Skyview Ferris Wheel to Open This Week- Maybe

 From midtownpatch
The Skyview Ferris Wheel in downtown Atlanta is scheduled to open next week.

Skyview Atlanta posted on its Facebook page: "Great news Atlanta, the official opening day for SkyView Atlanta is this coming Tuesday, July 16. The ribbon cutting is set for Noon. We hope to see you there!"
The 20-story high Ferris Wheel with 42 gondolas is in the south end of Centennial Olympic Park. "With a view like this, everyone will be wanting a ride," Skyview writes on its website

Coca-Cola Making Bottles Entirely Out of Ice Just in Time for Summer

 From adweek.com
First, Coca-Cola tried to thaw relations between India and Pakistan. Now, the brand has created bottles that are guaranteed to melt in your hands. Foodbeast gives a chilly reception to Coke's bottles made of ice, pointing to potential hygiene issues. But I can see folks warming to the offbeat promotional items, introduced in sunny Colombia just in time for beach season. There's no denying that the containers are … cool. Usually you have to go to a restaurant to get watered-down soda. Now you can enjoy it straight from the bottle. A red Coke-logo band lets you hold the frozen flask without chilling your hand too much, and doubles as a keepsake bracelet, because who wouldn't want one of those? Seriously, though, the brand's latest foray into innovative packaging (following the split-can idea) carries a certain ironic symbolism—with one of consumer culture's most famous icons, the Coca-Cola bottle, drip-drip-dripping away through customers' fingers, leaving only an advertisement (that band with the logo) behind. Now that's what I call pop art! Agency: Ogilvy Colombia.
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Proposed Development Near Suburban Plaza would level 58-year-old church for mixed-use complex

From clatl.com
Fuqua Development, the company behind a controversial retail center near Glenwood Park and a proposed Walmart near Lindbergh Center, has another new project in the works: Decatur Crossing.

The nearly 7-acre mixed-used development located near the busy intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur Road is technically just outside Decatur. Early plans, which were presented to surrounding neighborhoods on Monday, include a 5-story, 200-unit apartment complex and an "organic" food store that would serve as the development's anchor tenant. Retail shops would line the street and wrap two levels of parking - one of which would potentially be underground. At the 6-way intersection, the developer says, pedestrians and passersby will be able to convene in a "public gathering space."

To build the shopping center, Fuqua would have to raze the current properties. Historic 58-year-old Scott Boulevard Baptist Church, which has tried to sell the property to more than a dozen potential buyers, would be demolished under the firm's plan. As would 10 homes on Barton Way that the developer currently has under contract.
read full story

Zaxby's on Ponce Grand Opening July 15

---The new Zaxby's on Ponce will have their Grand Opening July 15

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" Buffalo Exchange

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Buffalo Exchange
 1057 Ponce De Leon Ave NE  Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 817-0921
To learn more about Buffalo Exchange click here

Ongoing Police Investigation Alert for Decatur

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From The City of Decatur

Ongoing Police Investigation  

 

We sent out a news release on Wednesday, July 3 around 6 p.m. updating the media on the ongoing police investigation of the recent burglaries and robberies.  I am sending the same release to all of our e-news lists to keep you updated as well.  

In addition to the release we sent Wednesday, we had a report of an armed robbery on Sycamore Drive near Grove Street at 3:30 a.m. July 5.  The Community Alert is posted on the website with the details.  Based on a number of key differences, the police believe that this incident is not related to the other incidents that occured earlier this week.

Please know that the police are working diligently to resolve these incidents and please keep your eyes and ears open if you see any suspicious activity.  In addition, Police Chief Mike Booker and his staff are available if you would like for them to come talk to your neighborhood association or community group.  Call 404-373-6551 to report suspicious activity or to schedule a meeting with your group.

 

Ongoing Police Investigation

The City of Decatur Police Department is in the process of investigating a series of 13 day time burglaries that occurred from May 30 - June 26 that appear to be related. The majority of the burglaries occurred in and around S. Candler Street including parts of the Oakhurst and Winnona Park neighborhoods. The burglaries seem to be related to a significantly higher number of similar incidents in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta. All three jurisdictions are working on a coordinated approach and together have made one arrest, detained five juvenile perpetrators, recovered a stolen vehicle, and recovered stolen property.

The Decatur Police Department is also in the process of investigating an attempted robbery and two robberies that occurred in Oakhurst on July 1 & 2 and a car theft that occurred on Swanton Way in downtown Decatur on July 3 that resulted in the vehicle crashing at Kirk Rd. and South Candler Street. A 15-year-old suspect is currently in custody.

According to information obtained from the witnesses and the victims, both the burglaries and the robberies are being committed by juveniles. Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker said that there is no indication that the juveniles are Decatur residents. He added that these appear to be crimes of opportunity with no regular pattern but that they do share common characteristics in terms of items stolen and the number and age of the suspects involved.

Chief Booker stated that "We are meeting and comparing information on a daily basis with both DeKalb County and City of Atlanta officers working the cases." He added "that in addition to the regular patrol shifts of five officers, the City has called in additional off-duty police officers and re-directed the four special unit officers to assignments related to addressing the current situation." Officers are using marked and unmarked cars and implementing periodic roadblocks throughout the city. Additional uniformed city staff, including firefighters, are assisting in the patrol of city parks, neighborhoods, and the business districts. In addition to responding to all burglaries and processing all latent prints, the police are using the GBI sketch artist and anticipate the release of at least one sketch very soon.

Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett said, "We want to assure the community that resolving these incidents are a top priority for the City Commission, the Police Department and all City staff. We are confident that they are utilizing every available resource to catch the perpetrators."

Mayor Baskett continued, "The police regularly issue community advisories and update them as more information is available for release. We encourage the community to read those advisories and follow the suggested safety precautions." Advisories are also posted on the City of Decatur website at www.decaturga.com.

Chief Booker and other police staff members will attend the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association Meeting on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. at The Solarium, 321W. Hill Street and the Winnona Park Neighbors Meeting on Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street. They are also available to attend other neighborhood association meetings. Call 404-373-6551 if you would like to request they attend your meeting.

The Decatur Police encourage the community to call if they see any suspicious activity. The non-emergency number is 404-373-6551. If you believe you are witnessing a crime, or have an emergency, dial 911.

Linda Harris

Chief, Civic Engagement, Education & Communication

linda.harris@decaturga.com

678-553-6512

Zaxby's on Ponce to Open Soon

Bond, James Bond at The Plaza Theatre this Month

-- Buy Tickets here

Before and After of the old Lewis Seed Store Building

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Several years ago when they were remodeling this building they found this store front sign painted on the bricks. The painted brick sign looks to be circa 1940's/50's Top photo from google maps shows how it looks today.

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Decatur's Pied Piper Parade is July 4th

From The Decatur Minute

Help us celebrate Independence Day in Decatur by joining our
Pied Piper Parade. Decorate your bike, wagon, or scooter-dress up in a silly costume, or go big and create a patriotic float to be a part of our annual community parade.
Have a kazoo band? Come join us!  Play the tuba? Come join us! The more the merrier.  Line-up is at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 4^th at the Decatur First Baptist Church.  Pedestrians gather on the lawn and vehicles will be lined up by volunteers in the parking lot.
Concert on the square features Callanwolde Concert Band. Parade 6 p.m.; Concert 7 p.m.; Fireworks at dark.
Click here to download the parade guidelines. We want to see your silliest and most creative decorations!

Eye on Decatur - Calle Latina and Decatur Station Food Mart

Saturday Events in and around Decatur

From accessatlanta.com
SATURDAY
Festival, music: Rev your engines at the V-103 Car & Bike Show from noon-9 p.m. June 22 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Check out classic cars and bikes plus performances from Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Wale.
Festival, music: Enjoy music from 14 bands, food, a beer garden and children's activities at Surf Fest from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 22 at O'Neal Plaza in Douglasville. 
Film, culture: Check out screenings of the 1929 film "Hallelujah" and the 1940 classic "Broken Strings" plus a performance from local gospel group Anointed Voices, at the Black Vintage Movie Series 2 p.m.-7 p.m. June 22 at Balzer Theater at Herren's (Home of Theatrical Outfit) in Atlanta.
Beer, festival: Enjoy 150+ beers, food, music and games at the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest from 4-9 p.m. June 22 at the Masquerade Music Park in Atlanta.
Beer, festival: Individuals and teams will compete to get their beer made at Red Hare Brewery during the Homebrew Battle from noon-5 p.m. at The Beer Growler in Avondale Estates. Sample homebrews and enjoy food, live music and games.
Food, music, festival: Enjoy food from food trucks, music from Marc Broussard and Sonia Leigh, cooking demonstrations and more at the People's Fest from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Atlantic Station in Atlanta.
Festival: Combine the "get out and get active" attitude and “going green” lifestyle at the GREEN Fun Fest at noon in Grant Park in Atlanta. Enjoy games, food, a farmer's and artist's market and more.

Welcome Summer

Ponce City Market Fly Through

From : read more about it at clatl.com

Theatre for the Very Young - New Season

The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce its 2013/14 season of performances for Theatre for the Very Young. The new season includes one encore production and two new productions developed for children ages 18 months to 5 years old.

Theatre for the Very Young is an artistic experience for children that overcomes age and developmental barriers, expanding the consciousness of the very young audience members. Each production nurtures creative thinking, allowing the very young to experience art and culture on their terms. See press release below with all the details, including information on our season packages which include tickets to all three productions.
 Please let me know if you have any questions.
 Tickets are available now. ---

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" - The Best Pulled Pork in Midtown

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Decatur Beach Party this Friday June 14 - 5-11 PM

 Over at The Decatur Minute they remind us of the
Decatur Beach Party this Friday .
and after it's over you can take some of the sand home for FREE.

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 From: http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/22931.aspx BUY TICKETS HERE
  Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 14 from 5-11 pm for the annual Beach Party, brought to you by the Decatur Business Association. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand, a kids board walk with all kinds of fun games, live music, dancing on the plaza, a food court, cold beverages and guaranteed great times for all ages!

Stan's Sandwich Shop - circa 1960's

Do you believe in UFO's ?

Click here for some  MORE UFO pictures ------------------ Also see this related video Very strange. ???

Burt Bacharach's South American Getaway from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Soundtrack

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.
Click image to visit Paris on Ponce.com

Bowling and Beer = FUN

From East Cobb Patch
Brunswick’s, a new upscale bowling and entertainment center with the full-service Tavern ’45 restaurant, will open its first two locations this summer in the East Cobb area and Norcross.

Brunswick’s will cater to adults. The Marietta/East Cobb location will open in mid-June at 2749 Delk Road. It currently is the site of a Brunswick Zone facility that is being renovated for the expanded facility.

“We designed a place where guests will want to socialize and connect with family and friends through group activities while enjoying great food, craft beer and exceptional service,” Brunswick Bowling Retail president Jim Fox said.

The 40,000-square-foot location on Delk Road will feature remodeled interiors, plush furnishings and mood lighting as well as upgraded bowling equipment. The location will feature 40 lanes.
Read full story

Studio Movie Grill Big Hit for Duluth

WELCOME TO STUDIO MOVIE GRILL

Studio Movie Grill is the pioneer of the in-theater dining concept offering up first-run movies and alternate programming alongside an American Grill menu and full service bar. Visit any one of their locations for unmatched food and beverage service and the very best viewing experience available. Reserve your seats now with  QuickTickets system or browse all content using the Browse By Movie feature.
From http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/

Dekalb Schools Refuse to pay Millions

ET Intern Interviews "INTERNSHIP" Stars

DECATUR Beach Party Friday June 14

 From http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/22931.aspx---BUY TICKETS HERE
Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 14 from 5-11 pm for the annual Beach Party, brought to you by the Decatur Business Association. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand, a kids board walk with all kinds of fun games, live music, dancing on the plaza, a food court, cold beverages and guaranteed great times for all ages!

The Beach Party welcomes headliner A1A, “the original and official Jimmy Buffet tribute band,” dancing and relaxing on the plaza. And for the younger set, Douglas Brake and the Sizzle, Hiss, Pop Band return for a special kid’s concert.

*Friday June 14th, 5-11pm*

General Admission: $7
Children (3-12): $5
Children under 3 are admitted without charge

Read more at The Decatur Minute

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Virginia-Highland 2013 Summerfest June 1-2

From http://vahi.org/summerfest/

Saturday June 1, 2013	10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Artist Market closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 2, 2013	10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday Events Are Open to General Public.
Free Admission, Donations Greatly Appreciated. Here is a video from Summerfest 2010

Eye on Decatur - The Decatur Arts Festival

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The 2013 Decatur Arts Festival Poster

Galina Herndon, 2013 Poster Artist

 From: decaturartsfestival.com
This year’s Arts Festival poster features a painting by Galina Herndon of Roswell, Georgia. Born and raised in the Ural Mountains of Russia, Galina began oil painting in 1999, following in the footsteps of her artistic parents and grandparents. She worked for 14 years producing technical illustrations from the digging sites on various archaeology expeditions across the former Soviet Union.
After creating technical work for so long, Galina enjoys creating curves in her drawings of cityscapes and landscapes. She uses warm colors in her paintings because she wants to convey a sense of happiness to contrast the cold of Russia and the rigid political landscape in which she was raised. Galina has an art studio at Elegant Attic in historic Roswell, where her art is showcased.

The 3rd Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is Sept. 21, 2013 -Save the Date

-- -- --See more 2012 Madison Ave Soapbox Derby photos here.

Stone Mountain Memorial Day Weekend - The Charlie Daniels Band

click for details

Eye on Decatur - Cakes & Ale

20 Story Ferris Wheel Coming to Atlanta

-- From 11alive
ATLANTA -- Monday, the Atlanta city council will vote on whether to allow a private developer to build a 20-story ferris wheel in a parking lot adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park.

The ferris wheel would come by way of France, where it operated across from the Louvre in Paris. It would be called SkyView Atlanta. It most recently operated in Pensacola.

Its backers are picturing an iconic presence on the Atlanta skyline, something a little akin to the Eye of London.

"St. Louis has its arch, San Francisco has the Golden Gate bridge," said Jason Evans, spokesman for the St. Louis-based developer pitching the project. "I don't want to be so presumptive as to think this is going to be one of the iconic images of Atlanta, but I think this will have an impact on the skyline."
 The project would be located in a parking lot on the same city block as the Tabernacle, a downtown concert venue.

The developer is hoping to tap into the tourists that now throng attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, also located alongside Centennial Park. Evans said the ferris wheel would have six-seat climate-controlled gondolas. Tickets, he projected, would cost $13.50 for adults and 8.50 for children.
read more

Ponce - Gateway to Decatur

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur.
Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Decatur's Two new Mexican Restaurants to Open

From : http://decatur.patch.com
Decatur's two new Mexican restaurants will open soon -- Hola! on May 13 
 SEE MENU
and Mar sometime in mid-May.Update: Mar Grand Opening is May 24
Hola!, occupying the Decatur Diner spot at East Ponce and Church Street, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week co-owner Mike Brosius said.

The menu will be based on Mexican food, but non-Mexican dishes will be available, too.
read more at decatur patch

Charlie Daniels Band Scheduled to Rock Stone Mountain Park's Memorial Day Weekend Salute The Troops Event

Krista sends this in:

Charlie Daniels Band Scheduled To Rock Stone Mountain Park’s

Memorial Day Weekend Salute The Troops Event

Summer Kicks Off with Live Music, Free Tickets for Military and Special Patriotic Fireworks

Memorial Day Weekend Dates/Times: May 25-27; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Charlie Daniels Band Concert: May 26; 7:45 p.m.

Lasershow Spectacular^TM in Mountainvision^® Dates/Times: May 25-27; 9:30 p.m.

Special Patriotic Fireworks; Directly After the Lasershow

Stone Mountain, Ga. – Stone Mountain Park (SMP), Georgia’s No.1 attraction, kicks off the start to summer with the Charlie Daniels Band and other patriotic activities Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27.

New for 2013, The Charlie Daniels Band will perform a free concert on the main stage at the base of Stone Mountain on Sunday, May 26. The legendary band is best known for their signature song “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” a staple in the park’s popular Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision^®. 
Photo credit:  http://artandseek.net

Decatur Green Fest is Saturday at Courthouse Square --- 3-10pm

From decaturgreenfest.com
 Headlining this year will be Ed Roland, Atlanta native and 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

50 Years of James Bond Coming to The Plaza Theatre this Summer

 This Summer Bond is Back ...Starts July 1st -  The Plaza Theatre is the first theatre in the country to do this!

Best of Times

This great you tube sent in by Jerry Andrews.

What makes "Shaky Knees" Festival Different

From Atlanta Magazine

Tim Sweetwood, organizer of the event debuting at Historic Fourth Ward Park this week, talks about what makes "Shaky Knees" different.
 By Richard L. Eldredge On May 4 and 5, Westminster Schools grad and the Masquerade music hall promoter Tim Sweetwood will bring twenty-eight bands—including the Lumineers, Band of Horses, and Drive-By Truckers—to three stages in the Historic Fourth Ward Park for the city’s inaugural Shaky Knees Music Festival. Before soundcheck, we talked with Sweetwood about why the city needs another music festival and what he hopes will make his different. How did you arrive at Shaky Knees as the name for the festival? It’s from a My Morning Jacket song. I wanted something that wasn’t “The Old Fourth Ward Music Festival.” It was just a cool lyric from my favorite band that was inspirational. From your job at the Masquerade, you watched as that old parking lot on North Avenue transformed into a city park. Did observing that revitalization help inspire this new festival? Definitely. It’s the right place, right time—not only for me and where I am in my career as a booker, but where this neighborhood is right now. It’s all come to fruition over here. Everybody wants to throw an event in that park right now, but since we’re the neighbor that sits right on top of it, it made logical sense that we would partner with the park space. read full post.

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Shaky Knees‘ inaugural lineup will feature headliners The Lumineers and Band of Horses as well as Jim James, Drive By Truckers, Gary Clark Jr., Lucero, Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, The Antlers, Kurt Vile & The Violators, The Black Angels, The Joy Formidable, Heartless Bastards, Oberhofer, Frontier Ruckus, Murder By Death, Shovels & Rope, Moon Taxi, GOAT, Hanni El Khatib, The Orwells, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Vintage Trouble, Robert Ellis, You Me & Apollo, Roadkill Ghost Choir, T. Hardy Morris and Death On Two Wheels.