FAB Fridays Get Out of the House for - City of Decatur
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FocusCity of Decatur
Get Out of the House for
MASK UP!
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
INSERT INSIDE
NOVEMBER 2020
Clear zone
Volume 31 • Number 4
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA
FAB Fridays
Decatur’s Masked-up, Physically Distanced,
Socially Responsible Outdoor Shopping
and Dining Holiday Promotion see page 10
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN! see page 11
CITY News
Destination 2030:
Strategic Planning Process Continues
Focus City of Decatur
The Decatur Focus is a joint publication of the City of
Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority
and the Decatur Business Association. It is a newsletter
intended to provide announcements and information
related to events, activities, and businesses in the city of
Virtual Street Forums Decatur. The purpose of the newsletter is to promote the
city and encourage the exchange of information among
residents, business owners and the school system. Letters
Maybe you’ve seen these yard signs around Decatur? to the editor, editorials or other opinion pieces are not
The 2020 Strategic Plan update, Destination 2030, is published. All press releases, announcements and other
information received for publication are subject to edit-
back in full swing, and we want to hear from you! A ing. Information found in the Focus is also posted on
lot has changed since Opening Night back in Janu- Decatur’s official website at decaturga.com. The deadline
for submitting articles, announcements or advertising is
ary, when we were in a room of 600+ people, full the first day of the month preceding publication. Contact:
of hope for the new decade. Halfway through those Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031,
discussions the emergence of the COVID-19 pan- 404-371-8386; fax 404-371-1593; email:
decaturfocus@decaturga.com.
demic put us on hold. Clear zone
The pandemic, along with local and nationwide
civil rights demonstrations that unfolded throughout
the spring and summer, have highlighted challenges
and inequities that we aim to address in our planning
for Decatur’s next 10 years. Roundtable discussions
were interrupted as the pandemic emerged, but they DECATUR CITY COMMISSION
resumed and finished virtually in September. Patti Garrett........................................ Mayor
Now, we’re diving into the biggest topics affecting Tony Powers................... Mayor Pro Tem
Decatur’s future: Equity and Racial Justice, Climate George Dusenbury........Commissioner
Change, Civic Trust, Housing, Transportation, and Lesa Mayer.........................Commissioner
Economic Development. You can use the QR code Kelly Walsh.........................Commissioner
or short link (https://bit.ly/300tKT6) to visit our vir-
tual street forums to submit ideas, add photos and
answer a few questions about each topic.
Meanwhile...
Breakout Your Chalk and Take Your Ideas to the Street BOARD
Answer this question with drawings or words on your sidewalk or driveway: How can Chris Sciarrone, Chair
Decatur ensure a high quality of life for all? Take a picture of your ideas and post to social Darren Comer • Linda Curry
media, and use #decatur2030. Tony Leung • Conor McNally
Noah Peeters • Lisa Turner
Coming up Next! Decatur 202s
The roundtables process included 800 registrants who contributed thousands of comments.
Many of these comments about Decatur’s future were in agreement, but some topics revealed
conflicting perspectives about how Decatur should chart its course for the next 10 years. Decatur Business
Association
The 202s will allow for a deep dive on these topics. After hearing from subject matter
experts, we will join together in virtual discussion groups to help understand tradeoffs and DECATUR BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION
find balance among differing perspectives. Input will be used to form recommendations on
how the Strategic Plan should address these issues. Susan Sparks................................President
The first 202 will happen online later this fall. Stay tuned to decatur2030.com for details. Daryl Funn........................President-Elect
Jill Joplin.......................................Treasurer
Emily Holden...............................Secretary
CORRECTION
Kyle Williams...................... Past President
The correct name of the teacher on the screen on
the cover of the October Focus is Ms. Braxton.
Design and layout: Lampe-Farley.com
Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus,
P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, or by email to decaturfocus@decaturga.com.
2 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
CITY News Waste and
Recycling
Holiday Schedule
2020-2021 Decatur November 2020 to September 2021
Youth Council Thanksgiving Holidays
C
ongratulations to the 2020-2021 Decatur Youth Coun- Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27
cil (DYC). Sixteen local high school students were Regular services for both days will be on
selected to serve on this year’s council. DYC is a City Wednesday, Nov. 25, before the holiday
of Decatur-sponsored, community-based leadership
program for high school students who live within the city limits
Christmas Holidays
Friday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Dec. 28
of Decatur. Members learn about local government and how it
Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 24,
functions. They will also inform city leaders about the youth per-
will be on Wednesday, Dec. 23
spective for Decatur and their hopes for the future of the city.
Regular service for Friday, Dec. 25,
Returning DYC members: Sage Arnold, Lily Bulson, Sydney
will be on Thursday, Dec 24
Fessenden, Erin Gaul (chair), Sammy Mulatu, Salmoncain Smith-
Regular service for Monday, Dec. 28,
Shomade, Charlie Wheelock, Ivie Wildman, Alden Wright.
will be on Tuesday, Dec. 29
New DYC members: Flora Burdette, Bahiyyah Grant, Miles
Regular service for Tuesday, Dec. 29,
Moorfield, Amani Saleem, William Stone, Ana Villavasso, Lauryn
will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30
Williams.
New Year’s Day
Friday, January 1
Regular service for Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1,
will be on Thursday, Dec. 31
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 18
Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Jan. 19;
regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Jan. 20
Alden Amani Ana Bahiyyih
Presidents Day
Monday, Feb. 15
Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Feb. 16;
regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Feb. 17
Memorial Day
Monday, May 31
Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, June 1;
Charlie Erin Flora Ivie regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, June 2
Independence Day
Holiday observed Monday, July 5
Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, July 6; regular
service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, July 7
Labor Day
Monday, Sept. 6
Lauryn Lily Miles Sage Regular service for Monday will be on Tuesday, Sept. 7;
regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, Sept. 8
Please note: if your day is not on the schedule, your
regular scheduled day has not been affected.
Keep this page as a reminder of changes in collection due
to city holidays. Disregard DeKalb County solid waste and
recycling notices. Please note: this schedule is subject
to change. Check the Decatur Focus and official city
Salmoncain Sammy Sydney William communication channels for updates and reminders.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 3
CITY News
Commission Passes
Temporary Weekend Open
Set-Out Time Container Ordinance
All garbage, trash, recyclables, yard trimmings, Effective October 30 through January 3
bulky items and appliances for collection must be The Decatur City Commission passed a temporary ordinance
ready for pickup by 7:30 a.m. on collection day. in October that allows restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages in
Pickup times will vary, but collectors will not arrive open containers within the boundaries of five business districts
before 7:30 a.m. – Decatur Downtown Business District, Old Depot District,
West Ponce Business District, East College Business District, and
Containers on the Curb Oakhurst Business District. The temporary ordinance expires
Sunday, January 3, at 1 a.m. The ordinance permits sales from
Refuse and recycling containers may be placed at 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, and from 3 p.m. Saturday until
the curb after 5 p.m. the day before collection and 1 a.m. Sunday, every week.
must be removed from the curb by midnight on Patrons are permitted to sit outdoors and enjoy take-out, includ-
collection day. ing alcoholic beverages in open containers from participating res-
taurants. Patrons must remain within the designated boundary of
Recyclable Materials the district where the alcoholic beverages are purchased.
Restaurants serve the alcoholic beverages only in approved and
Decatur’s curbside recycling program accepts labeled neon-green “Keep It Indiecatur” stadium cups. Patrons
paper products, plastic, glass and metal. Glass must 21 years of age or older will also wear approved neon green wrist-
be separated in its own bin. For a complete list of bands.
items visit decaturga.com/recycling. Participating restaurants will post maps of their particular
For more tips on items that are hard to recycle, business district so that patrons are aware of the boundaries.
visit livethrive.org. Information may also be found on various social media channels
and on signage placed around each district. For information con-
tact Shirley Baylis, shirley.baylis@decaturga.com.
Bulky Items Reminder
Decatur now accepts bulky items like furniture and
appliances as a part of your regular sanitation pick-
up. Just set them at the curb. There is no additional
cost for this service except for a $50 collection fee
for items containing freon.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Monday, Dec. 28-Saturday, Jan. 9
Decatur residents may drop off live Christmas trees
at Decatur Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Dr. Look
for signs indicating the drop-off area to the right
of the chapel. Please do not leave Christmas trees
anywhere else on the Legacy Park property.
For more information about solid waste
and recycling services, call 404-377-5571,
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., or
visit decaturga.com/sanitation.
4 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
CITY News
A Message from Commissioner Kelly Walsh
A
s we approach eight months of living business relief fund, activating it and dis-
through a pandemic, it is clear that we are tributing funds to local businesses by early
June. Some businesses had not yet received
forever changed by this experience. Our PPP or were waiting on other federal relief
city has had its own challenges and set- programs, and Decatur offered a lifeline in a
backs, but has also seized opportunities for growth time of need to patch them through.
As we move into fall there are some real
and transformation even in the midst of uncertainty bright spots. WeWork is opening as an
and extremely stressful conditions. While the calen- anchor tenant in the AMLI building down-
dar year is not over, now is a good time to take stock and ask our- town. The all-virtual 2020 Decatur Book
Festival was a huge success. Our restaurants
selves, how are we doing and what have we accomplished since the and shops continue to adapt and change and
world changed around us last March? serve us well.
Reacting to a public health crisis: Responding to racial injustice: As Planning for the future beyond the
Our city was prepared and swift to react to the shutdown stretched out and our spirits pandemic: A track record of financial
the announcement of the pandemic, and flagged, we were buffeted by the tragic news health and conservative monetary decision-
promptly shut down businesses and schools. of the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud making helped the city maintain its AA+
In fact, the city already had a pandemic plan Arbery, and George Floyd. Our community bond rating and allowed for the refinancing
that it has executed since the start of the values demanded that we not stand for this, of several bonds that will result in a total sav-
crisis. City government quickly went virtual while at the same time we faced the truth ings of more than $7 million. Although some
and streamlined services to keep operations that we must continue to battle racism and cities are furloughing employees and cutting
running efficiently and safely for both em- inequity in our own small city. As we con- services, we are able to look to the future and
ployees and residents. fronted the harms of racist actions around plan for brighter days ahead.
We held our last in-person City Commis- us, our community pulled closer together to The City Commission continues to move
sion meeting on March 16 with only three meet on the Square, have peaceful protests forward on key policy measures such as
Commissioners in attendance, to have a quo- with thousands of people in our midst – and passing an inclusionary housing ordinance.
rum and to ensure social distancing, as we came out stronger on the other side. The Stormwater Master Plan is nearing its
handed emergency powers to the Mayor. Top This momentum created a new climate last phase and our 10-year strategic plan,
priorities included maintaining service de- of activism in which our city took the bold Decatur 2030, is getting back on schedule.
livery while sheltering in place, keeping our step to accelerate the removal of the Lost We plan to purchase the Samuel L. Jones
seniors safe, and doing everything possible Cause Confederate Monument, to contribute Boys and Girls Club property, which will
to flatten the curve. $50,000 toward anti-racist teaching and edu- add an additional five acres of greenspace
In July, we passed a comprehensive mask cation, and began to engender and promote and community amenities for all residents
mandate, one of the first few cities in Geor- public art throughout the city that speaks to to enjoy.
gia to do so. We are thankful for the concen- Black Lives Matter, gives tribute to Represen-
tration of scientists, researchers, physicians tative John Lewis and elevates the value and Leading through adversity: I believe
and health care workers in our community importance of diversity here where we live. Decatur has been doing a great job of finding
who have helped and continue to help us a common thread to hold onto while staying
better understand and face this health crisis Leveraging resiliency in an economic healthy and safe during the most challeng-
together. We have had less than 500 reported crisis: As a public health crisis gave way to ing time we’ve known in generations. What’s
cases of COVID-19 in the 30030 zip code an economic one, the city undertook a quick getting us through? I think it’s our collective
and consider it a testament to the power of and concerted effort to support our local understanding that we are all in this together
public health measures embraced by an en- businesses. The Decatur United project, with and that we need each other to thrive and
tire city and practiced with vigor. support from the Downtown Development survive. We are neighbors, we are friends,
Authority, Legacy Decatur and the generos- and we are Decatur.
ity of so many residents, created a $550,000
– Commissioner Kelly Walsh
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 5
CITY News
Decatur Holiday Events & Fab Fridays, too!
Holiday Ornament Unveiling Nov. 5 Streeteries
Decatur will hold its annual Holiday Ornament Unveiling from the store window of E C AT U R Expanded
D
FAB
Wild Oats and Billy Goats, 112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. Patios
Pop-ups
Two parking spaces will be closed off in front of Wild Oats so there will be room to
Curbside
safely remain socially distant. Ornaments will be on sale outside and inside the store.
Follow @visitdecaturga social media channels for more details or email sherry.jack- Friday Storefronts
Open-Air
man@decaturga.com. shop and dine Market
outside Deals
Virtual Tree Lighting on Zoom NOV. 20 • DEC. 4, 11, 18
Thursday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m. decaturga.com/fabfriday
Join Little Shop of Stories and City of Decatur for a virtual tree lighting on
Zoom at 7 p.m. Grab some goodies and hot chocolate (holiday recipe provided) Get out of the house for holiday merriment
and hop on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for story time with Santa. The event is free, but and a safe and socially distanced good times!
registration is required. To register, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com/events. Wear your mask and join your neighbors for
FAB Fridays. Shop and dine outside with some
Nutella Hot Chocolate Order take-out treats from one of of Decatur’s favorite independent shops and
Cook time: 5 minutes these local businesses: restaurants at curbside storefronts and parking
Servings: 2 lot pop-ups around the city and at the open-
Butter & Cream air market on the MARTA plaza.
Ingredients:
Online orders: decatur.butterand-
2 cups milk cream.com/decatur-order-form/
1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut While out shopping,
Phone orders: 404-378-7272 NOVEMBER 1-DE
CEMBER 24
save your receipts!
spread 24 hour advance notice for larger Shop For every $200 your
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa loforca lly
FAB
orders preferred (four or more indi-
powder, optional, for a stronger vidual items) DE
C AT U
R the holidays, spend with local City
chocolate flavor Ice cream deliveries through Door- Earn $20 of Decatur retailers in
Marshmallows or whipped cream dash and UberEats gifto Dec carestrd
t atur s November through
aurants.
for topping ipts! December, the Decatur
Lenox Cupcakes keep your rece Visitors Center will give
Online orders: lenoxcupcakes.com
Instructions: Phone orders: 404-949-0409 you a $20 gift card to
Place all ingredients in a small Same-day ordering for same-day a local Decatur restaurant. (Limited to three
saucepan. Bring to a simmer, pick up or delivery cards per person.) Bring your receipts to the
whisking until combined. Serve Visit Decatur tent on the square during any
Piece of Cake, Inc. FAB Friday from 4-9 p.m.
warm.
Online orders: pieceofcakeinc.com
Author: Allison, Celebrating Greene’s Fine Foods
Sweets Online orders: greenesfinefoods.com
Phone orders: 404-378-2001
Bonfire Canceled for 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, the Decatur
Business Association’s Bonfire/Marshmallow Roast, previously scheduled for Tuesday,
Dec. 10, has been canceled. We will miss celebrating with the community and look
forward to when we can come together for this and other outdoor events again.
We look forward to bringing the Bonfire back in 2021. Mark your calendars for
Dec. 9, 2021, and join us next year to roast marshmallows around the giant bonfire on
the square. The first Fab Friday happened in September.
6 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
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CITY News
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END
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 7
RST AVE.
CITY News
Decatur Walk & Roll Superstars
The Pack family has discovered some of the sil-
ver linings of the pandemic. Instead of going their
separate ways, Mom, Dad, three boys and one dog
all stay home and go walking as a family. Every day.
Together. It’s partially for exercise, partially for get-
ting out of the house, and partially because they
want to.
The kids – and the dog – all know when it’s time
to go, and they congregate around the door. Their
ideal time is when all the schools have overlapping
lunchtimes, but weekend mornings also work.
Dad is a woodworker and in his “Garage Garden”
he has built the desks and facilities needed for ev-
eryone to work from home. He even lost weight
doing it.
The unexpected silver lining is that the walks al-
low them to build community with neighbors they
see out working in the yard as they pass by. Being
forced to stay home takes them out into the world
and connects them with more people.
DBA Seeks Thomas O. Helping Our Neighbors This
Davis Public Servant
Award Nominations Holiday Season –
It’s Not Too Late!
D
o you know a public servant who goes far
beyond his/her job to strengthen our com- There is still time to make the holiday season brighter for children
munity, serve as a role model, and contribute and senior citizens in Decatur by participating in A Season of Giv-
to our community on an ongoing basis? The ing/Christmas Decatur. This year, more than ever, your assis-
Decatur Business Association is calling for nominations tance is needed to help provide holiday gifts. For this year only,
for the 19th annual Thomas O. Davis Public Servant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have virtual giving.
Award to honor a public servant – someone who often Donors are asked to provide monetary donations, rather than
goes unnoticed in his/her work but serves as an inspira- purchasing gifts.
tion and who exemplifies honesty, integrity and profes- Traditionally, donors have spent $100 to $150 on gifts for a
sionalism in the performance of duties. specific person. Your assistance in any amount will help us to pur-
The public servant can work in any government sec- chase gift cards so parents may purchase winter coats and other
tor as long as they serve in a non-elected capacity. The necessities. We have also made arrangements for each child to
award is not limited to City of Decatur employees. The receive a voucher for a book from Little Shop of Stories.
DBA established the award in memory of Thomas O. You can also help provide actual gifts for our older residents by
Davis, Decatur’s city attorney from 1968 until his death making a donation that will be used to order gifts that will be sent directly to the
in 2000. older resident. We are striving to make this a safe program this year for parents,
Submit your nomination by writing a letter/statement children, donors, volunteers, and older residents.
explaining why the nominee should receive the award. Go to legacydecatur.com/give and designate your donation to A Season of Giv-
The deadline for nominations is Nov. 20. Submit your ing/Christmas Decatur. Legacy Decatur is a 501 (c) (3) registered charity.
nomination to leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or mail it For additional information, email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com or call
to: City of Decatur, Davis Award, P.O. Box 220, 404-378-8068.
Decatur, GA 30031.
8 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020
CITY News
Grove Street Mural Honors Georgia
Congressman John Lewis
Decatur resident Margot Ecke cre-
ated the Good and Necessary Trouble
John Lewis mural on Grove Street in
honor of the late Congressman John
Lewis. For more than 20 years Lewis
represented Georgia District 5, which
included portions of Decatur. Mayor
Patti Garrett and Commissioner Kelly
Walsh attended a dedication ceremony
with the artist.
Mayor Patti Garrett helped
to unveil the new mural
with artist Margot Ecke.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 9
CITY News
Better Together Advisory Board and City of Decatur Present
Anti-Racism Speaker Series
T
he Better Together Advisory Board and the City of Decatur are hosting an Anti-Rac- Post-Racial America and is the editor of and
ism Speaker Series designed to generate awareness of equity concerns and to hold the a contributor to Whose Black Politics? Cases
city accountable for meeting established goals and implementing policies to achieve in Post-Racial Black Leadership.
the aspiration of being an inclusive, equitable and just city. The Urban Section of the American
While the board and the city are committed to addressing the injustices and inequities that Political Science Association honored her
creep into our practices and norms, we know this cannot be done without ongoing conversa- as a 2009 Norton Long Fellow. She was a
tions with community members and experts focused on studying and resolving racism’s influ- 2009-2010 Ford Foundation Diversity Post-
ence on governmental policies. With that in mind, the Anti-Racism Speaker Series will engage Doctoral Fellow in the Center for African
nationally renowned scholars, educators, and activists as they help us formulate a better ap- American Studies at Princeton University
proach for meeting the established goal of being an inclusive, equitable, and just city. and in 2011-2012, she served as a Martin
The speaker series seeks to mine the knowledge and wisdom of numerous thought leaders Luther King Visiting Scholar in the Political
to challenge and inspire our city to take actionable steps to instill anti-racism throughout our Science Department at the Massachusetts
norms and practices. Each series consists of a set of presentations over five months and will Institute of Technology. She has appeared on
conclude with a citywide event dedicated to exploring community-informed policy changes. local ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS and PBS affiliates
as well as CNN, NPR and FamilyNet.
Goals: Speaker: Andra Gillespie
• Demonstrate a sustained commitment Friday, Nov. 6 • 6-7:30 p.m. Speaker: Tim Wise
to incorporate anti-racism into Decatur’s Andra Gillespie is Thursday, Dec. 3 • 6-7:30 p.m.
planning and governance. an associate pro- Tim Wise is
• Leverage national and regional expertise fessor of Political among the most
to aid community members, organiza- Science and direc- prominent anti-
tions, and city officials in formulating tor of the James racist writers and
strategies for combatting racism in poli- Weldon Johnson educators in the
cies, practices, and norms. Institute at Emory United States. He
• Create an easily accessible repository of University. She has spent the past
anti-racism lectures and other educational teaches classes on 25 years speaking
materials. political participa- to audiences in all
• Create a model for using national and tion, experimental 50 states, on more
regional experts to guide local decision- methods, race and than 1,000 college
making for responding to other complex elections. She is also the author of The New and high school
governance issues. Black Politician: Cory Booker, Newark and campuses, at hundreds of professional and
academic conferences, and to community
groups across the country. He has trained
Holiday Decorating corporate, government, entertainment, me-
dia, law enforcement, military and medical
Contest Coming Soon! industry professionals on methods for dis-
mantling racism in their institutions.
The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to pull out your holiday Wise is the author of eight books, includ-
decorations. Decorate your home or business in the colors and traditions ing his forthcoming Dispatches from the
of the season and enter the Holiday Decorating Contest. Submit a photo of Race War (December 2020 from City Lights
your, or your neighbor’s, best decorations by Friday, Dec. 4, to Jackie Moore Books). Named one of “25 Visionaries Who
at Jacqueline.moore@decaturga.com to be entered in the contest. Be sure to Are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader,
include the name and address for the decorations in the email. Wise has contributed chapters or essays to
Visit decaturga.com/decoratedecatur to vote for your favorite entry by more than 25 additional books and his writ-
Tuesday, Dec. 8. Winners will be posted on the Decatur Minute blog and the ings are taught in colleges and universities
Decorate Decatur Facebook page. They will also receive special yard signs across the nation.
to display in their yards for the holidays. The Commissioners Cup will be Visit decaturga.com/speakerseries to regis-
presented to the winner at the Dec. 14 City Commission meeting. ter and view recordings of past speakers.
Formore information email Jackie Moorejacqueline.moore@decaturga.com.
10 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020CITY News
Decatur Active Living Announces Mobile The Solarium
Rec Center, Outdoor Classes, and More Hosts Community
Visit BeActiveDecatur.com to stay up to date with Decatur Active Living Blood Drive Nov. 7
activities and announcements.
Solarium Ballroom • 319 W. Hill St.
The Community Center of South Decatur
Tai Chi Flow and the Solarium are partnering with Life-
Saturday, 11 a.m. South for another community blood drive.
Legacy Park The event will be held on Saturday, Nov.
500 S. Columbia Dr. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. All donors will receive a
(next to administration bldg.) complimentary COVID19 antibody test,
This class explores the myriad cholesterol screening and promotional
possibilities to assure your Tai gift with their donation. Visit donors.life-
Chi form practice flows like water, south.org/donor/schedules/drive_sched-
and you maintains connectivity ule/676757 to schedule your donation and
throughout. To register contact help save the lives of people right here in
Steve Dorage, sdorage@mind- our community.
spring.com or 404-617-0071.
Beginning Tai Chi-Qigong
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Decatur Square
A way to de-stress and regain
health, balance and fitness. Con-
tact Neil Norton for further infor-
mation, 404-271-6526.
Environmental
Sustainability
NEW! Mobile Rec Center Basic Dog Obedience Training
Active Living staff is offering small group by Terri’s Training for Dogs and People Board Hosts
activity time in Decatur neighborhoods. Staff
will re-introduce recreational games and ac-
Decatur Recreation Center Green
Space
Webinar
tivities such as hula hoops, corn hole, ladder 231 Sycamore St. The Environmental Sustainability Board
toss, jump rope and hopscotch. Each game Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, 10-11 a.m. will host an online talk on climate change
will follow social distancing guidelines. Hand Three-week session, $84; register via and health with Decatur resident and
sanitizer will be given to each participant decaturga.com/webtrac. Dogs must be pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Philipsborn, on
and masks will be required. To find out when at least six months old. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.
the Mobile Rec Center is coming to your Dr. Philipsborn is an assistant profes-
neighborhood and to register, visit signup- Youth Karate Classes sor of pediatrics in the Emory University
genius.com/go/60B054EA4A62CAAFE3- Wednesday 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. School of Medicine and cares for children
mobile. Limited to 10 children per visit. Decatur Recreation Center Green at Hughes Spalding Primary Care Center
Space at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She is a
Wednesday Walking Group Is back! 231 Sycamore St. founder of Georgia Clinicians for Climate
Decatur Recreation Center We are offering limited in-person classes Action (GCCA) and serves on its executive
231 Sycamore St. with Sensei Adesi in our greenspace next to committee.
Meet Sara Holmes at 10 a.m. in front Decatur Recreation Center. Register on de- GCCA is a coalition of health profes-
of the Decatur Recreation Center for a caturga.com/webtrac. For more information sionals and health organizations concerned
2-3-mile walk around Decatur neighbor- contact portia.langley@decaturga.com. about the impacts of climate change on
hoods. Masks are required. Limited to 10 Georgia residents, especially those in vul-
walkers. Register here: signupgenius.com/ nerable populations. For more information
go/8050E48A9AD2BAAFB6-decatur. and the Zoom link, visit earthdaydecatur.
org/schedule.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 11CITY News
Artway Adds New
Sculptures in Oakhurst
Five sculptures selected for Phase 6 of the Decatur Artway have been
installed around Oakhurst and will be displayed for two years. Five
sculptures were installed around Downtown in 2019 during Phase 5.
The Decatur Artway is a public arts initiative established by the
Decatur Arts Alliance and the City of Decatur. Learn more about each
Phase
work at decaturartsalliance.org.
The Trinity Series by Bob Doster
(at Fire Station No. 2)
By Rollin Karg (On East Lake
Drive, south of Oakview Road)
W E L L S P R IN G
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&
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404-460-0101 living.
The prevention of pain and chronic
diseases are the focuses of my
practice.
www.robertnkatz.com I manage these conditions through
Chiropractic Care, Functional
Medicine and Nutrition."
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12 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020CITY News
The Being Before Becoming by
Corrina Mensoff (at The Solarium)
Fa Sol by David Sheldon
(at The Solarium)
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NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 13
C&A-2col-ad-focus.indd 1 5/14/14 4:47 PMCITY News
Better Together Advisory Board
Hunger and Homelessness
H
unger and Homelessness Awareness Week highlights two is- Little Shop of Stories offers the following
selections to help young and not-so-young
sues that our nation and our community must reckon with in readers explore the multiple dimensions of
a more serious way in the years ahead. Both issues, while com- both of these issues.
plex, can be significantly improved – reducing the suffering of Shelter
millions of our fellow Americans – through the choices we make, together. by Céline Claire
This picture book story delivers a message
Here in the United States, more than estimated that just about the importance of kindness and gener-
35 million people, including 10 million over 10,400 peo- osity. With simple and evocative language, it
children, live in a world where there is sig- ple were homeless explores how even small gestures can make
nificant uncertainty about having regular in Georgia. Since a big difference to the strangers or “outsid-
access to enough food to support a healthy 2007, there has ers” in a community. The book provides an
life. With the onset of the pandemic, it is been an overall opportunity for discussions about being wel-
estimated that as many as 130 million more downward trend coming and helping others in need, includ-
people around the world could be driven in homelessness in ing how children can put this into practice
into food insecurity by December – meaning the United States, by reaching out to the new kid or the one
that a quarter of a billion people may experi- but in the past three years there has been an who seems different. (Ages 4-8)
ence ongoing hunger by the end of the year. increase, with the expectation of more signif-
Despite this need, it is estimated that in the icant increases due to the COVID pandemic. Crenshaw
United States alone, we throw away 80 bil- Beyond the costs to the individual human by Katherine Applegate
lion pounds of food each year – the equiva- beings who are suffering from not having Winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine
lent of 1,000 Empire State Buildings. adequate regular shelter, studies have shown Applegate delivers a story about family,
Because the scope of the issue is so large, that a chronically homeless person costs friendship, and resilience. Jackson and his
the issue of hunger has nearly incalculable an average of more than $35,000 per year. family have fallen on hard times. There’s no
costs: research suggests that hunger and food In our nation, our response to the issue of more money for rent. And not much for
insecurity in our nation costs the U.S. econ- homelessness is not based, as it is in other food, either. His parents, his little sister, and
omy $160 billion every year in health care countries, on a rights-based approach – their dog may have to live in their minivan.
costs alone. This number is conservative, and starting from the basic notion that shelter is Again. Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s
does not include the additional costs to edu- a basic human right. Instead, the response is outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come
cational outcomes, labor productivity, crime often focused more on responding to home- back into Jackson’s life to help him. But is an
rates, and GDP. lessness as it emerges, rather than in preven- imaginary friend enough to save this family
In a world that produces more than tative approaches. from losing everything? (Ages 8-12)
enough to feed everyone, the inequitable dis- With the holiday season upon us, the continued on page 15
tribution of food through our current global Better Together
economic system – due to poverty, global- Advisory Board
ized and centralized food systems, and more encourages the
– is one of the main drivers of humanity’s Decatur com-
significant imbalance when it comes to food. munity to spend
Similarly, homelessness was a significant time learning
problem in our nation, and in our world, be- with your families
fore the pandemic. More than half a million about these two
people experience homelessness in our coun- important issues,
try each year. Of these, more than 170,000 and what we can
are families with children, more than 37,000 do to reduce hun-
are veterans, and more than 35,000 are unac- ger and home-
companied youth. lessness here at
Homelessness is primarily concentrated home, around
in larger urban areas, particularly in Califor- the country, and
nia, New York, and Florida. In 2019, it was around the world.
14 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020CITY News
Consider Planting Native Trees in Decatur
T
he benefits of trees in cities are food through their leaves, but instead are Homeowners can choose from a list of suit-
numerous and include reducing putting energy into growing and strengthen- able trees for our area. Watch for the upcom-
air temperature and pollution, de- ing their roots. ing announcement on the decaturminute.com
creasing urban noise and prevent- If you are ready to dig a hole right now there for how to apply. There are a limited number
ing soil erosion (which contributes to poor are a few native plant sales going on, many of of trees in the first year of the program and it
water quality). Native trees are best suited to which are offering online ordering. Check out will be first come, first served.
our soils and usual temperatures, but due to Trees Atlanta and the Chattahoochee Nature
the rising climate some diversity of species Center. The City of Decatur has a list of native
is recommended. Here are some great native trees that do well in our area and support na-
COD Tree Canopy
and naturalized trees to consider: tive pollinators and wildlife. The city arborist
Conservation Ordinance
has a tree planting guide available – email kay. Administrative Standards
Large canopy
evanovich@decaturga.com. Pruning and Maintenance Requirements
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) or
Another way to make a difference is Protected trees shall be maintained in a
Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)
through Trees Atlanta NeighborWoods Pro- healthy and structurally sound condition by
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) or Black
gram. Register your street at treesatlanta.org/ the owner. At a minimum, conserved trees
Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
programs/treeplanting, and organize a small shall be pruned to maintain public health
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) or
group to help plant. Trees Atlanta provides and safety. After the establishment period,
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
trees that are suitable for your street, support ongoing maintenance that includes mulch-
Medium canopy during planting and tree maintenance after ing, clearance, structural and deadwood
American Holly (Ilex opaca) or Trident trees are planted. pruning, inspections and pest management
Maple (Acer buergerianum) Recently the City of Decatur joined other as necessary is recommended to keep trees
American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) metro Atlanta cities and 10 nonprofit groups healthy and structurally sound.
or Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) in a partnership to plant and conserve 1 mil- It shall be the duty of any person owning
Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) or lion trees over the next 10 years in the metro or occupying real property bordering on any
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) area. To learn more about this program visit street upon which property trees may exist
One Million Trees Initiative at treesatlanta. to prune such trees in such a manner that
Small canopy
org/support-us/one-million-trees-initiative. they will not obstruct or shade the street-
Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina) or
Decatur is also partnering with Trees lights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on
Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier
Atlanta to set up a front yard tree program. sidewalks or vehicles on streets, obstruct vi-
arborea)
When this program starts residents can pay sion of traffic signs, or obstruct views of any
Once you have chosen a tree or two, pre- a $25 application fee and Trees Atlanta will street or alley intersection. The minimum
pare to plant your trees. The planting season plant a tree in their front yard. The tree will clearance of any overhanging portion thereof
in our area is between Nov. 15 and March 1. be maintained for two years by Trees Atlanta. shall be 10 feet over sidewalks and 12 feet
Trees are partially dormant during this time This is a great way to replace the lost canopy over all streets except truck thoroughfares,
so they are not putting energy into making from recent storms and past hurricanes. which shall have a clearance of 16 feet.
Hunger & Homelessness continued from page 14
Homecoming to make sure to avoid the authorities who housing laws and lend-
by Cynthia Voigt would split them up and place them in foster ing practices, and the
The Tillerman kids’ homes. Deep down, she hoped they could ways in which both
mother just left them find an adult they could trust, someone who of these trap families
one day in a car in a would take them in and love them. (Ages in cycles of poverty.
mall parking lot. Their 14+) Award winning – and
father, too, had left quite relevant to the
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the
them a long time ago. pursuit of economic
American City
So, as usual, it was up justice for those liv-
by Matthew Desmond
to 13-year-old Dicey, ing in poverty and the
Desmond illuminates the connection be-
the eldest of four, to take care of everything, working poor, especially during the COV-
tween the stress of finding consistent hous-
make all the decisions, feed them, find places ID-19 epidemic. A repeat from September’s
ing, the long-term effects of discriminatory
to sleep. But above all, Dicey would have suggestions.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 15CITY News
Open Burning in Decatur Leaf It Be
Decatur Fire Rescue reminds Decatur residents to remain safe while Leaves left in your yard and garden provide many benefits.
keeping warm during the cooler months. Here are the city’s rules on • Warmth and cover. Plants and animals benefit from protection
open burning. from the cold. Decomposing leaves generate warmth, which benefi-
• No person shall burn leaves, rubbish or trash of any kind. cial organisms and animals living in your yard need to survive.
• No open burning unless people are cooking food, using items with • Feeds your lawn. When the leaves break down, tiny organisms re-
flames such as kettles, blow torches, or portable heaters. turn nutrients back to the soil.
• Recreational fires in commercially available chimineas or outdoor • Provides food. There is an entire food web that takes place under
fireplaces are okay – if they are used according to their intended the leaves. Fungi and bacteria breakdown leaves, smaller organisms
use, under the manufacturer’s recommendations, and have a chim- feed on them and the broken down leaves then become food for
ney, screen, or other approved method to contain sparks. predators like salamanders, birds and frogs.
• Untreated wood, lumber, manufactured fire logs, or charcoal are the • Butterfly helper. Butterflies will lay their eggs in leaves and will
only substances permitted to be burned in chimineas or outdoor emerge in the spring.
fireplaces. • Increases biodiversity. From bacteria and fungi to birds and am-
• Chimineas or outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated inside struc- phibians, leaving leaves for shelter, nesting and food increases bio-
tures, on combustible surfaces or balconies, or within 25 feet of diversity in your yard.
combustible construction. • Free mulch. Leaves deompose and return essential nutrients to the
• Chimineas or outdoor fireplaces shall have a non-combustible sur- soil. They also help plants retain water and prevent soil runoff.
face underneath to catch sparks. You can mow the leaves that are on the grass into smaller pieces
• Aerial luminaries – such as sky lanterns, flying luminaries, floating making them less obvious, or rake leaves off of your lawn into side
lanterns and fire balloons – are prohibited. beds or other areas to still provide benefits.
Home has never been more
important.
Your Decatur Neighbor
and Real Estate Expert
We’re open for business! Safety is our top priority. NATALIE GREGORY & CO
Visit trinity-decatur.com to learn more. 404.373.0076 | 404.668.6621 | natalie.gregory@compass.com
nataliegregory.com | @nataliegregoryandco
P R O U D D E S I G N E R S O F T H E 2 0 2 0 AT L A N TA S Y M P H O N Y S H O W H O U S E
Natalie Gregory is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by
equal housing opportunity laws.
16 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020CITY News
Olive Branch Wellness Carrick Counseling
and Consulting
Receives Brown Girl Jane Grant Carrick Counseling
O
live Branch Wellness Boutique recently received a and Consulting pro-
$5,000 business grant from Brown Girl Jane. In Au- vides space for both
gust, Brown Girl Jane announced the #BrownGirlSwap parenting strategies
$255k Grant Fund supporting Black women-owned and the child’s ex-
businesses, in partnership with SheaMoisture and Vaseline. Thanks pression of emotions
to votes from fellow Decatur business owners and business sup- through play, and
porters, Olive Branch was selected from 100 applicants and 15 the emotional space
finalist to receive a grant. necessary for teens
Congratulations to Olive Branch owner Ty Jenkins. Visit the and adults seeking
shop at 123 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., or go to shoptheolive.com. clarity and peace.
Licensed therapist and owner Christina
Carrick specializes in anxiety, grief and
loss, anger, behavioral difficulties, complex
trauma, difficult life stressors and family
dynamics. Virtual sessions, as well as in-
person (with safety protocols) appointments
are available for children, adolescents, and
adults.
Carrick is located at 108 Ponce De Leon
Ave., Suite 205 (second floor, above Wild
Oats and Billy Goats and Lenox Cupcakes).
To learn more or to schedule an appoint-
ment, visit carrickcounseling.com or email
christina@carrickcounseling.com. Follow
@carrickcounseling on Instagram or Face-
book for mental health tips.
See a
problem?
Let the
city know!
SEE MyDecaturGA
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ESS
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REPORT | CO • 911
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• IN CASE OF AN
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NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 17BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News
Core Dance Presents REEL ART: Speak, Outdoors and Distant
Decatur’s Core Dance is using its Syca- digenous artists of color. The outdoor throughout the weekends until Nov. 15,
more Street storefront as a screening screenings can be viewed responsibly, starting at 7 p.m. each Friday night.
room for REEL ART: Speak, a series of recognizing social-distance guidelines. For a list of works currently on view,
film and video works highlighting and Speak is on view outside of the visit coredance.org/reel-art.
magnifying the voices of Black and in- Core Dance studio, 133 Sycamore St.,
May Gray, June Gloom, That Old Black Magic,
Horatio Baltz Zach Wolfe
Veterans Day at
Decatur Cemetery
I
n light of the worldwide pandemic, Veterans Day
2020 at Decatur Cemetery will be unlike those of the
past. The American Legion Auxiliary Harold Byrd
Unit 66, along with American Legion Post 66 and the
Friends of Decatur Cemetery, will gather, as is customary,
on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
In compliance with City of Decatur directives, attendees
should wear masks and seating will be distanced around
the Memorial Stone near the Church Street entrance. The
time coincides with the Armistice that ended the Great
War in 1918. To many at the time, it was considered “The
War to End all Wars.” Then, as now, the world was facing
a pandemic.
A brief Memorial Service will commemorate men and
women who served their country in both war and peace-
time and earned their final rest in Decatur Cemetery.
To comply with social distancing, the traditional placing
of flags by volunteers on each veteran’s grave will be re-
placed with a display of flags at both the Commerce Drive
and Church Street entrances.
18 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News
Virtual
Welcome to Decatur! Alternative
Gift Market
Buy Holiday Gifts From Around
the World Through NDPC
T
he annual Alternative Gift
Market of North Decatur
Presbyterian Church (NDPC)
is going virtual for 2020. Co-
pastors David Lewicki and Beth Walte-
math invite you to purchase gifts from
around the world from the convenience
and safety of your own home by shop-
ping online, directly from the websites
of selected local and global vendors and
humanitarian organizations.
The 12 Days of Gifting will run Nov.
18-30 as NDPC highlights vendors and
charities that shoppers have seen at the
regular holiday market. Information and
web links to vendors selling fair trade,
environmentally sustainable and reason-
ably priced holiday gifts supporting refu-
gees or disenfranchised populations will
be provided through the NDPC website,
ndpc.org/agm, and social media.
Gifts for sale include items from Afri-
ca, Latin America, Asia, South America
and the Middle East, as well as local
products from emerging social entrepre-
neurs. NDPC also will provide links to
websites where donations can be made
in honor of or in memory of loved ones,
such as buying cows through the Heifer
Project, providing legal defense for de-
tainees through El Refugio, supporting
the Haiti EcoVillage School or sending a
child to Peacemakers Camp.
Restaurant openings have been few and far between, but Ponko Chicken
recently opened on Church Street, in the spot previoiusly occupied by Steel City
Pops. Mayor Patti Garrett joined Shane Godfrey and Johnny Esposito on a sunny
October Saturday for an official ribbon cutting. The restaurant grand opening
featured live music and a socially distanced group of diners and well-wishers.
NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 19BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News
Veterans Day at Saint Thomas Glennwood Estates
Works to Restore
More Catholic School and Preserve
S
aint Thomas More Catholic School will honor our nation’s veterans beginning
Arborist Neil Norton and the Glennwood Es-
Nov. 4 and concluding with a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11. Students have
collected and displayed photos of veterans on the school bulletin board and will tates Neighborhood Association spearheaded
sell flags displayed on the front lawn of the church (beginning Nov. 4). The pro- two COVID-safe workdays Oct. 10-11 to
ceeds from this flag sale will raise money for Spikes K9 Fund, spikesk9fund.org. preserve and restore the Glenn Creek Nature
In November, the entire school will participate in an online program, during which all Preserve. Organizers selected the weekend in
servicemen and women and veterans affiliated with the school or church will be invited to part to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day
join the students online to honor them. on October 12.
Throughout the weekend, dozens of neigh-
bors, ages 7 to 60+, following COVID guide-
lines, volunteered their time trail-building,
mulching and removing non-piedmont veg-
etation. A number of DHS students, includ-
ing Scouts from Troop 134 at Decatur Baptist
Church, took time out to help, including
Conor Burby and Daniel Stadler who assisted
with leadership oversight.
There is a rich history to the Preserve and
its relationship to the Glennwood Estates
neighborhood. To learn more visit glennwood-
estates.org/about/glenn-creek-nature-preserve.
To learn more about this two-acre preserve of
native piedmont habitat and how you can get
involved go to arboratlanta.org/glenncreek/
index.html.
Searching for Home
Art Exhibition open 10 am to 4 pm
through November
Dana Fine Arts Building, Dalton Gallery
141 East College Ave.
We have all searched for home. Some are fortu-
nate enough to have found it, while for others it
is a lifelong quest. The search may be a physical
progress or a journey of the spirit; the seeking
may be voluntary or forced; tragic or hopeful.
The goal is a better life and safety for ourselves
and our families – the security of home. .
The exhibition, made possible by the Margaret
Virginia Philip Art Endowment Fund, will be
available virtually and in person by appointment.
To experience the show virtually, check the gal-
lery’s website at daltongallery.agnesscott.org. To
make an appoinutment to see the show in person,
go to eventbrite.com and search for “Searching
for Home.”
20 | Decatur Focus • NOVEMBER 2020BUSINESS & NONPROFIT News
Local Companies and Nonprofits Step Up to
Support Decatur Education Foundation
er”
g Decatur Education Foundation was established in 2002 to solve the 2020-2021 Step Up Circle Members
challenges Decatur kids face that prevent them from learning and (As of October 1, 2020)
thriving. Throughout the years, local companies, families and individ-
$10,000+ The Galenkamp Family
uals have pledged their support to help DEF tackle some of the biggest
Townley Kenton Harriet King
issues facing our kids – racial and
Shannon and Anthony
economic inequity, food insecurity,
$7,500-$9,999 Scalese
behavioral health and currently vir-
Keller Knapp Realty
tual learning due to Covid-19. Lampe-Farley $3,000-$4,999
In 2019, DEF debuted its Step Communications Anonymous
Up Circle as a way to honor donors Jenna and Clanton Black
who have pledged their continued $5,000-$7,499 Leah and Nick Humphries
commitment to supporting DEF’s mission. During a year in which Amy Widener Realtor Margaret and Viraj Master
every family and every industry has been tested in some way, DEF is Beth Ann Clannin Realtor Linda Nalley
pleased to announce that as of Oct. 1, businesses, families and indi- Natalie Gregory Realtor Naomi and Stan Orkin
viduals have stepped up once again to make sure that all of Decatur’s Courtney and Matt Sollie
kids have the support they need during this challenging time. $3,500-$4,999
If you or your organization would like to become a Step Up Circle Heather Tell Realtor $1,500-$2,999
supporter, you can learn more at decatureducationfoundation.org/ Leafmore Construction Lauren and John Brown
stepup or email leah@decatureducationfoundation.org. Oakhurst Realty Partners Gretchen and James Cobb
Karen and Donald Horace
Individuals Chenika and Robert Jeffrey
Cindy Lamons and Marc
$10,000+ Wisniewski
Anonymous Cheryl and Eddy Nahmias
Richard Higgins and Kerri and Todd Ohlandt
Margaret Graff Karen and Fisher Paty
Molly and Scott Marrah Lauren and Jay Pelissier
Hilda and Pat Patrick Maria and Joseph Pinkelton
Lynn Paxton Gail Rothman and Doug
Giving you Donna and Bill Woolf Altizer
Lynda and Bob Wilson
the time and $5,000-$9,999
Anonymous
attention you Stephen Devereaux and
Jill Wasserman
deserve
LISA CRONIC, REALTOR®
lisacronic@atlantafinehomes.com
678.641.4325
Decatur Resident for Over 20 Years
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NOVEMBER 2020 • Decatur Focus | 21You can also read
