Front Page of Dekalb New Era dated December 25, 1962

Memories of The Decatur Theatre in O Scale

This O Scale Christmas Train layout building is based on The Decatur Theatre located in Decatur, GA. in the 1950's
The Decatur Theatre was located just off the square on N McDonough St. next to what is now Eddie's Attic.

The Glen Theatre in Decatur

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Great picture from flickr member RGW55 of The Glen Theatre that was located in Decatur Ga.
circa 1950's
Glenwood Rd & Candler Rd.

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As it looks today.

Ronaldgw on January 5, 2010 at 2:23 pm

The Glen opened September 1952. The owner/operator was William Greene who also was owner/operator of Palmetto Theater in Palmetto, GA.
The Glen was the only theater in the Atlanta,GA area that had push back seats installed. If someone needed to get by, you only had to push the seat back and they could pass without you getting out of your seat. There were also 2 cry rooms for crying babies. The total seating was 480 with a small balcony that seated 54. The projection booth had 2 Simplex XL projectors with Peerless carbon rod lamp houses and Simplex sound heads.
I started to work at the Glen on opening night in September,1952 (I was 16 years old) as usher/doorman. Later on I also worked the Concession stand and as Projectionist. I worked there untill January 1957.
When the Glen opened in 1952 the admission was Adult-35 cents, Children-15 cents. Popcorn was 10 cents a bag.
The weekly schedule was:
Monday thru Friday open at 3:00pm
Sunday & Saturday open at 1:30pm
Sunday & Monday———– Feature, Cartoon & News Reel
Tuesday & Wednesday——Feature, Cartoon & News Reel
Thursday & Friday———Feature, Cartoon & News Reel
Saturday———————-Double Feature, Cartoon & Serial
In late 1953 Mr Greene made the decision to change the Monday thru
Friday opening time to 6:15pm due to declining afternoon attendance.
The Projectionist was a union member and the union told Mr. Greene
that he would have to pay the Projectionist starting at 3:00pm. Mr.
Greene refused and the union operator walked out.
Mr. Greene bought in a Projectionist (a WWII disable veteran from
the Palmetto,GA Theater) who was not union. The union set up a picket line and kept up this line for over a year and then quit. A strange thing was that the men who walked the picket line were not union projectionist but were hired to walk the picket line. Those of us that worked at the Glen durning this time had a good relationship with these men.
The Projectionist from the Palmetto Theater taught Me, Eugene Leftwich and Bill Anglin how to be Projectionist. Bill and I did this untill 1957 and Eugene untill late 1961.
I do not know when the Glen started showing X rated movies. When I got out of the Marine Corps in 1960, I did some relief Projectionist work showing regular movies for about 6 months.
See photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rgw55swd Photos made September,1956 durning Kiwanis Club free kids day. William Greene is standing at lower back door and I am stanting at projection booth door in balcony

Ron W

Vintage Christmas - Electric Train Home Movies

Shop Decatur for the Holidays

From: catherine lee at decaturga.com

Last minute gifts and stocking stuffers from Mingei World Arts

Wrapping up the holidays!
Last minute gifts and stocking stuffers from Mingei World Arts

This is it. The holidays are most certainly here!

Everyone is in a twirl, and Mingei has all manner of stocking stuffers, last minute gifts, and trimmings to finish off your holiday list with style and a smile!

Dust the sugar off your fingers, set your wrapping aside, remember to blow out the candles before you leave the house, and come in into Decatur for a festive last bit of shopping!

Don't forget to buy your chances for this beautiful Fuentes carving ! All proceeds will help Zeny and Reina Fuentes' daughter Fatima in Oaxaca, Mexico with medical and travel expenses for her thyroid cancer treatment. $5 per chance. Enter as often as you like! The winning name will be drawn Thursday, December 22 at 2:00pm! You need not be present to win. Good luck to all!

Fuentes deer

terra cotta pot candles
Candles from
Himalayan Trading Post
Perfect holiday scents:
Mistletoe, Orange Grove, Sage Pomegranate, Spice, Red Currant, and Wild Green Fig, to name a few--
in glass, terra cotta, wood and tin reusable containers
$16-$32
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse--
Too cute.
Hand-felted children's slippers from Kyrgystan.
$36
Have other little feet needing
to be shod?
We also have handknit slippers from Turkmenistan and those adorable little baby shoes from Thailand, too!
From $18


Trimmings for the tree
Ornaments for alll proclivities! Buddha heads, Happy Buddhas, Golden Buddhas, Buddhas with flowers, Ganeshas too! And evil eye amulet ornaments, saints of all stripes, Mexican tin, glass ornaments from Nepal, and Hebron, felted ornaments from India and Turkey ,and lots more!
$4 - $30

Baubles, bangles
and beads.
Literally.
Our always amaziong assortment of vinateg and new necklaces, pendants, chains, charms, rings, earbobs, baubles, bangles and beads!
Starting, yes, at $1.


Promotion Name
The stockings are hung...
Felted stockings from India and mirrored stockings made of vintage Indian fabric.
$40-$72
And to fill them:
Worry dolls, bottlecap pins,
tiny Thai teasets, Peruvian fighty toys, Guatemalan beaded keychains, Mexican pocket mirrors, alapca finger puppets, Indian bindis, Afghan soap, bobble toys from Mexico, Thai frog noisemakers, milagros, hand-carved wooden utensils, sets of colored stick pencils from Thailand, hand-felted evil eye bracelets from Turkey, and plenty of other tiny treasures!
Starting at $1.00!
period pouches

And merchandise to benefit

50 Cents. Period!

Wishing all the warmest and most joyous of holidays!

All of us Elves at Mingei World Arts!


Mingei World Arts | 427 Church Street | Decatur | GA | 30030

Somewhere in my Memory - John Williams- Home Alone Soundtrack

Home Alone Recut- Thriller

Christmas in Dixie

Have A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives

Vintage Christmas Grocery Store Ad. circa 1957

Decatur was a very special place to be at Christmas.

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Left to Right : Friedman's Jewelers, F.W.WOOLWORTH CO. ,HOBBY HOUSE / DECATUR SPEEDWAY and Hotel Candler

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One of my early childhood Christmas memories growing up in Decatur, Ga was when I had my first visit to see Santa Claus at the F.W. WOOLWORTH CO. located on E. Ponce de Leon Ave. I could not wait to tell him what I wanted for Christmas ( sort of like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story"). Once inside the 5 & 10 cent store you would have to follow the giant foot steps that were placed on the floor which would lead you to the back of the store where Santa was, he was in what looked like a large closet with a giant gold chair fit for a king. At Christmas time WOOLWORTH had tons of Christmas decorations all over the store, even in the front sidewalk display windows and with all the toys on display through out the store, it was something special.
Decatur would go all out with decorations, all the telephone poles had Christmas Wreath's with a large candle in the middle which would light up at night. Decatur was a very special place to be at Christmas. And yes, I remember it well.
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Decatur's Christmas tree at the corner of Sycamore and E. Court Sq. circa 1960's
Stores that are lit up are Belk Gallant (side entrance) and Smith's Shoes.

click on pictures to enlarge

A developer is proposing to redevelop Suburban Plaza

ajc file photo
A developer is proposing to redevelop Suburban Plaza, seen in this 1960 photo and located near Decatur, with a Walmart.


By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Decatur and Walmart seemed an unlikely match to some from the start and that tension was on display Wednesday afternoon during a well-attended and occasionally combative public hearing on whether the retail giant would receive a parking variance.
The DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals granted that variance despite objections from nearby residents who say the proposed supercenter, with a grocery and pharmacy, will bring unwanted traffic to what is already a congested area. But for some in this progressive enclave, where chain stores are the exception, not the rule, the very idea of a Walmart is enough to rouse opposition.

"[The developer] was apologetic from the start that they were bringing a Walmart here," said Melanie White, who presented a petition signed by 378 Decatur residents opposed to the planned redevelopment of aging Suburban Plaza, located on North Decatur Road between Church Street and Medlock Road. "We built Decatur with small businesses."

But Walmart officials say opponents don't represent the majority of residents who will welcome the estimated 250 to 300 jobs the Arkansas-based retailer will bring to DeKalb.


Full story: http://www.ajc.com

Decatur Ga Train Track

A video Christmas Card

This is a great homemade Christmas video card on youtube:
Enjoy.



From: Youtube
Uploaded by bellbottomtear

In these tough economic times, who can afford to send Christmas cards to family and friends? In lieu of the standard card/photo combo, we decided to send this video to those nearest and dearest to our hearts..... plus the internet. :) We hope you enjoy, and here's wishing you an old fashioned Christmas.

A Special Holiday Offer from Renewal

Decatur Estate's Holiday Open House

http://www.decaturestateantiques.com/

Walmart proposed for Suburan Plaza

Investors Like DeKalb water-sewer bonds

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Investors have shown considerable interest in making sure DeKalb County residents don’t have to boil their water.
The county found more than enough buyers for the $381 million of water-sewer bonds it sold Monday, earning a nearly $30 million premium on the deal. After fees, the county will soon have more than $405 million of investor money to start the $1.35 billion overhaul of its aging, and failing, system next year.

“We think we have a very favorable outcome,” county Finance Director Joel Gottlieb told commissioners, who approved finalizing the sale Tuesday.

The sale is something of a turnaround for DeKalb, which saw its bond ratings plummet after ending last year with just $12 million in reserve, less than a third of the $40 million that cover’s a month’s expenses.

Standard & Poor’s Financial Services and Moody’s Investor Services have since upgraded DeKalb's bond ratings, with S&P’s decision released late last month. Higher ratings make it easier for municipalities to borrow money and at lower interest rates.

The county will pay 4.6 percent interest on the bonds sold Monday, just slightly higher than the 4.58 percent it paid in its 2006 sale of water and sewer bonds. With interest, that means DeKalb water utility users will pay back $767 million over the next 30 years.

full story at ajc

Napoleon Dynamite is Back........Sweet

New Philips Arena restaurant to get diners closer to the action

From ajc

New Philips Arena restaurant to get diners closer to the action
By Leon Stafford

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Philips Arena is getting a new restaurant and it will be closer to the action than the facility's other food offerings.
Philips will open Red, a new full-service restaurant, in February. The eatery will be tiered so that all guests will have good views of what's going on either during Atlanta Hawks games or at a rock concert, officials said.

But it comes at a cost: seven rows -- about 400 seats -- were removed from the arena for the dining establishment.

The restaurant, whose design is said to be the first-of-its-kind for an arena or stadium, will cost about $2 million and seat 250 guests.

The menu will include crab cake blt, lollipop chicken wings, knife and fork steak specialties, a signature burger and vegetarian options.

Full story at ajc

Coke is seeing red again after flirting with white cans and confusing market

By Leon Stafford

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

After flirting with selling Coca-Cola in white cans for the first time in its 125-year history, Coke is seeing red again.
The Atlanta-based company said Thursday it is returning the traditional red Coke cans to shelves in its upcoming run after releasing millions of Coke "white" cans.

The "white" cans are part of the company's partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and was much ballyhooed by Coke when it announced the limited-edition packaging in late October. The "white" cans feature the company's polar bear mascots on a stark white and gray background with Coke's famous red script on the top.

The about face comes after some in the media reported that the white cans were confusing to Diet Coke fans and could potentially be harmful to diabetics who may choose the "white" Coke can thinking it was diet.

Spokeswoman Rand Carpenter said Coke had always planned to use the traditional red cans as part of the "arctic home" campaign, whose purpose is to bring attention to preserving habitats for polar bears, the company's holidays mascot. But the company did not mention its intent to switch to red cans anywhere in the press information announcing the campaign.
full story

Decatur's Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 1. @ 7PM

Ponce de Leon Court designated Historic

From ajc

Decatur downtown district designated historic
By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Ponce de Leon Court Historic District – a single street just east of Decatur Square – has been listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
John Womack developed the street in the 1920s into a short residential area with subtropical plants and deep setbacks.

The area now is a mix of apartments and small homes just off Ponce de Leon Avenue, a major east-west thoroughfare through the city.

Developer to discuss Walmart Plans for Decatur

Fom ajc

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A developer will meet Wednesday with Decatur residents to discuss plans to renovate a mall just north of the city limits.
Selig Enterprises wants to redevelop Suburban Plaza on North Decatur Road between Church Street and Medlock Road, and Walmart wants to build a new store there.

The meeting with the Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association and nearby businesses is at 7 p.m. at the medical theater of DeKalb Medical, according to DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader's office. The renovation hinges on a parking variance from the county's zoning appeals board Dec. 14.

It's Time to buy a Christmas Tree

from decatur patch

Members of the First Christian Church of Decatur put on T-shirts and jeans Sunday after church and went to work.

The men, women and children unloaded a truck full of Christmas trees and wreaths and carried the trees to a fenced-off spot in front of the church.

The church will sell trees and wreaths for a fourth straight year, said the Rev. James L. Brewer-Calvert. Proceeds will benefit the church park as well as church and community ministries in Decatur, he said.

Sales start Monday, Nov. 28, and will go on until the last tree is sold. The church is at 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

There are other places to buy Christmas trees in Decatur and Avondale Estates:

Winnona Park Elementary at 510 Avery St. will hold its annual tree sale at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the school parking lot. According to the City of Decatur website, "Frasier firs from Banner Elk, N.C., will be delivered on the day of the sale. Prices are $60 for a seven-foot tree, $70 for an eight-foot tree, and $80 for a nine-foot tree. Fresh wreaths will also be available for sale.

"Trees are sold on a first-come-first-served basis and a portion of your purchase is tax deductible. For more information, contact Beth Costello, 404-797-6255. A variety of holiday festivities are planned in addition to the sale of trees and wreaths. Stop by and enjoy some holiday cheer."

Boy Scout Troop 107 started selling Christmas trees and holiday greenery last weekend in the lot behind Oakhurst Presbyterian Church at 118 Second Ave. Sales will continue every weekend until Christmas.

Boy Scout Troop 103 sold trees last weekend at the corner of North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard. According to Fox Five, "The Frasier firs are trucked in from Sylvia, North Carolina Richard Burnett said that once the trees are paid for, all the money raised goes directly back to the troop, to fund programs for the Boy Scouts."

Related Topics: Boy Scout Troop 103, Boy Scout Troop 107, Christmas Trees, First Christian Church of Decatur, Holiday Guide 2011, and Winnona Park Elementary

If your group is selling Christmas trees in Decatur or Avondale Estates and we didn't list you, please let us know. We want to include you on the list. Tell us in the comments.

Agnes Scott College promotes sustainability

Agnes Scott College promotes sustainability
By Laura Diamond

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Agnes Scott College has launched multiple sustainability efforts in recent years and the Decatur school is now diverting 73 percent of its waste through recycling and composting, officials said. Without these efforts the waste would have gone into landfills. The college recycles chip bags and candy and cookie wrappers on campus and gives the material to a company that transforms it into toys, tote bags and other items. The school diverted just 28 percent of its waste in 2008. The goal is to produce zero waste.


http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/agnes-scott-college-promotes-1238839.html

Ponce City Market developer files project details

From ajc


The developer of the former City Hall East building on Ponce de Leon Avenue has filed detailed plans for the project.
The building, now rebranded as Ponce City Market, will house 204 residential units and 160 hotel rooms, according to plans filed by Green Street Properties. The plans also include 245,494 square feet of retail space; 20,645 square feet of space for restaurants; and 348,000 square feet of office space according to documents filed Nov. 21 with the state’s Department of Community Affairs under its Developments of Regional Impact, or DRI, program.

Green Street is a unit of Jamestown Properties, which paid Atlanta $27 million to buy the building, originally built as a Sears, Roebuck & Co. department store. The company plans to spend $180 million redeveloping it.

Local Boy Scouts Sell Christmas Trees

From Fox 5 Atlanta
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Local Boy Scouts Sell Christmas Trees: MyFoxATLANTA.com

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Decatur - A local Boy Scout troop began its yearly tradition of selling Christmas trees Friday.

Troop 103 said they've had the lot for 20 years now at the corner of North Decatur and Scott Boulevard.

The boys said they will sell around 450 trees this season.

The Frasier firs are trucked in from Sylvia, North Carolina Richard Burnett said that once the trees are paid for, all the money raised goes directly back to the troop, to fund programs for the Boy Scouts.

As Seen in Decatur

Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes Features Glenwood Estates and Winnona Park

Katie from over at The Decatur Minute reminds us of the 2011 Holiday tour of homes.
From decaturtourofhomes.com

Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes Features Glenwood Estates and Winnona Park

Make plans now to attend the annual Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes, Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3. The event celebrates its 29th year and features homes in Decatur's Winnona Park and Glenwood Estates neighborhoods. Points of Interest on the tour include the new 4th/5th Academy at Fifth Avenue, the historic chapel at Decatur First United Methodist Church, the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel at Agnes Scott College and the Clairemont Holiday Marketplace.

Tour-goers will enjoy the eclectic mix of homes on the program. Historical features reflect the character and history of these neighborhoods. The homes on the tour also reflect the personalities of the owners and include such highlights as whimsical metal sculptures, a retro-style kitchen and furniture from India. One home was featured on HGTV’s Groundbreaker program.

Natural lighting is a shared characteristic in many of this year’s homes, with large windows letting in daylight and providing a feeling of openness.

Proceeds from this year’s tour will benefit four Decatur nonprofit organizations: the Decatur Youth Fund, the Decatur Education Foundation, the DeKalb History Center, and the Oakhurst Community Garden Project.

Macy's Great Tree last night and today the Shopping Begins

D. B . Cooper Leaped into History 40 years ago Today

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Today marks the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of D.B. Cooper, who on Thanksgiving Eve 1971 hijacked a Seattle-bound jetliner and parachuted into history with $200,000 in ransom money. It remains the nation's only unsolved skyjacking.

It is truly a great unsolved crime. The facts are as follows:
On a rainy Thanksgiving Eve in 1971
(November 24, 1971)

A passenger who gave his name as ‘Dan Cooper’ (the "D.B." is based on later errors in the media, but has become more widely known) boarded Flight 305 in Portland, Oregon, bound for Seattle. Using the threat of a bomb in his suitcase, Cooper hijacked the plane shortly after take off.

It landed in Seattle, where Cooper released the passengers unharmed in exchange for his ransom demands being met: $200,000 in unmarked bills and 4 parachutes. After taking on these items, Cooper directed the crew to take off once more, and fly to Reno, Nevada.

During this second flight, he sent all the crew to the cockpit, and parachuted from the plane with the money. He was never apprehended, and although approximately $5000 was later found in the area that he parachuted into, nothing else ever was. Cooper has never been identified, and his true name may never be known. The FBI has stated that it believes him to have died upon landing, and decayed to nothing before he could be found. Of course, they also claimed that he was rude and abusive in conversations with them, which is at variance with the recollections of the crew members who heard these conversations, so it’s possible that the Bureau may be engaged in a certain amount of ass-covering.
http://thecentrecannothold.net
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More about D.B. Cooper

The case of D.B. Cooper, the only unsolved airplane hijacking in United States history, may soon lose that distinction.

Or at least that's the hope of a man who is playing host at a symposium in Portland on Saturday about the infamous 40-year-old incident.

"There's going to be some discussion of new terrain," said Geoffrey Gray, author of "SKYJACK: The Hunt for D. B. Cooper."

The symposium, which is open to the public, will take place in the Pavilion East room of the Portland Hilton starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. It will bring together many of the key people involved with investigating the case.
full story: http://www.oregonlive.com
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The cover of 1960s-era French-language comic book featuring the character Dan Cooper, a Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot who battles enemies on Earth and in space. The FBI now believe that the 1971 disappearance of hijacker-parachutist "D.B. Cooper" somewhere over the U.S. Pacific Northwest might have been influenced by the comic.
Photograph by: Handout, Handout.

from http://www.vancouversun.com

Tonight : A Very Gaga Thanksgiving

Are you going out to eat on Turkey Day ?

Dining Out On Turkey Day

A few full-service restaurants will be operating on Thanksgiving in Decatur and Avondale Estates.
From Decatur Patch

Thanksgiving is the American holiday dedicated to serious eating, yet most full-service restaurants are closed that day. Decatur and Avondale Estates are no exception.

If you're not interested in cooking but still want turkey and dressing, here are a few places in the area that will serve that day:

• Feast will serve a buffet with turkey, several other meats and traditional side dishes. The cost is $25 for adults, $22 for vegetarians and $12 for kids 12 and under. Beverages, tax and gratuity are extra. Seatings run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For reservations, call 404-377-2000. To see the menu, visit the Feast website.

• Ted's Montana Grill will serve a Thanksgiving special from noon to 7 p.m. The meal includes turkey, salad, green bean casserole and other traditional side dishes and dessert. The cost is $23 per person and does not include drinks, tip or taxes. A limited number of other menu items will be available.

• The Iberian Pig is not serving inside the restaurant on Thursday, but they're selling side dishes to go. No turkey, though. Buyers are asked to pick up their orders Wednesday night or before 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the latest.

If you want to eat but don't demand turkey, some other places will be open.

Taco Mac will operate from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Hail Mary sports pub in Avondale Estates opens from 5 p.m. to midnight.

And of course, McDonald's in Decatur will be open if you crave a Big Mac or a McRib.

Related Topics: Feast, Holiday Guide 2011, Small Business, Taco Mac, Ted's Montana Grill, and hail mary sports pub

Wal-Mart to build in nearly empty Gwinnett plaza

This old K-mart shopping center now sits almost empty.
Photo from several years ago. when the theatre was still open.


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This has nothing to do about Decatur, I just thought it was a interesting story about Wal-Mart
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By Joel Anderson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Green Corners Shopping Center once boasted a thriving Kmart and movie theater, followed by a large international farmer’s market, and then a smattering of smaller retail outlets.
Almost 30 years later, the once-popular plaza at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Rockbridge Road is nearly empty and plagued by crime, which has created the rare opportunity for a Wal-Mart store to move into a neighborhood without resistance.

Wal-Mart plans to build a 151,000-square-foot shopping center on the site, a project that has united local officials, law enforcement officers and residents who are weary of the current eyesore.

“You can’t ask for a better opportunity to spur economic activity in an area that is sorely in need of it,” said Chuck Warbington, executive director of the Gwinnett Village CID, which worked with Wal-Mart on its plans. “People are embracing it.”

This is a welcome development for Wal-Mart, which often has been greeted with public apathy or opposition when it opens in a new area. When another Wal-Mart store was proposed in Gwinnett County, nearly 100 people came to Snellville City Hall to protest the plan. Council members approved that request 4-2 over the loud complaints of residents.

Wal-Mart had no such trouble with the Green Corners site at a county commissioners’ business meeting in early October. The commissioners unanimously approved the company’s request, and only one person voiced concerns about the proposal.

“It’s a market that we haven’t been serving as well as we want to,” said Glen Wilkins, a local Wal-Mart spokesman. “So it’s an opportunity to hopefully reinvigorate the community and help draw additional businesses in that area.”

Warbington said Wal-Mart started looking at sites four years ago but backed off when the economy drooped. The retailer renewed the search a year ago, bouncing ideas off the CID about a possible location.

The new store and a sprawling parking lot means much, if not all, of the strip mall will be torn down early next year. That will spell the end for a pair of nightclubs that have been the source of numerous complaints, authorities and residents say.
full story at ajc

Mingei included in New York Times travel book!

From: www.mingeiworldarts.com

colspan="1" width="100%"> Mingei included in New York Times travel book! Way back in January 2007, Mingei was included in an article in the New York Times Sunday Travel section in "36 Hours in Atlanta". They called us "a favorite" and "an import store with a sense of humor." We liked that and hung a banner with that latter quote on it for about a year afterwards! Now, there is a book, an ultimate travel book of the USA and Canada, based on the NYT very popular 36 Hours column. It is perfect gift for the traveler on your list! The book will be released on Nov. 27. We will have some arriving and would be thrilled to reserve a copy for you. We'll even sign it for you if you buy it here! :) Watch for it: The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada, edited by Barbara Ireland. $39.99

See you soon and often in the weeks ahead! Happy Thanksgiving-- Ann and Ellen

LEON'S Full Service

Leon's Full Service new arbor/pergola covered patio.
Decatur, GA.
click photo to enlarge

Snow on Decatur Square Today

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The Decatur Square had snow this morning courtesy of a Little Shop of Stories event for The Wimpy Kid Rolling Blizzard.
The snow is still on the ground, and the kids are loving it.

Jeff Kinney, author of the HUGELY popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, visited today and he brought snow with him! -- snow on the Square was courtesy of the Wimpy Kid Rolling Blizzard!

The Plaza Theatre For Sale

Atlanta, GA -The Plaza Theatre - click photo to enlarge

From VAHI-PATCH

Atlanta, GA -Owners Jonathan and Gayle Rej said the cost to change over from 35mm to digital is just too expensive and they need to sell the 550-seat historic cinema to someone who can afford the conversion project.

"Day-today operations of an independently owned cinema are rife with challenges, but the death of 35mm film in the very near future is one hurdle they cannot overcome," a news release from the theatre said. "With film studios such as Warner Brothers and Twentieth Century Fox no longer booking 35mm repertory film prints and already destroying their film libraries, soon there literally won’t be film to run through the Plaza’s projectors. The Regal Tara Cinema has already converted to completely digital, the Landmark will follow shortly and the Plaza simply does not have the monetary funds to convert."

Jonathan Rej told Creative Loafing that they plan to keep the doors open as they hunt for new owners.

"We've worked too hard to just close the doors, we'll be open indefinitely," Rej said.

The Rej's are looking for "a college, museum, TV network, historical society or another entity" to take over the Plaza and "make the necessary investments."

The Rej family bought the theatre in 2006 after a significant renovation.

In 2009, the Plaza foundation recieved nonprofit status, which the owners hoped would help with the financial burden.

"Despite their stellar idealism, economic realities have finally caught up with the Plaza," the release said.

For more information about The Plaza Theatre, visit the Plaza website.

Bigger than your Average Waffle House to Open near Centennial Park

Photo from : http://www.lthforum.com
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By Fran Jeffries

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

This should gladden the hearts of Waffle House fans everywhere
The Atlanta-based national restaurant chain is planning to open an eatery near Centennial Olympic Park downtown, and it'll be bigger than your average Waffle House.

“We want to be in the heart of the city with the likes of Coke, the Georgia Aquarium and the Children’s Museum,” Pat Warner, vice president of marketing and communications for Waffle House told the AJC. "It's a great location for us."

The chain is in the process of closing on nearly an acre of land at the corner of Andrew Young International and Centennial Olympic Park boulevards, Warner said. Waffle House’s newest location could open by spring, if all goes according to plan, he said.

The new Waffle House will offer 43 seats inside as well as outdoor seats overlooking Centennial Park, Warner said. Typical Waffle Houses offer seating for 30 to 35. The Centennial Park restaurant will be the company’s third downtown location; there's one at Underground Atlanta and one on the Georgia State University campus.

Santa's Super Saturday Show @ The Plaza Theatre Dec. 3rd

SANTA'S SUPER SATURDAY SHOW!

Saturday Dec 3rd. 1pm @ 10:00pm

The Plaza Theatre

With Santa live in person!

Christmas on Peachtree Nov 25 -Dec 31, 2011

From: http://www.christmasonpeachtree.com/


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Christmas on Peachtree is the largest indoor Christmas festival in the Southeast. Located at 200 Peachtree Street (the former Macy's building) in downtown Atlanta, Christmas on Peachtree is a 70,000 square foot mix of family-friendly festivities, food and shopping.

Come see the stunning Symphony of Lights™ music and light show, let the kids play in the Cartoon Network Children's Adventure Area™ (which includes a life size toy train!), enjoy a meal in the North Pole Café and shop in our retail village. Get your child's photo made with Santa with a number of affordable packages available for purchase.

Take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station or enjoy the abundant, discounted parking available at our convenient parking deck.

Come experience Atlanta's new holiday tradition and remember that a portion of every ticket sold benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Get your tickets now!

See the Latest News about Christmas on Peachtree

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Christmas on Peachtree
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM - Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 5:00 PM (ET)
Atlanta, GA

Decatur Neighborhoods Worried about Suburban Plaza Walmart

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click photo to enlarge
From Decatur Patch

Though the development would be outside the city limits, the Decatur residents want the developer to know they're worried.
Decatur neighborhoods have gotten together to share worries about the proposed Suburban Plaza Walmart, which would be located just outside the Decatur city limits.

A committee from the Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association met Sunday with representatives from the Springdale Heights, Glennwood Estates, Sycamore Ridge, Sycamore Station and Glenlake Commons neighborhoods.

According to a list of concerns compiled from the meeting, residents are worried about traffic congestion, environmental impact, the spillover of parking into adjacent streets and many other issues that were listed in bullet point form.

"The idea," the summary of the neighborhood meeting said, "is to work with Walmart and Selig rather than against them, and let them know our expectations are high."

No date for a meeting has been announced. The developer met Nov. 2 with residents of the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association.

Selig Enterprises of Atlana, the developer, wants to build a Walmart as part of the renovation of the aging Suburban Plaza shopping center at North Decatur Road and Church Street. The firm is seeking a parking variance and would like to build an underground parking garage.

According to a Development of Regional Impact statement filed by DeKalb County, the project calls for the "Demolition of approximately 144,000 sf of existing commercial space and the addition of 149,000 sf for a new total shopping center square footage of 324,614 sf."

Create Memorable Holiday Events with Wahoo!

Create Memorable Holiday Events with Wahoo!
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Decatur's Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 1. @ 7PM

Photo from last years lighting.

From Little Shop of Stories:

Yes, we are putting another 25-foot tree on our roof! Come out and celebrate this new tradition as we sing carols and eat sweet treats and maybe get a visit from a jolly man in a red suit!

It's magical!

HOTEL CANDLER when it was GRAND

Hotel Candler was located at E. Ponce de Leon Ave & Church St.

Junktique Decatur is Nov. 12, 2011

From: http://junktique.wordpress.com/

Mark your calendars for Junktique’s 3rd annual fundraising event on Saturday, November 12th

from noon to 5pm at the Solarium in the Oakhurst Village. Junktique, hosted by the Oakhurst PTA, is part artist bazaar, rummage sale, cook-off and dance party. This unique community arts event benefits Oakhurst Elementary School’s teachers’ grants. Junktique: Wings, Swing and Hops promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family!

At Junktique you’ll find…

• A treasure trove of fabulous finds from Oakhurst attics, local antique and consignment shops, as well as hand me downs from our very own students.
• Community Artisan Boutique featuring, exquisite locally-made crafts
• A sizzling, spicy, hot wing cook-off
• Swing dancing demonstrations and lessons
• An all new kid “carnival” area
• And much, much more!

All proceeds will benefit Oakhurst Elementary teacher grants. These vital grants assist teachers in enhancing their teaching approaches and classroom experiences.

More Water Fountains In Decatur?

From Decatur Patch:

The city's Active Living Department is asking that question in a survey.
Cheryl Burnette in the Decatur Active Living Department sent out this press release:

The Decatur Active Living Board has formed a Water Fountain Committee to access Decatur’s public water needs.

Some of the issues they seek to address include water fountain access, the location of public water fountains throughout the city, the reduction of plastic bottles, the cost efficiency of adding new water fountains, fountain maintenance and a needs-assessment for future water fountains.
Ultimately, the goal of the committee is to increase access to public water fountains in order to support Decatur’s active lifestyle.

According to the 2010 US Census, the population of Decatur is 19,335 and currently Decatur has 14 water fountains. This works out to be approximately one fountain per every 1,400 Decatur residents. How do we know if this is enough to meet the needs of our active population?

This is where YOU come in! Please take a few minutes to complete a short five question survey on water fountains in Decatur at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F38PJRS.

Deadline for completing the survey is Jan. 15, 2012. We look forward to getting your ideas and opinions.

Looking Back at The Dekalb Theatre on E. Ponce

This is from the Dekalb Historical Society.
The photo is from the Maury Mable Family collection.
Maury Mable is leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Decatur.
The year was 1946, looking at the Dekalb Theatre marquee you can see the movie playing is "Week end at the Waldorf "(1945).
You can see F.W. Woolworth's next door and the Western Auto Store on the other side. the view is on East Ponce de Leon looking from Church St. toward Clairmont, east to west on Ponce de leon.


--
circa 1940



I decided to post these from a comment on Decatur Metro about a theatre on Ponce.
Here are two photos of The Dekalb Theatre

Beltline condos for $150,000

From ajc
By Rachel Tobin

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Beltline Inc. has taken a turn into the condo business.
On Monday, Beltline launched a marketing campaign for 30 units in a Memorial Drive condo building that it quietly bought in September. It hopes to sell the 2-bedroom units fast for $150,000 each and then go back to building parks, trails and a transit loop.

The Atlanta organization paid $3.7 million for the Triumph Lofts, which sits along the Beltline's path in the Reynoldstown neighborhood east of downtown.

For sale by Beltline: $150,000 condos

The South Beach-style condos in a former motorcycle factory fell into distress during the real estate bust, leaving the $200,000 to $300,000 units unsold. Then a tornado hit the building in 2008, causing some water damage.

“The private sector was unable to complete it," said Brian Leary, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline Inc. "We it bought out of receivership and are basically serving as the developer of last resort.”

He said the move won't detract from Beltline's primary focus on greenspace and transit but fits with a mandate to spend some of its money on housing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak at Emory

From: ajc
By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak at Emory University during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility.
The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Glenn Memorial Auditorium, 1660 N. Decatur Road. Tickets, which are required, are $10 for the general public and free for Emory faculty, staff and students.

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/robert-f-kennedy-jr-1219429.html
photo credit: exaimer.com

Jonathan Winters for Hefty Trash Bags

http://youtu.be/f2dHcuiuMs0

Mayberry After Midnight

1957 Was No time for horsing around in Decatur

Decatur Street scene in 1957: Decatur Policewoman giving a parking ticket to a horse.
Decatur had just installed double head parking meters and this was a photo op.
I guess farmer John came to town for supplies without change.
The horse was parked in front of City Hall on N. McDonough St.

James Bond is Back in Skyfall

From: www.newser.com
Newser) – James Bond is back for a 23rd time in Skyfall, which begins filming today and will be out next year after a four-year gap in the 007 franchise. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as the super spy for the third time, going up against Javier Bardem as the villain. Skyfall’s Bond girls are French actress Berenice Marlohe and British actress Naomie Harris, Reuters reports. Though some feared the new director—American Beauty’s Sam Mendes—might tone down the franchise, he assured reporters at today’s launch that the script includes “lots of action.”

In Skyfall, Bond will visit London, China, Turkey, and Scotland. His loyalty to spy boss M, played again by Dame Judi Dench, will be tested. Spy headquarters MI6 will face an attack. “There’s lots of surprises” in the “fantastic script,” Mendes says. The movie is out next Nov. 9 in the US; 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the film franchise. The BBC notes that only four unused titles from Ian Fleming’s James Bond stories remain, including one that isn’t all that exciting (“007 in New York”).

more photos

Next Stop for Walmart...Suburban Plaza

-
If you are interested in the plans and want to see the concept drawings of how Suburban Plaza might look after Walmart moves in.
You need to check out medlockpark.org they have several of the drawings posted.
Here is one of them:


Suburban Plaza concept: refacing

Two Shredding Events Saturday

From the decatur patch
It's Gonna Be A Shreddin' Saturday

Two shredding events will be held in Decatur.
If you need to shred documents, you can get it done at two places Saturday.

SafeShred will hold a community Shred Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Glennwood Elementary School, 440 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. in Decatur. Donations are requested and will go to the Glennwood Parent Teacher Association. For more information call SafeShred at 404-772-7500.

The Community School and Eagle Secure Shredding will sponsor a Community Shred Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Donations of $5 per bankers box are welcome. Proceeds will support the Community School, a school for junior and high school students with autism spectrum disorders.

Mingei World Arts says : It really is that time again!

FROM: Mingei World Arts
Who can believe it is NOVEMBER?
It really is that time again!

The Halloween candy is still in the bowl by the door, and we are already thinking about Thanksgiving pie and holiday cookie recipes! Mingei will kick off this glorious season this week with the first of six Terrific Thursdays and the Decatur Wine Festival Art Walk! Keep reading to learn more!
--


Terrific Thursdays
One of Decatur's favorite holiday traditions, Terrific Thursday, begins this week! All over Decatur, stores will stay open later, offer specials and special treats, and help you get your holiday shopping done in the most pleasant way! Join us this Thursday from 5-10pm and start ticking down your holiday list over a sip and a nibble. Plan now to shop on Terrific Thursdays-- in November until Thanksgiving, and the first three Thursdays of December.
---

Decatur Wine Festival Art Walk!
Raise a glass, or several, at The Decatur Wine Festival, this weekend! The Festival, celebrating its tenth anniversary, is a fundraiser for the Decatur Arts Alliance. You can help support the arts, spend a lovely afternoon on Decatur Square and be dazzled by the selection of over 500 international and domestic wines!

Warm up for the festivities by strolling Decatur from 5-10pm on Friday, November 4 for a fun evening of art, and maybe a wee little bit of wine, too!

Mingei will be featuring TryCycle Glass, recycled glass from Spain, for the Art Walk. You can choose just the right stemware for the holiays to enjoy those new wine discoveries you are going to make on Saturday! You may have seen their beautiful, green glass in the store, but TryCycle will have more to see! Come check out the selection!


We are expecting a large shipment from India in the next week or so-- watch your email so you don't miss this! We have antique furniture, mirrors, vintage carousel horses and all sorts of other wonderful finds on the way. We'll let you know as soon as we crack open the crates!

Warmly--

Ellen and Ann
Mingei World Arts

DeKalb to borrow up to $500 million to start water/sewer upgrades

From ajc

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

DeKalb County recently agreed to borrow up to $500 million to pay for the first phase of a $1.35 billion upgrade to its failing water and sewer system.
The county will issue bonds during the week of Nov. 14 to begin the work. Ground will be broken early next year on the first projects.