Decatur Tennis Tournament May 13 - 19 at Glenlake Tennis Center

From Be Active Decatur The annual Decatur Tennis Tournament will be held May 13 - 19 at Glenlake Tennis Center. Tournament play begins on Monday, May 13 at 5pm. USTA rules and "the code" will govern play. Interested? For more information and to enter, click here.

Neil Diamond Leads Fenway Park Crowd in Singing "Sweet Caroline"

From CBS: BOSTON (CBS) – Neil Diamond made a surprise appearance at Fenway Park Saturday afternoon. Diamond flew into town on his own and asked the Red Sox if he could sing “Sweet Caroline” as a live performance. The song is an eighth inning tradition at Fenway Park that’s been adopted by teams around the Major Leagues this past week to show their support for Boston. As Diamond left the field, the crowd chanted “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

MAR Now Hiring Kitchen and Bar Staff -- Opening Soon

UPDATE FROM:  atlantamagazine.com See inside photos --MAR sent me a Facebook note :

 MAR
so close! opening in next few weeks! now hiring for kitchen and wait staff

MAR is located at 314 E Howard Ave. Decatur. GA Read more of this article at www.atlantamagazine.com

Buffalo Exchange Now Open

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From : http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
  Buffalo Exchange is unique because clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded locally with store customers. Bring in your former favorites for trade or cash on the spot! Our ever-changing inventory includes designer labels, vintage, jeans, leather, current basics and one-of-a-kind items. You'll also find brand new merchandise and accessories.

Our clothing is by the community, for the community. Buffalo Exchange stores are located in the heart of progressive, urban neighborhoods, minimizing pollution, congestion, habitat loss and urban sprawl. 80% of our clothing and accessories are bought directly from local customers. Buffalo Exchange offers clothing for both men and women and is more fashionable than your regular thrift store. At the buy counter, we hand pick the most desirable items from the public that can be resold. Our prices range widely depending on the label, style, condition and other factors. Many items average around $15. Designer jeans are higher in price, but our prices are far lower than retail.

"See Rock City" Sign Saved

 From : myfoxatlanta.com
CUMMING, Ga. - A Forsyth County man who's been battling with the government over a large sign on his property is claiming victory on Thursday.

Ben Morris was facing possible jail time after restoring his 90-year-old barn and the "See Rock City" sign on its roof. Forsyth County code enforcement called it a violation of the county's law regulating large signs.

"It's a victory for the citizens of our county, that we the people will not tolerate unnecessary interference in our lives and the erasing of our history from unelected bureaucrats," said Morris.

Decatur Green Fest Saturday May 11, 2013

 From www.decaturgreenfest.com Headlining this year will be Ed Roland, Atlanta native and former heart of the band Collective Soul, featuring his new band currently recording its debut album for release in 2013. Decatur Green Fest welcomes to the Tree Sound Solar Stage ... Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project !!! 7-9:30pm

"SEE ROCK CITY" Sign Sparks modern debate over Law

From: forsythnews.com

Ol' time sign sparks modern debate over law
Photo credit: D.G. Whitefield for Next Stop...Decatur

“Sign, sign,everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery,
breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t
you read the sign?”

The Five Man Electrical Band, whose anti-establishment hit “Signs” rocked the music charts in the early 1970s, was a Canadian group, so odds are its members didn’t grow up with “See Rock City” signs dotting the roadways on barns scattered across the rural countryside.

But a lot of us here in Georgia did, which is why the current brouhaha over such a barn sign, and the citation of the barn’s owner for violating county laws, strikes such an emotional chord.

Beginning in the mid-1930s, a creative marketing genius decided the best way to draw attention to the Rock City tourist attraction in north Georgia near Chattanooga was to make it famous by roadside signage. Over the next 25 years or so, some 900 barns in 19 states across the nation, primarily in the South, were used to invite folks to “See Rock City.”

The advertising campaign became famous in its own right, eventually becoming as much a part of the rural Southern way of life as red tractors and spotted hens. But times change, and “See Rock City” went from being an advertising slogan to a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time, when Sunday drives on lightly traveled rural roads bereft of billboards were common. 

As the saying goes, that was then and this is now.

In the process of renovating an old farm site into a car lot, Ben Morris decided to return an old barn to the traditional red and black colors of an early generation, and to once again invite the world to “See Rock City” via bold white letters against a black roof.

Morris says he was simply repainting a sign that had been there in the past but had faded to the point of being virtually impossible to see. If that’s the case, county officials say, then the sign can be grandfathered in under the county’s sign ordinance and allowed to remain. But if not, it’s a violation of the ordinance as an unpermitted roof sign.

Morris has beaten an Americana drum and rallied support to his cause. The county finds itself trying to defend a portion of its sign law that it likely never expected to be a problem. County officials say they can’t ignore the law just because they like what a sign says, and they have to enforce it the same way for everyone.

Here’s hoping that someone can step forward with solid proof that the barn in question was, indeed, once painted as an advertisement for a most unique tourist attraction, and that this particular piece of historic Southern culture can remain as a reminder of simpler days.

Lacking that, surely those entrusted to write and enforce county ordinances can find a way to allow the preservation of a bit of history that doesn’t open the door to a future of neon lights and day-glow paints atop the roofs throughout the county.
--------------------------------------------
 

Eye on Decatur

Decatur High School circa 1942

In 1942 this was the Decatur Girls High School. The Boys High School was two doors down to the right on other side of the old Auditorium.
Photo from 1942 Decatur Girls High School Yearbook.

Decatur Bowling Alley on West Court Sq. circa 1942

--This is a very rare photo of Decatur's West Court Square in Decatur GA. showing a Bowling Alley. (Not many photos of this street.)

Pictures from Decatur Girls High Year Book. 1942

MAR Looks Almost Ready to Open

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MAR'S facebook page hints at a Spring Opening. Perfect timing to enjoy the back patio! MAR is located at 314 E Howard Ave. Decatur. GA

Tree Walk in Historic Avondale Estates April 27

Tree Walk in Historic Avondale Estates
From Nancy Martin

Gardeners and anyone interested in knowing more about the trees that add so much to Atlanta’s quality of life are invited to come out for the Avondale Estates First Annual Tree Walk on April 27. The walk is being co-sponsored by the Avondale Estates and Avon Garden Clubs. Local arborists including Dale Higdon, (ret.) Georgia Forestry Commission, Mark Livingston, Arborguard, DeKalb County Extension Agent Gary Peiffer, and Steve Sanchez will lead the walk and point out the defining and unusual characteristics of the city’s trees.

Avondale Estates is noted for its scores of magnificent old oak trees, including the Atlanta Champion Willow Oak that rises more than 110 feet tall and more than 120 feet wide. Numerous red, sugar and silver maples line residential streets. Avondale also is home to a number of noteworthy specimen trees like deodar cedars, ginkgos and unusually large hollies.

The Walk will highlight these and other trees that are outstanding specimens by virtue of their size, aesthetic appeal, or unusual appearance in the Georgia landscape. To take part, meet in the Avondale Community Club parking lot, at 59 Lakeshore Drive, at 10:00 am. The Tree Walk is scheduled from 10:00 am – Noon. Tree experts will lead the tours and answer your tree questions. This will be a fun event and a great way to learn more about trees.

Avondale Estates was the second city in Georgia to be named a “Tree City” and has been actively working to preserve and expand its tree population. For more information about the Walk, email: bonniebphelps@gmail.com.

Thanks for sending this in, sounds like a cool event.

LuciBell - Welcome to Decatur

From LuciBell website

I guess you are wandering...how did we come up with the name LuciBell??? Well LuciBell was inspired by two sisters who loved to shop. They arose eary in the morning to hit the departments stores for the latest in fashion and home decor...then ended their day at vintage stores and flea markets looking for just the right accents. When you visited their homes...it was an eclectic mix of old and new things. The two sisters were named Lucille and Eddibell...hence the name LuciBell. So the next time you visit us at LuciBell and see the mix of old and new products remember it was inspired by my grandmother Lucille and my great aunt Eddibell. See you soon!

Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite

 From : oakhurstjazznights.com

Hundreds of jazz lovers will be headed to Oakhurst and picnicking at sunset again in April to enjoy some of the best jazz artists in the southeast. The Oakhurst Neighborhood Association announces another great season of free outdoor jazz concerts this spring, beginning Thursday, April 4..
All concerts begin at 7 pm and end at 9 pm and are free and open to the public. The location is the lawn in front of The Solarium at 321 W. Hill St. 30030 in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur. Concerts take place rain or shine. The
rain location is The Solarium.

FREE:
321 West Hill St..
Decatur, GA  30030

'Just The Way You Are' by Bruno Mars

Just The Way You Are by yardie4lifever2
Do you recognize the girl ? , that's  Nathalie Kelley from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

The Jelly Belly Tour RV will be at Greene's Fine Foods Saturday April 6

Learn more at: Greene's facebook page

Decatur EARTH DAY Festival is Sunday April 21

 From decatur earth day facebook.

Yarr! Join us and the Funk Pirates for a mighty fine Parade. Please dress up as a pirate or sea creature. Parade begins in Harmony Park at 12:30pm

Our Festival will be Mighty Fun, Maties!

to learn more visit www.facebook.com

Volkswagen likes site near Airport

By Greg Bluestein and J. Scott Trubey


From :The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

German automaker Volkswagen is in talks to open an operations center with about 100 employees at the site of the former Ford plant in Hapeville, according to people with knowledge of the negotiations.

A deal would boost redevelopment of the so-called “Aerotropolis” site just east of the Atlanta airport’s runways, where Volkswagen’s sports car unit, Porsche, already plans a new North American headquarters.

Porsche’s plans call for a stylish office building that incorporates a test track on the lower level. The specific functions of a potential new Volkswagen office are not yet known.
read more at ajc

Zaxby’s to Open Stone Mountain Location

From ajc

By News Staff

Zaxby’s will open its 205th restaurant in Georgia in Stone Mountain on Monday. The restaurant will be at 1152 S. Hairston Road across from the Redan Village Shopping Center.
The chain specializes in chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads. The Stone Mountain location is Zaxby’s ninth in DeKalb County. The restaurant chain has 570 locations in 13 states.

Two Great Decatur Events on Saturday, April 6

This April, May and June, the City of Decatur sponsors a street-side celebration of the arts in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst's Harmony Park. This pop-up art program features a select mix of artists, singers, musicians, dancers and performers who will entertain and delight all who happen by. Performances take place on Saturday afternoons from 3 to 6 pm, beginning April 6 and continuing until mid-June. Don't miss a single Saturday because you never know what will be happening - or where!

     Artists interested in participating should contact sidewalksaturdays@gmail.com to schedule an audition. Artists are paid an hourly stipend.

From: Linda Harris decaturga.com

Mingei World Arts Reassure us "We are NOT going out of business!"

 

 We are NOT going out of business!

Dear friends all--

Since the "For Lease" sign went up in our window, the door has pulled open several times a day.  "WHAT?!?  You CAN'T close!".  Please let us reassure all of you-- there are changes afoot, but we are NOT going out of business!

 

While we don't know yet exactly when we will be locking the red door here, Mingei will be leaving Church Street and won't be a full-time retail operation. Do not despair. Soon we will announce our new location and how you can find us. We will be open by appointment and by announcement for special openings, parties, and sales. We will also have more of an online presence.  

If you don't want to lose track of us, we certainly don't want to lose track of you! If you are receiving this email from a friend, you might want to sign up for our mailing list.  Do you follow us on Facebook? Those will be the best ways to be sure you are informed of our changes.

 

We are very excited about these changes and think you will be too. In the meantime, come see us!   

Ann and Ellen

Spring Fever

New Audrey Hepburn commercial for Galaxy Chocolate

From: Adpressive
 It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come with CG (Computer Generated) photograph and film as you can see in this new Audrey Hepburn commercial for Galaxy Chocolate. Audrey Hepburn, a British actress and humanitarian, who was also a fashion icon and a part of what many would call Hollywood’s Golden Age, is recreated in this quite impressive commercial for Galaxy Chocolate. Taking place on a Mediterranean coastline sometime in the 1960′s, this commercial is a real treat and impressive enough to be called Adpressive! Read more at adpressive.com

Pony Rides at Little Creek Farm Saturday March 30

 From: littlecreekfarmconservancy.org

hat: LCF's Annual Pony Ride Day

When: Saturday, March 30th, 12:00 to 3:00pm

Cost: Admission to the barn free.  $5.00 donation per ride. All transactions are cash or check only.

Requirements: 36” height and 4 years of age minimum for riders, please.

Details: Pony rides will be in the indoor ring, rain or shine.  Hot dogs, veggie burgers, baked goods, beverages, etc. will be available for sale in addition to Little Creek Farm Conservancy merchandise.

How To Skip the Line:  All LCFC members can skip the line for pony rides!  Just bring your membership card or join at the even if you aren’t already a member!
Please follow signs for Parking.

Tour deCatur 2013 Saturday March 23

From: decatureducationfoundation.org

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

YOU CAN REGISTER IN PERSON ON FRIDAY, MARCH 22 AT FLEET FEET DECATUR BETWEEN 5-8PM OR ON THE DAY OF THE RACE BEGINNING AT 7:30AM IN THE DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA.

DUE TO CONSTRUCTION IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, SAME DAY REGISTRATION AND RACE NUMBER PICK-UP WILL BE IN THE DHS CAFETERIA WHICH YOU CAN ENTER FROM THE BREEZEWAY BETWEEN THE TWO HIGH SCHOOL BUILDINGS.  THE PERFORMING ARTS BUILDING WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE.
 READ MORE AT decatureducationfoundation.org

Work remains stalled in Druid Hills battle

 From the ajc
Work remains stalled in Druid Hills battle
By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No more trees will fall in Druid Hills – at least for a few days – until a DeKalb County judge can figure out how and if a controversial development off Clifton Road can proceed.

Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson said Monday she expects to rule “fairly soon” on whether to continue to stall work at the three vacant lots that attorney Robert Buckler wants to carve into a seven-lot subdivision near Emory University.

That answer likely will come by week’s end. It may take weeks longer for her to decide if the Druid Hills Civic Association has the right to sue to stop the project known as Clifton Ridge. And it may be months before she rules on the central issue: Whether Buckler must get the OK from the county’s Historic Preservation Board for the project, or if he needs only the planning commission approval he received in 2011.
read full story

Name the Movie

Name the movie still this is from.

Comments:

Anonymous said...

Road Warrior?

March 16, 2013 at 5:10 PM

Next Stop...Decatur said...

No it's not Road Warrior.

March 16, 2013 at 5:36 PM

Don't Forget Big Tex Block Party Saturday March 16

The folks at Big Tex are shutting down their street in favor of an outdoor stage with a talented lineup of local performers including Eric Dodd, Deep Blue Sun and Bloodkin.
 They will be serving up an authentic Cajun crawfish boil and will have plenty of beer specials from sponsor, Pacifico.
 This is a great event to kick off the Spring festival season in Decatur.
 Texas Born Southern Made Cooking in Downtown Decatur
 Big Tex Cantina
 308 W Ponce de Leon Ave
 Decatur, GA 30030
 404 377-3939

$40 million complex for downtown Decatur

 From the ajc
By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An Atlanta developer is proposing to build a $40 million mix of apartments and shops on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur.

Carter USA will build 240 apartments and 10,000-square feet of retail to the existing Decatur Court office building.
see the plans at the city of decatur web site

1946 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Decatur

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.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend be Safe

From Decatur Patch

You can have fun partaking in St. Patrick's Day events, just be safe and call a safe ride home.
    By Kiri Walton
St. Patrick's Day, for many, has become a time to let loose, wear green and enjoy copious amounts of beer and spirits. While no one would ask you to curtail your fun– nay, debauchery– you should certainly be safe and call a sober ride to get home in Decatur from having all that fun.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety just announced at Meehan's in Midtown on Wednesday that it has re-launched its "Drive Sober, Georgia" smartphone application and is partnering with TEAM Georgia to ensure revelers find a safe, sober ride home.

Click here to download it from iTunes and click here for Android phones.

Photo credit: visualphotos.com

See a list over at the Decatur Patch  where to celebrate St. Patty's Day in and around Decatur.

Classic 50's & 60's Commercials

Decatur's old Courthouse circa 1930's

Sandy Hackett's RAT PACK SHOW MARCH 14-17

The Rat Pack Show comes to Atlanta March 14-17 at The Cobb Energy Centre
Find tickets here

Big Tex Decatur Spring Block Party March 16

 Big news: Big Tex Decatur Spring Block Party happening on March 16.
 The folks at Big Tex are shutting down their street in favor of an outdoor stage with a talented lineup of local performers including Eric Dodd, Deep Blue Sun and Bloodkin.
 They will be serving up an authentic Cajun crawfish boil and will have plenty of beer specials from sponsor, Pacifico.
 This is a great event to kick off the Spring festival season in Decatur.

 Texas Born Southern Made Cooking
in Downtown Decatur

Big Tex Cantina 
308 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
404 377-3939

 Sent in by Breck Rochow.

Tour deCatur Early Registration Extended through March 10th - DON'T PAY MORE!

From : http://decatureducationfoundation.org/

Early registration prices extended 

through March 10th 

Register today at Tourdecatur.com

Did you know that if you bring in your 

registration confirmation to Fleet Feet Decatur 

you will get 10% off your purchase 

and another 10% will be donated to 

the Decatur Education Foundation? 

(as if you needed another reason to register for this great Decatur event!)

Email questions to gail@decatureducationfoundation.org

Great Train Expo @ Cobb Galleria Centre March 9 & 10th

Cobb Galleria Centre Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 [Map/Directions] Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10, 2013 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Both Days
After 25 years of running shows in the Atlanta area, The Great Train Expo is excited to return to the Cobb Galleria Center!!	FREE PARKING!!
The facility is PACKED full of dealers with ALL Sizes & Scales of Trains!! 300+ of Tables with 50+ Exhibitors from all across the country!! Wall to Wall trains!! The hall is overflowing with trains!! Engines, Rolling Stock, DVD's, Hats, Scenery Material, Track, T-Shirts, Books, Magazines, Thomas, New, Used, Collectible, Everything Trains!! Operating Model Railroads in many Sizes & Scales!! Trains Kids Can Play With!! a riding train for kids!! Free Workshops & Demonstrations Door Prizes!! and Much More!!
Bring the Whole Family -- There are trains for kids to operate -- There's something for everyone to see -- Free Workshops! -- Win hourly door prizes! -- Kids are FREE!!! For more info visit:  http://www.greattrainexpo.com/	Admission: $9.00 for Adults *** Good for Both Days! *** FREE PARKING!!
	Kids Under 12 Are FREE! Riding Train for Kids!

Eye on Decatur - S. McDonough St. and Big old Trees

Large old trees like this, that are between the street and sidewalks are fading away. Decatur had a lot of these at one time.
If you have one of these on your street feel free to send in the image and I will post it.

Free Wi-Fi Coming to Decatur

 Check out this,  The Decatur Minute posted about free Wi-Fi

"Beginning March 1, Decatur will be offering free public Wi-Fi in several public spaces: downtown Decatur, the Oakhurst business district, Oakhurst Park, Glenlake Park, McKoy Park, and Adair Park. These spaces are ideally suited for work and play, and now users can count on a reliable Wi-Fi signal free of charge!
.
Residents and visitors will now be able to stay connected with their smartphones, tablets and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices while in these community spaces."
read how to connect over at decaturminute.com

Eye on Decatur - Hola! Mexican Cantina

Hola! Mexican Cantina
205 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Coming Soon

Peachtree Corners Dreamland Bar-B-Que Restaurant to Rebuild after Fire.

 Update on Peachtree Corners Dreamland Bar-B-Que Restaurant
From dreamlandbbq.com
Our Norcross location is currently closed due to a fire on January 16, 2012. We appreciate the support and kind thoughts from our guests and look forward to you dining with us at our Roswell location at 10730 Alpharetta Highway while we rebuild. We will keep you posted about our GRAND RE-OPENING!

The Norcross Catering Service is STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS. James Larson can still take care of your catering needs, just call 770-912-2630 or email norcrosscatering@dreamlandbbq.com

Georgia’s best hotels, restaurants

AAA picks Georgia’s best hotels, restaurants
 from ajc.com
By Leon Stafford

The Four Seasons Atlanta, InterContinental Buckhead, (St. Regis Hotel photo below) and both Ritz-Carlton locations are the best hotels in Atlanta, according to travel organization AAA.
The five properties received AAA’s Five Diamond award — the group’s top recognition for hotels — in the group’s annual survey of Georgia’s leading lodgers and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro and The Lodge at Sea Island in St. Simons also received Five Diamonds.

No restaurants received Five Diamonds.

Overall 34 Georgia hotels and 12 restaurants earned Four or Five Diamonds in AAA ratings — 28 of   them in Atlanta — for the past 12 months, the organization said. AAA will host a Diamond award event on Monday at the Four Seasons.

Metro Atlanta restaurants receiving Four Diamonds: Aria, Atlanta Grill, Bacchanalia, BLT Steak, Canoe, La Grotta Ravinia Ristorante Italiano, La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, Nan Thai Fine Dining, Nikolai’s Roof, Park 75 and Restaurant Eugene.
Photo credit: flickr member: ST.REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

12th Annual Wine Crawl is Saturday Feb 23

From oakhurstga.org
Who knew Oakhurst was hi-tech?! There’s an app available for this month’s Wine Crawl. download your FREE app now from iTunes!http://itunes.apple.com/app/wine-crawl/id418734278?ign-mpt=uo%3D6&mt=8 Saturday, February 23th 4-7 pm Tickets are $30 in advance. Day of event $35. On sale Saturday Feb 4th at the Universal Joint and Oakhurst Market. There are 24+ businesses serving wine from around the world covering every varietal imaginable! The Crawl does not have a start or stop point. You simply pick up your glass and start visiting the businesses.The program available at the registration tables details the wines and businesses participating. FREE The Fur Bus runs every 15 minutes from Harmony Park to College St. businesses. Last pickup is 6:15pm
Read full story at  oakhurstgaorg.ipower.com

MAR Costal to Open - March/April 2013

 
 Decatur GA
MAR'S facebook page hints at a Spring Opening.(When will you open ? Looks like March, perfect timing to enjoy the back patio!) MAR is located at 314 E Howard Ave. Decatur. GA

Drainage Problems in Front of Decatur High

N. McDonough St drainage problems are getting fixed. They have had problems there before.