The Plaza Theatre to undergo a $ 4 Million Renovation

 

 
ATLANTA — An iconic one-of-one is still standing in northeast Atlanta and is about to undergo a $4 million renovation.

The Plaza Theatre, located in the Poncey-Highland community, is the last of more than 100 theatres’ that once stood in Atlanta.

Owner Chris Escobar wants to ensure it will celebrate the past while ensuring history meets the future.

 

Built back in 1939, it’s the city’s oldest and last single-screen cinema. Longtime patrons say there’s nothing like it.

“It’s got that classic old school movie theatre vibe. It’s not a multiplex chain,” Matt Rowles said.

 

Renovations will include the original balcony being split into two 40-seat theatres.

They will retro the concession stand to look like it did back in the 1940s, bring back the ticket booth that was taken out decades ago and show films on the roof. It will be open air with a bar and bathrooms.

From wsbtv

Announcing the joint 50th Reunion for Decatur High School classes 1970 and 1971

 

Announcing the joint 50th Reunion for DHS classes 1970 and 1971:

 

The Reunion is scheduled for Sept 17-18

 

Please email Susan Jakes at smcberry@windstream.net to be placed on the email list, class of '71, and DecaturHS.Classof70Reunion@gmail.com, class of '70.

  h/t to Jim Cox for this info.

What are your memories of Columbia Mall

What did you get for Christmas from Columbia Mall and what are your memories of this wonderful place. I will always cherish my BB Guns and my Sears 106 Motorcycle I got from Sears.

Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby Postpones Race Until 2021

June 25, 2020 (Decatur, GA) - The organizers of the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby announced that the 10th annual event, originally slated for Saturday, October 3rd, will be postponed until next year to protect the health and safety of the community. "We all need to focus on making responsible choices right now, and take care of each other," said Raul Trujillo, longtime Madison Avenue resident and one of the event's original founders. "The Derby is shifting gears for 2020. But we will be back to rally our neighbors around supporting a worthwhile cause." The community-driven event has flourished since it began in 2011, having raised $200K cumulatively for local charities serving children. The race would not be possible without strong support from local businesses. Race days have grown to attract more than 1,000 spectators. And hundreds of youths have raced down Madison Avenue in cars they built with their families. While the next race is on hold, many people need help now. If you have suggestions or ideas on how the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby organizers can help the Decatur community get through these tough times, please e-mail madisonavesoapboxderby@gmail.com. ----

Decatur Police called for Hazardous Materal

Decatur Fire responded to a suspicious package at E. Trinity Pl. and Church St. but found it was not hazardous. Church St was reopened around 6:00 pm. Employees of nearby businesses gathered  at E Trinity until all clear was given.

It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! December 5th

From littleshopofstories.com It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 5th It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 5th Little Shop of Stories and the City of Decatur again bring you the annual Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy holiday carols, warm cookies, hot cocoa and “snow” on the square. At 7 p.m. sharp, Santa himself flips the switch to light the tree above the east entrance of the Decatur MARTA station. Come join thousands of your neighbors and help to make your season bright! The Christmas Tree Lighting is sponsored by Butter & Cream, Chick-fil-A, City of Decatur, Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Folk Art Restaurant, Kelly’s Market, Little Shop of Stories, Mudhouse Design, and The White Bull. At Little Shop, purchase $100 in merchandise on this day and we’ll give you a $10 gift card that you can use in 2020! Click here to visit the city’s Terrific Thursday guide!

Kudzu Antiques Holiday Parties

https://www.kudzuantiques.com/

Decatur Book Festival celebrates its 14th year over Labor Day Weekend

From ajc

The AJC Decatur Book Festival celebrates its 14th year over Labor Day weekend, and on Saturday evening the organizers revealed the highlights of the upcoming three-day extravaganza.

The biggest book festival in Atlanta and one of the biggest in the country, the event will bring hundreds of authors to downtown Decatur Aug. 30-Sept. 1, and will attract up to 80,000 attendees seeking a literary experience.

Decatur Estate Antiques Storewide Sale July 22 - Aug 4th

http://www.decaturestateantiques.com/

The Decatur Beach Party on Friday June 21

Come and celebrate the kick-off of summer Decatur style at The Decatur Beach Party on Friday, June 21 from 5 to 11 pm in downtown Decatur. This is truly where the beach meets the street with a sandy “beach”, kids activities, DJ, live music, and more. Best of all, admission is now FREE.

Gather up those sand toys and come ready to play as this year there will be even more beach than before, with 80 tons sand hitting Ponce De Leon Avenue. Kids’ activities will line the boardwalk area, including a toddler play area, and big kid fun with a rock climbing wall, dunk tank, and more.

Kids area will be open 5 - 9pm

The Decatur Arts Festival this Week-End

learn more @ http://decaturartsfestival.com/

Kudzu Antiques

AN INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR THE VERY YOUNG

This sent in by: Kathleen Covington, Content Strategist, Alliance Theatre

ALLIANCE THEATRE, ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, AND HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FIFTH ANNUAL

TODDLER TAKEOVER

AN INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR THE VERY YOUNG

 

MAY 11-12, 2019, AT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER

 

Toddler Takeover is presented in conjunction with the Theatre for Young Audiences/USA (TYA/USA) National Festival & Conference, hosted by the Alliance Theatre, bringing together international theater companies who will perform as part of Toddler Takeover

 

ATLANTA, April 2, 2019 — The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art are pleased to announce the 2019 Toddler Takeover, an arts festival for the very young, May 11-12, 2019, at the Woodruff Arts Center.  Tickets are on sale now at

http://alliancetheatre.org/toddlertakeover

. 

 

This one-of-a-kind experience developed for children age newborn through 5-years-old will feature international theatre for the very young performances from South Korea, the UK and Australia, performances from the Alliance Theatre’s Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Young, toddler tours, art-making at the High Museum of Art, performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and much more.  Festival tickets also include admission to the High Museum of Art.  During the festival, the Woodruff Arts Center will open its doors to the youngest members of our community with the goal of inspiring the next generation through world-class artistic experiences and arts-based workshops.

 

TYA/USA, the national organization that provides advocacy and resources to the field of Theatre for Young Audiences, in collaboration with the Alliance Theatre, will present the 2019 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference May 8-11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Thanks to the timing and location of the conference, Toddler Takeover audiences will get to experience new work from theater companies all over the world who are developing new plays for very young audience members.  For more information about the TYA/USA Conference, visit

www.tyausa.org

Looking Back to 1955 - First Baptist Church in Decatur

The First Baptist Church at the corner of Church St. and Trinity Pl. was torn down in 1955.
The Church was built in 1926.

Live in Levi's

Video Friday - Michael Bublé - It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas

Video Friday - Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton - You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Decatur Tree Lighting Tonight (Thursday) Dec. 6

Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 6, 
On the square
 TREE LIGHTING THIS YEAR WILL BE ON THE PLAZA not on roof of The Little Shop of Stories.

Video Friday - Paul McCartney- Wonderful Christmas Time

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Coming to Clairmont Road

From: Tomorrows News Today

A new Hilton Garden Inn hotel is being proposed near the Century Center office complex on Clairmont Road just off Interstate 85 in DeKalb County.  The five-story hotel would be developed by Suwanee-based DayBreak Hospitality LLC, and have 156 rooms plus retail/restaurant space, according to plans recently filed with the City of Chamblee. 

read more

Video Friday - Ingrid Michaelson - All I Want For Christmas is You

Decatur Tree Lighting Dec 6, New Location on the Plaza

Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 6, 
On the square
 TREE LIGHTING THIS YEAR WILL BE ON THE PLAZA not on roof of The Little Shop of Stories.

Extra Membership Savings at Center for Puppetry Arts

Special Limited-Time Offer! Join by Nov 25 and SAVE $10 on select Memberships: Dual Level: $75  $65 Family Level: $110  $100 Puppet Prime Level: $175   $165 Plus, enjoy 2 EXTRA MONTHS of Membership - FREE! (Your Membership will be valid through Jan 31, 2020) PROMO CODE: SNOW Exclusive Member benefits include: Up to 50% discount on Family Series performances Priority seating for Family Series performances FREE admission to Worlds of Puppetry Museum and Special Exhibits FREE admission to film screenings 10% discount on all Museum Store purchases Waived online handling fees Special Members Only activities and previews ...and more! (click for full benefit listing) Don't wait! This special offer ends at midnight Sunday, Nov 25.  Use  PROMO CODE: SNOW  to become a Member today! You can also call the Ticket Sales Office at 404.873.3391.

Video Friday - Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta Will Become The Waldorf Astoria

From http://www.tonetoatl.com/

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta will be re-flagged as a Waldorf Astoria hotel in December.  The hotel, which opened in 2008 as The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel, became the Mandarin Oriental in 2012.  The 42 story property designed by American architect Robert A. M. Stern is home to 127 hotel rooms as well as 45 private condo units and three private villas.  The change is scheduled to take place December 8.

more

Photo credit:  The Waldorf Astoria in New York. Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images North America

Video Friday - The Righteous Brothers - You're My Soul and Inspiration

Video Friday - The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong

HAINTS And SAINTS HALLOWEEN PARADE - (PHOTOS)

Video Friday - Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark

Decatur's Haints and Saints Halloween Parade Saturday Oct. 27

Visit https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownDecaturHalloween/
for more info.

Video Friday - Robert Mitchum - Thunder Road

On this day Oct. 18. 2018  Sixty years ago The movie THUNDER ROAD played at The Decatur Theatre.

Read more at http://the-decatur-theatre.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post_6.html

Electronics Recycling Day This Saturday Oct. 20th

From The Decatur Minute:

See full guidelines for recyclable items at decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.

Public works will recycle just about any electronics equipment you have in your attic, basement, closet or office. See decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling for a list, and for answers to frequently asked questions. Recycle your Styrofoam as well and safely shred and recycle your sensitive documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drive through and drop off your recyclables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)

Paper shredding

AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiralbound notebooks, phonebooks, binders, and trash.

Styrofoam recycling

• Make sure foam has the “6” symbol on it
• Rinse and separate food service containers from other foam
• No straws, lids, tape or stickers
• No foam peanuts or insulation material

NOTE: Fee required to recycle cathode ray tube equipment (exact change only): Monitors $5; TVs $10

Since we started in 2005, we’ve diverted more than 1,000,000 pounds of electronics from landfills. Contact Sean Woodson, 404-377-5571, or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.