Eye on Decatur - Have a RAGING HOLIDAY !

Decorate Decatur for the Holidays

 File photo.

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/2015/12/07/decorate-decatur-2015/
Just like Decorate Decatur Halloween, Decorate Decatur for the Holidays has gone digital.
 We invite you to let us know about great decorative displays within the city of Decatur.
Drop us an email at events@decaturga.com. Include the street address, description of the decor, and a photo of the decorated home.
 Send in your info by December 14, 2015 at 5 p.m. and we’ll update an online map that includes pinpoints for each location. The best display wins the coveted Commissioners Cup at the City Commission meeting on Monday, December 21.

The Williamsburg Aparment Property Sold

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
 Demolition of large apartment complex likely to lead to insane number of new homes.

The Williamsburg Apartments, located near the intersection of Clairmont and North Druid Hills Roads, have been sold.

Atlanta-based TriBridge Residential sold the property last month to Atlanta based PulteGroup.  I first heard rumors of the proposed sale and redevelopment in September, but the the other shoe dropped late last month. 

Residents, many of whom are retirees, were informed November 30th that they must vacate the property "prior to February 1st 2016." Financial incentives are being offered to tenants on a sliding basis this month.  Those who vacate their apartments by December 18th will receive a $1,000 moving allowance as well as a 50% December rent rebate.  Tenants who vacate the property by December 31st will receive a $500 moving allowance and a 50% December rent rebate.  Those who don't vacate by the end of the year reportedly receive nothing. 
 Amazingly, when I spoke to a leasing representative at the complex in late September, they were still actively leasing and renewing leases.  For leasing and renewing to go on like business as usual seems rather cruel to those who might have just moved in less than 60 days ago and are now faced with another move. 

The 416 unit complex, built in 1965, sits on 37 acres within close proximity to Emory University, the CDC, VA, Decatur and both I-85 and US 78.  Currently, the project has access in/out from both Clairmont and North Druid Hills Roads, making the site especially convenient. 

On the Clairmont Road side of the apartment complex,  a former gas station and convenience store are also being targeted for redevelopment.  Current plans call for an approximately  27,000 square foot three story office building to be built on the one acre parcel.  At the corner of Clairmont and North Druid Hills Roads, a former Exxon gas station remains vacant and available.
more 

photo credit: google maps

Tag Renewal Problems to Persist Through December

From: http://www.fox5atlanta.com
 Car owners with December birthdays will not get the normal license tag renewal notices this year.

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, vendor issues earlier this fall will continue to impact those renewal notices going out on time.
The vendor handling renewal notices, World Marketing, filed for bankruptcy in September and stopped sending them.

The state hired a new vendor to handle the notices, but the DOR said Thursday they must still finalize "future mailings" with the company.

Instead of the normal renewal notices, people with December birthdays should receive a letter explaining their other tag renewal options.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Commissioners passed a resolution temporarily waiving any late fees or interest for drivers impacted by the renewal delays in October and November.  Wednesday, they voted to extend that grace period through December.

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting

Video Friday - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Jessica Simpson

Eye on Decatur - New Waffle House

Mitchel Anderson signing at The Cook's Warehouse

Mitchell Anderson, owner of the very popular Midtown restaurant MetroFresh, will sign his new cookbook, “Food and Thought,” in two stores of The Cook’s Warehouse:

·       Midtown-Ansley Mall – Saturday, December 5, 3-5 p.m.

·       Decatur – Saturday, December 12, 3-5 p.m.

 

Anderson, a former actor on Doogie Howser MD and Party of Five, began his second career in 2002, apprenticing for “Souper Jenny” Levison before opening MetroFresh in 2005.

“Food and Thought” is a very special cookbook, half recipes from his popular restaurant and half musings and thoughts on food, business, family and current events.  You will love it!

“Food and Thought” makes a perfect holiday gift and Chef Anderson will be pleased to autograph and personalize his first cookbook just for you or those lucky folks on your gift list.

Mapping Atlanta's Ice Rinks, as If Atlantans Can Ice Skate!

 Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink
 Photo credit  flickr member DEREK MEDLIN https://www.flickr.com/photos/

From curbedatlanta.com
Mapping Atlanta's Ice Rinks, as If Atlantans Can Ice Skate!
by Michael Kahn
Hey Atlanta: It's December! And with Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Festivus holidays looming, it's time to get out and enjoy one of winter's grandest outdoor activities. Sure, the only winter pastime we do really well is cause day-long traffic freakouts, but there are a few ice skating rinks scattered around that allow us Southerners to feel like Northerners for a few hours. And if you're worried about looking like a fool, think of it this way... ice is pretty much the great equalizer. Unless you're Michelle Kwan, you're probably going to bust your derrière a few times, no matter how sober you are. So check out the map, get out there and have some fun.
see map and list at http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2015/12/01/map-atlanta-ice-skating-rinks.php

Lost Disney film "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit" found in the BFI National Archive

From: http://www.bfi.org.uk/

 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the first-ever Disney character and a long-eared precursor to Mickey Mouse, features in this long-lost animated film. 

  The BFI National Archive and Walt Disney Animation Studios are pleased to announce the rediscovery of a rare, long-lost, Walt Disney animated film, Sleigh Bells (1928) featuring the first ever Disney character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a long-eared precursor to Mickey Mouse. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was invented by Walt Disney in 1927 and was loved for his mischievous and rebellious personality.

 A number of other films do survive but Sleigh Bells has been, until now, a lost film, unseen since its original release. The animation in the film was accomplished by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, both of whom went on to create the character of Mickey Mouse, following a contractual disagreement with Universal, for whom they had created the Oswald films The print of Sleigh Bells (1928) was preserved in the collections of the BFI National Archive.
The exciting rediscovery was made by a researcher browsing the online catalogue of the BFI National Archive’s holdings. Walt Disney Animation Studios have taken this unique surviving film print and created both a new preservation print and digital copies. The film has a running time of approximately six minutes. Robin Baker, Head Curator, BFI National Archive said: “What a joyful treat to discover a long-lost Walt Disney film in the BFI National Archive and to be able to show Sleigh Bells to a whole new audience 87 years after it was made.

 The restoration of this film will introduce many audiences to Disney’s work in the silent period – it clearly demonstrates the vitality and imagination of his animation at a key point in his early career. We thank Walt Disney for working with us and are thrilled to present the world premiere of this restored version here in London at BFI Southbank.” Andrew Millstein, President of Walt Disney

Animation Studios, which oversaw the restoration, added: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the BFI National Archives in the restoration of the ‘lost’ Oswald short, Sleigh Bells, and to be sharing this delightful animated discovery with audiences in the UK as part of this special Disney holiday programme.
 The Oswald shorts are an important part of our Studios’ history, and we have been working with film archives and private collectors all around the world to research the missing titles. We are grateful to Katrina Stokes, Robin Baker, and their associates at the BFI for helping us locate and preserve Sleigh Bells.”

What's Happening in Decatur (Nov. 29-Dec. 5)

 Here is a list of things going on in Decatur this week from
 thedecaturminute.com

 Posted by Catherine

This is a weekly blog post that lists all of the events and sales going on around town. It will be updated daily. If you would like to add an event, email Catherine.lee@decaturga.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Decatur Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
• Opening night of the Michael Weintrob: Instrumenthead exhibit at Three Taverns, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3
• Terrific Thursdays
• Little Shop of Stories Tree Lighting, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4
• Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5
• Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Decatur Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Video Friday - All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

Holiday deals at the Allinace - Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Black Friday Sale at the Alliance Theatre – all productions will be Buy One Ticket, Get One Ticket 50% Off –
Give the gift of theater this holiday season at great low prices! On Friday, November 27, select performances for all productions left in our 2015/16 season will be BOGO 50% off*, including the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, the Dad’s Garage production of Merry %#!*ing Christmas, Pulitzer Prize winner Disgraced, C.S. Lewis’s classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the world-premiere musical, Born for This: The BeBe Winans Story, and more! Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY50 when purchasing online at www.alliancetheatre.org/blackfriday (beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 27) or by calling the box office at 404.733.5000 (beginning at 10:00 a.m on November 27).
*Some restrictions apply. Check the website for details.

Cyber Monday Sale at the Alliance Theatre – all January acting classes will be 20% Off –

On Monday, November 30, starting at 10:00 a.m., all upcoming January acting classes will be 20% off.  Classes cover a variety of age and experience levels and include acting for stage and film, playwriting, screenwriting, voiceover work, and more.  The discount will automatically apply on November 30 only, no promo codes necessary. The Cyber Monday sale does not apply to previously purchased classes.  See all our classes and learn more at www.alliancetheatre.org/classes. 

And after all the gift-giving, if you’re feeling charitable, the Alliance Theatre is participating in –

Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2015 –

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 the Alliance Theatre will join with charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students worldwide for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Think of it like Black Friday, or Cyber Monday…only you’ll be making an investment in the artistic and cultural life of our city and the education of our children.  The Alliance does more than just create theater for our patrons. Reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually, we deliver programming that challenges adult and youth audiences to think critically and care deeply. The Alliance Theatre's commitment to education and new play development sets us apart and creates opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the impact theater can have. Get #unscrooged on December 1 by donating to the Alliance Theatre on #givingtuesday. And make sure to share your story on social media about how you’re getting #unscrooged this holiday season!  http://my.alliancetheatre.org/dev/contribute.aspx

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathleen Covington
Manager of Communications
 
Alliance Theatre
Tony Award® Recipient for Regional Theatrediscover 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

Shop Decatur Saturday & Sunday

     DECATUR GA
From thedecaturminute.com
Why go out on Black Friday when there’s a much better way to shop this week? Go to Small Business Saturday and Sunday in Decatur instead!
To honor the greatness that is Decatur’s local independent shops and restaurants, we’ll have a Small Business Saturday and Sunday tent this. . .Saturday and Sunday. . . on the square. Spend your weekend supporting your favorite local businesses and then stop by the tent for:

• Free gift wrap (on any locally purchased items)
• Hot chocolate, candy and other goodies
• A chance to win a City of Decatur basket (with gifts from all over town)
• A visit from Santa (Saturday only)
• To turn in your receipts – spend $200 at local shops in Decatur during the month of November and get a $20 gift card to a local restaurant
• Holiday music and other festive things

Here are the details:
What: Small Business Saturday and Sunday in Decatur
When: Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29
Time: Saturday, 11-5 p.m., Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.
Why: See details above, plus, Santa, and a much more enjoyable shopping experience than the mall
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and see you this weekend!

The Pink Pig at Lenox Sq. Macy's Now thru Jan 3

 CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO
From:http://www.macys.com/
Over fifty years ago, a beloved tradition was born in Atlanta-the Pink Pig. Since its 1950s debut as a holiday ride at the Rich's downtown store to its brief stint at the Egleston Children's Hospital Festival of Trees, Priscilla the Pink Pig has been a beloved tradition in Atlanta for more than five generations. Join us this year at Macy's for our annual tradition!

 The original Rich's Pink Pig Flyer.
 http://pinkpigflyer.blogspot.com/

Decatur's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is Thursday Dec. 3 at 7:00 PM

    DECATUR  GA
From: littleshopofstories.com
Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, December 3rd  7 p.m.
It's one of the highlights of our year! Come downtown and gather with your neighbors on East Court  Square.
There will be hot chocolate and song and a visit from The Big Man himself. Ho..Ho..Ho!
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s almost time for the  annual Decatur Christmas Tree lighting. This year's event will be Thursday Dec. 3rd at 7:00 PM (which is a Terrific Thursday) . All the local businesses  help make this possible each year! The tree will be up all holiday season,  the lighting is always a fun event for the whole community. They block off East Court Square and have hot chocolate, treats, carols, snow, and a visit from Santa!  Be there to see this event that Little Shop of Stories puts on each year.

For those who don't know about Terrific Thursdays here is some info about it from http://www.decaturga.com/

 Make Decatur your shopping and dining “mallternative” this holiday shopping season, especially on Terrific Thursdays in November and December. You’ll find cool deals at Decatur's hottest shops, galleries and restaurants. Park once and walk around town. Participating businesses will stay open late, offering beverages, snacks and special offers. In December Santa joins the fun visiting shops and restaurants within the city limits.

Video Friday - Chrissie Hynde- Back on the Chain Gang

From: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pretenders/backonthechaingang.html "Back On The Chain Gang" I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
What hijacked my world that night
 To a place in the past
 We've been cast out of? oh oh oh oh
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang
 A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh
 The phone, the tv and the news of the world Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies
Put us back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang
 The powers that be
 That force us to live like we do Bring me to my knees
When I see what they've done to you
 But I'll die as I stand here today
 Knowing that deep in my heart
They'll fall to ruin one day
 For making us part I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
 Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang

Greenberg's Great Train and Toy Show at Cobb Galleria Centre Sat & Sun Nov 21-22

Admission: $ 9.00 Good for both days
Kids under 12 Free10AM -4PM  Both Days
Free Parking

Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta GA 30339 GreenbergShows.com

Photos from previous shows

Ponce City Nights Nov. 19

Ponce City Nights

From:  http://poncecitymarket.com/event/ponce-city-nights/

A Free Concert Series

Visit Ponce City Market every other Thursday for live music in the courtyard or Central Food Hall. Join us on on Thursday with music from Jason Collier Music Project and Book Club.

Gingerbread Party / Polar Express Party Planned for Little Shop of Stories

From: http://www.littleshopofstories.com/events.php
Come into the store or give us a call to RSVP and purchase tickets for the Gingerbread Party (Saturday, December 5th at 11 A.M., 1 P.M., and 3 P.M.); and Polar Express Party (Saturday, December 12th at 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.). Tickets are $5/child, and space is limited for these always popular events.
Our Gingerbread Party includes a sweet storytime featuring our favorite gingerbread books, and a chance to decorate your own gingerbread man. You’d better gobble him up quickly before he runs away!
The Polar Express Party features a reading of the beloved classic book, and a visit with Santa! We’ll be serving hot chocolate, and kids will all leave with their very own jingle bell from Santa’s sleigh.

The Name is Bond, James Bond

Decatur No. 4 in Drunkest Cities in Georgia

These Are The 10 Drunkest Cities In Georgia

From: http://www.roadsnacks.net

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Don’t freak out.

It’s not always the college towns and big cities that are getting ‘Georgia drunk’ the most.

By: Bud Tapman, RoadSnacks
The state of Georgia, as a whole, drinks the 5th least amount of alcohol in the entire nation, something close to 20 beers apiece. But we’re about to find out which places more than make up for the slow sippers in the Peach State.

But for those of you who aren’t in Conyers, Georgia and seeing double right now, let’s discuss (perhaps over a glass of wine, or a 12-pack), just what makes one place “drunker” than the next.

First, off: the number of places you can actually buy booze. Certainly an important factor in actually getting drunk. Then, the amount of people who actually go around saying things like “Dude I was so tanked last night,” or “How did I wake up in my neighbor’s attic… again?!”

And of course, playing to stereotypes, the divorce rate. Because studies have shown that when one or both partners drink a lot, they are three times more likely to divorce.
Incidentally, Georgia’s divorce rate is a little higher than the national average.

Don’t worry, we’ll talk more about our methodology in the next section. First, though, these are the 10 drunkest places in Georgia, according to the research:

   1. Conyers
   2. College Park
   3. Athens
  4.  Decatur
  5.  Atlanta
   6. Brunswick
    7.Savannah
   8. Covington
    9.Kennesaw
  10. Marietta

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t you throw your empty beer can at the computer just yet. First off, it’ll damage the computer. Second, there’s actually a method behind this madness.
more

California Pizza Kitchen to Reopen at Lenox Square November 18th

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/11/bits-bites_11.html#more
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) plans to reopen is restaurant at Lenox Square November 18th.
  The popular pizza restaurant was completely gutted to create a new, more contemporary eatery.  A restaurant representative referred to the location as a "flagship."
 A number of non pizza "main plates" were added to the restaurant's menu, including hearth-roasted halibut and fire-grilled ribeye. 
photo credit: http://www.10best.com/destinations/georgia/atlanta/shopping/shopping-centers-districts/

Macy's Great Tree Lighting Ceremony Changed to Sunday before Thanksgiving

From: http://www.ajc.com/news/business/macys-shifts-great-tree-lighting-date/npLRQ/
Those who make watching the lighting of the “Great Tree” at Lenox Square an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition will have to change their plans this year.

Retail giant Macy’s, which puts on the annual ceremony — one of metro Atlanta’s most anticipated — has moved the event up four days to 7 p.m. the Sunday before Thanksgiving .

The company said the switch is an attempt to accommodate more fans of the holiday ritual, which dates back 68 years.
By moving the tree lighting to Sunday, we believe more Atlantans will be able to join us to experience the tradition in person, and enjoy the show,” Macy’s spokeswoman Melissa Goff said in an email.

Macy’s switch to a new day is part of a plethora of changes surrounding the holiday in the last few years. First retailers began opening stores earlier and earlier on Black Friday until they took the plunge three years ago to open on Thanksgiving itself.

Then last year Macy’s switched to an artificial tree for the first time, erecting a 56-foot-tall tree made by Alpharetta-based Christmas Lights, Etc. This year’s tree also will be artificial, standing at 56 feet and illuminated by 45,000 white and multi-color LED lights.
Debby Cannon, director of Georgia State University’s hospitality program, said it may be tougher for fans to attend the tree lighting than Macy’s officials think. The Sunday before Thanksgiving is often reserved for grocery shopping for the big day or cleaning the house for family and friends. Attending the ceremony on Thanksgiving also is easier because the next day is a holiday for many workers.

But, she said, people can change and create new traditions. “We’re an adaptable group,” she said.

Video Friday - Great Balls of Fire - Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games
Sent in by Leslie Gilbert

LOCAL MOMS KICKSTART GAMES TO TEACH GIRLS MATH CONFIDENCE.

DECATUR, GA, NOVEMBER 11, 2015: Introducing MathKit, a set of 10 hands-on math games designed to help parents create a safe space for kids to learn.

MathKit applies research on math and mindset to help kids, especially girls, persist through mistakes and struggle. “Kids need math skills to keep their future open,” says Leslie Gilbert, founder of MathKit, “but many girls lose math confidence and shy away from hard problems as early as third grade.”

Gilbert wants to make “playing math” as easy and inviting as bedtime reading. She designed the kit to tackle addition and subtraction “math facts” from 0-20, a task that schools ask families to practice at home. “This often doesn’t go very well,” says Gilbert sympathetically, “Kids are tired, they don’t want to be drilled, and they get stressed out by timers.”
MathKit helps parents nurture a “math learning mindset.” A positive mindset towards learning math is a powerful predictor of math success, especially for girls. MathKit focuses on math strategies, not drill. Each kit comes with a set of hands-on math learning tools to help kids visualize math.

MathKit was designed by Leslie’s neighbor and fellow mom Rebekka Connelly. “Kids really respond to the look and feel of their toys,” says Connelly, “so we embraced a warmer, more welcoming look than most math products, while keeping it gender neutral.”

A family friendly solution to math stress? Yes, but Gilbert and Connelly are currently making every kit by hand. Bringing MathKit to a wider market requires start-up funding. That’s where Kickstarter comes in.
Kickstarter campaigns are “all-or-nothing,” so the project must reach its goal of $30K within 30 days of its November 11 launch date in order to receive any funding.

You can follow their progress on Twitter (@getmathkit) and Facebook (MathKit).

Please help spread the word via your social media networks, and consider donating (as little as $5) to help the project come to life. Rewards include full handmade kits in time for the holidays.

To support the campaign, visit http://kck.st/1ROfSiy.

Walmart Grand Opening at Suburban Plaza

Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q Looking at a Westside Location

  From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
The Fox Brothers are interested in bringing their popular Bar-B-Q to the Westside. 

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is actively working to bring their popular BBQ restaurant to the corner of Bolton and Marietta Roads in Atlanta's burgeoning westside.  The restaurant would occupy the former Adams Hardware building and likely an adjacent building as well.  Adams Hardware dates from 1920 and its building(s) are being marketed as "historic." The building(s) are being offered for lease by Vantage Realty Partners who indicates the property is "five minutes from Buckhead and seven minutes from Vinings." 
more

Friday Night Football...Decatur Style

From: http://ireport.cnn.com
 By cmparks
The moment that you hit Memorial Drive in Decatur, Georgia, you see the lights from the stadium. That beat from the drums less than a mile away gets your heart pumping. You know that you are in for a treat. No matter what team you are pulling for, you know that it is going to be a fight. Each side has on the colors for their team. With all the great teams in Decatur, everyone thinks their team is the best. I am partial to South West DeKalb, my high school. But around DeKalb County, there is always a buzz Friday and Saturday nights.
From the minute you pull into the parking lot at the stadium, it is like a college or pro football game. People are tailgating! I have never have seen this for high school games before. I lived a number of other states, and I have never experienced this before. The fans are so into the game. It is like something on another level. The line is long. People wait with blankets, seats, and sound makers ready to see the game.
But what others don’t understand about the DeKalb County culture is you don’t go to the concession stand or the bathroom during half time. Most of the time, it’s just not the team that we come to see. It is also the band. With some of the most professional bands in the world, halftime is sometimes the best part of the game. The bands are always large. Along with the dancing young ladies of the drill team, flag corps, or majorettes, the bands play the latest songs and have elaborate routines. You can see everyone swaying and singing along to the band. And even though you may not like the other team, you can find yourself saying that was a good routine. You always get a great show.
No matter what you do, the buzz of Friday and Saturday is always present in DeKalb County. You know that you will go no matter what the weather. You are going to support your team. You team is always the best team in DeKalb…no matter the record.

Video Friday - Sam Smith - Writing's On The Wall (from the new James Bond Movie Spectre)

Ray's Indian Originals in Avondale to Close at Year end.

 The family business, which opened in 1948 as a radio and jukebox repair shop and in 1972 turned into  a Native American gallery . but in recent years the brick and mortar store has struggled, but their online store  flourished, so the owners have decided to close their doors December 30, 2015
You can read the full announcement from the city at decaturish.com
 

An Event for The Restaurants of Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives

From: http://atlantaeats.com

 Don’t miss an event filled with your favorite restaurant celebrities this Thursday, November 5th!

 Suzanne Vizethann of Buttermilk Kitchen hosts a live screening of Diners, Drive- In’s and Dives with fellow food stars, Jon and Joy Beber of Joy Cafe, Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir, Terry Koval of Wrecking Bar Brewpub and Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. BBQ. The premiere also includes chef tastings and drinks! All proceeds benefit Georgia Organics.

Flash sale happening NOW for a $20 ticket discount www.bit.ly/gohometownheroespromo

Terrific Thursdays Nov 5 thru Dec 17

  From : http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com
2015 Details
Nov. 5, 12, 19
Dec. 3, 10, 17
It's time to get gifty! - Shop in Decatur on Thursdays in November and December. Terrific Thursdays are back with special in-store events, discounts, and treats at more than 20 shops, restaurants, and services. Park once and walk around town. Participating businesses will stay open late, offering beverages, snacks and special offers. In December Santa joins the fun visiting shops and restaurants within the city limits.


   http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/see-do-play/special-events/terrific-thursdays

see video at link above.


Back by Popular Demand This Year!
Spend $200 at any Decatur shop during the month of November, bring your receipts to the Decatur Visitors Center and receive a $20 gift card from a local restaurant. You don't have to spend $200 all in one place, just make sure you keep all of your receipts from any store located in City of Decatur any day of the week (not just Thursdays!). Bring your receipts to the Visitor's Center at 113 Clairemont Ave. and you'll have your choice of gift cards from one of Decatur's restaurants. Limited to 3 cards per person while supplies last. $200 can only be spent on items, not meals or spa
 services.

Decorate Decatur Halloween House Winner

From thedecaturminute.com
It wasn’t easy to decide the winner of this year’s Commissioners’ Cauldron. There were 19 wonderfully creative entries. After much deliberation, the judges picked the mutant lawn flamingos at 204 Adair St:
Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations this year! You can see all the great entries on the Decorate Decatur Halloween map.
Photo credit The Decatur Minute.

Brush Sushi Izakaya Coming to Decatur

From: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/craft-izakayas-jason-liang-is-opening-brush-sushi-izakaya-in-decatur/
 Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.

When Brush Sushi Izakaya opens in January at 316 Church Street in Decatur, former Craft Izakaya and One Sushi Plus sushi chef Jason Liang plans on using Gulf-sourced fish (as well as locally grown and raised vegetables and meats) on his nigiri and other dishes whenever possible. “The Japanese are known for how they butcher fish and keep the quality,” he says. “Why should we bring fish from overseas when we have the good quality locally?”

Business partner John Chen, who owns bars in Buckhead and Athens, says Brush will be a true Japanese izakaya, or pub, serving sushi, fried and grilled skewers, and other items cooked on a robata grill using bincho-tan (white charcoals) from Japan. There will be three tiers of omakase offerings ranging from $65 to $125.

Menu items will include robata grilled whole squid with wasabi salt and chili miso sauce; chicken wing and thigh yakitori; braised pork belly bun with peanuts, mustard greens, and coriander; and fried octopus balls, in addition to sushi. There will be a limited amount of tori ramen (chicken ramen) nightly.

Since izakayas are also known for their abundant liquor, Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.

Special Saturday Video - Michael Myers Halloween Theme Song

Why not spend Halloween afternoon at Revival?

From: https://www.facebook.com/RevivalDecatur

The weekend forecast is looking better and better, so
why not spend Halloween afternoon at Revival? Join us in the front yard from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, October 31. We'll have $5 Terminus City BBQ sandwiches, Wild Heaven Craft Beers on tap and plenty of candy for the kiddos! No tickets required, just come enjoy the day with us!
photo credit: Revival

Video Friday - THRILLER

Eye on Giant Spider on Sycamore

This Halloween house with giant spider is located on Sycamore just down from the Library.

North Dekalb Macy's May Soon make way for Costco

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/10/macys-north-dekalb-mall-may-morph-into.html#more
Macy's may soon make way for Costco.
A well placed source indicates that they received confirmation that at least one local Macy's store will close as part of the company's previously announced plan to close up to 40 stores by early next year. 

All indications lead me to believe that the Macy's at North DeKalb Mall is likely to be (one of) the store(s) to close.
 Other possible closure candidates are stores in nearby Northlake Mall in Tucker, Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth or Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta. 

It's no secret that Issaquah, Washington-based Costco has been looking to build a location in North DeKalb county, and the Macy's, (formerly Rich's) at North DeKalb Mall makes perfect sense for their store. 


The 2008 plan to bring Costco to the mall would have placed the retailer in a different portion of the mall, in what would have been a newly built, roughly 142,000 square foot space. The space would have essentially been between the current Burlington Coat Factory and the 16 screen AMC Theatres. 

Be Safe on Halloween from Decatur Police Dept.

From: thedecaturminute.com
Happy Halloween from your Decatur Police Department!
Start your trick-or-treating early by stopping by the front lobby of the Decatur Police Department this Saturday, October 31st from 3pm-5pm for free treats and reflective Trick-or-Treat bags.

And don’t forget to Be Safe!
- Go trick-or-treating with a grown-up or in groups.
- Make sure to cross streets carefully and properly.
- Make sure you are seen! By wearing bright colors or something with reflective trim. By carrying glow sticks, reflective bags and/or flashlights.
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photo credit https://www.pinterest.com

Halloween Decorated Home on Kings Hwy

     Halloween Decorated Home on Kings Hwy

Mondo Modern building ( Lightroom Studio) Seeks $1.3 M

From: http://curbed.com/archives/2015/10/26/mondo-modern-house-in-atlanta-can-be-had-for-13m.php
Across the street from Decatur, Georgia's Decatur High School, a hybrid art gallery, office, studio and residential project known as "Lightroom 2.0" is being marketed by Estately as a standalone "house" for $1.3 million. The massive four-story space (6,800 friggin' square feet, per the listing) has housed Lightroom, an interior and graphic design and architecture firm. According to a feature in Architizer, the project was "inspired by the British artist Rachel Whiteread and her concrete castings of existing buildings" and is crowned by a rooftop terrace and movie theater "that frames the view of Midtown Atlanta and the forests of Druid Hills and Inman Park."

photo credit: google maps

Decorate Decatur Contest - Send in your photo by Oct 28

 From: Nancy Wilkinson at https://www.facebook.com/groups/DecorateDecatur/


Guys! I asked about the deadline for the contest and just got a response from the city: " Send in your photo and description by Wednesday, Oct. 28 at midnight. That’ll give the judges time to pick the winner. The judges will be using the photos and description to determine the winner this year.
Please feel free to submit pictures of neighbors’ homes that you think should be recognized."

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This yard is on Kings Hwy.