The Lake Claire June-July 2018 ClarioThe Lake Claire Neighborhood Newspaper • www.LakeClaire.orgn V.26, #6-7 Six Years of Scouting: Troop 13553 Seeking Eden in Lake by Cecily Stevens Claire he Girl Scouts program Tfocuses on building cour- by Dina Shadwell age, confidence, and caring. ator Woolford Gardens Woolford Gardens, Robert B. Lake Claire’s Girl Scout Cin Lake Claire is one of Cridland, who also designed Troop 13553 grew together about 30 gardens featured in the Avondale Estates devel- in the “3 Cs” over six years the new book Seeking Eden: opment and the campus of of scouting together. In May A Collection of Georgia’s His- Berry College in Rome, Geor- of this year, the troop dis- toric Gardens, a passion proj- gia. banded after years of adven- ect written by Staci L. Catron The evolution of Cator ture, service, learning, and and Mary Ann Eaddy, with Woolford Gardens from its lots of fun. It’s not unusual photography by James R. origins to today’s redesign for troops to disband when Lockhart. A beautiful tome is all covered in the book, girls arrive at middle school featuring gardens through- which was originally never as they discover new inter- out the state, it appeals to meant to be a book. “The ests, sports, and friends. gardeners and non-garden- whole project grew out of a All of the girls from former ers, history buffs, and those Georgia Historic Landscape Troop 13553 plan to remain who love exploring Georgia’s initiative,” says Staci. “A active in the community and hidden gems. group came together in 2002 in their schools. Often described as one of wanting to document our Girl Scout Troop 13553 be- those hidden gems, Cator state’s historic gardens. We gan in 2012 as an offshoot of Woolford Gardens has been had a lot of important land- a large Mary Lin troop. From on the radar of co-author scapes that had not been doc- the start, the new troop fo- Staci Catron for many years. umented since 1933.” That’s Troop cookie booth on the Beltline in March 2018 cused on learning, doing, and Staci is a long-time Deca- when the Peachtree Garden As Brownies, the girls ex- time, hiked, cooked, did all giving back, with a heavy em- turite, historian, and the Club of Atlanta published perienced the outdoors on camp chores, and learned phasis on trying new things. Cherokee Garden Library Garden History of Georgia their very first camping trip about fire building. Also as Over the years, these girls Director at the Atlanta His- 1733-1933. The Cator Wool- to Camp Meriwether. Then Brownies, they volunteered proved that there is so much tory Center. She has an af- ford estate was included in third graders, the girls slept at Epworth United Meth- more to Girl Scouts than sell- finity for the work of the the “Modern Garden” section in platform tents for the first ing cookies! Cont. on p. 12. original designer of the Cator Cont. on p. 6. Do you know your history? by Boyd Baker hat was Miss Mary Lin atres in Little Five Points? wood? Just give a shout. Too often I find, folks re- and I’ll set up a time to cap- Wreally like? Where was And what about the Aus- I produce a weekly pod- ally have little connection ture your story. Don’t think the “lake” in Lake Claire? tin Avenue Buffet in Inman cast on Southern musi- to what life was like or what any story is too small, be- How did the Inman Park Park that served the factory cians, artists, and change- events and businesses used cause they all are part of the Festival begin and whose workers? There is a treasure makers already, and I’d love to be popular. Can you imag- fabric of 30307. Lake Claire idea was it? trove of stories about our to use WONDERSHOP as a ine Candler Park before the Land Trust, Emory Campus, These are all questions that area that I’d love to capture home for storytelling of his- Candler Park Market, Fly- Deacon Burton’s, and what fascinate me, and I want to before all of those with the tory and other kinds as well. ing Biscuit, or Fellini’s? How other stories are there to hear from EVERYONE who memories move on to Florida More podcasts means more about life before the Bass share? Please connect, or in- knows ANYTHING about or the Great Beyond. stories that people can share Lofts were Bass High School vite someone to share his or our glorious 30307 neighbor- This is a chance for you, a and learn from. Think about or the L5P Community Cen- her tale, so we can keep the hoods. From Edgewood to neighbor, or you and a neigh- a friend/neighbor who may ter was a school? What about stories for posterity. Inman Park to Lake Claire bor to set up a time and come know something about some- Edgewood and its neighbor- You’re welcome to reach out to Emory, there are a mil- talk about a slice of life that thing. You can interview him hood lore? Please reach out to me with any questions, or lion stories of what life was our kids and grandkids can or her, or I can. This is all to those who may have sto- ideas, at boyd@wondershop- like and how we got to where listen to and, hopefully, pass about capturing history for ries to share and connect atl.com. Looking forward to we are today—and I want on the history of our area and a moment. My stepfather them with me. connecting all the dots of our to capture them from folks events. I'm willing to do my went to Mary Lin so he has I’ll do my best to meet community in the upcoming who “lived it.” Think of it as best and meet with anyone stories galore about growing with folks and record their year at www.30307.org. a Story Corps audio history who has a story to share. No up in the neighborhood. I’m stories, and then post them of our neighborhoods. Get it? topic is too mundane—want planning on recording them online and in the Clarion so Did you know the trol- to talk about the shops in but would love counterpoints that we can all have access THE CLARION ley tracks ran right down Candler Park or the busi- of folks who taught, went to to a history of our beloved IS PRINTED ON McLendon? Or that there nesses in Inman Park or the school, or just remember liv- 30307. Feel free to email me were once 2 or 3 movie the- community picnics in Edge- ing in 30307. at [email protected], RECYCLED PAPER. Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 2

The Clarion is published Lake Claire Officers for 2018 Clarion Staff monthly. The deadline for President: Joe Agee, [email protected] Editor: Beth Damon, [email protected] advertising and editorial VP Finance & Treasurer: consideration is the 15th of Eileen O’Neill, [email protected] Advertising: Pat Del Rey, the month preceding pub- VP Planning & NPU Rep: [email protected] lication. Letters to the edi- Carol Holliday, [email protected] Distribution: Monique Mikrut, tor should be limited to 300 VP Zoning: Robin Singer, [email protected] [email protected] words or fewer. The opinions VP Environment: Melissa Pressman, Layout: Véronique Perrot, [email protected] expressed herein are those of [email protected] the authors and not those of VP Safety: Ann Mauney, [email protected] Contact Lake Claire Neighbors at PO Box 5942, Lake Claire Neighbors, Offi- VP Communications: Nancy Dorsner, [email protected] cers, or the Clarion Staff. Atlanta, GA 31107, 404-236-9526 or VP Fun(d)raising: Pen Sherwood, [email protected] Cover banner photo by Sar- Education Chair: Annsley Klehr, [email protected]. www.lakeclaire.org. ah Coburn The Clarion Newspaper (and its predecessor Neighbors Monthly Newsletter and its predecessor Lake Claire Neighbors Flyer) has been written, edited, and distributed by volunteers since 1989.

June 2018 16 Community Work Day at the Land Trust, 4 to 7 p.m. Pizza and drum circle follow. Note the change to summer work day hours. 1 - 24 Theatrical Outfit, 110 in the Shade. 1936. July 4. Three Point, Texas. In the middle of a heat wave, while locals are desperate 16 - July 29 Actor’s Express presents The Color Purple. See article on Page 3. for rain, Lizzie Curry daydreams away fears of becoming a spinster in a tiny, dusty town. www.theatricaloutfit.org/shows/110-in-the-shade 18 - 29 Mary Lin for Rising Kindergarten students “Rocket Readiness,” see www.marylinelementary.com/news-and-events. 2 & 16 Lake Claire Land Trust Drum Circle, sunset to 11 p.m. Please walk, bike, or carpool. Bring a friend, and spread the word! See 18 - June 24 Horizon Theatre presents Citizens Market, a Land Trust stuff on Page 14-15. hopeful group of immigrants as they form an unlikely family, work- ing to master the ups and downs of language, love, and staying afloat Lake Claire Community Land Trust Annual Meeting, 3 in the city. www.horizontheatre.com/plays/citizens-market. Lake Claire Co-Housing Common House (directly across the Arizona Ave. cul-de-sac from the Land Trust entrance), 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 21 Lake Claire monthly meeting —and every 3rd Thursday, Friends and neighbors are welcome, refreshments will be served, and in the Rose Room at The Frazer Center, 7 p.m. socialize, 7:15 your feedback is requested. For details see pp 14-15 here and go to meeting. Pizza provided free from Savage (THANKS, SAVAGE) lcclt.org 24 Summer Children’s Garden Planting, Gnome Land Creation 3 - September 2 Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic & Summer Solstice Celebration, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Land Trust, see pp exhibit at The High Museum. Milne’s stories of Winnie-the-Pooh—a 14-15 and for more info: [email protected]. much-loved bear with a weakness for honey—have delighted both children and adults for more than ninety years. Generations of read- ers have been captivated by the adventures of Christopher Robin and July 2018 his bear, and today Pooh remains one of the most popular children’s 1 - 27 7 Stages Youth Creates, a training program for teen- characters of all time. This exhibition, organized by the Victoria and agers, see www.7stages.org/education/youth-creates. Info on new Albert Museum in London, explores the history and legacy of Pooh season to be released: www.7stages.org. through original sketches, photographs, memorabilia, and letters. The exhibition also includes interactive elements that bring Shepa- 1 - 29 Actor’s Express presents The Color Purple. See article rd’s illustrations to life. on Page 3. 8 - 9 Winnie-the-Pooh Musical at the Alliance. Concur- 4 Please see article on back page about fireworks frightening rently with the High exhibition (see above June 3), the Alliance dogs, and consider not using them. Theatre at The Woodruff Arts Center will present Winnie-the-Pooh, 7 & 21 Lake Claire Land Trust Drum Circle, sunset to 11 p.m. a musical based on Milne’s beloved stories. This collaboration is the Please walk, bike, or carpool. Bring a friend, and spread the word! See High and the Alliance’s fourth in a series of exhibition and theatre Land Trust stuff on Page 14-15. productions based on the work of children’s book authors and artists. Info: www.high.org/exhibition/winnie-the-pooh-exploring-a-classic 13 - August 19 Horizon Theatre presents How Black Mothers Say I Love You. Read more at. www.horizontheatre.com 9 Lake Claire Compost Project Spring Work Day, the Land Trust, 10 a.m. to noon at the Land Trust. See article pages 14/15. 19 Lake Claire monthly meeting —and every 3rd Thursday, in the Rose Room at The Frazer Center, 7 p.m. socialize, 7:15 meeting. Pizza provided free from Savage (THANKS, SAVAGE) LAKE CLAIRE WAHOO—SWIM TEAM! 21 Land Trust Community Work Day, 4 to 7 p.m. Pizza and 2 June, 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.,Junior Wahoo Academy Lesson I drum circle follow. Note the change to summer work day hours. 5 June, 5 p.m., Tuesday,Wahoo Dual Meet at Leafmore 28 10th annual Land Trust Jerry Jam!!!!! Go Grateful Dead!! See 12 June, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wahoo Dual Meet at Clairmont article pp 14/15. 19 June, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wahoo Dual Meet at Garden Hills We hope the calendar is useful to you. Let me know what interests you 25 June, 5 p.m., Monday, Wahoo Dual Meet v. Venetian for regular inclusion here. I love theatre, you may have noticed, and we 27 June, 3 p.m., Wednesday, Division II Championships at GA Tech always include Land Trust and other events I deem of importance—but 30 June, Saturday, Championship Finals at Georgia Tech what else would you like to hear about? I always hope people (especially parents, as we want to include schools’ info) will send stuff in. I want See www.teamunify.com this to be a resource for you! [email protected] ;-) June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 3 Atlanta Theatre and Dance Scene Message from the Lake Claire Prez this Summer (and other musings) Dear Neighbors, With this message, I would like by Beth Damon to recognize and thank the Clarion From local productions to Broadway years and closed in 1987). By the advertisers. Long-timers include musicals, Atlanta's theatre scene way, Herren’s was downtown At- the law firm of Neal and Wright has a lot to offer. See the Atlanta lanta's first restaurant voluntarily to and Cynthia Baer, who also spon- Ballet or visit Atlanta’s own world desegregate, which they did in 1962, sors many events in both the Lake premieres, theatre classics, and and I remember my parents being so Claire and Candler Park neighbor- children's shows. Must-visit venues happy about it when I was at Morn- hoods. Other dedicated advertisers include Actors Express, the Theatri- ingside Elementary School, revealing deserving mention are John Morgan cal Outfit, the Alliance Theatre, and my age. Write to me at editor@lake- and Sherry Warner along with the many others including (closest to claire.org to let me know who else BOND Federal Credit Union. They Lake Claire) 7 Stages and Horizon remembers those delicious freshly all keep our neighborhood publica- Theatre Company, in Little 5. And made Herren's cinnamon rolls. tion financially viable. Advertising don't forget our own Lake Claire resi- May 31 - June 24: 110 in the Shade. revenues have been completely pay- dents who are actors and directors, See the rest of the season at www. ing for printing costs, along with has just hired Laura Hennighau- and check them out. We are lucky to theatricaloutfit.org. providing extra funds that help the sen to be its first executive director, have so much talent in our neighbor- 7 Stages (Little 5 Pts.): Lake Claire Neighbors pay expenses which is a big step for the long-term hood. If you missed it, check out the June 25-July 27: Youth Creates, a and continue support for our won- development of the FPC. Not to be story on our actors and directors on training program for teenagers, see derful local institutions that make left behind, the Lake Claire Land Tuxedo, in the October 2017 Clarion, www.7stages.org/education/youth- us what we are: a very stable but Trust has inaugurated a children’s Page 1 (lakeclaire.org/2017/10/11/ creates. Info on new season to be re- unique area of Atlanta. garden in partnership with Ladybug october-2017-clarion). leased: www.7stages.org Of course, as some recent events Events LLC. have shown, we still need to be vigi- Actors Express (West Midtown, in Atlanta Ballet On the housing front, the owner of lant and take common sense precau- the King Plow Arts Center) : The 2018-19 season starts in SEPT the property at 551 Hardendorf de- tions that the Zone 6 police officers The Color Purple, June 16-July 29. this time! The fall lineup includes cided to drop his request for a vari- who regularly attend our meetings Alice Walker’s beloved novel is brought one of dance visionary Jirí Kylián’s ance and has put the lot up for sale. advise. These include never con- to life in this landmark musical. Read signature celebrations of dancers’ The site was originally one property fronting a perpetrator, always call- about the new season at www.actors- physical limits, Return to a Strange but the City somehow determined ing 911 for any kind of suspicious express.com. Building history of the Land. Sinewy forms entwine in in- that it could be made into two. activity, and not leaving anything of King Plow: Walker-Sims Plow Com- timate embraces before spiraling Consequently, there is now a new value visible in your car. pany built it in the early 1900s. It across the stage in graceful lifts. house being finished at 555 Harden- Also deserving thanks are the was bought out by Clyde Lanier King They are physical bodies in space de- dorf that didn’t require a variance many residents who have contrib- and two partners who renamed it the tached from place and time—travel- but where a once stood very large uted articles keeping us informed Atlanta Agricultural Works, and in ers in a strange land. They move as healthy tree that had to be taken about events and issues important 1906 again changed the name, to the counterpoints, exploring the limits down because of reckless construc- to the neighborhood. In particular, Atlanta Plow Company, and in 1928 of centrifugal force and, seemingly, tion. The builder has been cited, but I want to thank the children whose to the King Plow Company. In 1936- gravity. Rising Brazilian choreogra- the tree is still gone. views are important to us all. Beth 38 the plant was expanded to its pres- pher Ricardo Amarante, recognized Other environmental news con- D., the editor, started the kids' page ent size of 165,000 square feet. At its for his emotionally charged, purely cerns the Horizon School property several years ago and reports that zenith the plant employed 300 people. neoclassical style, complements the that has recently been sold. In the it is her favorite part of running the Sales eventually declined, and the fac- program with a world premiere. And May edition of the Clarion, it was Clarion. Everyone, of course, is en- tory closed in 1986. Terminal West, a Atlanta Ballet will also welcome a noted that, of the 268 trees located couraged to join these select groups! 7,000-square foot music venue, is also special performance by Czech Na- on the site, 235 will be taken down Well, there is some good news at located within the King Plow Arts tional ballet of Vertigo, a pas de deux for a proposed development of 43 the street level. As I’m writing, Mu- Center. Parking is annoying. by Mauro Bigonzetti. Read all about single units. An appeal has been riel Avenue just got repaved. A very Horizon (Little 5 Pts.): this at www.atlanta.net/partner/ filed at the Atlanta Tree Commis- poor job was done a couple of months Citizens Market by Cori Thomas, atlanta-ballet/280/ sion which will, hopefully, reduce ago, but contacts with Natalyn Ar- May 18-June 24. A hopeful group of the canopy loss. Cobb Energy Center chibong and her Lake Claire repre- immigrants form an unlikely family. By the time you read this edition, 2018-2019 Signature Series - info@ sentative, Valencia Hudson, got the June 20-23, Freaky Friday performed many of you may have had a few cobbenergycentre.com City to make things right. Also some in Piedmont Park, a musical based Margaritas and large amounts of good news for our local environment. on the novel by Mary Rodgers and Alliance Theatre guacamole or maybe the other way Along with the recent work by the the Walt Disney Motion Pictures. Tix alliancetheatre.org around. I’m talking about what has Frazer Center and Trees Atlanta almost become an American national at www.horizontheatre.com/plays/ One more local treasure you should to clean up and improve the Frazer holiday known as el Cinco de Mayo. freaky-friday-in-piedmont-park/. check out: forest, Kathryn Kolb, Master Natu- How Black Mothers Say I Love You But first let’s get a couple of basics Collegium Vocale (Most perfor- ralist, will join the effort. She is the is next in the season, July 13-August out of the way. It is not Mexico’s mances are at the Glenn Memorial director of EcoAddendum, a non- 19. Read more at www.horizonthe- 4th of July, which is September 16, Church on Emory campus.) profit organization located in Deca- atre.com. and July 4 is not much celebrated in This is the second-oldest commu- tur dedicated to the preservation of that country. It's pretty much a U.S. The Theatrical Outfit (84 Luckie nity chorus in the Atlanta area, and native ecology, which will provide thing. And, just in case you’re won- Street, downtown, Five Points area) their performances are beautiful and valuable guidance for systematic dering, about 81 million avocados Theatrical Outfit is a 29-year-old inspiring. Collegium Vocale is com- short and long-term plans for res- are consumed this day, only second professional, nonprofit theatre that mitted to preserving and promoting toration. As for our nearby environ- to the approximately 106 million for many years staged productions the choral arts in the greater Atlanta mental groups, the Candler Park for the Super Bowl! That's a lot of in Georgia State University's Rialto community by performing a reper- Conservancy hosted members and guacamole. Of course, thousands of Center. In 2004, Theatrical Outfit toire of secular and sacred works. guests at its Beavers, Blue Grass gallons of tequila are downed along moved into its own home that we Our layout artist is in this group, and BBQ event on May 6, highlight- with many other liquids. native Atlantans know well: the old but don't tell her I'm publicizing this; ing the great work it has been doing. Herren's Restaurant (open over 30 she's very modest. And the Freedom Park Conservancy Cont. on p. 13. Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 4

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SOLD June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 5 * * * EDUCATION MATTERS * * * Grady Cluster Update by Annsley Klehr, Lake Claire Neighbors Education Chair On April 18, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen way over capacity, and even with its renovations, of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) addressed the no square footage is being added. That leads us Grady Cluster at Inman Middle School. She re- to ask the question about what will happen to the viewed the Grady Cluster budget, facility renova- Inman Middle School building. It will first become tions, transportation, and school safety issues. a swing space for Morningside Elementary, but Budget: beyond that, possibly another elementary school. Student Success Funding Model: School This means more elementary school students, new budgets for the 2018-2019 calendar year were re- catchment boundaries being formed, and more vamped and adopted by the Board of Education on students at the high school level. May 7. APS changed the current formula to one Let’s take a look at Grady High School before called Student Success Funding Model (SFF) the and after the renovations. Currently, it’s way over- Follow-Up on G3 better to address equity, while maintaining stabil- crowded with trailers and no space to grow. The ity. Transitions strategies have been implemented renovation will renovate what is there and add 18 so that no school sees a huge budget swing from addition classrooms, 3 laboratories, and a new ad- (Robotics) at Grady Congratulations to G3 at Nationals in Houston the previous funding formula to the new one. It ministrative suite. Unfortunately, it still will be a couple of months ago. Just after Clarion publica- will create a temporary cap on what percentage under capacity for its population estimation. And tion, we heard that the team was 10-0 in qualify- of per pupil funding a school can lose or gain in that means that the Grady Cluster needs to start ing rounds, and 12-2 overall. They were a semi- one year. The new formula will also ensure that all thinking about the future and looking for other finalist in the Newton Division—a first for Grady! schools have the same minimum level of baseline possible solutions. According to Carstarphen, “We G3 finished the season ranked in the top 2% of over services offered. Some of the district-wide changes: will max out the Grady site for max capacity. The 4,500 international teams • 30 schools: less funding than with previous question we will have to ask is, “How will we think allotment formula about the rest of the capacity?” We need enough munities. The schools have over 4,500 cameras • 31 schools: more funding than previously time to get into the next SPLOST.” as well as closed-circuit television monitored 24/7 • 11 schools will require a baseline supple- Annexations by the Safety and Security team. This same team ment APS is working hard to collaborate with the City monitors all threats made to the district via social • 5 schools hit the gain cap of 3% of Atlanta when it comes to annexing more proper- media. • 12 schools to hit the loss limit of -2.5% ties into the city and adequately planning for new Social/Emotional Supports. APS has : • 28 schools to receive small-school supple- students and capacity numbers at the school level. • Trained in mental health first aid for all ment the members of the social work department: As the schools get to have a bit more freedom Transportation counselors, SLETS, SST Specialists, psy- as to how they use their budgets, Springdale Park There are bus driver shortages nationwide, and chologist, etc. Elementary School, Hope Hill Elementary School, other school districts have seen bus driver walk- • Partnered with 5 behavioral/mental health and Inman Middle School are parting ways with outs due to low pay and student behavior. APS providers to support families and students their media specialist, while other schools have has approximately 68 driver vacancies, including • Partnered with the Anti-Defamation League chosen to allow for larger class sizes. Our schools' Mary Lin Elementary’s Lake Claire Bus. This has and uses their No Place for Hate curriculum budgets are not large enough to accommodate all caused a great deal of chaos, and often the stu- • Implemented their Social Emotional Learn- the needs. dents don’t arrive for 30 minutes to an hour af- ing Initiative (SEL). State Budget: Governor Deal restored the K-12 ter the scheduled drop-off time. Good news is that • Incorporates the frameworks of Positive Be- education funding after nearly 16 years of pay- APS makes sure all bus drivers have insurance, havioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) ment reduction. However, according to the Quality changed the retirement plan, and does higher lev- and Restorative Practices Based Education funding formula, schools should el background checks (think criminal) and opioid have been receiving this money, but since the 2013 exposure tests. Currently APS is hosting recruit- Questions to ask ourselves about the Grady fiscal year, the formula has seen annual austerity ment events, campaigning for new drivers on lo- Cluster cuts to the combined tune of more than $214 mil- cal networks, billboards, etc., and started a permit • Where does all of this leave us in 5 years? lion. So, even though there has been some restora- assistance program with a focus on literacy skills. • What kinds of conversations do we need? tion, the overall cost and effect the austerity cuts APS’ long-term actions are to consider compensa- • How to prepare for maximum capacity? have had, in fact, do not make up the difference— tion for fiscal year 2019 to a total of $12 million. It • How can we be helpful in this process? is also looking into affordable housing so those who costs have risen for the teacher retirement system, All of this information gives us a lot of food for drive can live near the schools. pension plans, and sustaining investements in thought. It sheds light on the upcoming growth strategic priorities. Safety and Security Procedures and also the difficulties that APS faces. If you Renovations: The Grady Cluster has been APS wants to ensure the safety of all students. are interested to hear more or be a part of these bursting at the seams, and the renovations pro- There is a state law required by all schools to have conversations, make sure to ‘Like’ and follow the posed only alleviate some of this overcrowding. an all-hazards plan; APS requires their schools to Council of Intown Neighborhoods and Schools at The current renovations proposed timeline: practice drills in 6 categories – lockdown, shelter- www.cinsatlanta.org • The Walden Fields being completed by Au- in-place, earthquake, evacuation/reverse evacu- gust of 2018 ation, and medical emergencies. Though safety • The Howard Middle School construction Aug and security plans are site- and school-specific, all 2018 - June 2020 staff is trained immediately tp report suspicious • Grady High School construction January persons or activity, and to maintain control and be 2020 - July 2021 responsive and follow the directions of all public • Morningside Elementary Construction Feb. safety responders. All schools require identifica- 2021 - July 2022 tion from individuals outside of the school. What does this mean? Since APS adopted their own police force, those Howard Middle School will have more than officers are assigned to every middle and high enough space for its growing body of students, es- school with a cluster of officers assigned to each el- pecially compared to its over-crowded predecessor, ementary school. The police officers work to build Inman Middle School. However, Morningside is relationships with both the students and the com- Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 6 Eden in A Royal Affair on Leonardo On a dark and humid Saturday morn- Wedding guests were treated to tra- tidbits and insights better than the TV Lake Claire ing in May, one could hear the slap- ditional scones, petit fours, cucumber announcers. Continued from Page 1 ping of newspaper deliveries hitting and egg salad tea sandwiches, smoked Wendy Baker, winner of the best of this now out-of-print book. the driveway and the constant roar of salmon, and a strawberry blueber- dressed contest in her themed hat, In the book, Staci’s love of gardens ladies’ laughter in the distance. As the ry trifle. Assorted English teas and gloves, pajamas, bathrobe and slip- and landscape history is palpable. sun peaked through the clouds, a col- Pimm’s cocktails rehydrated the on- pers, said, “Don’t you guys dress like She is a champion of greenspaces as lection of neighborhood area women lookers waiting for the big moment. this every Saturday?” healing oases. She sees Cator Wool- gathered to watch the Royal Wedding Lady Lynn Ivester of McLendon, a re- Yes, Wendy, every Saturday, to ford Gardens as a great example of of Prince Harry to American Megan cent Windsor visitor and frequent UK pick up the newspaper when it hasn’t that. Not only does it have “great his- Markle. traveler, was able to give locational walked off. tory and beauty, but it has a higher They started as early as 5:30 a.m., purpose,” with two non-profits on the donning sequins, feathery hats, fasci- estate: The Atlanta Hospital Hos- nators, jewels, tiaras—and many just pitality House offers respite to out- showing up in pajamas and t-shirts. patients and caregivers of patients in “Come as comfortable or fashionable local hospitals. The Frazer Center as you'd like,” read the invite. And as serves children with and without the crowd assembled in St. George's disabilities and adults with devel- Chapel at Windsor Castle, so did the opmental disabilities. “Mr. Woolford revelers in the tiny “English Cottage” would have loved that,” says Staci. on Leonardo Avenue. And she hopes to create a Part 2 to HR Hostess, Lisa Waugh, said, Seeking Eden. “Months ago, it started as sort of a Cator Woolford Gardens is open to lark, like, an off-color suggestion to the public (sunup to sundown) when get up and watch the wedding with there are no private events happen- girlfriends.” And then it grew into an ing on the grounds. Leashed dogs event fit for a princess. Shopping for are welcome, too. The gardens are outfits, the perfect tea to serve, pull- available for rent, and proceeds ben- ing out grandmother's china... it was efit the inclusion programs of the becoming a wedding for the ages. Frazer Center which is charged with While sporting her favorite Wonder maintaining the gardens and forest. Woman pajamas, Marlbrook resident Feel free to escape the urban bustle Susan Amato said, “I'm just glad I could be comfortable because it's really and step into this Lake Claire oasis Guests and Lake Claire residents of Leonardo, Marlbrook, McLendon, and for a bit of natural healing. early before my caffeine kicks in.” Harold around one of the buffets

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Now in the heart of our neighborhood to serve you better than ever! Come visit us at 1651 McLendon Ave NE, across from Candler Park Market Call for a free pre-selling consultation and market analysis JOHN MORGAN Phone: 770-655-9423 Email: [email protected]

Like our facebook page for more information about neighborhood events and other exciting news: https://www.facebook.com/parkrealtyatlanta/ June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 7 Lake Claire: Proud to be Tree Huggers Tree Removal in the Neighborhood 1900 Dekalb Avenue Tree Removal Possibility for Action by Jane Hudson Atlanta has long enjoyed its iconic by Meredith Walters reputation as the City in the Forest, but will we be successful in maintain- ing that designation? Or, will that honor be ceded to another city that’s more effectively protecting one of its most valuable natural resources? Because the vast majority (esti- mated to be 94% or more) of Atlanta’s forest and trees are on private prop- erty (approximately 76% of trees are on private *single family* property alone), it’s been easy to be compla- cent, believing that property owners wish to preserve valuable assets. Re- cent trends involve tearing down ex- isting homes and then rebuilding at the maximum allowable size for the lot, resulting in significant tree loss and impervious surface increase. Re- cent research conducted for the City headwaters of the Peavine Creek wa- of Atlanta Planning Department by tershed on the Continental Divide. Tony Giarrusso of Georgia Tech, con- Old growth trees reside here that firmed this phenomenon, “The losses are at least 150 years old. This forest in trees between 2008 and 2014 were contains both historic and specimen trees, in addition to many beautifully Brooks Avenue lot during tree removal. Photo: Tom Zarrilli mostly on private property. Many of them,” said Giarrusso, “were on lots formed mid-aged trees that are well Lots of people in the neighborhood tenants’ rights and made their build- where smaller homes were replaced on their way to becoming high value were upset when all the trees were ings safer. with big ones… Lot-by-lot loss. And specimen trees. This forest has im- taken down on the small lot at the I see the potential for our communi- it’s sneaking up on people.”(1) “At- pressive species diversity including: corner of Brooks and McLendon. A ties to have greater power to protect lanta’s tree cover (goal is 50%) fell white oak, southern red oak, north- passionate debate ensued on Next- our trees by organizing in the same from nearly 48% in 2008 to 45% by ern red oak, dogwood, sugar maple, Door about the value of trees versus way. With that in mind, I’ve started 2014,” he said (2). Professor Giarrus- red maple, American elm, hickory, growth (and the possibility of having a Facebook group for folks who are so also noted “the quality of the trees water oak, silver maple, tulip poplar, both). I was deeply saddened to see interested in taking action to make has gone down.” “Those temporary catalpa, southern magnolia, black the trees chopped down, as I always sure we’re keeping as many of our forests on land cleared for develop- gum, beech, post oak, persimmon, am, but reading the comments by all beautiful trees safe as we can. ment but sitting idle since the reces- black oak, pecan, winged elm, and the people who were also concerned The idea is simple: to help more sion don’t really make up for the old white ash. These are all native forest about the loss gave me hope. people know when trees are threat- hardwood forests that had been in trees, and all are in stands and clus- I know from past experience as a ened and what they can do about it those places before,” said Giarrusso ters, interspersed with roads, park- Tenant Organizer in San Francisco so that more of us will speak up when (1). Replanting new saplings does ing areas, and buildings. that there is power in numbers. By we can make a difference. not replace the tremendous val- Currently, there are about 272 getting formerly homeless, low-in- Like many of us, I don’t have a lot ue inherent in native, old growth trees on the property, 240 of which come tenants together and helping of free time, so I’m envisioning some- trees, especially where stands of may be cut down to make room for a them speak up at the right place thing super simple with shared lead- trees lived and worked together. 43-unit townhouse development, ap- and the right time, we were able to ership so that everyone does a little Much has been written about proximately half attached and half get previously negligent landlords to and nobody feels overwhelmed. My the myriad advantages that living detached homes. With the recent maintain their buildings and make basic idea is for a “tree team” to keep amongst trees affords us, including: building boom we see development needed repairs, and we even got the an eye out for Tree Removal signs or moderation of climate, decrease in trumping the environment, mas- Board of Supervisors (their city coun- proposed projects in the community CO and building energy use, im- querading as progress. But what is cil) to pass laws that expanded the 2 Cont. on p. 14. provement in air and water quality, this “progress” costing us? enhancements to human health and “A report from the U.S. Forest Ser- wellbeing, mitigation of runoff and vice shows Georgia is leading the flooding, decrease in noise impact, nation—in tree loss.”(3) The study, habitat for birds and other animals co-authored by David Nowak, exam- (4). ined “a five-year period from 2009 to The property at 1900 DeKalb 2014. It found Georgia lost an aver- Avenue is comprised of 3-4 acres age of 18,000 acres of urban tree cov- and has been home to the Horizons er per year—more than any other School for 30+ years. The property, state.”(3) Separately, according to owned by the Gordon family, includes a 2018 report by Urban Forest and a house that was part of an historic Urban Greening, Georgia was one of Gordon family farm in the 1870s. An the states with the greatest annual old foundation, a well, and “teachers’ net % loss (-0.40%)…(-18,830 acres/ houses” were on the property. The year).”(4) These rates are appalling spring head on the property is the Brooks Avenue @ McLendon—bare—sad. Photo: Tom Zarrilli Cont. on p. 8. Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 8 ers having bought the $750+K homes gorgeous and significant canopy and Tree Removal on Dekalb Avenue before building even began. At the serve an important role in the for- Continued from Page 7 Lake Claire neighborhood meeting est ecosystem. Though the variance in May, we held a vote on a variance was rejected by vote of LCN at the to reduce a side yard on a corner lot meeting, the variance request will be on Harold. The plan for a new single- evaluated by the NPU and then the family house, on the site where the ex- City's BZA (Board of Zoning Author- isting house will be demolished, would ity), which makes the final decision. potentially include cutting down trees My three references are worth read- totaling approximately 138 inches in diameter. These trees create a large ing in full: reference (2) above; atlanta. canopy that is nearly contiguous with curbed.com/2016/11/1/13489992/ the Frazer Forest. Concerned neigh- kirkwood-subdivision-oak-park- bors encouraged the applicants to half-sold, and atlanta.curbed. adjust the plan to preserve many of com/2018/5/16/17361904/atlanta- these native trees, which provide a trees-ordinance-development.

and are not sustainable. of-list/ An inverse relationship exists, such (4) www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/ that tree coverage decreases and im- jrnl/2018/nrs_2018_nowak_005.pdf pervious surface increases. “About 40% of new impervious came from ar- Editor's Note: The fear of the re- eas that were previously tree-covered” moval of so many historic trees brings (4, pages 35 and 37). This dynamic this issue to the forefront, and there The Peace Garden will have serious implications when has been much more publicity lately rainfall and storm water has nowhere about how Atlanta’s building boom is to go other than down streets and to destroying its forests—the remainder Dear Neighbors, lower lying areas, causing flooding of the dense woodland that covered the The Peace Garden at the corner of art work could be repaired in one or and other problems. Appalachian foothills before the city Hampton Terrace and Dekalb Ave- two days. I am willing to organize An appeal regarding 1900 DeKalb emerged before the Civil War. Some nue was a symbol to promote univer- this project and have rescued some Avenue was heard by the Tree Con- of Atlanta's trees are 200+ years old, sal love and to speak out against vio- of the original parts. Its restoration servation Commission on 5/16/18. The making them a point of civic pride, as lence in our schools. It was destroyed would send a powerful message that appellant asked that the decision on Matt Smith pointed out in a recent ar- by vandalism in January 2017. Given we cherish our children and that love the tree removal permit for the prop- ticle in the Daily Beast. Atlanta's tree the increase in mass shootings and trumps hate (no pun intended). erty be deferred, until a better plan is ordinance is woefully lacking: the city recent events in Florida, I urge that Please contact me at 404-373-7672 submitted that develops this site with regularly signs off on projects that re- it be rebuilt. With proper prepara- if you have time and willingness to greater care and attention to trees. move trees even in the setbacks along tion, materials, and a couple of strong help. Thankfully, the Tree Conservation the edges of lots, where the ordinance volunteers, I am confident that the Peace and Love, Teri Stewart. Commission upheld the appeal. recommends they be retained. As Ms. What will it take for Atlanta to Hudson notes above, Atlanta's sta- maintain its identity as the City in tus as a “City in a Forest” is definitely the Forest? Active citizen involve- threatened. For builders, the small ment in advocating for improved Tree (to them) fees are just a part of doing Ordinances that truly protect trees, business. As Tim Keane, Atlanta’s considering trees at the beginning of planning commissioner, said, “No- the permitting process with a com- body’s expecting the trees to be saved. mitment actively to plan to preserve They’re just expecting to have to write trees. When that fails to occur, ap- the check at the end.” And, apparently, peals need to be filed for review by many of those planning homes aren't the Tree Conservation Commission concerned enough to hire architects to in City of Atlanta. FAILURE TO ACT design homes that save tree canopy. NOW will result in losing what is left This has recently been demonstrated of our incredibly beautiful, beneficial, not only at the old Horizon School and valuable urban forest. property discussed in the article above, (1) www.wabe.org/atlantas-tree- but elsewhere both in Lake Claire and canopy-may-not-shrunk-risk/ in nearby Kirkwood. In Kirkwood, (2) www.thedailybeast.com/at- the heated homebuilder-vs.-activist lantas-building-boom-is-destroying- clash took place concerning 100+ year- its-famous-forests old trees; we “tree huggers” lost, and (3) www.wabe.org/study-on- a subdivision called Oak Park now stands on Norwood Avenue, homeown- urban-tree-loss-puts-georgia-at-top- The Peace Garden as demolished, January 2017 June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 9 Wild in Lake Claire by Flora Fauna (aka Carol Vanderschaaf) Here it is, the middle of May as I Hummingbirds, and Northern Mock- grass near the corner of Arizona and write this, and we are about to en- ingbirds. New York. Aha! It turned out to be ter June—and summer. The spring I also have cavity nesters at the a box turtle wandering in our mostly blooms are still popping out, and the feeder: Tufted Titmice, Carolina concrete woods. Luckily, another summer blooms are getting restless Chickadees, and Carolina Wrens. I neighbor and nature lover, Mr. W., in their buds. Then, boom! Suddenly only have one bird house that I can was there and volunteered to take it all the new blooms will appear! This see. A pair of birds recently settled to the more suitable environment of seasonal change is one of the most in, the third pair to try it out and the Frazer Forest. May that turtle, and beautiful of the year. Edna St. Vin- first to claim residence. I can watch Mr. W., have long and happy lives. cent Millay once wrote of autumn, them pop out in and out of their little which seems to me to apply to this home from my dining room window Update, update!!! season change as well: but I haven’t really been able to iden- Breaking news! Some our far-flung reporters have been in touch. Their Lord, I do fear tify them. They are either Carolina Wrens or House Wrens. If I solve this travels have taken them from Ossa- Thou’st made the world too baw to the Galapagos to Machu Pic- beautiful this year; mystery, I will let you know in a fu- ture issue. And this morning I saw a chu. Meta L., our star Candler Park My soul is all but out of me,— correspondent, had both good views let fall Downy Woodpecker for the first time. This dignified creature had to sit in and bad views on Ossabaw. The good No burning leaf; prithee, let no views were of Ossabaw Island Hogs Sicilian Donkey on Ossabaw; Photo bird call. an undignified manner in my bowl- by Meta Larrson, May 2018 type feeder, as I hadn’t a suitable and Sicilian Donkeys. The bad views And speaking of this radical and feeder for her to perch on. included many ticks and mosqui- Bernard in their LC driveway. Wow! Pulitzer prize winning poet, it seems Then, last night, a friend of mine toes. Now she’s feeling sick and may Bernard reports he has had mullets, her home and sanctuary of her last saw a new visitor to my plot, a bun- have to give up her wildlife viewing dolphins, and crabs on his mind since 25 years, Steepletop, is struggling to ny. Very exciting. But I felt for it with for a time or wear netting… Ilene S the trip. Now that he’s back in LC, stay afloat. The home is named after all the loose, hungry and bigger crea- went to the Galapagos first, where though, he’s had squirrels on his the pink flowered Steepebush plant tures which prowl around these parts. she saw Blue Footed Boobies, Lava mind—not for eating, but wondering which grows wild there. The Millay Later while walking my dog, N, this Gulls, and Darwin Finches (yes, the how to stop them from chewing on his Society, which maintains the home, is same friend, whom I’ll call Melissa descendants of those that helped Mr. hoses and extension cables. Bernard, trying to raise money to keep it func- B., saw N sniffing a something in the D. develop his theory of evolution). please let us all know when you have tioning. Nothing has been changed She also saw Chocolate Starfish (I’ll the answer to that problem. Our il- there since her death in 1950. One of have a box of those). In Peru she saw lustrious and hard-working editor her purses with a lipstick still inside Saffron-colored Tanagers, Llamas, Beth D. has given up on tomatoes for remains in a drawer next to her bed. Alpacas, and last but not least, Vi- that very reason. Genise found when If you want to help, please go to mil- nunas. she got back that some critter had lay.org, and choose “donate.” Dorothy D., who seems to be in- knocked over all the new plants she Now, back to Lake Claire. Un- communicado, is walking her second had left in little pots in her yard. The fortunately for us all, our correspon- Camino trail. Perhaps we’ll have sun did the final destruction to the dents have been out of town during some news from her for our August roots. Argh! the last month, so I’m forced to ex- Edition. And Miriam H. is presently Well, since I’ll be incommunicado amine my own little 1/3 acre. I have hidden in the depths of Tibet, Bhu- until August, this is an extra-long many thick bushes on my property tan, or Nepal with her daughter and column. I’ll stifle for now. Please re- lines, which I purposely keep so that grandchild. She will hopefully will member to take good care of our envi- birds can nest in them. Among the have a long list of creatures we’ll ronment. Please don’t spray poisons birds coming to my feeder, which I never see in Lake Clare for our next or have someone else spray them for assume are secretly nesting in the issue. you. Let’s keep the kids and the bees bushes nearby, are Northern Cardi- Last but not least, Bernard and well and strong until we meet again. nals, Eastern Towhees, House Spar- Genise S. took their sailboat to Ce- rows, Northern Catbirds (meow), Blue-footed Booby; Photo by Sue McA- dar Key, FL., to meet with their sail- Sincerely, Flora Fauna. American Robins, Ruby-throated voy, Galapagos Islands, June 2015 ing friends. Their boat was built by Summer is here—So too are our Honeybees. We spent much of last spring and on its body, potentially causing wide- summer noting ways to make our spread colony death. neighborhood safe for honeybees, The damage to bee populations is other wildlife, and for that mat- a function of toxicity and exposure ter, barefooted children. Now that of the compound, in combination the weather is gorgeous, and before with the mode of application. Pes- (most of the) mosquitoes have come ticides are linked to colony collapse out, we wanted to continue to encour- disorder and are now considered a age folks to be committed to protect- main cause, and the toxic effects of ing honeybees and other wildlife by turning to the hive. In this case, the neonicotinoids on bees are confirmed. not using insecticides. We hope we queen bee, brood, and nurse bees are Currently, many studies are being scientists and the public to ban or got to you before the insecticide com- not contaminated—and the colony conducted further to understand the limit the use of the pesticides with panies got to you to sign a contract! survives. Alternatively, the bee may toxic effects of pesticides on bees. confirmed toxicity. When a bee comes in contact with come into contact with an insecticide Agencies such as the EPA and EFSA We in Lake Claire can play our pesticides while foraging, the bee and transport it back to the colony are making action plans to protect part by not letting these companies’ may die immediately without re- in contaminated pollen or nectar, or bee health in response to calls from deadly products into our yards. Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 10 June into August in the Garden by Elizabeth Knowlton For all your As promised, this month I will ex- and apricot as part of the Arizona plain how to grow plants from seed. Sun series. Often perennial seeds Recently an acquaintance told me need a period of cold before germi- real estate with awe that the late, great Celes- nating to mimic the conditions found tine Sibley did this; I realized that outside. Sometimes you just refrig- it was time to spread the word that erate the packet (dry cold); others, needs... planting seeds was not some piece you plant the seed, water it, and re- of magic, any more than composting frigerate (moist cold). Following this leaves, but a natural process that cold stratification period, if needed, happens outdoors all the time. planted seeds should be kept warm In early spring, many vegetable and moist to believe that it is time to seeds are planted directly into the germinate. ground. I will concentrate, however, I recommend using a good quality on starting seeds in pots because germinating mix, such as the one I that will enable you to start tropi- order from Gardeners’ Supply in Ver- cal plants, like tomatoes, in the win- mont. Since the soil is shipped dry, ter; germinate tiny flower seeds that and you add the water, this is not might be washed away in a rain (or as expensive as it sounds. Recently, be dug up by squirrels); and have, for a friend ordered both the germinat- Sherry Warner pennies, large-sized perennials and ing and potting soil from them and Associate Broker & biennials ready to go into the ground was also very pleased. After I wet the Lake Claire resident in fall. For this you will need contain- bag’s contents with warm to hot wa- ers, germinating soil, and light. ter (one quart for every four quarts Let’s start with the perennials be- of mix), I fill 3-4” plastic pots with 404 784 8848 mobile cause this is the season to sow them. the germinating mixture and sow If you are successful, annuals and one kind of seed in each container 404 874 2262 office vegetables will seem a breeze. Bee- according to directions. Some seeds balm, balloon flowers, columbine, need light to grow and should just flax, gaillardia, malva (in place of barely be covered. Be sure the sur- [email protected] hollyhocks that usually succumb to face is damp by using a sprayer or a Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates rust), Maltese cross, painted dai- very gentle light watering. Then la- and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. sies, Shasta daisies, and strawflow- bel your pot in some way, cover the ers may be perennial for you. I tend pot with plastic wrap, and place the within 1-2 inches under fluorescent out the bottom. If you have read that to treat columbine and foxgloves as container in a warm spot. This last lights or someplace that will not be it is hard to transplant this particu- biennials since they usually flower directive is much harder as applianc- disturbed in dappled shade outdoors. lar perennial, you may want to pot the next spring and then fade away. es have gotten more efficient and the A windowsill is not adequate when it up in a peat pot so that the whole Nicotiana, an annual farther north, top of the refrigerator or a stove’s pi- the sun is so high in the sky. thing can eventually be placed in the comes through the winter here and lot light is no longer an option. After When seedlings have a couple of soil. flowers best the following year, having many cheap heat mats break pairs of real leaves (not the first two Within a month or two, plants will maybe because I never start it early the first month I used them, I finally simple leaves, called the cotyledons, be sturdy enough to be set out in enough. ordered a seedling mat that has last- which initially feed the plant and their permanent garden spots with a For every packet of seeds you buy, ed several years made by Hydrofarm then fall away), you may “pot them little compost in the holes. Autumn though, you must read its printed from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. up,” meaning give each its own home is often dry, so water deeply once a instructions. Seed companies vary Check your pots every day. Seeds in a six-pack or small pot, each with week, and keep the ground mulched in how much they provide, and you germinate at different rates, usu- drainage holes, filled with dampened around the stem, not over leaves or may need to go to the Internet to get ally faster than what is stated on the potting soil. Take a seedling by a any crown. That should be sufficient more specific directions. If the year’s packet (probably with the same wis- leaf, never the stem, and gently pry care until springtime when you can date is not on the packet, add it your- dom as companies who tell you deliv- it out of the pot and separate from fertilize. By then you will have sowed self because old seeds can have less ery will occur later than it actually its fellows with a small popsicle stick, tender vegetables and most of your or no germination. Of all the flowers takes). As soon as you see little green plant label, or the like. Make a little annual flowers indoors and can con- I listed above, I have found gaillardia shoots coming out of the soil, remove hole in the new pot with your stick, sider yourself a “real” gardener. to be the easiest, and it now comes the plastic wrap and place the pot in and gently lower the seedling into in amazing shades of red, yellow, light. At this time of year, that means it, pushing soil firmly up against the Feel free to contact Elizabeth, who roots. Water thoroughly until it runs welcomes hearing from you, at knowl- [email protected]. ~Ed. * Adoption * Commercial Real Estate Welcome to Intown CPR! * Wills & Estate Planning Here you will find lifesaving classes right in Neal & Wright * Corporate & LLC Formation the comfort and ease of your own Your Family… Your Business… Your Firm! neighborhood. * Other Business Legal Services 125 E. Trinity Place, Suite 300 Great for teenage babysitters, new parents, Decatur, GA 30030 coaches, fitness/yoga instructors or (404) 257-6494 medical professionals. www.nealandwright.com Gather your friends and family members to form a class today! Call 404 754-7995 Sherry Neal, J.D. Dan Wright, J.D. [email protected] [email protected] Classes are offered Saturday mornings 9-12:30 & Sunday afternoons 2-5:30 Jodi Greenberg, J.D. [email protected] at Wondershop, 1392 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307. June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 11 Solarize Atlanta Arrives, Bringing Affordable Solar Power by Chris Campbell Have you considered adding a so- see when they are offering an info lar power system to the roof of your session that is at a convenient date house, but balked at the cost? It may and place for you to attend. They’ll be time to take another look, thanks have community leaders at those to the Solarize Atlanta program that sessions, as well as reps from the just launched. installer company, and they’ll be I'm a long-time Lake Claire resi- able to answer your questions. It's dent, and also an electrical engineer. also likely that they’ll have an open Four years ago I took the plunge house event over the summer (not and got a solar power system for our yet scheduled by press time for this house. The solar panels on my roof article) so please do check that web- generate electricity during the day, site for those dates. powering any loads that happen to be Finally, I would be happy to an- on in the house (e.g., air condition- swer any questions, or even meet up ing), and then any excess power flows at my house to show you what goes backwards through the meter and to- into a solar installation. You can find wards the grid, where Georgia Power my contact info at www.ElectrifyAt- pays me a small amount for it. lanta.com, a reference website that I Besides reducing my power bill, I set up years ago to assist people in transitioning to a cleaner lifestyle, personally like the idea of generating If you had previously dismissed “Download” link on the home page) both in transportation (electric ve- my own power, with zero emissions, the idea of solar power due to that explains all of the basics. Then hicles) and in power consumption and as an engineer I wanted to get cost, you should take another look check their calendar (“Important (solar power). I hope to see you at a more familiar with the technology, because the prices have come down Dates,” in right side of website) and Solarize Atlanta event! so I took the leap even though it was significantly. Today's systems are expensive. Now, four years later, the 30-40% cheaper than when I got my Solarize wave has reached Atlanta, system just four years ago! The So- bringing more affordable solar power larize programs get that cost down and giving my neighbors the chance even further by effectively organiz- to get a solar power system for a lot ing a bulk purchase via all of the par- less than I paid for mine. ticipating households. Solar power is Solarize programs are communi- been a somewhat unrealistic fantasy ty-led efforts to bring discounted, for decades. But in the last five years, high quality solar power systems to costs have finally come down to the a defined region, typically a town point where these systems start to or county. Georgia has seen several pay for themselves in 5-10 years, in- Hello­—Safe Journey: Solarize programs in recent years, stead of 20-30 years. Further, in just including Solarize Athens and Solar- the past year or so, energy storage Skiing in and around Lake Claire ize Decatur-Dekalb. The Solarize At- technologies (batteries) have started June birthdays, and anniversary, AND marriage lanta program launched in April and to become economically viable, and First, congrats again to all Lake Claire Graduates!! Way to go! has multiple local civic organizations adding storage can make a solar 6/3 Yoni Williams—birthday—turns 6, I think, Harold Avenue and partnering up to get the word out and power system more useful, by shift- proud Grandma on Delaware Ave educate their constituents, including ing some of that free sun energy into 6/7 Pen Sherwood, Harold Avenue Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, the evening hours. 6/8 Patricia and Ben Farmer—anniversary—Hardendorf Environment Georgia, Central At- For lots more information, check 6/9 Jacquelyn Howard-Fleming’s birthday, Harold lanta Progress, Sierra Club, South- out the Solarize Atlanta website at 6/12 Steve Lamb’s birthday, Delaware Avenue (the Clarion loves you, face, and the City of Atlanta's Office SolarizeATL.com. Definitely take a you’d better be reading this) of Resilience. look at the short presentation (first 6/12 Happy birthday, Craig Allen, Harold 6/13 or 17, we’re not sure: Ellen Ericson, happy birthday on Gordon Av- enue 6/19 Zoe Kaiser’s birthday, turns 5; Hardendorf 6/20 Sharon Doochin’s birthday, Harold Ave Heads up, Lake Claire: 6/23 Congrats to Sue McAvoy & Bill McKinnon—on their nuptials— Leonardo Two Copperheads spotted in 6/27 Wendy and Boyd Baker’s anniversary—20+… Leonardo 6/28 Shawn Gillespy’s 15th birthday, Marlbrook the last few days: 6/28 Wendy Baker, happy birthday! Leonardo July birthdays one in Deepdene and the other on the North 7/3 Brandon Bransford, Palifox 7/6 Missy Urda, Harold Ponce running trail. 7/9 Carrie Ericson, Gordon Avenue, turning 16 years old 7/10 Happy birthday to the Clarion’s buddy, basketball and pogo-stick They're also the most likely snake to bite, although their venom is whiz, and everything else he tries... also Frida & DIEGO's buddy—Michael relatively mild, and their bites are rarely fatal for humans. Copper- McGill, 11 years old!!!!—Delaware Avenue heads can sometimes be found in wood and sawdust piles, and con- 7/17 Happy birthday to Colin Caldarera, Hardendorf. 7/24 Jason Weidert, Harold Avenue struction areas. They often seek shelter under surface cover such as boards, sheet metal, logs, or large flat rocks. Just be aware when you Take a minute right now, and send life cycle events/important rights of pas- sage, etc., for the month of August to [email protected], by July 15. Please and doggies are walking in the neighborhood. help us make this feature inclusive of our LC ‘hood. Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 12 Troop 13553 Continued from Page 1 odist Church’s (Now Neighborhood Church) Blessing of the Animals community event in Candler Park, handing out dog treats and bandan- nas. In addition to earning several badg- es over their two years as Brownies, the troop had a backyard campout, toured the Waffle House museum, led arts and crafts at a local senior living facility, toured the Beltline with Ryan Gravel, went ice skating, and participated in the Phoenix Ris- ing Service Unit’s World Thinking Day Celebration representing the Philippines their first year, and Peru the following year. The Brownies used proceeds from their cookie sales towards their ser- vice project. They bought supplies and handmade dog and cat toys for Lifeline Animal shelter. They also Troop 13553 with their Care Packages for Clarkston Community Center in May 2018 volunteered to walk shelter dogs at making Express Bags for the Intown main friends and will continue to see drove, managed cookie sales, chaper- Lifeline. Collaborative Ministries Food Pan- each other regularly in Lake Claire, oned, led meetings, and so much more. When the troop bridged to the try, with donations of food items by Candler Park, or at school. The troop Lake Claire’s Alicia McGill served as Junior level, they camped at Camp generous troop parents, and sewing represented three different schools, troop co-leader for four years, and Misty Mountain and Camp Timber 28 handmade pillows for Children’s Ridge and participated in classic Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston’s and the majority of former members she helped girls learn how to be great scouting activities including canoe- waiting room areas, sleep lab, and live in Lake Claire. campers. Because these parents and ing, archery, kayaking, and rode the bingo prizes. Cookie sales proceeds The troop would not have been so many community volunteers gave of “giant swing.” They spent a weekend provided the funds for the pillows, successful in learning, camping, cook- their time and resources, the girls had together at a troop family’s beautiful and the girls learned basic sewing ies, service, badge work, meetings, a rich and meaningful scouting expe- home on Lake Lanier for team-build- skills and used sewing machines in and outings without countless hours rience. The skills learned and memo- ing and learning exercises, as well as the Candler Park Arts Center at the swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and former-Epworth UMC. of help from troop moms and dads who ries made are sure to last a lifetime. games. In their last two years as Cadettes, Also as Juniors, the girls went geo- the troop took two camping trips to caching, learned about dance and fit- High Falls State Park (one freezing Thanks for Paying ness, visited Briscoe Field to earn an cold with no campfires allowed due aviation badge and spent time with a to wildfire danger!), went to the an- Your Neighborhood Dues! female professional pilot, went skat- nual Cane Syrup Festival at Dauset We appreciate our neighborhood's is much appreciated. A Lake Claire ing, learned about jewelry making, Trails, cooked and served dinner support of many wonderful initia- Banner package deal is only $50 if went fishing, taught team building (shrimp and grits) at Lake Claire’s tives, green spaces, donations to our combined with annual dues! games to a Lake Claire brownie troop Clifton Sanctuary Ministries as part Police and Firefighters, the Frazer Join these neighbors who have at the Lake Claire Land Trust, and of their badge work, taught team Center, Clifton Sanctuary Minis- paid since the last issue, including represented Israel and Great Britain building and friendship skills to a St. tries, Lake Claire Park, etc. Lake the folks who paid at the neighbor- at the World Thinking Day celebra- Thomas Moore Brownie troop, went Claire suggested annual dues are hood meeting on May 17, the first tion. ice skating, visited Wall Crawlers, $20/year per household—but just nine here (and re. that meeting, see A highlight of the troop’s years learned survival skills, earned their like with Public Radio, any amount Minutes on Page 13): at the Junior level is their trip to First Aid aid badge with a Grady Joshua Golden Marilyn Schertz Savannah to visit the birthplace of Hospital ER/trauma nurse and para- Gayla Jamison Ricard Lorenc Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of medic, and represented Switzerland Anne Weidert Annsley Klehr Girl Scouts. The troop stayed at his- at World Thinking Day, and for their Steven and Leah Pine Goldberg Christopher Gibson toric and rustic Camp Low, toured final year, attended the event as J.C. Merkle Joseph Sinkule the birthplace home, took a dolphin “tourists.” Bonnie Mitchell Lunceford Maya Abboushi tour, went on a ghost tour, and more. For their last service project, the Joshua Golden Chad Durham The girls made all the travel plans troop assembled and donated “Care Gayla Jamison Katherine Arrington and paid for nearly everything with Packages" to the Clarkston Commu- Anne Weider Véronique Perrot and Rustom Antia money from cookie sales. nity Center (CCC). Cookie proceeds Another highlight was two troop were used to buy CCC’s requested Thank you all who have paid your dues and/or contributed your time for members earning their Bronze hygiene products. The girls sorted Lake Claire! Award, the highest award a Girl and packed the items in bags and Scout Junior can earn. Lake Claire’s included handwritten, encouraging own Ally Bliss was one of the award- notes for female refugees served by Get your name in print! ees. The girls’ Bronze Award project CCC. organized a book drive and estab- The girls in Troop 13553 embodied Pay your neighborhood dues at lakeclaire.org lished a functioning lending library the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl (go to Membership to pay at the link using PayPal) for children attending after school Scout Law to its fullest, developed or with the old-fashioned check in the mail, programs and summer camps at Em- close friendships, and learned to do to LCN, Attn: Eileen O'Neill, Treasurer and VP Finance maus House in Peoplestown. things the “Girl Scout Way.” Although PO Box 5942, Atlanta GA 31107. Junior service projects included the troop has disbanded, the girls re- June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 13 From the Prez Continued from Page 3 Sadly, the origins of the celebration have gotten lost in the mists of time and what was once a noble historical commemoration somehow became more known for food and drink, which of course is not necessarily a bad idea. Nevertheless, as with the Mother’s Day, a greeting card phenomenon that I mentioned a few issues ago, not the first time an event has turned into to something the founders never intended—and showing how weird history can get. Minutes of the Lake Claire Neighbors May Meeting So how did this one happen? The On May 17 the neighborhood setback for the new house from 17.5 ecosystem. The variance vote was 51 first celebrations took place after a monthly meeting took place. As al- feet (required on corner lots) to 10 opposed, 39 in favor of the request. large French invasion force got de- feated at very small town in Mexico, ways, Savage provided pizzas. Lake feet, along Marbrook Drive. An April At 455 Hardendorf Avenue called Puebla, on May 5, 1862. Un- Claire appreciates their continued vote on the same request resulted (east side of street in first block from fortunately this setback didn’t pre- support. President Joe Agee chaired in an 11-11 tie and went forward to McLendon), the applicant plans to vent the aggressors from eventually the meeting. After welcomes and the NPU without a recommendation. construct a one-story addition to the taking Mexico City and ruling the sign-in, we had guest speakers from The NPU then asked the applicants rear of the existing bungalow and country for the next 5 years. How- the Atlanta City Council and the to go back to the neighborhood to dis- seeks a variance to reduce the re- ever, according to David E. Hayes- Atlanta Police Department. LCN of- cuss it further. quired south side yard setback from Bautista in a recent book, El Cinco ficers gave reports, including Eileen The proposed house size is: 1st 7ft. to 4ft, to align the addition with de Mayo, an American Tradition, O'Neill reminding folks of $20 dues. floor (1782 sf); 2nd floor (1630 sf); the existing house. The lot is flat and the Latinos in the Southwest, who Sasha Hasanbegovic of BoxLock basement (200 sf finished,1482 sf un- the proposed addition will require had been absorbed into the U.S. not spoke about a pilot program offering finished). Neighbors voiced concerns the removal of one pecan tree located long before, related the 1862 battle lock boxes to protect packages and about the request that were similar to the American Civil War. The approximately 4 feet from the exist- home deliveries. to those expressed at the April meet- French were actually supportive of ing house. Neighbors on Harold Ave- The bulk of the meeting time con- ing: the overall massing of the pro- the Confederacy, and many Latinos nue, which is at a lower elevation, re- cerned two variances, which were posed house; the mass and height compared Benito Juarez, the embat- quested that the architect take care discussed and voted upon: of the portion of the structure that tled Mexican president at the time, to contain storm water on the site At 491 Harold Avenue, (NE cor- would extend into the setback; the to Abraham Lincoln: both seen as and to avoid directing any additional ner at Marlbrook), the applicant proposed removal of a large stand struggling against oppression and water to adjacent homes at the rear. plans to demolish the existing house of trees on the lot, in particular, the tyranny. Thus, the rejoicing began. The variance vote was unanimous, in Just to finish this part of the story, and requests a variance from zoning mature canopy trees on the hill above favor of approving, 51 in favor, 0 op- Lincoln was very much opposed to regulations to reduce the side yard the existing carport/utility structure; posed. the French takeover in Mexico but the challenges of slowing down storm Next steps: NPU-N will hear the the onset of war with the South water and preventing erosion on the recommendations by LCN at its May didn’t allow any intervention. Soon steep slope (approximately 22 feet meeting. The final step in all vari- after 1865, the U.S. quickly helped difference between highest point at ance considerations is a vote by the dethrone the installed French mon- rear and lowest at front); the added arch, Austrian Maximillian I, which storm water impact if all the large City BZA (Board of Zoning Author- allowed Juarez to return as presi- canopy trees are removed; and the ity). dent. potential for additional storm water One more vote at the meeting per- Yet May 5 continued to be ob- damage to a challenged drainage sys- tained to the East Lake MARTA de- served by Latinos, especially in Cal- velopment plan, presented by Julia ifornia. Not too long afterward, its tem just below the site. The property Billings, City of Atlanta, Dept. of original purpose began to fade, and owner at 521 Harold Ave, the low- Planning. See more detail at lake- by the 1940s became associated with est elevation on Harold, discussed the Chicano movement and Mexican recent stormwater pipe failures on claire.org. It was voted down (as of cultural heritage in general. Then it his property (replaced at public ex- press time, I don't have the exact started migrating across the coun- pense) and the marked deterioration numbers, but it will be on the Lake try, when finally a big change hap- of the wetland and stream bed that Claire website in the minutes—this pened around the 1980s. Beer and passes through his property and into version of the meeting is the editor's tequila producers couldn’t pass up the Frazer Forest. Neighbors also summary, from personal notes while an opportunity for promotion and, Lake Claire's Leah Pine Goldberg, discussed the exceptional value of attending the meeting, not the offi- probably beyond their wildest ex- Landscape Architect and Certified Arborist, demonstrating the width of the Frazer Forest, a rare native old cial minutes, which are always post- pectations, created a day almost en- the trees’ root structures growth forest, important to our local ed on the website.) tirely dedicated to drinking and eat- ing with a little ethnic background Thanks for all you do for Lake thrown in. I wish I had invested my pension funds in beer and tequila Claire, and I hope to see you soon— Check out the Lake Claire back then. Avocado farming might perhaps at the neighborhood meet- have been a good choice, too. Any- ing on June 21 or July 19. Have a products, including way, the moral to all this is that the next time you have a Margarita or a wonderful summer! “30307 Not Just a Zip Code,” Dos Equis and a few chips with gua- camole on May 5, don’t forget why ~Joe Agee, it’s really worth celebrating. Lake Claire Neighbors, Inc. at lakeclaire.org/shop Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 14 Lake Claire Compost Project Our Elder Statesman, Big Lou Spring Work Day, June 9 by Dawn Aura One day in April, Big Lou the Emu by Corinne Coe got very ill. We called the farm ani- The Lake Claire Compost Project waste from the landfill and building mal vet, who came in the night to (LCCP) is nearly two years old and healthy soil locally. Added benefits see him. Big had thrown up so much still going strong. It started in the include lowering the carbon foot- that he had prolapsed his rectum, summer of 2016 as a volunteer-led, print of both the drop-off program and could no longer even stand up. community composting project for participants and the gardeners who It was frightening. The good doc said the Lake Claire Community Land ultimately use the finished compost, he had thrown it all up, and gave him Trust’s Garden members and the im- and sharing and building practical, an antibiotic shot two days in a row mediate neighborhood. environmentally sound skills with and helped fix the prolapse. Next day Three graduates of Terra Nova one another. Big Lou was almost back to normal, Compost’s 2016 Community Com- Participants drop off their families' thank goodness. their craws, or gizzards. Strawber- post Advocate Training Program kitchen scraps at the Land Trust We are wondering if someone ries, cut green beans, and grapes (his started the program. It is a 42-hour weekly, where it is processed on-site had fed him some leaves or ber- comprehensive composting course— by volunteers. Most of the drop-off favorite) are fine. Cantaloupes, hon- ries from the Land Trust that turned the first (and still the only) of its participants also volunteer for the eydews, pineapple, apples, lettuce, out to be toxic. PLEASE do not feed kind in Atlanta. After completing project. Regular work days are sched- spinach, all need to be chopped in him random greenery ever again, as the course, all students completed 32 uled spring, summer and fall. to roughly one-inch size pieces. One we could have lost him. Big Lou is an additional hours toward a compost- If you are interested in partici- melon he doesn't like is watermelon. old man now, so we need to treat him focused service project. The program pating in the drop-off program and/ The veterinary bill came to $380, of graduated sixteen Community Com- or volunteering for the Lake Claire with extra care. which the Land Trust paid half. Use post Advocates who together imple- Compost Project, please email me at You may still bring him things to the donation jar out by Lou's gate if mented ten community composting [email protected]. The eat, but everything must be one inch you'd like to help with this or Lou's projects across metropolitan Atlanta. next LCCP Work Day is sched- or smaller or he can't swallow it. feeding expenses. You can also mail The LCCP is a food scrap drop- uled at the Land Trust for Satur- Birds have no teeth, so they swallow a check made out to me, Dawn Aura, off program aimed at diverting food day, June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. their food whole and grind it up in at 296 Arizona Ave. NE, 30307, with “Big Lou” on the memo line, or send it via Paypal to: Windeaglepress@ya- Lake Claire Community Land Trust hoo.com. Since Lou is getting older, keeping him around will naturally ANNUAL MEETING begin to cost more. All donations for Sunday, June 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Big Lou will be earmarked for his feeding and future veterinary ex- at the Lake Claire Co-Housing Common House penses. Thank you! Join us to celebrate another year of community and conservation at the Land Trust!` After refreshments and Please keep coming to visit him; he socializing, we'll update you on how things stand, then open the floor for feedback. Residents of Arizona, Nelms, loves your company. As always, don't and Adolphus are especially invited. Positive comments are encouraged along with complaints! let kids yell or dogs bark near him. The Board will meet at 10:30 a.m. to complete our business before the celebration begins; you are welcome to And thank you for remembering come early for that. The Common House is located directly across the Arizona Ave. cul-de-sac from the Land Trust the lesson of this scary episode— entrance. We hope to see you there. do not feed him leaves or berries. Tree Removal in the Neighborhood Continued from Page 7 that threaten trees. When a threat requesting to join the group. Or, if additional townhouses with no com- pening in our neighborhoods. Lead- is identified, members of the team you’re not on Facebook or have other mercial aspect. The request passed ership needs to hear from the wider would do a little research to see what questions, you can email me at mer- (without specifying the margin). The neighborhood, especially as the City the project is, how many trees are [email protected]. rezoning was debated throughout the is considering updates to its tree and involved, and what options we have NPU and ZRB process. Ultimately, zoning ordinances. for action (such as filing an appeal Editor's note: As noted above, last the Comprehensive Development Contacts (emails grouped below): or attending a hearing). They would year's rezoning of this corner lot at Plan for the neighborhood, which Atlanta Planning Commissioner: then spread the word to a wider list Brooks and McLendon led to the re- designated the property to remain Tim Keane of folks who have indicated their in- moval of the large stand of mature single-family (the 4-unit apartment City Council, Candler Park: terest in taking action to protect the trees separating the commercial dis- building having been grandfathered Amir Farokhi trees. trict and homes. If you don't want in), was amended to allow the re- City Council, Lake Claire: this happening elsewhere in the zoning. The amendment to the CDP Natalyn Archibong This is just one idea; I’m sure neighborhood in the future, please was supported by Council Mem- there are other—and better—ones City Council President: consider joining Meredith’s group to ber Kwanza Hall, who represented Felicia Moore out there, and I hope to hear about keep informed, as well as expressing Candler Park at the time! To weigh in them in the group. If you appreci- City Council At-Large Reps: your concerns to the officials listed be- on rezoning and other land use ques- Matt Westmoreland, Andre ate trees and the many benefits they low. According to several sources, the tions like this one, follow the news give us (from shade, oxygen, and Dickens, Michael Julian Bond owner of the property at 1625 McLen- of our neighborhood organization, Email Contacts: fewer greenhouse gases to wildlife don presented his request to rezone NPU, and our City Council represen- and beauty), then please join us. No [email protected] from single-family (R-4) to PDMU tatives. This property was rezoned in [email protected] matter how much or how little time (planned density multi-use) on De- the face of strong opposition, and the you have, there is a way you can help. [email protected] cember 19, 2016 at Candler Park's community's development plan was [email protected] You can find us by searching “CPLC neighborhood association. Though changed to allow this. You could ask Tree Guardians” on Facebook or go- [email protected] PDMU zoning allows commercial use, officials what can be done to prevent [email protected] ing directly to www.facebook.com/ the proposal was restricted to two such significant tree loss from hap- groups/1861941154107670/ and [email protected] June-July 2018 Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org 15 10th Anniversary JERRY JAM, July 28, 2018 by Frani Green Greetings Land Trust Lovers! We are 3:00 p.m. (Teen Bands to be Deter- for sale, artist’s market, face paint- so excited to be celebrating our 10- mined) ing, and bake sale. As always, bring year anniversary of the JERRY JAM! 4:00 p.m. Uncle Don’s Band your own re-usable plate and uten- We all know how you love to dance 5:15 p.m. Tiger Kings sils and get $1 off your meal. and celebrate community, so come on 6:30 p.m. Electric Codpiece Please walk, bike, MARTA, Uber, out to our 10th annual festival honor- 8:00 p.m. Webster Lyft, or park at Clifton Sanctuary, ing the music of the Grateful Dead. 9:30 p.m. Ex-P.A.N.D. Band 369 Connecticut Ave NE, Atlanta We have a great line-up of local mu- Suggested Donation: Adults $10, 30307. Please take this seriously: Be sicians to entertain and give us their teens 13-19 $1, Kids under 12 free mindful of our neighbors and do not time and talent as we come together NO PETS!! (We love our furry move or park in front of orange cones to FUNdraise for the Land Trust, our friends, but not on this day). And No or block driveways. oasis in the city. coolers. We will have food and drink Put on your dancing shoes, and we Our line-up is… will see you there! Disposable is a Dirty Word! Save a Dollar, Save the Planet by Stephen Wing Children’s For several years we've been offering plish that, the vast majority of Earth's atically destroying the life-support a dollar off for meals at Land Trust population would have to follow our systems of the Earth to provide a Solstice festivals to anyone who brings a re- example. And the average person short-term profit for a few. Through usable plate and utensils from home. does not seem inclined to give up the advertising and a myriad of subtle Garden Party Our loyal crowd of festival-goers convenience of disposable dinnerware cues, we are all encouraged to con- by Andrea Zoppo seems to see this as a symbolic ges- (bottles, cans, tablecloths, diapers, ra- sume as much as possible for our ture; only a handful ever take us up zors, takeout containers, etc. etc.). own comfort and convenience. This Join Ladybug Events for a family fun on it. It might make a difference if they advertising is very expensive, and it Solstice Gathering on June 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. We will gather with live Of course, one less paper plate and understood how profitable it is to pro- totally pays off for its investors. The music, crafts, and yummy treats! As plastic spoon and fork in the trash vide us with all that convenience. The scientific study of human motivation always, we ask for a minimum do- isn't going to reduce the environmen- plastics industry is projected to rake is well-funded, and advertising works nation of $5. The summer solstice tal impact of the festival by much. in $654 billion worldwide in 2020. whether we believe it or not. Our only marks the astronomical beginning of But our little festival is a perfect mi- Most of the profits go to the 1 percent, hope of averting global catastrophe is summer and the longest day of the crocosm of what is going wrong in the the shareholders and executives who for we individual consumers to rebel year. Let us join together to welcome wider world. What if every single fes- own and run the factories and refin- against our programming, pitting summer fun with a garden parade tival attendee brought his or her own eries. All we consumers get is a tiny conscious choice against ingrained and sunflower planting. Our last ceramic plate and metal spoon and dividend of convenience—and a whole habit, every minute of the day. fork in a handy re-usable shopping lot of plastic particles in our soil, wa- event was May 20, and we made fa- Convenience is not a human right. bag, carried it home afterwards, and ter, and air. These particles never erie homes and hung faerie keys in A life-sustaining planet is. Join the washed it for another use? go away; they just break down into the trees. Families took home lemon revolution! It could save you much Yes, the Land Trust would lose a smaller and smaller particles that balm plants and kale from the chil- more than a dollar. couple hundred bucks. But our festi- work their way up the food chain into dren's garden. val cleanup would be a breeze, and we our bodies. In effect, the plastic indus- Editor's note: And please don't ever We invite you to taste kale from the would be relieved of the moral respon- try is bribing us with convenience to use plastic straws. Straws (used on av- garden as well as harvesting a vari- sibility of sending all those plates and accept the wholesale poisoning of the erage just 10 minutes) create a press- ety of mints. The echinacea is bloom- utensils to the landfill. natural world that sustains us. ing threat to our oceans. They require ing, and the hyssop, bee balm, black Of course, marvelous as it would We Americans think of ourselves special facilities, and they almost al- eyed susan, and hibiscus are on the be, that would not slow down the as individuals first and foremost. But ways end up in a landfill, or worse, in way. Our biggest challenge is the air headlong death-spiral of human civi- turn the telescope around, and look sea turtles’ noses and the stomachs of potato vine, a new invasive that is lization into climate chaos and petro- at the big picture. We are all part of birds. Other materials may be used for not edible that is threatening to de- chemical contamination. To accom- a global civilization that is system- straws that can be recycled. vour the children's garden. If you are interested in helping us remove it and keep our efforts alive, Upcoming & Ongoing at the Land Trust please contact me at andrea.Zoppo@ JUNE: yahoo.com. Sat. June 2 and 16 – Drum Circle, sunset to 11 p.m. Please walk, bike, or carpool. Bring a friend! Please help Consider Ladybug Events for your spread the word. The Drum Circles are the Land Trust’s gift to our community, but your donations help keep it next special event or birthday party. going. www.ladybugeventsllc.com Sun. June 3 – LCCLT Inc. Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lake Claire Cohousing Common House. See boxed invitation this page. Sat. June 9 – Lake Claire Compost Project Spring Work Day, 10 a.m. to noon. See article this page. Sat. June 16 – Community Work Day, 4 to 7 p.m. Pizza and drum circle follow. Sun. June 24 – Summer Children's Garden Planting, Gnome Land Creation & Summer Solstice Celebration, 4 to 6 p.m. For info: [email protected]. JULY: Sat. July 7 and 21 – Drum Circle, sunset to 11 p.m. Bring a friend! Sat. July 21 – Community Work Day, 4 to 7 p.m. Pizza and drum circle follow. Note the change to summer work day hours. Sat. July 28 – 10th annual Jerry Jam. See article this page. Patricia Emerson (R) attending Chil- dren's Garden Party Lake Claire Clarion @ www.LakeClaire.org June-July 2018 16

We hope this series is fun and a way writing entries as of press deadline, so she We want to see your creativity. Write for young Clarion readers/writers/ kindly offered at the last minute to tell us about anything that grabs you! Submit artists to participate. what Mary Lin School is up to. Emma re- articles, poetry, drawings, etc., to editor@ This month we feature Emma Sullivan, sides on Arizona Avenue, is 10 years old, our writer, and Sawyer Klehr, our con- and she just finished fourth grade at Mary lakeclaire.org. What are your plans for the test winner. Emma was featured just two Lin. summer of 2018? What do you love about months ago, but we hadn’t received any Hey there, Lake Claire kids of all ages— Summer? We hope to hear from you!

Mary Lin Activities NEW CONTEST! at the End There are many fun and interesting of the Academic Year things to do in the summer. School is out, and what will you do with your time? by Emma Sullivan Take a minute to find this month’s hid- This week at Mary Lin several interesting projects happened in the fourth grade. Yes- den graphic of summer fun to become terday, there was an egg drop, the Mary Lin this summer’s Clarion prizewinner. The Egg Drop. We use something like a machine winner will have his or her photo in the to put the eggs in and then use it to drop the eggs off the roof of the school. There are lots AUGUST Clarion. To win, send an e-mail of things you can use for an egg drop. Obvi- to [email protected] identifying the ously, you use an egg, and you can use plastic, page number. For extra credit, tell us and cardboard, and stuff like that. You can- not use styrofoam or glass, or things like that. about any one thing you see on the hid- Another thing that happened at the end of den picture. The extra credit prize is that our year took place today at school: it was a you get to write the article for the Kids’ Greek Sculpture Garden. We took characters from myths and the olden days, and students Page for August. Any child from Lake dressed up as those characters, such as Aph- Claire is eligible, except that you can- rodite, or Venus, and we had to give a speech not win two months in a row. Hurry and with information about the character. There were four main parts: the heavens, underwa- look; competition is always stiff for this ter, earth, and Mount Olympus. coveted prize. Last, tomorrow there will be a veggie derby. Fourth graders are paired up in groups, four people to a group, and each group has one day to work together to construct a small car out of vegetables and fruits. Examples of how one Neighbors— may do it are using cucumbers as wheels, and Please be very aware this July 4 carrots for the bottom parts of a car, or pretty much anything that is a vegetable or fruit. It regarding the frightening impact is really, really cool! that fireworks has on dogs. If you Winnie-the-Pooh Lovers!!!! can find it in your hearts not to In times of joy, all of us wished use them, that would be the most See the Calendar for the we possessed a tail we could wag. humane. Winnie the Pooh activities W.H.Auden If you must do it, please limit the timeframe to 10-15 minutes, not in the month of June! go on for an hour or more. That way the pets can shiver and hide for a short time, and then they can Contest Winner recover. Sawyer Klehr, of Hardendorf Avenue, What affects them so much is lo- found the May issue's hidden graphic of a cal residential fireworks. The pub- family reading for National Family Read- lic displays are far away enough ing Week. Congrats, Sawyer! He is four not to terrify them as much, and and a half years old and just finishing are for a much shorter duration. pre-k at Primavera Preschool. He likes Please this year, for July 4, and to jump in bouncy houses, play dragon New Year's Eve, factor the dogs games with his friends outside, read, and that we love into the love of fire- build with magna tiles. Asked for a com- works. ment, he said, “I love candy.”