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Students at David T. Howard Middle School in Old Fourth Ward headed back to class on Aug. 4 this year. (Photo courtesy Atlanta
Williams)
Being a journalist these days has never been more difficult, especially when you’ve got half of the U.S. electorate who believes everything produced by mainstream media is “fake news.”
Growing up, I never wanted to be anything but a reporter. Some kids wanted to be astronauts, firefighters, doctors, or lawyers, but I was inspired by my distant relative Margaret Mitchell (so distant I’ll never see any of that “Gone With the Wind” money), who began her career as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine.
I started writing a column for the Fayette Sun newspaper in 1985 called “The Wonderful World of Libraries” (yes, I am that nerd), covering happenings and news from all of the county’s local homes for tomes.
Then, in 1986, like Cousin Peggy before me, my first piece of journalism appeared in the AJC’s long-defunct Sunday Magazine. Eliptically, it was the first article ever written about efforts to restore Mitchell’s Midtown apartment into a museum. I was 16.
More freelancing followed for a variety of Georgia magazines before my editor at the Fayette Sun offered to give me a regular beat if I could attend a Fayette County Planning and Zoning meeting and write something coherent. A trial by fire, so to speak.
I distinctly remember sitting at the county courthouse in Fayetteville, completely flummoxed by the proceedings and the incomprehensible zoning codes on the agenda. I looked up and my doctor, friend, and mentor, Ferroll Sams, was standing beside me. “What the hell are you doing here, boy?”
He told me to shift over and sat with me, explaining the agenda items. The next morning, when I submitted the story, my editor eyeballed me suspiciously, but I got the job. I spent the next couple of years covering the tiny town of Tyrone, GA. Hey, you gotta start somewhere.
From there, I went on to be an assistant editor at a business magazine, then as a reporter/entertainment writer for the Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers. I would remain there for 13 years, working my way up to executive editor of the South Metro Bureau. I hated being the boss, hated not being able to write, hated driving back and forth from Forest Park to Marietta almost daily for some meeting.
Luckily, a former colleague at the MDJ, Joe Hiett, called and wanted to meet for lunch. He had just been named publisher by the late Tom Cousins, who had taken over ownership from founder Chris Schroeder. Joe offered me the job as editor of Atlanta Intown on the spot. That was 23 years ago.
Even with all the insanity happening in the world, I still want to be a journalist. I have my “other life” as a poet and novelist, but being a reporter is still my bread and butter.
As Rough Draft Publisher Keith Pepper mentions in his new “A Pinch of Pepper” newsletter (roughdraftatlanta. substack.com), print journalism is making something of a comeback. The U.S. version of The Spectator, US Magazine, Ebony, and Sports Illustrated are either expanding or resurrecting their print publications. Remember when vinyl disappeared and print books were passe thanks to eBooks? You just can’t beat the tactile feel of holding media in your hands.
I plan to keep living my dream as a reporter – both in print and online. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
the QR code
Beltline presents draft of $3.5 billion transit plan
By Collin Kelley
The Atlanta Beltline hosted a virtual meeting on Aug. 12 to present draft recommendations for a light rail corridor in the northwest corner of the city, as well as station locations in the Southwest and Southeast portions of the 22-mile loop.
The current cost estimate to bring transit to the Beltline is more than $3.5 billion in 2025 dollars. The cost includes $270 million for transit vehicles and $210 million for support facilities. The funding mechanism and operations budget – and where it would come from – are still unknown.
During the meeting, Beltline Project
Engineer Shaun Green presented various alignment plans for the Northwest Quadrant, which would connect Bankhead to Armour Yards.
One plan Green presented had an elevated rail line running down the center of Peachtree Road (think Chicago’s L or portions of the New York subway in Queens or Brooklyn), but the “preferred” corridor parallels the CSX freight line.
The “CSX Alignment” plan ticks many of the boxes requested by residents and potential riders, including serving the quadrant’s
Nathalie Stutzmann, Music Director
Copland, Elgar and Strauss
Open the Season on Oct 3/4/5
largest employee center – Piedmont Hospital.
Green said the 5.5-mile CSX Alignment was the lowest cost (currently $800 million), would offer the fastest travel time, and offer direct access at the rear of the Piedmont Hospital campus.
There are still numerous challenges to the CSX Alignment, including working out a deal to have light rail in close proximity to freight trains along the CSX corridor.
The Northwest Quadrant would have eight stations, including Donald Lee Hollowell in Bankhead, Marietta Boulevard South, Marietta Boulevard North, Howell Mill Road at CSX Howell Yard, Northside Drive, Collier Road/ Piedmont Hospital, Peachtree Street North, and Armour Yards. The exact locations of the stations are approximate, Green said.
Green also unveiled alignments and stations for the Southwest and Southeast Quadrants of the Beltline.
The Southwest stations would include Murphy Avenue, which is where Mayor Andre Dickens has said he wants a new infill MARTA rail station to serve the planned Murphy Crossing mixed-use development. Other stations would be located at Lawton Street, Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, Langhorn/Enota, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Joseph E. Boone Boulevard before connecting at Hollowell Parkway.
Southeast stations include Metropolitan Parkway, Pryor Road, Milton Avenue (which would be aligned to connect with MARTA’s underconstruction Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit line), Hill Street, Boulevard, and Glenwood Avenue.
Although attendees at the virtual meeting were allowed to ask questions, it was notable that questions about the extension of the Atlanta Streetcar from Downtown up the Beltline’s busy Eastside Trail to Ponce City Market were passed
over. Staff said they would respond to other questions at a later date.
Beltline officials said another meeting would take place this fall after staff had time to digest the draft plans and consider public comment.
In March, Mayor Dickens said he was “reprioritizing” Beltline transit to begin on the Southwest side of the city, putting the nearly shovel-ready extension of the streetcar to the Eastside Trail in limbo.
In April, Dickens released a list of four infill MARTA stations he wanted to see built to link heavy rail with the Beltline’s light rail. Those stations include the aforementioned Murphy Crossing, Krog Street/Hulsey Yard, Joseph E. Boone between Ashby and Bankhead, and Armour Yards.
Transit advocacy group Beltline Rail Now released a statement the day after the meeting, blasting the plan as just another “dreamy” slide deck after Dickens stymied plans for the Eastside Trail.
“We want to believe these latest plans are real. We want to believe they’ll become more than a PowerPoint fantasy. But how are we supposed to get swept up in the vision when Mayor Dickens just announced his intention to scuttle the first phase of Beltline rail, the part that’s shovel-ready, fully funded, and could be in service by 2028? The design is nearly complete. We’ve already spent $13 million on engineering. The money exists right now. And yet, we’re told to wait.”
Beltline Rail Now said the plan presented was “ambitious” and “exactly what this city needs.”
“We’re calling on Mayor Dickens and his administration to step back up. Recommit to building the part of this system we can build now. Use the Beltline TAD [Tax Allocation District] and every available resource to fund the full design and engineering of this plan. Let’s stop pretending we need another study. We need steel in the ground. We need tracks. We want to ride.”
CDC director vows to restore trust in agency after shooting, layoffs
By Rebecca Grapevine | Healthbeat Atlanta
Newly appointed director Susan Monarez voiced support for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers in a media event on Aug. 21, nearly two weeks after a shooting at the agency’s Atlanta headquarters.
Monarez said restoring Americans’ trust in the CDC and educating people
about the work the scientists, researchers, and others do for public health is a top priority.
“If the American people could really understand how good and sincere and hardworking the CDC employees are, we would really be able to effectively communicate that they are trying everything every day to make the lives of American people better and stronger,” she said. “It’s the fabric and the tapestry of
how we make Americans well.”
Local reporters were invited to tour an area where windows with bullet holes had not yet been repaired and offices where glass shards remained on the floor.
Monarez was completing her first week as director on Aug. 8 when a gunman fired about 180 rounds into six buildings. DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was killed responding to the scene.
Reports have suggested that the gunman, identified by authorities as Patrick Joseph White, was mentally ill and blamed the Covid vaccine for his health problems.
Elevating stories showing the value of the CDC’s work is one way to fight the misinformation that erodes trust, Monarez said.
Mona Patel, who has worked in health communications at the CDC for about 15 years, told reporters that the shooting has mobilized workers “to get our science out there, and get trust from the public.”
The shooting deepened a loss in morale and direction after months of layoffs, with some workers rehired only to face more uncertainty. The CDC will lay off more than 600 additional workers who have been on administrative leave since earlier this year, Benjamin Haynes, media relations director, confirmed Thursday.
Many CDC employees say they feel unsupported – even attacked – by the Trump administration. Monarez said the administration is supporting the agency in the shooting aftermath.
“We are getting all the resources that we need. We have had such a level of support from the administration. They want to make sure that not only are we getting what we need for the physical repairs, but also the emotional and mental health repairs,” she said.
About 4,000 employees have used the employee assistance program, Monarez said, and she is meeting daily with small
groups to hear their ideas and concerns. She acknowledged this year’s layoffs are tough for the remaining employees.
Monarez holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has been serving as acting director at the CDC since January. She formerly was the deputy director for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, a Health and Human Services research funding agency focused on innovation.
“There are larger plans for reorganization across HHS toward really making sure that there is capacity and capability building for the future, but the CDC staff are my family,” Monarez said. “Certainly, when you see individuals that you’ve been working with for 10, 20, 30 years … it’s still going to have some level of impact, and we have to come together, and we have to figure out how to move forward.”
Many employees have been critical of the federal health leadership, including the CDC’s parent agency.
“Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is complicit in dismantling America’s public health infrastructure and endangering the nation’s health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information,” said a letter sent this week to Kennedy and Congress signed by hundreds of HHS employees.
American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, a union that represents about 2,000 CDC employees, called the decision to lay off the 600 workers who were on leave “cruel.”
“The cruel decision to move forward with these unlawful separations immediately after a violent attack on campus contradicts their stated commitments to promote the recovery of CDC staff and undermines the stability of our agency,” the union said in a statement.
The memorial service for fallen DeKalb Police Officer David Rose. (Courtesy DeKalb County)
CDC Director Susan Monarez met with employees and members of the media after the shooting. (Photo by Rebecca Grapevine)
The Ultimate Fall Getaway Guide to Lake Oconee: Leaf peeping, cozy retreats, and local eats
Fall is one of the most magical times to visit Lake Oconee. As the leaves shift from green to fiery hues of red, gold, and orange, Georgia’s serene lake country becomes the perfect escape for leaf lovers, cozy travelers, and outdoor adventurers alike. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family outing, or a solo recharge, this ultimate fall guide will help you make the most of the season at Lake Oconee.
Where to See Fall Foliage
Fall foliage at Lake Oconee is nothing short of spectacular, typically peaking between late October and early November. Here are some of the best spots to soak in the autumn colors:
• Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails– Explore more than 30 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails surrounded by golden hardwoods and lake views.
• Old Salem Park – Take a walk or pack a picnic by the water while enjoying panoramic views of trees in their fall glory.
connection to nature, pitch a tent or park your RV at Old Salem Campground or KOA Lake Oconee. Wake up to crisp fall air, lakeside views, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.
• Sunset Pontoon Rides – There’s no better way to see the colors reflected on the water than by boat. Many marinas offer rentals or guided cruises.
Where to Stay
Fall is a season made for cozy getaways, and Lake Oconee has something for every style and budget:
• The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – Luxurious lakeside lodging with spa services, firepits, s’mores, and breathtaking views of fall foliage.
• Charming Cabins & Lake Houses –Book a weekend stay in a rustic-chic cabin or a waterfront home rental perfect for sipping cider on the porch.
• Camping & RV Parks – For a closer
Fall Events You Can’t Miss
Lake Oconee comes alive in the fall with community festivals, outdoor markets, and live music. Don’t miss these seasonal favorites:
• Rhythm & Brews Festival – On October 24th, one of the area’s most anticipated events, Rhythm & Brews combines live music, craft beer, and local food vendors for a high-energy fall celebration under the stars. Located at the Sandy Creek Barn and featuring the legendary Blues Traveler.
• Fall Events at Bruzze Brewing – From seasonal beer releases to Oktoberfest celebrations and live music nights, Bruzze Brewing is a must-visit spot for fall fun with a local twist.
Local Eats That Scream Fall
There’s no better way to experience fall than through warm, comforting bites and local flavor. Whether you’re fueling up for a day on the water or winding down after a lakeside sunset, Lake Oconee has delicious options for every part of your day:
• Breakfast at Café 44 – Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite, known for fluffy pancakes, Southern-style biscuits, and yummy baked goods.
• BBQ from Holcomb’s – No trip to Lake Oconee is complete without a stop at Holcomb’s. Their smoky pulled pork and tangy sauce are fall comfort food at its finest.
• Lunch at Gaby’s by the Lake – Enjoy fresh, casual fare with unbeatable lakefront views at Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz-Carlton—ideal for a relaxing midday meal.
• Dinner at Table at the Lake – Cap off your day with a refined yet welcoming
dinner experience. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and upscale Southern dishes, Table at the Lake is the perfect spot for an elevated fall evening.
Outdoor Fall Adventures
Cooler temps and vibrant scenery make fall the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Oconee. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or a bit of a thrill, there’s something for every type of explorer:
• Golfing with a View – Tee off at one of Lake Oconee’s premier courses, where golden trees line the fairways and provide a stunning backdrop for every round.
• Fishing Season– Fall is prime time for largemouth bass and crappie. Whether from a boat or the shore, the lake is known for some of the best fishing in Georgia.
• Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds –Experience outdoor recreation at its finest with clay shooting, archery, fishing ponds, and off-road adventures. Open to guests of The Ritz-Carlton and Reynolds Lake Oconee, this is a must for anyone looking to try something new in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, reconnect, or explore, Lake Oconee is Georgia’s hidden gem for fall getaways. From scenic sights and cozy stays to local flavors and lakeside adventures, fall at the lake is as unforgettable as it is beautiful.
Find your reason to linger longer this fall
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City launches design phase for Memorial Drive Greenway 8
By Collin Kelley
The plan to build a linear park along Memorial Drive has been resurrected again as the City of Atlanta has officially launched a design phase for the project.
Vestiges of the park sprang up several decades ago after the Capitol Homes housing project was demolished, but the idea to build the Memorial Drive Greenway has been floating around for more than 50 years.
On Aug. 13, the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation said in a press release that it has launched the design phase for the park, which will stretch from Oakland Cemetery to the edge of Downtown Atlanta near the State Capitol.
According to the press release, the city will collaborate with architecture and engineering firm Pond & Company to shape the Greenway. The design team said it will draw upon a 2016 vision plan for the park as a “foundational guide.”
Phase One of the project includes the schematic design of the entire length of the park, plus full design, permitting, and construction for one of the seven city blocks in the greenway, according to the press release.
Planning and design for the Greenway will be funded by $560,037 in discretionary funds from Council District 5 as part of the Moving Atlanta Forward (MAF) bond. Additionally, $500,000 from the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation’s Fiscal Year 2027 Park Improvement Fund will support a pilot implementation project.
The press release said the project is made possible by a broad coalition of partners, including the City of Atlanta, Pond & Company, Dan Kurzius (Mailchimp Co-Founder), The Integral Group, Park Pride, the Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway, and The Conservation Fund.
“From skate parks to shade trees, the Greenway is built not just for today’s Atlanta, but for the generations who will inherit it,” Dist. 5 Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari said in a statement.
The Department of Parks and Recreation will launch a public engagement process in the coming months.
More information and updates will be posted on the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation website at atlantaga.gov.
A rendering of the Memorial Drive Greenway from the 2016 vision plan.
Oakland Cemetery’s new visitor center will sit alongside the Greenway. (Courtesy Oakland Cemetery)
Finding refuge and healing outside
ABOVE THE WATER LINE
As yet another deadly airstrike bombed a village in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar in mid-August, a young woman named Noreen sat in her Clarkston, GA apartment and cried. She had grown up in the village and lived there with her family until the military overthrew the country’s democratically elected ruling party in February 2021. Homes and temples were destroyed, and children were killed by the bombing. Noreen has no idea when or how she’ll learn if family members are safe.
As independent journalists in Myanmar, Noreen and her husband wrote about the military’s brutal killings and atrocities against civilians and ethnic minority groups. She told me that she wanted to “report the truth and give a voice to the hurt people.” The military, in one form or another, has ruled the country much of the time since Myanmar (also known as Burma) gained its independence in 1948 from British colonizers who ruled for more than a century.
Not long after the coup four years ago, Noreen and her family—her husband, mother, and two young children—fled to a neighboring country. The military had begun its campaign of terror against journalists reporting on human rights abuses. The army was looking for her.
Last December, with resettlement papers in hand, Noreen’s family finally arrived in Atlanta as refugees. They were some of the lucky ones. The suspension of refugee resettlement by a Trump executive order came only weeks later on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. The action left more than 100,000 people stranded, some in airports with tickets in hand. These refugees had been conditionally approved for resettlement through the most rigorous screening of any foreign citizen coming to the United States.
For decades, refugees have moved to Atlanta for a better life. The UN Refugee Agency says that Georgia “regularly ranks as one of the top ten most welcoming states in America, resettling about 2,500-3,500 refugees each year.” We are fortunate to have excellent nonprofit organizations, many faith-based, that help families transition to their new lives. However, their ability to provide refugees with educational, medical, and cultural resources is being severely constrained by
Trump’s directives and budget cuts.
Serving Refugee Women
A volunteer with All Saints’ Refugee Ministries suggested that Noreen contact Refugee Women’s Network, when she expressed an interest in hiking. RWN is the only nonprofit in Georgia specifically serving refugee women, as it has for the past 25 years. It helps them become leaders in their homes, businesses, and communities. Through the organization’s popular outdoors and wellness educational programs, the women can build confidence, make friends, develop new skills, and find ways to heal in nature.
I met Noreen on a warm morning in July, when I joined an RWN hiking group of two dozen women in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. They were from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Mexico, Burma, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As we walked along the riverside trail together, Noreen
told me her story in a calm, lilting voice. Her pleasure in being outside in nature was obvious. It was unsafe for her to walk anywhere alone in Burma—her preferred name for her country—but she loved walking in her village with her friends. Through RWN, she has found similar comfort in meeting other refugee women: survivors of war, persecution, and violence in their countries.
Leadership Training
Temple Moore’s friendly smile immediately conveys confidence and warmth. She is tall, athletic, and loves different cultures. After decades of working with refugees and asylum seekers in the United States and other countries, she has found her professional home as the director of RWN’s community health programs. She told me she was privileged to grow up in Atlanta—able to swim, bike, camp, and hike—and wants to share these skills with the refugee women who find their way to RWN.
Five years ago, Temple created RWN’s first outdoor wellness initiative with classes and group events in safe spaces. The program now serves 120 women annually—providing transportation, gear, interpretation, meals, and childcare: everything they need to participate. As she told me, “Once you take away the barriers, people can find their own healing outdoors. They discover you don’t have to speak the same language to learn new skills, gain confidence, and bond in nature.”
Earlier this year, I attended a dinner where RWN celebrated the bravery and competence of dozens of new hikers, swimmers, bikers, campers, and kayakers. Based on the high rate of success and participant enthusiasm, RWN plans to expand the program this fall. Temple is excited about promoting physical health, mental well-being, and leadership training for more refugee women and youth, including those with mobility challenges. By leveraging the resources and expertise of local leaders in Georgia’s outdoor industry and environmental groups, she is sure to accomplish her goals.
During our hike along the Chattahoochee, Temple urged each of us to “take sips of gratitude” from our water bottles and, if comfortable, voice our appreciation for the good things in our lives. It was an inspiring moment. I saw Noreen smiling; in a few weeks, she and I will meet again on a kayaking adventure organized by RWN and Georgia Rivers. While bombs fall and national governmental officials refuse to give safe harbor to other humans fleeing unspeakable atrocities, nonprofits like RWN offer welcoming embraces and safety.
For more information, visit www. refugeewomensnetworkinc.org.
Sally Bethea
Photos courtesy Temple Moore
Friday, Oct. 3: Evening Events
Kidnote 6 PM | Keynote 7 PM
Saturday, Oct. 4: Festival Day
10 AM - 6 PM
Decatur Book Festival celebrates 20 years with diverse lineup
By Collin Kelley
The Decatur Book Festival (DBF) will celebrate its 20th anniversary Oct. 3-4 with keynote events from Saeed Jones and Angie Thomas.
Thomas will headline the “kidnote” event on Friday, Oct. 3, in Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College. The bestselling author of “The Hate U Give,” Thomas returns with the highly anticipated sequel to the instant #1 New York Times bestseller, “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi.”
Award-winning poet and cultural critic Jones will discuss his new anthology curated in collaboration with Maggie Smith, “The People’s Project – Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward.” Jones will be in discussion with anthology contributors Victoria Chang, Tiana Clark, and Aruni Kashyap on Friday, Oct. 3, in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Decatur.
“I’m honored to be participating in this anniversary milestone with the Decatur Book Festival,” Jones said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important to come together and discuss the art that moves and activates us. I look forward to celebrating ‘The People’s Project’ with Decatur’s literary community. Let’s get free together!”
DBF promises a weekend of live author Q&As, book signings and a plethora of
activities, entertainment, and exhibitors. Here’s a look at some of the author highlights for the main day of the festival on Oct. 4:
■ Jason Mott discusses his new novel “People Like Us” at 10 a.m. at the Marriott Hotel.
■ Children’s authors Angela Pham Krans and Lynn Smith explore what it means to connect, forgive, and grow together at 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur.
■ Mary Roach returns to DBF with her new book “Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy” at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott Hotel.
■ Authors Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey (coauthors of “Hiking Metro Atlanta’s Hidden Forests”) and Charles Seabrook and Ann Litrel (co-authors of “35 Natural Wonders of Georgia To See Before You Die”) discuss exploring Georgia’s natural wonders – from hidden hiking trails to Providence Canyon – at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott.
■ S. Jae-Jones, Megan Shepherd, Susan Dennard, and Adalyn Grace discuss their latest young adult fantasy novels, where magic turns perilous, friendships are tested, and dark forces rise. The talk is at 11:30 a.m. at the Decatur Library.
■ Biographers Susana M. Morris and Nicholas Boggs explore how personal histories, cultural shifts, and bold
imagination shaped two of the 20th century’s most prophetic voices –Octavia E. Butler and James Baldwin. 1 p.m. at the Marriott.
■ Nisha Sharma, Nia Davenport, Trung Le Nguyen, and Michelle Jabès Corpora discuss their new young adult fantasy novels at 1:45 p.m. at the Decatur Library.
■ Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey bring big laughs and big hearts in their children’s book “Link + Hud,” which is full of hijinks, mystery, and brotherly bonds. 2:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur.
■ Author Andrew Greer and Kim Carter Fuller share insights from "More Than a President," a moving tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter. 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur.
■ Tony-nominated playwright Kimberly Belflower returns to her Georgia roots to share her journey from Appalachia to Broadway and now to the big screen. Don’t miss a conversation about creativity and place, plus a live reading from her acclaimed play, "John Proctor is the Villain." 2:30 p.m. at Marriott Hotel.
■ Stacey Abrams returns with "Coded Justice," a new thriller exploring the dark side of AI in medicine. 3:45 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur.
■ In three powerful new novels, Sheri Joseph, Princess Joy Perry, and Angela Flournoy explore how loyalty, love, tragedy, and friendships shape our lives. 5 p.m. at Marriott Hotel.
The Emerging Student
Writers Stage at the Decatur Library will feature writers from Georgia colleges – including Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Mercer University, Georgia College and State University, and Kennesaw State University – reading original work. Readings will occur from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The Poetry Stage will feature local poets reading from their latest work throughout the day on Oct. 4 at the Marriott Hotel. There will also be the Culinary Stage and the Georgia Grown Culinary Village featuring chefs, authors, and innovators, including Mary Shrader, Duane Nutter, Steven Satterfield, Annette Joseph, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Kevin Mitchell & David Shields, Alan Byers, Joshua Swinney, Hank Shaw, Brandon Hurtado, William Dissen, and Natalie Keng.
The Task Force for Global Health will host “Atlanta Leaders on the Future of Global Health: A Community Dialogue” on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m., moderated by World Affairs Council President Rickey Bevington.
In addition to the authors, there will also be entertainment throughout the day on Oct. 4, including BOOM! Trio ft. Lavahi, Night Palace, improv from Dad’s Garage, Arkose, Rose Hotel, and Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics. Beloved Dillard, M.Div, DD, Poet Laureate, is emceeing the entertainment stage.
DBF will partner with Brave + Kind Bookshop, Charis Books and More, Eagle Eye Books, Tall Tales, and Little Shop of Stories as this year’s featured booksellers. All festival events are free and open to the public; however, advanced registration is encouraged for the keynote and the kidnote on Oct. 3 at decaturbookfestival. com.
Saeed Jones and Angie Thomas
Stacey Abrams
Kimberly Belflower
Where to dine at the Decatur Book Festival
By Beth McKibben
Located east of Atlanta, Decatur offers residents a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, including a bustling downtown district home to a thriving restaurant and bar scene.
At just over 25,000 residents, Decatur has become one of Metro Atlanta’s most desirable places to live and draws thousands of visitors each year who come to dine at its many award-winning restaurants, all accessible via the MARTA station on Church Street.
From hearty breakfast fare and Indian street food to tapas and Korean barbecue, check out these restaurant suggestions the next time you visit downtown Decatur.
Pastries a Go Go pastriesagogo.com
235 Ponce De Leon Pl.
This popular breakfast and lunch spot changed ownership in 2024, but you’ll still find the restaurant serving its famous from-scratch cathead biscuits, brunch platters, and chicken salad sandwiches daily. Grab a pastry for the road, including sticky buns, Danishes, and muffins baked fresh daily.
Cafe Alsace cafealsace.net
121 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Open for lunch and dinner, pop into this small French restaurant specializing in Alsatian cuisine, including spaetzle, tarte flambee, and choucroute garnie (sauerkraut, sausages, potatoes). For dessert, order the seasonal tarte tartin. Not open on Sunday or Monday.
B-Side, The Deer and The Dove, Fawn deerdove.com
151 Sycamore St.,
119 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Owned by James Beard award-winning chef Terry Koval, B-Side serves Montrealstyle bagels in the morning, followed by quiche, fresh-made sandwiches, and meaty “pounders” like the chopped cheese and Reuben in the afternoon. Head to The Deer and The Dove next door in the evenings, where Koval and his team offer everything from crispy rabbit to duck fat-poached red snapper with cocktails and wine. Check out Koval's new wine and amaro bar, Fawn, next door to Cafe Alsace along East Ponce, Decatur’s main drag.
The Reading Room thereadingroomatl.com
429 Church St.
Located in the former Java Monkey space, The Reading Room offers Decatur a coffee shop and wine bar rolled into one. Expect coffee, tea, smoothies, and pastries in the
morning, followed by toasted baguette sandwiches and charcuterie and cheese boards with wine and cocktails in the afternoon and evenings.
Brick Store Pub brickstorepub.com
125 E. Court Sq.
This award-winning beer bar features an extensive list of local and international brews on tap, not to mention a beer garden behind the building, a cozy bar upstairs, and a cellar bar styled after a UK pub serving rare and vintage beers. There’s food, too, including giant soft pretzels, sandwiches, burgers, and fish and chips.
Victory Sandwich Bar and S.O.S. Tiki Bar vicsandwich.com
340 Church St.
For a quick lunch or dinner, Victory Sandwich Bar serves a menu of sliders, like the spicy Tea Bird chicken with ghost pepper jack cheese, or the Brisky Business with smoked brisket and provolone. At $6 a sandwich, you can order more than one. Add Victory’s popular Jack n’ Coke slushie for $5. Later in the evening, head down the small alleyway beside Victory for drinks and escapism at S.O.S. Tiki Bar.
The Iberian Pig iberianpig.com
121 Sycamore St.
A favorite for tapas and wine on Decatur Square, The Iberian Pig features dishes such as pan con tomate, patatas bravas, pork cheek tacos, and braised short rib empanadas. Order boards overflowing with a variety of cheeses and house-cured meats. Stop by after 4 p.m. for a snack and a drink during jamon happy hour.
Raging Burrito
ragingburrito.com
141 Sycamore St.
Raging Burrito has been a Tex-Mex staple on Decatur Square since 1996. As the name implies, the restaurant features more than a dozen burritos on the menu. Try the pineapple salsa jerk with a choice of chicken or tofu, the Baja fried fish, or the Toyoko teriyaki burrito. Like the burritos, there are plenty of margarita options on the menu and a sizable selection of tequilas to choose from behind the bar. Pro tip: Sit on the garden patio, especially on a pleasant day.
D 92 Korean BBQ
d92koreanbbq.com
225 E. Trinity Pl.
Owned by the team behind 9292 Korean BBQ, and just down the street from Decatur Square, D 92 serves KBBQ meats and seafood for grilling table-side. There’s also an all-you-can-eat KBBQ section.
Smiley’s Burger Club
IG @smileysburgerclub
310 East Howard Ave.
Smiley’s Burger Club keeps the burger simple and classic. Burgers come served as one, two, or three patties griddled and topped with American cheese, housemade pickles, and a riff on Big Mac sauce, accompanied by a side of seasoned fries or beef-tallow-fried smiley face fries. Beer and wine are available, along with desserts like sundaes and milkshakes.
Kimball House
kimball-house.com
303 E. Howard Ave.
This award-winning Decatur restaurant, housed in a former train depot, is known for its cocktails and wine, oysters, and French-Southern dishes, like caviar and middlins with Carolina gold rice grits, smoked fish tartine, and duck breast with seasonal vegetables. Martini lovers should
order the gin and French vermouth-based Kimball House.
Taqueria Del Sol
taqueriadelsol.com
359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
A perennial favorite for tacos stuffed with fried chicken, vegan jalapeno refried beans, or spicy chopped smoked pork, Taqueria Del Sol often sees a line snaking out the door. But the food is worth the wait, as are the restaurant’s margaritas.
Chai Pani chaipani.com
406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
This restaurant from James Beard awardwinning chef Meherwan Irani features a menu of Indian street foods, including sev puri dahi puri (SPDP), chicken kathi rolls, butter chicken bowls, and daily daal. Order a cup of chai or a mango lassi. Want a cocktail? Try the Kerala Colada with
habanero-infused tequila or the Mohan's Old Fashioned with rum, chai syrup, and cardamom bitters.
Inner Voice Brewing innervoicebrewing.beer
308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Order a double IPA or Mexican-style lager
from this downtown Decatur brewery to pair with a pizza or slice from its in-house pizzeria, Brainwave Pizza. And for fans of Glide Pizza, not to worry. The brewery’s former pizza partner is moving just up the street and into the old Chando’s Tacos space on West Ponce.
VIKTOR&ROLF
This exhibition is organized by Kunsthalle Munich and curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot in collaboration with Maison Viktor&Rolf.
Timofey Abel lights the way for Atlanta’s next creative wave
By Sherri Daye Scott
On a warm August night in Atlanta’s Inman Park, more than 100 photographers and photography lovers filled Cam Kirk Studios for Timeless Light & Storytelling: An Hour with Timofey Abel, presented free of charge by the Atlanta School of Photography (ASOP) with support from Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Sara Keith Studio.
In the audience, SCAD students sat alongside seasoned professionals, hair and makeup artists, stylists, and other creatives from across the city’s artistic community. They came to hear Timofey Abel, an Atlanta-based fashion photographer whose cinematic, emotionally driven images have graced an international Glamour cover and fashion-photography fan feeds across the globe—all before he’s turned 21.
For Abel, the night at Cam Kirk Studios was both a pinnacle and a launching pad, recognition from esteemed photography institutions like PPA while advancing his personal mission of strengthening Atlanta’s creative network. “We wanted to bring back a more centralized creative community
in Atlanta, especially for younger photographers,” he says of the night. “There was a moment where a photographer in the back asked my age, and everybody reacted
when I said I was 20. That was cool.”
Born in Moscow, Abel moved to the United States at age seven after his family fled Russia to escape political persecution. Travels to more than 35 countries since childhood have shaped the global perspective behind his people-first approach to photography. His signature style combines natural or Hollywood-style continuous lighting with a deep appreciation for diversity, human connection, and “the story behind an image.” He cites the work of Peter Lindbergh, Herb Ritts, Jacques Olivar, and Wong Kar-wai as influences.
Abel arrived in Atlanta in 2023 at 18, drawn to the city’s mix of accessibility and cultural richness. “I love the people in Atlanta,” he says. “The creative community here is passionate and collaborative. It is as culturally rich as London or New York. I don’t know any other place—besides those cities—that has the same level of cultural variety in the creative scene.”
That diversity is reflected in Abel’s work. He credits a portrait series of Sudanese model Abiei for putting him on the global fashion map. “That just got so much traction,” he says.
He counts SCAD Photography Chair Michael James O’Brien and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film Executive Director Alex Davis among his trusted advisors, mentors who have shaped how he views the role and context of his work. Other guiding voices include celebrity
photographer Hadar Pitchon, who has offered encouragement as Abel’s visibility grows, and fashion photographer Vincent Peters, with whom he occasionally exchanges ideas via social media. That openness to connection has carried Abel into high-profile opportunities. He recently shot Atlanta artist Andrew Blooms for British Vogue after the two met at an Atlanta Fashion Week event. Strategic networking, cold emailing, social posting, and speaking engagements have kept his name and portfolio circulating well beyond Atlanta’s creative circles.
Abel sees community-building as inseparable from his own artistic practice. His goal is to “help as many people as I can… bringing people to New York City, introducing them to people that I know, helping them work with these big names and models and really kind of supporting them as they build their brand.” For Abel, those connections strengthen Atlanta’s creative ecosystem and reflect his belief that “it’s not just photography… it can be so much more—a real cultural movement.” His next step in that mission comes this fall, when he will lead another Atlanta School of Photography workshop designed to connect emerging talent with industry professionals. Which is why Abel is in no rush to leave Atlanta behind. “Let’s start doing things here… what’s the point of having this amazing creative community, but everybody’s trying to get out?”
Find out more at timofeyabel.com.
By Collin Kelley
“Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” the world’s first art amusement park, will have a limited run beginning Sept. 24 at Pullman Yards in Kirkwood.
Already a sensation in Los Angeles and New York, the event actually began nearly 40 years ago in Hamburg, Germany, when a who’s who of modern artists – Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein, to name a few – created one-of-a-kind attractions for the event.
Austrian curator and impresario Andre Heller had planned to make “Luna Luna” a worldwide touring event, but it was largely forgotten and the art pieces stored in shipping containers until they were eventually acquired by Canadian rapper/ actor Drake in 2022.
When “Luna Luna” sets up at Pullman Yards, art lovers will once again be able to see Basquiat’s towering Ferris wheel, Dalí’s mirrored infinity Dalídom, and wander through Lichtenstein’s labyrinthine Luna Luna Pavilion.
There’s also Kenny Scharf’s technicolor swing ride, carousels created by Haring and Arik Brauer, watchful kaleidoscopic flags by Monika GilSing, Poncilí Creación’s PoncilíLand, and Heller’s whimsical wedding chapel.
The exhibition will include a soundtrack that blends music from the 1987 edition with new tracks created by André 3000, David Byrne, Jamie XX, Philip Glass, Saya Gray, and others.
“Bringing ‘Luna Luna’ to Atlanta marks an exciting evolution in our journey to share this visionary project with new audiences across the country,” Michael Goldberg, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Luna Luna, said in a press release. “Atlanta has long been a nexus of cultural innovation – from music and film to contemporary art – making it the ideal next stop for Luna Luna.”
Before you go, check out “Forgotten Fantasy: The Luna Luna Podcast,” a newly released podcast hosted by renowned art historian Helen Molesworth.
Tickets are on sale now at lunaluna.com.
Photo by Timofey Abel
MILLION-DOLLAR MARKETING
Out on Film festival announces 2025 lineup
By Sammie Purcell
The lineup for this year’s Out on Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ film festival, includes a documentary about disco artist Carl Bean, an animated film about a lesbian space princess, and more.
The festival runs Sept. 25 – Oct. 5, with films centering around the theme of
“Queer Propaganda.”
“In a year where our rights are being threatened, it’s as important as ever to stand up and show we are around – and not going anywhere,” Festival Director Jim Farmer said.
This year’s lineup features 35 feature films, five streaming-only films, and 105 short films, according to a press release.
The opening night film of this year’s festival is “I Was Born This Way,” a documentary from Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard about the disco artist Carl Bean and his 1977 song of the same name. “Four Mothers,” an Irish film directed by Darren Thornton about a struggling novelist in Dublin taking care of three older women, will be the closing film.
The festival will feature six centerpiece films: “Exit Interviews,” the debut feature Georgia-based filmmaker Garrett Abdo;
“Fairyland,” directed by Andrew Durham and based on the memoir by Alysia Abbott; “Lesbian Space Princess,” an animated film from Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese; “The Librarians,” a documentary from Kim A. Snyder; “Plainclothes,” a paranoid thriller from Carmen Emmi; and “Assembly,” which follows artist Rashaad Newsome as he transforms a historic military facility into a Black queer utopia.
In addition to screenings, Out on Film will also present actress and transgender rights advocate Angelica Ross (“Pose”) with the 2025 Icon Award.
Get tickets now and see the full lineup at outonfilm.org.
The film “Assembly” is screening at this year’s festival. (Courtesy Out on Film)
Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team
Financial woes threaten future of Atlanta Dogwood Festival
By Sammie Purcell
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is looking to raise $250,000 by Nov. 1 in order to ensure that next year’s festival will happen.
Heading into its 90th year, the festival is facing financial losses due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced sponsorships, and increasing costs, according to a press release. If the festival does not meet its funding goal and deadline, there will be no festival in 2026, according to organizers.
DINING
“Unlike some other events in Atlanta, we don’t receive any taxpayer dollars,” said Brian Hill, Atlanta Dogwood Festival executive director. “We’ve always raised that money through our own efforts. It’s been increasingly more difficult.”
According to the press release, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Board of Directors is currently in conversation with Mayor Andre Dickens’ office for support from the city. The festival is also seeking donations and sponsorships from corporations, local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and past attendees.
The festival’s production costs have risen somewhere between 25-30 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to the rising costs of security, equipment rentals, and other support services. According to Hill, the income made from the festival has not been able to keep pace with the costs.
Other reasons for the increase include the rising cost of labor as well as a shift to digital marketing during the pandemic when live events, and therefore sponsorships of those events, became temporarily obsolete. When the Atlanta Dogwood Festival returned after taking a
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break in 2020, sponsorships returned too, but in a more constricted manner, said Hill.
“Nobody had any idea of how long the impact [of COVID-19] was going to last, especially economically,” he said.
The Dogwood Festival is free to attend and usually hosts 250+ artists from across the country. To offset rising costs over the past few years, the festival has introduced some fundraising efforts such as the Mimosa 5K Run, a VIP ticketed event, midway rides, and merchandise sales. While many of those endeavors have been successful and popular, they’re still not keeping pace with expenses.
According to Hill, scaling the festival down is not an option.
“In diminishing the festival, we’re diminishing the value to sponsors. We’re diminishing the value to the vendors and the artists. If it’s less people coming and it’s a smaller event, they’ve got other events that they can choose from from Fort Worth to Chattanooga,” he said. “If those are on the same weekend, and if we aren’t the Dogwood Festival, then they will choose to go to those instead.”
French-Italian restaurant Elise opens at the Woodruff Arts Center
By Beth McKibben
Elise, the second restaurant from Chef Craig Richards, is now open at the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Midtown.
Taking over the former Table 1280 space across from the High Museum, the restaurant’s name nods to one of Beethoven’s most famous piano compositions, “Für Elise”. To start, Elise is only open for dinner, Tuesday through Sunday, with a five-course tasting menu. Richards, who also owns Italian restaurant Lyla Lila at the corner of 3rd and Peachtree near the Fox Theater, leans into his love of seafood at Elise, melding
both Italian and French dishes on the menu.
“Elise is the evolution of my experiences, especially my experiences at St. Cecilia [in Buckhead] and Lyla Lila,” Richards told Rough Draft. “I love working with seafood, and Elise combines those two restaurants and represents the next chapter for me that now takes inspiration from more French cooking traditions.”
Richards said he was drawn to the light-filled restaurant space with its clean angles and minimalist design by Italian architect Renzo Piano. He worked with Smith Hanes Studio to warm up the dining rooms and bar with pops of color through furniture, blonde wood flooring, and abstract artwork on the walls.
“The space needed a little bit of color, but we didn’t want to get in the way of the modernist design by Renzo Piano. It’s part of what makes that space so beautiful,” explained Richards. “The scalloped ceiling is fantastic and the star of the show, so we took down a lot of the lighting pendants to show that off.”
The main dining room features a large abstract
and pickled field peas, and
with melon,
and
A textured
work incorporating coarse horsehair by
people at the entrance to Elise, while the bar and lounge features bold reds and a shock of yellow in a piece from Athens-based artist Chrissy Reed’s “Blobbies” series.
Led by Chef de Cuisine Savoy Rath, look for appetizers of snapper and tuna tartare topped with saffron aioli, sumac,
Meyer
and lemon
A chicken liver
features strawberry-hibiscus jam and fried pistachios, while the gazpacho comes with toasted parmigiano ice cream and crispy basil.
House-made pastas include cacio e pepe risotto, a rabbit ragu tagliatelle, and linguine tossed with clams, langoustines, poached garlic, and Calabrian chili in an
piece by artist Tommy Taylor, awash with pinks, greens, and sherbetty oranges
yellows.
sculptural
Sonya Yong James greets
scallop crudo garnished
bronze fennel,
balm drizzled with
lemon oil.
mouse
Courtesy Dogwood Festival
The main dining room features a large abstract piece by artist Tommy Taylor. (Courtesy of Angie Webb)
Red snapper and tuna tartare. (Courtesy of Angie Webb)
herb-almond cream.
In addition to entrees of snapper, halibut, and a spiced, cured duck breast, expect three prime cuts of steak–New York strip, ribeye, and petite filet–accompanied by a Madeira-porcini mushroom jus, smoked mushrooms, and pomme purée.
Starting this fall (likely in October), Rath and Richards will begin offering a five-course tasting menu ($95) with optional wine pairings ($45). Lunch will also begin this fall and run six days a week, Richards said, providing area office workers, museum visitors, and neighborhood residents with a more “elevated” dining option during the day.
Eric Potrikus leads the bar program at Elise. Potrikus compiled a wine list focusing heavily on French vintages, along with wines from Portugal, Italy, and California. Among the six cocktails are a classic martini, Negroni, and an Old Fashioned called “The Maestro,” mixing bourbon and rye with Marie Duffau Napoleon armagnac.
“I’ve always loved this space, ever since I first ate here in 2005 when Sean Doty
was chef of Table 1280. It totally makes sense to me to have great food around great art,” Richards said of opening in such an iconic restaurant space in Atlanta. “I love how this design turned out. There’s so much energy [at Woodruff Arts Center] and in this space. I want you to feel all of that energy when you’re eating here.”
Elise is part of a $67 million makeover of the Woodruff Arts Center campus on Peachtree, which includes modernizing and activating the front facade of the original Memorial Arts building, between the Alliance Theatre and High Museum. Once the renovation is complete this winter, signage for Elise will be visible from Peachtree Street, and the restaurant will provide valet parking from that location.
Richards, along with restaurateur Billy Streck, opened Lyla Lila at the end of 2019 on the ground floor of the Lilli Midtown apartment building, one block north of the Fox Theatre on Peachtree. The menu centers on freshly-made pastas and woodfired dishes. Richards learned his pastamaking skills from his mentor, Italian chef
and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich. Michelin recognized Lyla Lila as a recommended restaurant in its 2023 and 2024 dining guides to Atlanta. Elise (elise-atl.com) at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, Midtown. Open Tuesday – Sunday at 5 p.m. Tasting menu and lunch service launch in October. Valet parking is available on Peachtree Street. Accessible by public transit via the Arts Center MARTA station behind Woodruff Arts Center. Parking deck and street parking available.
Tagliatelle with rabbit ragu, taggiasca olives, and soft herbs. (Courtesy of Angie Webb)
Scallop crudo with melon, bronze fennel, Meyer lemon oil, and lemon balm. (Courtesy of Angie Webb)
By Beth McKibben
At a time when most restaurants occupy leased spaces in Atlanta, one of the city’s most cherished restaurants will remain in the building for as long as the owners want and continue to draw patrons to Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown.
In early August, Chef Kevin Clark and Lisa Spooner added property owners to their resumes, purchasing the building in which their diner, Home Grown, has served its coveted comfy chicken biscuits, Southern fare, and “Blue Collar” lunch specials for 15 years.
The purchase of the Home Grown property for Clark and Spooner feels like the first real win they’ve had since 2020. Over the last five years, they’ve navigated Home Grown through the tumult of a global pandemic, wild fluctuations in the economy, threats of closure, and rising rents caused by booming development in the neighborhood.
There have been some good moments, too. Home Grown received recognition from Michelin in the 2023 and 2024 Atlanta dining guides.
The purchase of the building and surrounding property, however, might be the biggest reward to date for Clark and Spooner. It secures Home Grown’s place in Reynoldstown for years to come and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the restaurant.
Clark and Spooner opened Home Grown in June 2010. Clark had spent most of his career working in fine dining restaurants around Atlanta, including for Chef Paul Albrecht of Pano’s and Paul’s. But Clark wanted to open a restaurant where all walks of life could eat, a democratized Southern diner driven
Home Grown owners purchase the building, securing the Southern diner’s future on Memorial The Perfect Spread
by comfort food, affordability, and an inclusive atmosphere.
He and Spooner found a place that suited their needs in Reynoldtown near the intersection of Memorial and Bill Kennedy Way. The building at 968 Memorial Dr. has likely always been a restaurant.
According to Victoria Lemos, podcaster and founder of Archive Atlanta, the building has existed on Memorial Drive for more than 90 years, listed as a “restaurant” on the 1932 Sandborn Fire Map. The name of the restaurant isn’t listed. Dixie Doodle Grill opened there in 1948, followed by Mammy’s Kitchen in the mid-1960s. It closed in 2006. Clark and Spooner opened Home Grown four years later.
“When it was Mammy’s, it served so many workers at the dairies down the street and nearby warehouses. This is where they came for breakfast, fried chicken, and just Southern food,” Clark said. “We kind of picked up where they left off.”
“We feed everyone here under one roof, from every walk of life. There’s no
tension. There’s no drama. You’re accepted. The fact that Home Grown is still going to be here and that we can continue, it’s overwhelming,” he added of how it feels to own the property.
Clark gets emotional when he talks about what Home Grown means to people, including its regulars and employees, some of whom have been with the restaurant for years. They understand the little Southern diner is part of people’s lives. Clark and Spooner watched one young employee grow up eating at Home Grown with her family.
Yet the outpouring of support on social media after he and Spooner posted the video regarding the property purchase still surprised Clark. That reactions to the news were all positive took Clark’s breath away.
Much of the emotion was pure relief after months of back-and-forth with the landlord negotiating new lease terms. A substantial rent hike in April left Clark and Spooner paying rent month to month, while they kept up negotiations. One day, out of the blue, Clark said, he received an email that the Home Grown property was for sale. Negotiations with the landlord swiftly turned from discussing rental terms to purchase terms.
Property values in the area have skyrocketed over the last 15 years. According to Homes.com, the median price for a single-family home in the neighborhood today is just shy of $700,000. Those same homes went for around $150,000 in 2009.
Despite the characterful appearance of the building, especially surrounded by new developments, Clark and Spooner understood the Home Grown property was now prime real estate.
A friend and nearby commercial property owner knowledgeable on the area’s price per acre helped broker the deal for Clark and Spooner.
Following weeks of negotiations and many sleepless nights, Clark said, they finally came to an agreed-upon number in mid-August.
“Nobody wanted to commit [to a
number]. So much back-and-forth. Yes, we’re fortunate this is the outcome, but we kept thinking about our staff the entire time and what if we had to tell them we’re done at this location if this didn’t work out,” Clark said of the reason behind continuing the months-long negotiations. “That’s 20 people’s livelihoods, and this is a place they love, that we love.”
With the uncertainty behind them and the purchase complete, Clark and Spooner are looking to the future of Home Grown.
On Aug. 25, Home Grown began serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Not much will change on the menu, save for a few more weekly specials from Clark. The Comfy Chicken Biscuit (biscuits and sausage gravy topped with crispy fried chicken) will remain Home Grown’s calling card.
A small coffee shop with seating will open soon in the back of Home Grown, run by Storyteller Goods founder Justin Brostek. He’s been popping up on weekends, offering curated coffee drinks beyond what Clark calls the “diner coffee” served at Home Grown. Once up and running, people can order coffee directly from Storyteller or in the Home Grown dining room.
Dinner will launch in the coming weeks, along with a simple bar program with cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas, and at least one or two beers. As for what Clark and Spooner plan to serve for dinner, that’s still in the works.
“I remember day one here. We really had no idea what we were doing or what we were creating. I just love to cook. That’s what I do. Lisa keeps things running so I can do that,” Clark said. “That was our whole business plan. People told us not to open a restaurant. Even our parents thought we were crazy. We didn’t listen, thank God.”
Home Grown, 968 Memorial Dr., Reynoldstown. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, starting Aug. 25, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coffee shop, dinner, and liquor license forthcoming.
Home Grown owners Chef Kevin Clark and Lisa Spooner. (Courtesy Home Grown)
The building, now home to Home Grown, has been a restaurant since at least 1932. (Via Home Grown/Facebook)
First residential tower at Centennial Yards now pre-leasing
By Rough Draft Staff
Pre-leasing has officially begun for The Mitchell, the first residential tower at the Centennial Yards development in Downtown Atlanta.
This 19-story high-rise features 304 units and is located just steps away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and multiple MARTA stations. Resident amenities include a rooftop pool with event lawn, fitness center, co-working space, club lounge, and pet spa.
The Mitchell will also include approximately 16,000 square feet of groundfloor retail and restaurant space, including Khao, a Thai tapas concept introduced last winter by 26 Thai.
Here’s the price range for apartments at The Mitchell:
■ Studios from $1,450 – $2,500/ month (434–638 sq ft)
■ 1-bedrooms from $1,800 –
$2,460/month (649–746 sq ft)
■ 2-bedrooms from $2,900 –
$3,635/month (1,191–1,363 sq ft)
■ 3-bedrooms from $5,688 –
$5,753/month (1,539–1,549 sq ft)
The Mitchell is part of Centennial Yards’ $5 billion mixed-use development in Downtown, covering 50 acres of underutilized land formerly known as The Gulch.
For more details, floor plans, or virtual tours, visit TheMitchellATL.com
Old Fourth Ward apartment project won’t have supermarket
By Collin Kelley
A mixed-use apartment complex in Old Fourth Ward, first proposed in 2022, is showing new signs of life, but without a major supermarket tenant.
Located at the busy corner of Highland Avenue and Boulevard, diagonally across from the former Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, the property is being developed by Fuqua and Northwood Ravin.
The Bowery will consist of 273 apartments and 12 townhomes spread across seven stories. Fifteen percent of the units will be reserved for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income.
There will also be retail space on the
property, but Urbanize Atlanta reported that The Bowery lost its supermarket prospects due to the shuttered Atlanta Medical Center, which will eventually be transformed into a mixed-use development called BLVDNEXT.
A Northwood Ravin development partner told Urbanize Atlanta that the vacant medical center site “scared away our grocer contacts” due to reduced jobs and daytime traffic in the area.
The original plan for The Bowery called for 53,000 square feet of retail space, but it has been significantly scaled back to 12,000 square feet.
The $122 million Bowery project will begin this fall with delivery in 2028.
Residential tower proposed over Midtown fire station
By Collin Kelley
The Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC) made recommendations in August for a proposed residential tower on 10th Street that would incorporate a new Fire Station #15.
The project, led by Atlanta Urban Development Corporation and Midtown Community Heroes Housing, would feature a 21-story mixed-use tower, a new 19,448 square foot fire station at the base, and a 224-space parking deck at 170 10th St.
The building would have 231 units (with about one-third designated as affordable). The fire station’s main doors, residential leasing, lobby, and bike storage would all be located at street-level facing 10th Street.
An easement connected to 11th St. would provide rear access to the fire station, loading, trash services, and all parking.
The DRC made a number of recommendations, including increasing the size of the bike storage facility, simplifying the façade treatment of the fire station with a recommended brick punched
opening design for the first three levels, and adding more landscaping.
The DRC committee also recommended short-term pick-up/drop-off spaces with a delineated pathway to the lobby and mailroom on the 11th Street side of the building. Pick-up and drop-off along 10th Street would be prohibited so as not to interfere with the operation of the fire station, which has been at 170 10th for nearly 40 years.
According to Saporta Report, Invest Atlanta approved an $85 million tax-exempt bond to help finance the construction of 170 10th in July.
The Mitchell (Courtesy Centennial Yards Co.)
A rendering of The Bowery mixed-use project in Old Fourth Ward. (Courtesy of Northwood Ravin)
Development organization builds on civil rights legacy to revitalize Sweet Auburn
By Katie Burkholder
In 1980, civil rights leaders Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris, and John Cox had one goal: restore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic District, known to many Atlantans as Sweet Auburn, to the economically diverse and viable neighborhood that raised Rev. Dr. King.
Thus, the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC) was born. What started as a small group of volunteers developing affordable housing has grown in 45 years to a powerhouse organization that has transformed Sweet Auburn while maintaining the integrity of the historic neighborhood.
“Being an advocate for our neighborhood, Sweet Auburn, is so important, not just to Atlanta but to the deep South,” Chenee Joseph, the President and CEO of HDDC, told Rough Draft. “There are so many of our historically
African American neighborhoods that are in danger of, essentially, extinction. We want to make sure that that never happens here.”
HDDC’s primary concern is ensuring the non-displacement of legacy residents in the district, but their work extends far beyond affordable housing. Since 1980, the organization has built or restored more than 120 single-family homes along with helping to launch 95 new businesses, created more than 400 new jobs, showcased more than 30 local artists in their gallery, and introduced more than 9,000 square feet of gardens to the neighborhood, all with the direct involvement of community members.
“We are the community,” Joseph said. “We have been here as long as some of our longest residents, and with that comes a rapport, a relationship. The projects we take on, the initiatives that we begin, we
Continued on page 33
A rendering of Henderson Place. (Courtesy HDDC)
Front Porch on Auburn is a project developed in partnership with the Historic Development Corporation. (Courtesy Front Porch)
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Come experience Atlanta’s biggest block party on Howell Mill Road.
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don’t do any of that in a silo. I like to call our residents our co-developers. When you’re in a co-development agreement, you have partners that walk alongside you through the duration of whatever that project is.”
When projects like the Front Porch, a 100,000 square foot mixed-use development that includes affordable housing and retail space built in 2022, are introduced by HDDC, the organization engages with the community to ask them what they want to see from the project and how it could best improves their lives in Sweet Auburn.
While Joseph says the organization works to ensure the neighborhood is affordable for long-time residents in perpetuity, she also recognizes the realities of gentrification and the need to toe the line between revitalization and preservation.
“Gentrification is very alive and well, and we’ll take some responsibility for that because when you’ve improved a neighborhood, now people want to be here,” she said. “It’s always that balance of making sure that you’re protecting your history, protecting your culture, while ensuring that you don’t get left in the past.”
HDDC is currently working on redeveloping Henderson Place, a $20 million project in partnership with Mercy Housing, transforming a ‘50s-era building into 76 apartment units with a groundlevel community food market. The project is set to be completed by July 2026. HDDC is also maintaining their work at building a self-sufficient and sustainable neighborhood through their ongoing Sweet Auburn Green and Equitable (SAGE) initiative.
Moving forward, Atlantans living in other neighborhoods may see HDDC’s work hit closer to home. Joseph says other communities have asked the organization to replicate their work in Sweet Auburn, but she says they will only become involved if the residents want to see them there.
“I don’t believe in just showing up in neighborhoods,” she said. “I want to be invited and know that we’ve got so many people that recognize the work, appreciate the work, and really want to improve the part of life for the people that live in their neighborhoods and see us as a source that can help them do that.”
To get involved and volunteer with the Historic District Development Corporation, visit hddc.org.
Seeking nominations of students for our 17th Annual 20 Under 20 issue.
Here’s the information we need:
■ Nominator (name, relationship to nominee and contact information)
■ Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, and areas of interest.
■ A high resolution photograph (1MB in size or more) of the student in any setting.
Deadline for nominations is Nov 7, 2025
To submit nominations and photos to collin@roughdraftatlanta.com
Electric school buses give students a healthier ride, may help their grades
By Rebecca Grapevine | Healthbeat Atlanta
With Metro Atlanta students back in school, a fraction of them are taking electric buses. Those students are getting a healthier, quieter ride – and research shows they may also perform better on tests and have fewer absences.
Most of Georgia’s school bus fleet is traditional diesel-fueled vehicles, which contribute to air and noise pollution. Replacing them with electric versions is a pricey endeavor at about $300,000 or more apiece, compared to about $100,000 for a traditional bus.
About 124 of Georgia’s 20,000 school buses are electric so far, according to data from the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative.
The transition to electric school buses is in the early stages in the United States, jump-started by federal funding during the Biden administration, said Susan Mudd, a senior policy advocate at the Environmental Law and Policy Center. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, included $5 billion over five years for the Clean School Bus program at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Some Atlanta area districts got funding, but others that applied, like Gwinnett County, did not. And the most recent round of awards under the infrastructure bill has stalled amid
changes at the EPA since President Donald Trump took office in January.
Meanwhile, local climate and children’s health advocates are looking for cheaper, interim solutions to ease school bus pollution until more electric buses are on the road.
How diesel-fueled school buses affect students’ health
Traditional diesel school buses create air pollution that can damage children’s lungs, said Sara Adar, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health who is an expert on air pollution.
There are several reasons for that, she said, including that children are still developing. They breathe in more air relative to their body size than adults do, and since they’re typically shorter than adults, they are closer to the tailpipes that emit exhaust fumes.
“We’ve found that there are no safe levels of air pollution, so it is of concern to all children,” Adar said. The oldest buses are the least clean, she said. About half of the school buses in Georgia are from 2009 or before, when buses were subject to lower emissions standards, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative.
Replacing older school buses with models that pollute less can also bring educational benefits, Adar said. That includes better performance on math and
language arts standardized tests, as well as improved attendance.
“The evidence for those associations is really strong,” Adar said.
There are two theories for explaining those links: Kids who ride cleaner buses may perform better because they have better attendance due to breathing cleaner air.
“Their lungs are less irritated. They’re less likely to get sick or to have asthma attacks and therefore be at school more frequently,” Adar said.
Or air pollution could be damaging kids’ brains.
“We also know that air pollution can damage our brain, so on high air pollution days, we know that your brain just is a bit more sluggish than usual, and so it’s possible that the improvements we see in the standardized testing actually have to do with reducing harm to the brain itself,” Adar said.
There can be other community benefits, as well, Mudd said. Some models of electric school buses can store energy and send it back to buildings or the power grid when the buses are not in use, like during school holidays, and during emergencies.
Districts praise EV benefits: cleaner air, cheaper maintenance
DeKalb, Atlanta, and Clayton school districts are among those trying out
electric school buses.
Clayton has a total of 467 school buses. Twenty-five are electric, with another 75 slated to arrive within the next year, said Denise Hall, executive director of transportation for the district. While most of the funding came from the EPA grants, the district paid $2.9 million to build charging stations and infrastructure.
“The buses have provided clean air for our scholars and reduced gas and maintenance expenditures,” Hall said.
Neighboring DeKalb has ordered 25 electric school buses for its fleet of 1,005, with plans to order 50 more, using EPA funding, spokesperson Carla Parker said.
Atlanta Public Schools has 25 electric buses purchased through the Clean School Bus fund, said Anthony Ashley, senior director of fleet operations for the district.
“You want to give them the best environment to grow in, and EVs advance that avenue for them, because, for years, kids were exposed to diesel fumes, which have been shown in studies that tend to stunt kids’ growth or their brain,” Ashley said. “We always want the best for our kids, and this is one pathway to advancing that cause.”
Students and drivers also enjoy the quieter environment, Ashley said.
“Kids don’t want to make as much noise as they have in the past, when they have to talk over the engine or yell or scream or whatever. So the environment tends to be a bit more quiet and calm,” he said. That makes for a nicer ride for both students and drivers.
Some APS drivers were initially reluctant to make the switch, but he now has a waiting list of drivers who want electric buses.
Mothers and Others for Clean Air, a local advocacy group, partnered with Georgia Physicians for Climate Action and the Georgia State Medical Association on a campaign to advocate a switch to electric school buses. They have met with district leaders from across the state to educate them about the benefits and how to find funds.
Fulton County Schools has only one electric school bus in its fleet of 930, spokesperson Anne Hamspon Boatwright said. It was bought with funds from the EPA and local taxes.
“We use our bus on a limited basis but have not found it to be practical or effective for our needs. Our green, natural gas-powered buses work very well for us,” Boatwright said.
Some models of electric school buses can store energy and send it back to buildings or the power grid when the buses are not in use, like during school holidays and during emergencies. (Courtesy of Clayton County Public Schools)
Natural gas- and propane-powered school buses still pollute, albeit less than diesel, said Tanya Coventry-Strader, executive director of Mothers and Others for Clean Air.
Gwinnett County Public Schools – which claims to be the third largest transporter of students in the country –operates 2,006 buses, but none of them are electric, said Kondria Woods, director of communications. The district applied for federal funds over the past four years but was not selected.
Much of the funding is allocated to eligible school districts through a lottery system, according to EPA materials.
Advocates testing air-cleaning devices on diesel buses
Applications for the fourth year of the Clean School Bus program were due in January, and EPA materials state that notifications to awardees were to be sent out in May.
The notifications have not been sent out, according to a statement to Healthbeat from the EPA press office. The agency will provide an update to applicants “in the near future,” the statement said.
“The good news is that in the BBB [the Big Beautiful Bill signed by Trump on July 4], they did not claw back future rounds of Clean School Bus program funding," Mudd said.
Meanwhile, Mothers and Others for Clean Air in Atlanta is exploring other ways to reduce the impacts of air pollution on children riding diesel buses, Coventry-Strader said.
The group worked with a company called EnviroKlenz to install air-cleaning devices, called Smart Mounts, on four school buses in Atlanta to see whether the devices would reduce air pollution. They found that the filters did reduce air pollution.
Coventry-Strader said that ideally, all Georgia children could travel to school on a non-polluting electric bus. However, that transition could take a long time due to the high cost of the buses.
“The initial test looks really great,” she said of the air filters, which help protect passengers from ambient air pollution that may enter the bus from surrounding vehicles.
She emphasized that electric school buses are a top priority since they protect children and do not emit air pollutants.
“These are a much more cost-effective means to clean the air inside the bus, to immediately affect the health of students and the bus drivers while districts make the switch to electric buses,” CoventryStrader said. “We know that these diesel school buses are harming our kids’ health.”
APS students continue to make gains in Georgia Milestones testing
By Rough Draft Staff
Atlanta Public Schools students in grades three through eight made gains in English Language Arts (ELA) (0.5%), Math (3.4%), Science (5.9%), and Social Studies (0.1%) compared to the 20232024 school year results, according to results from the 2024-2025 Georgia Milestones student assessment.
According to the report released Aug. 8 by the Georgia Department of Education, year-over-year gains were greater than the state in most assessed areas, and all subgroups (Students with Disabilities, English Learners, Economically Disadvantaged, etc.) showed increases in Math and Science performance.
“We are very encouraged by the progress we see in Math and Science,” Dr. Shakeatha Butler, APS Chief of Teaching & Learning, said in a statement. “We also acknowledge there is continued work to do in literacy. We are laser-focused on implementing standards-aligned training, practices, and resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with community partners through Literacy & Justice for All and the Rollins Center to leverage expertise in the field.”
“These results affirm that when our leaders create the right conditions for our students to work hard, teachers stay focused, and we return to the basics of great teaching, success follows,” APS Chief of Schools Tommy Usher said in a statement. “Our commitment remains strong; deliver high-quality instruction, set high expectations, and support every teacher and every child along the way.”
According to a press release from APS, the Atlanta Board of Education continues to make investments in teachers, leaders, and staff. This includes a $58.9 million investment that provided an 11% salary increase for teachers last school year, and a $9.3 million investment this year to deliver a 10% raise for custodians, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals.
Board Chair Erika Y. Mitchell expressed pride in the district’s progress, stating, “On behalf of the Atlanta Board of Education, we are proud to celebrate the positive gains our students have made on the Georgia Milestones. These results reflect the hard work of our educators, the dedication of our families, and the resilience of our students. We look forward to continued growth and even greater progress in the year ahead.”
End of Grade Year-Over-Year Gains By Subject (Grade 3-8)
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
Oglethorpe University implements new career preparation programs
By Logan C. Ritchie
Oglethorpe University is implementing new programs this school year for students to gain exposure to real-world career tracks in real time.
Oglethorpe President Dr. Kathryn McClymond said she's looking forward to deepening the focus on career preparation with Petrel Career Pathways and Oglethorpe Goes to Work day.
"We're finding that more and more students are coming to college asking, 'What's my opportunity afterwards?' Increasingly, colleges have to demonstrate the value that they bring to the career prospects for a student, and we believe strongly that the liberal arts education they receive is a high career value," McClymond said.
During new student orientation this month, students will have time to get prepared for the academic year by meeting faculty and learning about opportunities on- and off-campus at the career services office.
Petrel Career Pathways encourages students to learn about different professional clusters, including health professions, business, communication studies, and pre-law. In addition to resume preparation and site visits, the university will connect students with internships.
McClymond said site visits are "transformative" because they give the students a chance to see what it looks like to work in health professions at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, for example.
"Not just in their imagination, but to
see who the people are that make it possible to deliver healthcare in that setting," she said.
Students will be introduced to local alumni in healthcare, law, and business.
"Students don't realize how many career opportunities there are in some of these fields, so we want them to learn that right from day one," McClymond said.
As a result of the exposure to alumni and site visits, Oglethorpe is hoping students gain an understanding that there are more jobs available than
STYLE IS FOREVER
Continued on page 38
Courtesy Oglethorpe University
students think. In healthcare, people think about the doctors and the nurses – but there are technicians, physician assistants, and business people behind the scenes, she said.
"There are lots of people involved in providing healthcare who didn't have a traditional nurse or doctor's education," she added. "I want my students to imagine multiple pathways forward."
In spring 2026, the university is launching Oglethorpe Goes to Work day. For a single day, every sophomore will be off campus to explore career opportunities.
Oglethorpe has a strong network of alumni who speak on campus, hold panels and mentor students one-onone. McClymond said Oglethorpe is "incredibly rich in our alumni resources" with many alumni who stay in metro Atlanta, in the state of Georgia, and in the southeast.
"We're doing this because we have amazing community partnerships and alumni who want to bring the students on campus or off campus to see their work, and because Atlanta is the fourth most popular place for college graduates to go in the country right now after graduation," McClymond said.
"Opportunity is at our doorstep ... we want to give students a leg up, get them out into the city, and for them to see the job opportunities," she added.
Due to the leadership of the Director of Career Development, Dr. Lisa Conley, students are visiting more job sites and are being introduced to potential employers. Several students were offered jobs last year based on an introduction made through a site visit.
McClymond said students must be thinking about internships the summer between their sophomore and junior year.
"Not only will we give you the traditional resume building skills, but we can actually help build your network so that when you're ready to go looking for that internship, or job you already know people in your field," McClymond said, adding that 92 percent of students one year out from graduation are either working in their preferred field or are in a graduate program.
It goes beyond alumni, McClymond stressed. Oglethorpe's highly motivated faculty come to the university because they want a relationship with students.
"What makes Oglethorpe special is that we have always, always been about the person and the individual relationships. We wanted to craft a career preparedness plan that is still true to that personal experience. And I love being able to offer that to parents and students," she said.
"I'm really excited about lifting our students up to make them more visible to and connected with the city. I think that's going to be a win-win for the students and for the City of Atlanta," she said.
Fernbank unveils $27 million investment to expand programs, galleries, learning spaces
By Cathy Cobbs
Fernbank Museum has announced a successful $27 million capital campaign that will be used to transform how visitors experience science, nature, and human culture.
The renovation includes a landmark permanent exhibit, expanded galleries, interactive learning spaces, and significant accessibility improvements across the 120-acre campus.
“This represents the most ambitious expansion in Fernbank’s history,” Jennifer Grant Warner, its president and CEO said in a release by the museum. “We’re not just adding new exhibits—we’re fundamentally reimagining how people of all ages connect with the natural world around them.”
The campaign received major support from The Gary W. Rollins Foundation, the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and more than 80 other funders, with eight gifts exceeding $1 million, the release said.
“Fernbank’s unique approach to programming aligns perfectly with our commitment to science education,” said Kathleen Rollins, executive director of The Gary W. Rollins Foundation. “We’re proud to support Atlanta’s premier destination for science and nature experiences.”
The centerpiece of the renovation is Changing Earth, Fernbank’s largest permanent exhibit, which will showcase Earth’s interconnected systems through cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences, the release said.
Visitors will manipulate tectonic plates using the interactive “Tectonic
Dashboard,” explore biodiversity through the “Tree of Life” experience, and witness Earth’s 13.8-billion-year story unfold in the immersive “Rollins Rotunda.”
“Guests are part of natural history, and we’re engaging them in that conversation across the entire museum experience,” Warner said. “Every element connects — from our old-growth forest to our 3D theater to these new interactive galleries.”
Details about the installations:
• Our Place in the Cosmos (Opening late 2025): The renovated Star Gallery will feature expanded content about solar system and universe origins, combining the existing fiber optic star ceiling with new cinematic media and custom video content.
• Orkin Discovery Zone (Opening 2026): A hands-on learning environment where visitors become scientists, exploring live animals, authentic specimens, and interactive displays. Highlights include microscope stations connected to WildWoods discoveries and a “build-abug” spinning activity.
• Changing Earth Signature Exhibit (Opening 2027): The museum’s most ambitious permanent installation, featuring real specimens, touchable objects, and sophisticated technology that reveals how Earth’s water, land, air, and life systems influence each other.
• New Temporary Gallery (Opening 2027): An additional rotating exhibition space adjacent to Changing Earth will house both traveling exhibits and museum-curated displays, providing fresh
experiences for repeat visitors.
• Enhanced Accessibility (Ongoing): New elevator installation and additional automatic doors will improve access throughout the building and to the WildWoods nature area.
This expansion continues Fernbank’s recent growth trajectory, following the successful 2019 opening of the Fantastic Forces exhibit, the 2020 STEAM Lab launch, and the 2016 creation of WildWoods, which physically connected the museum with Fernbank Forest.
“We’re experiencing tremendous growth in membership and attendance,” Warner said. “This expansion ensures we can continue creating modern, relevant experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and curious minds.”
Fernbank Museum, according to its website, after nearly 100 years of inspiration and decades of planning, broke ground in 1989 for a natural history museum to serve as “school in the woods” and inspire future generations of naturalists and scientists.
It officially opened to the public on Oct. 5, 1992, featuring a variety of permanent exhibitions, Atlanta’s largest IMAX screen, a selection of traveling exhibits and science programming.
In 2003, Fernbank received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums — a recognition awarded to fewer than five percent of museums nationwide.
For more information, visit fernbankmuseum.org
Courtesy Fernbank Museum
BEN FRANKLIN ACADEMY
By Beth McKibben
Whether you’re an avid home cook, love mixing it up behind the bar at home, enjoy wine tastings, or simply want to learn something new before the next dinner party, these classes from Atlanta chefs, bakeries, and cooking schools will help keep your skills sharp.
From the art of Neapolitan pizzamaking and the basics of butchery to the importance of knife sharpening and a luxe caviar tasting experience, here’s where to start your culinary learning journey in Atlanta.
Cook a new dish
GCA offers the flexibility your family needs with the structured support your child deserves. Learn from anywhere in Georgia with certified teachers and live classes.
Discover GCA at georg iacyber.org
Head to Cook’s Warehouse at Ansley Mall in Piedmont Heights for lessons on everything from how to make Thai dishes and cake decorating to baking gluten-free desserts and creating a spread for a seasonal dinner party. Classes cost between $99 and $110 per person for a hands-on cooking experience and instruction from local chefs and bakers. Visit cookswarehouse.com to see the monthly class calendar.
Over in Virginia-Highland, consider a pasta-making class at Italian market Tuscany at Your Table. With limited availability, these classes are super popular and fill up fast. Classes cost $95 per person and include a wine tasting. See details at tuscanyatyourtable.com.
Check out the culinary classes held
at The Cooking School on Virginia Avenue in Hapeville, ranging from creating seafood dishes to making paella to pair with sangria. There is even an occasional cooking class for kids. See classes at details at thecookingschools. com.
Cakes, caviar, and cocktails
From cake making to caviar curation to cocktail creation, The Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee offers a variety of classes to attend each month. Want to spruce up your dinner party vibes? Take a class in flower arranging, calligraphy, glass engraving, or candle making. A pizza class will have you whipping up dough to bake signature pies at home. There are also classes on sushi making and exploring the world of caviar with a tasting experience. Classes start at $75 per person and usually include a cocktail or non-alcoholic drink, light snacks, or both food and drinks. Details can be found at distilleryofmodernart.com.
Pizza-making with a pro
Emory Village Italian restaurant and pizzeria Double Zero offers monthly pizza-making classes. Learn the craft behind Neapolitan pies, including producing dough and firing pizzas in the Stefano Ferrara Forni ovens imported from Naples. Classes cost $60 per person and include instruction from the restaurant’s pizza chef and a glass of wine. See the classes at doublezeroatl.com.
For wine aficionados
Dunwoody wine bar and restaurant Vino Venue features weekly wine classes via its Atlanta Wine School. Learn which wines to pair with cheese or how to choose the best wines to complement any meal. Taste your way through wines from France, Oregon, or Italy. For people serious about taking their wine skills to the next level, Atlanta Wine School offers programs for becoming a Certified Specialist of Wine (WSET) and Italian Wine Professional. Classes range from $60 to $75, with certification classes starting at $315. Cooking classes, from kitchen
Take a one-on-one knife-sharpening class from Michael Behn of Moshi Moshi. (Courtesy of Moshi Moshi)
basics to creating family dinners, and other classes like floral arranging, are also available at Vino Venue. Visit vinovenue. com for more information.
Bake bread, then break bread
South Atlanta microbakery Osono Bread offers both sourdough and brioche doughnut-making classes. Owned and operated by baker Betsy Gonzalez, the sourdough class sees students feeding starters, mixing dough, and baking bread together. You’ll take home your starter and loaf, along with locally-milled flour and proofing basket. Held at locations around Atlanta, you can also learn to mix, shape, proof, and fry brioche doughnuts and create fillings. Osono Bread classes average around $135 per person. Find out more at osonobread.com.
Fans of Atlanta baker Sarah Dodge can take classes at Colette Bread and Bakeshop in Poncey-Highland, including classes on sourdough and making her wildly popular biscuits. Details are at coletteatl.com/classes.
Whole animal butchery
Avondale Estates butcher shop, Pine Street Market, hosts butchery classes
monthly. Owner and butcher Rusty Bowers will teach you how to use the proper knives and tools to break down a whole hog or to produce several cuts of steak. Classes cost between $175 per person and $235 per person, which includes a whetstone for sharpening. Butchery classes are held at The Lost Druid Brewery in Avondale Estates. Find details at pinestreetmarket.com.
Sharpen
your knives
Take a one-on-one knife-sharpening class from the sharpener to the chefs, Moshi Moshi’s Michael Behn. This twohour session with Behn deep dives into the importance of keeping your kitchen knives sharp, properly cleaned, and primed for slicing, dicing, and chopping. Behn will instruct you on how to properly use a whetstone and teach you the functionality of specific knives in the kitchen and why each blade needs something a little different when it comes to sharpening. Classes are $150 per person. Make sure to bring two to three knives for instruction. Lessons are typically held on Friday afternoons. Visit moshiknives.com to register.
WHY JUST LEARN WHEN YOU CAN EXPLORE? At Paideia, curiosity drives everything. Ages 3–12th grade | Druid Hills, Atlanta paideiaschool.org
The Centre for Dance Education has been inspiring future dancers for nearly 30 years.
Whether your child loves to skip and twirl, enjoys ballet technique at the barre, or is pursuing a professional career, our experienced instructors will be with them every step of the way. In our highly nurturing, noncompetitive environment, everyone is respected, dreams are encouraged, and achievements at all levels are celebrated.
To enroll your child, visit
Photo by Kim Kenney
Gennadi Nedvigin
Artistic Director
Sharon Story Dean
School of Atlanta Ballet
Courtesy Distillery of Modern Art
Vino Venue features weekly wine classes. (Courtesy of Vino Venue)
Acting, writing, and filmmaking classes happening in Atlanta
Building a strong educational foundation for dyslexic students in grades K-6.
Visit www.schenck.org to learn more.
By Sammie Purcell
It’s never too late to chase a dream. If you’ve been wondering how to break into the film and television industry, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to get started. Acting, writing, and filmmaking classes are available in spades throughout Atlanta. If you’re looking for classes that start in August or September, you’ll have your pick of everything from improv to screenwriting.
See what upcoming classes you can choose from below, and visit any one of these organizations’ website to see what they have coming in the future.
Drama Inc.
Drama Inc. offers a plethora of acting classes for all levels of experience, including script analysis and scene study
classes, on-camera basics, and stand-up. Plus, actors can also study the methods of acting teachers like Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen. Drama Inc. also offers screenwriting classes at different levels. For the full list of the classes offered at Drama Inc., visit dramainc.net.
Nick Conti’s Professional Actor’s Studio
Nick Conti’s Professional Actor’s Studio offers weekly acting classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. There are also classes geared toward teenagers, improv, and combat training. Potential students can also audit one class for free. Check out Nick Conti’s full class calendar at proactorsstudio.com.
Catapult Acting Studios
Catapult Acting Studios offers a number of acting classes for youth (ages 4-17) and adults. The sudio also offers a conservatory program for both youth and for young adults (ages 16-25) that offers a more intensive curriculum for actors looking to master TV/film performance. The entirety of Catapult’s catalogue can be found catapultacting.com.
Atlanta Film Society
Class details at atlantafilmsociety.org. The PA Academy: Presented in partnership with Georgia Production Partnership, The PA Academy is an inperson course that prepares students for success on their first day on set. The PA
Courtesy Drama Inc.
Courtesy Dad’s Garage
Academy teaches students everything they need to know to be a production assistant in any department, and takes place every February, June, August, and November.
How to Make a Documentary: Ideas, Research, and Concept Reels: This four-part online course starts Sept. 6 and is taught by Imani L. Warren, an awardwinning producer and filmmaker based in Florida. The course aims to explore the necessary tools and techniques of documentary filmmaking. The last class will take place Sept. 27.
Special Effects, Monsters and Mayhem: A Guide for Filmmakers: This workshop will take place at the Plaza Theatre on Sept. 13. Makeup FX artist and specialty costumer Midian Crosby will teach students the pros and cons of practical incamera effects versus digital, how to get the best effects for your budget, and more.
Film Business Basics: Film producer Linda Burns will teach this three-class series geared toward students just starting out in the film industry. The three classes will all take place on Sept. 20.
Alliance Theatre
Class details at alliancetheatre.org.
Acting I: Foundation: Over multiple classes at the Alliance Theatre, students will learn basic acting techniques, develop physical and vocal awareness as an actor, and more. There are multiple sessions available for this class, with the soonest running from Sept. 2 to Oct. 7.
Acting II: Process: The next step in acting class at the Alliance builds on the foundation learned in Acting I. In these classes, students will learn different ways to approach a scene, as well as how to create dynamic relationships and emotional reality.
Musical Theater I: Acting through Song: Musical theater isn’t just about singing, but learning how to act through your singing as well. In this multi-week course, students will learn all about vocal health and protection, how to analyze a song, phrasing, and more.
The Actor’s Body: This course helps actors move through the moments of tension
or stress they will inevitably face in their career. Students in this class will learn improved self-awareness, tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and more.
Improv I: If you’ve ever shown an interest in the art of improv, this is the class for you. In this intro course, you will learn how to be more mindful and engaged when working through an improv scene, and how to build bridges between your instincts and logic. The only session available runs from Sept. 12 to Oct. 27.
Screenwriting: In this film screenwriting class, students will learn a step-by-step approach to screenplay creation, including character outlines, drafts, and dialogue writing.
Dad’s Garage
Do Improv Good with Kevin Gillese: Gillese, the former artistic director of Dad’s Garage, teaches this four-week master class on improv. The course dives into how authenticity, emotional truth, contrast, and commitment are the things that really make improv shine. Prior improv experience is required for this course, which runs Sept. 7-28.
Dad’s Garage also offers classes for all levels of improv performance, as well as classes on sketch-writing, directing, and other types of performance throughout the year. Get details and schedules at dadsgarage.com.
Whole World Improv Theatre
The Actor’s Toolbox: A Character Study Master Class with Tanya Wagner: During this six-week short-form improv class, Whole World veteran Tanya Wagner will teach students how to think on their feet through improv games and a fastpaced environment. Students will learn how to harness their spontaneity and more. The class takes place from Sept. 21 to Oct. 26.
Whole World Improv Theatre also offers a selection of courses for adults as well as teens and children, ranging from beginner to advanced. Check out Whole World’s list of courses at wholeworldtheatre.com.
