Easter Portraits at Hoopla April 4th

Parker Smith will be in store immediatly following the Easter Egg Hunt in the Square to do Easter Portraits. Sessions are every 15minutes (sign up for a time) starting at 11:30. Only $40 and includes a 5×7 portrait.

N. McDonough St. looking towards old Court House

Look close and you can see The Decatur Theatre Marquee on the right side.
Cross St. is E. Trinity Pl.

circa 1960's

Sugarland at Gwinnett Arena April 10

Universal Music Nashville

Flowers aren’t the only thing popping up all over this spring. April boasts a bumper crop of big concerts across the metro area. Here are some highlights: From Access Atlanta

Sugarland April 10
Gwinnett Arena; $39.50-$49.50

Lights for Earth Hour

By SHANE BLATT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saturday, March 28, 2009

With the flip of a switch Saturday night, Atlanta joined thousands of cities worldwide in casting itself into darkness for 60 minutes in a gesture of environmental responsibility.

At precisely 8:30 p.m., Mayor Shirley Franklin threw a large mock light switch inside the World of Coca-Cola downtown to usher in the second annual Earth Hour in Atlanta.

ajc story

Wahoo! will participate in Earth Hour

Candlelight for a Cause!
Wahoo! will participate in Earth Hour (a global effort to create awareness about global warming) this Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 pm by turning off all unnecessary lights and enjoying dinner by candlelight!

Please turn off your lights and join us at Wahoo! Let's do our part to alter the course of climate change; together we can make a difference.

Wahoo! Grill, 1042 W. College Ave., Decatur, GA, 30030
Ph. 404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Looking back at The Glenwood Hardware Store

Photo sent in by Robert Brown.
Great photo. thanks


NOTE: If anyone finds a old photo of Decatur stores or any photo about Decatur, please send it in.
or tell me where one is and I will try to get a copy of it.

Decatur Electronics Recycling POSTPONED -RESCHEDULED for APRIL 25

Thanks Catherine Lee for sending this.

Decatur Electronics Recycling POSTPONED
RESCHEDULED for APRIL 25


The City of Decatur announces the cancelation of Electronics Recycling Day scheduled for Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in response to the prediction of severe thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning.

David Junger, Assistant City Manager for Public Works, said "The threat of severe weather is a safety hazard for our workers and volunteers. The event is held in an outdoor parking lot and offers no cover for the workers or the electronics that are being recycled."

Electronics Recycling Day has been re-scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Decatur High School parking lot. Visit www.decaturga.com for a list of electronic items that may be recycled and more details about the event. Or, call 404-377-5571 for information.

Stonecrest Mall Bans teens without parents on weekend nights

Mall bans teens without parents on weekend nights

By MARCUS K. GARNER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Lithonia’s Mall at Stonecrest will soon tell teenagers to stay away on weekend nights if they aren’t with Mom or Dad.

Beginning next weekend, anyone under age 18 coming to the mall at night will have to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, mall officials will announce on Friday.

AJC story

Spring Cleaning ? Electronics Recycling Day is your Answer

Spring Electronics Recycling Day.
Bring your old electronics,cell phones,computers, typewriters (remember those)
To the Decatur High School parking lot this Saturday March 28

Looking Back at The North 85 Drive-In

Remember when we had Drive-In Theatres in this area ?

Relics and Rarities to Open Soon

Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities tells his story


Relics and Rarities is too unique to describe without telling, as they say, the whole story. I grew up in Columbus, Georiga, about 130 miles southwest of Decatur. Columbus was the home of Kinnetts Dairy. Kinnetts Dairy was the primary supplier of milk and dairy products to all the schools in the area. Each year the school would take students on a field trip to the dairy. There was a replica of a white and black spotted cow standing on the beautiful green lawn of the dairy. The cow's name was Katie. Katie must have been at least 100 feet tall. I'm sure I could be off a couple of feet, I was only 6 or 7 years old at the time. We would all gather around Katie in amazement until we were ushered inside for the educational tour. I must have taken this tour 7 times throughout my childhood, but all I can remember is the 3 ounce cup of ice cream after every tour. Man that ice cream was delicious!

When I envisioned Relics and Rarities Ice Cream Parlor, the education and entertainment of children played an instrumental role in the concept development. So as a result, not only will you find delicious ice cream, you will also find a wonderful learning environment.

Kinnetts Dairy closed some years ago, Katie was moved to storage for a while and now stands in front of a Best Buys. But the trips to this dairy are some of my fondest childhood memories. My greatest wish is that Relics and Rarites will create great memories for each and every child that visits.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more here including tour info and hours of operations.

I took a tour of this place and you will love it, kids and adults.

Relics & Rarities will Open Soon.
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, Ga

Across from Decatur High School

One Thing

My heros have always been Cowboys. Willie Nelson

Having fun with photo shop.
What if The Plaza Theatre was in Decatur.

DeKalb County school officials plan for military style School

Despite protests, DeKalb proceeds with Marines school.
County plans to open public high school in partnership with U.S. Marine Corps

By KRISTINA TORRES

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



DeKalb County school officials are forging ahead with plans to open a first-of-its-kind military-style public high school, despite a growing campaign by activists upset at the involvement of the U.S. Marines.

ajc story

"FOOD THAT PLEASES" - SINCE 1929

Indigo Girls, Mastodon will make appearance at Criminal Records March 24th

Free and Cheap Entertainment in Atlanta: Indigo Girls, Mastodon and more

by Shane Harrison
ajc

Two of Atlanta’s most beloved bands, Indigo Girls (at right) and Mastodon, will be releasing new albums on Tuesday, March 24. Though the folk-pop duo and the mind-bending metal monsters seem like polar opposites, they’ll both make an appearance at Criminal Records in Little Five Points on release day. The Indigos will be there at 4:30 p.m., followed by Mastodon at 8:30 p.m. And Criminal will have special offers connected with both the Indigo Girls’ “Poseidon and the Bitter Bug” and Mastodon’s “Crack the Skye.” 1154-A Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-215-9511.
AJC

Due to an overwhelming repsonse from the public, Criminal Records has had to modify how it will handle the upcoming Mastodon in-store performance on Tuesday, March 24th. The store will be closed (for a brief time) at 8 pm, so that we may re-organize to enhance our customers enjoyment of the show. Upon re-opening, customers that have a Criminal Records receipt from purchase of "Crack The Skye" will be given priority to enter the store. Also, due to space constraints and security concerns we will limit the number of people allowed in the store to 300. Thanks for your understanding.

EURASIA BISTRO in DECATUR, GA.

1960's Photo -Trinity & N. Mc Donough St

People in line were registering to vote.
For years this Gas station was a Shell station
American took over in mid to late 1960's
Today Chick-fil-A sits on that corner.

Power outage in Decatur back on.

Power was out for about 90 minute Thursday afternoon that gave businesses problems and even put some proceedings at Dekalb Court House on hold.
The problem was a bad switch on a pole that burned up.

Full story at AJC

Ducati Motorcycles Looks at Twains for new Customers

Ducati motorcycles bring in new models to park outside Twains trying to get new customers.

Zombieland & Halloween 2 being Filmed in Decatur

Here they turn the old Belk Gallant/McDonough St Market building into a bookstore called Leeland Books for H2
Zombieland which was also filmed around Decatur stars Woody Harrlson (Cheers) and Mila Kunis ( Jackie in That 70's Show)
Zombieland will be released OCT 9, 2009
H2 will be released AUG 28, 2009

Rob Zombie has announced the latest addition to the cast of his currently shooting HALLOWEEN sequel, H2 and it's none other then Margot Kidder.


Zombieland and H2 will hit theatres in time for Halloween and boasts a great cast. Zombieland will star Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard, and Mila Kunis.

Correction: The "Leeland Books" store is for Rob Zombie's "Halloween 2" or "H2,"

Renovations on Glenlake will begin week of March 23rd

Catherine Lee sends this info from decaturga.com

Major renovations will begin on Glenlake Park during the week of March 23rd. This is the first comprehensive improvement to Glenlake Park in over 50 years. Work should be completed by the end of this year and will include new walking trails, pedestrian bridges, improved athletic fields, a new multi-purpose pavilion and an expanded dog park. Streambed restoration will improve water quality reduce downstream flooding and allow the stream to become an integral part of the park experience. A new bathhouse is currently underway and should be completed in time for the pool to reopen this Memorial Day.

While the swimming pool and tennis courts will remain open during construction, access to other areas of the park will be closed beginning the week of March 23rd. Significant excavation and the use of heavy construction equipment make it impossible to safely allow pedestrian access into and through the park. We understand that this work creates an inconvenience but to assure your safety and that we complete the park renovation as quickly as possible, access into the park must be closed.

To provide an alternative parking option during construction, we will close one lane of travel in each direction on Church Street and create on-street parking for residents who cannot walk to the Tennis Center and Glenlake Pool. Safe Routes to School detours around Glenlake Park have been outlined and can be viewed on the city's website at www.decaturga.com/glenlakemasterplan. These detour maps will also be shared with principals at Clairemont Elementary and Glennwood Academy for distribution to parents and students.

To view a copy of the park renovation plan, the Church Street parking diagram and the Safe Routes to School detour map, visit www.decaturga.com/glenlakemasterplan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 404-553-6507 or at hugh.saxon@decaturga.com.

Sincerely,


Hugh Saxon
Deputy City Manager.

Looking back at Atlantic Thrift Discount Store

I belive it was located on Moreland Ave.
In the 1960's it was a very poplar store.
It was like a early version of Arlans Dept store or Zayre's

Hop on in to Greene's Fine Foods

Update on Decatur High Construction.

Through Rain, Sleet or Snow People Love Mezcalitos Cantina

Rare Superman comic sells for $317,200

In this file photo released by Metropolis Collectibles, Friday, Feb. 27,2009 in New York, the June, 1938 cover of Action Comics is shown. The issue that was first featured the character 'Superman,' has sold for $317,200 in an Internet auction on Friday, March 13, 2009. The winning bid was placed by John Dolmayan, the drummer for the rock band System of a Down. Dolmayan is also a dealer of rare comic books. (AP Photo/Metropolis Collectibles, File)

Washington Post story

Have a Grand Time in Decatur GA

Decatur Sundries Building / Scott's Pharmacy

This building was once the Pythagoras Masonic Temple but it became to small for the lodge. They built a larger one in 1924 on the backside of the old Court House.
Note: Decatur Sundries was one of the popular downtown drugstores known as Scott's Pharmacy at Sycamore and McDonough, it was a inviting place for an ice cream soda on a hot afternoon downtown or after an evening movie at The Decatur Theatre.

Friday at Eddie's Attic

FRIDAY, MARCH 13th - 2 SHOWS!
PAT McGEE BAND / OH, DORIAN
Early Show time: 6:45 pm / Doors open: 6:00 pm (ALL AGES)
Individual tickets: $20 / Tables of 4: $100

Late Show time: 10:00 pm / Doors open: 9:30 pm (21+ ONLY)
Individual tickets $20 / Tables of 4: $100


Richmond, VA's PAT McGEE BAND signed with Warner Bros. Records subsidiary Giant Records in 1999. "Shine," the band's major-label debut, was released in 2000 with the national singles "Runaway" and "Rebecca". After two years of delays, the band was dropped from the label. Pat & his band are currently pursuing music independently and are touring in support of their latest release "These Days." Their pop/rock sound is for fans Matchbox Twenty, Matthew Perryman Jones, & Sister Hazel.



OH DORIAN is Heather Kemp, a Macon, GA native whose soft folk ballads are both guitar and piano driven. She has been musically influenced by the likes of Bright Eyes, Imogen Heap, and Radiohead; and their intense music style is evident in the songs that Oh Dorian produces. For fans of: Tori Amos, Neko Case, Fiona Apple, and Rachel Yamagata.

eddie's attic

"Inside Eddie's Attic." Sundays @ 8 P.M. on 92.9 davefm

Atlanta's AAA radio station 92.9 daveFM has now begun featuring a new radio show entitled "Inside Eddie's Attic." The show broadcasts every Sunday night at 8 p.m. and is an hour-long presentation showcasing some of the best live music performances from the Eddie's Attic stage. Founder Eddie Owen is your host.

Update on Decatur High Auditorium & Gym Construction

Vintage Travel Trailer Slide Show

Looking Back at Jacobs Pharmacy

Jacobs Drugs was located at 2773 Clairmont Rd.
photo circa 1960's

FOOD THAT PLEASES

Volunteers needed to help with the sessions!

Dan Magee sends this in.


As part of the Decatur Safe Routes to School Program, a Bicycle Safety Training Class will be held for the Glennwood Academy 4th grade class. We need parent volunteers to help Coach Hennessy with the sessions!



The dates are March 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 and April 1. (Wed. - Wed.). There are 3 two hour sessions a day, and we need 3 volunteers per two hour session. The sessions are 8-10 am, 10 am-12 pm, and 12-2 pm.



Through the efforts of the Decatur Police Department, Decatur Active Living, and others, a fleet of bicycles has been created. Bicycle South has reconditioned them and is providing 35 helmets for class use. In addition, we have created a training guide suitable for this age group courtesy of the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and League of American Bicyclists, and recently held a "Train the Trainers" class also.



Because of this, the Decatur SRTS program now has a bike fleet, a training guide and a core group of folks to help conduct these classes - not only at Glennwood once a year but at other locations and times throughout the City of Decatur. But we need your help this March! Please consider volunteering for a day, a half day, a session (or the whole week!) and help make this Bicycle Safety Training Class a success. The students enjoy it, they learn how to handle themselves on a bike, and the class teaches important safety skills. Plus, it's easy and fun to do

.

Please contact Greg White, Asst. Director, City of Decatur Active Living, 678-553-6543, or Fred Boykin, 404-636-4444, for more information.

Home Energy Performance Evaluations are Getting more Popular.

Hi Dennis,

I thought your loyal blog readers might find the information below interesting. I’m sure many of them would be interested in having such a test done on their own homes. With all the green tax incentives now being offered by the government, home energy performance evaluations are getting more popular.



Thanks,

Kelly Cheek

Renewal Design-Build
-------------------------------


Local Decatur Business Now Offering Energy Audits March 10, 2009 –Considering that 45% of Decatur and 61% of Atlanta homes were built before 1960, it’s not surprising that local homeowners are often faced with drafty windows and doors and leaky ducts, often resulting in high energy bills. Renewal Design-Build is now offering Home Performance with Energy Star, a comprehensive home assessment that reveals where and why a home is not energy efficient. With diagnostic equipment, Renewal can pinpoint a home’s problems and provide the homeowner with solutions. Home improvement services include: energy efficient renovations, HVAC systems, duct systems, crawl space encapsulation, insulation and air sealing, replacement window and doors, and combustion safety. Improvements to the home result in improved energy efficiency and air quality, and lower utility bills. “Twenty percent of the energy produced in the United States is consumed by homes,” says Renewal CEO Peter Michelson. “By evaluating and making improvements to our homes, we as homeowners are protecting the environment by conserving energy, and we are saving money by cutting costs on our utility bills. It’s a win-win all around.” Homeowners will not only save on utility bills, but they can also get cash in their pockets through rebates and tax credits. Georgia Power is now offering its customers Home Performance rebates, and there is a multitude of federal tax credits available to those homeowners making green improvements to their homes in 2009 and 2010. For more information on Home Performance with Energy Star, visit georgiapower.com/energystar. Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, small projects and repairs.

For information, call 404.378.6962 or visit www.RenewalDesignBuild.com. Kelly Cheek Marketing Manager Renewal Design-Build t. 404-378-6962 f. 404-378-6963 m. 770-361-7878 124 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30030 Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com http://www.RenewalDesignBuild.com

Next Stop...Decatur is 1 Year Old Today.

Today marks 1 year since I started Next Stop...Decatur. I hope you all have enjoyed my blog style. In this first year, there has been all kinds of Decatur news stories, I try to post the ones that you might have an interest. My site has a style like no other. I try to mix Decatur news along with fun stuff, videos and all kinds of photos past and present.
Decatur has a variety of different blogs Dave's Indecatur site is one, he works 24-7, slow down Dave give us others a chance to catch up.
Another is Nick's Decatur Metro,
Nick how in the heck do you get so many comments ?
and Next Stop...Decatur, a little different but you get Decatur news just the same but with fun added into the mix.

The Regator tracks the most popular blogs in the Atlanta area and as you can see Decatur blogs rule the top 5.


Can anyone tell me what Next Stop...Decatur's first Photo header was ?

Other popular blogs that I read are asian cajuns
and The Decatur Minute ( city of Decatur blog)

Comments:
Dave Kell says:
Congratulations, Dennis! Thanks for mentioning other Decatur blogs. I'd say Decatur has the best mix of blogs of any community in ATL. They complement each other, with each bringing something unique to the table.

I seem to remember your first header being the old train depot.

You are correct Dave and you should know because you posted about it 1 year ago today.

Comment:
Jeff from Whit's End says:
Congrats on your 1 year anniversary Dennis!

Thanks for all your support.
Jeff

The High House Circa 1830

The first two-story house in Decatur is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. According to legend, General Sherman stopped here during the Civil War.

Corner of N. Candler St. and Sycamore St.

The Dekalb School Officials to Examine New Schools Location

The Dekalb School System has a problem to solve with student enrollment beginning to shift in south DeKalb area : students transfer from struggling schools and with home foreclosures , county school officials expect to recommend changes soon that could shift millions of construction dollars away from the area.

It’s a move that could reignite old north/south rivalries.
AJC full story

Decatur Fire Station No. 2- Update

Volunteer for the ING Georgia Marathon

The ING Georgia Marathon will be coming through the City of Decatur on Sunday morning, March 29 and we would love to have you participate! As the marathon organizers say “Volunteers are the heart and SOLE of the marathon”.

Volunteers are needed to staff one of two Hydration Stations in the City of Decatur, one at the East Lake MARTA Station and one in downtown Decatur. Volunteers will have a lot of fun handing out water to the runners and cheering them on. To volunteer, go to www.inggeorgiamarathon.com and click on the volunteer link. Choose either Hydration Station #11 – Oakhurst, or #13 Downtown Decatur. The password is COD.

Most importantly, Decaturites are needed to come to the official cheering station at Fellini’s Pizza on Commerce Drive on Sunday morning to help cheer the runners on. In 2007, the City of Decatur won $10,000 for the Best Cheering Station and in 2008 we won $5,000 for the second best station. We want to reclaim our #1 title, so come out with a noise maker, signage, and/or a musical instrument. Let’s make noise so the runners remember our city. Runners are going to vote for their favorite Hydration Stations and their favorite Cheering Section so we want them to remember us! Prize money will go to the Decatur Youth Fund for children obesity programs.

For more information on the marathon, email Cheryl Burnette or call 678-553-6573.

Decaturga.com

Leon's Full Service

Atlanta Rollergirls Roller Derby

Saturday Bouts, Midtown location, Free Parking Yaarab Shrine Center
400 Ponce de Leon Ave.

Atlanta Rollergirls

Goober and The Art of Love

Kavarna presents The Amanda Cup: a sad-song writing event

Kavarna presents The Amanda Cup: a sad-song writing event (how Cher wrecked a show and started a revolution)

Oakhurst (Decatur), GA – The story: two Atlanta-based folk singers (Amy Lashley and Wayne Fishell) were having an artist-in-the-round show at Kavarna in March 2008. The crowd was small, save for a birthday party (for a young woman named Amanda) going on in the background. Everyone seemed to be having a good time until Fishell attempted to perform his cover of Cher's 1998 hit, Believe. When he hit the lyric, "Do you believe in life after love," pandemonium broke out: the birthday crowd was not impressed. There were screams of "NO!" There was uncomfortable laughter. There was gnashing of teeth. It would seem that Amanda's relationship had ended the day before, and the lyrics weren't sitting well with the partygoers. To call the show from that point forward an unmitigated disaster (for both Amanda and Wayne) would be a kindness.

Fast forward to March 2009: Kavarna will be hosting The Amanda Cup, a sad-song writing event on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m., featuring songwriter friends of both establishments. Wayne Fishell will be the emcee. There will be a songwriter judge (Brian Slusher of Slushco), a poet judge (Stacie Boshma), two surprise guests who will make up “the average Joe” vote, and Amanda herself will be judging!

Performers include: Night Driving in Small Towns, The Good Graces, John McNicholas, Amy Lashley, Julia Carroll, Sean Kagalis, among others!

To round off the evening, prior to announcing the winner, dates with Amanda and a male friend of hers will be auctioned off (funds will go to Twin Cedars Youth Services Inc. on behalf of Kavarna and Steinbeck's).

Information on the location:
Kavarna
707 East Lake Drive
Decatur (Oakhurst), GA 30030
www.instantkavarna.com

Frequent Shoppers Club @ Whit's End

Dear Whit’s End Shoppers,

On your next stop in to the store to purchase something, let us know you want to join our Frequent Shoppers Club. For every $250 pretax dollars you spend, we will reward you with a $25 gift certificate/store credit which will be good for 6 months. No need to do anything but let us know, we will keep track of everything.

Spring items are here, and more is arriving weekly. The remaining winter items are so discounted, it hurts! So, come and get em! For a limited time, if you buy a clearance item, we will give you 10% off your purchase of a new spring item.

See you in soon,

Jeff and Greg

Whit's End, LLC
431 W. Ponce DeLeon Ave, #2
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-3310
(404) 377-8335 Fax
whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net
www.whitsenddecatur.com

I Got Hooked on Overhaulin

I recorded the TV show Overhaulin one time and now my DVR is recording all episodes.
I am hooked , I love this show.

A new learn-to-run 5K program that Fleet Feet Decatur is Kicking Off.

Kim from Fleet Feet sends this in.
I wanted to let you know about a new learn-to-run 5K program that Fleet Feet Decatur is kicking off this month. We'll be taking all levels of runners and walkers and helping them train for the Virginia Highlands 5K in June. I thought this information might be of interest to your readers.

Thanks Kim.

Runmotivated with No Boundaries!
This spring, join Fleet Feet Decatur to run or walk your first 5K. Our No Boundaries program focuses on beginners, but all levels of runners and walkers are welcome. Sponsored by New Balance and Fleet Feet Sports, the program is designed to help you cross the finish line in 10 weeks. Along the way, we’ll be providing you with motivation to keep you moving, guidance and advice, weekly group training runs or walks, and educational seminars on topics such as proper nutrition, choosing the right gear, and avoiding injury. Plus, you’ll have the camaraderie of others just like you!

Registration: Registration is now available at Fleet Feet Decatur - 431 W Ponce de Leon Ave in Downtown Decatur. Receive $5 off your registration if you register before March 15. Registration is available through March 31.

Informational Sessions: Stop by the store to learn more about the program on March 5 at 6:00 p.m., March 14 at 10:00 a.m. and March 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Kick-Off Sessions/Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. OR Tuesday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Group Runs: We will meet to run or walk twice a week: on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. OR Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. AND Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.

Training Dates: Training will begin on Tuesday, March 31, and continue through the goal race. Our target race is the Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5K race on June 6.

Cost: $80 for training session (includes coaching, educational seminars, free technical t-shirt and jacket and coupon booklet). Price does not include $20 race registration.

Questions? Email Fleet Feet Decatur at staff@fleetfeetdecatur.com or visit one of our informational sessions.


Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
404.371.0208

More Decatur Snow Pictures