By Collin Kelley

Downtown Atlanta continues to grow and evolve as evidenced by the slate of projects – big and small – under way right now.

According to Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson, one of the most talked about projects is the new streetcar line, which will ferry riders from Centennial Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District.

In late January, 15 utility companies began moving wires and pipes and construction should be underway by spring.

“The streetcar will be up and running by mid-2013,” Robinson said. “That seems fast, but the coordination is more complicated than the actual construction. Once the building begins, it will happen quickly.”

Four streetcars will make the 2.62 miles east-west loop along multiple streets, including Auburn Avenue. These will be the first streetcars in Atlanta since 1949.

In other transportation-related news, the Georgia Department of Transportation received funding for a study on bringing high speed rail into the city for a new multi-modal passenger terminal on the site called The Gulch. Located between Forsyth Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive, The Gulch is a below street level area created by viaducts during the heyday of freight and passenger trains in the city.

The GDOT also signed a contract with a private development team consisting of Cousins Properties, The Integral Group and Forest City Enterprises to develop the area around the terminal station. The plan calls for condos, office buildings and retail space.

Robinson said the reclamation of the The Gulch would be not unlike what happened with Atlantic Station. Eventually, the terminal station would be the hub for new commuter rail and intercity passenger rail services, as well as intercity, regional express and local buses. The station would also link to MARTA, since the Five Points station is just west of the site.

“Figuring out how to connect MARTA rail to the hub is part of the study,” Robinson said. “We want to make it more appealing than the concrete bunker that it is now.”

Also still in the mix is the Green Line, which would create a linear park from the State Capitol building to the World Congress Center and incorporate the new terminal station. The promenade is envisioned with paths, water features and plenty of new retail, office and living space.

Also under discussion is the future of the Atlanta Civic Center on Piedmont Avenue. The 4,600-seat facility built in 1967 still hosts regular concerts, theater productions and events, but the adjoining space, formerly the SciTrek Museum, remains largely unused except for occasional touring exhibitions like The Titanic, Princess Diana and King Tut treasures.

“The question is whether to revitalize it, enhance it, add something,” Robinson said. “We’re looking at all options. It’s an 18 acre site and it’s not being used to its full potential.”

Kids will have something to look forward to this spring when a new playground opens at Woodruff Park. Jeff Santos of from British Columbia in Canada won an international design competition to design the playground and Bank of America provided funding for construction. Robinson said a bit more funding is needed, but the playground is expected to be ready in time for warmer weather.

Other things Downtown dwellers and workers should look for this year: new planters in front of Peachtree Center and a improving the timing for traffic signals.

To keep up with all the ongoing Downtown projects, visit atlantadowntown.com.

Around Downtown

Step back in time at Vintage The Barbershop
At Vintage The Barber Shop, the barbers are smartly dressed in vests and ties, while the customers perch in antique swivel chairs. An ancient vending machine offers peanuts and snacks, while a drink machine has Cokes in the bottle. With the smell of powder and shaving cream wafting through the air, along with lively conversation, you might just think a time machine has whisked you back to the 1920s.

Just down Forsyth Street from the Rialto Theater in the circa-1913 Healey Building, Vintage is owned by Herbert Williams, who bought the shop from original owner, Bill White, in 2004. Williams said he had a vision for the historic property and began collecting items for the shop. The shop has such an authentic look that it’s almost like a movie set.

But on a recent Friday morning, every chair was filled with men of all ages getting shaves and haircuts, while the hosts of Internet radio show The Ugly Truth broadcasted live from the waiting area discussing politics and news of the day with customers.

Customer Keith Harrison, who was getting a trip from Williams, said he’d been coming to Vintage for several years because of the “good service, conversation and camaraderie” he found at the shop.

Vintage is located at 57 Forsyth St. You can set an appointment online at vintagehairgallery.com or call (404) 521-1451. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Imperial Hotel renovations planned
The 102-year-old Imperial Hotel at 355 Peachtree Street in Downtown has been saved from foreclosure and is getting a new lease on life.

Columbia Residential, an Atlanta-based developer of multifamily affordable housing communities, and the Ohio-based nonprofit National Church Residences (NCR), worked with the State of Georgia and City of Atlanta throughout 2011 to purchase the property.

Built in 1910, the Imperial has provided affordable housing, particularly to residents with special needs, since 1996. In the past few years, the building’s owner has fallen into financial difficulties and struggled to be able to afford needed repairs. The new owners will continue to serve low- to moderate-income residents exiting homelessness and others with special needs.

The renovated building is expected to contain 90 fully renovated units, with improved floor plan configurations, fully updated leasing and management offices, resident amenities and spaces for case managers and service providers and onsite security. The extensive repairs will require a relocation of existing residents, but they will have the opportunity to return to the newly renovated building. In the meantime current residents will be provided with replacement housing and continuation of supportive services by Columbia and NCR staff.

Mobile professionals find space at 200-Office
The historic 200 Peachtree building, former home to Davison’s/Macy’s department stores, has become a go-to for wedding ceremonies, trade shows and other special events on its grand main floor and mezzanine level, but there’s much more happening on the upper floors.

200-Office (200-office.com), a cutting-edge, co-workspace for mobile professionals and budding entrepreneurs, opened last fall.

The space provides broadband Internet, video conferencing, meeting rooms, scanning and photocopying, and mail handling. In addition, 200 Office provides a highly comfortable work environment with cushy sofas and chairs, a variety of work settings, and a Rising Roll Gourmet café.

200-Office is affordable with a monthly membership costing less than $60. Members are afforded full use of the facilities and Internet and are only charged for extras, such as video conferencing or meeting rooms, when actually used.

With easy access to parking in an attached garage and MARTA’s Peachtree Center station directly across the street, 200-Office is accessible from throughout the entire metro Atlanta area.

For more about Downtown, read Kyle Kessler’s picks for our Keep It INtown feature at this link.

This is an exceptional crop of teens, who are doing service work that many adults would blanch at. Our honorees have traveled to distant countries, founded non-profit organizations, overcome adversity and given hundreds of hours of their personal time.

You’ll meet a young woman who survived a brain tumor and turned her love of swimming into a fundraising opportunity, which netted thousands of dollars for CURE Childhood Cancer. You’ll meet a young man who organized a trip to Tanzania and spent nearly a month helping villagers learn how to produce clean, safe drinking water. And you’ll meet a young man who collected thousands of books to help a rural Georgia community in dire need of more reading material for its students. These are just three of the uplifting stories you’ll read and we hope the dedication of these Intown students will inspire you to give back to the community.

We would like to thank Grady High School for allowing us to photograph our cover on the campus and photographer Daniel Whitefield of Imagopix for donating his time and talent. Atlanta INtown will be holding a reception for the honorees this month at Osteria 832 in Virgnia Highland and we would like to thank Homegrown Restaurants and Rich Chey for making this possible. In our February edition we’ll have photos from this event. If you would like to become a sponsor or nominate a student for 2013, email wendy@atlantaintownpaper. com. Thank you to the businesses and schools whose advertising support makes this section possible.

– Collin Kelley, Editor

Preston “Stone” T. Persons, 15
Grady High School
Stone, the son of Michael and Dana Persons, may just be a freshman, but he’s been giving back to the community for years. From the age of 10, he’s volunteered at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, tutored at-risk kids at The Intown Academy, planted trees with Tress Atlanta, helped build a house with Habitat for Humanity in West Virginia and his family regularly hosts exchange students through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). “Giving back means helping people in your community, and creating a better place for all of us to live, play and work,” Stone said. “I like the feeling you get when you find out just how much your help means to these people.
How you can give back: Give your time, donate books, furniture, or cash to The Intown Academy (intownacademy.org); become a host family for the exchange program (ciee.org/host); volunteer at Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org).

Kaitlyn Grace Dinkins, 18
Pace Academy/Harvard University
Kaitlyn, daughter of Jim and Lynn Dinkins, created a scholarship called Hope for Hoops to encourage young girls to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the basketball court. She raised money in order to provide a scholarship for girls to play AAU basketball for Peak Performance Elite. “I am just so happy that I have been able to reach people and give girls the chance to have fun and get to play basketball,” she said. “My favorite part is physically giving the girls the plaques signifying they have won the scholarship.
How you can give back: Make a donation to peakperformancebball.org.

Laetitia Butler, 17
Atlanta International School
Laetitia is passionate about theatre and she’s extended that love to not only giving back locally but also globally. Last summer, she traveled to the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in western Uganda with UK-based non-profit Theatre versus Oppression, which uses applied theatre to bring about change and positive development. She worked with teenagers at the settlement for two weeks, using theatre to explore the issues that surround being a teenager in the camp (lack of education and lack of parent/community support among them). “It was empowering both for me and the participants as they were able to communicate in a physical and artistic way,” Laetitia said. “During my time in Uganda, I was also able to teach primary school daily mostly in English, Math and French.” The daughter of Hélène Butler, Laetitia is also a contributing writer for VOX, the teen newspaper in Atlanta.
How you can give back: Make a donation to Theater versus Oppression at theatreversusoppression.com. Readers can also donate directly to the settlement camp in Uganda at coburwas.org.

Eve Brown, 18,
Grady High School
The daughter of Julie and Clark Brown, Eve started giving back by volunteering for Meals On Wheels and then to Habitat for Humanity. In her junior year, she helped recruit volunteers, planned fundraisers, and planned the building of a house with fellow Grady students. She’s organizing another home-build for this year and even co-planned a benefit concert at The Masquerade to raise funds. Eve is also involved with One Love Generation, nonprofit that groups student artists with professionals from Atlanta to work on community art projects every week. “I am proudest that I have found something I love doing that doesn’t benefit me solely,” Eve said. “It especially means to me that I’m sharing the good parts of my life to those who may not have those good parts, and I in turn get to share what is good in their life.”
How you can give back: Find out more and make a donation to One Love Generation at onelovegeneration.org.

Emma van Beuningen, 17
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
Last summer, Emma traveled to Kenya to work in an orphanage, where she ran a soccer camp and a vacation Bible school for 70 orphans in a small village. She also helped interview students for The Watoto Trust Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps sponsor talented kids from poor backgrounds. Emma, the daughter of Harry and Sally van Beuningen, is also a student representative on the Horizons Atlanta Board of Trustees. “I am most proud of my work at the orphanage,” Emma said. “When doing this work, I stepped out of my comfort zone and put myself into a completely new environment. During the six weeks I was there, I grew to love the kids, and I feel that I really changed their lives.
How you can give back: Make a donation to The Watoto Trust Foundation at watototrust.org.

Gabrielle Moore, 17
Spelman College
Gabrielle, the daughter of Dr. Yolanda Spiva and Wendell Spiva, created the nonprofit Bears for Babies, which gives stuffed bears to young children who have lost a parent or are the children of first responders (police, firefighter, EMT) and military personnel. During the holiday season, bears are given to children in the hospital or need encouragement. “I am proud that I am able to help brighten another child’s life in a way that I longed for when I was younger,” Gabrielle said. “To me, giving back to my community is simply helping to make it better and contributing positive energy. Giving back to the community does not require a particular amount, but rather a genuine effort.
How you can give back: Make a donation to Bears for Babies at bearsforbabies.org or email bears4babies@gmail.com for how you can help.

Jamal Thomas, 19
Morehouse College
Jamal gives back by volunteering at various mentoring programs around Intown, giving more 300 hours during his freshman year. He mentors in elementary schools with the Adams Scholars Program at Morehouse College, at the Atlanta Juvenile Court, as well as with Morehouse Mentoring Program. He also helps the homeless by volunteering at local shelters and hosted an event called It’s On the House, where more than 300 homeless came to have a meal. “Being in elementary schools has really allowed me to work first hand with the youth,” Jamal said. “It has been a blessing to see smiles on the students’ faces as well as the grades on the students papers affirming my presence in the classroom.” The son of Karen Thomas, Jamal said working with homeless and hearing their stories has “encouraged me to reevaluate my life’s purpose and the things I value. Striving to do something positive for someone everyday supports giving back to community.
How you can give back: Donate to local homeless organizations. Email Jamal at jthomas994@gmail.com.

Joely DeSimone, 19
The Paideia School/Amherst College
Joely volunteers at The Global Village School in Decatur, an inspirational independent high school for refugee teenage girls from around the world. Last summer, she organized the school’s library of donated books by subject and reading level, making it easier for the girls to find books that match their interests and abilities. She also visited students’ homes and read to them before the school year began and tutored three students from Burma who were just learning English. While at college in Massachusetts this fall, she has continued her service by mentoring disadvantaged girls at a local middle school. “The GVS girls are very bright and diligent,” Joely said. “Within just a few weeks, I could already see progress, not only in their reading skills but also in their self-confidence.” The daughter of Liz and Sam DeSimone, Joely said she has made “it a priority to contribute to my community, to make a difference.”
How you can give back: Make a donation to The Global Village School at theglobalvillageschool.org.

Grace Reeder Meade, 18
The Lovett School
Grace is a leader on the Lovett Student Service Board, an elected group of students who plan and organize service events and fundraisers for the entire Upper School. She co-chaired the board’s largest fundraising event last year, Parent’s Night Out, which raised thousands of dollars for nonprofits supported by the student body. Grace, the daughter of Tommy and Cindy Meade,  also serves on the Atlanta Mission Junior Board, an organization that aims to reduce homeless in the city. Through her church, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, she has gone on mission trips to Mexico, New Orleans, West Virginia, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. “Throughout my life, I have been taught the importance of giving back but, through serving others, I have developed a strong passion for service,” Grace said.
How you can give back: Make a donation to the Atlanta Mission at atlantamission.org.

Benjamin Schornstein Williams, 18
The Paideia School
Last year, Ben ran a book drive with the Rural Library Project at Paideia, which collected 2,500 books. He then delivered the books to the rural town of Culloden, GA, which has limited access to books. “As a city-dweller, I had always taken my access to numerous libraries and bookstores for granted,” Ben said. “Visiting Culloden and interacting with the community made me realize how big an impact a new library would have on this isolated town.” Ben, the son of Ellen and David Williams, also took his love for music and formed a jazz band to perform at senior homes, addiction clinics, and veteran centers with the DeKalb Community Service Board. “For me, giving back to my community involves both service and awareness,” he said. “Giving back to the community doesn’t necessarily have to be a sacrifice or a difficult, completely selfless task. To me, giving back means that I am enjoying myself by making an impact that benefits others.”
How you can give back: Make a donation to the Rural Library Project at rurallibraryproject.org.

Kyle Singh Dhillon, 17
The Westminster Schools
Kyle is actively involved with Atlanta-based nonprofit SAFE Water Now and raised money (from friends, family and selling cookies among other endeavors) to organize a trip to Tanzania where he spent three weeks sculpting ceramic water filters, building shelves for the filters to dry on, building a new brick kiln and distributing filters to locals schools. He kept a daily blog (tanzaniaproject2011.wordpress.com) of his experience, which he shared with SAFE Water Now’s founder and four other volunteers who made the trip with him. “Although it felt short for us, we spent every minute of  every day in Tanzania learning about the culture and water  solutions, meeting new people, trying delicious new food, and most importantly, working hard,” Kyle said. He is the song of Dale and Marianne Dhillon.
How you can give back: Make a donation to SAFE Water Now at safewaternow.org.

Matthew Tate Dickson, 17
Horizons School
Matt volunteers with Decatur Season of Giving, delivering gifts to low income children and seniors citizens. He’s also involved in the AJC Decatur Book Festival, Decatur Arts Festival, Decatur Season of Giving and the Oakhurst Community Garden Project, working as an assistant to the city’s volunteer coordinator. At Horizons, he worked as a tutor for the lower grades and helped with early reading programs. Along with his parents, Jim and Vandy Vail-Dickson, Matt organized a holiday meal delivery to seniors, too. “It is wonderful to see the reactions from our senior neighbors and great to know how a small effort like that makes such an impact, Matt said.  “I don’t have the power or resources to make a huge impact, but if I can help to make a local program successful, or help a younger student learn to read, or put a smile on someone’s face I feel empowered.”
How you can give back: Make a donation to Decatur Season of Giving (decaturga.com) or Oakhurst Community Garden Project (oakhurstgarden.org).

Carly Marie Pope, 17
The Paideia School
Carly held a toiletry drive to benefit the non-profit Stand Up for Kids, a shelter that provides a safe place for homeless teenagers in the Atlanta area. “They told me that all these teens really want is to feel normal and fit in, so providing them with things like shampoo, toothbrushes and deodorant is important,” Carly said. “I collected enough toiletries to make over 600 kits for the center to distribute, and I’m still receiving donations.” Her efforts were recognized by the Girl Scouts, which gave her the organization’s highest honor, the Gold Award.  I’m proud of the response I got from the community and what we managed to achieve together,” she said. “It encourages me to know that people in this city are genuinely kind.” She is the daughter of Bailey and Celia Pope.
How you can give back: Make a donation to Stand Up for Kids at standupforkids.org.

Ryan Mackenzie Proctor, 17
Holy Spirit Preparatory School
The son of Jeffrey and Vivian Proctor, Ryan has had an interest in Classical antiquity and languages since the sixth grade. When he was a sophomore, he took that passion and created an after-school program for fifth and sixth graders called the Classics Club. Every week, he teaches 35 students the languages of Latin and Ancient Greek as well as Greco-Roman culture, history and mythology. The teaching experience led him to author and publish an Ancient Greek textbook for younger students called Khairete O Mathetai: An Introduction to Ancient Greek. Ryan was one of the founding members and the first president of his local Squires of Columbus chapter. In that capacity, he started an annual coat drive for underprivileged Hispanic immigrants, led a group to recycle used hotel soap for people in developing nations, and organized other service projects. He also raised money for tornado relief in Alabama by teaching a summer weeklong crash course in Latin. “When I change how a young person approaches the world for the better, all my work becomes instantly worthwhile,” Ryan said.
How you can give back: Make a donation to Knights of Columbus at kofc.org.

Amanda Harris, 18
The Westminster Schools
Amanda Harris loves to dance, so five years ago she channeled that passion into creating Wear then Share to help underprivileged kids through dance. The organization has two branches: a Dancewear Initiative, which collects and donates new to gently used dancewear, and a Dance Outreach Program, where Amanda teaches dance classes. To date, she has spent more than 750 hours developing and volunteering through Wear then Share. She also created a permanent dance outreach program at Westminster and heads up the fundraising and support activities for the school’s Spring Dance Concert. The daughter of Amy and Paul Harris, Amanda is also a member of Westminster’s Community Service Club – where she has participated in everything from painting ceiling tiles for The Children’s Hospital to furnishing homes for refugee families – and leader of the grant team of the Student Learning Leadership Council. “I believe as human beings, we have an obligation to take care of one another,” Amanda said. “I experience overwhelming joy when I give of myself to help someone in need.”
How you can give back: Find out how you can donate to Wear then Share at wearthenshare.com.

Robert Alexander Moore, 16
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
Robert is the founder and organizer of Kicks for Kids, which organizes Metro Atlanta shoe drives for underprivileged and wounded children. Last year, a drive Robert organized netted more than 500 pairs of  shoes for children, teens and adults in war-torn Afghanistan. As an 8^th grader, he also collected more than 300 pairs of shoes for the Compass School in Kikuyu, Kenya. Robert’s goal is to conduct a rolling shoe drive that continues through his senior year. He also donates his time and energy to metro homeless organizations St. Francis’ Table and Our Common Ground. He’s also an intern at Be The Match Foundation, where he assembles registry packets for potential bone marrow donors, conduct local, state and national telephone interviews with businesses and individuals to obtain volunteers and donors for the national bone marrow registry. “I am humbled to think that I may have played a part in helping to change the attitudes and opinions of people in other countries towards Americans through a simple act of kindness,” he said of his work with Kicks for Kids. “My innate compassion and desire to help others is a reflection of my gratitude for my many blessings.” He is the son of Johnetta Holcombe.
How you can give back: Visit the Facebook page for Kicks For Kids or call Robert at (678) 490-4830.

Cole and Peter Bryant, 18
The Westminster Schools
Twin brothers Cole and Peter created the Douglas Bryant Jr. Fund that supports Occupational Therapy and Scholarships at the Lionheart School for children with developmental disabilities in the autistic spectrum. To date, they’ve raised nearly $30,000 for the school, with an additional $11,000 that was matched by an anonymous Atlanta foundation. The fund is named after their brother, who has special needs. “When we visited the school last spring and got to see all the equipment that had purchased with the money we raised, it had an impact on both of us.” Peter said. “I was proud of that.”  Cole added: “To me, giving back to the community means striving to be selfless, and using any blessings you have to help others.”
How you can give back: Visit the Lionheart School website at thelionheartschool.com and donate to the Douglas Bryant Jr. Fund.

Kate Athanassiades, 14
The Paideia School
A competitive swimmer, Kate was temporarily sidelined after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. However, that didn’t stop her from giving back to the community and specifically to CURE Childhood Cancer. This past summer, Kate organized a swim-a-thon at the Venetian Community Pool in Decatur. She was the top fundraiser with $2,700 in donations, but the event raised more than $9,000. She also became a volunteer coach for the Junior Sharks team, has volunteered with the Atlanta Track Club and at her church, Glenn Memorial United Methodist. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation her cancer is now in remission. “I always think about how many people helped me in my cancer experience, and I want to give back to the community that helped me,” Kate said. “Hopefully in the near future, no one would have to face cancer like I did.” She is the daughter of Beth and Dean Athanassiades.
How you can give back: Make a donation to CURE Childhood Cancer at curechildhoodcancer.org or Camp Sunshine at mycampsunshine.com.

Devon J. Jones, 18
North Atlanta High School
Devon, fourth from right, gives back by serving as a special needs mentor, spending times with students with their school work, cooking lessons, life skills advice and physical fitness games. She also volunteers as an assistant to the teachers in the classroom, organizing class work, planning birthday celebrations for the students, grading papers, and chaperoning field trips. She’s also volunteered regularly with the Special Olympics. “It warms my heart to know that despite all the other challenges they face in life, the students are always thankful for me coming to their classes and giving me the best hugs a person could ask for,” Devon said. “I can make a difference and that I do not have to be a celebrity or an adult to make a huge impact on someone else’s life.
How you can give back: Make a donation to the Special Olympics Georgia at specialolympicsga.org.

Hundreds voted during the month of October after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.

If you don’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination,  share your ideas with other readers in the comment field after this article.

BEST PLACE FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Richard’s Variety Store
Locations in Midtown and Buckhead
richardsvarietystore.com
Cards, costumes, board games and classic toys are just some of the items that make Richard’s two locations treasure troves for unique and kooky gifts. It’s old five-and-dime store vibe will appeal to traditionalists, while kids (of all ages) will have a field day with all the tchotchkes on display.
Runners-up: At the Collective and Ten Thousand Villages

BEST SHOP FOR UNIQUE ORNAMENTS & DECOR

Ten Thousand Villages
1056 St. Charles Ave.
(404) 892-5307, atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com
This fair trade retailer features artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries. You’ll definitely find something cool and unusual here.
Runners-up: Traders and Davonshire.

BEST GIFT FROM A LOCAL ARTISAN

Young Blood Gallery & Boutique
636 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 254-4127, youngbloodgallery.com
Young Blood is the home for emerging artists and DIY crafters, whose work is now highly sought after around the country. If you’re looking for something truly unique from a local artisan, look no further than Young Blood’s space in Ponce-Highland.
Runners-up: Janke Studio and Hats by Suzseams

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS

Morningside Farmers Market
1393 N. Highland Ave.
morningsidefarmersmarket.com
Unlike many of the local farmers markets, Morningside is held year-round every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. From the freshest organic produce to items made by local artisans, you’re sure to find something for your “green” friends.
Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and Atlanta Habit ReStore

BEST HOLIDAY CLOTHING

Junkman’s Daughter
464 Moreland Ave.
(404) 577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com
This Little Five Points mainstay is the place for retro and far-out fashions. You’re sure to find a fun dress, pair of shoes, bag, gloves and accessories in the funky shop. There’s plenty of stuff for the guys, too.
Runners-up: Fab’rik and Mitzi & Ramano

BEST CHILDREN’S GIFTS & CLOTHING

Sprout
1170 Howell Mill Road
(404) 355-2043, sproutatlanta.com
Sprout has books, toys, furniture and clothing for kids in this bright, airy space in White Provision, which it shares with The Seed Factory.
Runners-up: Heliotrope and Egg’s Nest

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR YOUR PET

Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., #G
(404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com
Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop when you absolutely positively cannot leave your pup or kitty off the Christmas list.
Runners-up: The Pet Garage and City Dog Market

BEST PET CARE & BOARDING

Piedmont Bark
501 Amsterdam Ave.
(404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com
Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day.
Runners-up: Barking Hound Village and Spot for Dogs

BEST FESTIVE FOOD SHOPPING

Alon’s Bakery & Market
Locations in Virginia Highland and Ashford Dunwoody
alons.com
Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets have made Alon’s a holiday shopping destination for years.
Runners-up: A Piece of Cake and The Mercantile.

BEST WINES & CHAMPAGNE

Green’s
Locations on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Buford Highway
greensbeverages.com
If you need some liquid fortification to get through the holidays, there are two locations of Green’s with beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.
Runners-up: Ansley Wine Merchant and Tower

BEST RESTAURANT FOR GLOBAL CUISINE

Doc Chey’s
Locations Emory Village, Virginia Highland & Grant Park
doccheys.com
Prepared fresh and made from scratch Asian food are hallmarks of Rich Chey’s noodle outposts. Whether you just want a simple bowl of chicken fried rice or coconut soup or maybe a Korean taco, Doc Chey’s three locations have you covered.
Runners-up: 10 Degrees South and Bocado

BEST PLACE FOR CARRY OUT

Metrofresh
931 Monroe Drive, Suite A106
(404) 724-0155 or metrofreshatl.com
Actor Mitchell Anderson cut his teeth in the culinary world with Souper Jenny before striking out on his own with MetroFresh. Located in Midtown Promenade, MetroFresh has become the go-to for grabbing a sandwich, soup or something sweet.
Runners-up: Doc Chey’s and Grant Central Pizza

BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS

Yeah! Burger
Locations in West Midtown and Virginia Highland
yeahburger.com
With the proliferation of burger joints in Atlanta, Shaun Doty has carved a successful local brand that appeals to all ages. With made-to-order burgers, a casual but sophisticated atmosphere and damn good onion rings, Yeah! Burger is a great place to stop off after some holiday shopping to refuel.
Runners-up: Ted’s Montana Grill and Vintage Pizza

BEST ORGANIC FOOD SHOPPING

Your DeKalb Farmers’ Market
3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur
(404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com
A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles.
Runners-up: Sevananda and Return to Eden

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

Urban Body Fitness
500 Amersterdam Walk, Unit R
(404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com
This local gym is now in its new home at Amsterdam Walk and has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care and much more to keep you healthy.
Runners-up: Catalyst Fitness and B2B Fitness

BEST SPA OR SALON

Blue Med Spa
190 10th St.
(404) 815-8880, bluemedspa.com
Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best spas in the world, Blue Med Spa is a great place to treat yourself or friends to a facial, massage or a little botox pick-me-up before the holiday parties, this cool retreat will make you relax the moment you walk in the door.
Runners-Up: Crimpers and Blo Beauty Bar

BEST HOLIDAY CONCERT OR SHOW

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St.
(404)873-3391, puppet.org
This live action version of the classic TV special was a huge hit during its premiere in 2010 and every show sold out. Kids and adults will get a kick out of this timeless story.
Runners-up: Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony and A Christmas Carol at the Alliance

BEST PLACE TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATIONS

Downtown Decatur
decaturga.com
The City of Decatur knows how to do the holidays with the historic courthouse square and streets festooned with colorful lights and decorations. Adding to the spirit of the season will be annual Holiday Home Tour and a host of other community events.
Runners-up: Centennial Park and Atlantic Station

BEST PLACE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

At home
Times change and so do the ways people celebrate holidays. Once upon a time, if you weren’t liquored up and kissing everyone at a New Year’s Eve party then you were a total loser. Now, staying at home with friends and family and watching festivities in New York or the Peach Drop at Underground on TV is our readers’ favorite way to ring in the New Year.
Runners-Up: Centennial Park and Underground Atlanta

By Pamela Berger

I like Hugh Acheson. I’ve seen him on TV, read his thoughts on local, sustainable food and have thoroughly enjoyed his innovative, southern fare at Empire State South in Midtown – savoring the surprisingly perfect pork belly atop kimchi rice grits or the butternut squash soup with crème fraiche and candied pecans that left me wanting to lick the spoon, and the plate and if I could, hug the cook.

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to meet this critically acclaimed chef at his home in Athens. Upon walking in, I found the space to be charming, homey, open and inclusive. Everything felt very normal, except Top Chef Master, Hugh Acheson was there in the kitchen, surveying his organized arrangement of culinary ingredients and tools before him. He started to chop within seconds of our first handshake.

Our meeting was arranged after I had inquired if Hugh could share a recipe of his choosing for the November issue of this paper as well as for my southern inspired blog, sweetpeachblog.com.

Hugh is a big fan of mushrooms, specifically of the wild, foraged variety. Straight from the soil, these mushrooms indicate a season and can be successfully foraged here in Georgia during the months of April, May and June. When I asked Hugh what he liked best about mushrooms, he replied, “They’re earthy, clean, with so much flavor and they’re good for you too.”

Hugh wants to advance the idea of proper skill sets in the kitchen. As he tosses some beautiful chanterelles into a saucepan and we hear the distinct sizzle of hot oil, he wonders aloud why Americans don’t necessarily know how to cook mushrooms properly-  “Was it the popularity of the grilled Portobello mushroom that did us all in?”

To cook a mushroom is to first understand a mushroom. Hugh states simply, “Mushrooms like high heat, they like to sear.” He expounds further in his newly released book, A New Turn In the South, “Mushrooms are like sponges full of water. When subjected to heat, they release their liquid, and after some of it evaporates, they will suck the rest back up. So I start by letting them hit the hot oil, sizzle and then color a bit.”

Hugh’s cookbook is gorgeously photographed by co-Athens resident and friend, Rinne Allen and is a mix of scrumptious, inventive takes on southern food as well as impromptu sketches and thoughts from Hugh, which makes for a thoroughly entertaining read. It’s an inspired, visual, informational cookbook that encourages spontaneity and some fun in the kitchen. This book makes you want to cook.

Although Hugh is Canadian, he does celebrate and embrace our Thanksgiving holiday. If you were seated at his dining table, you’d find the traditional dishes like turkey and ham, squash casserole and oyster pie. Turnips, butternut squash and pumpkin pie are favorites too. He just wishes this fervor for seasonal food was more lasting, saying “The reverence for the seasonality is there, we just need to make it more of a year round affair.”

For Hugh, a master of modern southern cuisine, southern food means a celebration of the bounty around us. And anything smothered is good- like the now perfectly cooked chanterelles he heaps over a piece of toasted sourdough bread before me. It smells divine and I’m ready to dig in. Perfect comfort food for the chilly days of autumn.

I’ve always liked Hugh. But now, here, seated in his kitchen, I like him even more.

See more of Hugh Acheson behind the scenes, as well as a tour of his fabulous home kitchen at sweetpeachblog.com.

Chanterelles on Toast

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pound fresh chanterelles

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup chicken stock

½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley

1 tablespoon cold butter

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

4 slices toasted sourdough

4 tablespoons shaved Parmigiano

*Serves 4

Heat your largest frying pan over medium-high heat and when it is hot, add the olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, add the chanterelles. Cook for 4 minutes without moving them around too much.

Once the 4 minutes has elapsed, add the sherry vinegar and the lemon juice and cook down until fully reduced. Add the stock and reduce by half (you are not exactly reducing so much as hydrating the mushrooms.) Add the rosemary, thyme, parsley and butter. Stir with a wooden spoon to incorporate the butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Evenly spoon the chanterelles over the 4 pieces of toasted bread and garnish with shaved Parmigiano.

By Collin Kelley

Thirty years ago, AIDS was first recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since then, an estimated 30 million worldwide have died in the pandemic. There are an estimated 33 million living with HIV/AIDS and 2.7 million new infections each year, according to the World Health Organization.

For the past 25 years, public health agencies, activists and grassroots organizations around the world have joined with artists to spread the word that infection from HIV/AIDS is still deadly and avoidable. The Museum of Design Atlanta’s new exhibition will showcase just how arresting some of those messages can be.

Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Awareness Posters, 1985-2010, which opens Oct. 1, draws from an extensive archive of international public health announcements.  From Papua New Guinea to Denmark, the posters demonstrate the different approaches used for discussion of a socially complex subject.

Some of the posters are not for the faint of heart: a woman with a safety pin through her lips (offering visual context to the original AIDS message “silence = death”), a silhouette of a crow sitting atop an erect penis, a tangle of naked bodies in the shape of a skull. Others feature images of children with HIV/AIDS asking to be hugged and cartoon-style tips for the use of condoms and prevention.

With more than 150 posters on display, the exhibition is sure to “provoke conversation,” said MODA Associate Director Laura Flusche.

“The different approaches taken by the artists and organizations is wildly fascinating,” Flusche said, noting the posters will be grouped by continent to show how regions and cultures used various tactics.

Flusche said the exhibition was important to Atlanta historically because of the anniversary of the official AIDS classification and the years of activism and education that have followed. She also said the exhibition shows how graphic design started to play a role in HIV/AIDS awareness.

“It shows how graphic design became a powerful tool to combat this large issue,” Flusche said.

Graphic Intervention was curated and organized by Elizabeth Resnick, professor and chair of graphic design at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design along with Javier Cortes of Korn Design. Flusche said MODA had worked with Resnick before on the Graphic Imperative exhibition in 2009, which featured posters that explored human rights, environmental issues, literacy.

“When we saw what Elizabeth and Javier had pulled together for Graphic Intervention, we absolutely had to have it at MODA,” Flusche said.

MODA has partnered with The NAMES Project, which is based in Atlanta, to display panels from The AIDS Memorial Quilt as a concurrent exhibition. The handmade panels will be rotated each month of the exhibition and will feature panels made for Atlantans who lost their lives to AIDS.

“We felt it was important to have panels of the quilt here, because it doesn’t get exhibited very often and this is an opportunity for those to see a small part of it,” Flusche said.

A third concurrent exhibition will be The Opulent Object in Wood, Metal, and Fiber: Richard Mafong, Mike Harrison and Jon Riis. The Atlanta artists explore myths, beliefs, and ideals of past cultures and examine issues of identity, life, and the human condition.

Every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., MODA will host special Drink & Design events in conjunction with the exhibitions, including a collaboration with the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival spearheaded by local designer and activist, C. Cleo Creech. He has organized an evening of poets on Oct. 20 who have written work in response to posters and is also working with the poster artists and poets to create an anthology.

On Dec. 1, which is World AIDS Day, MODA will be open for a 24-hour event featuring entertainment, education, food and drink and a special cabaret performance featuring music from Gershwin to Gaga.

An opening reception is planned for Oct. 2 at the Woodruff Arts Center (the MODA gallery is just across the street at 1315 Peachtree), featuring comments by the curators and a tour of the show. For tickets to the reception and more information, visit museumofdesign.org.

By Wendy Binns

How do you fit into this picture of KEEP IT INtown? This September issue kicks-off the new KEEP IT INtown campaign to support local business. How does this apply to you? Perhaps you are an owner or an employee of a local business. You could enjoy local arts, services and products. You might appreciate the environmental benefits and the economy it provides. You might recognize that there is a unique flavor, talent and story behind each business, which adds to the quality of life in your neighborhood. If any part of that sounds like you, we hope to hear from you.

Atlanta INtown isn’t big or corporate and we don’t have a big budget. What we do have are thousands of readers in print and online and a huge affinity for local business – a perfect setting to promote KEEP IT INtown. As we go into the fall and holiday season, we especially hope to encourage neighbors to choose local and shop local when they can.

A camera lens isn’t large enough to capture the entire local business scene, but the uber-talented Scott Lowden stepped in to help us capture a part of it. Scott was eager to work with us on this cover shoot because, like us, he believes in local. The photo encompasses a multi-faceted group and is intended to represent the diverse mix of talents and parts of Intown. You’ll see more testimonials in support as you flip through this issue and future issues. You can also hear from more people in our video online. We’d like to hear from you, too.

The cover photo is set in the Historic Fourth Ward Park, which is one of the first completed urban parks of the Atlanta BeltLine. Front and center in the blue shirt is Kwanza Hall who is Atlanta City Councilman for district 2 in which the park is located. Just over Kwanza’s right shoulder, is the Acting Executive Director of the Park Conservancy, Alisa Chambers. The local branded apparel and promotional product company, The Icebox, jumped on board to help the campaign with KEEP IT INtown decals you may have already started seeing in the windows of local storefronts. Please let me know if you’d like one or would like to help sponsor the next order of decals (we’re almost out!).

As a small business owner myself, I find what we do soul fulfilling. It’s motivating to hear feedback and offers to help with KEEP IT INtown. Please be in touch if you have an idea or contribution. This is an inclusive collaborative effort and the campaign can use your help. And, thank you for supporting our advertisers. They make all of INtown’s efforts possible.

Why KEEP IT INtown?
Please send your reason to wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com.

A few reasons from localfirst.com:
• Environmental Impact is Reduced: Local businesses make more local purchases and require less transportation. This reduces urban sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
• Local Business Owners Invest in Community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community,
are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the city’s future.
• Customer Service is Better: Local businesses often hire people with more specific product or service expertise

We asked our readers to submit photo of their cute pets and they delivered. We picked our favorites – including dogs, cats and turtles – for this fun summer pictorial.

Ashley Kohler’s cat, Atticus, is truly a rock star kitty. No autographs please, but treats are always welcome.

Miss Lilly, a Labradore mix, is awfully fond of walks and stuffed toys. Her human is Dara Merlin, who rescued the cutie from Lab Friends of the South.

Chloe is a Maltese who loves to play with her giraffe and other squeaky toys and enjoys spending time in the mountains with her owner Jennifer Groom.

Chloe is a 4-pound Chihuahua owned by Kara Francisco. She loves burrowing under soft blankets, being petted and car rides.

Ditto the Wonderdog was born in France and enjoys a jet-set lifstyle. Settled in Midtown with Jody Dyer, she does 20 tricks including smiling on request. Ooh la la!

Shoppers at Tall Tale Books in Toco Hills might remember Dot as the official store greeter. Owner Doug Quarterman says she’s since retired to devote more time to eating and sleeping.

Kim Bohstedt, owner of the Poochsicles & Bark Bites Truck, snapped this pic of Ella, who’s a little bit country and rock ‘n roll.

Frankie is a red-eared slider turtle, but he’s not shy! He likes to be walked, to play and eat, according to owner Donna Wise.

Anne Glenn’s dog Georgia might be 11, but she still acts like a pup. She loves to run in the park, play with her ball, eat ice cream and car rides.

Alexis Wilson’s cat Izzie is a supermodel kitty and loves to pose for the camera. Watch your back, Tyra Banks, because Izzie knows how to strut the catwalk.

Nassau is a 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog adopted by Sylvia Small from the Atlanta Humane Society. Weather permitting, she loves to chase and eat snowflakes.

Penny Louise, owned by Brian Hake, is a Puggle (Beagle/Pug mix) who thrives on snuggle time and is obsessed with frozen carrots.

Rocco the Labradoodle enjoys boating at Lake Lanier, but can often be found hanging out at Piedmont Park Dog Park or having a drink at Park Tavern with owner Michelle Swindle.

Rooster had a pretty rough beginning in life, living as a feral dog in the woods of Alabama. Randy Tate adopted the Australian Shepard mix and he’s now living the city life.

Intowner Denise sent in this photo of Sebastian, who likes to dig to China, watch TV and chase the shadows and light.

Lauren Golden’s pooch is named Mr. Snuffleuphagus, but everyone calls him Snuffy. The fearless hairball loves to play fetch and run in circles.

Amanda Smith’s adorable pug mix, Spitzi, is only seven months old, but enjoys going to the dog park, paying with other dogs and cuddling on the couch.

Suedee, far right, survived Hurricane Katrina and now lives in Decatur with Richard Funderburke. She enjoys hanging out on the deck with her best girlfriends Baily, center, and Roxie.

Willy Wonka is a miniature long-haired dachshund owned by J. Blake Ingram. Willie is a social media star, so follow him on Twitter @WillyTheWiener.

Bella, Chili and Oscar – enjoy partying it up on the dog-friendly deck at Midtown Tavern.

Dawson is a Chow-Beagle mix who enjoys a swim with his human, Charlie Grier, who is the son of Wired & Fired owner Erinn Grier.

For more end-of-summer events, check out our digital edition at this link or click here to read more stories from the August issue.

By Christopher Bundy

When I was asked to teach a freelance writing course in SCAD’s graduate professional writing program, I worried that I would be unable to replicate the realities of freelance writing. I could assign projects that reflected various types of freelance writing but could I convey the challenges of developing and pitching fresh ideas for a unique publication, the pressures of deadline, and the dynamics of writer-editor relationships? Could classroom lectures and anecdotes express the complexities of an emerging story whose angle has shifted unexpectedly or the joy and satisfaction of seeing your first byline?

Then Lee Todd, SCAD Ivy Hall’s coordinator of cultural programs, came to me with a proposition. Lee had invited Atlanta INtown publisher Wendy Binns and editor Collin Kelley to visit Ivy Hall and discuss opportunities to work together. After learning more about SCAD’s writing program, Wendy and Collin proposed a collaboration between INtown and SCAD-Atlanta. What began as an opportunity to work together became the “INtown Takeover,” in which the students of my freelance writing class served as INtown’s stable of freelance writers.

Wendy and Collin were excited to both further the paper’s mission of community involvement and develop a partnership in which students pitched, researched and developed, and wrote the majority of the July issue. I was excited that the students would have the opportunity to experience writing beyond the vacuum of the classroom, in which the collaboration would serve as a practicum and students would have the chance to navigate the often-taxing waters of freelance writing. We all believed the collaboration was a great idea but weren’t sure what would happen.

Following our first editorial meeting with Wendy and Collin, however, students quickly appreciated the INtown mission to represent and inform the Intown communities. After researching back issues and neighborhoods, they mapped out the paper’s readership and began to brainstorm ideas. Still, one aspect of the project concerned them: they understood the paper and its audience but they also wanted the July edition to represent the SCAD-Atlanta student’s perspective of Atlanta. Would Wendy and Collin give them that kind of freedom? Could they truly takeover the newspaper and give it the SCAD spin?

Christopher Bundy

The July issue is testament to the success of our collaboration. Wendy and Collin were excited to get fresh ideas from young writers, and students were eager to develop their own stories written in their own voices. They have not only added their distinctive voices to Atlanta INtown but also contributed to marketing and promotional strategies, the cover concept, online video content, and even a column on beer. Students learned what it’s like to pitch a great idea only to have it fizzle in development and then to rise again in revision, to track down elusive subjects for interviews, to feel the displeasure of an unsatisfied editor, and to finally hear, “this looks great.”

The “INtown Takeover” was in fact a collaborative effort. Many thanks go to Lee Todd for fostering the idea from the beginning and supporting us through the quarter, to the SCAD-Atlanta professional writing program for always encouraging inventive paths to learning, to Wendy and Collin for inviting us in to their wonderful publication and listening to what the students had to offer, and, of course, to the SCAD-Atlanta students whose names you will find as bylines below the compelling stories they found right in their own backyards. I hope you have as much fun as we did.

Meet the SCAD INtown Takeover Team at this link.

Read the entire SCAD INtown Takeover issue online in our digital edition at this link. To read more stories here at the website, click on IN PRINT.