The 11th Annual Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, October 11

The 11th Annual Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, October 11 from 10 am until 7 pm at the center of the Oakhurst community in Harmony Park. This event is presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance in association with the South Decatur Community Development Corporation.

• The 5K Arts Run/Walk
• 50 local artists
• Eight live musical performances
• Community area, featuring Decatur-based nonprofit groups
• Free activity area for children
• Good ol' fashioned parade
• Food and beverages at Oakhurst's many restaurants

Oakhurst Loves Kids!
And kids love activities. If your organization would like to provide a hands-on art activity for children during the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival, fill out this form now.

October 11 • 10 am-7 pm
Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village
404-371-9583
decaturartsalliance@earthlink.net

Front Yard Halloween Displays in Decatur

This was one of the best Halloween decorated yards I saw last year in a front yard of a house in Decatur, Ga. near Winnona Park School.
That area always has some nice decorated yards each year.

Get outside and decorate those yards, I will be riding around the downtown Decatur area taking pictures.

Note: If you know a great decorated yard in Decatur area let me know where or send photo, or give me the link.

Melrose on Ponce

I think they might be ready for Halloween

By Jonathan Goldberg
staff writer for hometown dekalb



When you hear that the name Melrose on Ponce you may be confused into thinking that someone’s talking about a primetime soap opera centered around trendy twenty-somethings and their turbulent romantic lives. In this case you’d be seriously off the mark. Melrose on Ponce is in fact a unique gift store in downton Decatur whose name was inspired by owner Shirlyn Englisby’s grandmother.

Melrose on Ponce is a charming gift shop that specializes in providing items such as backpacks, clothing, linens, napkins and pillows that can be monogrammed on site. The store, which is located at 345 West Ponce De Leon near the square, also sells other unique gifts and frequently has local artists working on site. This gives the shop a wonderful atmosphere that encourages people to come in and chat with the artists who consign their work to the store.

Shirlyn Englisby’s grandmother, Melrose, ran a flea market/vintage shop from her living room in her elder years. Not only was the shop’s namesake inspired by Englisby’s grandmother’s experience, so was Englisby’s desire to have artists work and sell their pieces in her store. Englisby feels that the store’s name is both catchy and keeps the family name special.

Englisby’s partner, Valerie Kartwe, is co-owner of Melrose on Ponce. Kartwe has always harbored a love of vintage merchandise. The result is a store that contains a meld of both the old and the new. In addition to the art works available and the monogrammed items, Melrose on Ponce also offers gift baskets with natural (no preservative) foods, soaps, bees wax candles (that emit less smoke) and other gift items.

Englisby and Kartwe’s mission is to redefine the traditional gift shop concept. Melrose on Ponce is succeeding in their mission and is a shop where you can find a multitude of unique and whimsical gifts for friends and family members as well as for your own home. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is a great time to visit and if necessary, place orders for anything that would need to be monogrammed. Many items for the Spring holidays and garden themed products will be arriving in mid-February.

The store is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with seasonal extended hours. To reach Melrose on Ponce by phone, call (404) 378-1013.

Lost Home movie of Elvis Presley 1955

Where is Atlanta’s best kids’ haircut salon? ... Decatur

By Phil Kloer |

What is it with some kids and haircuts?

Most view haircuts as a mild inconvenience, but maybe with a lollipop at the end, so why not go along?

But there are some wee ones - and we’ve seen them, or heard them, or known them, or maybe (shudder) had them - who view a haircut as the most diabolical, agonizing torture that could ever be inflicted. And so the only reasonable response is to raise 39 kinds of ear-shattering hell.

For them, and really for any little kid, finding the right haircut place is almost as essential as getting into the right pre-school.

So where is this place? And what do they do? Candy bribes? Cartoons playing on TV? Soft-spoken stylists? An endless supply of vodka martinis? (For you, not for your child.)

Best of Big A wants to know: Who gives the best kid’s haircut in metro Atlanta? And a few parents out there really need to know.

Salonredkids
119 E Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA
(404) 377-3164







Salon Red Kid’s in Decatur. I love it- now that we live in McDonough- we still drive back as it is the only place my little ones will go for a haircut!

By Michelle

October 6, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Salon Red Kid’s- Decatur. It’s all about kids there, they make it fun to get a hair cut.

By Michelle

October 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Salon Red Kid’s- Decatur. It’s all about kids there, they make it fun to get a hair cut.

By Melanie

October 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Snip Its in Snellville. I’ll admit it is over priced for a kids haircut, but I’ll pay it for the attention she gets, the staff is always friendly and even if there is a long wait, you can put your name on the list, give them your cell phone number and they will call you when it’s your turn. My daughter loves going there and watching the videos they play or sings the songs while they cut her hair and looks forward to the prize when they are done. I can never walk out of there with out spending more money on bows and products, but she always has a great time when we go there.

By otis

October 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Pigtails & Crewcuts in Buckhead

By mama4

October 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Where is a good place for a boy to get an “old school” afro touch up or trim in decatur, stone mountain or atlanta?

By Monique

October 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Regency Barbershop and Salon - Conyers, GA 3565 GA Hwy 20 (770) 483-6007

All the barbers and stylist are great!!! I promise you and your little one will be completely satisfied. Regency has Little Tykes bids, blow pops and my son received a “My First Haircut Certificates” which he absolutely LOVED. Thanks Regency www.regencybarbershop.com

By janell

October 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hair cuttery

By Alison

October 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Monique REGENCY BARBERSHOP and SALON is the BEST. The waiting time is always minable; atmosphere is always kid friendly and relaxing for adults. The pricing is budget friendly and they offer discounts on both children ($7) and adults ($10) Haircuts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Absolutely the best Barbershop/Salon in Conyers/Covington!!!

GREAT JOB REGENCY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

GREAT JOB REGENCY

By TL

October 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Harry’s in Marietta.

By RK

O

October 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Barbershop - The Ultimate Barbershop (Camp Creek MarketPlace).

By Alonzo

October 6, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

If I must say “Regency Barber Shop and Salon” is where your little man/lady need to come. There is 1st timer certificate, along with a digital photo of his/her experience, and he/she will be featured on the website. Parents we have amenities for you like chess, flat screens,WI-FI, and even services for you while you wait. Come by and see for yourself. It’s about more than just a haircut, its about a positive experience. “NOTHING LIKE THE FIRST TIME, SO MAKE IT GOOD” www.regencybarbershopandsalon.com

By Miko

October 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Regency Barbershop in Conyers. Warm friendly environment and staff. Great prices. Check out the website and feel the LOVE.

By sakurali

October 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hairclips at Georgetown rocks. BEST HAIR CUT EVER.

By Angela Moore

October 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I nominate Regency Barber Shop in Conyers. You will experience a great vibe, comtemporary style and a untouchable ambiance. The owner is very handsome ladies.

By PD Harvey

October 6, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Salon Red in Decatur. We moved here from Connecticut; it used to cost $100.00 for two kids haircuts and it is now $40.00 for better service.

By PD Harvey

October 6, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Salon Red in Decatur. We moved here from Connecticut; it used to cost $100.00 for two kids haircuts and it is now $40.00 for better service.

By Kecia

October 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I nominate Regency Barber Shop and Salon in Conyers, Ga. My son is 3 and he loves going there to get his haircut and they do an excellent job.He always gets compliments on his haircut. I must agree with Angela the owner is very handsome.

By C. Woods

Good news / Bad news : Kudzu Antique Market will get a great new tenant

Bad news, it's Decatur's own Victory Vintage Home Store, yes it's true, they have decided to downsize, and will be closing the Decatur store location Oct 29th.
They will continue to be a full-service lamp repair and lamp shade provider operating from Kudzu Antique Market, it's located at 2928 East Ponce de Leon Ave. The phone number at the new location is 404-373-6498 and they are open 7 days a week from 11 to
7.
I am going to miss the Christmas window displays they always had.
I sure hope this year more of the Decatur Stores have great window displays. They should have a contest for the best Christmas window display. That would even get more Christmas shoppers this year.


read full announcement over at inDECATUR.

Decatur Bulldogs vs Greater Atlanta Christian tomorrow night at Decatur Stadium

Run for Rewards with Fleet Feet Decatur

Hi Dennis,

I thought your readers might be interested to learn of the fun run/walk program that Fleet Feet Decatur is offering beginning next week. The program, Run for Rewards, incentivizes those who participate during our fun runs/walks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting Oct. 14 and ending Jan. 15. I've included details on the program below. All abilities (runners and walkers) are invited to join at any time during the program's duration. We hope to have a fun time!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Live FIT,
Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
404.371.0208

Run for Rewards with Fleet Feet Decatur

Need a little incentive to get out the door and start exercising? Fleet Feet Decatur is teaming up with Brooks Sports from October to January to provide you with a carrot – free prizes – as part of our Run for Rewards program.

Here's the low-down:

WHAT: Run for Rewards - A 12-week fun run/walk program that rewards you for showing up and sweating.
WHEN: Oct. 14 - Jan. 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. during that evening's fun run/walk. We will offer a three- and five-mile course. All abilities (runners and walkers) are welcome!
WHERE: Fleet Feet Sports Decatur (431 W Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur)
HOW: Bring your shoes and join us on our fun run/walk to receive one punch on your Run for Rewards card.
- With multiple punches you will receive free Brooks drawstring bags, technical shirts and hats. What's more, the top three participants will receive a FREE pair of Brooks shoes.
- Bring a friend, and we'll put two punches on your card the first time they join you.
WHY: For the free stuff! (Oh, and also to live FIT and stay active.)

You can join the program at any time during its duration. For more information, visit www.fleetfeetdecatur.com or call us at 404.371.0208.

HAUNTED HOUSES FOR 2008

For those who may have missed the Decatur High School Homecoming Parade on Friday afternoon, October 3, see taped highlights of the parade

Decatur EDtv

Plan for apartments, parking deck on Ponce has residents worried

Plan for apartments, parking deck on Ponce has residents worried

By DONNA WILLIAMS LEWIS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Decatur has applied an unusual touch to a public meeting scheduled next week at City Hall — something like a marriage counselor.

City officials say the meeting on a redevelopment proposal on the city’s main drag will be “facilitated” by Otis White, president of Civic Strategies Inc.
Company literature describes the Atlanta-based public policy consulting firm as one that “helps communities make important decisions.”

In this case, White may need all of his skills.

Last month, residents packed a tense, nearly six-hour zoning meeting to oppose JLB Partners’ plan to build a parking deck and apartments on the parking lot of an office tower at 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

The meeting ran past 2 a.m. An exhausted Zoning Board of Appeals put off making a decision until more information could be gathered. And now, if nothing else, everyone seems to agree that nobody wants to live through a repeat performance.

Carl Black, who lives near the site, said he thinks White’s wade into the fray might produce more meaningful dialogue in an area where a downtown building boom directly abuts single-family neighborhoods.

“I think that what we need,” Black said, “is some sort of a healing.”

The proposed project calls for a parking deck that would be shared by office tenants and apartment residents. Among other concerns, neighbors fear parking would spill over into their narrow streets.

White has designed leadership summits and planning retreats for governments and nonprofits and has helped companies handle community relations issues.

But he hasn’t been hired to intervene in a community conflict before, and he’s still developing a format for the meeting, to be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15.

“This is not the way things normally happen, and I think it’s exciting,” White said.

White said he hopes the effort, for which he’s being paid $4,500, will articulate residents’ feelings about the project which might help the developer work with them to attain consensus.

One thing already sounds good to some of them. White said he’s been told to limit the session to a much more palatable two hours.

North Decatur Pharmacy - Time Machine.

Here is a 1950 photo of the North Decatur Pharmacy which was located at N.Decatur Rd & Clairmont.

Bottom photo as it looks today.

A new City of Decatur blog named "The Decatur Minute"

I want to take a minute and welcome a new City of Decatur blog called "The Decatur Minute" I know all of us will be reading your new blog. The link has been added to my blog roll.
Thanks Linda for the mention of Decatur's 3 most popular blogs, nDecatur, Decatur Metro & Next Stop...Decatur

Below is the description of the blog posted by Linda.


The Decatur Minute Goes Live

October 7, 2008 by Linda

Welcome to The Decatur Minute, a blog written by employees in the Community & Economic Development Department of the City of Decatur. We are excited to enter the blogosphere and welcome any and all comments, ideas, suggestions, and information to share. We will give you the latest on special events, volunteer opportunities, new businesses, things to see and do in Decatur, and more.

Our blog policy is posted on the City of Decatur website and we look forward to ongoing conversations with the community.

We also have links to popular Decatur blogs such as Decatur Metro, nDecatur, Next Stop Decatur and others with Decatur connections. You will also find links to blogs from our shops and restaurants. If you know of a Decatur blog that is missing, please let us know.

Check back often - it only takes a minute!

"AS SEEN AROUND DECATUR" Hatim & Elizabeth. - Mr. & Ms. 12th Grade

Hatim and Elizabeth ( Mr. & Ms. 12th Grade) in Decatur High School Home Coming Parade Oct 3rd, 2008.

Be seen on Next Stop... Decatur

"As Seen Around Decatur"
Send us photos of you , your family or your friends taken at your favorite Decatur site. examples: resturants,bars, ball games, events, etc...

Note: so send in your photo for consideration.
Send to next-stop-decatur@myway.com

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur – How You Can Help

Brighten the 2008 Holiday Season for Decatur Children and Seniors

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur seeks donors to assist our city's low-income children and senior citizens. Last year, the community's generosity allowed this program to provide holiday gifts for more than 400 children and senior citizens. This year our goal is to increase that number to 500.

You can participate individually or as a group with friends, neighbors, family, place of worship, workplace, school, or club. We provide a profile for shopping that lists exact information on what a child or senior needs, including clothing sizes. We ask that you purchase approximately $100 worth of gifts for each person (a mixture of toys and clothing for the children).

Ways to help:
• Have a party and ask each person to bring one of the items on your list.
• Take up a collection and designate one person to do the shopping.
• Make a financial contribution and we will do the shopping for you.
• Volunteer!

We need weekday volunteers to call back donors and mail them information. Times are flexible. Volunteers also help in the distribution center in December. Call 404-378-8068 or email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com. Make donations to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.

Drop by Decatur CD for your copy of the new Bob Dylan CD "TELL NO SIGNS"

Visit Decatur CD:

356 West Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
404.371.9090
Sunday: 12-6
Monday - Saturday: 11-9

Taj Ma Hound in new location on E. Lake Dr.

©2004 Taj Ma Hound
707 D East Lake Drive
Decatur, GA 30030, USA
Phone: 1-404-377-9220

click on logo for more info.

Good News: Toco Hills Shopping Center will get a $7.5 Million Facelift.

By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Yes. The economy is reeling and big real estate deals are getting harder to start.

But Atlanta has been sought-after by developers for years. And many projects are moving forward, according to developers and brokers at the International Council of Shopping Centers Southeast meeting this week in Atlanta.

Toco Hills upgrade: The Publix shopping center in Toco Hills will get a $7.5 million upgrade, thanks to owner Edens & Avant, a Columbia, S.C. developer. Herbert Ames, the development manager, said they have owned the center for four years, and now will give the mall a new facade, new merchants and a redesigned parking lot with more plants.

Another news story: Macy’s: The department store is considering smaller stores, which could bust the chain out of the malls.

full story here.

**********************************************************************************
Here's an idea maybe MACY'S would consider putting one of those smaller stores in the McDonough Street Market location....hey, it's just a thought you know it use to be a Belk-Gallant store..... Somebody wake me up, I must be dreaming.

A message from The McDonough Street Market about their closing.

A message from The McDonough Street Market about their closing.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the McDonough Street Market has closed.
Please see the "Members" section of this site for information on contacting individual members.

If you did not know already the ice cream store JAKE'S closed and they held the lease, so The McDonough Street Market had to close also.
see photo from a earlier post.

Note: David from the inDECATUR, said now that they have closed I would have to update my Header photo.....maybe so David, I'll wait and see who moves into the location and then decide.

The Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge

Voted # 1 by SP - The Sunday Paper

Read a few comments here.

Twist "N" Scoot .. MotorScooter Store

Twist ‘n’ Scoot Decatur
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur GA 30030

website here.

Welcome to 1972. This Thursday ABC Premieres "Life On Mars"

The Series Premieres Thursday Oct 9. Return to 1973 on ABC!

Well, you know what they say Frank, Speed Kills.

FONTAINE'S OYSTER HOUSE

Welcome to Fontaine's Oyster House...
Where good food, good drink and good people come together.

Belly up to the bar or grab a seat in a cozy booth. Or grab a spot at the oyster bar and enjoy the freshest oysters in Atlanta. Our patio provides covered seating beneath the stars. Whatever your preference, you're sure to find a spot that fits your needs.
See you at Fontaine's!

Fontaine's is located on the corner of North Highland and Virginia Avenue. Minutes away from downtown Decatur in the heart of VA Highlands.


The Virginia-Highland area of Atlanta has over 100 privately owned shops including clothing stores, flower shops, gift shops, pet stores and of course restaurants & bars. Parking is a premium, so be sure to take advantage of our free nightly valet at the rear entrance.

1026 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA.

404-872-0869

Now Playing at The Plaza Theatre

Just up the road on Ponce is The Plaza Theatre
Now Playing
"Ghost Town"
"Tell No One"
"Search Of A Midnight"

Coming Soon "Christmas On Mars".

Wells Fargo, not Citi, to buy Wachovia

In a stunning reversal, Wachovia said Friday that it planned to be acquired by a rival bank, Wells Fargo, for about $15.1 billion in stock.

The announcement came four days after Citigroup believed that it had cemented a deal with Wachovia to buy most of its banking operations for $1 a share, or $2.2 billion, in a deal brokered by federal regulators. With Wachovia on the brink of collapse, the government agreed to cover any losses above $42 billion, an indication of the urgency of regulators to get a deal done.

But Wachovia has now apparently rejected Citigroup in favor of Wells Fargo in a deal that calls for Wells Fargo to buy all of Wachovia for $7 a share and requires no assistance from the federal government. Wachovia customer deposits would be protected in both deals.

Still, the agreement requires the approval of Wachovia shareholders and regulators. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which brokered the Citigroup-Wachovia deal, said Friday that it "stands behind its previously announced agreement with Citigroup."

Officials from the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency were all involved in original Citigroup-Wachovia deal. It is unclear how they will respond.

By: eric dash

GRAND OPENING FOR GREENE'S FINE FOODS CANDY STORE

DECATUR BULLDOGS OVER CROSS KEYS 56 - 0

Decatur Bulldogs won last night for the first time in new stadium, they had a good luck charm called Homecoming.

Decatur High School Homecoming Parade 2008

Jake's Ice Cream & McDonough Street Market Closing

I can't belive it Jake's Ice Cream closed today and since they leased part of the building to McDonough Street Market they are closing also.

Good Bye to McDonough Street Markets UpTown Girl.


What's next for this location ?

Atlanta Greek Festival Oct 2 thru 5th, 2008

DATES
Thursday - Sunday, October 2 thru 5, 2008
HOURS
11am - 11pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday
12pm - 7pm on Sunday
LOCATION
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
2500 Clairmont Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Exit #91 off I-85
(On Clairmont Rd. between Briarcliff Rd. and LaVista Rd.)

ADMISSION
$3.00 for Adults, $1.00 for children under 12 years of age. Thursday, October 2nd is Senior Citizens Day with free admission for senior citizens.

BUY ONLINE TICKETS
Tired of standing in line? Buy your tickets online at a special discount.

PARKING
FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE BUSES from Century Center Office Park on Clairmont Road, adjacent to I-85.

CAUTION ON PARKING – VERY IMPORTANT!
Please do NOT park on the side streets around the church, which have the “No Parking” signs. Cars will be towed away from these areas. We like our good neighbors and want to help them in this situation. Please use the areas indicated above for parking and the free shuttle buses. THANK YOU!

DRIVE - THRU
A Taste of Athens in Minutes: The Atlanta Greek Festival Drive-Thru. Click here for our drive thru menu!

VOLUNTEERS
Want to be a volunteer? Click here for volunteer sign-up sheet!

GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
2500 Clairmont Road, N.E.
(Between I-85 and Lavista Road, N.E.)

INFORMATION
Do you have any questions? You can contact us at 404.633.5870 or via email at info@atlantagreekfestival.org

Fleetwood Mac - Sara - Live in 1979

Wait a minute baby. . .
Stay with me awhile
Said you'd give me light
But you never told me about the fire

Drowning in the sea of love
Where everyone would love to drown
And now it's gone
It doesn't matter anymore
When you build your house
Call me home

And he was just like a great dark wing
Within the wings of a storm
I think I had met my match--he was singing
And undoing the laces
Undoing the laces

Drowning in the sea of love
Where everyone would love to drown
And now it's gone
It doesn't matter anymore
When you build your house
Call me home

Hold on
The night is coming and the starling
flew for days
I'd stay home at night all the time
I'd go anywhere, anywhere
Ask me and I'm there because I care

Sara, you're the poet in my heart
Never change, never stop
And now it's gone
It doesn't matter what for
When you build your house
I'll come by

Drowning in the sea of love
Where everyone would love to drown
And now it's gone
It doesn't matter anymore
When you build your house
Call me home

All I ever wanted
Was to know that you were dreaming
(There's a heartbeat
And it never really died)

Decatur Bulldogs vs Crosskeys Indians Friday Night @ Decatur Stadium

Decatur couple builds new upstairs level

Craftsman home gets second story, creating room for downstairs renovation
Kristin Allin and her husband Billy wanted to remodel their Decatur 1926 Craftsman home, so they built up, adding a second floor while opening up the first floor.
Photo:Brant Sanderlin/Staff
More photo here.


By H.M. CAULEY

For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sunday, October 05, 2008

When it came time to find more space for their growing family, Kristin and Billy Allin had only one way to go: Up.

By adding a second floor they didn’t have to disturb the yard and gardens around their 1926 Craftsman home in the heart of Decatur. It also allowed them to work within the footprint of the existing structure.
We didn’t have to bump anything out,” Kristin Allin said. “We just went up and worked within the downstairs footprint so we could leave most of the house intact. We had made some changes: We put back the fireplace that was covered up in the front room. The archway off the living room was closed off and we reopened it. But there was already a sunroom on the back where we could make our main living area.”

The couple, who recently opened the Cakes and Ale restaurant in Decatur, built a staircase to the new second floor from the bones of the old attic passage. The stairs took up part of the old master bedroom that is now another seating area off the living room.

The new level has a large center hall, brightly lit with skylights. At one end, under the sloping eaves, are a kids’ play area and a reading nook packed with books and toys. A hall bath is brightly finished in a mosaic of blue, white and beige tiles with subway tiles around the bath.

The hall opens to the children’s bedrooms, with vaulted ceilings and built-in shelving, and a laundry area. The largest space is at the back of the house, where the spacious master with a sloping ceiling over the bed connects to a screened porch and deck.

The master bath was finished with double pedestal sinks, dual mirrored medicine cabinets, an oversize stone shower and an old-fashioned clawfoot tub under a skylight. The airy space is finished with white bead board molding and a beige tiled floor.

“I use the tub, the kids use the tub a lot and we all use the shower,” Kristin Allin said with a laugh. “We also loved the idea of a porch off the bedroom where, in the mornings, we sometimes sit while we have our coffee.”

The overhaul also focused on the kitchen, another significant part of the house for the restaurant owners. The space now features granite counters and off-white cabinets, a stainless steel farmhouse sink with a subway tile backsplash and white display shelves on either side of the window over the sink. The glass-fronted cabinets show off a collection of white dishware. There’s also a butcher-block island with a prep sink and a four-burner Viking stove under a vent hood.

“We tried to cater it to what Billy likes to do,” Kristin Allin said. “It has all the amenities that people like now. Of course, he cooked a lot more before we opened the restaurant.”

The Decatur Old House Fair... Oct 25, 2008 -Tickets available starting today

October 25 • 10 am-5 pm
Holiday Inn Decatur
Conference Plaza
130 Clairemont Ave.
Decatur, Georgia

Tickets available today, October 1.

Click on logo above for more info.

For more information:
regina.brewer@decaturga.com
678-553-657




A day-long celebration featuring new ideas, practical advice, innovative materials and quality services for old-house owners.

Discover . . .
New ideas, materials and techniques for rehabilitating, furnishing and maintaining your older home.

Shop . . .
A large exhibit area of retailers, suppliers and other professionals in home improvement, historic preservation, renovation, interior furnishings and construction.

Learn . . .
How to restore original windows, improve your older home’s energy efficiency, develop a maintenance plan, research old-house history, earn tax incentives for certified rehabilitation – and more – through seminars and hands-on demonstrations.

Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Cash or check only.
Note: Tickets available October 1.

Purchase tickets at:

* Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St.
* Smith Ace Hardware, 601 E. College Ave.
* Intown Hardware, 1404 Scott Blvd.
* 17 Steps, 235-M Ponce de Leon Place
* Kudzu, 2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
* Mission Motif, 1963 Hosea Williams Dr.
* Intown Ace Hardware, 854 N. Highland Ave.



For more information, email regina.brewer@decaturga.com.

The Decatur Old House Fair has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, through the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. However, the contents, opinions, and recommendations expressed in the Decatur Old House Fair do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products or consultants constitute endorsement or recommendation by these agencies. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability in its federally-assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240.

Who remembers TRATTORIA 515 in Decatur ?

How to fool the fueling-up system

By Mr. Cheapskatin'

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Remember when we used to gripe about gas prices? Lately, the only numbers we’ve noticed at the pump are the ones rolling up gallon after gallon as they replenish our tank. North of four bucks per? Who cares?

When (if?) normalcy returns, we’ll start paying attention again to those digits after the dollar sign. I stumbled across some tips on how to buy smartly, many of which are old hat to me. A few fresh ones are shared here:

*Wednesday mornings is the optimum time to fill ‘er up. Prices tend to rise as the weekend approaches, then settle down by mid-week.

*Stations adjust their prices in the morning, often around 10 o’clock.

*Some stations jack up their prices more steeply than others. Scout out the ones whose bumps are least painful.

*Stations at exit ramps off highways often charge more than the norm because they can lure long-distance travelers.

Now, one continuous theme you’ll find in this blog is how to make frugality fun. I like to monitor price per gallon at stations in my ‘hood or along my normal routes. Rather than cast my loyalty with one, I turn into the lowest-priced place.

I also track the wildly shifting price of a barrel of oil on the open market. If it’s dipped significantly, I will patiently wait to fill my tank because the retail cost of fuel will trend downward. Should it escalate, I’ll either put in the max pronto or, if I feel like gambling, quench my tank’s thirst only when necessary with a sip here and there until it declines again.

Besides saving pocket change, the strategy also provides the satisfaction that you are beating the system. And, leaves you enough left over to buy a Big Gulp.

Ruff journey: Atlanta dog found in Florida

This is why you should get A microchip implant for your pet, because you never know what could happen. Get one A.S.A.P.

St. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An Atlanta pooch traveled more than 400 miles for a Florida vacation, but even that might not have been enough for the golden retriever.

Pepper the dog was covered in fleas and dirt when a St. Petersburg man found him outside a travel office during a thunderstorm. Jay Getman took the dog to a veterinarian. A microchip implanted in the dog's neck helped him reunite the dog with his grateful owner last week.

Pepper went missing from a dog sitter's home nine months ago when his family was in Mexico.

___

Information from: The Tampa Tribune, http://www.tampatrib.com

No time to cook? In Decatur, these restaurants will cook and deliver

By JON WATERHOUSE
Photo: D Whitefield

Special to EveningEdge.com



Can’t quite put together the dinner you’re hoping for? Need to radio for support? If you?re in Decatur, consider picking up the phone and calling in some delivery. We have a list of several eateries that’ll bring grub to your door. Check or call to see if you fall into each respective delivery radius.

Las Brasas Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken Pictured above.
Address: 310 E. Howard Ave. Decatur, 30030
What’s Cooking? Rotisserie chicken in various forms, from half a bird to salads and wraps. Popular picks include the rotisserie chicken special, which comes with a quarter chicken, a choice of side and a can of soda or bottled water.
Delivery Radius: 3 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $15
Contact Info: 404-377-9121, www.lasbrasasdecatur.com

Dave’s Cosmic Subs
Address: 1540 North Decatur Road. Atlanta, 30307
What’s Cooking? This hippie-dippy sub shop whips up sammies (both hot and cold), salads, kid-size fare, brownies, cookies and Jake’s ice cream. The staff says customers typically order its Original (an Italian-style sandwich), the Turkey Dave and Reuben sandwiches for delivery.
Delivery Radius: 2 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $20
Contact Info: 404-373-6250, www.davescosmicsubsatl.com.

Burger Joe’s
Address: 1369 Clairmont Road. Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? Various bulging burgers, chicken wings, chicken tenders, salads and desserts. Of course, the burgers, which the restaurant describes as “run-down-your-chin good,” make the delivery roster, along with the wings and tenders.
Delivery Radius: Approximately 3 1/2 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $8 plus $1.50 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-315-1108, www.burgerjoes.com | Menu.

Kyoto Joe’s
Address: 2050 North Decatur Road. Decatur, 30033.
What’s Cooking? It melds Japanese fast-food noodle dishes, teriyaki bowls and minimalist sushi with greasy spoon sensibilities like burgers, gyros, salads, soups and more. Don’t miss the chicken teriyaki bowl and chicken wings.
Delivery Radius: 3 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10
Contact Info: 404-929-9921, www.k-joes.com.

Mediterranean Grill
Address: 2126 North Decatur Road. Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? Greek and Middle Eastern goodness. Think items like kofta kabobs, gyros and falafel in sandwich and entree form. Callers request pita wraps (gyro, falafel, veggie and more) and hearty plates like the combination feast (shish kabob, kofta kabob, gyros slices, rice pilaf, pita, tahini sauce, and salad).
Delivery Radius: 3 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $15 plus $1.75 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-320-0101, www.mediterraneangrill.com.

Paradise Grill
Address: 1652 Church St., Suite B, Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? A hodgepodge including Jamaican favorites, Philly cheese sandwiches, wings, burgers, quesadillas, fried fish and more. Top delivery fare runs the gamut from jerk chicken and curry chicken to Phillies and wings.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $15
Contact Info: 404-296-5686, www.campusfood.com.

Top Spice
Address: 3007 N. Druid Hills Road N.E. Atlanta, 30329
What’s Cooking? Top-notch Thai and Malaysian delicacies including appetizers, soups, salads and entrees. Its phone frequently rings with delivery requests like spicy basil chicken and pad Thai with shrimp.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles
Minimum Delivery: $14 plus $1 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-728-0588, www.topspiceatlanta.com

Wingnuts
Address: 2088 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta, 30329
What’s Cooking? Chicken wings, meatless wings, rice bowls, wraps and burgers. The wings prove most popular, especially with the college clientele.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10 plus $1 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-417-9990, www.campusfood.com.

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza
Address: 340 Church St. Decatur, 30030
What’s Cooking? Specialty pizzas, subs and Italian pasta entrees. The pizzas get top billing for delivery, but don’t discount the made-to-order dishes like lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, baked ziti and the Bronx Bomber (Italian meats with peppers and onions baked in marinara sauce with a cheese topper).
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10
Contact Info: 404-373-8511, www.johnnyspizza.com.

Athens Pizza Express
Address: 1788 Clairmont Road. Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? Pizza, calzone, Greek salad, chicken wings, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and baklava. This limited version of the regular Athens menu keeps the classic Mediterranean Special (feta cheese, gyro meat, tomato slices and kalamata black olives) on the menu.
Delivery Radius: Approximately 4 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10 plus $1 fee if ordered by phone; $2 fee if ordered online.
Contact Info: 404-634-8646, www.athenspizzaexpress.com. Online orders available.

Golden Buddha
Address: 1905 Clairmont Road. Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? This Chinese mainstay creates oodles of Chinese classics (Mongolian beef, sweet and sour pork, garlic chicken and more) and some Korean delights. The staff says the Empress Chicken and seafood noodle soup are regular delivery favorites.
Delivery Radius: 3 miles
Minimum Delivery: $13
Contact Info: 404-633-5252, www.momoyaga.com.

Yami Sushi and Hibachi
Address: 1248 Clairmont Road, Suite 4G. Decatur, 30030
What’s Cooking? Noodle bowls, hibachi dishes and a laundry list of sushi. The Super Crunchy roll (shrimp tempura, masago, avocado, cream cheese, cucumber and spicy aioli sauce) and Orange Crunch roll (salmon tempura, avocado, cucumbers, masago, and spicy mayo) often roll out the door.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10
Contact Info: 404-634-8388, www.campusfood.com.

Hunan Dragon III
Address:1248 Clairmont Road, Suite 4C. Decatur 30030
What’s Cooking? Chinese standards and Asian fusion complete the bill of fare. Among callers, General Tso’s Chicken and Sesame Chicken are hot selections.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10
Contact Info 404-248-0082, www.campusfood.com.

Philly Connection
Address: 2140 North Decatur Road. Decatur, 30033
What’s Cooking? Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, chicken fingers and desserts. The cheesesteaks, from the regular to the Southwest, remain the star of the show for both dining in and delivery.
Delivery Radius: 4 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $10 plus $1 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-636-1004, www.phillyconnection.com.

Chopsticks
Address: 2088 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta, 30329
What’s Cooking? Exhaustive menu with Chinese and Thai traditions. Regular delivery requests include Mongolian beef, sesame chicken and masaman curry.
Delivery Radius: 5 miles.
Minimum Delivery: $12 plus $1 delivery fee.
Contact Info: 404-320-7373, www.campusfood.com.

YOUR TURN
Who do you turn to for food delivery in the Decatur area?

Citigroup buying Wachovia

By SARA LEPRO

Associated Press

Monday, September 29, 2008

NEW YORK — Citigroup agreed Monday to purchase Wachovia’s banking operations for $2.1 billion in a deal arranged by federal regulators, making the Charlotte-based bank the latest casualty of the widening global financial crisis.
The deal greatly expands Citigroup’s retail franchise — giving it a total of more than 4,300 U.S. branches and $600 billion in deposits — and secures its place among the U.S. banking industry’s Big Three, along with Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

But it comes at a cost: Citigroup Inc. said it will slash its quarterly dividend in half to 16 cents. It also will dilute existing shareholders by selling $10 billion in common stock to shore up its capital position.

In addition to assuming $53 billion worth of debt, Citigroup will absorb up to $42 billion of losses from Wachovia’s $312 billion loan portfolio, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. agreeing to cover any remaining losses. Citigroup also will issue $12 billion in preferred stock and warrants to the FDIC.

The remainder of Wachovia will include its asset management, retail brokerage and certain select parts of its wealth management businesses, including the Evergreen and Wachovia Securities franchises. It will continue to be a public company under the Wachovia name.

The agreement comes after a fevered weekend courtship in which Citigroup and Wells Fargo & Co. both were reportedly studying the books of Wachovia Corp., which was weighed down by losses linked to its ill-timed 2006 acquisition of mortgage lender Golden West Financial Corp.

Wachovia, like Washington Mutual Inc., which was seized by the federal government last week, was a big originator of option adjustable-rate mortgages, which offered very low introductory payments and let borrowers defer some interest payments until later years. Delinquencies and defaults on these types of mortgages have skyrocketed in recent months, causing big losses for the banks.

Wachovia shares, which had slumped as the global credit crisis intensified in recent months, dropped $8.20, or 82 percent, to $1.80 as trading resumed Monday afternoon. They had traded as high as $52.25 over the past year.

The FDIC asserted Monday that Wachovia did not fail, and that all depositors are protected and there will be no immediate cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in a statement Monday, said he supports the “timely actions” taken by the FDIC “which demonstrate our government’s unwavering commitment to financial and economic stability.”

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a statement that the sale of Wachovia’s banking operations to Citigroup would “mitigate potential market disruptions.” Paulson said he agreed with the FDIC and the Fed that a “failure of Wachovia would have posed a systemic risk” to the nation’s financial system.

The deal is essentially a vote of confidence in Citigroup’s capital strength, said Sandler O’Neill & Partners analyst Jeff Harte in a note to investors. “We are skeptical that the FDIC would have brokered a deal to sell Wachovia’s assets and liabilities into weak hands,” he said.

With the acquisition of the bulk of Wachovia, Citigroup has reclaimed its title as the biggest U.S. bank by total assets — $2.91 trillion. In terms of how shareholders value each company’s stock, Bank of America Corp. remains the largest U.S. bank, followed by JPMorgan Chase in second and Citigroup in third place.

Wachovia’s takeover marks a dramatic shift in the outlook for Citigroup’s future. Just a short time ago, the bank’s investors worried about the possibility of its own collapse given its massive exposure to mortgage-backed securities. New York-based Citigroup has not turned a profit for three straight quarters, and lost a total of $17.4 billion during that period after writing down its assets by about $46 billion. That’s the largest reduction in asset values taken by any U.S. bank in the current credit crisis.

Citigroup said it expects to reduce expenses by more than $3 billion annually as it consolidates certain functions. But with few overlaps in their regional operations, Citi projects closing fewer than 5 percent of the banks’ combined branches.

During a conference call with investors, Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit said he is working with Wachovia CEO Bob Steel in setting up a transition team. “We will make sure that we execute on this with a great deal of precision and a great deal of speed,” he said.

The failure of the government’s proposed $700 billion rescue plan for financial institutions casts doubt on whether Citigroup will be able to rid itself of some of Wachovia’s bad debt. Some expected the bank to take advantage of the plan and potentially sell toxic mortgages and other assets it gained from Wachovia for a higher price than the bank actually paid for them.

But House lawmakers voted down the bailout proposal on Monday afternoon.

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of both companies, is subject to approval by Wachovia’s shareholders and regulators and must close by Dec. 31.

The Wachovia acquisition caps a wave of unprecedented upheaval in the financial sector in the past six months that has redefined the banking industry, starting with the government-led forced sale of Bear Stearns Cos. to JPMorgan in March.

The failure of IndyMac Bancorp in July reignited investors’ fears about the stability of the financial sector, which led to the eventual takeover of struggling mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Earlier this month, officials seized both Fannie and Freddie, temporarily putting them in a government conservatorship, replacing their chief executives and taking a financial stake in the mortgage finance companies.

After U.S. regulators made it clear that they would not bail out struggling investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., rival Merrill Lynch & Co. arranged a hasty deal to be bought by Bank of America Corp. for $50 billion in stock.

Lehman Brothers was subsequently forced to declare bankruptcy, the largest ever in the United States. Investor concerns quickly turned to American International Group Inc., the nation’s largest insurer. Staving off a failure that could have sent shock waves throughout the global markets, the federal government injected an $85 billion emergency loan into the insurer.

Just days later, the government seized Seattle-based Washington Mutual, marking the largest bank failure in U.S. history. WaMu’s deposits and assets were acquired by JPMorgan for just $1.9 billion.

These events have now culminated in extraordinary moves by the federal government to try to fix the financial crisis that began more than a year ago.

Wachovia’s problems stem largely from its acquisition of Golden West Financial in 2006 for roughly $25 billion at the height of the nation’s housing boom. With that purchase, Wachovia inherited a deteriorating $122 billion portfolio of Pick-A-Payment loans, Golden West’s specialty, which let borrowers skip some payments.

This summer, Wachovia reported a $9.11 billion loss for the second quarter, announced plans to cut 11,350 jobs — mostly in its mortgage business — and slashed its dividend. Wachovia also boosted its provision for loan losses to $5.57 billion during the second quarter, up from $179 million in the year-ago period.

Glen Campbell - Galveston