The Decatur Minute

March 2-6 is Georgia Telework Week

March 2, 2015 by Casie Yoder, PIO

It’s Georgia Telework Week! From GACommuteOptions.com:

March 2-6 marks the sixth annual Georgia Telework Week — now aligned with National Telework Week. Celebrate by exploring the benefits of eliminating your drive to and from work together.

Teleworking doesn’t have to be an everyday thing. It doesn’t even have to be an every week thing. By crafting a plan that works for you, your lifestyle, and your company, you can make telework part of a larger business strategy that can save on facilities and parking, increase employee productivity and morale, and enhance retention and recruitment.

So, what’s happening during Georgia Telework Week? We’ve got the details for you here:

Make the Commitment: Every company that commits to Telework Week will have the chance to be featured on a Georgia Commute Options billboard in April. Check back during Telework Week to make your commitment!
Free webinars: Attend one of four free webinars to learn more about teleworking. Find the one that’s just right for you! The password for all webinars is telework.
- Monday, March 2: For the teleworker/commuter
- Tuesday, March 3: For the telemanager
- Wednesday, March 4: Business Continuity through Telework
- Thursday, March 5: State Agency Telework Training
Photo Contest: Follow Georgia Commute Options on Twitter and Instagram (@gacommute) and participate in our #MyTelework Photo Challenge. One lucky winner will have his or her photo featured on a billboard in Metro Atlanta and receive a $50 prize. Learn more about participatinghere.
Win $25: Log your telework days for the chance to win $25 in our monthly drawing. 1 in 10 win!
Spotlight stories: Check out the Georgia Commute Options blog each day for teleworker stories, company spotlights, and infographics on all the different ways a telework program can boost productivity and lower costs.

Commit to Georgia Telework Week. Commit to being the solution.

Posted in Transportation | 1 Comment »

Register for Decatur Trees 101

February 28, 2015 by Casie Yoder, PIO

Trees give us shade, clean our air and water, provide habitat for wildlife, and beautify our landscapes. The City of Decatur recognizes that all of us can contribute greatly to the health and structural integrity of these living treasures if we are empowered to recognize common problems and take proactive steps. Our goal is to help you help your trees and to provide that empowerment through education.

What: Decatur Trees 101 – The homeowner’s role in caring for Decatur’s urban forest

When: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2015

Where: Community Room of the Eloise T. Leveritt Public Works Building, 2635 Tally St.

How much: FREE (for 20 City of Decatur homeowners only)

How to sign up: Email India Woodson at India.Woodson@decaturga.com with your name, address and contact information (must have email response with seat number for verification)

City of Decatur Tree Ordinance Overview: This session will explain the new ordinance, what it means to the average homeowner and show you how to measure the canopy of your trees.

Tree Identification: The first step in taking proper care of your trees is to know what you have. Decatur Trees 101 will guide you through the steps on how to develop an inventory of what is on your property. You will also learn the basic characteristics of trees that will help you identify the species of trees that you have.

Tree Planting and Maintenance: This information session will teach you how to choose the right species for your landscape and feel confident that you are planting it in a way that ensures success. If you have planted trees that are struggling with the transition to their new home, learn what it takes to direct your trees toward long productive lives.

Structural Pruning: Also known as ‘formative’ pruning, this method of care can provide surprising benefits. Decatur Trees 101 can take the mystery out of this technique and show you how easy it is to work pruning into your tree maintenance plan

Tree Walks (TBD): Get to know your local trees while getting to know your community. We will introduce the trees to you by name and explain the distinguishing features that make each species unique. These events are always interactive and participants are challenged to practice their newly acquired skills!

tree harmony park

Posted in Events, Sustainability | 1 Comment »

Brand new event this weekend-Decatur Stirs

February 27, 2015 by Katie

Shake and sip with local spirits experts at hands-on classes and exclusive tastings during the inaugural Decatur Stirs: a showcase of craft spirits and cocktails. Learn the craftsmanship of cocktails – from basic to bespoke. Or dig deeper into your favorite distilled beverages, bitters, syrups, and more.

Learn from the pros then bend an elbow during our kickoff happy hour, workshops, and tasting event Friday, Feb 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28. Make a weekend of it and stay the night with a discounted room rate! Click here for more information

Posted in Events | Leave a Comment »

Help plant trees tomorrow and Saturday

February 26, 2015 by Casie Yoder, PIO

Planting trees in the Decatur Cemetery, Feb. 20, 2015

Interested in helping Trees Atlanta plant trees in Decatur this week? There are two opportunities to volunteer:

Friday, Feb. 27, Noon – 4 p.m.

St Thomas More Church, 636 West Ponce De Leon Ave

Meet in the back parking lot at Noon

Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. – Noon

Glennwood Elementary, 440 East Ponce De Leon Ave

Meet in the west parking lot at 9 a.m.

Posted in Community | Leave a Comment »

Winter weather warning: What you need to know

February 25, 2015 by Casie Yoder, PIO

There is a winter weather warning for metro Atlanta from 10 a.m. today until 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday). It is expected to start raining and sleeting and then turn to snow. The precipitation is expected to stick and Decatur could see up to 3.5” of snow by morning. By 11 a.m. Thursday the temperature is expected to rise into the 40s.

All city buildings are currently open and will close by 5 p.m. today, including City Hall and the Decatur Recreation Center. All evening activities and classes at the Decatur Recreation Center are CANCELLED for tonight.

Georgia DOT asks motorists to limit driving to emergencies or essential travel only. Be aware of black ice. If you do decide to leave your house, especially once temperatures drop below freezing after dark, there is likely to be ice on the roads and sidewalks.

City Schools of Decatur are closed today. CSD will post its decision regarding school tomorrow on its website.

As of this posting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26:

All city of Decatur offices and buildings will have a delayed opening of 10 a.m. This includes City Hall, Design Environment & Construction and the Decatur Recreation Center.
Thursday trash and recycling pick up is expected to take place as usual
Municipal Court will occur as scheduled at 6 p.m.

Important phone numbers

If you see hazardous or unsafe conditions in Decatur, or require assistance from police or fire, please call the police non-emergency number: 404-373-6551.
Report icy conditions on interstates and state routes to GDOT: 511.
Power outages or trees on power lines should be reported directly to Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938.

Prevent burst pipes
As the temperatures drop, pipes in your home or business are likely to freeze unless you take necessary precautions. The easiest way to prevent burst pipes is to leave your sink running with a small stream of water (a drip is not enough) before you go to bed.

Reminders

Be neighborly and take a few minutes to check on the seniors in your neighborhood. See if you can bring in their mail or wood or something else they may need, and make sure they have plenty of heat, food and water. Sometimes simply being checked on is greatly appreciated when staying indoors gets to be lonely. If you have a neighbor who needs help please call the police non-emergency number at 404-373-6551.
Bring all pets inside.
Register for Smart911 now at Smart911.com. You can opt-in for severe weather and other notifications as well as create or update your Smart911 profile with any special medical concerns (such as a household member who uses medical equipment that requires electricity).
Charge all cell phones and put fresh batteries in emergency radios. When contacting loved ones, a text message is more likely to get through than a phone call.
Download the FEMA smartphone app for additional tips and emergency information.

Posted in emergency management | Leave a Comment »

New Safe Routes to School across E. Trinity Place Coming Monday

February 20, 2015 by Catherine

Note:

The Safe Routes to School crossing for E. Trinity Place will be moved this Monday (2/23).

What will change:

In order to accommodate pending construction on Church Street and ongoing construction at the Trinity Triangle project (E. Trinity Place and E. Howard Street), the City will maintain a Safe Routes to School Crossing near the PATH Foundation trail across Trinity Place. See the map for location.

To and From the new temporary Safe Routes to School Crossing:

1. If you are coming from points north of E. Trinity Place/Church Street…use the N. McDonough Street /E. Trinity Place crosswalk at City Hall in order to get to the High School, Agnes Scott College or Renfroe Middle School.

2. If you are coming from points south of E. College Street/Candler Street…cross the railroad tracks on the west side of Candler Street and take the new temporary crosswalk on E. Trinity Place near the intersection of the PATH Foundation trail/E. Howard Street.

3. If you are coming from points east of E. Trinity Street/E. Howard Street…use the new temporary crosswalk on Trinity and keep going on the PATH Foundation trail to get to High School, Agnes Scott College or Renfroe Middle School.

For additional information:

Contact John Maximuk, Design, Environment & Construction Division of Public Works at 678.553.6570 or John.Maximuk@Decaturga.com

Posted in Transportation | Leave a Comment »

Trees planting in Decatur Feb. 28

February 15, 2015 by Casie Yoder, PIO

Through a partnership between the City of Decatur and Trees Atlanta‘s NeighborWoods program, volunteers will be planting trees on Saturday, Feb. 28 in city right-of-ways. Trees Atlanta has been planting and caring for trees in neighborhoods across metro Atlanta for about 30 years. The organization waters the trees diligently for two years, and mulch and prune the trees for three years after planting to insure that the trees are well-established.

If you’re interested in volunteering to plant trees in Decatur, gather at Glennwood Elementary, 440 East Ponce De Leon Ave., at 9 a.m. on Feb. 28.

If you have any questions regarding your right of way tree, do not want a right-of way tree, or would like to add an additional shade tree in your front yard, contact NeighborWoods Program Manager Susan Pierce Cunningham at susan@treesatlanta.org or 404-681-4896.

Posted in Sustainability | Leave a Comment »

Celebrate Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day in Decatur

February 11, 2015 by Catherine

Parker’s on Ponce: Sweethearts Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Call 404-924-2230 for reservations. Parkersonponce.com
Greene’s Fine Foods: Save the Date Feb. 12, 5-8 p.m. Stop by for Prosecco and other bubbly goodness and place your order for chocolate covered strawberries – milk and dark chocolate. Greenesfinefoods.com
Big Peach Running Co.: You Gotta Have Heart Friday Night Happy Hour Clinic Series, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Sports cardiologist Dr. Johnathan H. Kim makes a return visit to answer your questions, TomTom will offer some show and tell with their Heart Rate Monitor equipped GPS watches, and Sigvaris will discuss how compression may help increase blood flow.Big Peach Decatur FB page
Wahoo! Wine and Provisions: Gift baskets start at $25. Follow your heart and shop local! Facebook page
Mingei at Duck’s Kitchen: Last minute Valentine shopping on Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come by Duck’s Kitchen to enjoy a meal and do a little shopping. Mingei will set up with Valentine cards, tins, jewelry, scarves, whimsical Mexican Day of the Dead couples, felted Romanian hearts and some deeply discounted treats for you and/or your honey.
Souper Jenny’s: Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Jenny’s 1 Year Decatur Anniversary this Saturday. Come by for a special bakery treat! Souper Jenny Decatur FB page
Leon’s Full Service: skip the reservations on Saturday and just show up! Leon’s kitchen is preparing some epic dishes and the bar has a substantial champagne list (as well as beer and cocktails). There will be a full menu of special Valentine’s features. Leonsfullservice.com
Decatur Arthouse: Valentine’s Day Party, Saturday, 8:30 p.m.-midnight, $20. Post date or no date Valentine’s Day Celebration. Open bar, desserts and DJ. Purchase tickets here.
Twisted Soul: Special 4-course Valentine’s Day menu and special cocktails. Call 404-3.73-2725 for reservations. twistedsoulkitchenandbar.com
No. 246: $60 prix-fixe Valentine’s Day Dinner, 5 p.m. ’til. . . Call 678-399-8246 for reservations. See the menu here.

Leslie Knope-inspired Galentine’s image via

Posted in Events, Retail & Restaurants | Leave a Comment »

Youth Fire Setting Prevention and Intervention

February 11, 2015 by ninettaviolante

The City of Decatur Fire Department would like to reintroduce the fact that we have a “Youth Fire Setting Prevention and Intervention Program”. Over 8,000 fires a year are set by youth. Most of them occur outside, but those that do occur inside, often lead to death. While our city does not have a reoccurring problem with arson, it is always a good idea to take a moment to teach your family about fire and its power. Talk to children about matches and lighters. Show them how to be safe around fire. And do not dismiss the interest or curiosity your child has with fire. Just because you “played” with fire, does not make it okay or safe. It probably means you were lucky. If you have any questions or concerns about fire safety and prevention, email Captain Violante at ninetta.violante@decaturga.com or call her at 404-947-0522.

Posted in Community | Leave a Comment »