ALDI Grocery Store Coming to Northlake Square

 From:http://www.tonetoatl.comhttp://www.tonetoatl.comnetoatl.com

German grocer ALDI plans to open a new store in the Northlake area next year.  

German grocer ALDI plans to open a new store in the Northlake area next year.  The new grocery store would take over a portion of the current Best Buy space in Northlake Square shopping center.  The Best Buy would reduce their overall square footage, but would remain in the center.  Ironically, Best Buy's space was originally a Big Star supermarket.  

A Best Buy employee indicated no departments will be entirely eliminated, although there may be a "slight reduction" in car audio, mobile and appliances departments. 

While I have been thus far unable to confirm an exact size, the current Best Buy is 51,250 square feet, providing ample room for an ALDI store.

Many in the Northlake / Tucker area have expressed wishes for a Trader Joe's in the area that an ALDI almost brings to fruition... almost.  German brothers Theo and Karl Albrecht owned Trader Joe's and Aldi.  Originally a single grocery store in Germany, the late Theo subsequently ran Trader Joe's while Karl ran ALDI. 

photo credit:  http://www.gci2000.com

ALLIANCE THEATRE’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONE DAY SALE – WEDNESDAY, OCT 21

 Sent in by Kathleen Covington

The Alliance is excited to announce the annual One Day Sale for our magical holiday production, A Christmas Carol!  On Wednesday, October 21, and that day only, tickets for select performances will be Buy One, Get One 50% Off (or 25% off all tickets if you want to buy an odd number!).  Please share this rare offer with your audience.  I’ve also attached a few images.  Here are all the details:

ALLIANCE THEATRE’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONE DAY SALE – WEDNESDAY, OCT 21On Wednesday, October 21—several performances of A Christmas Carol will be Buy One Get One 50% off!

On that day only, use Promo Code ACCODS when buying tickets for the performances listed below. The sale is happening online at alliancetheatre.org/onedaysale (beginning at 12:01 a.m. on October 21) or by calling the box office at 404.733.5000 (beginning at 10:00 a.m. on October 21). 

Available performances:

·         Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Saturday, November 21 at 8:00 p.m.

·         Sunday, November 22 at 2:30 p.m.

·         Sunday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Monday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Friday, November 27 at 8:00 p.m.

·         Saturday, November 28 at 2:30 p.m.

·         Sunday, November 29 at 2:30 p.m.

·         Sunday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

·         Saturday, December 5 at 2:30 p.m.

·         Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 p.m.

·         Sunday, December 6 at 2:30 p.m.

·          

*This offer is only valid for the performances listed above and is subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with any other offer or for all seating sections. Note that, when purchasing online, prices are listed as discounted by 25% when using the promo code ACCODS. This is equivalent to buying one and getting one at 50% off.

You can also download photos from last year’s A Christmas Carol here –

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pcxreeumup76ire/AACJTJ9SztuoE0Ca3cUwXELra?dl=0

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Kathleen Covington
Manager of Communications
 
Alliance Theatre
Tony Award® Recipient for Regional Theatre
discover us. discover you.

1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
p. 404.733.4601
f. 404.733.4625
AllianceTheatre.org/season
facebook.com/AllianceTheatre
twitter.com/AllianceTheatre

Oakhurst Streetscape Update

 From: Mark Sanders on https://www.facebook.com/groups/41647126701/
Streetscape Update:
CMES, Inc. has finished new sidewalks and driveways in front of Intown Autocare and is working streetscape and storm drainage improvements in front of Mescalito’s Cantina, Oakhurst Dry Cleaners and Mojo Pizza. Georgia Power will be installing new street lights as well.
Work on a new storm sewer line across Oakview Road was delayed until Atlanta Gas Light could relocate a 4-inch gas line. The new storm line was installed this week. Catch basins and junction boxes will be built next week to complete the drainage system.

Brick pavers for accessible ramps are being installed and granite will be laid in a circular pattern to complete the paving in Harmony Park. New benches and litter containers have been delivered and will be placed throughout the project area.
Hugh Saxon
Deputy City Manager
City of Decatur
678-553-6507

Video Friday - "Monster Mash" Bobby Pickett

Eye on Decatur - Suburban Plaza Walmart

The Fall Festival on Ponce this weekend

From: http://festivalonponce.com/

Welcome to Festival on Ponce –

Fall Festival: October 17-18, 2015

Festival Hours
Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday : 11 am – 6 pm

The Festival on Ponce is an Atlanta arts and crafts festival set in the historic park, Olmsted Linear Park. Visitors will enjoy the gorgeous landscape designed by one of America’s most celebrated landscape architects, Fredrick Olmsted Sr. along with over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk and “outsider art”. In addition to the fine arts, there will be a children’s area and local food and beverage. Attendance is Free.
 
ABOUT THE PARK:

The Olmsted Linear Park Alliance has a $10 million capital improvement plan to protect these historic parks. These beautiful parks have lovely trees and paths and great visibility from one of Atlanta’s main traffic arteries between Atlanta and Decatur.

The Oakhurst Castle Needs your help for Halloween Haunted House

 From Jim Elliott

 From: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206541329585600&set=gm.10153595709461702&type=3&theater
Howdy Neighbors!
 The Elliott’s at the Oakhurst Castle are ramping up for their annual Haunted House event. We could use a little help this year with props. If you have any unwanted Dolls and stuffed animals- plush, plastic, without limbs (even better) we’ll take them. Message me, drop them at the house during Porchfest or any time before Halloween night. Your donations are appreciated and please stop by the Castle on Halloween we’ve got a scary night planned. Thank you.
Go to this site for more info

Eye on Decatur

‘Keep it Green Indie-Catur’ Campaign

From:  http://www.woodlandsgarden.org

Show Your Support

Purchase a Green Ribbon for your yard or business. Each Green Ribbon kit includes one ribbon to hang in your yard or business, one tag to display support for the ‘Keep it Green Indie-Catur’

campaign, and a pledge card to learn more about how to donate to the Garden’s capital campaign. Purchase as many ribbons as you’d like and make us happy by posting pictures of your tree with the hashtag #keepitgreenIndieCatur.

About The Campaign

To make the garden more accessible, Woodlands Garden has partnered with the City of Decatur to purchase the adjacent one-acre parcel on the corner of Scott Boulevard and Clairemont Avenue. This purchase will give Woodlands a highly visible and safe entryway, provide additional parking space, and preserve the land from future development.

Eye on Decatur - Twain's

Madison Ave Soapbox Derby Photos

-

-- -- -- Check back later for more photos. - - - - - - Check back later for more photos .
Here is a link to more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157659713871102

Hail Mutiny! AMC renews 'Halt and Catch Fire' for season 3

"Halt and Catch Fire" will be back for a third season.

From: http://www.hitfix.com
AMC once again gave a belated renewal to its drama about the early days of personal computing and the internet, ordering a third season of the critically-acclaimed but terribly-rated series. The show's second season concluded two months ago with its future in limbo (season 2 was ordered only a few weeks after season 1 ended); I responded with an article headlined, "Hey, AMC: Quit screwing around and renew 'Halt and Catch Fire.'"

The screwing around has concluded, and we'll get at least one more season of Kerry Bishé, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy and Lee Pace navigating the '80s version of life online, in a show that massively improved from its first year to its second.

Given the low ratings, and that basic cable channels can't as easily carry shows few people are watching in the way that an HBO or Showtime can, I got on the phone for a few minutes with AMC's president of original programming and development Joel Stillerman to discuss how they came to this decision.

This is a wonderful show, but the ratings haven't been there. Why did you decide to stick with it?

Joel Stillerman: We decided to stick with it primarily because we love the story, and we think it's a show that has a lot of life left in it. These things are always complicated, and the ratings play a part, but they're far from the entire story. If we see something that we truly love, and we see the talent and the momentum behind it that give us the confidence to move forward, we're all in.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/hail-mutiny-amc-renews-halt-and-catch-fire-for-season-3#H3WB1bZCFk8aVz02.99

It's Tomorrow..........The 5th Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby

 Raul reminds us that

The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

Could you please remind your readers that the Derby is this Saturday?
www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org

Here is the schedule for the day kicking off with Revolution Doughnuts at 9:30am:

9:30 Revolution Doughnuts will have Coffee & Doughnuts for sale near the registration table.
10:30 Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in, wait for car inspection & park
Enter Madison Ave thru Johnston Place beginning at 10:30. Look for the registration tent. An adult must check in for their child regardless of team grouping. Waivers must be signed before you proceed. DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMETS! NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
-Please note, at this time, we cannot make any changes to the team, team names or drivers. If you have not paid your registration fee you have been withdrawn from the race and we hope you can join us to watch the event.

11:30 Food area is open: Grab a bite to eat and prepare for racing!

 These are never before published photos from the 2014 Madison Ave Soapbox Derby.

U Joint & Steinbeck’s tent
Hamburgers, black bean burgers, hot dogs, various cold wraps (chicken arugula, tuna salad, etc)
Matador tent
Pork Tacos & Grilled Corn
Bake Sale Tent
Beer Tent
SnoBayou Camper: New Orleans Snoballs
12:00 pm – Judging begins (cars all at the top of the street)
12:45 pm – Race introduction
1:00 pm – Race – ages 6 & under
1:45 pm – Race – ages 7 to 17
2:50 pm – Race – ages 18 and up
3:15 pm – Race over –band MoRhythm takes the stage
3:45 pm – Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation
4:15 pm – MoRhythm’s second set
5:00 pm – that’s a wrap! 
 
– This is a rough schedule. We cannot predict how the race will flow with over 70 drivers!
Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots event and we will do the best we can to stay on schedule.
Fun, fun, fun… The vision of this event is picnic/parade style where families, friends and neighbors will be walking to the event with their chairs & blankets while snacking with their families and watching the Derby. For those of you who live on Madison Ave we hope you invite your friends, set up a tailgate style picnic and enjoy the day! All others are welcome to set up their picnic goods on the sidewalks up & down the street.
We will have a “donation station” with baked goods for (cash or check) donation, t-shirts for sale ($20 for Youth & Adult) and checkered flags (1 for $2.00 OR 3 for $5.00) and encourage you to spread the word to bring cash & checks ONLY.

Relive the magic from the very beginning see all the photos from Next Stop Decatur

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654033816
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654760229
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157635744962754
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157647704676860

Video Friday - Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.

DeKalb places you didn't know you needed to see

The Michael C. Carlos Museum holds the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and it's one Georgia's oldest museums (dating back to 1876).

 From: http://www.ajc.com
Some well-known tourist attractions, like Stone Mountain Park, are certainly worth visiting, but often the market, building or garden that captures an area best is under-the-radar. In DeKalb County, there are a few surprising spots you may be unaware of — unless, of course, you are a resident or aficionado.

Here are 15 fun and quirky places in DeKalb the intrepid should seek out.
Mummies and ancient artifacts
Nestled on the Emory University campus is great destination for local art and culture. The Michael C. Carlos Museum holds the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and it's one Georgia's oldest museums (dating back to 1876). The museum is small enough to be privately enjoyed at your leisure and large enough to offer a significant collection for viewing. Visitors can check out artifacts from Egypt, Nubia, Near East and more, as well as special exhibitions.
Where to go: The museum is located at 571 South Kilgo Circle NE at Emory University. Free parking is allowed anywhere on campus except in 24-hour restricted areas or reserved spaces. $8 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and children ages 6 to 17, free for ages 5 and under with $2 for audio guide rental. Free admission days are available from 1 to 4 p.m. on certain days. 404-727-4282.

see list 

North Dekalb Mountain Bike Team Formed

From: http://thechampionnewspaper.com
 Posted by Carla Parker
Football, basketball and baseball have always been the more popular sports with fans and the sports that children often want to play.

There are other sports that have gained popularity with children over the years such as soccer, tennis and lacrosse; and there is another sport that is gaining interest–mountain biking.

In 2013, the Georgia High School Cycling League was organized to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades nine to 12. The league is under the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which oversees all the leagues in the United States. There are 15 leagues in 14 states, including Georgia.

Dan Brooks, executive director of the Georgia High School Cycling League, organized the league to introduce children to a sport they can do for a lifetime.

“One of the biggest attractions to me is the fact that this is a life-long sport. You can ride a bike for your whole life,” he said. “One of the coolest developments we see in our league is when one student starts riding their brother or sister starts riding with them and then the family gets into it. It then goes from an activity that one of the kids will do to an activity that the entire family can do together. It’s just a great way for families to spend time together.”

The league has grown since its establishment and now has 21 teams with 248 riders. One of those teams is North DeKalb Mountain Bike. The team was formed in April by two parents, Richard Mansker and Mike Hatten.

“We have six kids on the team and they’re all middle school students,” Mansker said.

The team consists of Mansker and Hatten’s children as well as other children from the Lakeside area.

“Anybody from the central/northern part of DeKalb can easily get to us,” Mansker said. “We practice a couple of nights a week and on Saturdays we go out to one of the trail systems and do a longer ride.”
more

photo credit: Champion News Paper.

Reminder - The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

--

 Raul reminds us that

The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

Could you please remind your readers that the Derby is this Saturday?
www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org

Here is the schedule for the day kicking off with Revolution Doughnuts at 9:30am:

9:30 Revolution Doughnuts will have Coffee & Doughnuts for sale near the registration table.
10:30 Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in, wait for car inspection & park
Enter Madison Ave thru Johnston Place beginning at 10:30. Look for the registration tent. An adult must check in for their child regardless of team grouping. Waivers must be signed before you proceed. DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMETS! NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
-Please note, at this time, we cannot make any changes to the team, team names or drivers. If you have not paid your registration fee you have been withdrawn from the race and we hope you can join us to watch the event.

11:30 Food area is open: Grab a bite to eat and prepare for racing!

U Joint & Steinbeck’s tent
Hamburgers, black bean burgers, hot dogs, various cold wraps (chicken arugula, tuna salad, etc)
Matador tent
Pork Tacos & Grilled Corn
Bake Sale Tent
Beer Tent
SnoBayou Camper: New Orleans Snoballs
12:00 pm – Judging begins (cars all at the top of the street)
12:45 pm – Race introduction
1:00 pm – Race – ages 6 & under
1:45 pm – Race – ages 7 to 17
2:50 pm – Race – ages 18 and up
3:15 pm – Race over –band MoRhythm takes the stage
3:45 pm – Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation
4:15 pm – MoRhythm’s second set
5:00 pm – that’s a wrap!
– This is a rough schedule. We cannot predict how the race will flow with over 70 drivers!
Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots event and we will do the best we can to stay on schedule.
Fun, fun, fun… The vision of this event is picnic/parade style where families, friends and neighbors will be walking to the event with their chairs & blankets while snacking with their families and watching the Derby. For those of you who live on Madison Ave we hope you invite your friends, set up a tailgate style picnic and enjoy the day! All others are welcome to set up their picnic goods on the sidewalks up & down the street.
We will have a “donation station” with baked goods for (cash or check) donation, t-shirts for sale ($20 for Youth & Adult) and checkered flags (1 for $2.00 OR 3 for $5.00) and encourage you to spread the word to bring cash & checks ONLY.

Relive the magic from the very beginning see all the photos from Next Stop Decatur

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654033816
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654760229
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157635744962754
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157647704676860

Sydney Rhame captures the last spot on The Voice Blind Auditions

She took the last spot on team Pharrell

2015 HAINTS & SAINTS Decatur Halloween Parade Sun. Oct. 25

2015 HAINTS & SAINTS Halloween Parade registration is open. Join the fun! http://ow.ly/RB5uk

 More photos from last years Parade here.

-- -- https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownDecaturHalloween

68 vehicles were burglarized in downtown Decatur.

From:  http://www.walb.com

DECATUR, GA (CBS46) - Decatur police are investigating several overnight car break-ins at three different parking deck locations.
Officers say 68 vehicles were burglarized in downtown Decatur.
Police say they canvassed a Marriott parking deck as well as two parking decks in the 300 block of West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Officers later determined a Jeep Cherokee had been stolen from one of the decks on West Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Police say most of the vehicles were entered by windows being broken.
Copyright 2015 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Video Friday - Bar Room Buddies Merle Haggard & Clint Eastwood

A report on DeKalb County Corruption is calling on Interim CEO Lee May to resign.

From: http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/30154645/appalling-report-calls-for-resignation-of-dekalb-co-ceo


A report released Wednesday alleging he violated the public's trust called for interim DeKalb Co. CEO Lee May to resign.
The investigation stems from an FBI inquiry into whether a company won a county contract in return for a contribution.
“Appalling corruption and a stunning absence of leadership in the DeKalb County government are a disgrace to its citizens and an embarrassment to our state,” the report said.
Former GA Attorney General Mike Bowers and his lead investigator Richard Hyde, said officials "delayed and impeded the truth seeking process" from the start of the report.
In at least two instances, the report said, "May and others in the administration conspired to actively block our efforts."
Bowers and Hyde specifically cited an instance where the moved up the investigators' deadline from Oct. 6 to August 26.
After the investigators said they couldn't finish the report by that date, Bowers and Hyde said May tried to terminate it. In fact, the strongly-worded, 40-page report is based only on info gathered before that "fabricated" deadline.
"It's a bad situation, it needs strong words," Bowers told CBS46.

Read more: http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/30154645/appalling-report-calls-for-resignation-of-dekalb-co-ceo#ixzz3nGCfYa81

Big Yard Sale in Decatur

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/

THE YARD SALE at First Baptist Church Decatur at the corner of Clairemont and Commerce

Oct. 1, 2 and 3
The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, Oct. 1

First Baptist Church Decatur at the corner of Clairemont and Commerce

This annual Decatur yard sale tradition—since 1995— will be held again this fall at First Baptist Church Decatur. All proceeds from the stuff you buy funds special projects that help people.

Math Playdate at Little Shop of Stories Oct. 11

Math Playdate at Little Shop of Stories

From: Leslie Gilbert


Hello,

My name is Leslie Gilbert and I am a resident of Decatur, a mother of two, and an enthusiastic math educator!

As a math teacher, I've been working to help parents support PreK-3 math learning in their homes. I have a couple of projects that would be of interest to Decatur residents. I would appreciate a moment of your time to tell you more about them. I'm happy to provide a little summary or whatever would be most helpful.

Math Playdate at Little Shop:
First, I'm delighted to be partnering with Little Shop of Stories to run a free math playdate there on October 11. It's like storytime, but math stories, games, and crafts!

More about the playdate >

MathKit:
Secondly, I have teamed up with another Oakhurst mom who is a designer to create a product called MathKit. MathKit is a research-based learning system for K-3, made to help parents support addition and subtraction learning at home.

MathKit comes with a set of 10 hands-on games and learning tools. It provides welcome help and structure for families who want to build a strong math background for their kids, but don't know where to start.

I am also passionate about supporting girls in STEM, and while MathKit is for all children, it is particularly focused on ways to build girls' confidence and skills.

More about MathKit >
More about the research behind MathKit >
More about the Oakhurst moms who made MathKit together >
More about MathKit and girls in STEM here and here

Thank you so much for your time. Feel free to call or email. I would love to tell you more about these projects, and how they can help Decatur families!

Learn more at below links

Links:
http://www.getmathkit.com/math-playdate
http://www.getmathkit.com/why-mathkit/
http://www.getmathkit.com/our-story/

Best,
Leslie Gilbert
Founder of MathKit, LLC.
404-436-3946
leslie.gilbert@gmail.com

Video Friday - The Mamas and the Papas- Dancing in the Street

Serenity Charity Screening at The Plaza Theatre Sunday Sept. 27

 From: http://www.atlantabrowncoats.com/
The ever-generous Plaza Theatre has offered to donate a ticket to a future film (1 per person, $12 value) for each attendee who brings canned food donations. So, essentially, showing up for this charity drive and cleaning out your pantry pays for itself!! Come on out, and see what the spirit of Atlanta is all about while having a wonderful time!

For Sydney Rhame Fans

From her facebook page  https://www.facebook.com

So proud of all my friends on ‪#‎TheVoice‬ so far! Ya'll please keep watching and tuning in every Monday and Tuesday. I wish I knew which episode I'll be on but I don't. Thanks again for all of the support and the love! It's truly overwhelming!

 http://sydneyrhame.com/

Las Brasas Restaurant will Open this Saturday

This popular chicken joint which was located at 310 Howard Ave for several years is opening at their new location 614 Church Street Decatur this Saturday.
 http://www.lasbrasasdecatur.com

Three Local Breweries have been named Top Beer Destinations.

Decatur, Avondale Estates Breweries Makes Top List

Three local breweries have been named top beer destinations.

From:http://patch.com
Three breweries in Decatur and Avondale Estates have been named to EaterAtlanta’s top 10 local beer destinations.

Blue Tarp opened in December 2012, and recently started canning beers. The brewery is open for tastings and tours on Saturday from 3:30-7:30pm.

Three Taverns specializes in Belgian-inspired beers. Its parlor is open for tours and samples of beers Thursday and Friday from 5:30-9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm.

Wild Heaven in Avondale Estates launched in 2010. Its tasting room is open on Thursday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WILLY'S 20 Years and Still Rolling!

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
 Atlanta-based Willy's Mexicana Grill has signed leases for two new locations.  Each location will make use of a former restaurant.  Consequently, each location is slated to open soon. Willy's will open a new location in Roswell and will add a second location in Kennesaw. 

In Kennesaw, Willy's will open in place of Ray's Pizza on Chastain Road at The Village at Townpark.  This marks the second time that Willy's has taken over a former Ray's, having previously opened in the the former Ray's at Sandy Springs Plaza on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The Kennesaw location is 2,986 square feet and should open in late October.  Willy's already operates a Kennesaw location on Barrett Parkway at Cobb Place shopping center. 

In Roswell, Willy's will do something rather extraordinary: they will open in a soon-to-be-vacated Moe's Southwest Grill. The local Moe's franchisee has apparently found what he considers a better location about a mile away, and will reopen there soon.  The existing Moe's space is about 2,500 square feet and is located on West Crossville Road in Stonebridge Station, across the street from the Trader Joe's-anchored Roswell Crossing center.  Willy's plans to be open in Roswell by late November. 


The West Paces Ferry Road Willy's recently reopened after an extensive remodel that brought the popular location many of the design elements in the new Druid Hills and Brookhaven locations.

more

Decatur Police Dept. Drug Take-Back initiative this Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Decatur Police Department will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative

From: thedecaturminute.com
Drug Take-Back: Saturday, September 26th

 by Lt. Jennifer S. Ross

The Decatur Police Department will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative this Saturday, September 26, 2015 between 10am-2pm. The Drug Take-Back initiative is an opportunity for you to safely dispose of any unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs.  It is important to safely dispose of prescription medications so they are not targeted for theft, accessible to youth or disposed of into the water supply or trash where they can harm the environment, animals or end up in the wrong hands.


We will be collecting in front of the police department, located at 420 West Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030, so you can just drive up and drop off.
photo credit  http://atlanta.cbslocal.com

Decatur MARTA overpass to receive a grant for the creation of a mural.

From: http://patch.com/georgia/decatur/decatur-marta-overpass-receives-art-grant?

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has chosen the

The overpass is located at the intersection of W. Trinity and Atlanta avenues.

According to a statement from MARTA:
“The Decatur MARTA overpass bisects several diverse communities while sheltering children waiting for school buses, as well as neighbors and employees walking and riding bikes. Many cars traverse the corridor daily, and thousands of citizens from all over the Atlanta Region ride the Blue Line MARTA train across the overpass every day. In essence, it creates a gateway into these economically and racially diverse communities and provides an opportunity for real connections through meaningful art on this large, durable concrete canvas.

“The MARTA overpass mural will create neighborhood connections and an exceptional art form that is reflective of the revitalization and vibrancy of this historical community in downtown Decatur.”

The grant is part of a series that were awarded by ARC to create the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program.
Decatur MARTA overpass to receive a grant for the creation of a mural.

photo credit: google maps

Atlanta area Schools Looking into Doing away with makeup Snow Days

 Gwinnett county is the first to look into this. Other counties may follow.

 

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2015/sep/18/gwinnett-schools-considering-cyber-school-for/SUWANEE
 The novelty of a traditional snow day may be coming to an end in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Gwinnett County Public Schools CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks said Thursday that the school district is considering utilizing its eCLASS digital curriculum component during a period of prolonged inclement weather.
That would allow the district to avoid adding makeup days at the end of the school year, or adding time to a school day. Wilbanks admitted there’s a “good bit of buzz” going around about “cyber day,” and if it’s possible to execute, he figured a lot of people would be happy.
“There may be the opportunity if we have inclement weather days to continue with instruction pretty much as we are,” Wilbanks said. “Now that’s not saying that there will be 100 percent. There are some families that don’t have Internet connections, so we’ll have to take care of that.” The district each year typically builds into the calendar three inclement weather makeup days in February, March and April.
“If we have to close a week, that exceeds the days and then it starts running into spring break and everything, that people have bought tickets to Honolulu and other places,” Wilbanks said. “It’s hard to make them up, so we are looking to do that. … I don’t know if we’re ready for that today. I’m not sure it’s entrenched enough, but hopefully we will be by the time the snow days generally occur.”

Decatur's Sydney Rhame on the Season Premiere of “The Voice” Tonight

----

Here is Sydney in 2010 at Earth Day in Oakhurst ---

Video Friday: Sugarland and Sara Bareilles - Come On Eileen

Downtown DeKalb Idea Closer to a Reality

Atlanta United FC will construct a 3,500-seat stadium, three practice soccer fields and a two-story corporate headquarters on 41 acres of government land near Memorial Drive and I-285. An indoor training facility and additional fields may be built later. The team will play its first season in 2017 in the new stadium being built for the Falcons in downtown Atlanta. Credit: Atlanta United FC

From: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/downtown-dekalb-design-envisioned-around-soccer-co/nng58/
A concept for a Downtown DeKalb development near Memorial Drive calls for converting the county jail into an office or apartments and building a convention center, concert hall, hotel, recreation complex and 20-story government office tower alongside Atlanta United’s planned soccer headquarters.

DeKalb is taking bids from architectural design firms to create a master plan for the area, an early step toward bringing the Downtown DeKalb idea closer to a reality. The county asked contractors to submit quotes under $50,000 by Friday.
Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May highlighted the idea of relocating the county’s government operations from Decatur in his State of the County address earlier this year. The government tower would house more than 3,000 employees and anchor the Downtown DeKalb development, according to county bid documents.
The master plan should envision a “live-work-play urban mixed use district” covering about 150 acres of government land near the DeKalb Jail and Interstate 285, according to the documents.

The area could also include a square with fountains, retail, apartments, office space, parks and a movie theater.

The only part of the development that’s been approved so far is Atlanta United’s facility.

The soccer team agreed to locate its headquarters, a 3,500-seat stadium and several practice fields on the site last month, and the DeKalb Commission approved incentives for the team worth more than $12 million.

Kirkwood Wine Stroll on Friday, September 25th

 From: http://www.xorbia.com/events/assc/kirkwood-wine-stroll-2015/

The Kirkwood Business Association is holding its 9th annual Kirkwood Wine Stroll on Friday, September 25th in the historic Kirkwood neighborhood. Visit the many adorable shops, unique galleries and amazing restaurants that are making Kirkwood a destination location! Also enjoy a beautiful night of music with three local acoustic and light rock bands performing throughout the night. A variety of businesses in Kirkwood will be participating in the stroll which will enable you to sample wines from around the world in each of the participating locations.
The wine tasting portion of the event will end at 9:30pm and the street party will continue until 11:00pm. All wine tasting guests must be 21 and older with valid ID. Tastings are while supplies last only.
You will receive a souvenir wine glass and program with each ticket that is purchased. Tickets are limited and may sell-out in advance.
GA Ticket:

• Souvenir Wine Glass
• Wine tasting from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
• Live Music

Early Bird Ticket: $30 (On Sale from 8//7 until 8/14)
Regular Ticket: $40 (On Sale from 8/15 until 9/10)
Late Ticket: $50 (On Sale from 9/11 until 9/24)
Day of Event Ticket: $60 (IF AVAILABLE)
VIP Ticket:

• Souvenir Wine Glass
• Exclusive selection of premium wines
• Two catered VIP Only lounges
• VIP Restrooms

Early Bird VIP Ticket: $50 (Sale from 8//7 until 8/14)
Regular VIP Ticket: $60(On Sale from 8/15 until 9/10)
Late VIP Ticket: $70 (On Sale from 9/11 until 9/24)
Day of Event VIP Ticket: $80 (IF AVAILABLE)

Special: Video Wednesday: Bee Gees Stayin' Alive (Satuday Night Fever)