Focus - City of Decatur

In This Issue
Focus on Development in Decatur .. 2
Waste Management News .............. 3
Seen Around Decatur ...................... 5
Letter from the DBA President ........ 6
Metzger Performs at Decatur CD ... 7
Decatur Library Events ................... 11
Stephen Decatur History Event ..... 15
Official Publication of The City of Decatur, Georgia • December 2004 • Volume 15 • Number 5
Decatur Helps Seniors on MLK Jr. Day
“
Make Decatur your holiday
shopping “mallternative.”
Take the Trolley or the Fur Bus to all
the participating shops and restaurants.
Details on pages 8-10.
A Season of Giving/
Christmas Decatur Could
Still Use Your Help
Photo: Laura Bordeaux
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow
confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all
humanity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
You might not be able to help with the “broader concerns of humanity,” but you can
improve the quality of life of some of Decatur’s senior citizens. In celebration of Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Decatur will hold its third annual service
project to provide home repairs and yard work to seniors in South Decatur.
The project will be expanded to a three-day weekend this year and will be held
from Saturday, Jan. 15, through Monday, Jan. 17. You can volunteer a half-day, an entire day or all three days. Last year, more than 180 volunteers showed their concern for
15 seniors, helping install screens and ramps, do floor repair, paint and do other
worthwhile tasks for those who need help the most.
You may volunteer individually or bring together a group to volunteer. Home repair skills are helpful but not necessary.
To sign up your group or to volunteer on your own, please contact Lee Ann Harvey
at Volunteer! Decatur, 678-553-6548, or [email protected]. It is important to
know in advance the number of volunteers, so we can determine the number of seniors we can help with this project.
A Season of Giving/Christmas
Decatur works with individuals,
places of worship, neighborhood
associations, businesses, and
other organizations to provide
holiday gifts to Decatur’s children
and senior citizens who might not
otherwise have a happy holiday season. If you have not already signed
up to purchase gifts for a child or
senior, please consider making a donation. You may
write a check payable to “A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur” and mail it to: A Season of Giving/
Christmas Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA
30031.
If you have already signed up to purchase gifts,
please remember that the gifts are due on Saturday,
Dec. 4. Call A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur
Hotline, 404-378-8068, or email
[email protected] to be added to our
mailing list or email list for next year’s holiday season, or to obtain more information.
SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE DECEMBER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS IN DECATUR
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE IN THE FUTURE FOR DECATUR . . . if we
could only tell you about them now ! Every week we get calls from
folks asking the same three questions: What’s going to happen with the
old SunTrust building on the square? What’s going on with the
Hardee’s property? Why hasn’t the retail space in the new SunTrust
building been filled?
see Development, page 4
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].
O
WN
D EV
EL
ENT
City Hall Expansion
If we add the city’s plans to renovate and
expand Decatur City Hall to these two
projects, we will have much going on in
Decatur next year. City Hall activities will
be relocated to temporary quarters at 233
E. Trinity Place, across from Decatur Fire
Station #1, beginning early next year. The
new City Hall will have a larger city commission room located on the ground floor
that will be handicap accessible and able to
accommodate a larger audience.
We ask for your cooperation and understanding as we adopt our “Decatur is
on the move” theme for the coming year.
We will be on the move literally and figuratively but the end result will be well
worth the effort.
DECATUR CITY COMMISSION
Bill Floyd ............................................... Mayor
Jim Baskett ............................ Mayor Pro Tem
Fred Boykin ............................ Commissioner
Kecia Cunningham ................ Commissioner
Mary Alice Kemp .................... Commissioner
PM
MARTA Plaza Renovations
The SunTrust building renovation coordinates well with the upcoming MARTA
plaza renovations scheduled to begin early
next year. We will work together on construction staging and scheduling. While
having the two projects underway at the
same time may create some complications
and create a “construction zone” atmosphere on the square, completing the
MARTA plaza renovations and restoring
the historic SunTrust building simultaneously make both projects more significant.
The city is preparing to move forward
on the bid process for the MARTA plaza.
As soon as a contractor has been selected,
we will develop a construction schedule
and begin working with surrounding businesses on ways to minimize the impact of
the project.
These projects also impact our festivals
and special event activities for next year.
Contingency plans are being developed
and will be finalized once construction details are complete.
O
We can answer the first question definitively. The SunTrust building has been
acquired by McChesney Capital Partners.
They are working on plans to renovate
the building for retail/restaurant use on
the ground floor and commercial office
space on the second floor. Their plans include removing the false front that was
added to the ground floor level and returning the building to its historic appearance. They are using old photographs
as their guide. In the coming weeks, they
will remove small sections of the covering
to determine the condition of the existing
brick and assess options for completing
the renovation.
T
Waiting to Exhale . . .
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].
D OW N
Focus on
Downtown
Development
A
UT
H O R IT
Y
DECATUR DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Board
Sheila Hunt, Chair
Ed Bowen, Vice Chair
Candler Broom
Fred Cavalli
Bruce Cohen
John Joyner
Jim Philips
Betty Spiker
Decatur Business
Association
DECATUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Fred Cavalli ..................................... President
Laura Bevins ................................... Treasurer
Patricia Bryan ................................ Secretary
Diann Baker ........................... Past President
Design and layout: Lampe-Farley Communications
2 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
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From the Waste Management Advisory Board
Reducing Waste During the Holiday Season
Did you know that an extra one million tons of waste are generated each week between
Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve? This holiday season, give a gift to the environment
by choosing package-free gifts or recycling gift bags for your presents. Instead of all the
boxes, paper and bows, give a decorated envelope containing tickets to a sporting event,
concert, stage play or movie. Give a gift to a charity that is dear to the recipient. Or ask
your entire family to volunteer to work one day at a non-profit agency as a family gift.
Why not use Sunday comics, old maps, decorated grocery bags, scarves, baskets,
tins and gift bags instead of wrapping paper for your gifts? Children can join the fun
by decorating plain bags or newspapers with markers, crayons or stencils. Saving
boxes and gift bags from year to year is another good way to reduce waste.
Other suggestions include: preparing a homemade dinner for a friend; giving a
special gift certificate for baby-sitting or weeding the garden; creating a hand-made
gift basket filled with baked goods; or making ornaments from family photos.
And, if you use wrapping paper, remember that only paper that does not contain
aluminum foil is recyclable. Otherwise, it must be thrown out in the trash.
Interested in Recycling and Garbage Issues in Decatur?
The Waste Management Advisory Board has some positions available for Decatur citizens who are environmentally aware and civic minded. The board was established by
the city commission to act as a citizen advisory group on issues of waste management.
It was responsible for developing the Pay-As-You-Throw program, a volume-based
initiative that has dramatically reduced Decatur’s contribution to landfills, and has
been active in stimulating recycling in the community.
The board meets once a month. Interested applicants should contact City Hall
and request a Statement of Interest Form – or visit www.decaturga.com and download a form. Call 404-370-4102 for more information.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
When making plans to recycle your Christmas tree, remember the official “Bring one
for the Chipper” event on Saturday, Jan. 8. On that day when you drop your tree for
chipping, you will receive one for planting.
Decatur residents may drop off live trees at the Tree Recycling Center at the Agnes
Scott College parking lot. The entrance is between 184 and 206 S. Candler St. Residents may drop off trees from Sunday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 9.
Do not leave your Christmas trees anywhere else on the Agnes Scott Campus.
For more information about other solid waste and recycling services, call 404-3775571. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., or visit www.decaturga.com.
Click on the City Services icon, then click on Sanitation Services.
HOLIDAY
SANITATION
SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS • Friday, Dec. 24 & Monday, Dec. 27, 2004
Normal Thursday services for Dec. 23 will be on Wednesday, Dec. 22
Normal Friday services for Dec. 24 will be on Thursday, Dec. 23
Normal Monday services for Dec. 27 will be on Tuesday, Dec. 28
Normal Tuesday services for Dec. 28 will be on Wednesday, Dec. 29.
NEW YEAR’S DAY • Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005
Normal Thursday and Friday services for Dec. 30-31 will be on Thursday, Dec. 30.
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CITY NEWS
Celebrate
the Holidays
in Decatur
Oakhurst Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 3 • 7 p.m.
Join the Oakhurst community for the annual tree
lighting ceremony in Harmony Park, at the intersection of Oakview Road and East Lake Drive. A reception will follow at the Solarium.
Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Visit nine of Decatur’s most interesting homes and
five points of interest. Each stop on the tour this
year features the unique and personal collections of
the homeowners.
Holiday Bonfire & Marshmallow Roast
Thursday, Dec. 16 • 7-8 p.m.
Roast marshmallows and sing carols with Santa
around the 5’ x 5’ bonfire built on the MARTA Plaza.
Bring the whole family. Free. Sponsored by Decatur
Business Association.
Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, Dec. 18 • 8-10 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
on hand to visit with everyone until 10 a.m. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association, Washington
Mutual, and local realtors
Decorate Decatur Contest
Sunday, Dec. 19 • At Dusk
Join in this 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 404371-9583 and leave the address for your favorite
holiday house. Judges will ride by all 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 December 13.
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 3
CITY NEWS
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Friends of Decatur Cemetery News
as one of the finest and earliest examples in
In August, the Friends of
this country. By designing the cemetery
Decatur Cemetery and the
(Greek for “resting place”) as a garden with
cemetery staff jointly sponvistas, winding roads, fountains, trees, and
sored the grand opening of the
art, it was hoped that the horrors of the old
refurbished cemetery office
“burial ground” or graveyard would be erased
and information center. Durin favor of a place that combined the beauty
ing the afternoon, plans were
of art and nature. This was the beginning of
unveiled for its future imthe public park movement in this country.
provement as a welcome center
Visitors were invited to enjoy the tranquiland research site.
ity of nature and to contemplate spiritual
In addition to the opening,
things. Many of the stories the Friends of the
a welcome celebration was
Cemetery have collected during their historyheld for the cemetery’s newest
gathering project reflect the joy of living and
“mooo-nument”: Stephen
the loving sense of humor of many of the
DeCowtur. Sponsored by
Stephen DeCowtur at his new home above the cemetery duck pond.
souls who rest in our cemetery.
Decatur First Bank and given
In that spirit, the Friends chose to invite Stephen DeCowtur to
to the city, Decatur’s namesake cow has resided on the square since
rest among happy people who would and will enjoy his whimsical
2003. The peace of the cemetery’s greenspace provides a secure
presence for some time to come. Come and visit him and enjoy
and bucolic setting for this whimsical work of art during the
the serenity of his new surroundings.
MARTA Plaza renovations, scheduled for 2005.
For more information or to volunteer to assist with any of these
Decatur Cemetery was laid out at the height of the Rural Cemprojects, contact Friends of Decatur Cemetery at 404-378-4411
etery movement in the late 19th century. Many cemeteries at the
or [email protected].
time were fashioned after the great gardens in Europe and
America. Mt. Auburn Cemetery outside Boston is acknowledged
Development
continued from page 2
Hardee’s Property
What about questions two and three? We
can only say that a new owner acquired the
Hardee’s property and plans to upgrade the
building and bring in a new tenant. A letter
of intent has been signed but final contracts
are pending so no formal announcement
can be made. We do believe residents will
be pleased since many of you have requested this business and they have a reputation as a great corporate citizen. An announcement should be made by January.
Ponce de Leon Retail
The retail space adjacent to the SunTrust
Bank building on Ponce de Leon Avenue is
in the final stages of lease negotiations for
a new retail concept in downtown
Decatur. We approached this business
prospect over two years ago at the request
of several Decatur residents. In fact, several
Decatur residents have been active in the
recruitment process. The tenant and prop4 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
erty owner are down to negotiating the final details of the lease. With a little luck,
we hope that this announcement can be
made this month.
The concept of rebuilding a retail corridor along Ponce de Leon is slowly taking
shape as new retail space is added and new
tenants fill the space. The retail space under the Renaissance Condominium project
will soon be ready for lease. We are working with the new owners to make suggestions for tenant prospects.
The retail space under the 335 W.
Ponce de Leon condominiums will come
on line next spring. Construction should
start early next year on the mixed-use
project at 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., directly across from the SunTrust Bank
building. Retail at this prime corner will
be an important addition to our efforts to
recreate a pleasant pedestrian experience in
the downtown district.
Oakhurst Additions
The Oakhurst business district also continues to thrive. The Village Eatery at
Mead Road and Oakview Road is a great
addition, bringing breakfast, lunch and
dinner to the Oakhurst business district.
Owners of The Seen Gallery are expanding
to add a dessert bar adjacent to their successful business. Palate is scheduled to
open by the start of the holiday season.
Another addition to the area is Wahoo.
This new restaurant is located in the W.
College Avenue corridor adjacent to the
BellSouth training center and just before
the East Lake MARTA station. They are
currently open for dinner and will begin to
phase in lunch over the next few weeks.
Make sure to visit their outdoor garden
and dining area out back.
Happy Holidays . . .
And best wishes for a Happy New Year.
The year 2005 will be exciting and challenging but will bring us some great new
gifts to unveil by the time the next holiday
season rolls around. Don’t forget to make
Decatur your shopping and dining
“mallternative” this holiday season and
throughout the coming year.
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Lacrosse comes to DHS
In 2005, lacrosse will join the spring sports line-up for Decatur
High School. DHS parents Bill Ainslie and Don Rigger secured a
grant from the U.S. Lacrosse Association to establish the new
sports program. The grant will provide the DHS Lacrosse team
with complete regulation equipment for 20 male players and 20
female players, including equipment for a goalie for each team
along with instructional videos, a rule book, and video footage of
actual games.
The teams will be coached by DHS teachers Kristen Embry
(girls) and Tom Barefoot (boys). Volunteer community coaches are
still needed to help Ms. Embry with the girls team.
Lacrosse is a fun and exciting sport for kids of all ages. The
City of Decatur’s Department of Recreation and Community
Services offers lacrosse for boys and girls ages 9-14. Registration is in January and the season runs from February through
May. No experience is necessary and all children are welcome.
Coaches and officials are also needed. Contact the Rec at 404377-0494 or Don Rigger at [email protected] for
more information.
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CITY NEWS
It’s a Bird!
It’s a Plane!
Congratulations to Will
Draper, owner of
Decatur Village Vets,
who was featured in the
September issue of Veterinary Forum with a
color photo of “Super
Vet Will Draper” on
the cover of the magazine. Decatur Village
Vet is at 308 W.
Howard Ave. Call
404-371-0111 or visit
www.thevillagevets.com.
SEEN AROUND DECATUR
Representative Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur)
was presented with a 2004
“Champion for Georgia’s
Cities Award” from the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The award,
given at the end of every
two-year legislative term to
state legislators who actively support major GMA
initiatives and goals, was
presented at a Decatur Business Association meeting. She is pictured with Commissioner Fred Boykin, Mayor Pro Tem Jim
Baskett and GMA representative Ted Baggett.
Clairemont Elementary
School kindergartners recently enjoyed learning
about safety from City of
Decatur Police Officer Anthony Brooks during their
Community Helpers unit.
Officer Brooks discussed
the equipment he needs,
the car’s lights and siren,
and safety rules. Each student received a Junior Officer Badge after the presentation. Pictured with Officer Brooks
are Joshua Goble and Carlisia Franklin.
During Fire Safety Week,
the City of Decatur Fire
Department visited
Clairemont Elementary
School’s kindergartners.
The firefighters showed
their first aid supplies,
tools, special clothes,
lights, and of course, the
fire truck and siren. Pictured with Captain Kevin
Roy are Emmanuel
Hudson and Annica
Burmester.
Representative
Stephanie Stuckey
Benfield (D-Decatur) was
presented with a 2004
“Champion for Georgia’s
Cities Award” from the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The award,
given at the end of every
two-year legislative term
to state legislators who
actively support major
GMA initiatives and goals, was presented at a Decatur City Commission meeting. She is pictured with the Decatur city commissioners and Avondale Mayor Jerry McCumber.
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 5
DBA NEWS
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Happy Holidays from the DBA
Rue de Leon Welcomes
New Owners
The year is winding down and there is a
sense of melancholy that contrasts with the
busyness and excitement of the holiday season. Time is expiring, the annual clock is
running down. The hopes and promises of
January meet the realities of December. For
myself there are books unread, projects not
finished (and in some cases not started),
some goals met, some changed fundamentally or at least expanded and extended.
As usual, the year has brought pleasant
surprises as well as disappointments. All of
which is to say that life is unpredictable but
always interesting. By breaking down infinity into blocks of time measured in min-
Stop in Rue de Leon and say hello to new
owners Rob and Leslie Joseph, who took
over from original owners Catherine and
Robert Krell in October. For about two
years Leslie has been showing her framed
litho-photographs of Paris and Italy in Rue
de Leon. Rob and Leslie took ownership
of the shop when Catherine Krell decided
to move to Florida. They renovated and
reopened in mid-October with a mix of
old and new product lines.
Regular store hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Sunday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on
Friday and Saturday. They are participating in Decatur’s Terrific Thursdays and
will offer 10 percent discounts and serve
wine and hors d’oeuvres on Thursdays.
Rue de Leon is at 131 E. Ponce de
Leon Ave. (at the corner of E. Ponce and
Church Street). Call 404-373-6200 for information
Renewal. There are many benefits realized
by participating in the DBA – meet
friends and make business connections, be
informed of community events and
projects, volunteer to
work as an officer of
the DBA or as a
member or chair or
co-chair of a committee. I have found
that the rewards of
being active in the
DBA far exceed the
time and energy required.
One of the more
tangible perks of
Fred Cavalli • Decatur Business Association membership is the
listing and advertising
utes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years
available in the attractive and ever-expandwe are able to bring some order to our lives.
ing DBA Membership Directory. At last
Without clocks, watches, and calendars our
count we were at 450 members. This year
lives would be even more chaotic.
you will be able to place your ad simultaFor the DBA, some of the predictable
neously with your renewal. Remember the
highlights of December are (1) The Decatur
new deadline is Jan. 15, 2005. The goal is to
Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes (22nd
have the directory printed and available for
annual) – Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4;
distribution at the March DBA meeting.
(2) The annual DBA Holiday Meeting
See you at the Holiday Inn Select on
where the Hometown Heroes are recogTuesday, Jan. 25, for the January meeting.
nized and new DBA officers elected (Dec. 7
This is always an annual highlight, as our
at the Neighborhood Playhouse); (3) Bonmayor will deliver his State of the City adfire/Marshmallow Roast and Caroling on
dress. Be safe and enjoy your holidays.
the Square (Dec. 16); and (4) Breakfast
with Santa at the Holiday Inn (Dec. 18).
Finally, I would add to the December
DBA calendar the Notice of Membership
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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, send it in by Dec. 1. 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.
Join YPOD for the Holidays!
Holiday Meeting Preview
Tuesday, December 7
Decatur Business
Association
Neighborhood Playhouse, 430 W. Trinity Place
5:15 p.m. – Networking/Reception
6 p.m. – Program
2005 Hometown Heroes
Presentation of proceeds from the Great
Decatur Beer Tasting Festival
Sponsor: Joyner & Burnette, PC
6 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
Young Professionals of Decatur (YPOD) invites
young Decatur professionals and entrepreneurs to
join them in celebrating the holidays. On Tuesday,
Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m., YPOD will meet at Azul
Blue Bar on the Decatur Square for an evening of
seasonal revelry.
YPOD will recognize Decatur businesses and individuals who contributed to making their holiday gift drive a success. There will also be food
and a cash bar. Azul Blue Bar is at 141 Sycamore St., on the square, next
to Raging Burrito and adjacent to the MARTA plaza.
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DBA NEWS
Creative Spirit Presents The Power of Two
‘Ask the Experts’ at Victory Vintage Home
Creative Spirit will host a two-woman watercolor show in December featuring Gail Novak, a well-known Atlanta artist and teacher,
and fellow artist and student Elaine Townsend.
The opening reception is on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 9
p.m. The show will run through mid-January.
In addition, Gail Novak will teach a beginning/intermediate
watercolor class at the gallery. The class begins Tuesday, Jan. 11,
and is limited to eight students, so call the gallery today to register.
Remember to visit during Terrific Thursdays – enjoy a glass of wine
and a 10 percent discount while you shop until 9 p.m. The gallery’s
Holiday Wish List helps your special Santa get you what you really
want for the holidays!
Creative Spirit is at 650-A East Lake Dr. in historic Oakhurst.
The gallery specializes in local emerging artists. Hours are Tuesday
through Saturday, noon-8 p.m. For more information, call 404377-0022.
Victory Vintage Home announces its holiday schedule and a special
“Ask the Experts Night” event for Thursday, Dec. 2. The store specializes in vintage 1950s and 1960s furniture and housewares and always offers a fresh selection of unexpected 20th century treasures.
The store also offers unique lines of new gift items.
Victory Vintage Home is participating in Decatur’s Terrific
Thursdays and will extend its closing time to 9 p.m. on Thursdays
in December.
“Ask the Experts Night” (Dec. 2) will feature a team of repair
professionals for consultation, including upholsterers Brett and
Amy Martin of Martin’s Upholstery, expert refinisher Rick “Dang”
Lesner, and carpenter and wood repair guru Beth Wheeler of B.
Wheeler Custom Woodworking. Customers are welcome to bring
photos, fabric, or actual pieces of furniture for free advice, consultation or repair estimates. Patrons are also welcome to drop pieces
off for estimates. In addition, refreshments will be served and a
storewide 10 percent discount will be in effect.
Victory Vintage Home is at 303 E. College Ave. December
hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, noon-5 p.m.
For information, call Lee Cuthbert, 404-373-5511, email
[email protected], or visit www.victoryvintage.com.
Decatur CD
Welcomes
Janet Metzger
Decatur CD welcomes
Decatur vocalist Janet
Metzger on Thursday, Dec. 2,
at 7:30 p.m. as part of Terrific
Thursdays. Janet will sing
holiday standards as well as
songs from her new CD at the
store. Her musical partner will
be jazz guitarist Bob Shaw.
Decatur CD owner Warren
Hudson promises a lovely
evening as shoppers browse for holiday gifts of music while enjoying wine, cheese and the music of Janet and Bob. Think Tuck and
Patti. Or Wes Montgomery meets Peggy Lee. Janet’s CD “So
Many Stars” is currently available at Decatur CD.
Decatur CD is at 356 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Call 404-3719090 for information.
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 7
Choose the ‘Mallternative’… Terrific Thu
Park the car and catch a ride on the Trolley or the Fur
Bus, and enjoy Terrific Thursdays through December 23.
More than 50 of Decatur’s shops and restaurants are open
late, offering specials, refreshments, and friendly,
personalized service. Watch for the colorful
“Terrific Thursday” placards in the
windows of participating businesses.
In December Santa will join the fun.
You might find him riding the Trolley
or the Fur Bus, inside shops and restaurants, anywhere and everywhere
in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst.
8 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
December 2
December 9
Café Alsace – “Coq au Vin” special
Decatur CD – Janet Metzger performs
Fabu Face Spa – 25 percent off all
candles
Natural Body – 10 percent off
Thymes bath care line
Squash Blossom – 10 percent off all
baby and toddler clothing by Studio
Bini & Icky Baby
Victory Vintage Home – “Ask the
Experts Night”
That Pottery Place – Fruits Fantasy
– paint your favorite fruits and flowers with watercolor technique on a
dinner plate, $25
The Seventeen Steps – Spotlight the
Menu & Music Collections by
Sharon O’Connor. Recipes from every area and theme music included
with each set. 12-2 p.m. Crabtree &
Evelyn representative giveaways
Vinson Gallery – Annual Holiday
Show & Sale opens with artists’ reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Show continues through Dec. 23
Fabu Face Spa – Trial chair massage
Natural Body – 10 percent off Archipelago and votive candles
Starbucks Coffee Company at Decatur
Square – Holiday stories with City
Schools of Decatur – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Book readings by local students. Gingerbread Man will visit. Free hot chocolate for kids under 12. First 100 kids receive a book
That Pottery Place – Happy Holidays
– It’s all about holiday. Put them all on
your plate, $25
The Seventeen Steps – Cook BookLady & Sons of Savannah, by Paula
Deen. Burts Bees Bath & Cosmetics
rep, 12-2 p.m.
Fiesta chicken
salad from Jake’s
ursdays Continues Through December 23
December 23
Fabu Face Spa – Trial chair
massage and clearance sale.
Drinks and appetizers served.
Natural Body – 10 percent off
Pre de Provence bath care
Espresso
maker from Taste
Every
Thursday
SHOPS
December 16
Café Alsace – “Choucroute
garnie” special – Alsatian
sauerkraut with sausages
Fabu Face Spa – 15 percent
off all gift certificates
Natural Body – 10 percent off
Dani bath line
That Pottery Place – Hot
Frame – Cool Design, $25
Purse from
Boogaloos Boutique
The Seventeen Steps – The
entire Barefoot Contessa
Cookbook Trio with her
fourth (newest) – Barefoot in
Paris. Local Decaturite Holly
Beth will be in store to promote her creams for the eyes,
face and body, called
HollyBeth’s All Natural
Creams
Alluminare Lighting – Come
and play! Have fun and get the
lighting you want
Beauty in a Bag – Free waxing
(chin, brow or lip)
Blue Moon Designs, Inc. –
Refreshments and save 10 percent on all store merchandise
with additional 25 percent off
specials
Boogaloo’s Boutique – 10 percent off full-price merchandise
plus other specials
Boutique Kar-Ma – Special discounts each week
By Hand South – Evening
hours with refreshments
Collage – 10 percent discount
Creative Spirit – A Teaching Gallery – 10 percent discount every Thursday with
wine and light refreshments
Decatur CD – CD specials,
balloons and cookies. Open
until 10 p.m. in December
Decatur Design Market – 10
percent off everything in the
store
Decatur Hot Yoga – Take
some “me” time to breathe,
stretch and get centered. First
class is free on Terrific Thursdays
Domestic
Instincts –
Enjoy wine,
cheese
and 10
percent off
all merchandise from
5 to 9 p.m.
Fabu Face Spa – Different specials each week
Great Clips – $5 off perms
and free product giveaways
Harden Spa Salon – 15 percent off hair color or relaxer
service. 15 percent off herbal
toning facial and all waxing
services (first-time clients only
– not good with other promotions)
Intown AutoCare – 10 percent
off all oil changes
Jaunt Salon & Spa – 20 percent discount on Aveda plus
open house with food and beverages
Jolie Home – Weekly specials
on featured “trimmings” decorative home fragrance products
Kaleidoscope Boutique
– 15 percent off total
purchase and complimentary wine
and cheese
Mingei World
Arts – 10 percent
off all merchandise plus wine and
sake and light refreshments
Natural Body –
Different specials
each week
One Step at a Time
– Light refreshments, 10 percent
discount on all merchandise after 7 p.m.
Rue de Leon – Refreshments and
Glass frog from
Creative Spirit
Gallery
10 percent off all merchandise
from 5 to 9 p.m.
Salon Red/Salon Red Kids –
Free festive food and drinks,
giveaways and discounts on
hair products from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Seen – Free gift-wrap and
refreshments
The Seventeen Steps – Different specials each week. Open
on Sundays in December from
1 to 5 p.m.
Sole – Shoes & Accessories –
Various offers each week, up
to 20 percent off
SoRare – Various discounts
each week
Soulier – 20 percent off entire
stock every Thursday
Squash Blossom – Different
specials each week
Stanton Designs –
Open until 8 p.m. offering a different discount each night
Tap Mania – Come
and see live tap dancing classes. Munchies
and beverages available
Taste – Wine and
gourmet samplings.
10 percent off entire store
with additional theme discounts each week
Men’s sweater, slacks
and shoes from
Kaleidoscope
more
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 9
Terrific Thursdays in Decatur CONTINUED
That Pottery Place – Different specials each week.
Drop & Shop – drop your
kids off to paint a gift while
you shop the stores in
Decatur: $25 per child.
Reservations required. Call
404-371-4557 for details
Two Stix – Champagne and
desserts every Terrific
Thursday. Special discounts
each week on different categories
Vinson Gallery – Open until 9 p.m. with complimentary wine and a 10 percent
discount on all
“Decaturscape” prints and
photographs in stock
Christmas music CDs
from Decatur CD
New Balance
trail shoe
from One
Step at a
Time
RESTAURANTS
The Angel – Special discounts
each week
Azul – Free eggnog or apple cider with receipt
Billy Goat’s Cantina – Paella
and Sangria Thursdays. Enjoy
fresh shellfish stew with housemade sangria on Thursdays.
Also 50 percent off wine list
prices on all retail sales from
Billy’s cellar. Enjoy wines from
Spain, Argentina, and Chile,
including ports and sherries
Café Alsace – Complimentary home-baked
Christmas cookies with
purchase of an entrée
Café Lily – Special
discounts each week
Cold Stone Creamery – $3 off
any ice cream cake and cake
tasting from 5 to 9 p.m.
Dairy Queen – 15 percent discount on any items on Thursdays
You take care of everyone else – what about you?
Lisa
Personal fitness coaching
° Fun,
affordable small group classes
° Non-threatening,
° environment non-competitive
° No long-term contracts
Capehart
(404) 373-8854
[email protected]
10 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
Jake’s Ice Cream – 5-9 p.m.,
free children’s meal with every
adult meal purchased plus additional specials each week
Johnny’s New York Style
Pizza – $2 off medium pizza
or $3 off large pizza with
dine-in or carry out only. Not
to be combined with other offers
Levi’s Key West Fishouse –
special discounts each week
Mick’s Decatur – 20 percent
off all food purchases with a
receipt of purchase from a local Decatur merchant (alcohol
not included)
MoJo Pizza – 15 percent discount every Thursday on their
holiday white pizzas, and enjoy winter and holiday beer
specials
Quizno’s Subs – $2 off a
toasty combo (fountain drink,
chips and regular or large sub)
Tufted side
chair from
Stanton
Designs
Raging Burrito – Free chips
and salsa with receipt from
any City of Decatur merchant
Starbucks Coffee Company
at Decatur Square – Sample
holiday beverages: gingerbread, pumpkin spice and
eggnog lattes
The Supper Club – Thursday night’s Wine of the
Week discounted to $18 a
bottle. Try the newest release
from vintners, a new varietal
or a new region. No reservations required, supply limited
Universal Joint – 10 percent
off meal with receipt from a
city of Decatur shop
The Village Eatery – Buy
two entrees, get one free (of
lesser or equal value)
Zocalo Restaurant – $2 appetizers at bar for every
single purchase
Glass-top table and linens from Rue de Leon
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EVENTS
Decatur Library Events
Agnes Scott Events
December Festival of Writers
Sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Book at
DeKalb County Public Library. All programs are free.
Books will be available for sale and signing.
Dec. 3-4 • Danceworks – Studio Dance
Theatre, the student dance ensemble, performs in dance works of past and present
choreographers at 8 p.m. in Gaines
Chapel, Presser Hall. Admission $5. ASC
students free. Call 404-471-5360.
Wednesday, Dec. 1 • 7 p.m.
Pat Conroy, the popular author whose books include
The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, discusses
his new book, written with Suzanne Williamson, The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My
Life. With special guest Atlantan Cynthia Graubart, author of The One-Armed Chef: A
Kitchen Survival Guide for New Parents. Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. (Limited seating, no reservations accepted, doors open at 6 p.m. For information, call 404-370-8450,
ext. 2225, or go to www.dekalblibrary.org.
Films
Tuesday, Dec. 21 • 10 a.m.
Golden Classic Film Series, especially designed for those 55 and older. The Christmas Box,
starring Richard Thomas, Maureen O’Hara and Annette O’Toole.
Dec. 15 • 7 p.m.
Film Movement Series. Witnesses. Croatia, 90 minutes, in Serbo-Croatian with English subtitles. Recently returned from the Balkan warfront, three Croatian soldiers blow up a particular home in a small Croatian town. Complications arise when the soldiers discover witnesses to their deed.
Films will be shown in Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., 404-370-3070.
Dec. 5 • Collegiate Chorale and Sotto
Voce – Two choral groups sing a program
of varied choral repertoire including holiday selections under the direction of
Donald Studebaker. 3 p.m. in Maclean
Auditorium, Presser Hall. Free. Call 404471-5314.
Dec. 6 • Jazz Ensemble – Downbeat specialists perform under the direction of Rick
Denton, 8 p.m. Maclean Auditorium,
Presser Hall. Free. Call 404-471-5314.
Dec. 10 • Asteroids and Comets: Things
Your Mother Never Told You! – Amy
Lovell, assistant professor of astronomy,
speaks at Bradley Observatory at 8 p.m.
Admission is free and open to the community. Call 404-471-6265 for information.
Abou
t Movement Pilates Studio
nstration and introductory c
Free demo
Friday, January 7 at lass
7 p.m
.
• Build Core Strength
• Improve Posture
• Increase Flexibility
www.aboutmovementpilates.com
404.373.9672
108 East Ponce de Leon
Suite 100, Decatur
NEW SERIES OF CLASSES BEGINS MONDAY, JANUARY 9
Elizabeth Wilson
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
[email protected]
A reverse mortgage can put
MONEYINYOURHANDS
If you’re 62 or older, you may be able to turn the equity in your home into
income. Decatur First Bank and the friendly folks at Fairfield Mortgage
Associates can customize a reverse mortgage solution for you. Call Elizabeth
Wilson at 404/725-3388 or Jeff Hancock at 404/371-4500 for information.
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 11
EVENTS
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Push Push Presents Expecting Carol –
A Mischievous Holiday Romp
Through Dec. 31
Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. • Sunday, 7 p.m.
A company-created comedy that follows in the tradition of
PushPush’s irreverent take on the holidays. Leave your political correctness at the
door. Featuring John
Benzinger, Ismail
Ibnconner, Daniel
Pettrow, Claire Brown,
Dianne Butler, Lauren
Gunderson, Randy Havens and Wade Tilton.
Tickets $15 ($12 for seniors, students, APCA
members and past
PushPush artists).
Annual New Year’s Eve Performance and Bash
Friday, Dec. 31 • 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Tickets are $30 and include the show (Expecting Carol), food,
beer, wine, champagne and dancing.
For more information, call PushPush Theater at 404-3776332 or visit www.pushpushtheater.com.
12 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
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EVENTS
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LOOK WHAT YOU’LL FIND @ 431 W. PONCE
Tap
Mania
Tap Dancing Classes
for Adults
Tap Mania teaches the Broadway
style of tap dancing and specializes
in beginner and intermediate levels.
CALL FOR YOUR FREE
SAMPLE CLASS
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 10
404/873-5986
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 7
www.fabufacespa.com
404-377-6363
Relaxation, stress relief and the finest treatments for the face
Massage • Facials • Makeup • Waxing • Ear Candling
C ALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY BROW WAX
(Please mention this ad.)
Make
your body
a work
of art.
Call now for a free session.
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suites 5 & 6
404-378-4810 • fax 404-378-4811 • www.ftdecatur.com
Auntie Mame to Close NP’s
25th Anniversary Silver Season
“Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.”
That’s according to Mame Dennis, the title character in the
Neighborhood Playhouse’s sparkling new production of Auntie
Mame.
Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, the comedy
classic chronicles the madcap adventures of socialite Mame Dennis, played by Atlanta actress Marilyn Mewbron, and her eccentric
friends as she struggles to raise her young nephew, Patrick.
Mitchell Miller, a sixth grader at Roswell’s Crabapple Middle
School, plays the young Patrick.
Auntie Mame opened at the Neighborhood Playhouse in November and continues through Dec. 19. Performances are at 8
p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices range from $16 to $24, with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. To reserve tickets,
call the box office at 404-373-5311 or visit www.nplayhouse.org.
There’s Always Something New at
www.decaturga.com
December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 13
AROUND DECATUR
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★Decatur Healing Arts Community Health Day is Saturday Dec. 11. Free Qi Gong
for self-healing, Yoga, Tai
Chi, and Meditation classes
will be offered. Visit
www.decaturhealingarts.com
for a detailed schedule.
Decatur Healing Arts is at
109 New Street (corner of E.
College near Smith Ace
Hardware). Call 404-3786288 for information.
★Just Voices presents “He Became a Little Child” at Holy
Trinity Episcopal Church,
515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.,
on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m.
Just Voices, an a capella community chamber chorus, will
explore the birth and childhood of Jesus through Biblical
and legendary carols, spirituals, hymns, and anthems. The
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program welcomes children
with concert manners as it
features children’s carols from
around the world. $10 donation suggested. Call
404-875-3266, email
[email protected], or
visit www.justvoices.org.
★The Atlanta World War II
Round Table organization
meets the third Thursday of
the month (September-June)
at 11:30 a.m. at Petite
Auberge restaurant, Toco
Hill Shopping Center. There
is a $15 luncheon admission
requirement. Reservations
are not required. Call 404377-3082 for information.
★Do you have an American flag
to retire? Boy Scout Troop 6
in Avondale Estates has started
a program to properly dispose
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of American flags that are
worn, torn, or faded. A $10
donation will go toward a
new flag pole for the troop’s
scout hut. The troop can also
order replacement flags and
exterior home mountings and
will install them for an additional small donation. Call
Decatur resident and troop
member Nick Pilger at 404377-3058.
★William P. Brown, professor
of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, is
the editor of The Ten Commandments: The Reciprocity of
Faithfulness, released this fall.
Designed as a standard reference for study of the Ten
Commandments, the book offers classic and new essays that
explore the Biblical back-
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ground of the commandments
and the commandments’ ethical implications for today.
★Congratulations to the Working Title Playwrights, Inc.,
who received a $1,000 grant
from DeKalb Council for the
Arts to fund their 2005 Saturday Seminar Series. The series will be expanded to six
events and feature playwright
and public education programs including a Master
Class on playwriting from the
perspectives of a playwright
and a director and a seminar
on creating a musical. The
classes will be held on Saturday afternoons, beginning
Feb. 12, at Neighborhood
Playhouse. For information
call 404-297-0904 or email
[email protected].
Youth Ministry Certification
Program Starts Dec. 3
Columbia Theological Seminary and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta announce a new certification program in youth ministry, the Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative (YMLI). The YMLI is designed for laypersons and pastors involved in youth ministry, and is intended to support excellence in youth
ministry. The presbytery’s recent capital campaign provided start-up funding
for the program, which was developed in partnership with the seminary.
For information, visit www.ctsnet.edu or call 404-898-0711, ext. 37.
14 | Decatur Focus • December 2004
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Pam & her kids THEN
Pam & her family NOW!
23 Years of
Success Putting
Nice People in
Fine Homes
Pam Hughes
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,
brother-in-law David, and
niece Princess Alexandra
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AROUND DECATUR
Stephen Decatur
Focus of January
Event
Mark your calendar now
and join the DeKalb History
Center and the City of
Decatur on Saturday, Jan.
29, for an author talk, reception and book signing
with Spencer Tucker, author
of Stephen Decatur: A Life
Bold and Daring. The book
examines Stephen
Decatur’s career, describing
the heights and depths of
his life.
Tucker retired from Virginia Military Institute as
the John Biggs Chair in Military History. He has written
and/or edited 21 books.
The event will be held at the
Old Courthouse on the
Square. More details in the
January/February issue of
the Decatur Focus.
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December 2004 • Decatur Focus | 15
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www.decaturfirstbank.com
A real community bank®
Main Office
1120 Commerce Dr.
Decatur, GA 30030
404-373-1000
Kroger Office
720 Commerce Dr.
Decatur, GA 30030
404-373-3125
New! Panola Road Office
Now Open Inside Wal-Mart
I-20 at Fairington & Panola
770-323-1242
Printed on Recycled Paper
DECEMBER 2004
DATED MATERIAL
P.O. Box 220
City of Decatur, GA 30031-220
PRE-SORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 199
Decatur, GA 30031
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