Thursday, January 30-Friday, January 31; Brasstown Valley
City Commission Retreat
Jan 28: State of the City
I also hope you will join me at the State of the City event on Tuesday, January 28. I look forward to highlighting 2019 accomplishments and looking forward to 2020.
Tuesday, January 28, 5:15pm; Decatur Courtyard by Marriott Conference Center
Decatur Business Association meeting
State of the CIty
Sponsors: Decatur Courtyard Marriott, Decatur Downtown Development Authority
Program: Beginning at 5:15 pm, network and enjoy snacks, beverages and DBA news. At 6 pm, as Mayor, I will present the annual State of the City address. Lewis Jones, Chair of the CSD School Board will also present a State of the Schools address.
Jan 23: Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan Kicks off
Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan Kicks off on Thursday, January 23. The City Commission and city staff use the Strategic Plan in making decisions and setting the yearly budget. We want your input – join us for Destination 2030!
Thursday, January 23, 7-9pm; Decatur Courtyard by Marriott Conference Center
Strategic Plan Community Meeting
Destination 2030
Decatur’s Citizen Roundtables, the heart of our once-a-decade Strategic Planning process will launch on January 23. After this meeting, participants will meet with their assigned Roundtable groups three times over a period of roughly two months. Will your voice be heard? Learn more and register to participate at decatur2030.com
MLK Jr Service Project Weekend – January 18-20
Join me as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have participated in the MLK Jr Service Project since 2003, and I cannot think of a better way to honor the teachings and legacy of Dr. King than helping Decatur’s older residents stay in their homes. MLK Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service.
This annual event brings together over 1,000 volunteers each year who do house repairs and maintenance, weatherization, and yard repairs to help Decatur’s long-time homeowners to live safely, comfortably, and affordably in their homes. We are especially looking for volunteers who can help with home repairs – you do not need to be a professional. If you can make repairs to your own home, we would love your help.
Anyone can serve (age 12 or older, unless participating with a Scout troop). There are jobs for every skill level. Volunteer shifts are:
Saturday, January 18: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 19: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, January 20: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Another way to help is to provide lunches on Saturday for hungry volunteers. We would welcome as many sandwiches (individually wrapped, half of them meat, half vegetarian please) as you would be willing to make. Baked goods, individually wrapped as well would be appreciated. Volunteers would also love fresh fruit, such as bananas, apples, and oranges. Thanks to the Decatur area Girl Scouts, lunches on Monday are covered. To volunteer or for more information, call 678-553-6548 or 770-652-8593, email [email protected], or visit www.mlkserviceproject.com.
Happy New Year and Happy New Decade!
First I want to say thank you to my colleagues for their support in re-electing me as Mayor for 2020. Also at our first City Commission meeting in January, Commissioner Tony Powers was re-elected as Mayor-Pro Tem and new City Commissioners Lesa Mayer and George Dusenbury were sworn in. Rounding out our team is Commissioner Kelly Walsh.
Seeking High School Students for Decatur Youth Council
High School Students: Apply now for Decatur Youth Council
Applications are currently being accepted from rising 9th through 12th grade students for the 2019-2020 Decatur Youth Council (DYC).
DYC is a city-sponsored, community-based, leadership program for high school students who live within the city limits of Decatur and attend public, private, and home-based schools. Members of the DYC will develop into young leaders through structured monthly educational programs and team-building activities.
If you would like to serve on the Decatur Youth Council, complete the Application of Interest available at http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/resident-boards-commissions/decatur-youth-council. Forfurther information contact staff liaison Lee Ann Harvey at 678-553-6548 or [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 17, 2019.
Neighborhood Clean Up Days Continue!
The City of Decatur is hosting Neighborhood Cleanup Days on Saturdays starting in March through June, to allow residents to dispose of bulky materials that would not normally be placed in Pay-As-You-Throw bags. Every street in the City has been assigned to one Saturday. Please see the instructions below, along with the date specified for each street. There has been a change from the previous year’s schedule. For collection times and acceptable items:
http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/public-works/neighborhood-clean-up
Georgia Legislative Update
Senate Bill 89 which allows for the annexation of the former United Methodist Children’s Home property (Legacy Park) and several connector properties on Derrydown passed during the 2019 legislative session and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Thanks to Senator Elena Parent for sponsoring the bill and to DeKalb Delegation Chair Representative Karla Drenner and Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver, Renitta Shannon and Becky Evans for supporting our efforts for this annexation. You can find a copy of the bill here:
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/SB/89
City residents have one State Senator (Senator Parent) and 4 House Representatives. Find your representative here:
Apr 11: Jazz Nights in Oakhurst Continue
Sixteenth Season of Jazz Nights continues in Oakhurst
Thursdays, April 11, 18, 25
Courtyard at Historic Scottish Rite; 7-9pm
Grab a blanket, bring a picnic and join friends and neighbors for an evening of jazz. (In case of rain, concert will move inside Solarium.)
For more information and a schedule of performers:
Apr 13: Amplify Decatur Music Festival
Saturday, April 13
AMPLIFY DECATUR MUSICAL FESTIVAL
Amplify Decatur Concert Series is Presented by Lenz, produced in partnership with Eddie’s Attic, and benefits Decatur Cooperative Ministry
The Amplify Decatur Music Festival returns to the downtown square Saturday, April 13, 2019 with a line-up featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples and two-time Grammy award winner Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
The lineup also includes the critically acclaimed songwriter Julien Baker, Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin, and the Atlanta-based jam-rock band The Bitteroots. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the show will close at 11 p.m.
Tickets are available at AmplifyDecatur.org and through Eventbrite.com.