Friday, February 7, 2014

Towne Cinema in Avondale still for Lease


--Now and then photo shows the theatre when it was called Avondale "AVON"
The little theatre in downtown Avondale is still sitting vacant.
Check out story about this over at decaturish.com
This photo left is circa 1975 when theatre still had original Towne Cinema neon marquee.

From cinema treasures
Yes, the Towne Cinema was originally the Avondale Theater. Around 1966, the Avondale Theater came under the management of the late George Ellis. He altered the name and instituted a policy of art films and revivals. Prior to that time, the Avondale Theater had become run down and had a poor reputation.

Although Avondale Estates and the City of Decatur (which was incorporated as a city before Atlanta) bordered each other in DeKalb County, they were seperate and distinct communities. Their respective high schools were arch rivals.
Photo credit: D.G.Whitefield
See old 1960's newspaper listing for this theatre when it was called Avondale Theatre. The Great Escape was playing there.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

What's Next for Jay Leno ?

 From Newser – Jay Leno will host his last episode of the Tonight Show tonight. A roundup of the news swirling around his departure:
  • Sandra Bullock appeared on last night's show, and offered a tearful tribute to Leno, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "You've always been so kind. That's saying a lot in this business, because we like to be mean," she said. "There's not been one time you haven't treated me like I had something to offer—even when the film was awful and you knew it."
  • The Los Angeles Times talked to Leno recently, and he says he's "not unhappy" about leaving. Successor Jimmy Fallon is "really good," Leno says, adding that he even thinks Fallon is "closer to what Johnny [Carson] was when he started."
  • As for what's next, Leno ruled out another late-night TV show. Instead: "I've always been a stand-up comedian that had a day job," he says. "This [Tonight] is my day job. I've always been on the road every single weekend—and the week too—since I got this job. So I'm back on the road. We leave here (today)." His first show is tomorrow.
  • But NBC News doesn't think Leno will stay off TV for long, and offers up seven likely gigs. Among them: variety specials at NBC, an interview show at CNN, a car show on the History Channel or the Discovery Channel, or even a current events show (think a somewhat conservative answer to the Daily Show) on Fox News.
  • On tonight's show: Billy Crystal, Leno's first Tonight guest from back in 1992, and Garth Brooks, the New York Times reports.
Photo credit:  www.mediabistro.com
---- Best Wishes to Jay Leno. 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The One Ring Scam

From ajc
By Clark Howard
clarkhoward.com


That missed call on your cellphone could cost you $30…but maybe not in the way you think.

One of my Facebook followers let me know about an old scam that has roared back to life. Years ago, crooks found a way to exploit a handful of international area codes that don't require a foreign code to dial up.

Now that scam has resurfaced as what's being called the "one ring scam." Crooks are using robocalling technology to place Internet calls that only ring once to cell phones.

If you pick up, the robocaller just drops the line. But the bigger danger is if you miss the call. Like so many people, you might think it's an important call and dial that number right back.

Bad move.
read more

Senga opened at Ponce City Market

 From: poncecitymarket.com

 Have you seen it yet? Tommy Taylor's exhibit Senga opened in the gallery at Ponce City Market last Friday.  We celebrated with our friends at whitespace gallery with an opening reception in the space.  Thanks to those who joined us!

Senga is the Japanese word for line drawing and represents the site-specific installation.  The art of Japanese calligraphy has always inspired Taylor and is evident in this installation.  Taylor opted to "color outside the lines," extending his art outside of frame and canvas and onto the walls of the space, creating an interactive experience.

Senga is the first collaboration between Ponce City Market and whitespace gallery, which represents Tommy Taylor.  Gallery hours are Thursday - Saturday, 12-4 pm or by appointment (404) 849-8176 and will run until March 1, 2014.




Eye on Decatur


Monday, February 3, 2014

Historic Briarcliff Summitt Renovation


From:evergreenpartnershousing.com

Briarcliff Summit Apartments was originally built circa 1900 as a hotel by Atlanta businessman Asa Chandler who is most well known for founding and building The Coca-Cola Company.

 This iconic historical structure operated as a hotel for many years but was converted into its current use as low income housing in the 1980s. The conversion of the property resulted in the creation of 201 units of affordable housing, comprised of a mix of studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments which serve elderly and disabled residents. It was also during this period that the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its importance as a cultural and historic resource within the Virginia Highlands Neighborhood of Atlanta.

Evergreen Partners acquired Briarcliff Summit in August 2012 using the proceeds from a combination of sources including the sale of Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, new HUD 221(d)(4) financing and subordinate debt provided by Invest Atlanta (City of Atlanta). The property is currently undergoing substantial interior and exterior renovations, the result of which will significantly modernize the building functionally,but also preserve and stablize of its historic features. To help support the long term affordability at Briarcliff, Evergreen was able to secure a new 20-year Section 8 HAP Contract from HUD which provides much needed rental subsidy to 99% of the apartments at the property. The long term rental subsidy, coupled with our renovation plan for the property, will ensure that Briarcliff Summit remains a stable and high quality source of affordable housing serving the City of Atlanta for many years to come.

Briarcliff Summit Apartments
1050 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
(404) 872-8214

Photo credits : D.G.Whitefield

Decatur Library Book Sale Feb. 8

From:visitdecaturgeorgia.com
The Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale on Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on the lower level of the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St.
Thousands of gently used fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, as well as DVDs and CDs, will be on sale at low prices, starting at 50 cents. Only cash or checks will be accepted. Dealers must scan at tables. All proceeds benefit the programs and collections of the Decatur Library. Admission is free. Donations of gently used books are always welcome at the library front desk.

 Library Book Sale
Date: 2/8/2014 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Decatur Library
215 Sycamore St.
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Neat Decatur Snow Video


Kristian Bush’s first solo concert at The Buckhead Theatre

From accessatlanta.com
 By Melissa Ruggieri
 Chances are, fans attending Kristian Bush’s first plugged-in, full-band solo concert at The Buckhead Theatre Saturday night weren’t expecting a 7-foot clown to stroll down the center aisle, hop onstage and start singing Lorde’s “Royals.” But Puddles the Clown (aka Atlanta’s Big Mike Geier from Puddles Pity Party) usually pops up in unexpected places, so why not? The kooky detour about halfway through Bush’s 90-minute set was a contrast to the singer-guitarist’s sincere delivery and “VH1 Storytellers”-esque vibe, but the fun-loving Bush looked happy to cede the spotlight momentarily and provide backup, along with Larkin Poe’s Megan and Rebecca Lovell, for the recently christened Song of the Year. more

"Decatur Frank" Sees His Shadow


h/t Decatur Metro

Friday, January 31, 2014

“Ideas of March” - Decatur Gallery Saturday, March 15, 2014.

“Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014. It is for an art reception at the Decatur Gallery. The Ides of March brings an historic moment to mind, but it also provides artists with an impetus to create.
 In this group exhibition, artists will interpret the theme as a play on words: “Ideas of March.” Whether referencing the whimsical or historical, 20 participating artists will use individual mediums such as painting, encaustic, metal, ceramic, glass and jewelry to create new works inspired by the theme.
 “Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014.
 Opening reception - 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres
 153 Ponce de Leon Place Decatur, GA 30033 404.377.0755

Thursday, January 30, 2014

TabooLaLa is Back at The Plaza with "Saturday Night Fever" March 1

 From: https://www.facebook.com/BlastOffBurlesque
Sat March 1st get your platforms, polyester ready and don't forget the hair!! TabooLaLa is BACK at the The Plaza Theater, and we are gonna dance, dance to escape, dance for OUR LIVES. The movie and the soundtrack of a generation! SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Prizes, party, performance and this classic on the BIG SCREEN in it's original R-rated glory… --

Carole King and Sara Bareilles live performance at Grammys



Carole King and SaraBareilles live performance grammy

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

No School on Thursday for City of Decatur Schools

 From City Schools of Decatur facebook

There will be no school for City Schools of Decatur students and staff tomorrow, Thursday, January 30. All schools will be closed. We are so grateful that all our students made it home safely yesterday! Thank you to all the faculty, staff and parents who helped make that possible. 
 Please stay safe and warm!

Atlanta Snow photos from the AJC

Weather snow photos from the ajc here

photo credit : ajc (Jan. 29: Truth from @cat_lanta. Go home, Atlanta. You’re icy. --@jeffdauler)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Kimball House / Train Depot Needs Decatur GA Sign


 click to enlarge
-- About this picture: I just had to add the sign (DECATUR GA) to Decatur's train depot, it just looks better for the depot, not sure why the city of Decatur or the Kimball House have not added this sign to the historical depot....I'm just saying.

Kimball House
303 E Howard Ave

at N Candler St
Decatur, GA 30030
 404 378 3502

Monday, January 27, 2014

Harmony - a Duet in Mixed Media 2014 FEB 8

Harmony - a Duet in Mixed Media 2014

This special event features the work of mixed media artists Kathy McCullen and Carol Reynolds.

Kathy is a mixed media painter, and Carol's medium is mosaics. Kathy and Carol have always wanted to try a collaboration; so they decided, what better way to celebrate a New Year and introduce the Valentine's season than with a show of HARMONY.

Despite the differences in technique and materials, their color palettes and whimsical themes are fanciful, fun and harmonious. Together their work evokes the many emotions of music and song and is sure to steal your heart!

Live music and light refreshments will be available.

Free to attend!
When:
Saturday, Februrary 8, 2014
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Where:
Decatur Market & Gallery
153 Ponce de Leon Pl.
Decatur, GA 30030
404-377-0755

Facebook page

Best performace at The 2014 Grammys



Daft Punk, Stevie Wonder and Pharrell Williams Bring Staples Center to Its Feet


Great comment by Pat Cassar: You're doing something right when you have both of the surviving Beatles boogieing down to your tune.
-- FROM: hamptonroads.com -- By Bethany Bickley The Virginian-Pilot © January 27, 2014 LOS ANGELES Daft Punk won the top honor at Sunday night's Grammy Awards, taking album of the year for "Random Access Memories." The French electronic pioneers capped the night with the win after taking song of the year for "Get Lucky." The two mask-wearing musicians hugged each other for several seconds before taking the stage with Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers and Paul Williams, part of the large crew who helped Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo produce the album. They beat out Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Sara Bareilles for the award. Donning what looked like an oversized forest ranger hat, Virginia Beach superstar Pharrell Williams was among the first acts to present Grammys. He received seven nominations and took home four golden gramophones for "Get Lucky." MORE HERE

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Decatur Time Machine - The Decatur Presbyterian Church 1940 and 2014



 CORRECTION ON EARLIER POST I posted this above church photo a couple of months ago and I wanted to correct the post, I listed it as Decatur First United Methodist, but this is Decatur's Presbyterian Church located at Sycamore and Church St. It was taken in 1940 from Church St. after a big snow fall Decatur had received.


---
This is a early Post Card showing the way it use to look, today it looks very different.
--

Centennial Souvenir photo from Vanishing Dekalb. A hardback book that the Dekalb Historical Society put out.



--
Comment: Anonymous said... Many thanks for posting the pictures of Decatur Presbyterian. The reason things look so different from then to now is that the old sanctuary from the 1940s no longer exists. The entire sanctuary structure was taken down and a new sanctuary built in its place. The stained-glass windows from the old sanctuary were saved and incorporated into todays' building.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Amateur Video offers insight into Decatur

From Decatur Patch
Think you know Decatur? You may know the city, but do you know its namesake, Stephen Decatur? Two two amateur videographers, Charlie Sill and Federico Vasquez, who formed Blueberry Productions, shot a short video on the city and to offer insight into Decatur and to offer a little history on Stephen Decatur.
--

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

New Stay Fit Adult Classes are Starting This Week, Sign up Online

 From: http://beactivedecatur.wordpress.com/
You saw them at the EXPO, you tried a few of them, and now the NEW classes are starting. Register online at decaturga.com/webtrac or at the front desk when you arrive. Here’s the rundown on what’s happening this week and a few that start in February:
NEW! Ageless Grace – Tuesdays, Thursdays, kicked off today with 5 enrolled today in the dance studio, join in the seated dance and fitness movement with Sandy
NEW! Yoga – Mondays, Fridays, So far 5 are signed up for the seated class on Monday which will start next week on Jan 27 with Mariam
NEW! Watercolor & Tea, Thursdays, started last week with 2 enrolled and several more desired for a full class w/Sylvia. Bring a mug for tea and your paints/brushes/paper.
NEW! Lunch & Learn – Fridays, kicks off Friday Jan 24 @1130, free and open to the public. Bring a lunch and pop in for the 30-minute health & wellness demo: Making Green Smoothies with Jennifer.
WHERELocation: Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur GA 30030.
read more

Will You Have a Full House on Super Bowl Sunday ?


--
- A “Full House” reunion! Watch Bob Saget, Dave Coulier and John Stamos in an ad for Dannon’s Oikos greek yogurt. Here’s the warm up, where the trio appear to still be living together nearly two decades  after the show had ended:

To All Krog Street Tunnel Artists. Bring Back Robert Mitchum

--This above photo is from last week.
This Krog Street art of Robert Mitchum was from 7 years ago. I have not seen anything as good since then.......  A Thunder Road Mitchum would be very cool.
tag:  graffiti artist

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Jennifer Lopez, Viola Davis film in metro Atlanta

 From:  accessatlanta.com

By Jennifer Brett
Jennifer Lopez and Viola Davis have each filmed in Atlanta before, and now the two talented ladies are teaming up.
Lopez, who starred in the 2012 ensemble comedy "What to Expect When You're Expecting," and the Oscar-nominated Davis, who starred in the 2013 thriller "Prisoners" (which is up for an Academy Award), are partnering for "Lila and Eve."
"Two distraught mothers, whose children were gunned down in a drive-by, team up to avenge their deaths after local authorities fail to take action," is the plot, per imdb.
The movie filmed in Decatur today and will be in town for several more weeks.
Photo credit :  wallalay.com

School of Rock at Eddie's Attic Sat Jan 25 *** FREE SHOW ***

 From Eddie's Attic website
For more than a decade, School of Rock has been inspiring kids to rock on stage and in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, PA in 1998, School of Rock has become a growing international franchise, operating 69 schools in the US and Mexico.
We believe the best way to learn music is to play music. We take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels.
School of Rock teaches guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, drums and combines weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences in an authentic concert setting.  
To date our students have played thousands of concerts, to more than 100,000 people, at such legendary venues as CBGB’s, The Trocadero, The Knitting Factory, The Whiskey, The Roxy, The Experience Music Project, The Big Easy and BB King’s Blues Club in Times Square. We have also had the great fortune to be able to perform at music festivals from Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, to Zappanale in Bad Doberan, Germany.

Romare Bearden "A Black Odyssey" Through March 9 at Carlos Museum at Emory

 From: carlos.emory.edu
In 1977, Romare Bearden (1911-1988), one of the most powerful and original artists of the 20th century, created a series of collages and watercolors based on Homer’s epic poem, "The Odyssey". Rich in symbolism and allegorical content, Bearden’s Odyssey series created an artistic bridge between classical mythology and African American culture. The works conveyed a sense of timelessness and the universality of the human condition, but their brilliance was displayed for only two months in New York City before being scattered to private collections and public art museums. A new exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service represents the first full-scale presentation of these works outside of New York City.

Curated by the esteemed scholar Robert G. O’Meally, this exhibition reunites the 1977 series in all its glory. It also expands the scope of the original exhibition with splendid watercolors and other relevant works from the artist’s Å“uvre. Included is a rare grouping of mid-1940’s Bearden drawings based on the other Homer epic, the Iliad.

This exhibition simultaneously expands our view of the Bearden canon and his influence as an artist, while reinforcing Homer’s continuing relevance as a poet. It also proclaims that to be black in America—and indeed to be American in our new global village—is to participate in a culture that knows no boundaries. A Black Odyssey programs brochure: View/Downloa

Monday, January 20, 2014

Look for More Changes at food court at Lenox Square.

 From Tomorrows News Today


Simon Property Group is making even more changes than originally thought within their food court Fashion Cafe.

Sbarro, an established pizza chain, that has been in the mall for over a decade, will close as of February 27th.  Sources say their lease is not being renewed.  Melville, New York-based Sbarro filed for bankruptcy in April 2011 and emerged in November 2012 but reportedly is once again in financial trouble. 

Subway is also allegedly on its way out.  (Thank goodness)

Chipotle Mexican Grill is hoping to be open in May in the space to the right of the new Chick-fil-A, following the chain's entry into metro malls.  Last year, the chain opened an immediately popular location within the Perimeter Mall food court in Dunwoody.

Pinkberry is also opening in the mall and will likely replace Delights, an independent ice cream / yogurt shop that has already moved once within the food court.  (Their former space was originally a  Freshëns but is now the home of the soon-to-open Freshii, a "health casual" concept entering Atlanta with its first location at Lenox Square.)

The new Fashion Cafe will sport new seating options and increased visibility and lighting.  Additionally, an outdoor dining area is currently under construction and should open in the spring. 
More changes coming to the food court at Lenox Square.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Thursday, January 16, 2014

New Sugarloaf Mills Shoney’s to serve alcohol

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Shoney’s will open its first in-mall restaurant Thursday at Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville. Another first will be full liquor service, the company said.
The new concept will be unveiled at 4 p.m. at the mall, at the junction of Sugarloaf Parkway and I-85.
Chief Executive Officer David Davoudpour said the opening represents a step toward Shoney’s “glory days.”
“We have developed a Shoney’s with more choices that appeal to everyone,” Davoudpour said.
Shoney’s is considered a family style restaurant, competing with IHOP, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Denny’s and Waffle House in metro Atlanta. Shoney’s has 165 restaurants in 16 states, including five in metro Atlanta.
According to research by Technomics, which tracks the restaurant industry, Shoney’s was the eighth-largest family dining chain based on 2012 sales, estimated at $319 million. IHOP led the category, followed by Denny’s and Cracker Barrel.

Photo credit : shoneys.com

Wahoo! Wine Club Presents: A Taste of Bordeaux in February!

Wahoo! Grill's Monthly Wine Club Presents...
 
A Taste of Bordeaux!
Wahoo! Grill
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
5 to 7 p.m.
$24++ per person, nonrefundable
Wahoo! Grill invites you to enjoy the hand crafted wines of Bordeaux, France from Vignette Cellars along with complementary food pairings from chef Scot Davis. The menu includes:
 
Brie En Croute
blood orange, meyer lemon-thyme marmalade
Chef’s pairing:  Clos Des Justices Bordeaux
Blanc Sec
 
~
 
Bacon-Wrapped Dried Plum with Bucheron*
pungent semi-aged goat's milk cheese, plum gastrique
Chef’s pairing: Chateau Des Tauzins from Graves
 
~
 
Grilled Brasstown Steak with Sauce Boredelaise*
Gaufrette potato garnish
Chef’s pairing: Chateau De Respide-Callipyge
from Graves
 
Vegetarian pairings are available upon request; please let us know when you make your reservation.
 
Each guest who attends the wine tasting will also receive 20% off their dinner entrees at Wahoo! Grill that evening.  Reservations required. To RSVP for this special wine tasting, please call 404.373.3331. Space is limited.
 
*items are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free
**prices do not include tax and gratuity. Purchases made through PayPal will incur a small usage fee.

Tour deCatur Registration now OPEN!

2014 Tour deCatur Road Race set for March 15!

 From : decatureducationfoundation.org
The Tour deCatur allows participants to run a 5K race, a 1-mile Fun Run or a Tot Trot, and all proceeds benefit the Decatur Education Foundation which provides educational and enrichment opportunities for all Decatur youth.
The 12th annual Tour deCatur will be held on Saturday, March 15th and will once again start at Decatur High School.
  • 1-mile Fun Run start time: 8:45am
  • 5K race start time: 9:15am
  • Tot Trot start time: 10:00am
Online registration is now open – click here for details and to register.

86th Annual Academy Award Nominations

From ajc.
By The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Complete list of 86th Annual Academy Award nominations announced Thursday:
1. Best Picture: "American Hustle," ''Captain Phillips," ''Dallas Buyers Club," ''Gravity," ''Her," ''Nebraska," ''Philomena," ''12 Years a Slave," ''The Wolf of Wall Street."
2. Actor: Christian Bale, "American Hustle"; Bruce Dern, "Nebraska"; Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Wolf of Wall Street"; Chiwetel Ejiofor, "12 Years a Slave"; Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club."
3. Actress: Amy Adams, "American Hustle"; Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"; Sandra Bullock, "Gravity"; Judi Dench, "Philomena"; Meryl Streep, "August: Osage County."
4. Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi, "Captain Phillips"; Bradley Cooper, "American Hustle"; Michael Fassbender, "12 Years a Slave"; Jonah Hill, "The Wolf of Wall Street"; Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club."
5. Supporting Actress: Sally Hawkins, "Blue Jasmine"; Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"; Lupita Nyong'o, "12 Years a Slave"; Julia Roberts, "August: Osage County"; June Squibb, "Nebraska."
read rest of story

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Avondale's Pallookaville Hoping for a Roundabout

 Pallookaville hopes the $50K Grant for Avondale Estates will get a roundabout built.
Facebook page


From:  http://decatur.patch.com
Avondale Estates Receives $50K ARC Grant

Avondale Estates' grant approval follows the city's desire to address speeding, cut-through motorists and economic development along U.S. 278, which is North Avondale Road inside the municipal limits.
The city's grant of $50,000, will be used to study the feasibility of a roundabout, road diet and “Better Block” demonstration project..


read more.

------
Pallookaville Fine Foods
17 N Avondale Plaza
404-500-1785
See what they have on the menu
Also read Atlanta Magazine review

Eye on Decatur - Church St.


Saturday, January 11, 2014

STOP Telemarketing Calls - SIGN The Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive
telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
https://www.donotcall.gov/Scammers have been making phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Alliance Theatre presents SHREK the musical Feb 22 - March 16, 2014

The Alliance is pleased to present SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the beloved Dreamworks film character and William Steig’s 1990s book, February 22 through March 16, 2014 as part of its Alliance Stage Family Series. This fun musical was a hit on Broadway and has now been condensed to a family-friendly, one-hour production for regional stages.
The Alliance will also host our annual fundraising event FAMILIES Centerstage on March 8. For one day only, the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria transforms into “Shrek Land,” a family fun fair with live performances, arts, crafts and music for the whole family to enjoy! Confirmed participants for this year’s event include Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Botanical Gardens, Center for Puppetry Arts, Expressions in Motion Dance, Fernbank Museum, High Museum of Art, Macaroni Kid, and Zoo Atlanta. Tickets for FAMILIES Centerstage include admission to either the 1:00pm or 4:00pm performance of SHREK, with the festival happening in between.
Alliance Theatre presents SHREK the musical
the delightful musical based on the book and film, february 22 – march 16, 2014

Buy tickets at  http://www.alliancetheatre.org/production/shrek-the-musical

Lucky's Burger & Brew coming to Brookhaven

Tomorrow's News Today is reporting
A new burger joint is coming to Brookhaven

Lucky's Burger & Brew will open its second location, this one in Town Brookhaven.  Lucky's will open in the former Slack's Hoagie Shack, and plans to open "in the first quarter of the year."

Slack's at TOWN Brookhaven aimed to be higher end than its other, northeast locations, and after opening in 2010, failed to consistently attract business and closed in early 2012.  Slack's closure was the first at the lifestyle center, but others including Stir Crazy and The Cup have since closed, each having been replaced by Here to Serve concepts: Smash and Shucks, respectively.

Ernie Geyer, Lucky's owner, of both the restaurant and the golden retriever for which the restaurant is named, opened the original Lucky's in 2010 on Alpharetta Street in Roswell.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Never-Before-Published Photo of Elvis From His Hometown in Tupelo, Mississippi

From:  vanityfair.com
 By Alanna Nash

Elvis Presley is one of the most photographed figures in music history. But in the nearly 37 years since his death, every significant picture of rock’s swivel-hipped pioneer has been widely seen. Or has it?

Wade Jones, 50, a lifelong Elvis fan from Mount Holly, North Carolina, has been “constantly looking at photos” since 1977, when he smuggled a tape recorder into one of Presley’s last concerts. And so in 2005, when the late Janelle McComb—a Presley family friend from Tupelo, Mississippi—sent Jones a childhood picture of the future king of rock ’n’ roll, Jones was dumbstruck.

“I had never seen that image in my life,” says Jones, who looked at the photo of a young teenager leaning on his bike—his head tilted back, his hooded eyes nearly closed in the Tupelo sun—and realized it was the first shot placing Presley (who would have been 13 that year, 1948) on the streets of his hometown. “Just his pose, and the fact that he was in a candid situation, surrounded by normal people, was kind of eerie.”

more at http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2014/01/elvis-teen-photo-tupelo

Friday, January 3, 2014

Caroline Herring will release her CD at The Decatur Library Jan 11

From crossroadsnews.com

Decatur-based singer-songwriter Caroline Herring will officially release her latest CD, “I Will Go Into the Day,” on Jan. 11 at the Decatur Library.

She will perform a mix of fast-paced happy tunes, including jazz, bluegrass, country, western swing, Yiddish and even country blues, from the CD at the 11 a.m.-to-noon event.
Most of the songs were written by her, but she also includes “John the Rabbit,” a Mississippi folk song, and “Donna Donna,” a beautiful and plaintive Yiddish folk song made famous by Joan Baez.

This is the seventh album for Herring, an internationally renowned singer and songwriter who has been interviewed on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and has performed on “A Prairie Home Companion.”

URBAN REMEDY - A Photographic Essay

Festival Director Lisa Windle will be showing her work URBAN REMEDY - A Photographic Essay at Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.

The opening reception will be held on January 9, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Complimentary cocktails will be provided.

Lisa Windle grew up in Staten Island, a suburb of New York City, moving to Atlanta, GA in 2008. She understands the virtue and consequences of urban density as well as the need to find a sense of personal freedom and breathing room. Lisa primarily uses digital black and white photography to express her personal journey and experience, often capturing an extraordinary lone tree or bit of seashore that gives the viewer their own 'chance to breathe.'

Lisa is a self-taught artist who absorbs the influences of many great photographers including locals such as Russell Colegrove, Barry Vangrov and Katherine Kolb.

She is an arts festival director for the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.

The exhibit is part of the AFFPS Open House - Open Door series, supporting artists in Georgia. A portion of sales proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces Artist Assistance Fund, www.gffps.com.

This exhibition will remain on display through Feb. 13. Please call 404.873.1222 for additional inquiries.
Opening Reception:
January 9, 2014 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Location:
Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces
1411 Dutch Valley Pl. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Learn About the Small American House Phenomenon at Old Courthouse Jan 21

From Dekalb History Center
After the Bungalow, Before the Ranch:  The Small American House Phenomenon, 1920s-1950s

Dr. Cloues has observed that while most people are familiar with the early 20th-century Craftsman-style Bungalow and many are gaining an appreciation for the mid-20th-century Ranch House, few people are as aware of the importance of the houses built from the 1920s to the 1950s – particularly the many small and seemingly simple one or one-and-a-half story houses in modest Colonial, English, or plain styles.  And yet, as Dr. Cloues will show, these “second-child-in-a-three-child-family” houses were quite revolutionary in their time – quietly revolutionary, he adds, but revolutionary nonetheless.  They represent profound changes in the way American houses were designed and built in the 20th century, in response to economic challenges, new technologies, and changing family circumstances, and in spite of their differences in appearance, they all share a common architectural heritage.  Using examples primarily from Decatur and DeKalb County, Dr. Cloues will show how these small and seemingly simple houses form an important chapter in the history of American houses.


Dr. Cloues (who prefers to be called “Richard”) has a Ph.D. in architectural history and historic preservation from Cornell University.  He worked at the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office for 34 years, retiring in June 2012.  During his career, he contributed to studies of Georgia’s vernacular houses, African-American historic places, historic landscapes, 20th-century suburbs, the Ranch House, and the Split-Level House.  He lives with his wife Judy and too many cats near Stone Mountain.  His three children all live and work in the Atlanta metropolitan area; one of them lives in a 1938 small American house in Decatur.

Free -  bring your lunch!

Tuesday, January 21, noon to 1:00 p.m.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030, Second Floor, Superior Courtroom.
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photo credit: D.G. Whitefield

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Run With The Dogs 5K on Saturday, January 11.

 From Be Active Decatur
The Decatur Bulldog Boosters invite you to start 2014 off on the right foot by participating in the 9th annual .
Run With The Dogs 5K on Saturday, January 11
The Run With The Dogs is the first qualifying event in the  City of Decatur’s 2014 Grand Slam Fitness Challenge.
Register online at www.active.com (search “Run With The Dogs”) by Friday (1/3/2014) to take advantage of a 20% discounted fee.
Run or walk this 3.1 mile course through the neighborhoods of the City of Decatur. Challenge yourself or just come out with friends and neighbors for the health of it. Dog owners are invited to bring their canine companions.
Long sleeved event t-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants.
All canine companions will receive a special commemorative event kerchief.

Free “Self-Protection Workshop” on Jan 8, 2014

From The Decatur Minute:
The Decatur Police Department will be hosting a “Self-Protection Workshop” on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center (231 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030). Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to attend this workshop with a parent/guardian.
This workshop is designed to teach you how to be proactive, maintain awareness and be decisive during a violent confrontation. In the workshop, the presenter will cover:
  • Behavioral Profiling – Situational Awareness – Personal Security vs. Self-Defense
  • Mindset – Conditions of Readiness – Warning & Danger Signs of an Attack
  • Simple & Effective Self-Defense Techniques – Improvised weapons
Read more and sign up  here.