Saturday, September 17, 2011

Walk of HEROes Sept 24


From : crossroadsnews.com
Fitness fans and mental health advocates can participate in the Sept. 24 Walk of HEROes in Decatur.

The 5K walk/run, in its fifth year, benefits clients of the DeKalb Community Service Board, which serves residents with developmental disabilities, substance addictions and mental illnesses.

Walk of HEROes is presented by the Brighter Tomorrows Foundation. It also includes a tot trot and Community Hero Fun Day with vendors, snacks and prize drawings.

Warm-up starts at 8:40 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9 at the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way. The tot trot starts at 10.

Medals will include an overall and masters’ male and female as well as first place in age groups.

Registration ranges from $7 to $20. Fees increase on race day. Register online at www.active.com/running/decatur-ga/walk-of-heroes-5k-2011 or visit www.dekcsb.org.

Volunteers and sponsors also are needed. To sign up as a team, vendor or sponsor, visit www.walkofheroes5k.com or contact Michelle Potter at info@dekcsb.org or 404-508-7875.

Friday, September 16, 2011

One-Tank Trip: Johnston County, N.C. "Where a Star was Born"

photo from:http://www.listal.com
From ajc Evening Edge
Hollywood legend Ava Gardner sprang from tobacco region.

By Blake Guthrie

For the AJC

Johnston County in eastern North Carolina is historically an agricultural area, known for its tobacco farms. There’s a museum depicting life on a turn-of-the-century tobacco farm. There’s yet another museum dedicated to film star Ava Gardner, likewise a coveted export from the county.
Born in a crossroads farming community near the county seat of Smithfield in 1922, Gardner, with her exotic good looks and natural acting ability, escaped her hardscrabble Carolina farm girl roots and achieved worldwide fame in the mid-20th century. She returned to her birthplace for extended visits, and her final resting place is beside her parents and siblings in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield.

The community is so proud of its deep connection to Gardner that it hosts a festival each year to honor her. The Ava Gardner Museum in downtown Smithfield will be the focal point in early October of the Ava Gardner Festival, which coincides with the unveiling of the museum’s latest exhibit -- “Frank & Ava: Their Lives, Love and Friendship.”

Mention the names Frank and Ava together in any conversation about celebrity romances and most people of a certain age will know who that is. The passionate and rocky 1950s relationship between Frank Sinatra and Gardner has been pop culture fodder for decades. This year marks the first time the Ava Gardner Festival will pay tribute to Sinatra, whom Gardner once described as the love of her life.

Even after their 1957 divorce, the two remained friends until Gardner’s death in 1990. The new exhibit will feature plenty of artifacts from Sinatra’s and Gardner’s life together. Movie buffs will want to explore the entire museum with its extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia related to Gardner’s film career. It covers the time she was an unknown B-movie vixen to leading lady, one said to be “the most photographed woman in the world” at the peak of her success.

The festival kicks off on Oct. 7 with a cake and champagne reception in the new exhibit gallery at the museum. The cake will be provided by Carlo’s Bakery from Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken, N.J.; reception tickets are $25. The Smithfield Cinema 10 multiplex will screen Gardner and Sinatra movies all weekend, giving festival goers the rare opportunity to see classic films on the big screen. Another festival highlight will be the Heritage Tour that inspects notable sites in the area, including Gardner’s birthplace and burial site. Heritage Tour tickets are $12.

2011 Ava Gardner Festival, October 7-9. Ava Gardner Museum. 325 E. Market St., Smithfield. 919-934-5830, www.avagardner.org.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Virgina Willis Cookbook Release Event @ Ansley Mall


SAVE THE DATE – Virginia Willis Cookbook Release Event

WHO: Virginia Willis, celebrity chef

WHAT: Kick-off “Hootenanny” to Willis’ national 10-city cookbook release tour, starting at her home teaching kitchen at The Cook’s Warehouse.

The event is a fundraiser for the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

A very large public crowd has already pre-registered for this event.

WHERE and

WHEN: Friday, September 30, 2011, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Cook’s Warehouse

1544 Piedmont Avenue NE – Ansley Mall

Atlanta, Georgia 30324 / 404-815-4993, store phone

Save the Date – Virginia Willis will be In The House on September 30!

Virginia Willis is an Atlanta-based celebrity chef whose first cookbook, Bon Appétit, Y’all; Recipes and Stores from Three Generations of Southern Cooking, went through five reprints and has been a smash success.

Willis is starting her national book tour with a Hootenanny party at The Cook’s Warehouse for her second cookbook, Basic to Brilliant, Y’all; 150 Refined Southern Recipes and Ways to Dress Them Up for Company. She can be photographed and/or interviewed prior to the event.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Bluegrass Jam will be SEPTEMBER 16TH @ The Oakhurst Garden

From
http://oakhurstga.org/
Musicians and music-enthusiasts are invited to gather at the Oakhurst Community Garden on the third Friday of the month to play and celebrate bluegrass and folk music.

The first Bluegrass Jam will be SEPTEMBER 16TH from 7-9 PM. Bring your banjo, fiddle, mandolin, bass, or love of music, as well as a vegetarian dish to share! The following dates are Oct. 21, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Nov. 18, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Music will end at 9:30 p.m. The chickens will dance to the music and eat your leftovers. See you in the Garden Soon.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Atlanta British Car & Motorcycle Show in Historic Norcross



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Aston Martin DB 7. I wonder if his James Bond license plate is the revolving type.




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I want one.

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Photos from the Sept 10th event.
The Atlanta British Car Show is a warm and friendly gathering of British car and motorcycle enthusiasts in
the delightful setting of Historic Norcross.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Children Flood Into Decatur, Avondale Estates

From Decatur Patch
By Timothy Darnell

The two communities are seeing huge growth in the number of pre-schoolers and school-aged kids


The number of children 18 and under in Decatur and Avondale Estates has surged over the past decade, according to a Patch analysis of U.S. Census Bureau figures.

In both towns, the pre-school and school-aged populations grew dramatically faster than overall population growth from 2000 to 2010.

In Decatur, the number of children 4 and under jumped by 35 percent, while Avondale Estates saw the same aged group grow by 26 percent.

Decatur’s school aged population -- kids age 5-18 -- increased by 13 percent over the decade. Avondale Estates’ school-aged population grew 38 percent.

The Decatur school system has already felt the effects of growth. Enrollment was up 11 percent in August compared to the end of the last school year. Controversy erupted earlier this year when Oakhurst Elementary parents were told there wasn’t enough room at the school for their kindergarteners.

Full story

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Plowing New Ground

From Decatur Patch


Decatur City Commission favors urban market garden on two-acre tract at United Methodist Children's Home.
If an $80,000 grant comes through, refugees and low-income residents in the Decatur area will have a chance to grow and sell fresh produce from a garden that would be created on 2 acres of pastureland just outside the city limits.

Decatur City Commission members Tuesday night enthusiastically approved an application for the grant. The project seemed made in heaven for the green-thinking Decatur officials.

“It must be right because too many things have happened in a very short time frame,” City Manager Peggy Merriss said. “It must be some kind of karma.”

full story

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2011

A handlebar mustache, it's not right for every occasion... unless that is, you find yourself at The Decatur Beer Festival.
I don't know about you but it makes me think of a old timey bareknuckle boxing match.


Below is the new logo for The 2011 Decatur Beer Festival, tickets for this Oct 15th event go on sale Sept 19 th. And you can only buy tickets online, that means no tickets will be sold at the event.

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From: decaturbeerfestival.org/


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click on image for more info.


Come and enjoy an afternoon of beer tasting on the Decatur square. More than 100 of the finest local, American and international beers are showcased at this annual event sponsored by area distributors and Decatur's restaurants and pubs. Enjoy live music on the Community Bandstand and food from local restaurants available for sale.

Admission is $40 per person and includes a commemorative tasting glass. The festival is limited to the first 4,000 ticket holders. All tickets are sold online. No tickets are available for purchase at the gate. You must be 21 or older to attend. No children or animals allowed in the festival area. No exceptions!





Oct 15 12-5 pm
Tickets avaible Sept 19, 2011
click on logo for more info.

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I thought this might be a good place for a beer ad

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Inside Decatur's Rocket 88

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click photos to enlarge
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Look for new art work for Rocket 88 very soon on side of building, replacing the Johnny's Pizza art work.
This is a neat place for sandwiches. wings, salads.

Rocket 88
340 Church St.
Decatur, Ga
404-373-2700

Hours
Tues-Sun. 11am - 9pm
Closed Monday

MENU

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Decatur Book Festival 2011

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King of Pops was King at The 2011 Decatur Book Festival with several locations set up.
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Face painting and balloon animals were very popular for the kids
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Just dog tired for both at The Decatur Book Festival on Saturday.
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Hula Hooping was very popular, this was a great fun idea for the kids.
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Stop by Sammiches N Stuff (515 N. McDonough St) to check out the Clothesline Art and Fine Arts Invitational Exhibition. Pictured here is art work by painter designer Victoria Webb. her web site is http://www.victoriawebb.net/


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Kudza Antiques came up with a brilliant idea, they provided some seating with vintage outdoor furniture that's for sale. Great way to get new customers to visit their store.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Getting to The Decatur Book Festival and Where to Park


click on image to enlarge.

First Take: Sapori di Napoli in Decatur

Decatur GA. click photo to enlarge

From:
decaturwineandfooddude.com
I stopped in Wednesday night to try the pizza at the much anticipated Sapori di Napoli in Decatur. The restaurant was rumored to be opening in early summer, but after several push-backs, they finally opened their doors on Tuesday night. As of now, the restaurant is still getting organized and it's a very casual space inside; it's really one smallish square room with no-frills wooden tables and chairs. It rather reminds me of old neighborhood pizza joints I'd frequent as a kid.
read full review @decaturwineandfooddude.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

"Two Chicks from the Sticks: Back Home Baking" authors at The Cook's Warehouse



Cookbook Authors coming to

The Cook’s Warehouse-Decatur
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Gorey and Means, authors of Two Chicks from the Sticks: Back Home Baking, will give a demonstration in the kitchen of some recipes from the book including Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies, Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, Glazed Raised Doughnuts and Special Occasion Angel Food Cake (White Cake with White Frosting).  Their cookbook can be purchased and personalized.


WHO: Jamie Gorey and Jill Means, cookbook authors



WHAT: Visit The Cook’s Warehouse shop in Decatur


WHERE and

WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2011 (class from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

The Cook’s Warehouse

180 West Ponce de Leon Avenue

Decatur, Georgia 30030 / 404-377-4005, store phone



To register for class:



https://classes.cookswarehouse.com/classreg/public/classes.asp?classid=4921



BACKGROUND: This nostalgic cookbook is a compilation of Gorey and Means’ family recipes. The recipes are

accompanied by heartfelt stories, vintage photos, useful tips and fun rules to bake by – i.e. Chicks’ Tip #1, Always lick the beaters! Handed down through generations, the recipes pay homage to the women’s mothers and neighbors who taught them the art of baking from scratch.



CORE is thrilled to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Decatur with two FREE performances

I'm pasting in our press release. Please contact me with any questions! Thanks!

CORE
is pleased to announce
THE POINT
FREE performances September 17 and 18
Presented as a gift to the city in celebration of
CORE’s 25th Anniversary in Decatur


ATLANTA, GA--August 30, 2011--CORE is thrilled to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Decatur with two FREE performances of The Point and The Moment Between, the newest works by Founding Artistic Director Sue Schroeder and Former Company Member, jhon r. stronks. The performances on Saturday, September 17, at 8pm and Sunday, September 18, at 3pm, will be performed at Decatur High School in the new Performing Arts and Sports Center. Thanks to area businesses and organizations, there is no charge for tickets but they must be reserved online at www.COREdance.org or by calling 404-373-4154. There is a VIP Ticket available for Saturday night ($10) that includes premier seating and a post-show reception with the company at CORE Studios.

Thanks to underwriting support from The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Decatur Tourism Bureau, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and Joan Rau, LMT, the performances are presented for free for the community to enjoy and celebrate with the Company. The $10 VIP ticket option for Saturday night’s performance includes premier seating and a post-show reception at CORE Studios with the Company and Staff.

CORE moved its headquarters from Houston, TX, to Decatur, GA, in 1986, and remains in its original location on the Square, housing the administrative offices and its two studio spaces. CORE continues to perform in Houston and tours both nationally and internationally throughout Europe and Latin America, as well.

"In 1986, I was a young artist compelled to make work - and work we did to convert the former Belk's building into studio space! When we opened our doors and made Decatur our home, I never imagined such a vibrant community 25 years later,” says Founding Artistic Director Sue Schroeder. “So much has grown, changed and developed for Decatur and for CORE in this time span, and we've enjoyed growing along with the city we call home. I am humbled by the outpouring of support for our anniversary celebration. To present our newest dance creation for no charge to the community is more than I could have asked for. I look forward to celebrating together on the 17th.”

ABOUT THE POINT AND THE MOMENT BETWEEN
Tender human pathways punctuated by polarized collisions mark these original contemporary dances by CORE’s Founding Artistic Director, Sue Schroeder. The Point and The Moment Between (co-created by Schroeder and jhon r. stronks, Former Company member) are two distinct yet synergistic works that evoke the intensity and intimacy of the human experience through the weight of wandering bodies and the longing of lonely spirits. Both dances are performed to sound scores created in collaboration with German Composer/Sound Artist
Christian Meyer, whose compositions have included movie soundtracks, theatrical performances, solo concerts and dance works. More information on Mr. Meyer is available at www.meyermal.de.

An important inspiration for The Point is the work of American conceptual artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007), specifically his 1971 Wall Drawing #65. LeWitt’s Wall Drawings are meant to be recreated, based on their titles, in any space with an appropriate large wall. As they were beginning work on the piece, the dancers created Wall Drawing #65 on one wall in CORE Studios.

The Point is a dynamic quintet giving expression to the contemporary human condition. Dance maker Rebecca Stenn commented that the work “is arresting, beautifully structured and danced with integrity and focus.”


CORE PERFORMANCE COMPANY ARTISTS
The CORE Performance Company artists performing The Point and The Moment Between are Alex Abarca, Blake Dalton, Corian Ellisor, Alisa Mittin and Claire Molla. More information on each dancer is available at www.coredance.org/who-we-are/company/.


TICKETS
Thanks to our generous sponsors, in celebration of the 25th Anniversary, The Point and The Moment Between are presented as a gift to the city. Tickets are free and must be reserved online at www.COREdance.org or by calling 404-373-4154. There is a VIP ticket available for $10 for Saturday night’s performance and it includes premier seating and a post-show reception at CORE Studios with the Company and Staff.



Sunday, August 28, 2011

Rocket 88 to Open Soon



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As you know Johnny's Pizza in Decatur closed several weeks ago but it will soon reopen as "Rocket 88."
I understand that it will be run by Johnny's owner's wife and will feature a variety of sandwiches.



Lady Gaga vs Christopher Walken- Poker Face

Saturday, August 27, 2011

The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Time Capsule of Tulsa

Here is a interesting story on a time capsule in Tulsa, OK
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It was Saturday, June 15th, 1957. As part of the semi-centennial celebrations taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, named Tulsarama!, citizens gathered around the southeast corner of the County Courthouse lawn to see the burial of a brand new gold and white 1957 Plymouth Belvedere.

The car as it was advertised then. Click on it for the larger version, which clearly sells it as a model that is ahead of its age.


The car was provided courtesy of the Plymouth Division of Chrysler and Tulsa Plymouth dealers Wilkerson Motor Company, Cox Motor Company. Vance Motor Company, Forster Riggs and Parrish-Clark. It was to be a time capsule of sorts, to be unearthed at Tulsa's centennial, on June 15th, 2007.

For pictures of the unearthing and thereafter, please click here.

More on this story


click on photo for more photos



Friday, August 26, 2011

PEE WEES BIG ADVENTURE Coming Soon to The Plaza Theatre


PEE WEES BIG ADVENTURE

Tuesday Sept 6th @ 9:30

Saturday Sept 10th @ 3:00

Plus Bike frame art show by SOPO Bikes


From The Plaza Theatre site

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

It's Clambake Time - Mike Spotted Elvis

Hey listen world you've gotta know
I'm cuttin loose and lettin' go
Who needs the worry and the strife
Life can be a ball now just followin' my life
clambake, gonna have a clambake
clambake, gonna have a clambake

Look for the brightest lights in town
That's where you'll find me hanging round
I've got this feeling to be free
I pick and choose the life I want
And that's the life for me
clambake, gonna have a clambake
clambake, gonna have a clambake

Mamma's little baby loves clambake, clambake
Mamma's little baby loves clambake too
Mamma's little baby loves clambake, clambake
Mamma's little baby loves clambake too

All right.


From mikedurrett.blogspot.com

The other night, when I spotted Elvis Presley, he was appearing on the supermarket circuit to promote his special Reese's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme.

It was almost like old times, except there were no wacky Elvis movie sidekicks, preferably Will Hutchins and Joby Baker, in attendance, nor any of the surfeit of Jack Mullaney and Bill Bixby impersonators.

There were bananas over in Produce and peanut butter in economy jars.

I also gazed around the store for Shelley Fabares, Nancy Sinatra, Stella Stevens, and 'Scilla, but I think they may have split with Elvis. He didn't look like he wanted to talk about them.

The Jordanaires were outside in a '68 El Camino, trying on trusses.

I'm guessing.

I have no county-notarized evidence on that.

Just a hunch.

I follow Elvis. I would know.

So, anyway, I like the Peanut Butter & Banana Creme candy. It's based, obviously, on The King's unwavering devotion to fried p'nut butter and nanner sammiches.

If I were a meat eater, I'd be smacking in anticipation of that other Presley favorite making its way into Reese's Peanut Butter & Big Bottomless Bowl of Bacon

The New Store "Likerish" is truly Organic Living At Its Best


Sent in by Likerish
Not many people know about this new store, we just want to get the word out.
Stop by and check us out.

Likerish is a new store in downtown Decatur and we are right between Greens and Chik-fil-A , 127 E.Trinty Place. Likerish is truly Organic Living At Its Best, we are an eco-friendly,organic and sustainable boutique that transforms, educates and designs. We offer many classes, unique gifts, books, home, baby and much, much more ! We have 20% off all classes if they sign up by 8-31-2011. Some of the classes we offer are knitting, sewing, floral, jewerly making, photograpy, and upholstery just to name a few. We also have a mean cinnamon sweet potato cream cheese vegan cupcake. Yum !

Likerish
127 E. Trinty Pl.
Decatur. GA

Monday, August 22, 2011

Decatur Hotel to Close for 4 Months and Will Open with $9 Million Makeover


From Decatur Patch
The conversion to Marriott Courtyard comes at a price to the City of Decatur. The makeover may cost the city as much as $32,000 in lost revenue from hotel-motel taxes.


Now owned by Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group, hotel General Manager Bert Haifley confirmed the hotel will close four months beginning Oct. 2.

He said when the hotel reopens in February, it will be among the most modern Marriott Courtyards in the country.

“It will have a refreshing business lobby and bistro concept that transforms into a trendy hip lounge area at night,” Haifley said. “Every single guest room will be completely renovated floor to ceiling. The hotel is going to make a dramatic statement.”


Full story at Decatur Patch


Towne Cinema Might Be used as Video Production Facility


From Decatur Patch
Internet TV Firm Might Use Towne Cinema

Annony.tv Internet Broadcasting Network is asking for a conditional use permit from the Avondale City Commission.

By Ralph Ellis

A man who wants to turn the vacant Towne Cinema into a video production facility and soundstage will seek the go-ahead Monday night from the Avondale City Commission.

Shedrick R. Perro of Stone Mountain is asking for a conditional use permit from the city to use the building, which has not been used as a movie theater for years.

According to the application Perro filed, the space at 106 N. Avondale Road would be used mainly to film productions for Annony.tv Internet Broadcasting Network. The application says the network has “15 channels of structured media that range from entertainment, health, education and business.”

The space also would be used for film, music and digital entertainment; marketing and promotional services; and “live” cultural and family entertainment, such as plays, ballets, talk shows and movie premieres.

All productions would promote “positive family entertainment,” the papers state.
full story