Home for the Holidays

In This Issue
Focus on Downtown Development ...... 2
Recycling News ........................................ 3
MLK Day Service Project ........................ 4
Decatur Business News ....................... 5
Letter from the DBA President .............. 8
Decatur Names Teacher of the Year ... 10
More Holiday Events Around Town .... 12
Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia • December 2005 • Volume 16 • Number 5
City Hall Construction Update ............. 14
Decatur: Home for the Holidays
Holiday Candlelight
Tour of Homes
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Details in the November Focus and at
www.decaturga.com.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 10 • 8-9:30 a.m.
Join Santa for a breakfast buffet at the
Holiday Inn Select Decatur Conference Center. Santa arrives promptly at
8 a.m. on a Decatur fire truck and stays
to visit with everyone until 10 a.m.
Breakfast is served until 9:30 a.m. You
must make a reservation by calling
404-371-9583 or sending an email to
[email protected].
Decorate Decatur Contest
Sunday, Dec. 18 • at dusk
Join in the communitywide decorating
contest – turn on your holiday lights,
light your luminaries, and be a part of
the celebration. Judges ride through
Decatur and pick 10 favorite homes, a
business, a neighborhood, and an overall
winner who receives the Commissioners
Cup from the City Commission. Call
404-371-9583 and leave the address of
your favorite holiday house. Judges will
ride by all the addresses on the list plus
as many other streets as possible.
Attention Neighborhoods
If you would like a load of sand to use for luminaries for your neighborhood, call 404-371-9583.
You need to have a space large enough to accommodate a load of sand and the truck delivering it. Sand will be delivered the week of
Dec. 12.
Y
C I T
O F
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aturga
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See pages 6 and 7 for a listing of the Decatur shops
and restaurants offering specials on Thursday evenings in December.
MARTA Plaza Progressing
Santa at the bonfire
on the Square. See
page 7 for details.
Decatur citizens and downtown workers can
monitor the progress of MARTA Plaza “reconstruction” through the construction fence and by
peering around the Pete the Cat paintings (like
the one above) that have been hung around the
construction site. Please continue to patronize
the Sycamore Street shops and restaurants . . .
they’re all open for business throughout the
project. See page 15 for more.
Focus on
Downtown
Development
You Gotta Break Some Eggs . . .
The MARTA project is underway and right on schedule! Demolition is the
first order of business. The removal of the planter walls has already made the
area look more open and inviting. In order to complete the demolition of
the planter walls and remove the skylights, the fencing along the Sycamore
Street block has been moved closer to the buildings.
Extra security lighting has been installed
and all businesses remain open. Please
make a special effort to visit these businesses over the next few months as we work
to complete the demolition portion of the
project.
Artist James Dean has completed six
“Pete the Cat” panels to help brighten up
the fencing. He continues to work on additional panels. Eight residents and neighborhood groups volunteered to paint their
own panels for the fence. James plans to
paint “Pete” into these panels once they are
installed.
The Artisan condominium project
is going up quickly. More than 50 units
have already been sold and many of these
have been purchased by current Decatur
residents. This project should help create a
more pedestrian-friendly feel along Commerce Drive with the addition of storefronts, streetscape improvements and wider
sidewalks. For a view of The Artisan’s sales
materials, visit www.artisandecatur.com.
We continue to work with George Rohrig and residents of the Old Decatur Depot
neighborhood to identify a compromise
for the proposed mixed-use development
at East Howard Avenue and Hillyer Street.
Progress is being made and all parties continue to meet.
The Talley Street Lofts (drawing below)
are now under construction. The first
project to be developed in the Phase I plan
for the Avondale LCI project, this 90-unit
condo complex is at the corner of Talley
and Sams streets, one block south of East
College Avenue. It is a four-story building
of frame construction with masonry and
brick exterior. Units are available with one
bedroom, one bedroom and a den, and
with two bedrooms, and have standard
market features. The building includes a
parking deck, pool, fitness room and club
room, as well as individual storage units.
The complex is one block from the
Avondale MARTA station and two blocks
see Development, page 5
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 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 to the editor,
editorials, or other opinion pieces are not published.
All press releases, announcements, and other information received for publication are subject to editing.
Information found in the Focus is also posted on
Decatur’s official website at www.decaturga.com. The
deadline for submitting articles, announcements,
or advertising is the 1st day of the month preceding
publication. Contact: Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O.
Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, 404/371-8386; fax
404/371-1593; e-mail: [email protected].
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION
Bill Floyd ................................................. Mayor
Jim Baskett ............................. Mayor Pro Tem
Fred Boykin .............................. Commissioner
Kecia Cunningham .................. Commissioner
Mary Alice Kemp...................... Commissioner
DECATUR DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Board
Sheila Hunt, Chair
Ed Bowen, Vice Chair
Fred Cavalli
Bruce Cohen
John Drake
John Joyner
Jim Philips
Betty Spiker
Decatur Business
Association
DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Information for the FOCUS should be submitted by mail to Editor, Decatur Focus,
P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031, by fax to 404-371-1593, or by e-mail to [email protected].
Fred Cavalli....................................... President
Jeff Hancock ........................... President-Elect
Laura Bevins .................................... Treasurer
Patricia Bryan .................................. Secretary
Diann Baker .............................Past President
Design and layout: Lampe-Farley Communications
2 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
CITY NEWS
Electronics Recycling Event Is Huge Success
Decatur’s first Electronics Recycling Event brought out more than 275 participants
with enough electronics gear to fill a 53-foot tractor trailer. The Waste Management
Board called the event a huge success and plans to hold another one in the spring.
Recycling is the proper way to dispose of old electronic components and keep the
environment safe. Hang on to your old electronics after the holidays and plan to participate in the spring event. Look for dates and details in the Focus.
Got Stuff? Recycle It!
CHUR
Decatur First Baptist
Church
308 Clairemont Ave.
)
Decatur
Presbyterian
N. MCDONOUGH ST.
Church
205 Sycamore St.
E. TRI
NITY
Decatur Fire
Station #1
230 E. Trinity Pl.
Information subject to
MEDLOCK RD.
change without
www.decaturga.com
NEARBY PICK-UP RESOURCES
Goodwill Industries — Clothes,
goods, and small appliances.
2201 Glenwood Ave.
American Kidney Foundation
household goods.
Clothes, toys, furniture, and
(770) 441-2220
There is also a Goodwill
furniture, books, household
drop-off box at North DeKalb
Mall.
parts, and
Large appliances, building
Habitat for Humanity —
equipment and other items
supplies, hardware,yard
519 Memorial Dr.
e.asp
www.atlanta-habitat.org/restor
(404) 525-2114
Morgan Cleaners
240 E. Trinity Pl.
Furniture Bank of Atlanta
Furniture and mattresses.
(404) 355-8530
www.furniturebankatlanta.org
RECYCLING RESOURCES
COMPUTER HARDWARElarge amounts of landfill space, and
use
Computers and monitors
supply.
into the earth and our water
may leak toxic compounds
resources
list of electronics recycling
Please look for an updated
at www.decaturga.com.
E. HOWARD AVE.
W. HOWARD AVE.
Key
AVERY ST.
S. CANDLER ST.
E. COLLEGE AVE.
W. COLLEGE AVE.
North Dekalb Mall
2050 Lawrenceville Hwy.
(404) 633-8002
will be
and HP printer cartridges
Office Depot — Lexmark
of paper.
exchanged for one ream
Toco Hills Shopping Center
2951 N. Druid Hills Rd. NE
www.ging.org
PL.
Bin
E. Trinity Pl.
RadioShack
(from cordless phones, etc.).
Recycle rechargeable batteries
Toco Hills Shopping Center
2907 N. Druid Hills Rd. NE
(404) 633-1007
(404) 329-8511
SYCAMORE ST.
Decatur volunteers pitched in and got their
hands dirty to clean up the collapsed banks of
Shoal Creek near Kirk Road this summer. And
in November they returned to help install a rain
garden and plant native shrubs. Pictured are
the 15 volunteers who turned out in August to
move soil, plant willows and azaleas to stabilize
the eroded creek banks, remove soil and gently
slope the banks to prevent the collapse of soil
into the waters at a bend in the creek. If you are
interested in volunteering for future projects,
contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or
[email protected].
magazines, telephone books,
Whole Foods — Newspapers,
aluminum, and glass.
plastics 1-7, steel cans,
2111 Briarcliff Rd.
Atlanta, GA
(404) 634-7800
650 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA
(404) 853-1681
rear of this store
Recycling location at the
NEARBY DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
Decatur-Memorial
4600 Memorial Dr.
(404) 292-5166
Decatur First
United
Methodist
Church
300 E. Ponce
de Leon Ave.
N. CANDLER ST. (ONE WAY
E. COURT
SQUARE
CHURCH ST.
AVE
.
ON
NCE
DE
LE
W. P
O
COMMERCE DR.
SWANTON WAY
Your Cleaners
410 W. Ponce
de Leon Ave.
Your DeKalb
Farmers
Market
3000 E. Ponce
de Leon Ave.
E. PONCE DE LEON AVE.
DECATUR
SQUARE
W. TRINITY PL.
FORKNER RD.
ST.
CH
Century Cleaners
760 Commerce Dr.
COMMERCE DR.
CLAIREMONT AVE.
VD.
T BL
Mail Bag
Suburban Plaza
2655 N. Decatur Rd.
Recycles most
shipping materials
SYCAMORE ST.
Lutheran Church of
the Messiah
465 Clairemont Ave.
Map Not To Scale
SCOT
Bin - 1222 Church St.
GLENDALE AVE.
UPS Store
Emory Commons
2107 N. Decatur Rd.
Recycles most
shipping materials
Volunteers Work to
Stabilize Shoal Creek
Board
Waste Management Advisory
notice • rev. 10/12/05
in or near the City of Decatur
Publix
Emory Commons
2155 N. Decatur Rd.
MEAD RD.
Decatur’s Waste Management Advisory
Board has just made it a little easier to do
your part on behalf of the earth. A map of
recycling resources has been posted at
www.decaturga.com to help citizens locate
the appropriate facilities for recycling batteries, newspapers, aluminum cans, scrap
metal, plastics, motor oil and other items.
tions
Recycling Drop-off Loca
and Pick-up Services
Jiffy Lube
1271 Clairmont Rd.
N. DECATUR RD.
Greenspace Commission News
Harmony Park
Oakview at
East Lake Dr.
OAKHURST
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
When making plans for a live Christmas tree,
please remember the official “Bring One for the
Chipper” event on Sunday, Jan. 8. City of Decatur
residents may drop off their live Christmas trees at
the Christmas Tree Recycling Center in the Agnes
Scott Parking lot. The entrance is between 184 and
206 S. Candler St. You can drop off your tree from
Monday, Dec. 26, to Sunday, Jan. 8. Please do not leave
your Christmas trees anywhere else on the Agnes Scott Campus.
Recycling Drop-Off
Locations
Glass Bottles
Metal Hangers
Aluminum Cans
Magazines
Cardboard
Motor Oil
Plastic Containers
Newsprint
(
and
)
Office Paper
Styrofoam
Styrofoam Egg
Cartons/Deli Trays
Paper Bags
Plastic Bags
Scrap metal
Steel Cans
Used Clothing
Phone Books
Holiday Sanitation Schedule
Christmas Holidays
Friday, Dec. 23 / Monday, Dec. 26
Thursday services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 21
Friday services will be on Thursday, Dec. 22
Monday services will be on Tuesday, Dec. 27
Tuesday services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 28
New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1
Services for Monday, Jan. 2, will be on Tuesday,
Jan. 3
Services for Tuesday, Jan. 3, will be on Wednesday,
Jan. 4
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 3
Fourth Annual MLK Service Project
Saturday, Jan. 14 – Monday, Jan. 16
In celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Decatur will hold its fourth annual service project to provide home repairs and yard work to seniors. Jobs are available for all skill levels.
Volunteer for a half-day, all day or all three days as an individual or
bring together a group.
Choose one or more of the following shifts:
Saturday, Jan 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contact Lee Ann Harvey, 678-553-6548, or laharvey@decaturga.
com for volunteer opportunities or information.
4 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
Decatur Dollars cards
are sponsored by
Give your friends and family the gift of Decatur this holiday
season. Decatur Dollars gift cards can be used at more than
200 shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries, salons and services in
the city of Decatur – any business that accepts credit or debit
cards. The cards can be purchased at Decatur First Bank’s
main office at 1120 Commerce Drive or at its Kroger location at
720 Commerce Drive.
It’s a great way to introduce others to your hometown!
For more information, contact Decatur First Bank at 404373-1000, or visit www.decaturga.com
404-371-8386
www.decaturga.com
Decatur and Decatur First Bank
Introduce Decatur Dollars
ur Dollars gift card:
More tips for using your Decat
card just like a credit card.
• Use your Decatur Dollars gift
No PIN is necessary.
value indicated for
• Please make note of the initial
You will need to know
your Decatur Dollars gift card.
the balance. To check the
the value if you want to check
number
ccount.com, type in the card
balance visit www.myprepaida
date and the original value.
(without spaces), the expiration
for a purchase that
• If you wish to use your card
e tell the merchant
exceeds the funds available, pleas funds available, then
nt of
to charge only the exact amou
ent.
nce with another form of paym
CITY NEWS
CITY NEWS
Infill Housing Task Force
Are you interested in being appointed to the soon-to-becreated Infill Housing Task Force? Interested individuals
should fill out a Statement of Interest and Qualifications
form, which is available at City Hall, 233 E. Trinity Place,
and online at www.decaturga.com, and return it to City
Hall by Dec. 14. For information call 404-370-4102.
Municipal Court Judge
Decatur has an opening for a part-time Municipal Court
Judge. You must be 21 years old or older, a member of the
State Bar of Georgia and a resident of the city of Decatur.
Send a letter of interest with a resume to Peggy Merriss,
city manager, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031 or email
[email protected].
January/February Focus Combined
Issue
The January/February Decatur Focus will be a combined
issue. If you have news to share for January or February,
please send it in by Dec. 5. Information and photos related
to city of Decatur residents, businesses, and organizations
may be submitted via email, fax or regular mail. Send to
[email protected] or Editor, Decatur Focus, P.O. Box
220, Decatur, GA 30031. Fax to 404-371-1593.
Development
continued from page 2
from the new restaurants at the East Decatur Station
development. There will be 15 lifecycle/workforce units
selling at a reduced price with the other 75 selling at
market. The price range is projected to be $117,000
(one bedroom/one bath lifecycle) to $207,000 (two bedroom/two bath market). Construction is scheduled to be
completed in October 2006. Marketing will be handled
by a real estate firm and the start of marketing will be announced later.
As Decatur continues to see successful mixed-use
residential development in its commercial districts, an
interesting fact heard at a recent workshop is particularly
relevant to our city. Recent studies have shown that one
additional employee in a downtown commercial district
will generate about $2,500-$3,500 per year in retail and
restaurant sales. A new resident in that same district will
generate three to four times that value in sales, up to
$14,000 per year in sales within that district. This type of
economic impact is exactly the boost we need to attract
– and retain – small independent business owners.
Tidbits from Decatur
Shops, Restaurants & Services
New Shop on Church Street
Welcome to Houseworks, 419 Church
St., Suite 170 (in the
old Posh Pup space).
They are open every
day and offer an
eclectic adventure
in shopping with a
unique mix of gifts
and home décor. Stop
by and check out
their blown art glass,
stained glass by local artists, fashion jewelry, wind chimes, Artstone
crosses and wall plaques, December Diamonds fun and glitzy ornaments, fairies and fountains, lamps, sushi sets, candles, and many more
gifts for the special people in your life, including yourself. Call 404370-3009 for information.
Short & Sweet Enjoys Media Coverage
Oakhurst’s Short & Sweet Studios, where you can star your dog or your
baby in a movie, has recently made appearances on TV and in publications. Brett Martin, WAGA-TV’s Road Warrior, recently visited Short
& Sweet Studios during Good Day Atlanta’s live morning show. In
November, the studio was featured on WSB-TV’s “Hot Topics” with
Kimberley Kennedy. Dog World Japan magazine spread the word about
the studios halfway around the world in their October issue.
To find out more about Short & Sweet Studios or to schedule a
shoot, visit www.shortnsweetstudios.com or call 404-377-1285. Don’t
forget to ask about holiday greeting card DVDs.
New Website for That Pottery Place
That Pottery Place has a new website and now offers custom-painted
pottery to make your holiday shopping easier. Custom-painted pottery
pieces make truly original holiday gifts. Or you can come in and paint
your own. Visit www.potteryplacedecatur.com to check out new items
and promotions. For more information call 404-371-4557. That Pottery Place is at 412 Church St.
Food for Thought at Coaching Connection
The Coaching Connection offers December Food for Thought on
Thursday, Dec. 15, noon-1:15. Bring your lunch and discuss the topic
“Giving Yourself the Gift of Nurturing.” The Coaching Connection is a
group of trained and certified professional life coaches, located at 403 W.
Ponce de Leon Ave., Suites 117 and 118. To register call 404-373-7615
or email [email protected].
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 5
C I T Y
O F
Terrific Thursdays
Continues in
December
Santa Will Ride the Fur Bus
on Thursdays
Add these shops and restaurants to
your Terrific Thursdays list. For a complete listing of all participants visit
www.decaturga.com or call 404-3719583. Names of shops and restaurants described last month are listed
as well.
Square Roots
117 E. Court Sq.
Mingei World Arts
427 Church St.
Houseworks
419 Church St.
Jolie Home
252 W. Ponce de
Leon Ave.
Viet Chateau
254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Boswell Gallery
153 Ponce de Leon Pl.
Shops along
East Ponce de Leon Avenue
About Movement Pilates/
Decatur Hot Yoga
431 W. Ponce De Leon Ave. • 404-377-4899
Tour their expanded facilities at 431 W.
Ponce De Leon Ave., each Thursday during December between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Each visitor will receive a coupon for a
free Yoga or Pilates mat class and will be
entered into a weekly drawing for a free
private/duet session on the Pilates apparatus, a $60-$80 value.
Alexia Gallery
335B W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-373-1969
Unique art jewelry and fine crafts. Artists
from all over the world. Snacks, wine, hot
cider and other refreshments.
Boutique Kar-ma
340 Church St.
SoRare
407 W. Ponce de
Leon Ave.
Atlanta Bread Bakery Cafe
Blue Moon Designs, Inc.
418 Church St. • 404-378-1114
10 percent off storewide with refreshments
served from 6 to 9 p.m.
Boogaloos Boutique
Boutique Karma
By Hand South
112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-378-0118
Apologies to By Hand South for leaving
them out of the November Focus when
they kick off Terrific Thursdays with their
annual open house and 15 percent off
everything in the store. It is the only weekend a year that they discount merchandise.
6 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
In December, enjoy extended Thursday
evening hours and refreshments.
Café Alsace
121 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-373-5622
Homemade Christmas cookies when you
purchase an entrée.
Carpe Diem Café & Bistro
Collage
The Corner Pub
627-D E. College Ave. • 404-377-0603
Receive an appetizer with any $5 or more
purchase.
The Cottage Beauty Studio
914 Church St. • 404-377-7330
Bring a friend and get half off the lowestcost service.
Creative Spirit Gallery
Crescent Moon
Dairy Queen
Decatur CD
DeKalb History Center
Eddie’s Attic
515-B N. McDonough St. • 404-377-4976
Free beverage with a receipt from a city of
Decatur retail store.
Fabu Face Spa
Great Clips for Hair
225 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 120
404-377-1331
10 percent off perms.
HairLooms
Hair Werks & Co. Salons & Spa
Hoopla
123 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. • 404-377-6230
Dec. 1 – Corolle Baby Dolls 10 percent
off; Dec. 8 – Thomas the Train 10 percent
off; Dec. 15 – Stocking Stuffers 10 percent
off; Dec. 22 – Slippers, Pajamas and Plush
10 percent off.
Houseworks
419 Church St. • 404-370-3009
10 percent off and refreshments each
week.
Intaglia Home Collection
431-3 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-373-2088
Browse through the store and enjoy a
complimentary glass of wine. 10 percent
off all home accessories every Terrific
Thursday.
ReMax Executives
314B Church St. • 404-378-9300
Dec. 8 – Artists Market featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, painting, photography, handbags, mixed-media artwork and
more, 5-9 p.m.
Jake’s Ice Cream & Muncheteria
Rue de Leon
Johnny’s Pizza
Siam Thai Restaurant
123 Sycamore St. • 404-371-4333
Mention “Terrific Thursday” and receive a
complimentary combination appetizer created by our chef. One per table.
Jolie Home
Kaleidoscope Boutique
Little Shop of Stories
Mental Stimulation
533 W. Howard Ave. • 404-577-5620
Visit from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for
conversations with local writers and artists
and free fudge! Call for more information.
Dec. 1 – Non-Original Poetry Recital.
Bruce Borowsky will host an evening of
poetry recitation.
Dec. 8 – Jewelry designer Becky Levine
will demonstrate techniques she uses to
create her line of jewelry and give a short
workshop in simple origami.
Dec. 15 – Manager James Silver will read
from his novel Naked Presidents, An Alternate History. He will also talk about his
experience in being published by online,
on-demand publisher iuniverse.com and
offer advice on the writing of fiction.
SoRare
407 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-377-0102
Champagne, cheese and crackers served.
Give it your best shot!
Starbucks Coffee Company
133 E. Court Square • 404-371-1104
15 percent off any home brewing machines.
The 17 Steps
Square Roots
Squash Blossom
Taste
Mick’s Decatur
That Pottery Place
412 Church St. • 404-371-4557
Come and paint your holiday gifts. Get
5 percent off every item on every Terrific
Thursday.
Mingei World Arts
Two Stix
Mojo Pizza
657 East Lake Dr. • 404-373-1999
Every Terrific Thursday Mojo Pizza will
add $5 to any giftcard purchase of $10 or
more. Join them for Christmas pizza and
beer specials and enjoy Christmas films
shown on their big screen.
Universal Joint
Victory Vintage Home
Viet Chateau Restaurant
Wahoo! A Decatur Grill
Natural Body
225 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., #150 • 404-370-1330
When you spend $50 or more on products, receive 10 percent off total purchase.
Noodle
One Step at a Time
Raging Burrito/Azul
Victory Vintage Home
303 E. College Ave.
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 7
DBA NEWS
Thanks for the Memories
The cycle is almost complete. One more flip of the calendar,
the Peach Drop, fireworks, and refrains of “Auld Lang Syne”
will signal the end of 2005 and the beginning of the New Year.
Every 12 months we pause at this time to reflect on the past
year and try to project for the new.
Whether we like it or not, change is one of the few constants in life. Around our house it is much quieter this fall
since we have become “empty-nesters.” I am still adapting.
Our city continues to evolve. There are more places to eat
and entertain. More people are living in town. More older
houses and buildings are being renovated and more new housing units are coming on line. Decatur is alive and vibrant; according to the AJC and Atlanta MagaLETTER FROM THE DBA PRESIDENT
zine, Decatur is now a destination.
FRED CAVALLI • DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Yes, people come here on purpose to
shop, to eat, and to enjoy our concerts
and other special events. Yet, even as downtown life becomes busier and busier, Decatur remains a friendly place with a comfortable small-town atmosphere.
Without a doubt, the one thing that makes Decatur special is its people. We are
like family; sometimes we fuss and fight, but we mostly care about and help each
other. Decatur is serious about volunteering. If there is a cause or an event that needs
workers or other support there soon will be a line of Decaturites ready to do what
needs to be done.
The list of special events and community activities is far too long to detail here.
However, I would like to mention that as I write this letter, two projects representative of the Decatur volunteer spirit are in progress – A Season of Giving/Christmas
Decatur provides hundreds of low-income children and seniors with clothing, toys,
and other items, and the MLK Jr. Service Project assists more than a dozen senior
citizen home owners with home repairs and yard work.
My time is almost up. Two years in this position leaves me with a sense of gratitude and humility. The DBA membership most definitely exemplifies the Decatur
volunteer spirit. If a committee needs a co-chair, a new project needs research and development, or an existing project or event needs review and staffing, the conversations
are usually short and the response always positive. Thank you Laura Bevins, treasurer,
and Patricia Bryan, secretary. Your work, although not generally visible to the public,
is crucial to the success of the DBA Board. Thank you committee co-chairs, board
members, and volunteers. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve with you.
Jeff Hancock, congratulations and welcome as the new DBA president! I look forward to our continued work together.
See you around town!
Decatur Business
Association
December
Meeting
Reminder
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Neighborhood Playhouse
5:15 p.m. – Networking/Reception
6 p.m. – Program: Hometown Heroes and DBA officer elections,
Presentation of Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival proceeds
Sponsor: Joyner & Burnette, P.C.
8 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
YPOD Networking Event at
Super Suppers
Tuesday, Dec. 13 • 6:30-8 p.m.
Young Professionals of Decatur (YPOD) will
host its next monthly networking event at
Super Suppers in Decatur. Professionals of all
ages and from all industries with
an interest in networking with other
metro Atlanta area
professionals are invited. The event will
provide a welcoming
forum for meeting
and mingling, and will feature hors
d’oeuvres by Super Suppers and plenty of
drinks.
The event is free for YPOD members and
$10 at the door for non-members.
Super Suppers Decatur is at 114 New St.,
Suite A. For directions, call 404-372-6972.
Information about Super Suppers can be
found at www.supersuppersdecatur.com.
YPOD networking events are held the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. and
are open to the public. Events are hosted at a
Decatur-area business; details are announced
at each event one month in advance. Nonmembers are encouraged to join and take part
in each monthly networking event and annual
special events. Full membership details can be
found at www.youngpods.com.
Eurasia Bistro Features
Sterling Vineyard
Winemaker’s Dinner
Eurasia Bistro will present a Sterling Vineyard Winemaker’s Dinner on Wednesday,
Dec. 7. The reception begins at 7 p.m., with
dinner at 7:45. The all-inclusive Prix Fix is
$75.
The menu includes short ribs, prawns,
roasted quail w/Hawaiian papaya salad, venison chop and a special dessert. The special
guest speaker is Beth Rubenstein.
Eurasia Bistro is at 129 E. Ponce de Leon
Ave. Call 404-687-8822 to make your reservation or for more information.
DBA NEWS
McMahan Shoes in Decatur
McMahan Shoes has served the greater Atlanta area since 1947,
providing the very best in prescription and comfort footwear. In
spring 2005, the store relocated to the Wachovia Bank Building,
250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
The move brought changes in both the look of the retail showroom and the styles and brands being offered. McMahan still carries the same lines of shoes as in the past, but has added new lines
such as Finn Comfort, Dansko Clogs, ECCO, Mephisto, New Balance, Clarks and Hotter Comfort shoes.
The new look and the variety of styles and brands reflect the
knowledge and expertise McMahan Shoes has gained through more
than 50 years of practice. Henry Willis, with over 45 years of experience, joins other knowledgeable staff members to help customers
get the best fit possible.
McMahan Shoes also offers expert shoe repair and orthopedic
footwear modifications as well as on-site custom foot orthotic fabrication. Some of the services are prescription items only, but many
are not. Other items include a full line of over-the-counter foot
care products such as Spenco and Pedifix, non-binding socks and
shoe polish.
Call 404-371-1179 for more information.
1120 Commerce Dr.
Decatur, GA 30030
Holiday Bonfire & Marshmallow Roast
Thursday, Dec. 15 • 7-8 p.m.
Jeff’s Mortgage 101
Jeff Hancock
Senior Loan Officer
JeffHancockLoans.com
404-371-4500
Q: What is a “Quick Claim Deed”?
A: Actually, the correct term is “Quit Claim
Deed.” It refers to the release of prior ownership in a property. Need straight answers on the
mortgage process? Advice on loan products tailored
for your financial needs? Call on us for hometown
expertise with national resources.
As part of Terrific Thursdays, the
Decatur Business Association sponsors this annual event that includes
roasting marshmallows around a
bonfire, special music, and Santa.
Due to MARTA Plaza construction,
the bonfire will be held on North
McDonough in the street in front of
Eddie’s Attic, Little Shop of Stories,
and Jake’s Ice Cream. Free.
DBA President Fred Cavalli
on coathanger duty.
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 9
SCHOOL NEWS
Waldorf School
Hires Administrator
Whitley Named
Teacher of the Year
Stephen F. Boyce is the new school
administrator at Waldorf School. He
brings more than 30 years of experience
in independent school education, most
recently having served as the director of
student services and director of admissions at Brandon Hall.
The Waldorf School of Atlanta is
proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary
as Atlanta’s only elementary and middle
school offering the unique Waldorf curriculum to metro Atlanta students. Today, the school has more than 25 faculty
and staff and serves almost 200 students
in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and
Grades 1 through 8. Call 404-377-1315
for information.
Ann Whitley has been named 2005-2006
Teacher of the Year by City Schools of
Decatur (CSD). Ann is the lead media
specialist for CSD and a member of the
district’s instructional leadership team.
She has served as the media specialist
at Winnona Park Elementary for the past
two years and has been an employee of
the City Schools of Decatur for 20 years,
teaching at Clairemont Elementary,
Westchester Elementary and Oakhurst
Elementary.
Ann was nominated for this award
by a group of her peers and will go on to
compete in the State of Georgia’s Teacher
of the Year competition later this month.
Retirement Planning Advisors,LLC
Wishing You All The Joy & Peace Of The Holiday Season!
Registered Investment Advisors
Thank You For Your Business
And Referrals!
“Fee Based” Advice on:
Emilie M. Markert, G.R.I.
Financial Planning
RE/MAX Executives, Inc.
314 - B Church St.
Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-9300
Osmond Baptist
CFP®, CSA®
Principal
Retirement
Investments
Money Management
Tel: 404.377.1616
Fax: 404.377.1636
[email protected]
315 West Ponce De Leon Avenue. #565, Decatur, GA 30030
www.retirewise.com
Learn the Broadway
style of tap dancing.
Specializing in Beginner and
Intermediate Levels. Located
at the Several Dancers Core
Dance studio. Classes are
evenings and weekends.
404/873-5986 for information
10 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
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$25 Holiday
Party Do
Special!
Ask for Mattie
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227 N. McDonough St.
404-378-4046
EVENTS
Clairemont Holiday
Marketplace and Café
Friday, Dec. 2 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 • 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Clairemont Elementary School, 155
Erie Ave., hosts its 14th Annual Holiday
Marketplace and Café on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3. The event, a fundraiser for the Clairemont PTA, showcases
more than 80 artists and craftspeople
selling their wares in a festive setting.
The café, located in the school’s cafeteria, features homemade soups and
baked goods, as well as live music from
local musicians such as Screen Door,
Fern Creek, Trio Nova, and Hair of the
Dog.
The Holiday Marketplace is held in
conjunction with the Decatur Tour of
Homes.
Boswell Gallery Features
The Magical Land of Narnia
Boswell Gallery presents original artwork
celebrating “The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe,” to coincide with the opening of the
family film in theaters during December. On
Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., the gallery offers Narnian coloring book activities for
families.
The art exhibition “Small Works,” curated
by Elliott Boswell, features work by several artists including Lori Lejeune, who presents her
original interpretation of the children’s classic.
This is the first time this artwork has been
shown in Atlanta.
The exhibition opens Dec. 1 and runs
through Jan. 18.
Boswell Gallery is at 153 Ponce de Leon Place. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11
a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Call 404-377-4778 for information
or visit www.boswellgallery.com.
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We LOVE our community and it shows….
Call today 404-378-4573
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Top Sponsor Decatur Schools 5K Fun Run
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Sponsor/Volunteer Decatur Wine Fest, Beer Fest, Breakfast with Santa Decatur
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Volunteer Dekalb Rape Crisis Center 5K
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Annual Charity garage sale for Our House
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Sponsor Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
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Tsunami relief fundraiser Montessori @ Emory
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CALL TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME
TOP LISTING AGENTS OF THE YEAR 2002, 2003 AND 2004!
Equal housing opportunity. Coldwell Banker Residential Atlanta and The Condo
Store are owned and operated by NRT, Inc.
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 11
EVENTS
HOLIDAY EVENTS ALL AROUND DECATUR
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church to
Present Holiday Program
Decatur Presbyterian Church Presents
Holiday Programs
Saturday, Dec. 3 • 8 p.m.
Decatur Presbyterian Church invites the community to its holiday programs: the Children’s Nativity Pageant on Dec. 14 at 6:30
p.m. in the Sanctuary; Christmas Eve services at 5 p.m. (family
worship service with children’s choir and communion) and 10:30
p.m. (candlelight service of lessons and carols with chancel choir,
organ, brass, and handbells); Christmas Day Worship service at
10:30 a.m. with singing of Christmas carols.
Decatur Presbyterian Church is at 205 Sycamore St. Call 404378-1777 for information.
Atlanta Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Jennifer Kane,
will present a program of Renaissance and modern a cappella
choral music for Advent and Christmas at Holy Trinity Episcopal
Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. A donation of $10 is requested.
Atlanta Schola Cantorum, an independent 30-voice chorus
specializing in Renaissance music, has been performing throughout Atlanta since 1974. For information call 404-408-1602 or
visit www.atlantaschola.org.
Ho Ho Ho-Made Holiday Trunk Show
Christmas Concert to Benefit Our House
Sunday, Dec. 4 • noon-5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 • 7 p.m.
The Atlanta Craft Mafia hosts
its
first annual holiday trunk show
at
the Solarium, 321 W. Hill St.,
on
Sunday, Dec. 4. The show features
hip, retro, fashionable and oneof-akind items created by 32 up-and-coming artisans.
Items for sale include handcrafted jewelry, bath and body potions, silk-screened stationery, revamped vintage apparel, holiday
goods, home accents and more. Prices range from $5 to $100+.
Items are all made by Atlanta area artisans. A $2 per person donation is requested.
A Christmas Concert to benefit Our House, Inc., will be presented at All Souls Church, 647 E. College Ave. (in East Decatur
Station adjacent to PushPush Theater). Our House is a Decatur-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless
families.
The concert will feature live “gypsy swing” music, dance, and
food and drink. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
Children under 12 are admitted free. An offering will be taken for
Our House during the concert.
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Need to Be
Kneaded?
Joan Rau
Certified Massage Therapist
404.784.2225
425 Commerce Dr., Decatur
[email protected]
12 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
Scheaf’s Painting
Scheaf’s Painting is now located in Decatur. We are a painting company that has served the metro Atlanta area for the past decade with
attention to detail on new and old homes. We pride ourselves on
customer service and efficiency to complete jobs in a timely and professional manner. Please feel free to call us anytime for a free comprehensive proposal on any of your interior or exterior painting needs
404-343-1349
EVENTS
PushPush Theater Presents
New Holiday Comedy
Dec. 1-31 •Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.
Sun., 5 p.m.
(No performances Dec. 23 and 24)
All tickets $16
Free pizza provided by Avondale Pizza
Cafe, Thursday, Dec. 8
Escape from traditional holiday fare with
PushPush Theater’s twisted take on Dickens’
A Christmas Carol. It’s Christmas Eve and our
hero, Dick, has snapped. Everyone is demanding something from him this holiday season,
and he’s stubbornly set to battle all his friends from the past, present, and future . . .
oh, and also his wife, Carol.
Call 404-377-6332 or visit www.pushpushtheater.com for mor information.
PushPush Annual New Year’s Eve Bash
Dec. 31 • 8 p.m.-2 a.m. • $30
Includes show, food, champagne and dancing. Reservations by credit card only. Tickets
go fast. Online sales available, or call 404-377-6332 to reserve your seat now.
The Temple Gallery Hosts
Lois Curtis Exhibition
The Temple Gallery presents “Ms. Curtis, it’s
a pleasure to meet you,” the debut exhibition
of portraiture folk art by Lois Curtis. The gallery will host an Artist’s Talk on Dec. 9, 6-9
p.m. The closing reception will be Dec. 22,
6-9 p.m.
The Temple Gallery is at the corner of E.
Ponce de Leon Avenue and Clairemont Avenue. Call 404-371-8826 or visit www.dcarts.
org for information.
Ring in 2006 at the Solarium
The Community Center of South Decatur
presents New Year’s Eve at the Solarium, featuring delicious food, an open bar, a silent auction and one of Atlanta’s premier DJs. Tickets
go on sale soon. Call 404-370-0888
for information.
Yesterday:
Just a contender
Today:
Total knockout
It’s transformation time — Time to change
your look, and your outlook on life. Our expert
team of cosmetic dentists can help by improving
both the appearance and the health of your teeth.
Call us at 404.636.1200 for a whiter, straighter,
more structurally sound smile. Go ahead, give
your inner beauty a reason to be jealous. Show
off what you’ve been hiding for so long.
50% off inoffice Zoom2
whitening
with this ad
2058 North Decatur Road · Decatur, GA 30033 | www.bluecreekdental.com
On the corner of Clairmont and N. Decatur Rd., near Kinko’s.
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 13
AROUND DECATUR
Friends School Celebrates
Human Rights Day
City Hall Takes Shape
Friday, Dec. 9 • 8:45-10 a.m.
In celebration of Human Rights Day, the faculty, staff and students at
Friends School of Atlanta
are addressing Article 6 of
the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, which
states: “You should be legally protected in the same
way everywhere, and like
everyone else.”
The celebration will
feature elementary and
middle school students
performing songs, dramatic presentations, and a special speaker. All
are welcome to join the FSA community for Silent Meeting from
8:45 to 9:15, and the program that will follow. For more information call 404-373-8746.
Viewed here from Church Street, the new City Hall roofline emerges. The renovation should be completed by summer 2006.
Abou
t Movement Pilates Studio
and
have come together…
…to create a full service Yoga and Pilates studio!
Hot Yoga • Ashtanga • Vinyasa • Iyengar • Yin • Kundalini • Prenatal/Postpartum
YogaKids/Teens • 4 levels of Pilates Mat classes • Sessions on the Pilates Apparatus
Yoga and Pilates Gift Certificates Make Great Stocking Stuffers!
www.decaturhotyoga.com • 404-377-4899
NATTO CARPET
14 | Decatur Focus • December 2005
AROUND DECATUR
MARTA PLAZA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
for everything you need to know about Decatur
Construction crews removed the awning from the Church Street façade of the
MARTA plaza in mid-November by hoisting it with a crane. At press time, the
project was progressing on schedule.
www.decaturga.com
Holidays for
Everybody!
HLM Mortgage Co.
The Neighborhood Playhouse
production of ’Tis the Season
runs through Dec. 11.
Celebrate stories that explore
the joys of Chanukah, Chinese
New Year, Kwanzaa, Tet and
Christmas. Call 404-373-5311
or visit nplayhouse.org
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HLM offers great rates and an honest approach to the home
financing process. Let the seasoned professionals at HLM
Mortgage Co. make your purchase or refinance a smooth and
successful process. Call today for a FREE mortgage analysis.
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125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 150 • Decatur, GA 30030
404-836-1120 www.hlmmortgage.com
GA Res. Lic. 17140
Pam & her kids THEN
Pam & her family NOW!
404-327-4871
SELLING HOMES IN DECATUR
SINCE 1986
23 Years of
Success Putting
Nice People in
Fine Homes
Pam Hughes
MIRIAM MATHURA, GRI, ABR�
[email protected]
home (404) 378-0222
office (404) 851-0732
From left: Son Mitchell, cousin
Craig, sister Becky, husband Jim,
new daughter-in-law Singer, son
and groom Andrew, Pam, brotherin-law David, and
niece Princess Alexandra
December 2005 • Decatur Focus | 15
DATED MATERIAL DECEMBER 2005
Printed on Recycled Paper
P.O. Box 220
City of Decatur, GA 30031-220
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STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
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Decatur, GA 30031