by cleaning up donated children’s books and giving them back to kids, I’m also able to talk with my friends in a very calming undertaking.”

For those also looking to give their time, Children Read’s biggest need is for volunteers to deliver books and read to the Pre-K classrooms.

“We need readers and we need books,” Jaret urged. “It’s very simple.”

Make A Donation

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

makes all the difference

REDISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING Our different approach to teaching is backed by research and science, and has been successful for over 73 years. howardschool.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO TRUMAN GEPHARDT ’24 photographed above with campers from Horizons Atlanta

22 | JANUARY 2024

To donate books, contact Children Read (404-295-0789 or childrenread13@gmail.com) for dropoff locations, such as: ■ Children Read headquarters behind Ameris Bank across from Toco Hills Shopping Center 2936M North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 on Tuesdays 10 AM – 4PM ■ Tall Tales Book Shop, Toco Hill Shopping Center, 2105 Lavista Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 ■ Virginia Highland Books, 1034 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 ■ Brave & Kind Books, 722 W. College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 ■ Coffee Bar Atlanta, 1602 LaVista Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329 More locations at childrenreadatlanta.org/donations.

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Tomorrow calls for a new kind of leader.

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WESTMINSTER Love. Challenge. Lead. Change.

1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30327

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23

Georgia Film Academy plays vital role in entertainment workforce development in state

By Sammie Purcell Scott Votaw, executive director for the Georgia Film Academy, has been on the road with the Georgia Unscripted Roadshow discussing workforce development and education within the state’s entertainment industry.

Votaw, who also serves as the assistant vice chancellor for the University System of Georgia, will be at the Roadshow’s Atlanta event on Dec. 14, and spoke with Rough Draft Atlanta prior to the stop about the Georgia Film Academy’s role in preparing students from a young age for different jobs in the film and entertainment industry.

“Filming is taking place all over the state, so we do training all over the state,” said Votaw, who is a Georgia native. “The purpose of me being in the Roadshows is really to give people the opportunity to see what we’ve done … We are a workforce initiative, so jobs for Georgia is our number one piece. What we do leads toward employment, and it gives the students the tools necessary to be successful.”

The Georgia Film Academy began operations in 2015 and is a statewide education initiative operated in partnership with institutions in the University System

of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and independent universities in the state. According to Votaw, right now 20 universities, nine technical colleges, and two independent institutions are involved with the Georgia Film Academy. This is Votaw’s eighth year working with the academy, but his first year in leadership. He was named executive director last March.

The Georgia Film Academy offers handson training and industry certifications in numerous areas within the entertainment industry and develops curriculum and training aligned with those areas. This includes developing a curriculum for high school and middle school students, not just those at the collegiate level.

According to Votaw, the Georgia Film Academy creates the curriculum for high schools in accordance with Audio & Video Technology & Film (AVTF), which falls under the Georgia Department of Education’s College, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathway.

The academy also hosts a two-week high school teacher training program where teachers learn from industry experts about every department on a major film or television set, so that they are able to take that knowledge back to their classrooms.

Scott Votaw

“All of this leads directly into either a technical college, or a college degree program, or an independent certification within those institutions,” Votaw said.

“Same thing with the middle school – that curriculum is more related to that age group, but it funnels toward the pathways that are in the high school.”

Votaw said one of the more important things the Georgia Film Academy does is help students understand how their specific skill sets might fit into the entertainment

Our joyand and Our students st udent s ffind ind joy purpose in learning by doing.

Guided by our distinctive approach to whole child education, Lovett faculty immerse students in intellectually rigorous, hands-on learning environments that spark character development, individual passions, and social awareness.

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LIVE IT. LEARN IT. 4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 (404) 262-3032

24 | JANUARY 2024

industry. There’s not a singular focus on more well-known jobs such as directing or writing, but a broader focus on training for jobs that include electrician, costume designer, set decorator, and other creative positions that bring a film to life.

“We’re identifying and showing the students that whatever their interests are, there’s some relational field within film and entertainment that they can go to work,” Votaw said. “It’s showing them where the jobs are … and then it’s giving them applicable skills to go along with all their other skills they’re gaining, whether it’s at high school or college.”

The Georgia Film Academy has had students go on to be set decorators, writers, sound engineers, and visual effects artists.

Recently, Rough Draft Atlanta spoke to Justin Holt, a Georgia Film Academy student who landed an internship on the set of “Creed III,” and went on to a paid role on Alex Garland’s upcoming film “Civil War.” Votaw said as important as it is to teach the skills students will need on a set, it’s just as important for the Georgia Film Academy to help facilitate the transition from school to work.

“We also work with [students] on building a resume. Going out and doing interviews for their internship,” he said. “This is all a practice, so they’re not just left on their own.”

Votaw said the level of interest that students have for the film industry has been promising.

“Kids are excited and they think about content creation all the time,” Votaw said.

“That’s part of their culture now.”

Votaw said he wants the Georgia Film Academy’s reach to continue to spread across the state.

“We’re not just a metro Atlanta organization. That’s why we’re putting so much effort behind high school, middle school, because I can get a broad reach into rural Georgia,” Votaw said. “If we truly want to be diverse and inclusive, I have to include all of Georgia.”

leading whole child educ

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Education Briefs Atlanta International School (AIS) has finalized the purchase of the 25-acre campus of the former Brandon Hall School in Sandy Springs, which closed in May. The additional property, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, will more than double AIS’s physical footprint. The new acreage will enable the school to expand its academic offerings, according to a press release.

Two Georgia students were selected as 2024 Rhodes Scholars.

Mariah Cady, a senior at the University of Georgia, and Madison Jennings, a senior at Agnes Scott College, are among 32 students from across the country picked for the prestigious honor, announced Saturday. The students will pursue graduate degrees at Oxford University in England starting in October, with the scholarship paying for all costs.

Two Atlanta nonprofits, Inspiredu and Raising Expectations, will launch Connect 404, a Digital Navigator program thanks to $110,000 in grants from Comcast. Through Connect 404, the organizations will help residents get connected to the internet and access digital skills training programs to advance digital equity for Georgians.

Breakthrough Atlanta’s eighth annual Fund-A-Scholar event raised more than $445k, which will cover 150 student scholarships in 2024. More than 400 people came together to support Fund-A-Scholar, which raises critical funds for underserved students to attend Breakthrough Atlanta’s educational programs.

For more than 27 years, Breakthrough Atlanta has funded academic and personal programs for more than 2,500 students and nearly 600 teaching fellows. “Through our six-year, year-round tuition-free programming, we give youth the tools to break through barriers like education disparities, under-resourced schools, teacher shortages, and self-doubt, equipping them to become leaders, educators, and agents of change in their communities,” said Monique Shields, Breakthrough Atlanta Chief Executive Officer.

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SUSTAINABLITY

Caring for nature, one trout at a time

Students from McClesky Middle School in Marietta learned about trout by hatching and releasing them into the Chattahoochee.

(Photos by Sally Bethea)

An orange bucket sat on the riverbank beside the Chattahoochee on an early December morning—just a few feet from blue-green water that sparkled under the winter sun as it flowed over rocky shoals. Inside the bucket wiggled dozens of juvenile ABOVE THE rainbow trout, WATER LINE unaware that their horizons were about to expand exponentially.

Over the preceding six weeks, students in science Sally Bethea classes at McClesky Middle School in Marietta had cared for the trout after they hatched from eggs provided by the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU): a conservation group dedicated to protecting coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Now it was time to release the fish into one of only three trout rivers in the world that flows through a metropolitan area of a million or more people.

Before the construction of Buford Dam in the 1950s, the Chattahoochee was a warmwater fishery, unable to provide the coldwater habitat necessary for trout survival. Today, the river below the dam is called a tailwater fishery, meaning it exists solely because of the influence of the upstream dam.

26 | JANUARY 2024

100,000 middle schoolers across the country participate in the hands-on learning program every year.

Jim Byrd has coordinated the TIC program in Atlanta within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for the past five years.

Beginning with two schools in 2018, TU’s Upper Chattahoochee Chapter has expanded the program to nineteen schools across the metro region—from Marietta and Norcross to Decatur and College Park. Byrd says that the program’s “conservation message” is particularly important. Before releasing the trout into the river, students visit educational stations where they learn about the history of the Chattahoochee, water quality testing, and how development can harm fish habitat with polluted stormwater runoff; they also practice fly casting.

First-year program expenses to set up a specialized, coldwater tank in each classroom total $1800, split equally between the national and local TU organizations and the school; annual costs for subsequent years are $250, funded by the local TU and the school.

About 125 eggs are delivered to each school in the fall and placed in tank water chilled to 50-53 degrees Fahrenheit. Within a few days, the trout life cycle begins to unfold as the eggs transform into fingerlings.

Students learn about water chemistry and how to care for their trout in a healthy ecosystem.

At the river

Cold water stored at the bottom of Lake Lanier is released into the river below its dam, creating a trout-friendly environment.

Trout in the classroom A thirty-year-old environmental education program created by the national Trout Unlimited organization, “Trout in the Classroom” (TIC) brings science to life and connects young people to their watersheds. More than

As 150 seventhgraders emerged from big yellow buses on that chilly December morning, I watched them move in chattering groups toward the education stations where Trout Unlimited members readied themselves for the energetic, curious, and (a few) cautious middle-schoolers.

For many of the students, this field trip was their first visit to the Chattahoochee River and the national park. The squeals and shrieks at the sight of spiders, bugs, and (imagined) snakes were not unexpected; as one teacher told me: “Seventh graders are dramatic about

everything.”

The students grew quieter as the morning progressed, seemingly more relaxed in nature and intent on the instruction being provided. At the riverbank they lined up, patiently waiting for their chance to release several of the trout they had raised into a much wider watery world.

As each student moved to the front of the line, a Trout Unlimited member dipped a net into the orange bucket, transferred several trout to a cup filled with water, and then handed the vessel to the student. Carefully, almost tenderly, the students poured their fish into the clean, cold water and watched them dart away. One asked me if he could kiss his fish goodbye: a nice sentiment, but tricky to achieve, so he settled for a simple goodbye.

A fish story On the opening day of trout season in the mid-1990s, I joined Bill Couch, then the manager of the state’s Buford Trout Hatchery on the river. I had gotten up early and driven upstream from the city in the dark. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light in the thick mist over the river, I could see dozens of people, quietly moving into their boats.

Each had a rod in hand, ready to test the waters that had been off-limits (at that time) for nearly half a year.

Bill and I paddled slowly into the middle of the stream. As I watched, the people around us baited their hooks and dropped their lines. Within minutes, they began pulling trout into their boats.

I wasn’t lucky with any fish that day, but it didn’t matter. I had seen the pure joy that overcomes people of all ages, especially the young, when they pull handsome, wiggling fish out of clean, cold water. That was more than enough.

The men and women who fish the Chattahoochee are among her best defenders. They understand how eroding soil and damaged stream buffers can harm water quality and habitat for trout, warmwater fish, and other aquatic species. During my years with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, I loved speaking to Trout Unlimited and other fishing groups about the issues facing the river. Working with these anglers in schools, at the state legislature, and, when necessary, in the courts was always a pleasure. Our goals were the same: clean, accessible waterways for everyone.

Visit troutintheclassroom.org for more information. If your school would like to participate in the Chattahoochee Trout in the Classroom program, contact Jim Byrd at jamesbyrd@mindspring.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Demystifying science and technology through art at Georgia Tech

Birney Robert, a champion of the arts at Georgia Institute of Technology.

(Photographs by Isadora Pennington)

By Isadora Pennington In the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology campus was bustling with activity on a recent chilly Monday morning. Students scurried from building to building, and a bicyclist nearly clipped me as he rounded a corner and onto the path where I was walking with Birney Robert. We laughed and I remarked about how long it had been since I stepped foot on a college campus. For Robert, this is all business as usual.

At Georgia Tech, Robert is the Principal Investigator and Curator of the GTMicrosoft Accessibility Research Seed Program. She is also an Event Coordinator at the College of Computing, a role she has held for more than nine years.

Robert’s CV includes a BFA in studio art from Birmingham Southern College, a master’s degree in Museum Anthropology from Georgia State University, and more than three years working as Gallery Manager at Sandler Hudson Gallery.

At Sandler Hudson, Robert oversaw administrative tasks as well as managing exhibitions, events, and facilitating art sales.

She has used those same event management skills for roles at Burnaway, Emerging Collective, and her work as a curator at Arts & Entertainment Atlanta.

28 | JANUARY 2024

“Drifters Project” by Pam Longobardi

On the day that I visited with Robert, she took me on a personalized tour of the art exhibitions at Georgia Tech. We saw a plethora of art installations and innovative art experiences ranging from large outdoor sculptures to tech-driven art displayed on screens, indoor art exhibits, and even an art vending machine.

Poised at the intersection of art, technology, science, and accessibility, Robert has been at the helm of some of the school’s most innovative art activations.

“I am interested in demystifying science and technology to a broader audience, but also demystifying conceptual art to a scientific community,” explained Robert.

In 2021, Robert got a $40,000 grant from Microsoft which she supplemented with $21,000 in fundraising efforts to install the two exhibitions: Extension of Self and Extension of Community.

The exhibits bring into frame the question of humanity and society within the context of an increasingly digital world.

She seeks to explore how art could be used as a means of communication for complex scientific and technological topics such as climate change, pollution, and the interactions between humans and the natural world.

Accessibility is another tenet at the center of every installation that Robert champions.

By utilizing technological advances incorporated into these displays, such as directed speakers that track viewers as they move through an exhibit to offer pointed audio that accompanies related portions of the exhibit. She has endeavored to provide outlets for the public to come onto the Georgia Tech campus and experience the art on display there for free, removing yet another barrier between the public and art.

Robert hopes to use these art installations and exhibitions to help bridge the accessibility gap between academics, science, math, technology, and the general public, regardless of their native understanding of the topics at hand.

Some of the exhibits I saw at Georgia Tech that caught my eye included “The Peach Pit,” a geospatial data visualization of pollution as it disproportionately affects Black communities in Georgia. Artist Adira Griffin, a recent grad of Savannah College of Art and Design, did extensive research into Superfund sites, a designation of highly polluted areas as demonstrated in maps by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The interactive digital motion artwork is projected on the Media Bridge and uses patterns, symbols, and paths to raise awareness of this ongoing humanitarian issue.

Jeremy Bolen’s immersive “Sulfur Skies” installation highlights a concept of solar radiation management wherein sulfur particles are injected into the stratosphere to counteract global warming. Visitors are invited to lay on silver mats under the installation, gazing up at the sulfuric night sky with artificial solar-powered stars.

A corresponding work by Bolen at the Georgia Tech Library “At the Core of the Core” began with a CT scan of 127-year old sediment core that the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) believes as the marker of the Anthropocene and Bolen documented on a recent research trip to Searsville Lake at Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve in Stanford, California in 2022.

Regent’s Professor at Georgia State University Pam Longobardi’s “Drifter’s Project” offers compelling portraits of plastic debris from the world’s oceans. The 3D installation of a cornucopia spilling out remnants of humanity’s consumerism as well as photographs of collections of found objects remind us of the impact of plastics and late-stage capitalism on our planet.

Artists Sylvia Janicki and Nassim Continued on page 30 RoughDraftAtlanta.com

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29

Continued from page 28

Parvin’s “Sensing Bodies” exhibit is spread throughout multiple areas of campus.

In the works, plants are set up to record biometric input from human breath or touch, and one piece looks almost like a mirror until you draw close enough to trigger LEDs that reveal the plant inside.

These three exhibits encourage viewers to intimately engage with plantation plants which further allows us to consider colonial histories and human narratives.

In addition to all of her work at Georgia Tech to bring art, science, and technology together, Robert has also championed these same ideals through Extension of Nature, an outdoor exhibit presented in conjunction with Arts and Entertainment Atlanta.

In the program, she brought in artists whose works explore what it means to be sustainable in digital and urban environments. The focus centered around four themes, plants and seeds, plastics and waste, imaginary environments, and relationships. The program featured ten artists and ran on digital billboards around downtown Atlanta for five months from April 2023 through August 2023.

These days, Robert is leaning even more into her love for art and seeking ways to increase Georgia Tech’s interactions with

artists both locally and from afar. I asked her what her hopes were for the future at Tech, and she told me that she would like to see a Museum and Residency Program at the innovative intersection of art, science, and technology come to life there.

“Museums are an academic unit in and of themselves,” she explained. “You can have disciplines within the museum to study and get certificates from that program, and the museum can be its own college.”

Robert also highlighted the new center for interdisciplinary studies in media arts, which will teach students how to begin with a foundation of digital media and then practice those skills in studio courses, labs, and research.

“The center's focus is enhancing artistic expression on campus, preparing students for careers as creative makers and innovators, and helping faculty develop creative approaches to improving scientific and technological research and outreach.”

With a palpable passion for the arts, curatorial experience in one of Atlanta’s finest galleries, and the kind of drive that makes even the impossible seem within reach, Robert is truly a remarkable advocate for the arts at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Underground Atlanta taps Marina Skye and Mike Stasny as creative directors

Marina Skye

By Isadora Pennington Over the past several years, Underground Atlanta has undergone a transformation from a forgotten and overlooked retail relic into a hub of creativity and art. This evolution has been solidified even further with the announcement of two new creative directors – local artists Marina Skye and Mike Stasny.

“Expect Skye and Mike to bring large-scale activations and pure moments of art to Underground,” said Lyle Baldes, Underground Atlanta’s Activations & Events Director. “They will help create a more focused direction for our art community, beautify the property and represent us to other arts and nonprofit institutions locally, nationally and globally.”

“Watermark” by Deanna Sirlin

“Sulfur Skies” by Jeremy Bolen

30 | JANUARY 2024

History lesson The buildings that now make up Underground Atlanta were first constructed during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era between 1866 and 1871. Positioned on the historic railroad gulch near the Five Points MARTA Station, it is anchored by the Georgia Railroad Depot, which remains the oldest building in Downtown.

Over time, with the development of the area and the addition of motor vehicles and more pedestrians, a proposal was made to cover the train tracks and streets with viaducts. Eventually, Pryor Street, Alabama Street, Ponder’s Alley, and Kenny’s Alley were all raised as part of the “twin bridges” viaduct which was constructed in 1928.

Businesses began operating out of their second stories, and the lower levels reverted to storage. In some cases, speakeasies and juke joints flourished here out of view from the public during Prohibition.

Above ground, Downtown continued to grow, and the underground area

was effectively abandoned by all but the unhoused. A revival in the 1960s transformed Underground Atlanta into a lively entertainment district with bars and restaurants including the epic Dante’s Down the Hatch, which included a pirate ship and live crocodiles. As a result of decreased foot traffic and sales, Underground Atlanta was eventually abandoned in 1982.

A multi-million revival in 1989 saw Underground Atlanta become more of a modern shopping mall concept, which many denounced as lacking the charm and character of its previous iteration.

Underground Atlanta was damaged in 1992 after the Rodney King trial verdict, and despite a boost in attendance during the 1996 Olympics as well as loosened ordinances for alcohol on the premises, the businesses there began to suffer from lack of patronage.

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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed had announced plans to sell Underground Atlanta to a private developer in 2014 who would turn it into a mixed-use development with retail and above-ground apartments. A few years later, in 2020, not much had come of these plans. A private investment firm

Mike Stasny

purchased Underground Atlanta and created a master plan for the site, finally announcing new leases in 2022.

Looking ahead After a long and arduous road, Underground Atlanta has since experienced a truly remarkable transformation as an arts destination in the heart of Downtown. And now, with the news of two new ambitious creative directors, Underground is ushering in a new era of prosperity and revitalization centered around the arts.

Mike Stasny was the first artist tenant operating at Underground Atlanta since the revitalization, and he has been a staple of the burgeoning art community there for more than two years. Bringing 15 years of experience as an artist and musician, Stasny is perhaps most known for his whimsical statues and installations that are often made RoughDraftAtlanta.com

using found materials and wood scraps.

Oddly enough, Stasny first went viral for a YouTube video, “What what in the butt,” and one of his pieces that responded to internet activity called Tricerabytes at the CNN Center. Originally from the greater Chicago area, he has made a name for himself locally through his work with art collectives including Dashboard Co-op, Goat Farm Art Center, and Knock Knock.

“Everything is an unexpected discovery,” Stasny said of his time at Underground Atlanta. “Underground is loaded with layers of history so the question is; how do we use creatives and creative thinking to make Underground continue to scale to have special moments for the people that come here?”

“I admire the creatives that see the potential to make alive spaces that are otherwise under-appreciated,” he continued.

“Everyone is so unique and dedicated to their personal ambitions… it’s like saying which square of the quilt is your favorite…

It’s the whole quilt I love.” Stasny says that he feels that Underground Atlanta is gearing up for a “crescendo moment” and that he appreciates how the space encourages experimentation as well as investment in Atlanta as a whole.

Stasny opines that he and Skye will make a good team in this new era of art at Underground Atlanta. “I’m very heads in the clouds and have my creative interest move from crazy into something ‘real.’

Skye starts from what is ‘real’ and builds up to the clouds. Where we intersect is magical,” said Stasny. “She is fantastic in meetings and as kind as they come but with a sense of purpose and determination that is unshakable. A truly admirable badass.”

Marina Skye is a nationally recognized and award-winning set designer who has worked with the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, the BBC, Janelle Monae, Budweiser, 21 Savage, and SZA just to name a few. Some of her latest projects include album artwork for musician Summer Walker, stage designs for Wale and 6lack, and creative consulting for Backwoods Cigars, 21 Savage, and Atlanta’s Trap Music Museum.

“As a proud resident of Atlanta, I’ve seen the evolution of this beautiful city over the years and I’m honored to be a part of a project that further establishes Underground Atlanta as a go-to destination for both local residents and tourists alike.” said Skye, who is originally from Los Angeles but now calls Atlanta home. “I’m joining a talented team and together we are bringing an experience never seen before to our community.”

Today, Underground Atlanta is a shining example of how arts can revitalize entire communities and retail districts. There are six galleries located below street-level, and their monthly First Friday events have brought thousands of art lovers to peruse art installations and exhibitions, including activations by Dance Canvas, Living Walls, Atlanta Fashion Week, and more.

“The arts have an incredible power to shape communities,” said Mary Turner, Underground Atlanta Senior Vice President.

“Our mission is to transform Underground Atlanta into a true epicenter for arts and culture, where imagination and diversity is celebrated. Stay tuned for exciting news announcements to come for 2024.

Underground is more than just a venue; it’s a canvas for the arts.”

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DINING

Mastering your knowledge of wine WOMEN + WINE

Katie Rice & Sarah Pierre Welcome to 2024, a new year with new possibilities! If one of your resolutions is to become more educated in the ways of wine, there are several options available. If you are looking to get more savvy or ready to make a career change, there is a class for that.

We introduced Chelsea Young last fall in an article highlighting the opening of her local wine school called The Oenophile Institute. I sat down with her to discuss courses that even the most novice wine drinker can take to further their wine knowledge and maybe get a certificate to prove it.

The accreditation that gets the most buzz is the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). Organizations of wine professionals date back to the 12th century with the Worshipful Company of Vintners (which is still in existence today), but it wasn’t until The Institute of Masters of Wine was created that the first true Sommelier exam was held in 1977.

The CMS was created specifically for service industry professionals when, after World War II, the abundance of career sommeliers had dwindled. CMS’s intention was to drive an interest in the profession and hold it to a certain level of standards. In 1983, the Court held its first American exams. This accreditation is only open to those who work in or adjacent to the service industry and have several years of service experience.

Chelsea Young

The term sommelier was based on the French word for butler and actually refers to someone who works in a restaurant as a wine steward. These team members have extensive knowledge of wine, are responsible for inventory management, and work the floor as an addition to servers, usually helping guests select wines to enjoy with their meals. They don’t have to be certified by the CMS but it certainly helps when gaining employment in the role.

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documentaries, the idea of a sommelier became most lay people’s idea of a wine expert. We are often asked if we are sommeliers and the answer is – it depends on who you ask. We are educated and certified, but no longer work in the restaurant industry. While we are constantly tasting wine, unloading cases to fill shelves, and often selecting the perfect thing to pair with people’s meals, we are no longer running around for eight hours on the floor of a restaurant. Blind tasting is more often done for continued education and fun but not because we are studying for more advanced Sommelier levels.

When a guest truly wants to immerse themselves in wine, there are specific platforms we tend to push people towards and CMS is not often one of them. Since Chelsea is the owner of Oenophile Institute, it was natural to consult an expert. She also has certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Society of Wine Educators, and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Chelsea was recently accepted to sit for the Master of Wine program and is eagerly planning out 2024’s teaching schedule at OI. When we discussed the question, “What certification would you recommend for someone who wants to further their wine knowledge?” Chelsea didn’t hesitate to suggest the Wine and Spirits Trust. Her reasoning is simple: it is comprehensive yet attainable. WSET was also founded in 1977 but is geared towards everyone looking to further their wine education, not just those in the hospitality industry.

There are four levels and all require educational hours and a formal exam.

For example, Level 1 is the basics which breaks down fundamentals, eight major grape varietals, storage and service as well as the basics of food pairings. Essentially, what you need to know to get into wine.

Class can be done in a one-day, sixhour course or three weeks of two-hour sessions all culminating in a multiplechoice exam. Tasting is an educational component but not graded. Think simple, like the difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet. As the levels increase so does time of study and exam difficulty The Biltmore Estate culminating in a diploma or Level 4 in Asheville, NC.

which, as Chelsea put it, is a “super serious jump.”

The class has 185 hours of study required that contain five units covering everything from grape cultivation to the global business of wine with a blind tasting component of 18 wines. There are five written exams and a 10-page written research paper. Chelsea wrote hers on cork and enclosure alternatives and the sustainability of each.

When comparing this accreditation to the top level of CMS, Chelsea says it is like comparing apples to oranges, they are both fruits, but they are vastly different. Chelsea obtained her diploma in 19 months, which is rare and usually has about a 20% pass rate. But to obtain a Master Sommelier or Master of Wine, the pass rate is about 7% and takes no less than three years, but usually around five to 10. Not only is the commitment time-consuming, but it will also cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Another more at-home option is the CSW or Certified Specialist of Wine.

The Society of Wine Educators is a nonprofit organization that provides varying educational certificates not just for wine, but also for spirits and hospitality.

Chelsea’s experience with the CSW was favorable but says it is not necessarily for the beginner. The CSW itself is one exam that is all multiple choice but compares to WSET Level 3, encompassing everything from wine composition and chemistry to service and storage. Candidates have access to study guides, flashcards, webinars and other tools, but study and class work is done by the individual and testing is online at a testing center.

These aren’t the only programs available; courses exist in almost every aspect. Want to learn more about Champagne? Why not become a Master of Champagne through the Wine Scholar Guild? There are specific classes and certifications for everything in our industry.

Atlanta is lucky to have resources everywhere, especially the Oenophile Institute and the work Chelsea and her team are doing. I asked her, why should someone want to sign up for classes? Her answer mirrors a lot of our philosophies: “We pride ourselves on being for people who love to drink wine and want to learn.

The institute lends itself to opening its doors to anyone and everyone. The goal is to get as many people as passionate about wine as we are.”

As wine professionals we love what we do; we love the stories and the history but it is more than just tasting wine, it is a demanding industry. So before quitting your day job, consider sitting for a course at OI. Courses for the WSET level one through 3 are starting in January both online and in person.

Visit oenophileinstitute.com for specific dates or email Chelsea directly at chelsea@ oenophile.institute with any questions.

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If ‘Dry January’ is a New Year’s resolution, try these non-alcoholic spirits

By Cory Atkinson, Kristina Ferdinand, and Stephanie Saputo Taking a break from alcohol this time of year is becoming more popular.

According to a poll, 1 in 5 millennial adults participated in “Dry January” in 2023.

Whether you are taking a personal break or for health reasons, we salute you. We believe it’s always a good idea to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol from time to time. Luckily, taking a break doesn’t mean you have to hide in a hole or drink water for a month.

There are so many options emerging to offer the sober curious and regular drinkers ways of imbibing without the hangover. Some products mimic exactly that spirit flavor you are craving, while others have their own unique flavor.

But first, what is a non-alcoholic spirit?

Time to pull in our Zero Co team to help us answer this great question, which is one we get a lot. It's also one that many different IN THE SPIRIT producers take different approaches to.

At their base, they are usually water-based (or sometimes vinegar-based), WITH ELEMENTAL with either SPIRITS infusions, macerations or distillations of herbs, spices and citrus or other aromatic fruits and vegetables.

The formulations of these things are extensive, and each herb, spice and other ingredient added is done so to garner different sensational experiences from smell to taste to mouthfeel and finish.

For example, Erika Ollén, the founder and developer of GNISTA, uses wormwood for bitterness and a bit of beet syrup to add body and make it weigh the palate like a distilled spirit for her Floral Wormwood expression.

Other producers add cayenne pepper or Chinese 5 spice to formulations to mimic the alcohol numb or burn you would get from a traditional distilled spirit.

So, when you're browsing through these non-alcoholic options, you might ask yourself, "What do I do with these?" The answer to that question is complicated. First, you should ask yourself, "What sort of experience am I looking for?"

■ Do you want something to just sip on after a meal while relaxing on the couch?

■ Do you want to batch up some cocktails for some friends?

■ Are you looking for something quick you can pop open?

Many spirits are representative of their alcoholic counterparts, focusing on creating a flavor profile that closely mimics that of a tequila or gin, say. This style of non-alc spirit is a good substitute to make non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails you might be seeking.

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TRY: Ish - London Botanical Spirit, $32 This classic London dry-style spirit has the juniper punch to make any non-alc gin & tonic feel as botanical and sharp as the real thing.

Then, there are pre-batched, often carbonated, versions of cocktails that are meant to be well balanced, easy to crack and go non-alc cocktails. Usually in a can, just pop these in your fridge and grab and go when you need it.

TRY: St. Agrestis Phony Mezcal Negroni, $6 Phony Mezcal Negroni emphasizes mezcal qualities by offering nuanced notes of smoke, vegetal complexity and earthiness to complement its bitter foundation.

Finally, there is a class of nonalcoholic spirits that are designed to be something different. Whether they are using adaptogens or just taste unique and pack flavor, these are some of the more bespoke and interesting flavor Continued on page 34

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JANUARY 2024 |

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Continued from page 33

combinations. Usually, they are just great over ice or spritzed with some sparkling water, but they also can add depth to a homemade cocktail concoction.

TRY: Dromme Calm, $40 Wind down and soothe with the sophisticated tastes and sensations of this unique, complex blend of quality botanicals, adaptogens, and nootropics.

At the end of the day, it's important to remember these are all very specifically researched and built beverages, designed to challenge and

34 | JANUARY 2024

dare we say trick our brains and palates.

They are developed in small kitchens typically with fresh herbs, spices and produce. They are alive and intended to wake up your senses and remind you that you're drinking something unique in your glass. Honestly, these are for everyone, not just the sober curious. But if you are taking a break, it's nice to know you can still be #thirstyandcurious.

Go visit our friends at The Zero Co (thezeroco.co) to learn more about these spirits.

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Quick Bites ◄Veteran food and dining journalist Beth McKibben is joining Rough Draft Atlanta as senior editor responsible for food and dining and will lead the company’s coverage of the industry across both print and digital platforms, including Reporter Newspapers, Atlanta Intown, and our newsletter portfolio. McKibben, who will also contribute to news and lifestyle coverage, will begin in January. With more than 14 years of experience covering the food and beverage industry, McKibben most recently served as editor of Eater Atlanta.

RoughDraftAtlanta.com

Chef Kevin Gillespie, the owner of Gunshow, is opening a new restaurant called Nàdair in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of DeKalb County. The restaurant will be located in the former Floataway Cafe space on Zonolite Road.

No other details had been released at press time.

A new restaurant called Ela is expected to open in Virginia-Highland in February of 2024. The pan-Mediterranean restaurant comes from Fifth Group Restaurants, according to a press release. Ela is slated to open in the former El Taco space and will serve a mix of dishes with Greek, Moroccan, Israeli, and Turkish flavors.

The upcoming Signia by Hilton Atlanta project has announced new food and beverage concepts that will accompany the World Congress Center-adjacent hotel.

The culinary offerings include Capolinea, an Italian-inspired kitchen; Nest on Four, an upscale sports bar; Homespun, a Southern breakfast destination; and Highball, a pool bar featuring craft cocktails and Southern picnic favorites.

Restaurateur Steve Palmer will join Midtown’s Spring Quarter mixed-use development project, set to transform the historic H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel into a new dining concept. Palmer, who founded The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, is expected to transform the 24,000-square-foot building into a “morning-to-night [food and beverage] destination,” according to a spokesperson.

JANUARY 2024 |

35

REAL ESTATE

Buying & Selling in 2024

Five experts share their insight and foresight into the local housing market

Joy Myrick

Still, the Intown market is moving just as quickly as last year. “In fact, in Morningside/Virginia Highland, the ‘days on market’ are remarkably similar to this time last year,” she said.

Looking ahead, Myrick expects to see more inventory over the next year, and more buyer activity as interest rates continue to stabilize.

667 Park Drive in Virginia Highland was one of the homes available from Joy Myrick/ Sotheby's International Realty.

big cities – like New York and Los Angeles – to Atlanta. “There was a migration of very talented, innovative, career-driven people seeking an easier lifestyle and opportunity. This has not stopped,” she said.

And more good news: Levin reported that the National Association of Realtors expects mortgage interest rates to decrease to an average of 6% in 2024.

By Kathy Dean With higher mortgage interest rates, you might think local real estate experts would be disappointed in the calmer housing market. You may even think they’d suggest buyers wait for rates to drop.

You’d be very wrong.

Yes, the market is less frantic but experienced real estate professionals see that as a good thing. And they’re advising buyers to grab the opportunity that higher rates offer – more stable housing prices and fewer buyers in the market.

We spoke with five Intown real estate experts to get their thoughts on the 2024 market.

Valerie Levin “I started my career in 1985 when rates were 14%. So, to me, the rates are still good and should never be a deterrent in the best investment you will ever make for yourself and your family,” said Valerie Levin, Senior Vice President, Managing Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, MultiOffice Leader, Midtown & Dunwoody/ Sandy Springs Offices.

“The market is going through a correction which, in my opinion,

36 | JANUARY 2024

Joy Myrick

Valerie Levin

needed to happen,” she said. “It was not unusual for our agents to write 10 to 20 offers for one buyer until a contract was successfully accepted. The buyer fatigue was gut-wrenching, and my agents were exhausted.”

While the overall residential real estate market is down 20%, an Intown property that shows well and is priced correctly will sell – and may generate multiple offers, Levin added.

This is because Atlanta’s job growth and desirability have remained since COVID spurred an exodus from several

According to Joy Myrick, Real Estate Professional, Atlanta Fine Homes/ Sotheby’s International Realty, the Intown market has remained healthy, despite the higher interest rates.

“Lack of inventory continues to be an issue, although we are seeing some improvement,” she said. “We currently have 2.1 months of inventory on the market Intown.”

But she shared some good news.

Myrick reported that mortgage rates have been declining for five consecutive weeks.

“Although significant drops are unlikely in the near future, rates are definitely stabilizing and buyers are responding with an uptick in mortgage applications,” she said. “We will likely continue to see a downward trend in rates in 2024.”

“Nationally, home prices are projected to grow every year through 2027,” she said. “We anticipate the same for the Intown market – that price growth will continue, just at a slower pace that is more normal – and that’s a great thing!”

Rodney Hinote Atlanta is a strong market with a heavy stream of people relocating to the area, so it’s a very safe place to invest, according to Rodney Hinote, Associate Broker, Ansley Real Estate/Christie's International Real Estate.

He said the current market is still good, but much more manageable. “The pool of buyers has decreased given the increase of interest rates, but the listing inventory has decreased even more given

Rodney Hinote RoughDraftAtlanta.com

Grateful to 30+ Families for Their Trust in 2023 ATLANTA IF CONTINUES TO OUTPERFORM THE COUNTRY REAL ESTATE. CALL MOLLY YOU’RE THINKING OF SELLING OR IN BUYING IN 2024!

I’M HERE TO PARTNER WITH YOU AND ASSIST YOU WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY OR SELL. SOLD*

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19 HILLIARD STREET SE | NO. 16 | offered for $403,000

892 SPRINGDALE ROAD offered for $4,000,000

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13 VILLAGE WALK DRIVE offered for $750,000

75 14TH STREET NE | NO. 3720 offered for $935,000

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1245 S PONCE DE LEON AVENUE NE | NO. 12 | offered for $460,000

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3535 OLD IVY LANE NE offered for $1,137,500

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Molly Carter Gaines REALTOR®

c. 404.542.3120 | o. 404.480.HOME MOLLY@ANSLEYRE.COM ANSLEYRE.COM | 952 PEACHTREE STREET, SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GA 30309 | 404.480.HOME All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity. *Represented Buyer

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37

ERIN YABROUDY,

REALTOR ® The interior of 667 Park Drive in Virginia Highland.

ANSLEY PARK JUST LISTED

PIEDMONT HEIGHTS SOLD

COLONY HOUSE JUST LISTED

CASTLEBERRY HILL SOLD

GARDEN HILLS JUST LISTED

SHERWOOD FOREST SOLD

that the “move-up” buyer looking to upgrade has all but gone away,” Hinote added.

He explained that move-up buyers – homeowners who’ve outgrown their houses – are not willing to give up their 4% interest rates for 7.5% rate. But they’re likely to accept the expected 2024 rate of around 5% to 6%.

Right now, there’s a huge pent-up demand in the move-up market segment; once rates fall, Hinote expects the floodgates to open.

“I keep telling people who are waiting for rates to come down that once rates are lower, the demand and prices are going to be much higher, so now is actually a great time to get into the market,” he said.

“My favorite saying is ‘Date the Rate and Marry the House.’ You can always refinance once rates lower,” Hinote added.

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900+ HOMES SOLD

“Over the past year, the Intown market has maintained its appeal as a highly desirable place to live and displayed resilience in the face of higher interest rates,” said Avery McMahon, Senior VP and Managing Broker, HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS – The Intown Office.

She added that the rise in rates did impact the purchasing decisions of a significant number of potential buyers which led to a decrease in sales units and volume.

“One noteworthy trend in response to higher interest rates has been the decision of some sellers to postpone their plans to sell,” McMahon said. “This decision, in turn, contributed to a shift in market dynamics.”

Amid the changes, she has seen an increase in all-cash purchases. “Looking forward to 2024, there is anticipation that the trend of cash purchases may continue,” she added.

Still, there are indications that the market will regain momentum. “Rumors of interest rates dropping in 2024 have surfaced, and it is anticipated that both buyers and sellers who may have been on the sidelines for the past 12 to 24 months are now prepared to make decisions,” McMahon said.

Ken Covers

@Erin.Sells.Atlanta ErinYabroudy.com

#1

Avery McMahon

$750M+ LIFETIME SALES VOLUME

Avery McMahon

“The rise in interest rates took the wind out of the sails for sure,” said Ken Covers, Private Office Advisor, Engel & Völkers Atlanta.

Even so, he reported that prices are not dropping. “We’re still seeing strong sales,” he said. “We sell the American RoughDraftAtlanta.com

BeltLine breaks ground on affordable housing

By Rough Draft Staff

Ken Covers

Dream in Intown. A lot of people can still afford to buy a home with a yard, a garden, a pool, and a cool Intown vibe.”

Covers stressed that the best investment anyone can make, by far, is purchasing real estate.

“My advice to buyers is ‘Don’t wait!’

While there may be more inventory or lower interest rates down the road, there will also be a lot more buyers then. Now is the best time to buy. Keep in mind that prices will get higher when the interest rate gets lower,” he shared.

He also had a message for sellers.

“I always advise sellers, if they’re going to do any work or renovations on their home not to ‘water it down’ but to ‘water it up.’ The nicer they make their homes, the better they sell Intown.

Buyers respond to quality.”

As a final note, Covers added: “A good house can change your life and the best way to get one is to hire a good agent.”

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) is investing more than $550,000 in the Ralph David House, an adaptive-reuse development converting an eyesore motel in Reynoldstown into 54 affordable housing units.

This is the first time Atlanta BeltLine has invested in a project with all permanently supportive housing units. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Dec. 5 at 277 Moreland Ave. with local officials in attendance.

Led by Stryant Investments, the development is situated where Moreland Avenue meets I-20. Apartments will be reserved for those earning 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or less and who were previously unhoused. Rents and utility costs combined will be capped at 30 percent of each tenant’s income.

“The Ralph David House project marks a significant milestone in fully affordable housing options in Atlanta and forwards Atlanta BeltLine’s mission to meet affordable housing goals along and around our 22-mile corridor,” said ABI CEO Clyde Higgs. “As our city grows and evolves, developments like this one are ensuring that all Atlantans have access to projects like this one that deliver shared prosperity and an opportunity to access jobs and amenities.”

Designed by Terminus Design Group, plans include having a social worker office onsite, ADA-compliant units and a design that meets Fair Housing Guidelines.

In addition to funding provided by the BeltLine’s TAD Increment Fund, managed by Invest Atlanta, the project has received funding from the Atlanta Affordable Housing Fund, City of Atlanta HOME funds, as well as support from Partners for HOME’s HomeFirst program, which provided funding as well as Housing Choice Vouchers from Atlanta Housing and supportive services for all individuals housed in the units.

Apartments in Ralph David House are expected to open to residents this fall.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

RECORDSETTING SALE

T H A N K YO U FO R MAKING 2023 AMAZING SOLD FOR $5,549,000 832 Springdale Road* • Druid Hills

S E L L I N G E XC E PT I O N A L I N TOW N P R O P E RT I E S

FOR OVER 20 YEARS

REALTOR®

SOLD FOR $2,900,000 1694 W. Sussex Road • Morningside

SOLD FOR $2,500,000 272 Broadland Road* • Buckhead

PENDING FOR $1,250,000 208 Inman Lane • Inman Park

SOLD FOR $952,000 1074 Rosewood Drive** • Virginia-Highland

c. 404.408.2331 o. 404.874.0300 joymyrick@atlantafinehomes.com joymyrick.atlantafinehomes.com

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Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. *Off market. **Represented buyer.

2 0 2 3 N O TA B L E S A L E S

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Intown & Beyond

5 WALDEN WALK NE Atlanta $279,900

2321 HILLSIDE AVENUE Decatur $400,000

2254 TILSON CIRCLE Decatur $474,900

3283 W COUNTY LINE RD Douglasville $310,000

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Gary Silverman 770-617-5658

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Joe Thompson 678-576-2924

845 SPRING ST #515 Atlanta $475,000

3038 PATRIOT SQUARE SW Marietta $470,000

563 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE, #502 Atlanta $479,900

2712 VININGS CENTRAL DRIVE SE Atlanta $329,900

Jessica Li 404-754-6555

Rob Hall 678-631-6731

JCBTEAM 404-421-4064

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2247 LUCIUS ROAD Cherry Log $559,000

331 PEACHTREE AVENUE NE Atlanta $1,981,000

4202 GIVERNY BLVD LOT#20 Fairburn $695,000

1280 W PEACHTREE ST NW, #912 Atlanta $235,000

Brian Woodworth 404-583-1437

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W E LC O M E TO O U R M I DTOW N T E A M

MANAGING BROKER

404-266-8100

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©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and subject to errors, omissions, changes, or withdrawal without prior notice. If your home is currently listed this is not intended as solicitation.