Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Stop Work orders issued for Soapbox Derby Track
From: ajc
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By April Hunt
The DeKalb County Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to halt construction of a soapbox derby track favored by CEO Burrell Ellis, a project the commission insists it never approved. Ellis' reply: not so fast.
“This is as clear as this board can be: stop what you're doing,” Commissioner Elaine Boyer said of the 6-0 vote (with one absentee) demanding the county halt any work being done at the site on Rock Chapel Road near Lithonia.
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation revealed last week that county taxpayers have paid $91,819 thus far on clear-cutting trees and other work on the track that Ellis authorized without commission consent.
Despite growing controversy over the project,estimated to cost $1 million, Ellis said he was blindsided by the resolution and was unclear on his next step, other than asking county attorneys if the board had the power to stop construction. He stopped short of saying he would immediately halt work in the meantime, saying that the board’s 2011 vote to add the derby track to a potential projects to be completed with parks bond money was tacit approval of the track.
read more: here
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Forgotten 1976 Neil Diamond Negative
This image of Neil Diamond is from a old 35mm negative which
was a result of bad exposure and bad lighting when I shot it that night (May 14, 1976) at
The Fox Theatre, I never thought about it
again until now. It turns out that now I
think it's one of my favorite images that I
have taken of Neil Diamond.
After playing around with photoshop I
turned that old negative which I had almost forgot about into this image
above, also this is the first time I merged two pictures into one using a old Fox Theatre photo. click image bottom and just listen. and/or click here for a one hour story of Neil Diamond.
--
---Diamond Show Real Sparkler.
Reprinted from AJC. May 15, 1976
Singing Just For You.
By Scott Cain.
The Neil Diamond concert was one of those events that leaves everybody happily drained. Both artist and audience gave far more to the occasion than was required by mere politeness.
Diamond has the knack of making an audience feel it is the most important crowd that has ever heard him perform. His Friday show at the Fox, the first of three he is giving this weekend in the grand old theatre, could not have seemed more tailor made for the occasion
if he had spent six months working up a special performance.
He turned the Fox's mighty organ into a supporting performer for a routine that was comic highlight of the concert. While an organist ground out a "Phantom of the Opera" style tune, Diamond recited a witty dialogue about Jimmy Carter's unlikely rise from peanut prince to would-be occupant of the White House. This number may prove to be the funniest comment anyone will make about election-year aspirations.
Diamond also took advantage of the Fox organ's ability to crank out the unlikeliest sounds--auto horns blaring and whatnot. He made this serve as sound effects for the title number from his soon due album, "Beautiful Noise".
Except for this song, Diamond's show was a greatest hits collection. Many of the numbers he rendered exactly as they were recorded, but in the most important intervals in the concert he revealed a commendable flair for expanding on familiar material. He turned Song Sung Blue into a audience sing-a-long. Sweet Caroline had such a reception that he sang it several times in mid-concert.
He opened the show with a bang, the pulsating "Soolaimon." From there, he ran through a long collection of his hits, "Solitary Man", "Play Me", "Morningside", "Hot August Night," "The Last Picasso" and many others, taking care to present each one as if his reputation would rise or fall based on its interpretation.
The show was a reminder of the broad range of material that Diamond has used to advantage. His intensity as a song stylist is such that each person feels Diamond is singing just for him.
The evening had plenty of light moments too. Aside from the traditional addled blond in the aisle, Diamond cast a especially hypnotic spell on one young woman (wearing a luminescent green necklace,yet), who was unable to restrain herself and bounded onto the stage to tell him how adorable she considers him to be Gallant to the end . Diamond assured the dazed creature that he returned her deep feeling.
To say that the audience ate up the show would be a monstrous understatement. Diamond indicated that he was overwhelmed with the response and it is easy to believe he was.
He gave a long encore consisting of selections fro "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." When even this did not satisfy the crowd, he gave two more encores, each one to thunderous applause.
The End.
Reprinted from AJC. May 15, 1976
--
--
--
---Diamond Show Real Sparkler.
Reprinted from AJC. May 15, 1976
Singing Just For You.
By Scott Cain.
The Neil Diamond concert was one of those events that leaves everybody happily drained. Both artist and audience gave far more to the occasion than was required by mere politeness.
Diamond has the knack of making an audience feel it is the most important crowd that has ever heard him perform. His Friday show at the Fox, the first of three he is giving this weekend in the grand old theatre, could not have seemed more tailor made for the occasion
if he had spent six months working up a special performance.
He turned the Fox's mighty organ into a supporting performer for a routine that was comic highlight of the concert. While an organist ground out a "Phantom of the Opera" style tune, Diamond recited a witty dialogue about Jimmy Carter's unlikely rise from peanut prince to would-be occupant of the White House. This number may prove to be the funniest comment anyone will make about election-year aspirations.
Diamond also took advantage of the Fox organ's ability to crank out the unlikeliest sounds--auto horns blaring and whatnot. He made this serve as sound effects for the title number from his soon due album, "Beautiful Noise".
Except for this song, Diamond's show was a greatest hits collection. Many of the numbers he rendered exactly as they were recorded, but in the most important intervals in the concert he revealed a commendable flair for expanding on familiar material. He turned Song Sung Blue into a audience sing-a-long. Sweet Caroline had such a reception that he sang it several times in mid-concert.
He opened the show with a bang, the pulsating "Soolaimon." From there, he ran through a long collection of his hits, "Solitary Man", "Play Me", "Morningside", "Hot August Night," "The Last Picasso" and many others, taking care to present each one as if his reputation would rise or fall based on its interpretation.
The show was a reminder of the broad range of material that Diamond has used to advantage. His intensity as a song stylist is such that each person feels Diamond is singing just for him.
The evening had plenty of light moments too. Aside from the traditional addled blond in the aisle, Diamond cast a especially hypnotic spell on one young woman (wearing a luminescent green necklace,yet), who was unable to restrain herself and bounded onto the stage to tell him how adorable she considers him to be Gallant to the end . Diamond assured the dazed creature that he returned her deep feeling.
To say that the audience ate up the show would be a monstrous understatement. Diamond indicated that he was overwhelmed with the response and it is easy to believe he was.
He gave a long encore consisting of selections fro "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." When even this did not satisfy the crowd, he gave two more encores, each one to thunderous applause.
The End.
Reprinted from AJC. May 15, 1976
--
--
Friday, June 8, 2012
Little Shop of Stories in the Round
Click photo to enlarge
--From Little Shop of Stories website.
We're the best children's bookstore in Georgia! All right, in the the entire Southeast! In this big 'ol United States! In all of North America! In the entire western hemisphere! Okay, we're the best one on the planet Earth! In our solar system! Would you believe in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy?! No, no, no. Little Shop of Stories is the best independent bookstore for kids & the grownups they become in the observable universe!!! (which, according to Wikipedia, "consists of the galaxies and other matter that we can in principle observe from Earth in the present day, because light (or other signals) from those objects has had time to reach us since the beginning of the cosmological expansion.")
address:
133A East Court Square
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
60 Years of Music
Jerry Andrews sends this in.
One-tank trips close to Atlanta
Vacation close to home
From ajc
Too busy to take a “real” vacation? You don’t need a full week and plenty of dough to enjoy these smaller towns. They’re easy to get to, within a short drive (a tank of gas or less) from Atlanta, and full of undiscovered Southern charm. For instance, in Georgia, historic Dahlonega has a pre-gold rush history, wineries and home-style restaurants. The Chattooga River offers beautiful scenery and exciting rafting. In western North Carolina, the city of Asheville beckons with the magnificent Biltmore house. Adventure is only a short drive away.ALABAMA
• Birmingham, Ala.: for art lovers
• Fort Payne, Ala., offers natural beauty • Vintage motorcycles in Leeds, Ala.
• Selma: Revisit civil rights history
• Tuscaloosa, Ala.: More than football
GEORGIA
• Albany's revived waterfront
• Athens, Ga.: a classic college town
• A James Brown fest in Augusta, Ga.
• Raft and ride in Blue Ridge, Ga.
• Cartersville, Ga., home of Western-theme and cowboy art
• Chateau Elan (Braselton, Ga.) resort/winery
• Chattooga River rafting
• Golf in Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee (Eatonton, Ga.)
• Dalton, more than the carpet capital of Georgia
• Dahlonega, Ga.: Where wine is the new gold
• Gainesville, Ga.'s history, trails and more
• Helen, Ga. is a "little Bavaria"
• Howard Finster Vision House (Pennville, Ga.)
• LaGrange, Ga.: Southern heritage, French twist
• Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville, Ga.
• 19th-century architecture in Madison, Ga.
• Wild animals in Pine Mountain, Ga. | Callaway Gardens
• Presidential history in Plains, Ga.
• Better than Rome, Italy? Rome, Ga.
• History, beauty and art in Savannah, Ga.
• Pebble Hill estate in Thomasville, Ga., worthy of a movie set
• Vienna, Ga., has cute cotton museum and the Big Pig Jig
NORTH CAROLINA
• Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C., is a year-round destination
• Blowing Rock, N.C.: mountain beauty
• Cashiers, N.C. is the serene heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• DuPont State Forest (Cedar Mountain, N.C.): a once-private territory
• Popular Atlanta getaway: Highlands, N.C.
• Hot Springs, N.C.'s working farm, Briar Rose
• Ski close to home at Maggie Valley, N.C.
TENNESSEE
• Chattanooga, Tenn.: train is a treat | Chattanooga riverfront
• Manchester, Tenn.,may be nicer without the music
• Elvis is forever at Graceland in Memphis
• Beale Street in Memphis is home to the blues, brews and barbecue
• Knoxville: More than just the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Nashville is country music’s capital and home to the Grand Ole Opry
• Lynchburg is the birthplace of Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey
• Pigeon Forge is the the perfect family getaway and the home of Dollywood
One Day in Atlanta
From: http://www.atlanta.net
One Dayin Atlanta
If you only have limited time in our wonderful city, enjoy this quick and enjoyable itinerary.
Morning
Head to the Georgia Aquarium, where you can see more than 120,000 animals of 500 different species in more than 8 million gallons of marine and fresh water. Touch tanks, 4-D theatre, Whale Sharks, Beulga Whales and more are perfect for kids of all ages!
At the Inside CNN Atlanta Tour, watch behind-the-scenes action of the newsroom, see what it takes to put a news broadcast together and even learn how the weather map works.
Insider's Tip: Make reservations in advance for the 50-minute tour.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park, the world's gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The park features the popular Fountain of Rings and many outdoor events during the summer months.
Insider's Tip: Wednesday WindDown is a free concert series every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Centennial Park during the summer months.
Lunch
The SunDial Restaurant Bar & View (atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere) offers breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta.
Afternoon
Head to the World of Coca-Cola, where the famous soft drink's story is told through fascinating exhibits, classic ads and an imaginative replica of the bottling process.
Did you know Atlanta boasts two Nobel Peace Prize and Medal of Freedom winners?
The Sweet Auburn district is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes a visitors' center depicting the story of Dr. King and the civil rights movement; the restored King birth home; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where three generations of the King family preached; and Dr. King's burial site.
Currently on exhibit at the MLK National Historic Site: The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Stand in the footprints and see the shoes of 17 civil rights leaders displayed as a tribute to the warriors of justice.
Or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, next to The Carter Center. The library includes a replica of the Oval Office and Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize, as well as traveling exhibits.
Insider's Tip: Transportation to the MLK National Historic Site or Jimmy Carter Library/Carter Center would be best by car (both locations have free parking) or MARTA bus. You also can enjoy the Carter-King Peace Trail pedestrian and bike path between the two attractions. Commemorative plaques can be found along the 1.5-mile walk.
Evening
Option #1: Between April and October, catch an Atlanta Braves baseball game, including pre-game pep rallies and testing your hitting or throwing skills at Scout's Alley.
Insider's Tip: Visitors are allowed to bring food into the ballpark, so grab dinner at The Varsity, an Atlanta landmark on North Avenue, serving chili dogs, hamburgers and the signature Frosted Orange.
Picnic tables are right inside the ballpark's entrance.
Option #2: In the cooler months, you can attend an Atlanta Hawks basketball game at Philips Arena.
One Dayin Atlanta
If you only have limited time in our wonderful city, enjoy this quick and enjoyable itinerary.
Morning
Head to the Georgia Aquarium, where you can see more than 120,000 animals of 500 different species in more than 8 million gallons of marine and fresh water. Touch tanks, 4-D theatre, Whale Sharks, Beulga Whales and more are perfect for kids of all ages!
At the Inside CNN Atlanta Tour, watch behind-the-scenes action of the newsroom, see what it takes to put a news broadcast together and even learn how the weather map works.
Insider's Tip: Make reservations in advance for the 50-minute tour.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park, the world's gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The park features the popular Fountain of Rings and many outdoor events during the summer months.
Insider's Tip: Wednesday WindDown is a free concert series every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Centennial Park during the summer months.
Lunch
The SunDial Restaurant Bar & View (atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere) offers breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta.
Afternoon
Head to the World of Coca-Cola, where the famous soft drink's story is told through fascinating exhibits, classic ads and an imaginative replica of the bottling process.
Did you know Atlanta boasts two Nobel Peace Prize and Medal of Freedom winners?
The Sweet Auburn district is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes a visitors' center depicting the story of Dr. King and the civil rights movement; the restored King birth home; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where three generations of the King family preached; and Dr. King's burial site.
Currently on exhibit at the MLK National Historic Site: The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Stand in the footprints and see the shoes of 17 civil rights leaders displayed as a tribute to the warriors of justice.
Or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, next to The Carter Center. The library includes a replica of the Oval Office and Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize, as well as traveling exhibits.
Insider's Tip: Transportation to the MLK National Historic Site or Jimmy Carter Library/Carter Center would be best by car (both locations have free parking) or MARTA bus. You also can enjoy the Carter-King Peace Trail pedestrian and bike path between the two attractions. Commemorative plaques can be found along the 1.5-mile walk.
Evening
Option #1: Between April and October, catch an Atlanta Braves baseball game, including pre-game pep rallies and testing your hitting or throwing skills at Scout's Alley.
Insider's Tip: Visitors are allowed to bring food into the ballpark, so grab dinner at The Varsity, an Atlanta landmark on North Avenue, serving chili dogs, hamburgers and the signature Frosted Orange.
Picnic tables are right inside the ballpark's entrance.
Option #2: In the cooler months, you can attend an Atlanta Hawks basketball game at Philips Arena.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Vote needed on Courthouse Lawn Repairs
--
From Decatur Patch
All those festivals on the Decatur Court Square have taken a toll.
The lawn near the community bandstand has become so worn down over the years that the City of Decatur wants to budget $275,000 to renovate the area. The city commission will vote Monday night on the project.
Work would start just after July 4 and take about two months, said a memo from Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon.
Saxon said the work would include "removal of compacted soil around the bandstand, installation of a waterproof liner, drainage system, structural soil mix, irrigation system and laying a new Bermuda turf lawn. Several declining trees will be removed and replaced with trees, shrubs and other landscape improvements."
If the commission approves, a $224,000 contract will go to Ed Castro Landscaping Inc. of Roswell. That company was the low bidder.
read more
Sunday, June 3, 2012
50 fun things to do in Atlanta.
.Whether you've got a few hours or days, stay and play your way with these fun things to do in Atlanta!
From: http://www.atlanta.net
Atlanta, Georgia offers tons of fun for families, kids and couples. There are so many things to do in Atlanta - from top attractions and history, to outdoor adventures and award-winning culture - you're sure to find seasonal sensations year-round! To create your must-have memories, start with this list of 50 fun things to do in Atlanta.
Alliance Theatre
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Braves and Turner Field
ATL-Cruzers Electric Car Tours
Atlanta's Eclectic Neighborhoods
Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome
Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream at Philips Arena
Atlanta Higher Education Centers Score an A+ in Culture!
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta Motor Sports
Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet
Atlantic Station
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chastain Park Amphitheater
Buckhead Arts & Galleries
Buckhead Entertainment and Nightlife
Centennial Olympic Park
Center for Puppetry Arts
Chattahoochee River Fun
College Sports
Decatur Square
Downtown Nightlife
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Festivals Galore
The Fox Theatre
Georgia Aquarium
Golf in Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Braves and Turner Field
ATL-Cruzers Electric Car Tours
Atlanta's Eclectic Neighborhoods
Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome
Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream at Philips Arena
Atlanta Higher Education Centers Score an A+ in Culture!
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta Motor Sports
Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet
Atlantic Station
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chastain Park Amphitheater
Buckhead Arts & Galleries
Buckhead Entertainment and Nightlife
Centennial Olympic Park
Center for Puppetry Arts
Chattahoochee River Fun
College Sports
Decatur Square
Downtown Nightlife
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Festivals Galore
The Fox Theatre
Georgia Aquarium
Golf in Atlanta
Grant Park
Hard Rock Cafe
High Museum of Art
Historic Neighbors
Historic West End
Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Inside CNN Studio Tour
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Legendary, Luxury Shopping
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta
Margaret Mitchell House
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site & Sweet Auburn District
Medieval Times
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Midtown Nightlife
Midtown Walking and Bicycling Tours
North Georgia Day Trips
Outlet Malls and Day Trip Shopping
Piedmont Park
See Atlanta From Above
Six Flags Over Georgia
Stone Mountain Park
Underground Atlanta
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
World of Coca-Cola
Yellow River Game Ranch
Zoo Atlanta
Hard Rock Cafe
High Museum of Art
Historic Neighbors
Historic West End
Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Inside CNN Studio Tour
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Legendary, Luxury Shopping
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta
Margaret Mitchell House
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site & Sweet Auburn District
Medieval Times
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Midtown Nightlife
Midtown Walking and Bicycling Tours
North Georgia Day Trips
Outlet Malls and Day Trip Shopping
Piedmont Park
See Atlanta From Above
Six Flags Over Georgia
Stone Mountain Park
Underground Atlanta
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
World of Coca-Cola
Yellow River Game Ranch
Zoo Atlanta
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Suburban Plaza / Walmart: updated site design
From:http:http://www.medlockpark.org/
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Suburban Plaza/Walmart: updated site design
The following is an updated version of the Suburban Plaza Redevelopment article that Theresa Same, MANA Zoning Chair, contributed to the current issue of our Medlock Matters neighborhood newsletter.
Before I dive into my update, I want to again state that after engaging legal counsel and speaking with our County Representatives the MANA Board and I decided that it is in the best interest of our neighborhood to work with Selig Enterprises and Walmart on the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza. I believe that my job as your Zoning Chair is to give you as many facts as I can about this development so that you can form your own opinion. I respect that those opinions vary greatly throughout the neighborhood and that many of you feel very passionately about how this redevelopment will affect our neighborhood – all of which I attempt to honor in my discussions with Selig and Walmart. At the same time, the board and I are realistic in trying to negotiate the best development we can for our neighborhood with one of the most powerful retailers in the country; this is especially difficult within the confines of our county and sate laws/ordinances that generally favor business and cars over residents and alternative transportation.
As I drive or walk through the neighborhood, I can’t help but notice the growing number of “Stop Walmart” signs. People stop and ask me everyday what is going on with the Suburban Plaza redevelopment. The truth is there has not been a lot to report since our negotiations with Selig/Walmart and the Zoning Board of Appeal’s decision in December to approve Selig’s request for a parking exception on the property [this link calls up all updates we've had since then, posted on this website]. This slow-down in activity is about change because things are starting to take shape for the redevelopment.
read more here.
--------------------------
More Walmart news:
Bethesda Walk Plaza Walmart is expected to open June 25
In other Walmart store news The new Walmart Neighborhood Market in Lawrenceville in the Bethesda Walk Plaza vacant building where a former grocery store once called home is expected open June 25th. This new Walmart Neighborhood Market will be Georgia's first with two other locations coming soon in Alpharetta and Snellville later this year.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Suburban Plaza/Walmart: updated site design
The following is an updated version of the Suburban Plaza Redevelopment article that Theresa Same, MANA Zoning Chair, contributed to the current issue of our Medlock Matters neighborhood newsletter.
Before I dive into my update, I want to again state that after engaging legal counsel and speaking with our County Representatives the MANA Board and I decided that it is in the best interest of our neighborhood to work with Selig Enterprises and Walmart on the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza. I believe that my job as your Zoning Chair is to give you as many facts as I can about this development so that you can form your own opinion. I respect that those opinions vary greatly throughout the neighborhood and that many of you feel very passionately about how this redevelopment will affect our neighborhood – all of which I attempt to honor in my discussions with Selig and Walmart. At the same time, the board and I are realistic in trying to negotiate the best development we can for our neighborhood with one of the most powerful retailers in the country; this is especially difficult within the confines of our county and sate laws/ordinances that generally favor business and cars over residents and alternative transportation.
As I drive or walk through the neighborhood, I can’t help but notice the growing number of “Stop Walmart” signs. People stop and ask me everyday what is going on with the Suburban Plaza redevelopment. The truth is there has not been a lot to report since our negotiations with Selig/Walmart and the Zoning Board of Appeal’s decision in December to approve Selig’s request for a parking exception on the property [this link calls up all updates we've had since then, posted on this website]. This slow-down in activity is about change because things are starting to take shape for the redevelopment.
read more here.
--------------------------
More Walmart news:
Bethesda Walk Plaza Walmart is expected to open June 25
In other Walmart store news The new Walmart Neighborhood Market in Lawrenceville in the Bethesda Walk Plaza vacant building where a former grocery store once called home is expected open June 25th. This new Walmart Neighborhood Market will be Georgia's first with two other locations coming soon in Alpharetta and Snellville later this year.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Weekend work on major interchange
From ajc
The Georgia Department of Transportation will close the bridge at 9 p.m. Friday to allow crews to mark the roadway and install signals. Road work is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Monday. Pedestrian traffic will not be allowed for another month as crews construct a protected walkway in the bridge median.
Motorists this weekend will still have access to the interchange, but
northbound and southbound traffic on Ashford-Dunwoody Road will be
detoured through Hammond Drive to Perimeter Center Parkway Bridge, then
to Perimeter Summit Parkway.
read more.
The Georgia Department of Transportation will close the bridge at 9 p.m. Friday to allow crews to mark the roadway and install signals. Road work is expected to be completed by 5 a.m. Monday. Pedestrian traffic will not be allowed for another month as crews construct a protected walkway in the bridge median.
read more.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Some suspicious of school budget and cuts
From ajc
Those are among the sentiments of parents, teachers and taxpayers in DeKalb County who learned in recent days just how financially damaged their school system is.
While hard times have hit most school systems in metro Atlanta, none has been hit quite as hard as DeKalb. Most districts could turn to cash reserves to cushion the blow of declining tax revenues and increasing costs. In DeKalb though, officials expect to finish this fiscal year in debt. The dire situation and the resulting deep cuts have left many feeling that mismanagement, is to blame.
"It's ridiculous how much money does not make it into the classroom," said Bill Armstrong, a parent at a public Montessori school who expects to see teachers eliminated as part of the cuts.
Armstrong was among the lucky dozens who got a chance to speak Wednesday night at the DeKalb County School District's second and final public hearing on the fiscal 2013 budget. Such hearings are usually quiet affairs that attract some staffers and a few gadflies, but this one drew a spillover crowd of over 200.
read more
Those are among the sentiments of parents, teachers and taxpayers in DeKalb County who learned in recent days just how financially damaged their school system is.
While hard times have hit most school systems in metro Atlanta, none has been hit quite as hard as DeKalb. Most districts could turn to cash reserves to cushion the blow of declining tax revenues and increasing costs. In DeKalb though, officials expect to finish this fiscal year in debt. The dire situation and the resulting deep cuts have left many feeling that mismanagement, is to blame.
"It's ridiculous how much money does not make it into the classroom," said Bill Armstrong, a parent at a public Montessori school who expects to see teachers eliminated as part of the cuts.
Armstrong was among the lucky dozens who got a chance to speak Wednesday night at the DeKalb County School District's second and final public hearing on the fiscal 2013 budget. Such hearings are usually quiet affairs that attract some staffers and a few gadflies, but this one drew a spillover crowd of over 200.
read more
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts - Free Event - June 9-10
From : Kathy Fox
I wanted to take this the time to thank you for posting information about our
past art festival event and to share with you some information about our award
winning Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts – Celebrate Summer in Style! on
June 9-10, 2012. There is plenty to see and do with 150 artists and artisans
lining the festival route, plus children’s area, gourmet foods and local
acoustic music. The event is easy to find from Peachtree Rd. or Lindberg Marta
Station. There is plenty of parking, and is free to attend.
Location: 285 Peachtree Hills Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305
Admission: Free to attend
For more info: peachtreehillsfestival.com
Visitors will
enjoy fine art and crafts, children’s area, Street Market and local food and
beverage concessions including “gourmet” food trucks. There is plenty of parking
and local sites, and best of all; it’s free to attend. This event is organized
by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and volunteer artists to benefit the
local community.
Location: 285 Peachtree Hills Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305
Times: Sat., June 9, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun., June 10,
2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Music: Acoustic music onlyAdmission: Free to attend
For more info: peachtreehillsfestival.com
Monday, May 28, 2012
Decatur McDonald's Drive Thru Window
At the Downtown Decatur McDonald's Restaurant Drive Thru, Ronald McDonald keeps his eye on Decatur's Fidelity Bank.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Easy Living Pedicabs get you to where you are going.
-- Decatur Art Festival-goers take advantage of Easy Living Pedicabs.
A great way to get around Decatur, check out their web site.
Look for our bright yellow pedicabs next time you're in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst Village. It's the affordable, fun and environmentally-friendly way to get around. We are out most evenings and at local festivals. We are always available by appointment. Let us take you from here to there – from the east side to the west side, from the north side to the south side – and back again.
froyolo FROZEN YOGURT to Open Next Week
--
---
Post card given out at Decatur Arts Festival reads:
Come celebrate our Grand Opening.
14 delicious daily flavors. over 40 toppings available come and create your own masterpiece.
It's simple as..
1. grab a cup
2. fill
3. create
4. weigh
5 pay and enjoy LOCATED ON THE SQUARE.
---
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Do You Like the new Georgia License Plate ?
Comment from vince217
I've seen some cars on the road with the new plates. it doesn't look too bad
but it sure looks cheap because the characters aren't raised anymore.
Will the specialty plates (save wildlife, uga, gt, breast cancer, educators, etc) be replaced with the new design within a few years too?
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlanta/1362363-your-new-georgia-license-plate-8.html#ixzz1vplloYve
DeKalb History Center exhibits during The Decatur Arts Festival
From: clairmontheights.org
New Exhibits during the Decatur Arts Festival
|
Highlights from the Guy Hayes Collection:
Food, Fun & Fashion in the Modern Era
This exhibit represents a small selection of black
and white photographs from the Hayes collection and provides a unique
view of food trends, clothing styles and recreational diversions of the
1950s and 1960s.
Guy Hayes was a professional freelance photographer from 1944 - 1983. He graduated from Clarkston High School and served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he settled in Avondale Estates. Hayes was a regular contributor to The Atlanta Journal, The Atlanta Constitution and The DeKalb News/Sun. Over 11,000 of his original negatives were donated to the History Center in 1984. A grant from the Decatur Beer Festival helped us to begin digitization of these negatives in 2010. Although very little documentation accompanied this collection, Hayes' artistic work reveals a prolific talent with an incisive eye. read more . -------------------------
All
of our exhibits are located on the main floor of the Historic DeKalb
Courthouse at 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030. They are open to the public free of charge. Our regular gallery hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We are closed on Federal holidays.
Special Hours during the Arts Festival:
Saturday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 27, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
|
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Did You Say Beach Party ? Yeah... June 15th
From The Decatur Minute:
It’s almost time for the annual Decatur Beach Party!
Friday, June 15th on the Square in downtown Decatur
5:00-11:00pm
$10 adults, $5 children (includes all games and activities), Kids under 2 free. Online presale tickets are $7.00 adults, buy online here
The Beach Party welcomes headliner Yacht Rock Schooner to help Beach
Partiers “get smooth” and slip into a gentle groove for dancing and
relaxing on the plaza. And don’t forget all that SAND on Decatur Beach!!
photo from McDonough Street Market 2008
It’s almost time for the annual Decatur Beach Party!
Friday, June 15th on the Square in downtown Decatur
5:00-11:00pm
$10 adults, $5 children (includes all games and activities), Kids under 2 free. Online presale tickets are $7.00 adults, buy online here
photo from McDonough Street Market 2008
Decatur Art Walk!
From: Mingei World Arts
Dear Mingei friends--
Please join us Friday evening,
May 25, from 5-10pm,
for our annual spring Art Walk!
This year, our featured artist is Arturo Salome Huali, a third-generation Peruvian gourd artist, now living in metro Atlanta. He will be here with his brother, Necker,
showing and selling their beautiful work,
and demonstrating their craft.
Drop by for refreshments and a visit!
We'll be open Saturday from 10am-9pm and Sunday 12-6pm, but Mingei will closed on Monday, May 28th, while we are at home resting with our families.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
From : Mingei World Arts
Monday, May 21, 2012
Family Dollar to Open in Oakhurst mid-summer
Family Dollar store will open in mid-summer in a retail space being renovated in Oakhurst, a spokesman for the retail chain said.
The store will operate out of the small shopping center at 630 East Lake Drive, where the Big H store used to be.
Oakhurst Church now occupies the middle section of the building. The other end of the building, where Mulligan's Restaurant and Sports Bar used to be, is empty.
The Oakhurst store will be part of a companywide expansion, Family Dollar spokesman Josh Braverman said Friday.
Family Dollar will open about 500 new stores this year, with several in the Atlanta area. The Charlotte, N.C.-based company has about 7,200 stores in 45 states.
Family Dollar picked Decatur because it looked like a good market, Braverman said.
"Our model is to put stores where people live," he said.
Family Dollar stores typically employ eight to 10 people, Braverman said. The Oakhurst location will be about 7,700 square feet in size.
Family Dollar stores sell food, clothing and assorted household products. Though not everything costs a dollar, the price point is never very high.
Braverman said Family Dollar stores typically open on a Thursday with kind of a grand opening on the following Saturday.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Click on photoFriday, May 18, 2012
Dekalb Day of Play
fROM: accessatlanta.com
Saturday, May 19 10:00a to 3:00p
at Exchange Park and Recreation Center
Age Suitability: All Ages
Stepp Stewart, Producer of The Atlanta Fit Fest, will host The Dekalb County Day of Play, presented by Stepp It Up Kids. Mr. Stewart is best known as the on air personality & Dance Fitness Guru for The Dr. Oz Show. This FREE event focuses on children and indoor/outdoor fun, and physical activities that they can do everyday. Featuring free Cardio Dance taught by Stepp Stewart, line dancing for all ages, Jamie Duke's Chachersize, Zumba, and football drills with former NFL player David McMillian.
Saturday, May 19 10:00a to 3:00p
at Exchange Park and Recreation Center
2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA, 30034
Price: FreeAge Suitability: All Ages
Stepp Stewart, Producer of The Atlanta Fit Fest, will host The Dekalb County Day of Play, presented by Stepp It Up Kids. Mr. Stewart is best known as the on air personality & Dance Fitness Guru for The Dr. Oz Show. This FREE event focuses on children and indoor/outdoor fun, and physical activities that they can do everyday. Featuring free Cardio Dance taught by Stepp Stewart, line dancing for all ages, Jamie Duke's Chachersize, Zumba, and football drills with former NFL player David McMillian.
Saturday, May 19 10:00a
to
3:00p
at
Exchange Park and Recreation Center,
Decatur,
GA
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Solarium 9th Annual Patio Party Fundraiser June 3rd
From:https: www.xorbia.com A lively auction featuring birdhouses, mailboxes, yard art and found art for the home custom-crafted or decorated by local artists and famous Decatur personalities. The bidding will be hot for these one-of-a kind masterpieces lead by our local favorite emcee! Other highlights include a raffle, kids' activities center and live music by Jeff Holt. Guests will also enjoy wine, beer and fabulous food showcasing The Solarium's preferred caterers. Have a great time with your neighbors and friends while supporting the mission of the Community Center of South Decatur and The Solarium, which help suppport programs and events within the Decatur community. For more information visit www.thesolarium.com or email us at contact@thesolarium.com. See you there!
You scream, I scream for Ice Cream ... but not in DeKalb
From ajc
By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What would summer be without the tinny jangle of the ice-cream truck? Answer: DeKalb County.
No, county leaders don’t hate cool treats. Or children. It’s just that county code makes it illegal to sell any food – ice cream is specifically listed – from any cart or vehicle on county streets.
Not that anyone seemed to know until one ice-cream truck driver complained to commissioners last week that police had cited him twice for daring to offer Nutty Buddys, Push Up Pops and Screwballs (there’s a gumball at the bottom!).
Said Commissioner Larry Johnson, “Is that why I never see the ice-cream truck anymore?"
In a word, yes. And although County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to take up the cause – and also consider allowing food trucks while they’re at it – it will be officially summer by the time things are sorted out.
full story at ajc
Sunday, May 13, 2012
AMC Theatre at Phipps Plaza to get $1 Million Renovation
Movie theatre slated for $1.2 Million facelift.
AMC Phipps Plaza 14 is undergoing a $1.2 Million renovation, according to an application for a building permit filed with City of Atlanta on April 25.
The movie theatre located on the third floor of the luxury Buckhead mall announced its plans for the renovations in a press release Wednesday.
“For the last several years we’ve worked to bring our guests a number of different moviegoing improvements to help get people excited about coming to the movies, and we’ve had great success with a variety of enhancements at locations around the country,” Mark McDonald, executive vice president of Global Development at AMC, said in the release.
When finished, the theatre will feature stadium-style seating instead of the current sloped floors, according to the release. The seats will be converted into “power recliners with footrests.”
In addition, AMC plans to install a MacGuffins bar (named after a term coined by famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock) allowing guests to order a beer, wine or cocktail at the theatre.
AMC’s concession stand will be remodeled into The Marketplace. Instead of waiting in lines to order, the concessions are laid out at convenient stations, allowing guests to choose what they want, before proceeding to the checkout area.
Other modifications to the theatre include a renovation of the theatre’s restrooms, as well as changes to the box office and lobby area.
“These innovative renovations to AMC Phipps Plaza are going to take moviegoing in Atlanta to an entirely new level,” Dewayne Herbert, mall manager at Phipps Plaza, said in the release. “We are thrilled with this announcement, as it complements other recent additions to the mall — such as the opening of LEGOLAND Discovery Center — in establishing Phipps Plaza as an entertainment destination.”
Construction will begin at AMC Phipps Plaza this summer and the theatre will remain open during the renovations, which should be complete by the end of 2012.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Kudza Antiques to Open 2nd Location in Roswell
Kudzu Antiques is opening a second location in Sandy Springs on Roswell Road. Kudzu will open a 29,000 s/f store later this fall in the former Red Baron Antiques. Having been in Decatur for more than 30 years, Kudzu is a local favorite for hard to find antiques, folk art and even movie props. The store moved from its original Decatur location at N. Arcadia and East Ponce Avenues a few years ago and its former property is now a Progressive Insurance office. Kudzu's current location is 25,000 s/f and is open 7 days a week.
h/t decatur metro
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Decatur Arts Festival, Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteers
From the decatur patch
http://decatur.patch.com/articles/volunteers-needed-for-arts-fest-meals-on-wheels
Volunteers Needed For Arts Fest, Meals on Wheels
Lee Ann Harvey, the volunteer coordinator for the City of Decatur, says these opportunities are now available.
Decatur Arts Festival – Memorial Weekend
There are still volunteer opportunities available set up and close down of the Artists Market, Artists Helpers, Kids & Teens Arts Festival, Silent Auction, and Theater & Literary Arts.
Volunteers receive a Decatur Arts Festival T-shirt. The deadline to choose your T-shirt size for volunteering at the festival is Wednesday, May 9. After that date, you will receive a T-shirt but size choice is not guaranteed. We especially could use lots more volunteers for Close Down on Sunday evening. Close Down volunteers will receive a special thank you gift in addition to the volunteer T-shirt. Visit http://decaturartsfestival.com for more information.
To obtain a volunteer signup form or details about volunteer opportunities, contact LeeAnn Harvey, volunteer coordinator at the City of Decatur, at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6548.
read full story : decatur.patch.com
http://decatur.patch.com/articles/volunteers-needed-for-arts-fest-meals-on-wheels
Volunteers Needed For Arts Fest, Meals on Wheels
Lee Ann Harvey, the volunteer coordinator for the City of Decatur, says these opportunities are now available.
Decatur Arts Festival – Memorial Weekend
There are still volunteer opportunities available set up and close down of the Artists Market, Artists Helpers, Kids & Teens Arts Festival, Silent Auction, and Theater & Literary Arts.
Volunteers receive a Decatur Arts Festival T-shirt. The deadline to choose your T-shirt size for volunteering at the festival is Wednesday, May 9. After that date, you will receive a T-shirt but size choice is not guaranteed. We especially could use lots more volunteers for Close Down on Sunday evening. Close Down volunteers will receive a special thank you gift in addition to the volunteer T-shirt. Visit http://decaturartsfestival.com for more information.
To obtain a volunteer signup form or details about volunteer opportunities, contact LeeAnn Harvey, volunteer coordinator at the City of Decatur, at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or call 678-553-6548.
read full story : decatur.patch.com
Monday, May 7, 2012
Fire Hydrant Tests
The Decatur Fire Department will test fire hydrants in April, May and June.
Please Note: During the pressure-testing and flowing of the hydrants household water can become cloudy due to disturbance within the water pipes. This condition is temporary and usually clears up quickly.
-----
Question: Does the cap painted green mean something special ??????
Answer: Yep it does mean something.
Update:
Do you ever wonder why fire hydrants are painted the colors they are? The lower part of fire hydrants a reflective silver to assist the Fire Department in locating them, especially at night. The tops of the hydrants were color coded based on the flow of the hydrant under normal operating conditions expressed in gallons per minute.
The National standard for the body colors of the hydrants is a chrome yellow; however, silver is still recognized as a standard color. Therefore, municipal hydrant body color will continue to be silver. The tops or caps of the hydrants are going to change and will be painted according to flow on the hydrant at 20 pounds per square inch of pressure (psi).
I like when the fire hydrants are painted all silver or all Yellow. The one above is in front of Greenes Fine Foods
The 2012 Decatur Arts Festival Poster
From: decaturartsfestival.com
This year’s Decatur Arts Festival poster design is by Lonnie Selph, a sophomore studying graphic design and illustration at the Art Institute Atlanta-Decatur.
Lonnie is a United States Marine from Griffin,Georgia, who served two years in Iraq and is currently serving with the reserves. He was a finalist in the competition held for the poster design at AIA-Decatur and worked with the Decatur Arts Alliance board committee to create this year’s vibrant image of celebration and creativity.
This year’s Decatur Arts Festival poster design is by Lonnie Selph, a sophomore studying graphic design and illustration at the Art Institute Atlanta-Decatur.
Lonnie is a United States Marine from Griffin,Georgia, who served two years in Iraq and is currently serving with the reserves. He was a finalist in the competition held for the poster design at AIA-Decatur and worked with the Decatur Arts Alliance board committee to create this year’s vibrant image of celebration and creativity.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Trinity Mercantile & Design
Trinity Mercantile & Design
As their web site says: Fun Fabulous retail store in downtown Decatur Georgia. We can help! If you need design services, or you just want to come in and pick out your own style! Designer resource to the trade...if you know what we mean. We have tons of resources for custom upholstery, casegoods, lighting, rugs, carpeting, window treatments, accessories, gifts! If you are high style, traditionalist or somewhere in between, we have it covered.
http://www.houzz.com/pro/131trinity/trinity-mercantile-design
- Contact:
- Lisa,Wallace & Mike
- Type:
- Interior Designers
- Address:
- 131 East Trinity Place, Decatur,
Georgia, United States, 30030 - Phone:
- 404-378-0197
- Website:
- www.131trinity.com
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