OUR TOWN DEKALB SEP/OCT 2019

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10 Tucker Community Action Team Promotes Good Deeds 11 Art Wood – To Refinance or NOT to Refinance 12 Beat the Badge for a Good Cause 13 Halloween Trunk or Treat on Tucker’s Main Street

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On The Cover:

Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Shines as a Cultural Beacon in Tucker Residents of Tucker and the surrounding communities don’t have to travel far to enjoy stirring musical performances, passionate dance recitals or thrilling stage productions – featuring local talent and offered free to the public.

Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts, housed in the educational building at Smoke Rise Baptist Church on Hugh Howell Road, has been an arts showcase for over 27 years, not only nurturing local young talents in music, dance, art and drama but also staging free drama productions twice yearly for the community that inevitably fill the 400-seat theatre for every show.

The SRAA was founded in 1992 with just 25 students and a small staff that included an administrator plus three teachers who handled individual music lessons, children’s and adults’ art classes, and drama classes for children. While the academy was established as a self-supporting ministry (the church provides the use of the building and the Academy supports itself financially), its mission was to provide a program of fine arts instruction to the community, with no religious affiliation and regardless of a student’s individual religious beliefs. Since its founding, it has grown to over 200 students enrolled in music, dance, art and drama, from toddlers learning the basics of music appreciation to adults honing their oil painting, music and tap-dancing skills.

As enrollment has grown over the years, so has the Academy staff and curriculum. The faculty now numbers twelve, and offers the most diverse range of private arts instruction for all ages in Northeast DeKalb. Instruments taught include piano, organ, voice, violin, flute, guitar, drums, ukulele, mandolin, and electric bass guitar.

The Academy also offers dance, and drama including musical theatre, dance, and on-camera acting, with classes for elementary and high-school. Art classes offer instruction in oil painting for adults and mixed media studies for young students.

SRAA places special emphasis on an early introduction into arts instruction, and has programs in several disciplines to teach children as young as preschool. Musikgarten, Music Makers at the Keyboard and Twinklers violin establish a firm foundation on which students can build their musical talents as they grow. Dancers can enter the program as early as pre-school, and there is an Act One drama class for four- and five-year-olds.

Part of SRAA’s success has been its ability to attract talented and dedicated instructors. Violinist Denise Burcham leads the Academy as executive director. She joined the teaching staff as a strings teacher in 2009; she has enjoyed a long career in public school music education as well as performing with professional orchestras, such as the Atlanta Chamber Orchestra and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Burcham became SRAA assistant director shortly after joining the teaching staff there, and has served as director since 2012.

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Executive Director Denise Burcham with her spring violin students performed at the May recital.

Young tap students at last year’s Holiday Showcase.

The SRAA teaching staff includes the three original SRAA instructors. Janet Chadwick started drama classes with just a dozen students, but her classes now number over 100 students, and she recently hired her actress daughter Greyson to coach students for film and television, as well as choreograph dance numbers for her shows. Linda Pollok still teaches an oil painting class for adults, and Lois Sivert continues to offer private instruction in piano, guiding many of her students to regional and national competitions.

While the Academy was originally founded “to provide students with quality instruction and a means of expression for their God-given talents,” recent cuts in arts education in the schools have parents looking at institutes like SRAA to fill the void. The Academy curriculum provides an arts education for children that does more than just nurture their talents – it supports a successful school career and builds important life skills.

“A study in the fine arts provides children with avenues to express their creativity and helps develop a well-rounded sense of self-worth,” said Burcham.

“Music helps with many skills essential to children in school, such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. Art instruction also helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, risk-taking, and inventiveness, and dance helps develop physical coordination

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Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts From page 3 and balance.”

“Children need to find an area where they can feel accepted and appreciated for what they create,” added drama teacher Chadwick. “On stage, children learn how to express themselves in front of an audience, perhaps overcoming speech and communication challenges. Students also learn to work as a team for the good of the production.”

The Academy also seeks to nurture the students spiritually through meaningful human interaction. SRAA partnered last November with the mission team from Smoke Rise Baptist Church for the church’s annual Thanksgiving basket food drive. The food collection effort benefited area families in need through NETWorks and the Lilburn Co-op which was responsible for distributing the dinner baskets. SRAA students and teachers performed outside the Stone Mountain Kroger on Rockbridge Road one Saturday to encourage food donations, and then met with the church mission team later the following week to assist in sorting the food and assembling the baskets.

“The students collected over 400 food items and $250 in gift cards, and helped the church put together 150 food baskets to distribute to local families in need,” said Burcham. “What a great way to show thankfulness for what they have by sharing with those less fortunate.”

As a gift to the community, students and faculty of the Academy stage several performances throughout the year, free of charge to the public. Students perform several recitals of piano, strings and dance in both spring and winter, but one of its most popular events is the Annual Holiday Showcase, when the Academy opens its doors to the community and showcases the entire student body in grand holiday form. To help make it a warm event, SRAA provides hot chocolate and candy canes to the audience during the show.

The community is also treated to free spring and winter performances from the drama department; past performances include Annie Get Your Gun; Disney’s Frozen Jr.; Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.; Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr.; and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. So what does the future look like for SRAA? The Academy successfully launched in July its first Summer Music and Arts Camp for children ages 5-12, which entertained 41 children for a week of fun with art, dance, stage acting and Orff instruments and drum circles. It is already planning for next summer’s camp, with more students and a more extensive program.

While continuing to grow and evolve, the Academy will continue to provide challenges for learners at all levels and aim to connect students with their own culture as well as with the wider world.

“Communities change and so do the needs for arts instruction,” stated Burcham. “Twenty-five years ago there was a greater demand for music lessons. Now, with the increased presence of the film industry in the area, we have more students involved in our drama, dance and voice areas than before.

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High School Drama students at a dress rehearsal for Disney’s Frozen Jr.

Teachers, counselors and campers from this year’s Summer Arts Camp.

That, combined with the continued cuts in arts education by the schools, ensures that Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts will continue to provide much needed instruction and guidance in the arts for all ages, but particularly for the younger generation.”

In September, Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts presents DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. at the Fellowship Hall of Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Show times are 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13; 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14; and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15. Attendance is free with no tickets required; each show will have concessions available for purchase during intermissions.

For more information on Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts, including current class offerings and schedules, visit smokerisebaptist.org/arts/ or call 678.533.0562.

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OurTown NE DeKalb Community and Family Magazine

A Shiny Inc Publication Editor Lizbeth A. Dison Shinycomm.com ldison@shinycomm.com Our Town DeKalb is published and direct mailed to Creative Director Jay Adcock jaywadcock@gmail.com Writers Lizbeth A. Dison Christy Bloodworth Tom Edmondson Art Wood Staff Photographer Emma Dison Brantley

select homes in the Tucker / Northeast DeKalb area.

Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town DeKalb reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town DeKalb is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2019 by Our Town DeKalb and Shiny Inc LLC. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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IN THIS ISSUE 3 On The Cover: Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Shines as a Cultural Beacon in Tucker 7 FODAC Charity Golf Classic Scheduled for October at Stone Mountain 8 From the Publisher: The Bits in Between 9 Second Annual Women’s Expo Scheduled in Tucker in September 10 Tucker Community Action Team Brings Residents Together for Good Deeds 11 Common Sen$e with Art Wood 11 Tucker Actress Wins Award at Alabama Film Festival 12 DeKalb Police Invite You to “Beat the Badge” for a Good Cause 13 Tucker Parks Plan “Spirited” Fall Events 13 Tucker Trunk or Treat Promises a Safer Halloween Celebration 14 Age Friendly Communities: Growing Up to Growing Old PAGE 6

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FODAC Charity Golf Classic Scheduled for October at Stone Mountain The Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) 22nd Annual Charity Golf Classic is returning on October 10 to Stone Mountain Golf Club, located on the grounds of popular attraction Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain Golf Club features two championship golf courses surrounded by scenic views of historic Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain Lake; the FODAC tournament will be played on the Lakemont Course.

Funds raised from the event help support FODAC’s mission to supply home medical equipment (HME) to people with disabilities and their caregivers.

FODAC is based in Tucker but serves the Metro Atlanta community by providing recycled equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and hospital beds for children and adults during or after a health crisis. Last year, FODAC donated over $10 million in equipment at little or no cost to recipients. FODAC, as a member of National VOAD, also provides support in the wake of disasters; the organization was instrumental in providing relief for seniors and those with disabilities in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017.

Breakfast and onsite registration starts at 8:00 a.m.; shotgun start is at 9:30 a.m. Awards are presented at the post-tournament lunch, including recognition of any holes-in-one, lowest scoring foursome, longest drive, and closest to the pin.

The Rotary Club of Stone Mountain is supporting this year’s event, helping

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to secure sponsors and providing volunteers to set up and work the event.

Registration is open now, with prices ranging from $175 for an individual player to $600 for a foursome. Sponsorships are available ranging from $500 for a hole sponsor to $10,000 for a platinum sponsorship which includes registration for four foursomes and prominent corporate signage.

For registration, sponsorship and more details, visit fodac.org/golf or contact Laurie Ann Kimbrell at laurieannkimbrell@fodac.org or 770 491-9014.

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From the Publisher: The Bits in Between Lizbeth A. Dison, Publisher and Editor Welcome to Our Town DeKalb, Northeast DeKalb’s premier community magazine! We are all quite excited about this inaugural issue and hope you will enjoy this journalistic “Taste of Tucker!”

Our Town DeKalb seeks to connect the local community with you. We are a hyperlocal publication, which means we are concerned with what’s going on in Tucker, Smoke Rise, Northlake, Oak Grove and Embry Hills. If you want to learn about what’s going on in Atlanta or the world, you can turn on the television, pull up a website or flip through any number of papers. But where do you go to learn when that new BBQ restaurant is opening on Main Street, or what’s happening with the vacant grocery store around the corner from your house? OTD’s stories are original and professionally written, engaging you with content that is relevant, interesting and entertaining.

The magazine will arrive to about 8,500 residential mailboxes in Tucker and adjacent communities bi-monthly beginning with the September/ October issue. There will be a November/December and January/ February issue – then OTD goes monthly beginning with the March 2020 issue! If you don’t get one in your mailbox, go to the OTD website (ourtowndekalb,com) and check out the distribution map for where you can pick up a copy. Or you can read our digital version online there as well.

So here’s to my new venture. Much gratitude to the readers and advertisers who have decided to join me on this crazy ride!

Cheers, Lizbeth A. Dison Publisher/Editor

OurTown NE DeKalb Community and Family Magazine

Got a story idea?

Our Town DeKalb is always looking for talented writers!

Send story suggestions to info@ourtowndekalb.com.

Submissions become the property of Our Town DeKalb; all submitted material is subject to review and editing.

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Second Annual Women’s Expo Scheduled in Tucker in September Our Town DeKalb Staff Business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups or anyone who works in small business should attend the Second Annual Women’s Business Expo on Saturday, September 21. Hosted by Omega Support Services, the event will be held at FUMC Tucker Activities Center, 4315 Church Street in downtown Tucker; hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Attendees will meet local business owners within the Tucker area, attend various workshops, build new business relationships, exchange ideas, shop for new partnerships and learn from the community experts regarding products and services to establish or enhance business. Over thirty vendors will offer services and products to help take your business to the next level.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/tuckerexpo0921, or for more information, contact Omega Support Services at 470-236-1306 or omegaservesall@ gmail.com. Vendor tables are still available.

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Tucker Community Action Team Brings Residents Together for Good Deeds Our Town DeKalb Staff Earlier this year, Tucker resident Lois Ricci and her friend Reverend Tom Edmondson sat down over a cup of coffee to discuss how to get community members out of their individual “silos” and start working together more. Ricci suggested that Edmondson, the senior pastor at First Christian Church in Tucker, enlist his clergy colleagues to encourage parishioners to share and collaborate in each other’s projects.

Edmondson thought they should broaden their scope to recruit active community members into a sort of “community corps,” whose mission would be to foster collaboration between neighbors and boost support for individual TCAT members put together and distributed goodie bags for DeKalb County 911 dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in April. causes and projects.

The result was the formation of the Tucker Community Action Team (TCAT), a program for Tucker subcommittee of the Tucker Civic Association, whose volunteers have been schools, and while it working for the past six months to promote the greater good of its community. has already gathered “Lois and I knew that there was a lot of good being done in the community,” materials and human said Edmondson, “but the individual groups were almost working in isolation, resources, volunteers functioning apart from one another with no central communication are still needed to drive or cooperation. TCAT meetings fostered an environment for sharing this initiative. information and mutual resources, and eliminating duplication of efforts and “TCAT has made competition for funds and volunteers.” great strides in the Since TCAT held their first meeting in February, with six members in past few months with attendance, the group has grown steadily, and now has about thirty active getting our neighbors members, with usually fifteen to twenty attending each meeting. During these out of their ‘silos,’ and meetings, members discuss individual causes, scheduled projects or events, or opening discussions throw out ideas about projects they would like to see the group support. that will make a Projects are secondary to the mission, but members are welcome to better community for propose community efforts during the meetings, which they then discuss to us all,” said Edmondson. “We hope to continue these discussions as well gauge support. Recent projects for the group include putting together and as encourage more individual and business support of community projects.” distributing goodie bags for DeKalb county 911 dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in April, and hosting an ice cream TCAT meets two Thursdays a month at various locations around Tucker; meeting social with officers from the DeKalb Police Department -Tucker Precinct at details are posted regularly on the group’s Facebook page. Anyone is welcome to Tucker High School in May. attend a meeting to learn more about the group and volunteer opportunities, or Projects are supported by TCAT member donations or by local business contact Reverend Edmondson at rev.edmondson@firstchristianatlanta.org sponsors. The group has discussed plans to implement an addiction prevention or (770) 939-4358.

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Common Sen$e with Art Wood

To refinance or NOT to refinance - that is the question!

So you may have heard that interest rates have dropped considerably. I have fielded a ton of questions about refinancing since rates have done an aboutface and turned south. My first answer to every question is, “It depends.”

Depends on what? It depends on your ultimate motivation and how it fits into your long-term goals.

The first thing I look at is how much the borrower will save compared to the cost to refinance. I also take into consideration how long they plan to be in the home. If the closing costs on the deal are $5,000 and the borrower is saving $100 per month but planning to sell the property within two years, then my advice would be not to refinance. On the other hand, if the borrower is planning to stay in the house for seven to ten years, then it would be a no-brainer and I would recommend they proceed with the refinance. Then we have to consider such things as a “no closing costs loan.” In the case of a true no closing cost loan, then any monthly savings is great because it was essentially free. The catch here is to make sure that it is truly “no cost,” and not “no money to the table,” where the lender is actually rolling the costs into the loan.

In some cases, the costs and the interest rate don’t matter as much. A borrower may have other motives to refinance, such as wanting to finish the basement or pay off high interest credit cards by utilizing the equity from their home. In that case, rate matters, but not as much as the financial stability of getting rid of the credit card debt or the joy of a new media room in the basement. It is a big win if you can pull out the cash, lower your rate, get the basement, and keep your payment the same.

The other thing I am seeing are clients who want to get rid of PMI (private mortgage insurance), especially with FHA loans. With conventional loans, the

PMI will be removed automatically once the borrower reaches 22% equity in the home; but with FHA, PMI will be with the borrower for the life of the loan. With the increased value in houses today (especially in Tucker), a refinance may be a good way to not only lower your rate, but you may be able to remove, or lower, your PMI. A client I just refinanced had improved their credit by 25 points, which led to $70 a month less in PMI, and they lowered their rate by a full point. In the end, they saved $200 per month!

Since starting in the mortgage business fifteen years ago, I have always said there is not a “one size fits all” scenario out there for borrowers. There are a lot of things to consider when talking about that amount of money.

It is important to find a local mortgage professional that you trust that will thoroughly analyze your situation and give you advice you can count on.

Art Wood (NMLS #118234) is the branch manager of Legacy Mortgage Team of Goldwater Bank, located at 2341 Main Street in downtown Tucker. “Tucker’s Mortgage Guy” for fifteen years, he is a former Tucker Tiger (Class of ’92), and co-founder and organizer of Taste of Tucker. Family guy, community guy, and definitely not your typical mortgage guy - it’s all that he does that makes Art Wood who he is. Contact him at 678534-5834 or art.wood@goldwaterbank.com.

Tucker Actress Wins Award at Alabama Film Festival Tucker resident Emma Dison Brantley was named Best Actress at the recent Lanett City Film Festival. She was recognized for her role as “Molly” in the short film “15 Down,” which also won the City of Lanett People’s Choice Award.

The film was written by Huntsville native Alison Moy Hayhurst, directed by her husband Mike Hayhurst, and produced by Evening Cast and crew of 15 Down at the Lanett City Film Squire Productions.

The Festival Awards Ceremony. (L to R) Allison Moy story was inspired by the Hayhurst, Emma Dison Brantley, Marilyn Light (who played the grandmother in the film), Mike Hayhurst writer’s relationship with her and City of Lanett Mayor Kyle McCoy. grandmother growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, where the film was shot last summer.

Brantley is a senior at Woodward Academy, and is the daughter of Willliam S. Brantley, III and Lizbeth A. Dison.

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DeKalb Police Invite You to “Beat the Badge” for a Good Cause Our Town DeKalb Staff The DeKalb County Police Department invites the community to have fun legally outrunning the police with the Fifth Annual Beat the Badge 5K Road Race. The race is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 8:00 a.m., with the starting line at DeKalb County Police Headquarters, 1960 West Exchange Place in Tucker and routing through the surrounding neighborhoods. Race administrators are predicting over five hundred runners and walkers and their families at both the race and its popular “after party” at DeKalb Police headquarters with food, music, fun stuff for kids and more.

Beat the Badge will include race and award categories for all ages and skill levels. Registration is $30 for individuals and $20 for law enforcement officers, and is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Tucker/ BeattheBadge5K, or onsite the day of the race beginning at 7:00 a.m. All race

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participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt with a law enforcement theme.

Supporters who do not wish to race or walk can support the cause and register as a “phantom runner.”

This year’s event celebrates the 103rd anniversary of the Department, with proceeds benefitting the DeKalb Police Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing support for all DeKalb County based police officers, including those working in the incorporated cities like Tucker.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Sgt. J. Obester at 678-9375301 or jaobester@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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Tucker Parks Plan “Spirited” Fall Events Our Town DeKalb Staff Two of Tucker’s parks have scheduled fall events, each featuring “spirits” of differing kinds.

On Sunday, September 22, historic Johns Homestead will host a Sip n’ Stroll from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visitors can tour the 50 acres of the 200-year-old site, including the old home and outbuildings, led by knowledgeable guides who will share its history. The park is located at 3071 Lawrenceville Highway; parking is available at the Homestead or down Stapp Drive off Johns Road.

Henderson Park will host a Haunted Hike on Friday, October 25 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visitors to the park will walk along a decorated trail, with costumed Parks and Recreation staff enacting a progressive story themed for the season.

Both events are free to the public; at the Sip n’ Stroll, mimosas and wine will be available for purchase onsite.

Tucker Trunk or Treat Promises a Safer Halloween Celebration Our Town DeKalb Staff Tucker’s Main Street will be packed on Halloween as thousands of costumeclad kids get their sugar fix at the annual Trunk or Treat celebration. The event, organized by the Tucker Farmers Market and DeKalb County Police Tucker Precinct, offers families a safe, walkable alternative to traditional trickor-treating.

On October 31, Main Street will be closed to traffic from Railroad Avenue to Lavista Road starting at 2:00 p.m., as businesses, churches and other organizations line the street to set up their decorated trunks. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., trick-or-treaters will collect candy and other goodies, and enjoy free games and activities.

Community members are encouraged to donate pre-packaged, individually wrapped candy to support the event. Donations can be dropped off at the DeKalb Police Department precinct office in Tucker, 4451 Lawrenceville Highway.

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Age Friendly Communities: Growing Up to Growing Old Dr. Lois Ricci Earlier this year, Tucker became the fifth Georgia city to be awarded the World Health Organization Age Friendly City designation, an honor that recognizes localities for promoting health and growth for residents of all ages. Tucker Civic Association (TCA) spearheaded the effort with support from Tucker city staff and elected officials. But what kind of financial commitment by businesses and the community is required to maintain that designation?

In 2013, Tucker was added to the Atlanta Regional Commission list of Lifelong Communities. With this additional designation from the WHO, residents and community leaders will be asked to focus on sustaining eight domains that influence the community’s overall health and quality of life. Those include: • Outdoor spaces and buildings • Transportation • Housing • Social participation • Respect and social inclusion • Civic participation and employment • Communication and information • Community support and health services The term ‘age-friendly’ was used, not to promote an older population, but to look at the entire population from infancy through old age. The sidewalk has to be safe for the stroller and the walker. Transportation has to accommodate everyone needing a way to get to school, to work, or to the doctor. Housing must be affordable and accommodate seniors who wish to ‘age in place.’ Services must be made available for everyone regardless of age.

To maintain its designation, Tucker must qualify each of the eight domains as being age-friendly within the city. With the support of Georgia AARP, the TCA’s Lifelong Community Committee identified the domains that Tucker is working on, such as sidewalks, transportation, parks and green space, and social inclusion. With community input and support, each of the other domains will be reviewed and qualified, enabling all residents to live in their community comfortably‚ no matter what age they are.

What kind of financial investment is required to make and keep communities more age-friendly? How will the changes and improvements be financed? Creating a community where people want to be requires everyone’s involvement - city officials, residents and businesses - but the increased economic growth also benefits everyone.

Dr. Lois Ricci is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association’s Lifelong Community Committee. She serves as an adjunct faculty member of Kennesaw State University and Clayton State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class.

She has also worked with the AARP Department of Technical and Adult Education, Lifespan Resources, Mercer Senior University and Atlanta Regional Commission.

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Taste Of Tucker C/R

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