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According to Decatur Patch:
The City of Decatur hopes the new Decatur Rec Center will be finished by this Christmas.
The new basketball court will have a running track that will circle the top of the gym, at window level.



Photo credit: http://www.mto.gov

Some residents say a Walmart Supercenter proposed near Decatur would clog streets and kill existing businesses.
Carter Joseph saw firsthand what Walmart did to his hometown of Georgetown, S.C. The shuttered businesses, the bones of local stores that died when the big-box retailer opened a Supercenter just down the street.
"Walmart to me represents capitalism at its very worst," he said on Feb. 23 to a crowd of more than 250 people in the commons room of a church just half a mile north of Decatur. "Capitalism on steroids. Architecture at its worst."
Joseph lives less than one mile from Suburban Plaza, the mammoth shopping center which Selig Enterprises, the Atlanta-based developer, plans to redevelop with a 149,000-square-foot Supercenter as an anchor. Since news about the plan broke late last year, neighborhood residents have hammered out nonbinding agreements with the big-box retailer and developer over everything from bicycle racks to the location of wall signs. Others in this walkable, progressive burg (such as those in attendance tonight) have contributed more than $1,000 to hire a lawyer and spent Friday afternoons holding signs at the nearby intersection protesting Walmart.
Eyes wide with anger and fingers pointing to the ground in defiance, Joseph warned of doom should the big-box retailer join the neighborhood.
"They treat their employees like dirt," he said. "They treat their suppliers like dirt. And they'll treat this neighborhood like dirt, as they've treated countless towns and communities across this country."
Suburban Plaza isn't the only place where Walmart, which operates only five stores inside the Perimeter, has cast its gaze. Nearly 60 miles away in Athens, the college town — and even some of its progressive factions — has become divided over Selig's plans to transform several parcels on the edge of downtown into a 10-acre, mixed-use development that would most likely include a Walmart. Meanwhile, in Vine City, the historic and impoverished Atlanta neighborhood less than two miles from downtown's skyscrapers, the big-box retailer finally broke ground on an abandoned Publix it plans to expand into a store offering groceries, a pharmacy, and financial services.
After nearly 50 years of conquering rural and suburban America, Walmart has focused on its final frontier: U.S. cities. Since the early 2000s, the company has invested considerable political will (and cash) trying to elbow its way into urban areas such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The moves, which usually feature nasty drag-out fights with unions and agreements with neighborhood groups, ride on the promises of lower prices and more jobs. But after years of anti-Walmart websites, documentaries, and studies questioning whether the retailer's cutthroat business tactics and treatment of its employees are worth the cost savings, opponents are better prepared to push back against the mega-retailer that, according to one estimate, controls 33 percent of the grocery market. And for many — but not all — of the proposed stores, the battle to defend one's turf from terrible design, questionable labor policies, and low-cost goods that don't come from Target, has begun.
"This is a war," Donald Stack, a land-use attorney hired by the resident opposition group which wrangled the residents at the church on North Decatur Road. "It is a war for your community. It is a war for your property values. It is a war for your safety."

The City of Decatur is hosting a Community Budget Gathering on Wednesday, March 14 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Brick Store Pub, 125 E. Court Square. Join Assistant City Manager Andrea Arnold and others interested in learning about the city’s budget process.
This is your chance to find out how the budget process works and give your input. This is the first of three meetings using this new format. The next meeting will be held in April in Oakhurst and the third one will be at City Hall in May. Click here to find the current 2011-2012 budget.
Space is limited so sign up today with Andrea Arnold, andrea.arnold@decaturga.com or call 404-370-4102.
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While we are talking about The Brick Store
Saturday, March 17th 2012
The first great event of the year... And certainly one of the biggest. Live Celtic music (4-7pm and 8-11pm) and traditional Irish Fare featuring Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Shepherd's Pie. Guinness,Victory Donnybrook, and Jameson will be flowing. SEE YOU AT THE PUB!
My children's and young teens' book store, needs a new look. I want to make children's literacy as valued as the newest pair of sneakers. We desire a trendy looking store that puts literature along with tangible- handmade art on sleek pedestals and modern shelves.
I am an award winning children's book artist, who is also a NY city to Decatur, GA. transplant. I'd like to bring my Brooklyn sensibility as well as my passion for history and culture to teens and parents who may have never thought about these things.
The store will feature my published children's books and sell handmade products at a reasonable price. Additionally the mall's management is fine with me bringing in creative friends to do weekend long intensive workshops. It would be a fulfillment of a dream to teach the community to stop buying back their own culture from corporations. Most of the expensive items they wait in a line for, can easily be made or personalized with their own creativity. I miss the days when kids would buy a brand, then paint it, tear it, sew it and redesign it in to their own expression.
Workshops teaching book-binding,painting,t-shirt production,silk screening, even computer and cell phone cover design painting will be offered. I will have something to teach any aspiring art student or curious craft enthusiast.
This will be the first store of many, I hope to make a franchise out of this but for now it's a Decatur, Georgia aspiration in a site that needs a serious makeover.
From time to time I post movie stills for people to guess the movie.
Anonymous said...wedding crashers
March 7, 2012 4:07 PM
Next Stop...Decatur said...You are correct the actor is Keir O'Donnell and he played Todd Cleary in Wedding Crashers
more on Keir O'Dennell at this link:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1218757/
March 7, 2012 7:51 PM
Photo courtesy of flickr member All Things Mimi
Photo credit:


From the Decatur Patch
A polling place for early voting in the March 6 presidential primary opened Monday, Feb. 27, in Decatur and three other spots in DeKalb County.
These polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday through March 2 for early voting:

Register now for the 10th Annual Tour deCatur, set for Saturday, March 24, at Decatur High School. Sign up to run the 5K race or 1-mile Fun Run and support children and youth across the community!
NEW THIS YEAR: Your favorite Decatur school or sports team can benefit from your participation in the 2012 Tour! After you register, create a personal fundraising page and invite family, friends and neighbors to sponsor you.
Here’s how: Go to www.firstgiving.com/tourdecatur/2012 … click on the GREEN fundraise link at the top right … then follow the easy set-up instructions. The amount you raise is split 50-50 between your designated school / team and the Decatur Education Foundation.
DETAILS ABOUT THE 2012 TOUR DECATUR:
• Race route is here.
• 1-mile Fun Run starts: 8:45 a.m.
• 5K race starts: 9:15 a.m.
• Tot Trot (4 and under) starts: 10 a.m. (gather under the scoreboard on the football field)
• The race is part of the Decatur Active Living Grand Slam Fitness Challenge.
photo credit Megabus.com
Not everybody is taking a holiday on Presidents Day -- Monday, Feb. 20.
The City Schools of Decatur and the Avondale Estates City Hall will be open for business as usual. Except for banks, almost all stores operate will operate as usual.
But Decatur City Hall, DeKalb County Schools, DeKalb County government and federal offices will be closed Monday to observe the holiday.
In Decatur, regular garbage service for Monday, Feb. 20, will be on Tuesday. Regular service for Tuesday will be on Wednesday.

Continue reading Things to do in Atlanta with Kids: Field Trips w/Sue on CBS Better Mornings


Show Your Love at Wahoo! Grill
It's not too late to reserve a romantic table at Wahoo! Grill for Valentine's Day on Tuesday, February 14. Toast to romance this Valentine's Day and join us at Wahoo! Grill for a special menu, designed for you and your date by executive chef Christian Speigal. In addition to our acclaimed dinner menu, you can also enjoy the following featured appetizers and entrees:
Bacon-wrapped Scallops
sea scallops, chili aioli, microgreens
Lobster Spaghetti
rustic tomato sauce, fresh arugula, parmesan ribbons
Filet Mignon
six-ounce filet, lump crab meat, bérnaise sauce, gold mashed potato, Swiss chard with pancetta
Kahlua-Mocha Cheesecake
hazelnut whipped cream, fresh berries
Join us this weekend as you celebrate with that special someone, and on Valentine's Day. Click here to make your reservation!


At Kudzu Antique Market in Atlanta you will find excellent selections of:
When: Saturdays in April, May and June, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
All items to be collected should be placed on the curb no later than 7:30 a.m.
What: yard trimmings, building materials (that are not from the work of private contractors), tires, appliances (not containing Freon), and trash that would not normally be placed in pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) bags.
Liquids, dirt, bricks, blocks, stone, rocks, concrete, and motor vehicle batteries or parts will not be collected.
Oakhurst Neighborhood #1 – April 7, 2012
Maxwell Street
Third Avenue (Eastlake to Northern)
Oakview Road (East Lake Drive to Second Avenue, south side from Second Avenue to 1736 Oakview Road)
Second Avenue (East Lake to Northern)
Fourth Avenue
North Fourth Avenue
Fifth Avenue (Oakview to Northern)
Gordon Street
Northern Avenue (north side only)
First Avenue
Oakhurst Neighborhood #2 - Saturday, April 14, 2012
East Lake Drive (Oakview to W. Pharr)
Fayetteville Road
Underwood Street
W. Pharr Road (Fayetteville to East Lake)
Russell Street
Spring Street (East Lake to Oakview)
McKoy Street (north of W. Hill)
W. Hill Street
E. Hill Street
Adams Street (Oakview to W. Hill)
E. Benson Street
W. Benson Street
Sterling Street
S. McDonough Street (Oakview to Hill)
Oakhurst Neighborhood #3 - Saturday, April 21, 2012
Ansley Street (from Kings Hwy to Oakview)
Greenwood Avenue
Greenwood Place
Evans Drive
Jefferson Place
W. College Avenue (from Mead to Kings Hwy)
Olympic Place
Mead Road
Oakview Road (from S. McDonough to East Lake)
Green Street (100 Block)
Oakhurst Neighborhood #4 – April 28, 2012
Winter Ave (east side only)
Johnston Place
Bryan Place
Beatty Place
Madison Avenue
East Lake Drive (from Park Place/College to Oakview)
Third Avenue (100 through 400 blocks only)
Feld Avenue
Leyden Street
Cambridge Avenue
Hood Circle
W. College Avenue (Mead to Cambridge)
Winnona Park Neighborhood - Saturday May 5, 2012
S. Columbia Drive
Commerce Drive (RR Underpass to S. Columbia)
Avery Street
Bucher Drive
Bruton Street
Candler Oaks Lane
Derrydown Way
Heatherdown Road
Hilldale Drive
Inman Drive
Kirk Road
Kirk Crossing
Mimosa Drive
Mimosa Place
Missionary Court
Missionary Drive
Oldfield Road
Poplar Circle
Shadowmoor Drive
Winnona Drive
S. Candler Street (W. College to Buchanan)
Green Street (200 Block)
MAK Neighborhood – Saturday, May 12, 2012
South McDonough Street (West College Avenue to Oakview Road)
Ansley Street (South McDonough Street to Kings Highway)
East Hancock Street
East Davis Street
College Place
West Dougherty Street
West Davis Street
West Hancock Street
Adams Street (West College Avenue to Oakview Road)
Kings Highway
West College Avenue (South McDonough Street to Kings Highway)
College Heights Neighborhood – May 19, 2012
W. Pharr Road (S. McDonough to East Lake)
E. Pharr Road (northside from S. McDonough to S. Candler and both sides east of S. Candler)
Adams Street (McKoy Park to W. Pharr)
Spring Street (Adams to East Lake)
McKoy Street (W. Hill to W. Pharr)
McClean Street
Garland Avenue
Griffin Circle
S. McDonough Street (Hill to Pharr)
Lenore Street
Driftwood Terrace
Driftwood Place
Brower Street
Midway Road
S. Candler Street (Buchanan to E. Pharr)
Buchanan Terrace
Chevelle Lane
Candler Drive
Candler Pointe Way
Westchester Neighborhood – June 2, 2012
Westchester Drive
Dogwood Way
Maediris Drive
Harold Byrd Drive
Clairemont Avenue (Scott to Maediris)
Ridley Circle
Mockingbird Lane
Chelsea Drive
Kathryn Avenue
North Parkwood Drive
Coventry Drive (North Parkwood Drive to Scott)
Merrill Avenue
Harold Byrd Lane S
Clarion Avenue
Nelson Ferry Road
Woodlawn Avenue
Coventry Road (Nelson Ferry to Scott Blvd.)
Fairfield Street (Coventry to Woodlawn)
Decatur Heights Neighborhood – June 9, 2012
Barry Street
North Candler Street
Pate Street
Grove Street
Hillcrest Avenue
Hickory Street
Lockwood Terrace
Sycamore Ridge Drive
Renfroe Court
Fitzgerald Court
Wilburn Court
Grovemont Court
Woodland Court
Mountain View Street
Oak Lane
Pinehurst Street
Poplar Street
Ridgeland Avenue
Springdale Street
Sycamore Drive
Sycamore Station
Fairview Street
Sycamore Street
Ponce De Leon Court
Hillyer Place
Sycamore Place (Commerce to E. Ponce)
East Ponce De Leon Ave. (400 to 1100 Block)
Glendale Avenue
Glenn Circle
Pinecrest Avenue
Mt. Vernon Drive
Forkner Drive
East Maple Street
Great Lakes June 16, 2012
Clairemont Avenue ( From William Street to Scott Blvd.)
Champlain Street
Seneca Street
Erie Avenue
Huron Street
Michigan Avenue
Superior Avenue
Lucerne Street
Geneva Street
Superior Avenue (north of Scott Blvd.)
Vidal Boulevard
Lamont Drive
Garden Lane
Beaumont Avenue
Oakland Street
Montgomery Street
Fairview Avenue
Ponce de Leon Place
Northern Avenue
Wilton Drive
Church Street (600 Block To 1335)
Willow Lane
Pensdale Road
Eastland Drive
Parkside Circle
Ferndale Avenue
North Decatur Road
Scott Boulevard (800 to 1300 Block)
Lenox Place June 23, 2012
Greenwood Circle
W Howard Avenue (300 to 900 block)
Patillo Way
Atlanta Avenue
Hibernia Avenue
Ridley Lane
Adair Street
Cottonwood Place
Emerson Avenue
West Ponce de Leon Avenue (600 to 900 Block)
Drexel Avenue
Devonshire Avenue
Hampshire Avenue
Lansdowne Avenue
Melrose Avenue
Chief Matthews Drive
East Parkwood Road
Upland Road
Winberly Court
Parkwood Lane
Pinetree Drive
Scott Boulevard (100 to 700 Block)
Swanton Heights Subdivision
