Coming Up... The Mead Rd. Mardi Gras! Saturday Feb 25

From Emily : A few changes this year .

1) We have a longer parade route!  (please see map below)

2) Krewe’s can register online to participate – https://decatureducationfoundation.org/mardigras/

As you know, we’re a walking parade and anyone is welcome to form a Krewe and comemarch with us.  In fact, the more the merrier.  Our only rule is we don’t have cars in or trucks in the parade.  But people can ride bikes, scooters or skateboards.   Or they can organize creative dance teams…  As long as it doesn’t have a motor, it’s good to go!

3) You can also pre-pay for food and beer online at that same link – ttps://decatureducationfoundation.org/mardigras/

4) We will have a kids area with food, games and facepainting at Mead Rd. Park

h/t  Decatur Metro
https://www.facebook.com/MeadRd.MardiGras/timeline
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 Here is some history on the cool event.

A Mardi Gras tradition with a Georgia twist!!"Throw me something, Mister!"

If you think that is something you'll only hear in New Orleans, think again!!

Oakhurst has quietly been establishing its own Mardi Gras tradition for almost 10 years.

It all began in 2005 when our oldest son began kindergarten. That huge moment in Billy's life sounded alarm bells for us, as we realized that for the first time since the 1980's I wouldn't be trekking to New Orleans to celebrate my high holiday.

So in the interest of familial harmony, David suggested starting our own parade for the kids. He built a papier mache float on top of the radio flyer wagon. Billy, his brother Tommy and their friends painted the float.

On that Tuesday, February 8 2005, the kids dressed up in their Halloween best and Dave and I put on our Mardi Gras finest. A few of our neighbors and their kids joined us as we walked up and down our street, throwing beads and loudly singing Fess.

And it ROCKED!

Over the years, our little parade has grown from one wagon/float with a few kids and adults to a multi-wagon/float extravaganza with lots of kids and our own homegrown brass band. Imagine trying to teach a bunch Georgia peaches the Mardi Gras standards without sheet music! We aim high!!!!

And now it's time for us to take our Mardi Gras celebrations to the next level.
This year we're officially launching "Mead Road Mardi Gras". Anyone with a love of carnival, costumes, floats, music, parades, beads, red beans and rice and anything else you can imagine, is invited to come join us!!!

Saturday March 1st, or Samedi Gras, is the date! The parade begins at Harmony park at 3pm. We'll march up Mead Road to the Imperial, at the corner of Mead and East College, for the party. And the party will go on for as long as people are there to celebrate.

Beads will be provided and the Imperial will sell red beans and rice and beer. Proceeds will go to the Decatur Education Foundation to support the band programs at Decatur High School, Renfroe Middle School and the 5th Avenue 4/5 Academy.

For more information or if you would like to donate anything, please contact:
Emily Kean Berg
keanberg.emily91@gmail.com

Video Friday - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - The Ultimate Medley

Magnolia Room Cafeteria Opening in Tucker Today

Magnolia Room plans to open Tuesday.

  Great news for Tucker from Tomorrows News Today

The wait is finally over!  Barring any crazy mishaps, Magnolia Room Cafeteria expects to "soft open" this upcoming Tuesday, January 31st.  The restaurant, which represents the reincarnation of sorts of the beloved Tucker S&S Cafeteria, has been delayed a number of times as the owner worked to rectify issues and perfect the restaurant and its menu.  

"Mr. Louis," the restaurant's owner, is thankful for the support and patience of the neighborhood, the staff and the City of Tucker for their patience over the past few months.

The restaurant is located in the City of Tucker, on Hugh Howell Road, in the Shops at Heritage Place shopping center. 

An official announcement came earlier today that the restaurant will host a "preview week" next week.

"Our final health and building inspections are on Monday January 30th, so tentatively our doors will OPEN on TUESDAY January 31st. We intend to be very close to the full variety you expect from us, but please understand we want to be CERTAIN every dish is perfect. So please understand if your favorite is not yet on our menu. 

Preview Week Serving Hours: Lunch 11-2 Dinner 4:30-7:30"

Read full story at http://www.tonetoatl.com/2017/01/magnolia-room-cafeteria-expects-to-open.html#more

Chinese New Year Celebration at Green Ginger Saturday Feb 4

The thedecaturminute.com
reminds us of the The Chinese New Year Celebration at  Green Ginger, below is the post>

Green Ginger is hosting a lion dance and food tasting this Saturday, Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The event is free. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Date and Time

Sat, February 4, 2017
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM EST

Add to Calendar

Location

Green Ginger Asian Fusion Restaurant
265 Ponce De Leon Place
Decatur, GA 30030
View Map

A Special Video for Today The 5th Dimension - Age of Aquarius

This video sent to me for my birthday it means so much to me. Thank You. Let the Sunshine In..

Newly listed Oakhurst Craftsman High Priced

Tucked between College Avenue and the Oakhurst Village, this cozy Craftsman-style offering is being billed as a “hidden gem on a quiet street” with an interior that’s nothing short of “impeccable.”

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/2017/1/30/14438836/oakhurst-craftsman-atlanta-home-for-sale-million

Quintessential Oakhurst.

Keller Knapp Realty

 .

This five-bedroom, four-bathroom property was built two years ago, and its 4,000 square feet boast a few touches that set it apart from other large new homes in the same vein: a cozy basement lounge space that’s all-too rare intown, the kitchen’s breakfast nook (a sweet touch), a collapsable glass wall that unites the living room and a screened porch, and a dining room that seats 12.

Lovers of white-and-grey motifs and Carrara marble won’t be disappointed.

Other perks include a six-burner stove, double ovens, custom window treatments, surround-sound speakers, and a general understated sleekness to the whole place.

On the flip-side, the so-so WalkScore of 62 is a bit puzzling, given the proximity of East Lake MARTA Station and retail a few blocks in each direction.

The home last sold for $102,000 less in the summer of 2015, which says a lot about the temperature of this market.

Kudzu Antiques January Clearance Sale Jan 27-29

Please join us for our STORE-WIDE JANUARY CLEARANCE SALE starting Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29. Save 10-50% OFF on 1000’s of items. You’ll find wonderful options for every style and taste, whether it’s Industrial Chic, MidCentury Modern, Shabby Chic, Farmhouse Style, Eclectic or Vintage. We’re open daily from 11-7.

 http://www.kudzuantiques.com/

Video Friday Carly Simon - Nobody Does It Better -The Spy Who Loved Me

Toco Hills Nearly New Shop To Close

From : http://www.tonetoatl.com

The Nearly New Shop, a service of the Junior League of Atlanta, announced yesterday via its Facebook page that it plans to close "in late Spring 2017."  The shop, which relocated to Toco Hills from Howell Mill Square during the summer of 2014, was located in an earlier incarnation of Lindbergh Plaza in Buckhead for much of my childhood .  In total, the shop has been in existence for 68 years. 

The following is the message the organization posted to its Facebook page:

"Attention customers: Thank you for your loyal patronage! After careful consideration, the Junior League of Atlanta has decided to close the Nearly New Shop in late Spring 2017. As the JLA celebrates its Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the great impact Nearly New has had in the metro Atlanta area. The store’s 68-year history is a testament to the dedication of some of our longest-serving League members and to you, our customers. Please stay connected to us via Facebook and email so we can keep you informed of upcoming sales and store discounts. Again, we thank you for your continued support!"

Video Friday - The Trammps - Disco Inferno , 70's Dance Shows

New Decatur Crosswalk @ 340 W Ponce

From thedecaturminute.com


Installation of the decorative crosswalks is now officially underway.
The city’s downtown crosswalk replacement program includes six crosswalks that will be located along East and West Ponce de Leon Avenues and one in the 100 block of East Trinity Place. Pedestrian crosswalk ramps and asphalt paving have already been installed. The installation of the decorative thermoplastic markings on all of the crosswalks is the final step of the project.
This video shows the design installation of the crosswalk between Jimmy Johns and Mellow Mushroom.

Video Friday - Gallery - It's So Nice To Be With You

Decatur Time Machine for Mojo Pizza N Pub & Wilson's Ice Cream

Decatur's Wilson Ice Cream Co. was very popular for Decatur back in the late 40's and 50's
W. L. Wilson owner of the ice cream company said this new innovation of two horse drawn carts was a great way to deliver their frozen treats to the doors of Decatur customers. The two cart will have designated routes, one will be solely for the north side of Decatur while the other will remain south of the railroad tracks.
He pointed out this was developed to appeal to the children and in it's first week of operation proved to be highly successful.

  Today this location is Mojo Pizza N Pub and they are very successful at this location.
Their slogan is :

"My neighborhood pizza joint can kick your neighborhood pizza joint's butt!"

They also deliver to Decatur customers.

Blaze Pizza and Starbucks Coffee to share the former Evans Food Building

 From: http://www.tonetoatl.com

Blaze Pizza and  Starbucks Coffee are reportedly going to share the former Evans Fine Foods (and recently vacated Royal Cleaners) at the Publix-anchored shopping center. Located at the corner of North Decatur and Clairmont Roads, Emory Commons is a good location for any brand looking to capture both Decatur and Emory area traffic, but parking can be an issue.  

Evan's, a local mainstay for nearly 70 years, closed in late 2015 with rumors of a Blaze Pizza coming to the space starting to percolate this past summer. Repeated attempts to get confirmation from Blaze Pizza (via their official Twitter account) have proven unsuccessful.  Interestingly, having gotten word of the executed lease just before the holidays, I tweeted them once more hinting at knowing it was a done deal.  Their response was something vague (which has since been deleted) but the location at Emory Commons was added to the website as "coming soon" days later.  

The Emory Commons Blaze Pizza will be the first in Georgia for the Pasadena, California based quick-serve pizza restaurant started by Rick & Elise Wetzel of Wetzel's Pretzels.  The chain has been targeting Atlanta for expansion for some time, and enters the metro area at a curious time.  

photo credit  http://tastychomps.com/2015/08/blaze-pizza-ucf-grand-opening-free-pizza-all-day-september-4th.html

Winter weather warning: What you need to know

 THis is from thedecaturminute.com
Good info to know.

There is a winter weather warning for metro Atlanta from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. It is expected to start raining and sleeting and then turn to snow. The precipitation is expected to stick and Decatur could see up to 4” of snow by Saturday morning.
All city buildings are scheduled to open as normal Friday and will close by 5 p.m., including City Hall and the Decatur Recreation Center. All activities and classes at the Decatur Recreation Center are CANCELLED for Saturday and Sunday.
City Schools of Decatur will dismiss an hour early and have cancelled all after school, extracurricular and athletic activities for Friday, January 6, Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, January 8. .
Important phone numbers

• If you see hazardous or unsafe conditions in Decatur, or require assistance from police or fire, please call the police non-emergency number: 404-373-6551.
• Report icy conditions on interstates and state routes to GDOT: 511.
• Power outages or trees on power lines should be reported directly to Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938.

Prevent burst pipes
As the temperatures drop, pipes in your home or business are likely to freeze unless you take necessary precautions. The easiest way to prevent burst pipes is to leave your sink running with a small stream of water (a drip is not enough) before you go to bed.
Reminders

• Be neighborly and take a few minutes to check on the seniors in your neighborhood. See if you can bring in their mail or wood or something else they may need, and make sure they have plenty of heat, food and water. Sometimes simply being checked on is greatly appreciated when staying indoors gets to be lonely. If you have a neighbor who needs help please call the police non-emergency number at 404-373-6551.
• Bring all pets inside.
• Register for Smart911 now at Smart911.com. You can opt-in for severe weather and other notifications as well as create or update your Smart911 profile with any special medical concerns (such as a household member who uses medical equipment that requires electricity).
• Charge all cell phones and put fresh batteries in emergency radios. When contacting loved ones, a text message is more likely to get through than a phone call.
• Download the FEMA smartphone app for additional tips and emergency information.

Video Friday - Bread - Make it with You

Train Show @ Georgia World Congress Center Jan 7 & 8, 2017

DAS BBQ Opening

 From:
   http://www.tonetoatl.com



DAS BBQ, the new barbecue restaurant opening on Collier Road, is expected to open December 30th after months of renovations. 

The counter-service restaurant, which occupies an UTBAPH (Used To Be A Pizza Hut), includes both the original, heavily renovated "hut," as well as a second, smaller "hut" building.  Pizza Hut closed at the location early last year after over 40 years in business.  DAS BBQ Owner Stephen Franklin debuted his restaurant's food at Taste of Atlanta this past October where it received high praise.

Clover, a POS system produced by Sandy Springs-based First Data, was the system Franklin chose to handle customer payments.  It was a fortuitous choice.  Dan Charron, Executive Vice President-Global Business Solutions for First Data, hand delivered Franklin's unit earlier this month, as it was the 500,000th sold.  Charron brought not only the POS system, but a team of Clover specialists to train Franklin and his team in advance of their grand opening. 

A video First Data produced to commemorate the milestone includes DAS BBQ owner Stephen Franklin describing the restaurant as being "designed to scale" seemingly with plans to open "multiple locations in different cities."

Phone No.

404-850-7373

1203 Collier Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday
11:00am to 10:00pm
music nights until midnight

info from facebook page  https://www.facebook.com

Video Friday The Ronettes - Be My Baby

Peach Drop 2017

From: peachdrop.com
Peach Drop 2017
Peach Drop, the Largest New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Southeast, continues a 28-year tradition in Downtown Atlanta with an evening of top-notch entertainment! Beginning at 7 p.m., Underground Atlanta will be the focal point for ringing in the New Year with live music and tens of thousands of fellow revelers.
As 2017 nears, the main stage will light up with live performances, and the 800-pound Peach will begin its decent just before the clock strikes midnight. Following the drop, a fireworks show will illuminate the sky and millions of pieces of confetti will rain down on the crowd!
Packed full of excitement, the Peach Drop is Atlanta’s favorite way of ringing in the New Year!
photo credit: https://occupymyfamily.com/2015/12/17/peach-drop-december-31-2015/

Special Christmas Video - The Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling

Video Friday - Mariah Carey - ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Work on MARTA Overpass at W. Trinity Place and Atlanta Ave.

From thedecaturminute.com
  The mural on the MARTA Overpass at W. Trinity Place and Atlanta Ave. is almost complete. The Milagros Collective, consisting of artists Felici Asteinza and Joey Filastre, began work on the mural in the middle of November.
 The project was initially delayed in order to do a lead abatement on the steel girders and while the rain was much-needed, it caused more delay in the painting process. The artists worked for a month through the middle of December and one side of the mural is just about finished along with the pilings under the Overpass.
 The other side has been pressure washed and primed and is ready for the detail work. Felici and Joey are part of a residency program at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) from the end of December through the end of January.
 They will return to finish the mural the first week of April when the weather is warmer so the paint will adhere better.
 In addition to finishing the mural, they will be working with Decatur Active Living and the community at the Decatur Housing Authority to enhance the area under the bridge. The area under the bridge has been funded by a KaBoom! Play Everywhere grant to create a playspace that will give the community a pleasant place to stop by and be physically active.
 The space will be an extension of the mural and have features such as hopscotch, four-square, an artist-created bench and more. The space is also used as a bus stop by the adjacent community and once the mural is complete and the space is activated, it will be brighter, more welcoming, and add an element of fun to the area.

Train Layouts are Special at Christmas Time

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Top photo is based on the Decatur Theatre (circa 1950's) in Decatur GA which was located just off the Square. Click on photos to enlarge. ----

Darlene Love Christmas - (Baby Please Come Home)

Bonfire on the Square Dec 15th

Bonfire on the Square

From :  http://decaturdba.com/events/bonfire-on-the-square/

December 15 • 7-8 p.m.
Join the community for marshmallow roasting around the popular 10′ x 20′ bonfire on the square. It’s a festive evening complete with student choral groups and holiday music. The event is free, but reservations are encouraged to ensure we have enough marshmallows and roasting sticks!
Photo credit  https://www.freshtix.com

Soup For the Soul (Best Places for Soup)

This is the best soup in Atlanta, according to the Best of Atlanta poll

Jen West For the AJC

 From: http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/dining/this-the-best-soup-atlanta-according-the-best-atlanta-poll/kmT9GWTBbYp7j1pHF971GP/
It's cold outside, and your soul is searching for the perfect soup in town. This week's Best of Atlanta poll found your favorite bowls of comfort. 

Farm to Ladle was the clear winner for your go-to bowl of soup. With locations in Avalon and Ponce City Market, soul-soothing soup made with the freshest of ingredients is only a ladle full away. 

Due to popularity, our second place winner Souper Jenny can now be found on the Westside, Decatur, Brookhaven and Buckhead. Run as a cafeteria-style restaurant, you get the opportunity to ponder the daily menu up close and personal. Bring a friend and enjoy your meal together or bring it home to savor. 

The soups at Agavero Cantina in Lilburn are all the rage, winning them the #3 spot for best soup in town. Try the chicken or tortilla soup for the perfect cold-weather meal. 

You don't have to travel far to find some of Atlanta's best soup. Be sure to try a bowl or two at Simply Fresh Market (Cobb), MetroFresh (Intown), Fresh To Order (Intown & DeKalb) and The General Muir (DeKalb).

Some of the most delicious foods are served hot. Case in point? Macaroni and cheese. Here's the official list of the best mac 'n cheese in town. 

It feels like wintertime, and we know you're craving chicken and dumplings. Here's where you can find the best bowls that will hit the spot. 

Read about our other Best of Atlanta winners and nominees here.

DeKalb Fire Station Mattress Makeover

Message*:

Good afternoon,   Beautyrest mattress is hosting a special donation ceremony in support of the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department next Monday, Dec. 12. I thought you may be interested in covering the project, which involves a "mattress makeover" for DeKalb County fire stations -- after all who is more deserving of a good night's sleep than first responders? Once this year's donation is complete, Beautyrest will have given 235 mattresses to DCFRD so all DeKalb firefighters can get the restful sleep they need to perform optimally and keep residents safe. I've provided a media alert below with information about Monday's event along with background about Beautyrest's Firehouse Recharge program for your reference. We'd love to see you out at DeKalb Fire Station 6 on Monday morning; however, if you're unable to attend, I'm happy to provide images and additional details as a follow up to the event. Thank you, Katie O’Neill Three (On behalf of Beautyrest) 404-405-8435 koneill@3atlanta.com Media Advisory – Monday 12/12 BEAUTYREST TO HOST DEKALB COUNTY FIRE STATION “MATTRESS MAKEOVER” AND DONATION CEREMONY - Firehouse Recharge initiative gives metro-area firefighters the restful sleep they need - Next Monday, Dec. 12, Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), LLC, will host a ceremony celebrating its donation of 235 Beautyrest® mattress sets to the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department (DCFRD). DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum will join company representatives and firefighters at DCFRD Station 6 at 9 a.m. for the mattress makeover followed by the brief ceremony at 10:30 a.m. This year’s donation includes 85 mattress sets, which – when combined with last year’s donation of 150 mattresses – will outfit all of the bunkrooms in DCFRD’s 26-station department covering 15 communities. Now in its fourth consecutive year, Firehouse Recharge is the Atlanta-based Beautyrest brand’s philanthropic initiative to provide fire departments in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area with new mattresses, so firefighters get the restful, recharging sleep they need to keep our communities safe. SSB believes in the importance of good, quality sleep for firefighters and the average person alike. Firehouse Recharge is an opportunity for the company to continue championing good sleep for those who need it most, while also creating a platform to inform and educate the public. With more than 100,000 yearly responses, and one of the largest territories in the state, there is hardly a team more worthy of restful sleep than the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department. Beautyrest has donated more than 500 mattresses to local fire departments over the course of its ongoing initiative and plans to continue expanding its efforts to the greater metro area and beyond. What: Beautyrest® Firehouse Recharge Mattress Makeover and Donation Ceremony Who: Hosted by Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC. Interviews will be available with Darnell D. Fullum - DeKalb Fire Chief, Michelle Montgomery - Vice President, Beautyrest Marketing Communications and Station 6 Fire Rescue personnel. When: Mattress makeover begins Monday, December 12, 2016 at 9 a.m.; Donation ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Where: DeKalb County Fire Station 6 “Screaming Eagle” (2342 Flat Shoals Road, SE Atlanta GA 30316) Media Contact: Katie O’Neill, Three PR, 404-405-8435, koneill@3atlanta.com

Video Friday - Sting - Every Breath You Take

Famous Pub at Toco Hills Closing after 30 years

 From facebook page
"Toco Hills Dear Customers, We want to inform you that Famous Pub is closing after 30 years. Thank you for every single day that you spent at our pub. Because of your love and support, our pub was neighborhood's favorite one during years. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives for so many years! We will have Blow out parties on 17th and 18th of December and you all are invited!  Thank you all for the experiences that we've had with you!"
  
Read more about it at http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/12/another-star-falls-at-toco-hills-with.html

Eye on Decatur ( THE RED DRESS )

Civil War Walking Tour @ Old Decatur Courthouse Dec 8

From:dekalbhistory.org

Civil War Walking Tour

Join us for a guided Civil War walking tour in downtown Decatur. The hour-long tour begins in

the lobby of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse and complements our new exhibit,

Tears and Curses: A Human Perspective on the Civil War. You will learn about the early history

of the county, the effects of the war on the civilian population in DeKalb, the Atlanta campaign,

and the Battle of Decatur. Meet in lobby of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse (101 East Court Square, Decatur GA 30030)

 Register and purchase tickets here

Thursday Dec. 8, 3:00 pm

Root City Holiday Market Saturday Dec. 10th

 Sent in by Shannon
http://www.rootcitymarket.com/events.html

Shop Local at our biggest pop-up event of the year! There will be 45+ makers on hand, plus live music,food and activities. Enter the $500.00 Makers Givaway. Swag bags for first 50 Saturday Dec 10th.
10am-5pm
$5. admission
Free 12 and under.

Fernbank Museum Winter Wonderland Thru Jan 8

From:  http://www.fernbankmuseum.org
On view November 18 – January 8, 2017

New Hours: Fernbank Museum is now open 10am - 5pm daily.
Prepare to ooh and aah over two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world in this enchanting exhibit. Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, more than 25 trees and displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world.
Buy Tickets

Winnona Park Holiday Tree and Candle Sale Dec 3-4

The Holiday Tree and Candle Sale will be from 9:00am and end at 3:00pm. The tree sale will also be open on Sunday December 4th, from 11:00am-3:00pm. Frazier . Fraser Fir trees and wreaths are delivered freshly cut from a farm in North Carolina. There are several sizes to choose from, with prices ranging from $65-$85. We will also be selling Hanukkah candles at a price of $10 a pack. Checks and credit cards will be accepted.
From:winnonaparkpta.org

Decatur Tree Lighting (PHOTOS)

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Video Friday: I Only Want to Be with You-Dusty Springfield