Decatur, GA November 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TREE SERVICE.

Tree Care Tips

• Check for Hazardous Trees: Winter storms can bring down weak trees or limbs. Inspect for dead branches, leaning trunks, or decay. Call an arborist if unsure.

• Prune for Safety & Health: Late winter pruning strengthens trees and prevents disease. Remove weak or overgrown branches to promote healthy spring growth.

• Mulch & Protect Roots: Add mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion.

• Plan for Spring Planting: Now is the time to choose native trees and schedule early spring planting for the best start.

• Watch for Pests & Disease: Even in winter, pests and fungal infections can threaten trees. Look for holes, sap oozing, or discolored leaves. Early action can save a tree!

Giving Thanks

November always invites us to pause and reflect on gratitude — for our families, our traditions, our communities, and the surprising ways thankfulness shows up in our lives. This issue is a celebration of the people and places that make us thankful to call Decatur home.

November wouldn’t be complete without Thanksgiving, and our local businesses are here to make the holiday more delicious (and a little easier).

From Kelly’s Market’s day-of essentials and wine pairings to The Ramspeck’s chef-prepared dinners, our tables are brimming with local flavor. This season, gratitude looks like gathering, sharing, and supporting the shops and restaurants that make Decatur special.

For nearly 125 years, A.S. Turner & Sons has stood as a place of remembrance, healing, and compassion. As owner Cy Hume so beautifully shares, funerals are not only about honoring those we’ve lost, but also about supporting the living through stories, songs, and laughter. In their enduring service, we are reminded to take nothing for granted—take the trip, mend the relationship, do the things that make you happy. Gratitude often lives in reflection, in legacy, and in the ways we care for one another.

We also give thanks for neighbors who roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. The Dearborn Area Nature Alliance is restoring a rare and historic landscape in our backyard. From pulling invasive species to uncovering the beauty of native plants, this dedicated team reminds us that gratitude for the natural world is best expressed in stewardship. Their motto says it best: nature needs heroes.

And we celebrate Maculelê Capoeira, Atlanta’s first and longest-running capoeira school, which has been filling Decatur Square with the rhythm of drums and movement since 1991. More than a martial art, capoeira is culture, music, and community woven together. It teaches discipline, joy, and a sense of belonging.

I am deeply thankful for being part of this community — for the stories we get to share, for our readers, and for our advertising partners who support bringing this publication to life and neighbors who make Decatur home.

There would be no Decatur City Lifestyle without you.

With heartfelt gratitude,

CAROLINE FICKEN, PUBLISHER

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Grace Boudreau | grace.boudreau@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Josh Cornwall, Natalie Fox, Brandon Malcolm

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt Boggs, Jonathan Wade

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL

Leimkuhler

inside the issue

nksgiving

An Enduring Legacy of Care

A.S. Turner & Sons helps families find

Nature Needs Heroes

The Dearborn Area Nature Alliance routinely removes invasive species to restore a healthy

and they need your help.

Capoeira in the Square

Maculelê Capoeira School brings rhythm, tradition, and community to Decatur.

Photo by: John Wachs

ARTICLE BY BRANDON MALCOLM

Get ready for Turkey Day with our local businesses.

Thanksgiving

To-Go

That fall feeling is in full swing around Decatur. There’s a nip in the air, the scarecrows are out, and the cider is flowing. All of that means one thing: Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Whether you’re keeping it low-key, hosting the family, or cooking for the whole neighborhood this year, Decatur’s local businesses have you covered with everything from seasonal snacks, to perfect wine pairings and full Thanksgiving dinners with zero cooking required.

KELLY'S MARKET

You’re going to need some coffee and breakfast to fuel the big day and neighborhood favorite Kelly’s Market has all the goods to get you going. “We’ll be open Thanksgiving Day with our deli breakfast menu and some mimosas. We’re your spot for those day-of essentials and last minute needs,” says Kelly’s Market Founder, Sean Crotty. “Forgot the milk or need a last minute charcuterie set up? We’re here for you.” There’s always new and notable local purveyors to be found on the shelves at Kelly’s in addition to pantry staples and essentials.

Those looking for beverage pairings for their Thanksgiving feast need look no further than Kelly’s stellar wine selection, carefully curated by Partner & General Manager, Tanner Crotty. “We’re going to be stocking up on wines all October perfect for your holiday meals,” says Tanner. “Whether you’re cooking a traditional meal or something out of the box, we’ll put together a great selection for you.”

With new, unique and hard-to-find wines hitting the shelves at Kelly’s regularly, it’s always worth a stop to see what’s fresh. Tanner’s recommendation for your turkey feast? “Pinot noir is my go-to,” he says. “We’ll be getting some fresh harvest Gamays in. Beaujolais Nouveau is a great wine for turkey. Pinot Noir-style reds work great at Thanksgiving. A light and fruity wine helps cut through some of the heaviness of the meal.”  Kelly’s is your Thanksgiving pre-game, day-of, and beverage headquarters. Keep an eye out for their seasonal Thanksgiving sandwich on the deli menu and always-rotating goodies in the aisles for your holiday entertaining and relaxation. Follow them on Instagram to stay up on the latest @KellysMarketDecatur

“MANY IN DECATUR KNOW AND LOVE CHEF CHRIS’ FOOD FROM LITTLE FARMHOUSE. HIS THANKSGIVING TAKE-OUT WAS HUGELY POPULAR THERE AND WE’RE PROUD TO BRING HIS MENU TO THE RAMSPECK THIS SEASON.”

THE RAMSPECK

For those looking for a break from the kitchen this year, The Ramspeck is your delicious solution. Taking over the old Sweet Melissa’s location on East Court Square last year, this still-fresh addition to the Decatur Square comes from the same folks who brought you Brick Store Pub and Leon’s Full Service (and the beloved Java Monkey, RIP.) With that kind of pedigree, you know the food is going to impress.

“We’re so excited to offer this incredible menu”, says Kecia Wilson, Sales Manager at The Ramspeck. “Our other restaurants have traditionally done Thanksgiving takeout, but we’re thrilled to put out something brand-new this year we think the community is really going to love.”

Don’t let The Ramspeck’s event space moniker fool you- their kitchen has some serious chops.

Headed by Chef Chris Morrison, former Owner of Little Farmhouse Cafe and recognized as one of Atlanta’s Rising Star Chefs, the Ramspeck culinary team has created a Thanksgiving menu with all the comfort you expect, elevated by fine dining craft. “Many in Decatur know and love Chef Chris’ food from Little Farmhouse,” says Wilson. “His Thanksgiving take out was hugely popular there and we’re proud to bring his menu to The Ramspeck this season.”

Choose from turkey or ham (or both!) and enjoy classic sides with a little Southern flair like cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and corn pudding. If you’re not looking for the full meal but want to add a couple of Chef Chris’ creations to your table, there’s a la carte ordering available as well. “You can really customize the menu to fit your needs,” says Wilson. “Add items to your package or put your own together. I’m personally very excited

for my own order. The rosemary sweet potatoes are beyond this world.”

The Ramspeck’s Thanksgiving menu features the dishes you know and love with some unique additions that offer something for everyone at the table. Take care of the meat-free guests with vegan meatloaf and sides, fill up the dessert table with fresh pies, or round out your homemade meal with Chef Chris’ touches like yeast rolls, gravy, or cranberry citrus compote. There’s options for every kind of entertainer and eater.

Online ordering for The Ramspeck’s Thanksgiving menu is live at theramspeck.com/thanksgiving-dinner and runs through November 19th for pickup Wednesday, November 26 just in time for the main event meal. Orders start at $100 and can be placed entirely online.

Whether you’re spending time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving or taking a vacation from cooking, Decatur’s local businesses are here for your every need. There’s no time like the holidays to support your local businesses. Happy Thanksgiving and happy eating to all.

STUDIO 101 STUDIO

A.S. TURNER & SONS HELPS FAMILIES FIND GRATITUDE IN REMEMBRANCE.

An Enduring Legacy of Care

“Funerals are about the deceased, yes, but they’re also about the living—the stories, songs, and laughter help people heal.”

For nearly 125 years, the name A.S. Turner & Sons has been woven into the heart of Decatur. Families return to the funeral home not only for its services, but for its place in their lives: a space where snapshots of love, grief and remembrance are etched into the soul of the building.

“People will walk in and tell me, ‘My daddy was here, my grandmother was here, I remember the fish tank as a kid,’” says owner and funeral director Cy Hume. “They don’t just need the services we provide—they need this building and what it represents.”

The funeral home’s history stretches back to 1903, when it was founded with the simple promise of compassionate service. That commitment still defines the business today. While large corporations have acquired many family-run firms across the country, A.S. Turner & Sons remains an independent and community-centered organization. “I don’t answer to anyone in Houston or Toronto,” Hume explains. “The buck stops here—and that means families know we’ll take care of them directly.”

Hume’s own journey into funeral service was unexpected. As a teenager, he planned to enlist in the Marine Corps, but a medical disqualification rerouted his path. A friend persuaded him to try a job at a funeral home, and at 19, he began a career he has never left. Decades later, he still describes his work with a sense of calling: “I’ve always loved helping people, and that’s what drives me to do what I do.”

At A.S. Turner, that philosophy is lived out daily. It’s not unusual for the building to hold

several services at once, each one reflecting the unique traditions, values, and stories of the families who gather there. “We serve everybody,” Hume says. “That diversity is what makes this place special. We don’t turn anyone away.”

The way funerals are held has shifted dramatically in recent years. Where burials once dominated, cremation now makes up more than 70 percent of services. But personalization has only grown in importance. Hume and his team take time to learn what mattered most to the person being honored. For one family, it meant walking out of the chapel to the University of Georgia fight song. For another, it meant filling a room with golf clubs and photos of a beloved East Lake coach. “Funerals are about the deceased, yes,” Hume says, “but they’re also about the living. The stories, the songs, the laughter—they help people heal.”

Beyond families, Hume feels responsible for his staff of 25, whom he views as an extension of his own family. “I want them to succeed in life,” he says. “Whether they stay in this field or follow another path, I care that they do well.”

Asked what lessons this work has taught him, Hume doesn’t hesitate. “You’re not promised tomorrow—not even after lunch,” he says. “Take the trip. Mend the relationship. Do the things that make you happy.”

As A.S. Turner & Sons approaches its 125th anniversary in a few short years, its legacy of compassion, independence, and trust continues to guide it forward—one family at a time.

You’re not promised tomorrow— not even after lunch. Take the trip. Mend the relationship. Do the things that make you happy. “ ”

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NATURE NE EDS HEROES

Nestled between the Midway Woods and Dearborn Heights neighborhoods is one of Decatur’s finest residential amenities: Dearborn Park, a leftover jewel of the Piedmont region. This wholly natural setting is a rare piece of land that contains fragments of other continents from underwater collisions millions of years ago. Wonderful little treasures are discovered by its loyal keepers regularly, from yellow fin shiners swimming in the stream to traces of an old-growth forest, and the communal enjoyment of nature shines forth in this group of passionate environmental advocates. Martha Miller and Sarah Zingarelli (known affectionately as “Zing”) started the alliance in March 2019, after learning of the Japanese Chaff Flower threatening to overtake the park’s well-being. What began as a desire to remove ivy from tree trunks snowballed into an operation to eliminate this highly invasive species, whose long seed spikes release up to 1,500 seeds in a season, 97% of which germinate. By digging up the chaff flower, Dearborn Park is protected, as well as the local neighbors’ own yards. Kristen Daniel, a teacher, joined in 2020 while working

The Dearborn Area Nature Alliance routinely removes invasive species to restore a healthy ecosystem - and they need your help.

ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN

from home. With a passion for restoring the environment, her tips on the neighborhood Facebook group caught Martha and Zing’s eye, and she was quickly recruited. “The best chance we have for keeping our earth healthy is to keep the big trees and green space we already have balanced,” Kristen explains. Meg Hedeen, Kristen’s next-door neighbor, joined the cause when she moved to the neighborhood from Cobb County. A wildlife biologist, she was thrilled to meet an organized group of neighbors invested in preserving nature.

The first Saturday and third Sunday of every month, you’ll find this team in Dearborn Park, getting their hands dirty, calming their nervous systems, and restoring historic bounty. Each session typically has six to eight participants, and they’re intent on expanding those numbers to increase their impact. A key collaborator is a teenage boy named Finnan, who began helping in seventh grade and hasn’t stopped since. The opportunity to experience the wonder and awe of nature with equally enthusiastic advocates brings a blissful sense of satisfaction. It’s a magical experience to see spaces cleared of invasive species suddenly spring forth with native plants. “It’s been a great escape,” Meg tells me, “you’re sweating and you’re laughing: that’s the good part of life.” What they need now is more volunteers and sponsorship, and it is powerful to contribute to a cause that genuinely benefits the world. Are you interested in lending a helping hand? This month, the alliance meets on November 1st and November 16th, from 10 am until noon. “Nature needs heroes,” Zing proclaims, “and these women are heroes.” Enjoy healthy escapism, environmental advocacy, and pure community building with the Dearborn Area Nature Alliance. dearborn30030@gmail.com @DearbornAreaNatureAlliance

CAPOEIRA IN THE SQUARE

ARTICLE BY BRANDON MALCOLM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WADE

If you’ve ever wandered through Decatur Square and heard the pulse of drums spilling from the Core Dance studio, you weren’t overhearing a band rehearsal or drum circle. That sound belongs to Maculelê Capoeira, Atlanta’s first and longest-running capoeira school.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art which incorporates music, dance, and acrobatics to create a unique performative fighting style which has influenced modern break dancing. “Capoeira is so many things,” says program director and instructor Dani Da Silva. “It’s a Brazilian martial art, but it’s more than fighting. It’s culture, history, and community coming together through an art form. It teaches you about your body and spirit.”    Started by Dani’s father, Francisco Antônio Rodrigues Da Silva, better known as Mestre Fran, Maculelê has welcomed students of all ages to their studio to share their love for this unique art form since 1991. The family’s passion surrounding the tradition is infectious. “Capoeira can transform your life,” says Mestre Fran in his native Portuguese. “You learn discipline and confidence, you

Maculelê Capoeira School brings rhythm, tradition, and community to Decatur.

make friends and take part in community, you stay healthy, balance stress, and leave happier. I’ve been doing it for 50 years and it still excites me every day.”

Watching the martial art performed is a sight to behold. As Mestre Fran plays a tall, bongo-style drum called an atabaque, instructors Tito Santos and Dan Vizibelli flow across the floor of the studio, elegantly moving around each other with fluid kicks and hand stands, but never “fighting” in the traditional sense. It’s an interaction rarely seen in other sports.

“Capoeira has a beautiful energy,” says Da Silva. “It teaches you about yourself. That’s why we encourage kids to come try. They learn about how their bodies move, interact, and most of the time, learn a bit of Portuguese."

A Tradition For All

Maculelê’s true purpose is to share the art of Capoeira with the community. They even operate a non-profit based in Brazil focused on education and access to the tradition for all which offers many students the opportunity to travel the world.

“It’s not just one thing or for one kind of person,” Da Silva reflects. “Capoeira brings communities together.”

Classes are offered throughout the week in both Downtown Decatur and Alpharetta for students of all ages and skill levels.

Mestre Fran and his team welcome all with genuine kindness and passion for the art and encourage all to enjoy the Capoeira tradition. As he simply says, “It will change your life.”

Scheule your FREE estimate today!

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAYS

Terrific Thursdays

Throughout Decatur

Enjoy festive fun in downtown Decatur every Thursday in December! Shop late for deals, sips, and bites. Stroll the streets adorned with twinkling lights and holiday cheer, and discover unique gifts from local shops. Live music, seasonal treats, and a joyful atmosphere make each Thursday night a celebration for the whole community.

NOVEMBER 1ST

Global Village Project’s annual Welcome Walk

Clarkston to Decatur | 9:00 AM

Join Global Village Project’s annual Welcome Walk, a joyful, family-friendly community event supporting refugee girls’ education. Walk alongside students, families, and neighbors, enjoy global flavors, and celebrate at the finish line with music, food, and activities. Every step you take helps refugee girls restart their education and thrive in school and community. Learn more: gvpwalk.org

NOVEMBER 4TH

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents "Romance & Reverie" featuring Heather Conner, piano

First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave | 7:30 PM

Experience Romance & Reverie with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra. The evening features Ravel’s elegant Le Tombeau de Couperin, Rachmaninoff’s passionate Piano Concerto No. 2 with guest soloist Heather Conner, and Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Romeo and Juliet. A night of love, loss, and longing, this program showcases the brilliance of classical music’s most moving masterworks. Tickets available at dekalbsymphony.org

NOVEMBER 8TH

Decatur Wine Festival

Downtown Decatur

Sip, savor, and support the arts at the Decatur Wine Festival! Enjoy 350+ wines, ciders, and NA options at 70 tasting tables, plus food vendors, a live DJ, and plenty of good vibes. Presented by Decatur Package Store, this event benefits the Decatur Arts Alliance’s year-round community arts programming. Get tickets at decaturartsalliance.org/decatur-wine-festival

NOVEMBER 12TH

Hops at the History Center: Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests

DeKalb History Center, 101 E Court Square | 6:30 PM

Discover Atlanta’s hidden forests with authors Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey at Hops at the History Center. Their guidebooks highlight 122 hikes inside and beyond I-285—from Beltline trails to Cascade Springs—featuring maps, directions, and transit tips. Explore urban art, historic ruins, and peaceful nature walks suitable for all ages, proving adventure is right here in the city.

NOVEMBER 14TH - 16TH

Furnish with Love Holiday Pop-Up Sale

508 E. Howard Avenue, Decatur, GA | 9:00 AM

Furnish with Love’s annual Holiday Pop-Up Sale is happening in November! Join us for our popular fundraiser, November 14-16. Shop for generously donated designer furniture, home decor, and gifts. We'll have designer samples that we’re selling at deeply discounted prices. 100% of the profits support our mission of helping families transition out of homelessness. furnishwithlove.org Instagram: @furnish.with.love

CONTINUED

NOVEMBER 15TH

Medlock Park Art Studio Stroll

2389 Harrington Drive or 612 Willivee Drive, Decatur, GA, 30033 | 10:00 AM

Drop by the 4th Annual Medlock Park Art Studio Stroll on Saturday, November 15, 10 am–5 pm! This free, family-friendly event features 14 local artists sharing their work in studios and outdoor displays. Enjoy live demos, connect with neighbors, shop for unique holiday gifts, and support Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve with every purchase.

NOVEMBER 15TH - 16TH

Decatur First UMC Christmas Market

Decatur First United Methodist Church

Shop local and celebrate the season at Decatur First UMC’s Christmas Market! Browse handmade jewelry, textiles, candles, and more, plus enjoy the Book Fair with Little Shop of Stories, a bake sale, and lunch options. This family-friendly event benefits the preschool, with face painting and playground fun for kids.

NOVEMBER 29TH

Santa, Shopping & Small Business Saturday

Throughout Decatur

Santa’s coming to town! Snap photos with Ol’ St. Nick, enjoy milk and cookies, and marvel at whimsical stilt walkers. Kids can drop letters at the Santa Mail station while grown-ups shop small around Decatur. Free gift wrapping and a raffle for a Decatur gift basket make this festive day extra magical.

Decatur Package Store, where

your bartender shops!

Come in today to browse our unique selection of wine, amari, liqueurs, beer, & more!