Golden Days
August entails the recurring reminder of how fast time flies. School is back in session, fall is nearly here and we’re in the golden days of the summer season. Seeing Decatur students walking home from school, thanking the crossing guards, and laughing with their classmates, I think, “Wow, what a special place to grow up, make friends, walk your dog, and know your neighbor…”
We dedicate this issue to our kids as we welcome a new school year. Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow. Their curiosity, open-mindedness, empathy, and creativity have the power to shape the world in infinitely imaginative and impactful ways.
Our community’s commitment to excellence extends to our incredible schools and remarkable teachers who offer innovative educational opportunities and empower our children to thrive. Our independently-owned children’s bookstores are treasure troves of knowledge and adventure, inspiring young minds and supporting lifelong learning. Our community leaders and neighbors create space for our children to learn and grow as their most authentic selves.
And who could forget the furry kiddos? This special kind of companionship is a transformative experience for children and adults alike, surrounding us with unconditional love, endless smiles, and the opportunity to develop emotional life skills.
Every other week or so, I try to venture to Oakhurst Dog Park with our pup, Saint Patrick, followed by a routine visit to the beloved Taj Ma-Hound for a t-r-e-a-t ... and once again, I am reminded of our town’s charm and commitment for creating one-of-a-kind spaces for pets and people alike.
Decatur is a place where innovation meets compassion. In our August pages, you’ll read about the power of local poetry inspiring parents and their little ones, boutique veterinary practices with an advanced approach to care, delectable dog biscuits, and the unique opportunities to raise Brave & Kind kids in the heart of our city.
In all the uncertainty or discouragement we encounter in our personal and collective lives, I find hope and inspiration at the thought of the compassionate young humans and future leaders who live among us.
To a brighter tomorrow,
FICKEN, PUBLISHER
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sable Massingill Martinez, Josh Cornwall, Natalie Fox, Ashley Topham
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jonathan Wade, John Wachs, Caroline Ficken
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Paws and Purrs: A few of our town’s pawsitively adorable companions! 1: Jessie Girl is Pup-arazzi ready! 2: Cauliflower Carruth (Cali for short), Bichon Miniature Poodle Mix Rescue. Cuteness overload! 3: Pearl the City Kitty... Purrfection! 4: Murphy, the cutest security guard for Decatur Estate Vintage Market works for pets and fresh popcorn! 5: Noah the cat, giving cuddles and cat-titude! 6: Intown ACE Hardware furry employees are hard at work protecting the merchandise! 7: Tekka has mastered the puppy dog eyes!
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Support Decatur’s Youth - Join DEF’s Step Up Circle!
For more than 20 years, Decatur Education Foundation has been working to help solve the problems that keep Decatur’s kids from finding success. DEF’s work is entirely community-funded, and now, more than ever, we need your support. Join our Step Up Circle, a group that is the bedrock of generosity in action that allows DEF to operate programs that help Decatur’s kids reach their full potential in learning and in life. Learn more at www.decatureducationfoundation.org/step-up-circle
Trees Atlanta Forest Restoration in Legacy Park on August 10th
Help promote a healthy plant community and a sustainable forest in Legacy Park. Your work will improve habitat for humans who enjoy the greenspace and wildlife that call it home. Activities include hand-pulling and cutting invasive plants: English ivy, Chinese privet, and kudzu off trail. Physical activity such as bending, pulling, lifting, and kneeling is required. Be ready to break a sweat, get dirty learn a lot while doing it! Learn more at treesatlanta.org
Simmons Veterinary Clinic receives Decatur Design Award
The Decatur Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) awards Simmons Veterinary Clinic the 2024 Decatur Design Award for Adaptive Reuse. The Decatur HPC ensures that work in the City's five locally-designated historic districts - Clairemont Avenue Corridor, McDonough-Adams-King's Highway, Old Decatur, Parkwood, and Ponce de Leon Court - are consistent with the character of their neighborhoods. Other 2024 Decatur Design Award winners include Siam Thai, The Reading Room, The Chapel on Sycamore, Opo Coffee, and The Blair Building.
Photography by Jonathan Wade
Helping ALL Youth Thrive in Decatur
Founded in 2002 by a group of Decatur residents who wanted to address the unmet needs in our schools, Decatur Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that every student in Decatur has the opportunity to thrive.
What we do: We are dedicated to removing obstacles to learning, providing enriching opportunities for our students, supporting our educators, and ultimately strengthening our community.
RAISING BRAVE + KIND KIDS
ARTICLE BY SABLE MASSINGILL MARTINEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE
“Readers are leaders, and knowledge is power,” says Bunnie Hilliard, the Founder, Owner, and Shopgirl at Brave and Kind Bookshop. Since opening in Oakhurst in September 2018, the children’s bookstore has offered a space that prioritizes representation and inclusivity in the stories it shares. Not as a section of the store but the entire store, with stories highlighting the beauty and strength of diversity.
The mother of two found it difficult when her children were younger to find stories that resonated with the children she wanted to raise. Looking to excite her young daughter and her friends about reading, Hilliard started the Giggle Girls book club, the early beginnings of what is now Brave and Kind. Its mission is to raise inclusive and inspired children, by finding stories that allow them to be seen.
Inside the Inclusive and Inspiring Shop
In addition to children’s and young adult books, there is also a beautifully curated section for adults, designed to help people find something that inspires and encourages them to be more productive in areas that they find challenging.
“I’m very proud that we are a Black-owned and women-run bookshop. I walked into this space in 2018 to ask the current owner how she had this idea that turned into this beautiful business, and by the end of our conversation, she was offering me the space.
I like to think that this space chose me. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have created, and the crew of women that help me to share this beautiful collection of stories with families and schools and in hearts and homes, but also the stories of what it means to be a person of color and a woman in the world,” says Hilliard.
Actively engaged in the community, Brave and Kind Bookshop has a Book of the Month club and brings authors to the space and local Title 1 schools, among other events. The shop has launched a Teen Advisory Board (TAB) for teens ages 13-18, interested in all things book-related.
On October 23, they will be hosting acclaimed actress and author Anika Noni Rose, who voices Disney princess Tiana, to discuss her new children’s book about Tiana.
The team is also planning a Fall festival to highlight businesses in Oakhurst. Another Brave and Kind initiative is the Atlanta Indie Bookshop Crawl - mark your calendars for the third annual later this year!
For more info on the store and events visit www.braveandkindbooks.com
Moonrise Awaits
An education revolution of sorts is quietly taking place in the heart of downtown Decatur.
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE
That may not have been precisely what Moonrise founder Chris Turner envisioned when he opened the doors of Moonrise four years ago, but it has been a direct result of the brightly-colored world he has created.
Born from a simple yet revolutionary idea, the innovative co-learning space offers the perfect environment where children can learn, play, and grow outside the constraints of traditional curriculum.
It's a haven that values freedom, creativity, and holistic well-being while providing a refreshing alternative for families seeking more from their children's education.
The seeds of Moonrise were planted by Turner, who was disillusioned with educational options while searching for a school for his young child. "I toured some of the best schools in the area, but they all followed these outdated models," he recalls. "I was working in beautiful coffee shops and co-working spaces and thought, why can't we create something like this for kids?"
The realization led to the birth of Moonrise.
Its initial concept was simple: provide a flexible, engaging space where children can learn and play. What started as occasional drop-ins for children during the summer quickly became a thriving hub for homeschoolers and their families seeking something different.
"We're not just another alternative school," emphasizes Turner. "We're offering everything but the curriculum. Much of the homeschool curriculum is moving online, but the in-person experiences and spaces are what we are bringing back."
One of Moonrise's core principles is the belief that education is about pursuing interests and curiosity. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of Moonrise's design and programming. Children are given the autonomy to explore new topics and skills, whether they play instruments, engage in 3D printing, or participate in theatre productions.
At its heart, Moonrise operates on a philosophy of freedom and creativity. "We focus on not thwarting creativity," Turner explains. “If you look at the scope of the human experiment, what makes humans unique is that we don't just take what's given to us.
"We build new things in the world. You need to empower creativity to enable human progress and make all the things we take for granted. We don't yet know how to create creativity, but we do know how not to stop it."
And how exactly do they accomplish such a paradigm shift?
"We provide the tools and the space for kids to experiment and learn on their own terms."
The approach has proven truly transformative, especially for kids who struggle in traditional educational settings.
One of the most significant challenges Moonrise faces is changing the mindset of traditional education. Schools have long been structured around standardized testing and uniformity, often stifling creativity and individuality. Moonrise, on the other hand, embraces the diversity of its students' interests and learning styles. "The traditional model worked for a long time, but the world has changed. Jobs are more flexible and creative, and our education system needs to reflect that."
Socialization is a critical component of Moonrise's approach. While "traditional" schools may provide a consistent place for children to see their friends, Moonrise offers a broader social experience. Children of different ages interact, learn from each other, and participate in meaningful
“I was working in beautiful coffee shops and co-working spaces and thought, why can’t we create something like this for kids?”
relationship-building opportunities. This diversity mirrors real-world social settings and prepares children for life beyond the classroom.
Turner recalls a success story of a child who was initially anxious about the new environment, but within minutes, the staff's warm welcome and the inviting atmosphere eased her fears. By the end of the day, her parents decided to withdraw her from her school and enroll her in Moonrise full-time.
The space is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it is welcoming and stimulating for children. From the moment they walk in, children, also known as "risers," are treated with respect and given the liberty to do things on their own accord.
Another significant part of Moonrise's success is its constant adaptability. The leadership team continuously engages with parents and children to understand their needs and evolve the offerings. For example, they are now planning out diverse programming like cooking clubs and one-on-one guitar lessons, transforming the space into more than just a drop-off point—it's a vibrant community.
While it has changed to serve its central core of patrons, Moonrise is for more than just homeschoolers. It wants to serve all kinds of families, offering a space where they can be creative and independent, complementing the schooling model of their choice. "We want to make Moonrise accessible for everyone," Turner urges. "Every child can benefit from the experiences and community we offer here."
The vision for the future of the business extends beyond its current location. Turner envisions a network of Moonrise spaces interconnected by shared values and digital infrastructure. These spaces will not only provide a unique learning experience for children but will also serve as a platform for parents and educators to exchange ideas and resources. The potential is enormous, and the need is obvious. Parents and educators worldwide are searching for better ways to educate children, and Moonrise's vision offers a glimpse into the future of learning.
"We're building the real world for kids, a place where they can truly be themselves and grow into their fullest potential."
Moonrise is not just a co-learning space; it's a movement.
Its growth is a testament to the power of innovation and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the freedom to explore, create, and grow. As Moonrise continues to evolve and expand, it looks to redefine how we value education, one community at a time.
“You need to empower creativity to enable human progress and make all the things we take for granted.”
A Curiosity that Cared for the Cat
SIMMONS VETERINARY CLINIC AIMS TO REDEFINE WHAT VETERINARY CARE LOOKS LIKE.
Walking up the sidewalk toward the front porch of Simmons Veterinary Clinic, you can immediately sense the warmth that will welcome you inside. From the eye-pleasing hue of its blueish-greenish exterior to the living room-like environment in its front lobby, the clinic at 121 Church Street feels different.
At least, that's the hope of Founder and Veterinarian Chris Simmons.
Simmons' journey to creating the one-year-old clinic shines brightly in the world of veterinary care, where the profession's demands can sometimes overshadow the joy of helping animals. "The veterinary field, if you dig in a little bit, is (unfortunately) a bit of an unhappy place," he explains. His goal was to create a clinic that offers a sustainable, equitable workplace—a proof of concept demonstrating that a veterinary practice can be both rewarding and equitable for its staff.
"What I really wanted when I set out to do this was to create a space that was kind to people, pets, and the people who helped those pets and build everything around that."
Running his own business wasn't always the plan for Simmons, despite it being in his DNA - his parents owned and operated a thriving veterinary hospital in Florida for nearly four decades.
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE
Having risen quickly through the ranks at a large veterinary facility, he lacked valid advancement paths and meaningful decision-making ability. The professional stagnation was compounded by a devastating 2019 personally, marked by the unexpected loss of his parents in a plane crash and the sudden death of a close friend from vet school. Amidst a season of loss, the bittersweet news of expecting his first child provided a glimmer of hope that sparked the winds of change. Determined to pivot his career, he enrolled in an MBA program at the University of Florida and balanced full-time parenting duties with the dream of bringing a clinic to life.
One of the significant challenges he identified early on before opening in April 2023 was the rising cost of care and the questions surrounding them that can often go unanswered, which frequently drives distrust from pet owners. "A lot of small practices, particularly in big cities, still do everything," Simmons notes. This jack-of-all-trades approach places immense pressure on support staff and veterinarians, leading to burnout and high turnover rates.
His solution? A family practice model focused on general care, with limited urgent care slots and the development of strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive care without overwhelming his team.
Training pet owners and keeping open lines of communication are critical. Simmons wants to change the traditional care mindset by educating clients on the reasons behind specific medical protocols and the importance of fearfree medicine. "Training pet parents to help in the room, using calm distraction techniques, and avoiding unnecessary restraints are all part of creating a kinder environment," he explains.
“It’s this. I don’t intend to get bigger than this. I intend to hire one more vet and build up the support staff to find that equilibrium that balances efficiency with quality of life and profit to ensure we can be sustainable.”
“What I really wanted to do when I set out to do this was to create a space that was kind to people, pets, and the people who helped those pets and build everything around that.”
A key component in his approach is leveraging technology and external partnerships to enhance the clinic's efficiency and effectiveness. By collaborating with a tele-triage group, pet owners can consult with veterinarians remotely, reducing unnecessary emergency visits and allowing the clinic staff to focus on their core responsibility of providing inclusive and kind care to pets.
His innovative spirit extends to exploring new ways of delivering care. Plans for outdoor exams in a gazebo and the introduction of a membership model are just a few examples.
Building a cohesive and experienced team has been instrumental in realizing the vision. From seasoned nurses like Sharif, Dianna, and Lisa, who excel in client communication and fear-free practices, to the recent addition of Dr. Teresa Chapman, who brings fresh energy and expertise in surgeries and dentistry, each team member has played a crucial role in the clinic's early success.
As the business continues to evolve, Simmons has made one promise to himself: to stay small, personal, and agile. He envisions a future where the clinic is a hub for compassionate care, innovative practices, and community engagement. "I'm ambitious through innovation, not scope and scale," Simmons asserts, highlighting his preference for a nimble, responsive business model over the allure of corporate expansion.
Simmons Veterinary Clinic feels different, and it is easy to see why it is winning the hearts of pet parents in Decatur.
Imagination Ignited: Poems for Learning Language
“A TO Z: POEMS FOR THE VERY YOUNG” ENCOURAGES LANGUAGE ACQUISITION THROUGH THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF POETRY
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS
Claire hears a loud thunderclap and sees lightning in the sky. Her mom holds her on her lap saying “soon this will all pass by.”
Poetry, as Dr. Julia Knowlton reminds me, is a basic human instinct—it was the first and only literary form for centuries. Humans are wired to discover patterns and learn from rhymes, rhythm, and repetition. She knows what she’s talking about; a poet and professor, having taught French for 28 years (currently at Decatur’s own Agnes Scott College), she's well acquainted with the art of language acquisition. Her previous volumes of poetry have been written for adults. This newest release, “A to Z: Poems for the Very Young”, is intended for infants, toddlers, and very young readers to gently guide them on their journeys of grasping the English language. A poem for every letter of the alphabet, these four-line rhyming verses reveal themes of nature, daily routines, toys, and imagination.
Children’s creativity is endlessly inspiring, illustrator Leah Owenby intones, who came onto the project after connecting over social media. Julia posted her “O poem” poem about the seashore, and the beauty of its simplicity moved Leah. Often, academic and creative work takes place in solitary silos, and this collaboration has
been a breath of fresh air for both of them. Her line drawings in the book, one for every poem, harken back to the simple joys she felt as a child moving a pencil across a blank page. This connection to childhood wonder is a thread throughout the book, viewing elements of humanity through young eyes, and honoring that special time in life. Julia is nostalgic for her early days of motherhood when she discovered the world anew through her two daughters, Claire and Madeleine, to whom the book is dedicated.
These delightful short poems are nursery rhymes in their purest form, thoughtfully written to soothe reader and listener alike, with a musicality that encourages memorization. Julia had not previously considered writing children’s literature, and Leah always wanted to illustrate a children’s book but was unsure if it would ever happen. This project is a poignant reminder that we are never too young or old to tap into our imaginations and find new ways to grow. And with this release, plentiful wonders are waiting in the ancient magic of poetry.
Healthy Pup, Happy Life
A specialty dog bakery utilizing whole food ingredients to create custom-designed treats and cakes.
Nestled in the Oakhurst community, the Taj Ma-Hound is Decatur’s premiere dog bakery well-known to both locals and customers across the globe. The bakery offers custom dog birthday cakes, decorated themed treats, and packaged treats all created with whole foods. Founder and owner Krista Aversano started her journey with the Taj Ma-Hound in 2004 after seeing the lack of healthy treat options available for her dog Lucky. As a health-conscious animal enthusiast, Krista wanted to expand the options available for dogs with nutritious ingredients and no additives. Through trial and error, Krista developed healthy creations such as the Pea-Mutt Butter treat which she began selling to local businesses. Taj Ma-Hound’s products stand out from other dog treats because of the restaurant-quality ingredients and the lack of processed chemicals and preservatives in their baked goods.
Finding healthy dog treat options with minimal ingredients can be difficult for many pet owners which is why Taj Ma-Hound is so impactful within the community and globally. For example, their Cheddar Bacon treats contain only cheese, bacon, whole wheat flour, and water. For their themed decorated treats, a yogurt coating is added to create clever creations such as the Ramen Pup of Noodles treat which resembles a familiar noodle brand. The bakery can even accommodate dogs with wheat allergies, allowing many dog breeds to enjoy their treats. One of the most rewarding aspects of the bakery is the regulars who come with their dogs every day to select a treat that's good for them. Whether you’re a dog owner looking for a custom birthday cake or a resident looking to spoil your pup with healthy treats, the Taj Ma-Hound is the bakery to visit.
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY TOPHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN
Their Cheddar Bacon treats contain only cheese, bacon, whole wheat flour, and water.
AUGUST 16TH
Screen on the Square: Space Jam
Downtown Decatur Square | 9:00 PM
Bring your blankets and chairs, relax under the stars, and immerse yourself in Space Jam! Movies are family-friendly and selected to delight audiences of all ages. Everyone is welcome and the event is free! Arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the pre-movie festivities! Brought to you by Visit Decatur GA and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority
AUGUST 17TH
Pan African Festival
Downtown Decatur Square | 3:00 PM
Decatur’s Pan African Festival celebrates Black culture and Black joy engaging the community with a vibrant showcase of African, Caribbean, and African American music, dance, and art. This free event features reggae, spoken word, AfroBeats, hip-hop artist performances, activities, art exhibitions, African cuisine, and vendors. Produced by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights with the City of Decatur.
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