The Decatur Minute

An important message from Agnes Scott College:

Agnes Scott College will hold its 128th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Due to the Commencement activities, the campus will be closed that Saturday to pedestrian and bicycle traffic from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, E. Dougherty Street will be closed to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic during that same time frame. Please anticipate traffic congestion around the college’s surrounding streets before and after Commencement between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For questions, contact Agnes Scott College’s Public Safety department at 404.471.6355.

On April 25, 2017 City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, the UMCH President and CEO, Rev. Hal Jones, and Debby Stikes, Chair of the UMCH Board of Trustees, met to sign the sale agreement for the $40 Million purchase of the approximately 77 acre UMCH property adjacent to the southeastern city limits of the City of Decatur.

Mayor Patti Garrett said, “We are so excited to keep this project moving forward and I am proud to be able to represent the Decatur City Commission in executing the contract that will start the process of making the purchase happen.”

Proceeds of the sale will support the UMCH mission in new communities according to Rev. Jones, who said “we are committed to reaching out to, and serving, the alarming and growing number of children and families who are in crisis. The sale of the Decatur property helps us expand this ministry across North Georgia.” Board Chair Debby Stikes added that “preserving the Moore Chapel and the gravesite of UMCH’s founder Rev. Dr. Jesse Boring was very important to the Board, to members of our alumni group, and to countless others across North Georgia who partner with us in this ministry. We are delighted with the City’s support in honoring the memories created on this property.”

It is anticipated that the UMCH will vacate the property by late summer or early fall, 2017. Once the City owns and takes possession of the property, the City will annex the acreage and begin a community-based master planning effort engaging nearby neighborhoods, UMCH alumni and other stakeholders to help determine a vision and plan for future use.

TONIGHT, Decatur will host its second Open Office Hour, a virtual meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin from 7 – 8 p.m. The Mayor Pro Tem will speak for approximately 15-20 minutes on the topic of transportation, Decatur’s efforts around walkability, proposed bicycle lanes, and more. .

The community is invited to tune in to watch and listen via livestream, http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-commission/streaming-video, and will be able and encouraged to submit questions related to the topic live (beginning at 7 p.m.) via Twitter (@downtowndecatur),  Facebook, email (openofficehour@decaturga.com), or phone 678-553-6569.

In an effort to help local business owners and their employees stop sitting and get moving, Harken Health is offering a day of FREE health and wellness classes at its Harken Health Center in Decatur on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in honor of National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day.
On Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, members, non-members and local business owners and employees can visit a nearby Harken Health Center to enjoy classes such as yoga, Zumba or a nutrition class. Classes will run throughout the day. More details on the classes being offered at the Harken Health Center in Decatur are included below. To learn more, visit: https://www.harkenhealth.com/get-fit-dont-sit/

9-10am Standing Meditation
Join our Health Coach Morgan McMahon for this class that embraces the simple, powerful mediation stance of standing. Learn how to achieve the standing meditation alignment and practice the position using breath work.

11am-12pm Neighborhood Walk

Partake in a mild pace walk through our local neighborhood with Harken Health Coaches.

12-1pm Yoga

Yoga incorporates breathing techniques, deep stretching, light vinyasa work, foundational standing and balancing postures into a low-impact exercise for better health. There is an emphasis on meditation and mindfulness through breath work, toning and strengthening through subtle flowing, and gentle stretching for all the therapeutic benefits of yoga. All levels welcome!

1-2pm Zumba

Zumba is an aerobic dance fitness program that features movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance, performed primarily to Latin American dance music. The choreography incorporates hip hop, soca, salsa, belly dance and various aerobic techniques such as squats and lunges, just to name a few! Though it may sound intimidating, no rhythm or previous dance background is required. The Zumba motto is “ditch the workout, join the party!” You only need to bring a willing spirit, teachable attitude, and of course water and comfortable shoes.

3-4pm Chair Exercises
Join Health Coach Joyce Miller, as she leads this class focused on various chair exercises. This class is geared towards helping people in the beginning stages of their fitness journey and will show how to work out while sitting down.

This is a weekly blog post that lists all of the events and sales going on around town. It will be updated daily. If you would like to add an event, email renae.madison@decaturga.com.

Tuesday, April 25

• Agnes Scott Collegiate Chorale & Sotto Voce Concert “Anamalia”, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26

• Agnes Scott Joyful Noise Gospel Choir Concert, 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 27

• Bridge Club, 10 a.m.
• Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 28

• Decatur High School Baseball State Playoffs, 5 p.m.
• Agnes Scott Theatreworks 2017, 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 29

• Beat the Street for Little Feet 5k, 8 a.m.
• Downtown Decatur Food Tour, 11 a.m.
• Agnes Scott Theatreworks 2017, 8 p.m.

When: Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Drive, Decatur GA 30030

The Decatur Housing Authority is working to redevelop 34 apartments on Oakview Road to be affordable to people with low or fixed incomes. We need your ideas to develop a community plan that improves transportation, education, access to jobs and health and community services. A Community Planning Meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 East Lake Drive, Decatur GA 30030. Call 404-759-5953 for more information. Participants will include representatives from the Decatur Housing Authority, City Schools of Decatur, MARTA, and City of Decatur. Presentation and public comment will take place at the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association Quarterly Meeting on Monday, May 8. Visit www.oakhurstga.org for more information.