37th Annual Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival

From: http://atlantajugglers.org/festivals/gh15.htm
The location and date for the festival is confirmed at the Yaarab Shrine Center for Feb 6-8, 2015.
Details
    You'll find jugglers, unicyclists, hoopers, kendama, live music and family fun for all ages at the annual Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival. Know how to juggle? Want to pick up a few new tricks? Just like to watch and maybe learn how to juggle? Check out the fun at previous festivals. Ask at the registration table if you'd like a free juggling lesson. We're always happy to teach others.

    Competition for the famous PHIL award happens Saturday at 2 PM. Rules for the juggling competition are simple -- each competitor has 4 minutes, anything goes (NO FIRE!). Judges are selected from the audience and their only qualification is "no knowledge of juggling".

    Competitor must be registered for the festival and must sign up and pay for the competition before the cut-off time which is noon on Saturday (or when 12 have signed up).  The first 12 competitors are guaranteed a slot, we have two stand-bys in case someone drops out last minute--if show time allows, we let all 14 compete but cannot guarantee the stand-bys. Sign-up starts at 10 AM on Saturday.  No sign-ups on Friday night.

    Time limit is 4 minutes. Presentation must be on the stage which is (unfortunately) carpeted and there must be juggling (manipulating more objects than hands used) at least once in the 4-minute routine.

    Music on CD or thumb-drive (mp3 format) must be presented at the competitors meeting at 1 PM on Saturday --that is where you'll find out what music the other competitors plan to use--nothing keeps anyone from using any music, even if someone else is using the same.  Just remember this is a family event and choose appropriate music for children to hear.

    At the end of the competition the three judges retire for a maximum of 10 minutes to decide three winners.  Judges assign the appropriate category (Most Amazing, Most Stupendous, Most Spectacular, etc -- changes every year) to the winner.

Doraville GM Plant Update

From: http://clatl.com
The General Motors assembly plant in Doraville shuttered in 2008. Since then, the hulking, nearly empty beast, has served as a reminder to motorists along I-285 of metro Atlanta and America's past life as an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.

Traces of the lettering on the main office remain. A sign warning visitors not to bring unauthorized chemicals still stands at the worker entrance. Grass sprouts through cracks in the vast parking lot.

In several months, most of these remnants will be gone. A construction worker last Friday hopped behind the controls of a trackhoe and ripped a chunk of bricks from the plant's midcentury office building, drawing applause from media, civic leaders, and developers. After shattered hopes and failed efforts to re-imagine the megasite, developers are promising that the 165-acre property, once teeming with activity, would hum again. The vision: a walkable and transit-connected residential and business hub, almost 30 acres larger than Atlantic Station, that could bring new parks, restaurants, and other amenities — not to mention a sense of place, something lacking in the 10,603-person community.

"It's going to give us a sense of meaning," says Doraville Mayor Donna Pittman. "It'll put us on the map."
read rest at http://clatl.com

photo credit: flickr member Exit to Future World

Decatur City Schools on Top 10 Best School Districts List

From: http://www.ajc.com
Buford, Decatur, Oconee County, Forsyth County and Bremen top a 2015 ranking of metro Atlanta's best public school districts. Fulton and DeKalb counties, and Atlanta Public Schools come in at Nos. 14, 45 and 43 on the list, respectively.
The Niche Rankings -- the product of Niche.com, a "reviews and insights" website focused on neighborhoods and education -- graded 8,738 school districts "based on dozens of key statistics and 4.6 million opinions from 280,000 students and parents."

Niche's top 10 public school districts in the metro Atlanta area are:

    Buford City Schools
    Decatur City Schools
    Oconee County Schools
    Forsyth County Schools
    Bremen City Schools
    Gwinnett County Schools
    Carrollton City Schools
    Morgan County Schools
    Marietta City Schools
    Cherokee County Schools

Read full story 

Fine Arts Exhibition Call for Entries for Decatur Arts Festival

From: http://decaturartsfestival.com

The Decatur Arts Alliance is now accepting entries for the Fine Arts Exhibition of the 2015 Decatur Arts Festival. Artist applications will be accepted through Callforentry.org Jan. 5 through Feb. 23. Jurors this year are Amanda Hellman, Molly Rose Freeman, and Ben Goldman.

Download the complete details here.
Check out the 2014 Fine Arts Exhibition here.

The South's Best Food Stop will be PCM

From:poncecitymarket.com

At the heart of Ponce City Market, the Central Food Hall is destined to be the most vibrant food hall and market in the Southeast. James Beard Award-winning chefs the likes of Anne Quatrano and Linton Hopkins will join Atlanta's most exciting young purveyors and restauranteurs to offer everything from Georgia and Carolinas-caught seafood, to classic burgers, savory crepes, and locally-made kimchee and Korean steamed buns.

Similar to the legendary food hall at Chelsea Market in Manhattan—also owned by the developers of Ponce City Market—the Central Food Hall will be a culinary gathering place within a revamped historic space, but with the distinct character and flavors of Atlanta.
more

Coca-Cola to elimate about 2,000 jobs in HOPES to save Billions.

 Coca-Cola to elimate about 2,000 jobs in hopes to save billions.
Below is a news story about this.
From: http://www.ajc.com
Coca-Cola said Thursday it will eliminate 1,600 to 1,800 jobs around the globe — including about 500 in Atlanta — as part of a major reorganization over the coming months aimed at saving billions of dollars during the next five years.

The beverage giant said employees were beginning to be notified today about the upcoming layoffs, though the restructuring of the company has not been finalized.

Coke employs about 130,600 people around the world, including a group of about 13,000 corporate employees who are primarily located in Atlanta.
more

Happy Birthday ELVIS

Uptown Funk

Decatur's Run With The Dogs - Frostbite 5K Saturday Jan 10

From: www.rungeorgia.com
Run With The Dogs - Frostbite 5K
About the race
Name: Run with the Dogs - Frostbite 5K
Distance: 5K Run/Walk
Original Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Decatur, Ga.
Decatur High School

Decatur High School, Renfroe Middle School, Glennwood Academy
and City of Decatur elementary students, parents, alumni, friends,
neighbors and runners and walkers of all levels are invited to participate.
Participants are invited to run or walk with their dogs in a special group.

All proceeds will be used by the Decatur Bulldog Boosters to help fund
the sports programs at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School.

FTI awards Holly Theatre with $10,000 grant

Dahlonega  GA
Theatre news for Georgia

From: http://clatl.com
Dahlonega's Historic Holly Theatre just got a $10,000 helping hand. For their 2014-2015 Preservation Grant, the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) awarded the theater with funding that will go toward restoration, and future planning. More specifically, the grant will be centered around the masonry for three sides of the Holly Theatre building and an environmentally conscious upgrade for the marquee.

Since 2008, the FTI has worked on 10 projects in the state, totaling more $332,000. The focus of the nonprofit has been the preservation of various arts venues. The Fox has been helping with strategic planning for Holly in the past few years, so the downtown Dahlonega institution can get some much-needed TLC.

"The Holly Theatre has a long history of being an economic engine in the downtown Dahlonega area and we are excited about the opportunity to boost their arts program," Molly Fortune, the Fox's director of restoration and operations said in a statement. "When the Fox was in trouble 40 years ago, the Atlanta community rallied together to 'Save the Fox.' Now we have the knowledge and resources to help other venues in Georgia not only restore their buildings, but also strengthen their communities."

The entire Holly Theatre restoration project, including a fresh new paint job and LED bulbs for the marquee, should be all said and done by the end of June. Along with FTI grant, Holly Theatre also received a $20,000 award from Georgia Tourism and Georgia Council for the Arts.

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Stolen and Replaced by Randy

from: http://wivb.com/2015/01/03/new-leg-lamp-gifted-by-a-christmas-story-actor/

Thursdays Temps to be in low teens

From: http://www.ajc.com
After a wet first weekend of 2015, the first full work week of the New Year will end with temperatures cold enough to cause serious harm to plants, pipes and pets.

Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Karen Minton is forecasting lows in the low teens early Thursday, with afternoon highs expected to barely reach the 30s. Blustery winds Thursday are expected to send wind chills plummeting well into the single digits.
Until then, Minton said highs will be in the mid-40s Monday, mid-50s Tuesday and upper 30s Wednesday, with morning lows in the low 30s each day.

Prepare now for temps in the low teens by Thursday morning.

photo credit:  memespp.com

Diamond In the Ruff

From ajc.com

Decatur High Football field back in 1925

Decatur GA
Found this very small photo of Decatur High School football field in 1925. You can see the old water tower in background which was near the City Hall building. I wish it was a better quality picture.
Well it's better than nothing

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Possible Breach of Credit cards at Chick-fil-A

From the ajc
Chick-fil-A is looking into the possibility of a breach of credit cards used at some of its locations, according to an online site that broke the story about Home Depot’s hack.
Brian Krebs, who runs the website KrebsonSecurity.com, said financial institutions have traced credit card fraud to accounts used at Chick-fil-A stores around the nation. Krebs said he first heard about the possible hack in November, but the reports were spotty.
full story here. ajc.com

photo credit: rightwingnews.com

Happy New Year! -"Celebrate"

More Townhomes for E. Howard Ave

 From: atlantarealestateforum.com
Monte Hewett Homes is excited to announce East Howard Place, a new townhome community located in the heart of Decatur. Located at the corner of Hillyer Place and East Howard Avenue, this community will offer 24 unique three-story townhomes that are designed to complement the area’s local architecture: classic yet urban, with a nostalgic feel and unique features that speak to the nature of the community.
The exteriors of these townhomes will feature brick and granite with iron balconies, as well as private outdoor courtyards for relaxing and entertaining. In addition, the community will offer unique amenities, including a community garden and green space.
 

The first townhomes at East Howard Place are now under development, with completion dates placed for spring 2015. Priced from $589,900, there are two distinct floor plans available. The Hillyer will offer 2,242 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, while the Howard is the premium end-unit floor plan, complete with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms throughout 2,000 square feet of living space.

Thanks to its proximity to downtown Decatur, residents at East Howard Place will enjoy a walkable lifestyle, with easy access to many of the dining, shopping and entertainment destinations that can be found in the area. A small sampling of the local attractions include Fellini’s Pizza, Leon’s Full Service, Cakes & Ale, summertime Concerts on the Square, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Glenlake Park, Druid Hills Golf Club, Kimball House Restaurant, Decatur Famer’s Market and the East Lake Golf Club. Plus, Decatur has its own MARTA station, providing residents with easy access to most of Atlanta’s other intown neighborhoods.
To be among the first to reserve your new townhome at East Howard Place in Decatur, contact sales agents Ted Blocker at 404-918-4455 and Sandy Bartow at 678-859-3922. For more information on East Howard Place
Map image credit :
  www.MonteHewettHomes.com.

Watkins Building in Decatur Ga. circa 1930

The Watkins building ( circa 1930) on E. Ponce de Leon Ave in Decatur GA.  held two grocery stores, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company and Rogers.
Photo from the Maie W. Manget collection.

Kudzu Year-End Sale Now through Jan 4!

Atlanta Streetcar will be operational on Tuesday

From http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/atlanta-streetcar-on-track-for-tuesday-opening/njZSd/
The Atlanta streetcar will be operational on Tuesday, reviving a form of public transit not seen in Atlanta since 1949.
The Tuesday opening of the long-delayed $98 million, four-car streetcar system will beat a self-imposed deadline by Mayor Kasim Reed by one day. It also will come just in time to greet tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Atlanta for the Dec. 30 Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome and the annual New Year’s Eve peach drop at The Atlanta Underground.
What awaits riders? A free ride over the next three months, Reed said, along a 2.7 mile loop around downtown Atlanta. Bounded mainly by Auburn and Edgewood avenues, access points include Centennial Olympic Park, the King Center, Georgia State University and the Peachtree Center MARTA rail station.

I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

 You'll shoot your eye out, kid.

Blessings - Laura Story

American Flyer Xmas

Beer, Snacks, and Free Gift Wrap at HOMEGROWN

https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownDecatur

Christmas in Dixie

Where to Eat on Christmas Day around Decatur

Where to Eat on Christmas: 12 Restaurants Open Around Decatur
By:  Allie Aylward (Patch Staff)
For those looking to dine out on Christmas Day -- or for the unlucky few to have burned the Christmas ham -- here are some restaurants, cafes and pubs open on Dec. 25 in Decatur and Dunwoody.
to see the list at patch.com

21 things you didn’t know about Clermont Lounge

From: thrillist.com
By Sebastian Davis

You already know that Atlanta's most notorious naked watering hole is one of the city's best strip clubs, but there are a lot of things you probably don't about the Clermont Lounge. At least 21 of them in fact. So, whether you’re a regular or are hitting it up for the first time, this is a must-read primer. Think about how embarrassing it would be for you and your date to be kicked out.
see list here

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Lady Gaga visits the Clermont Lounge and talks about it to Jimmy Fallon
  From ajc
BY YVONNE ZUSEL
The Clermont Lounge, the famed Atlanta strip club that’s a favorite with musicians when they visit town, got a virtual fist bump last night in the form of a mention by Lady Gaga on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
The singer, who appeared on the show with Tony Bennett to promote their new album, “Cheek to Cheek,” was asked by Fallon if she’d ever taken advice from a stranger.
She went on to tell a story about going to the Clermont on a date (“Chivalry!,” she said), and watching a stripper, who didn’t recognize her, dance to her hit song “Poker Face.”
“So she leans over and she goes, ‘You know that Lady Gaga? I mean, she can really sing. I mean, if she just took off all those clothes and she just sang, she would be great.’…So maybe in some ways, I took her advice.”
She said the woman later crushed a beer in an unusual way, a reference to beloved Clermont dancer Blondie. Tony Bennett, cool as ever, kept a straight face through the whole story. --

Burnt Fork BBQ is Closing

 This is the time of year that restaurant closing announcements are made , and here is another one for Decatur.
From Burnt Fork BBQ facebook page: Well folks after 4 years of hard work we've decided to close our doors. We really appreciate your support and we wish you all well.
 -Josh and Kara
Burnt Fork BBQ

Just last week  Harbour House Pub announced they were closing.

TAKEN 3 - Starts Jan 9

IT ALL ENDS HERE.

Burger 21 Coming to Buckhead and Johns Creek

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2014/12/burger-21-bound-for-buckhead-and-johns.html#more
 "Better Burger" chain continues Georgia expansion

Tampa, Florida-based Burger 21 is planning a new location at the Publix-anchored Chastain Square on Roswell Road in north Buckhead.  The new restaurant would occupy the approximately 3100 square foot former Chopstix / Scenario space, to the left of the Publix.  While I have confirmed this is the location being scouted, and there is a LOI (letter of intent) on the space, a lease is reportedly not yet signed. 

Another new Burger 21 is coming to a new center on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.  The new center, Johns Creek Promenade, will also be home to a Dunkin' Donuts, Jersey Mike's Subs and Moe's Southwest Grill, among other tenants. A Burger 21 representative told me the Johns Creek lease is signed.  Burger 21's Johns Creek location will be 3000 square feet and is expected to open in the spring. 
more


 Photo credit: restaurantnews.com

Eye on Decatur

 The Decatur Minute says "The street in front of the fire
station will be brightly painted to discourage vehicles from blocking the driveway used by emergency vehicles."

Eye on Decatur - Construction of East Howard Place Townhomes

Share your Christmas Train Layout or Christmas Village Photos

 If you want to share your Christmas Train Layout or Christmas Village Photos
send to NEXT-STOP-DECATUR@MYWAY.COM

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Here are some links to some photos: https://www.flickr.com/groups/303348@N25/pool

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/sets/72157625655917217

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/sets/72157631907205966

Harbour House Pub has Closed

 From their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harbour-House-Pub/137541436327798
We want to say thank you DECATUR!
 As much as we love the restaurant and our guests, new opportunities have come up and I have to make the right adjustments and sensible decisions to manage time and resources that are healthy for my family and me. If you've enjoyed Harbour and have some time please join us for a final day of joy and celebration. We will be open for brunch and dinner. I want to thank all our wonderful guests that have supported Harbour so generously over the past three and a half years! I sincerely appreciate you!!! Sean Keenan


h/t Decatur Metro

Garrett Popcorn Shop Now Open at Lenox Sq

Garrett Popcorn Shops  since 1949
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326

Shop Hours
Monday - Saturday
10:00 am - 09:00 pm
Sunday
12:00 pm - 06:00 pm

 garrettpopcorn.com
http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/garrett-popcorn-shops/our-story

Seth MacFarlane singing Ya Got Trouble

First Annual Christmas Lights Ride

 From Be Active Decatur
Join Decatur Bikes for their

Decorate your bike with as much holiday cheer as you like and please bring your helmet.

What:      Decatur Bikes Christmas Lights Ride
When:     Friday, December 19, 7 pm
Where:    Decatur Bikes, 252 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Bring:  At least one front and one back light, warm clothes and YOUR HELMET!!

A recommended donation of $10 per rider (or family) for Clark’s Christmas Kids.
first annual Christmas Lights Ride on Friday, December 19th at 7 pm. The short 6 mile ride is a family ride and will  proceed at a nice slow pace to enjoy the lights.

Eye on Decatur

Run With the Dogs!! Jan 10, 2015

It is time to register for the first race of 2015:

From:beactivedecatur.wordpress.com
The Decatur Bulldog Boosters would like to let the Decatur dog-loving and running communities know of the 10th Annual Decatur Bulldog Boosters 5K “Run with the Dogs” on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 9:00 am.

The race will begin and end in front of Decatur High School and traverse a scenic, if challenging, course. The event again will feature a single 5K race where runners and dog-owners can run with (or without) their dogs.  T-shirts (once again designed by local artist Adam Pinsley and featuring “Sydney” the winner of our drawing last year), awards, and treats will be available to race participants as well as a sporty “race”-kerchief for canine participants.  Sponsorship opportunities are available for a limited time.  All proceeds go to funding the uniforms, equipment, and awards for our student-athletes at the middle and high schools.  So come on out and run off a few of those Holiday calories with Decatur and its Dogs!
read more

Eye on Decatur - Have a Raging Holiday!

 Downtown Decatur GA

Raging Burrito & Taco

141 Sycamore St

 Decatur, GA 30030

404-377-3311
 ragingburrito.com

Bonobos Opening a Try on Clothes then buy Online Store

Bonobos opening Buckhead shop for trying on snug-fitting clothes

 From:ajc.com
By Christopher Seward
Bonobos, the upscale New York e-tailer known for its snug-fitting menswear, is introducing its stores-without-inventory concept to Atlanta.
On Dec. 12, the company opens its first local shop, Bonobos Guideshop Buckhead, where customers can try on clothes and then purchase them online.

Think of the Guideshop try-before-you-buy experience as walking into a fitting room area, complete with furniture, lounge space and artwork. Fit and style “guides” help customers with suits, pants, shirts and other clothing.

The e-commerce retailer, which has been around since 2007, has 10 other similar shops around the country and plans to have 30 in the next two years, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Andy Dunn recently told The New York Times. He said the fitting shops are helping to drive online sales.

The company raised $55 million in its most recent investment round, on top of more than $70 million previously, and the infusion will help it add more shops.

The Buckhead store is at 3035 Peachtree Road NW. Make an appointment by visiting https://bonobos.com


photo credit:  Courtesy Bonobos and Belk
 http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-24/bonobos-heads-south-and-offline-in-another-retail-pact

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting

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Eye on Stone Mountain Depot

 Stone Mountain Depot located in Stone Mountain Village
From  http://railga.com
The building was used as the town's city hall and police station until 2011. After the opening of a new city hall in 2012, the depot will be converted to a visitors center, museum, and Downtown Development Authority office.

Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 4th 7 p.m. @ Little Shop of Stories

 From Little Shop of Stories
It's that time of year again! Little Shop of Stories and other local businesses kick off the holiday season with a giant Christmas Tree Lighting on the square! Come out on Thursday, December 4th at 7pm for this beloved tradition, complete with carols from the 4/5 Academy, snacks, hot chocolate, snow, and a visit from Santa. This year, there will be some exciting changes-- a customized light installation to replace the live tree. This tree-shaped installation will still sit on the roof above Little Shop of Stories and will be a more sustainable, workable option for future years. Happy Holidays!
Thanks to all the local businesses who helped make this possible this year: 17 Steps, Appolinsky & Associates, Café Alsace, Cakes & Ale, The Cooks Warehouse/Sherlock's, Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Fabu Spa, Greene's Fine Foods, Harry Norman Realtors, Homegrown, Leon's Full Service, McCurdy & Candler, Mudhouse Design, My Own Bookkeeper, Private Bank of Decatur, Salon Red, Salon Red Kids, Squash Blossom, Starbucks, Steinbeck's Ale House, Universal Joint, Verisail Partners, Vivid Boutique, Wild Oats & Billy Goats, J.M. Wilkerson Construction, and Worthmore Jewelers.

Items in Burt Reynolds' Personal Auction

From ajc

Decatur’s Wahoo! Grill will open Wahoo Wine & Provisions

 From clatl.com
In case you missed it, the owners of Decatur’s Wahoo! Grill will open Wahoo Wine & Provisions in Oakhurst. Slated to open before the end of the year at 1036 W. College Ave. The new shop will offer vinos, of course, but also meats and cheeses, local produce, flowers, and gifts. Follow the progress via Facebook here.
Photo via facebook

How Toco Hill Shopping Center got it's Name

 Photo from flickr member David 





 Here is a portion of Andy Johnston post for the ajc.

 Toco came from Clyde Shepherd, a developer who was the man behind the shopping center. He built airbases in Brazil in World War II, where he learned the word from an Indian cook, who would say it to him. Toco, he found out, means something like, “have better luck than you think you’ll have.” So when he built the shopping center, he named it Toco Hill, combining the phrase and an actual hill that once stood on the land. Shepherd’s son Clyde confirmed that story when I spoke to him last week. The area around the shopping center became known as Toco Hills in the years after it was built.
Read full story at
http://www.ajc.com

h/t Decatur Metro