BLOGGERS OF DECATUR

Hey Everyone,

THIS IS FROM JEFF AT WHIT'S END

I wanted you all to know about some great resources here in Decatur for information about our great little corner of the world. Of course, we all know about the excellent shops and restaurants that we all frequent and love and need to continue to support in order to keep our community vital.....(including this writer's place of business...ahem!) There are some great bloggers here that are doing wonders for our city. They have been extremely kind enough to include my store in many entries, and thus I appreciate them. Also, I enjoy the items they report on as it keeps me informed about goings on about town. Check out the Decatur ELife (actually on online video magazine), Decatur Metro, Next Stop Decatur, Decatur Mom, and inDecatur. There are others like ourdecatur, mydecatur, decaturnow, asiancajuns, etc. All give great info. When you have time, check them all out. Decatur ELife, and Next Stop Decatur (which does a ton of historical type features about Decatur) are featuring Whit's End prominently, and I thank them! Give them a read or watch......Thanks, Jeff

Posted by Whit's End Blog at 7/26/2008 4:18 PM | Add Comment

Thanks Jeff,
All us bloggers( if I can speak for all of us) enjoy what we do,I'm just glad we have so many readers out there... Remember, it's always news when nobody knows, that's where we come in.

Dennis Whitefield
Next Stop...Decatur

~SHARIAN~ Fine Oriental Rugs, A Family Passion Since 1931

~SHARIAN~
A Family Passion Since 1931

At Sharian, we have been selling, restoring and cleaning Fine Oriental Rugs for more than 70 years. Rugs have been the focus of our family for four generations. What does this mean for our customers? It means we are here to stay. We have a long history of service and integrity. And we really know our business.

Sharian was started in 1931 by Bedros and Varthouhi Sharian, and Varthouhi's brother Lutfig Geovkalayjian, Armenian immigrants who came to Atlanta in the early 1920s. The Sharian's son Bedros Sharian, Jr., led the firm along with his brother Paul, beginning in the 1950s.

Today, Bedros's children Ruth, Ritchie and Bedros III, and Paul's daughter, Lydia, are involved in running the company day-to-day. Paul has retired, but Bedros, Jr. still serves as chairman emeritus, and works every day in the showroom. The next generation of Sharians, starting with Ruth's son, Jim, is not far behind.

Our customer showroom and cleaning facility is on Decatur's main street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, where our building's art deco façade has attracted visitors since 1946.

Sharian, Inc. | Directions and Map
368 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 373-2274

Decatur Showroom & Cleaning hours:
Cleaning: Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Showroom: Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays Showroom & Cleaning from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Update on The Decatur HighSchool Stadium

The new Decatur High School Stadium is looking better each day, the press box is up and it loooking good. I hope they put GO DECATUR ! back up.
This photo is from today.
I'm glad to see they are putting bleachers in front of the stadium, that's how it use to be.
and the bleachers on the visitors side.
I was looking back at some old photos
and they did have bleachers on the visitors side at one time, not sure why they were removed.

Whit's End now stocking Decatur High School Bulldog Spirit Wear.

EXTRA ! EXTRA ! ....READ ALL ABOUT IT.
The guys down at Whit's End wants you to know they will have Decatur High School Bulldog Wear.
So get down there and pick up some stuff, Football season will be here very soon,
and you want to look good at the opening of the new Decatur High School Stadium
Sept 19

Whit’s End, Decatur’s place formen’s casual clothing, accessories and gifts at affordable prices is nowstocking Decatur High School Bulldog Spirit Wear. The store is locatedin downtown Decaturat 431 West Ponce de Leon Avenueacross from the post office, and has free parking. Owner’s Jeff Gold and Greg Whitlock have a son at the high school that plays sports, andrealized that with their store they could provide Decaturites with a convenientway to support the DHS community. If you are at a game or school eventand aren’t ready to purchase, you can come in to Whit’s End whenyou are! Items of all kinds will be stocked. This helps thecommunity and the Booster Club which benefits from the proceeds. For store hours you can go to www.whitsenddecatur.com,or call 404.377.3310. If you don’t live nearby, give them a call for shipping and product information.

More info: To the Great Whit's End Blog Readers,

We now have Decatur High School Spirit Wear. Come in and shop when you can and help support our local high school, community, and the DHS Booster Club. You don't have to go to a game, or school event anymore to purchase these items, stop in when you want. If you don't live nearby, give us a call, and we can make arrangements to get items to you.

July 31- August 3 is Georgia Tax Free Shopping Weekend. Come in and automatically save the 7% sales tax on all clothing, shoes, and belts. Stop by for back to school clothing!

Don't forget about Fab Fridays on the last Friday of each month. After 5p there are extra savings on merchandise, and free wine and snacks.

See you in soon.

Thanks for your continued support.

Jeff and Greg



Whit's End, LLC
431 W. Ponce DeLeon Ave, #2
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-3310
(404) 377-8335 Fax
whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net
www.whitsenddecatur.com

Looking back at Decatur, GA. circa 1966

This photo from 1966 indecatur.

Funtown Friday Entertainment Video No. 9

Classic video- Downtown Train. Rod Stewart

Sycamore Street , Decatur, GA. circa 1940's

This was Sycamore Street as it looked in the 1940's between Church St. and East Court Square. These buildings were all removed and replaced by MARTA Plaza in the late 1970's. Bailey's Shoe Shop, established in 1904 (center) was the oldest Decatur business in continuous operation when it closed its doors. (Circa 1940's) Photo from Mrs. J.O. Bowen, Jr's. collection. (1985~77~2)

The old historic Davison's Department store building to have a $30 million face-lift

This is great news for Atlanta, ever since Davison's / Macy's building closed it just looked sad, but this will give that area a great look and more people will start going downtown more.
click here to see old photo of Davison's and Peachtree st.


More than 20 investors calling themselves the 180 Peachtree Retail Group want to turn the first three floors of the historic building into shops and restaurants.

The plan includes opening a prepared-foods marketplace on the third floor, under the guidance of a soon-to-be-named noted local chef, said Robert Patterson, managing partner of the investment group.

"It's going to feel much more like a Faneuil Hall Market Place [in Boston] with boutiques and restaurants," Patterson said.

The building's arched windows will become lighted openings fronting a wall of glass set back about 25 feet, Patterson said. A grand hallway will be lined with retail.

Patterson said a recent study showed downtown needs about 1 million square feet of additional retail to serve office workers, students, residents and visitors.

The yet-to-be-named retail center could open in late summer or early fall of 2009, Patterson said.

The top five floors of the eight-story building will remain office space owned by the Peachtree Carnegie limited partnership.

AJC story.
photo from creative loafing.
_______________

You'll find it at Victory Vintage Home.

This is the backside of store.

Victory Vintage Home
303 E. College Ave.
Decatur, GA. 30030

click here for web site.

JLB proceeding with Decatur project despite neighbors' concerns

By PAUL DONSKY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/22/08

JLB Partners is formally seeking approval for an apartment and retail development in downtown Decatur, despite opposition from neighbors who fear the project is too dense and provides too little parking.

JLB is proposing to build 218 upscale apartment units in the parking lot of a 10-story office building, along with 7,200 square feet of retail on West Ponce de Leon Avenue.
The company met with neighbors earlier to try to address their concerns, but the plans have not substantially changed.

A proposed 425-space parking deck would be shared by office tenants and apartment residents, under the assumption that the structure would be used by office workers during the day and residents at night.

A variance is required because JLB's plans call for fewer parking spaces than is allowed under the city's zoning.

The back of the property borders a neighborhood of single-family homes. Residents are concerned that the shared parking concept won't work, flooding their streets with cars looking for scarce spots.

"We're still questioning a lot of the assumptions [JLB has] put in place," said Gil Rogers, who lives near the proposed development.

Hudson Hooks, manager of JLB's Atlanta office, said the parking plans have been studied carefully.

"We wouldn't be pursing a shared parking concept that didn't work," he said. "From a marketability standpoint, if there's not enough parking, it isn't going to be good for our project."

The proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Decatur Planning Commission on Aug. 7 before going before the Decatur City Commission on Aug. 18.

JLB's request for a parking variance, meanwhile, will be heard by the city's Zoning Review Board on Aug. 11.

Wordsmiths Books upcoming events.

Wordsmiths Books presents a forthcomingweek for the hair-obsessed, the Force-obsessed and the vampire-obsessed withauthor Doug Crandell, Salon Red, Karen Traviss & Star Wars: Clone Wars, aswell as a nationally-recognized BreakingDawn midnight release Prom





Not to be overshadowed by their midnight sale/Black and Red Prom(recently recognized in a national Associated Press article) for StephenieMeyer’s breakout Young Adult novel Breaking Dawn next Friday, August 1, Wordsmiths Books in Decatur, GA hasan entire week of in-store author events leading up to the Black and Red Promfor those who might no be as inclined to fawn over the Y.A.Vampire/Werewolf/Human love triangle saga.





On Tuesday, July 29at 7:30 PM, Wordsmiths Books presents a hair-raising event withlocal author Doug Crandell, in celebration of his new novel Hairdos of the Mildly Depressed. Athematic sequel to Crandell’s 2007 beloved best-seller The Flawless Skin Of Ugly People, Hairdos Of The Mildly Depressed continuesCrandell’s “Beauty Knows No Pain” trilogy with awell-crafted, character-driven plot centering around a man obsessed with hair.In conjunction with Salon Red, Decatur’s premiere beauty salon,Wordsmiths will be hosting a night they’re calling Much Ado About Hairdos. In addition to areading from and discussion with Doug Crandell, Salon Red Decatur’smaster stylist and owner Jessica Soler will be discussing the magic andmethodology behind getting the “best” haircut. Free Salon Redgoodies will be available for each attendee to the event, and everyone in theaudience will be registered to win a free haircut from Salon Red.



Then, on Wednesday, July30, at 7:30 P.M., the Force will be strong at Wordsmiths as they presentKaren Traviss, author of the newest Star Wars novel, Star Wars: Clone Wars. In celebration,they’ll be hosting a Star Wars costume contest, where they areencouraging fans of all ages to come dressed their “favorite orleast-favorite” Star Wars character, “major or minor”, forthe chance to win “fantastic prizes”.



All Wordsmiths Books events are free, and take place at 545N McDonough St, Decatur, GA, 30030. For more information on these or anyWordsmiths goings-on, email russ@wordsmithsbooks.comor call 404-378-7166.









-----------

Russ Marshalek

Marketing/Publicity Director

Wordsmiths Books

545 N McDonough

Decatur, GA 30030

(404)378-7166

russ@wordsmithsbooks.com

What's going on with this building on Church Street.

The sign out front says coming soon The Church Street Station, but this sign I know has been there for a year or so. It looks like it has just been painted.
What's the story on this building.


It appears that keeping a business open on this part of Church Street is a problem. A lot of buildings on that part of Church St. are vacant.
The only thing in that area is The Decatur Market but that's only on the week-end's. McDonald's seems to always be busy. Decatur just needs something in this area to be stable.

This building pictured below was a Kroger grocery store when I was a kid. The last business I think was some sort of Flea-market. This empty building would be a great Trader Joe's if they plan on coming to Decatur.

I think Decatur should have a small theatre, like the Plaza Theatre on Ponce. That might help the area.
What are your thoughts on this area on Church Street.

Deal on balcony to let Stone Mountain Streetscape go forward

By DAVID MARKIEWICZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/21/08

More than a year after it began, a flap over a restaurant balcony in Stone Mountain might be nearing resolution.

And with that, the city's much-anticipated Main Street Streetscape project might finally begin.
The $1.2 million first phase of the downtown improvement effort has been delayed because of a dispute between the owners of a retail store and city officials over a balcony that overhangs Main Street. The balcony, which provides for outdoor dining, is supported by three support posts which are stuck in the middle of the sidewalk in front of the shop.

Those posts have to go to make way for new sidewalks planned for Streetscape, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. But the owners of the property argued that their balcony was being taken without compensation.

The dispute has gone on for about 14 months. But officials including City Manager Barry Amos said Monday that an agreement is in its final stages and just awaits the approval of a DeKalb Superior Court judge.

Details of the agreement were being withheld pending approval of the judge.

The first phase of Streetscape could begin by early next year and would take about six months to complete. It is a key piece in the proposed makeover of the the DeKalb city's historic downtown.

Construction to begin on Decatur's new no. 2 fire station

Decatur Metro reports that construction begins tomorrow on Decatur's no. 2 Fire Station located at 356 W. Hill St.
The new station will replace the old one ( bottom photo).

to read on Decatur's Fire Department history click here

Update on the Decatur High School Stadium Construction

Construction workers on the new stadium are working 7 days a week now. Today they were working on both sides of the field. New bleachers are being constructed for the visitors side , which the old stadium did not have.
At the rate they are going now they should have time to spare before the first home football game
Sept. 19, 2008

Click on picture to enlarge.

Public swimming pool refreshing, affordable.

By HELENA OLIVIERO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo: Dennis Whitefield
Published on: 07/20/08

Amy Hughley and 14-month-old daughter Katharine swim most days in their neighborhood pool featuring a beach-like entry and bubbling fountains.

Decatur's McKoy pool is a newly renovated, pretty swimming hole. But maybe more importantly right now, it's public. Read: less expensive.
Faced with the question of private vs. public, Hughley opted for the more economic choice.

"This place is great. Very cool," Hughley said. "Just perfect."

And with family season passes going for $100 for Decatur families, it's quite the deal, too, she said.

Compare that with nearby Lake Claire. That pool charges a $2,500 initiation fee and annual dues of $450.

And there's no waiting list at public pools. Peggy Brodsky, program supervisor for tennis and aquatics for the city of Decatur, said season passes to the city's three pools are up 25 percent this summer compared to previous seasons.

On a recent afternoon, Hughley and Katharine splashed around with a yellow beach ball.

"One of the best deals out there," she said.

At the theatres this week-end is the new Batman movie. The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger is the Joker in his last movie role.

Actor Heath Ledger is shown in a scene in his role as The Joker in "The Dark Knight" in this undated publicity photo released to Reuters July 16, 2008

This blogger saw it and thought it was very good.

As Seen in Decatur: Street Scene.. Motorcycles at Twain's

TWAIN'S BILLIARDS & TAP
E.Trinty Pl. & Church St.
Decatur, GA. 30030

They are a full service brewpub, restaurant, and poolhall located in downtown Decatur, GA. Open since 1996, they have been brewing their own crafted ales since November, with Jordan Fleetwood on board as their brewer. Join them soon for a pint or two, some fresh, tasty grub, and few friendly games. They look forward to seeing you!

Next Stop...Decatur's Time Machine -Looking back at Decatur High School's Homecoming Parade circa 1965

Leading the Homecoming Parade in front of Decatur High School is Drum Major Herchel Beazley.

Top photo: 2008
Bottom photo: 1965
From 1966 indecatur

Click on picture to enlarge.
[where: 310 N. McDonough St. Decatur,GA. 30030]

Secret's out: N. Druid Hills great place for singles

By PAUL DONSKY, TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo:Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com
Published on: 07/18/08

The list of top places for singles, according to CNNMoney.com, includes some of the most exciting, trendy spots in America: Cambridge, Mass.; Berkeley, Calif.; Boulder, Colo.

Sitting at No. 9: North Druid Hills.
That's right, the editors at the New York-based magazine crunched the numbers and determined that the traffic-clogged DeKalb County crossroads area, best known for the sprawling Toco Hill shopping center and 1960s-era ranch homes, is a haven for swingin' singles.

The Web site even refers to "North Druid Hills, Ga." as a "bike-friendly town" with a view of the Atlanta skyline.

Atlanta is home to plenty of hot spots for the unattached – think trendy Midtown, grungy Little Five Points or crunchy Decatur. Atlanta itself ranks 13th on this list.

But family-friendly North Druid Hills? And just what is North Druid Hills, anyway?

Metro Atlantans rarely, if ever, refer to the area by that name. It's really a no-man's land that's close to identifiable places like Emory University, Decatur and Buckhead. Most often, residents just call it Toco Hill.

Money clearly had a problem identifying the area as well. The story posted Friday included a brief description and photo for each of the top 25 places. Glamor shots included funky downtown Hoboken, N.J., just across the river from Manhattan, and the scenic Charles River in Cambridge.

For North Druid Hills, the editors threw up a Google map with a pointer at the intersection of North Druid Hills and LaVista roads, about where the Dunkin' Donuts is located.

Flo Wolf, who lives near the pinpointed spot, paused a moment to weigh the news.

"Uh huh. Well, somebody's been doing some major PR work out there," Wolf said. The former president of the Merry Hills Homeowners Association said her neighborhood is defined by its proximity to a popular synagogue that has been a draw for Orthodox Jewish families.

"Where I live is a very strong, family-oriented community," said Wolf, whose own two sons grew up and moved away.

Alex Garvin, a city planner based in New York, scoffed at the notion that North Druid Hills should rank high for singles.

"There's no street life," said Garvin, who played a key role in the design of Atlanta's Beltline. "There's nowhere for anybody to be."

Garvin studied the North Druid Hills Road corridor as part of a re-imagining of the area for future development — after developer Sembler Co. proposed a massive redevelopment nearby.

He said the area is anything but bike friendly. The only bike lane he found was a 1/3-mile long stretch on Briarcliff Road about a mile to the west. Mostly, what you see is drivers.

"What you see are people in cars going somewhere else," he said. "They don't stay."

North Druid Hills may not rank among the sexiest of places, but it does offer some advantages for singles. Housing is plentiful and affordable, and the area is close to major job centers like Emory University, Midtown and Buckhead.

According to the Web site, of North Druid Hills 20,607 residents, 47.6 percent are single.

Architect Tyrone Higginbottom, 36, said a lot of the single family homes are rentals that attract students from nearby Emory University. But singles like him don't hang out there at night, he said. With Decatur and Buckhead a short drive away, they go elsewhere.

"If they're saying it's like the hot place to be, I can't think of any places at that intersection that I would go to to hang out," Higginbottom said, "but a lot of people in this neighborhood are single."

McDonough ST. Market Grand Opening starts Today

Last night The McDonough St. Market had a sneek peak preview to The Grand Opening of their new store. The official Grand Opening starts today and runs through Sunday. Go check it out.

Funtown Friday Entertainment Video no. 8

Coldplay - Viva La Vida . A great song by a great band.

A Great Song By a Great Band..Coldplay

Lyrics:

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you know there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
(Ohhh)

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries Wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

Hear Jerusalem bells are ringings
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh

Update on The New Decatur High School Stadium

I can't believe how much work they have done in just a weeks time, not even a week just 5 days. Look back a photo I posted from last Saturday.
Click on pictures to enlarge.

It's OK if you see pink elephants

By Bob Townsend
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/17/08

Call him the spark plug of Belgium's Huyghe Family Brewery.

Alain DeLaet is a very energetic fellow. He speaks with a billowing French accent, in rapid-fire sentences that are punctuated by exaggerated gestures. And he likes to tell long and winding stories about his beer and the business his great-grandfather Leon Huyghe founded in 1906, on the site of a brewery near Ghent that dates to 1654.

DeLaet was in Atlanta last week for a beer dinner at Cakes & Ale Restaurant in Decatur. Wherever he goes, he proudly carries with him a thick photo album filled with images of the brewery and its best-known export, Delirium Tremens.

The Belgian strong golden ale is beloved for its deliciously fruity, bubbly essence, and infamous for its outrageous name and satirical, pink elephant label art.

"Either you like it or you don't like it," DeLaet says. "You have only the extremes. People say, 'You are crazy to use that name —- it's an anti-promotion for beer.' But other people say, 'I love it.' "

Displaying his own sense of the absurd, DeLaet delights in torturing Americans by making them try to say his mother's family name, Huyghe, which is nearly impossible to pronounce, and comes out sounding something like a barking cough.

Zany though he may be, DeLaet, 42, has proved his business smarts. Since the mid-1980s, when the fourth generation of the family began to assume control of the brewery, Huyghe has greatly expanded its product line, producing on average growth of 20 percent to 25 percent a year.

"We've done it with new products and exports," says DeLaet. "Our motto is, 'You ask. We brew.' And now 75 percent of our beers are exported to 45 countries all over the world. That is the way we are successful."

In fact, Delirium Tremens was originally created in 1989 for a now-defunct Italian company. But it soon found a home in Belgium, then claimed devotees in Europe and the United States. In 1992, the brotherhood of the Pink Elephant was founded.

"Its task is to promote Delirium Tremens," DeLaet says, smiling slyly. "And that means swearing to drink at least one Delirium per day."

Among the other Huyghe Family Brewery products DeLaet introduced at the Cakes & Ale dinner: light and refreshing Kira White ale, which chef Billy Allin paired with a summer salad and a peach sorbet; Delirium Nocturnum, a strong dark ale that proved a tasty match for brisket, kraut and baby carrots; and two fruit beers, Floris Apple and Floris Framboise.

Belgian brewers are known for making more than 450 varieties of beer. Many are rooted in centuries-old tradition. But there's always been a strain of the adventurous and the innovative.

"That's because the market is small," DeLaet says. "We have so many breweries, and everybody is looking to each other. If a small brewery doesn't innovate, it will disappear from the market.

"But there is a future for small family breweries. Maybe I was one of the pioneers. I think the market for small Belgian breweries is enormous. I have a 6-year-old son, and I hope he will become a brewer."

Looking back to 1993 - Family Jewels had a prime location for 13 years

Lisa Cohen was in E Ponce de Leon for 13 yrs. now she is still into Jewelry and Collectibles but its all online. Click logo below for her site.

After over 13 years, I traded my 'bricks' for 'clicks' and here I am online. Determined to provide you with some of the most diverse, interesting, and competitively priced antique jewelry on the internet, I urge you to check back often. Let me know your wishes and I'll contact you if I can hunt down your treasures. I welcome your comments and hope to hear from you soon.

Work progressing on new DHS Stadium

Decatur eLIFE Video. h/t inDECATUR


Photo taken last Saturday. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Fleet Feet Decatur to open its doors on July 17 to runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts

Hi Whitefield,

I see that you have already posted the opening of Fleet Feet Sports on Next Stop Decatur, but wanted to pass along for your information the official announcement of our opening. Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to serving the Decatur community!

Best regards,
Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
770.880.3596


Fleet Feet Sports Brings FIT to Decatur

Fleet Feet Decatur to open its doors on July 17 to runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts.



Decatur, Ga., July 16, 2008 – Runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts get ready to "take your marks" with help from Fleet Feet Decatur. On July 17, Fleet Feet Sports will open in Decatur, Ga., bringing its revolutionary FIT process to the community. Owned and operated by residents of Decatur, the specialty retailer will offer quality footwear, apparel and accessories at its location in downtown Decatur at 431 W Ponce de Leon Avenue.

As part of its Fitlosophy™, Fleet Feet Decatur focuses on finding the best FIT for each individual. The store's knowledgeable staff will analyze customers' foot types and biomechanics prior to making recommendations. The result is a tried-and-true process that helps ensure customers receive an unparalleled, personalized experience and the right products for their needs.

"We're all about finding the right pair of shoes, apparel or sports bra for you," said Fleet Feet Decatur Owner Clay Scarborough. "A correctly fitting pair of shoes can help people achieve their fitness goals and prevent injury. We're excited to bring Fleet Feet to Decatur and help promote an active lifestyle within our community."

Fleet Feet Decatur will offer educational seminars, fun runs and learn-to-run-or-walk programs throughout the year. The retailer will carry footwear, apparel and sports bras from the top vendors in the industry, including Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, Moving Comfort, New Balance, Nike and Saucony.

Fleet Feet Decatur is owned by Clay and Karen Scarborough, residents of Decatur and recreational runners and walkers. "Every person – from a runner to someone looking for a comfortable pair of shoes – can benefit from quality footwear. Our goal is to become the heart and 'sole' of Decatur's active-lifestyle community," said Scarborough.

The retailer joins the network of more than 80 locally owned Fleet Feet Sports franchises across the nation, including three metro Atlanta locations in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Lawrenceville. More information can be found at www.fleetfeetdecatur.com.

McDonough St. Market Grand Opening is this weekend July 18,19 & 20th

As I reported last week "The Grand Opening" is this week- end.
This is my favorite building in Decatur as you can see by my new header photo. I will soon post photos of this building through the years.

McDonough Street Market, the sister site to Irwin Street Market, opens this weekend in Decatur. The urban market co-op is made up of local artists, craftspeople and other creative vendors. It features handcrafted art including jewelry, re-fashioned vintage items, pet portraits and children’s clothing. The Market also includes a florist, stationery, organic skin care, handmade soy candles, organic tea, preserves, and hand-made Kenyan items benefiting artists in that country. To round out the mix, a baker offers cookies, muffins and more - the perfect complement to Jake’s Ice Cream. Grab and go lunch items from Delectables will be available soon. There are still comfy couches and wireless-internet, making it a great spot to hang out or meet friends. The Market also offers meeting and/or party space available for hourly and daily rental fees.

Vendors Include:

3 Piece

Bargain Books Are Us

Beverly Huffer - Unique Jewelry, Handbags, and More

Beaded Energy

Decatur Paper

Delectables

Floral Couture

Forties Forward

The Gardener's Table

Gifts on a Mission

LeAnn Christian - Glass Art

Little Bird Beads

Mitzi Rothman - Pet Portraits

Sally B's Skin Yummies

Sencha Teahouse

Sweet Sara's

Vintage Recreations

McDonough Street Market is located on the Decatur Square at 515 N. McDonough St., underneath Eddie's Attic. www.mcdonoughstreetmarket.com.

Grammar Girl at The Decatur Library Wenesday

By ROSALIND BENTLEY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/14/08

Lie, lay, might, may, that, which, I before E except after C. Why crowd your overloaded memory bank with the rules? That's what grammar check is for, right?

Grammar Girl might caution against relying on that device.

Her Grammar Girl podcasts have been a hit on iTunes since they began nearly two years ago. But now grammarian Mignon Fogarty is about to make her first big foray into old media. Her new book, "Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing," was released last week.

She'll be at Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Public Library on Wednesday. We reached her in advance to see if she could help us break the grammar-check habit.

Q: How do you feel about spell check or grammar check? Does it make us lazy?

A: I think spell check is a good thing. I don't think you should ever send off a document without running it through spell check. ... Grammar check is not as useful as spell check. Grammar checkers can be helpful, but I would never trust one. They can highlight something that you should double-check, but I would never take their word for it.

Q: Who's your grammar idol? In your book you kind of take out Strunk and White.

A: Strunk and White ["The Elements of Style"] is a classic, but people don't adhere to some of their advice now. Certain things have become permissible. Like not starting a sentence with "however." Most modern language usage experts agree that it's fine, even though Strunk and White say you shouldn't. My favorite reference guide is Garner's Modern American Usage. I love it.

Q: What's the grammar rule you break most often?

A: I often start sentences with conjunctions. It's not really a rule that you can't, but it's a very informal style. I advise people not to do it in business letters and cover letters, but I do it all the time. That's just the way I talk.

Q: Do you feel like the grammar police?

A: The longer I do this, the less things annoy me. I realize how much in flux language is and how many things there are to know. So I'm understanding of people who don't know all the rules. My goal is to answer people's questions and help them not feel bad about errors they make.

Q: What are the most common errors we make?

A: The two biggest myths are that you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition and that you shouldn't split infinitives. Nearly all modern grammarians don't hold people to those rules. ... You shouldn't contort your sentence just so you won't end it with a preposition. But I would tell people never split an infinitive in a cover letter because you never know who's reading it.

Q: I can't use commas to save my life. Do you have a jingle I could sing, like one from "Schoolhouse Rock," to help me?

A: I don't have a jingle for the comma. Commas are tough.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, discusses "Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing." 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Georgia Center for the Book, Decatur Public Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225; www.georgia

centerforthebook.org

New city would be the 536th in Georgia

By DAVID MARKIEWICZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/14/08

If its citizens pass a referendum on incorporation next Tuesday, the north DeKalb community of Dunwoody stands to become the 536th city in Georgia on Dec. 1.

But it will be the first city created in a long time in DeKalb.
A very long time.

Tiny Pine Lake is the current new kid on the block, and it turns 71 this year.

The reasons behind DeKalb's recent dearth of incorporations is both historic and legislative.

Until 1963, incorporation was a breeze, according to Amy Henderson, public information manager for the Georgia Municipal Association, the organization that represents cities around the state.

"There were no standards," Henderson said. "So, you'd have courthouses that were incorporated. Or places with maybe six people in them."

The new state standards put in place 45 years ago imposed rules that raised the bar for incorporation. One rule ordered that no city could be established within three miles of another city. That prevented Sandy Springs from incorporating — until state legislators changed that law in 2001.

Because of the lack of rules on incorporation in the old days, a group of people could opt to become a city whenever they thought it was a good idea, Henderson said. Usually, that occurred when significant development pushed into an area and people wanted to be near the commercial center.

In DeKalb, which was formed in 1822, early development happened along train routes, and cities followed. That led to the creation of Decatur just a year after in 1823. Stone Mountain and Lithonia followed in 1839 and 1856.

"A lot of it had to do with the rail lines," Henderson said. "Many cities grew up around them."

Two more cities were formed before the turn of the century, Doraville in 1871 and Clarkston in 1882.

The newest three cities in the county were incorporated in the early part of the 20th century. Chamblee was established in 1908, Avondale Estates in 1927 and then, Pine Lake.

Recent incorporations in Fulton County, together with Dunwoody's effort, have raised the question of whether other communities in DeKalb will pursue cityhood in the near future.

WUXTRY RECORDS - DECATUR, GA.

Named by Creative Loafing as "the Best CD Store in town," Wuxtry is an excellent resource for rare LPs, 45s and 78s, as well as the best in current local and independent releases. Conveniently located near Emory University and downtown Decatur.
Location: North Decatur Rd. & Clairmont Rd. in the North Decatur Plaza Shopping Center.
Next door to Bicycle South.

Go check this place out, it's fantastic.
Click on photo to enlarge.

Next Stop...Decatur's Time Machine - The Decatur Depot

These pictures were taken 20 years to the month apart.

Now: The DEPEAUX Restaurant.
Then: The Decatur Depot.

Comment:
Blogger JD said...

Dennis,
The 'time machine' segments are nothing short of GREAT. We should all know more about the history of our Decatur so we can see how much and how little we've changed. Decatur still retains that small town feel and has kept up at the same time. Kudos to you for doing this.

July 13, 2008 10:00 AM

Where can I find it.

By Sabine Morrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/12/08

Q: In times past there was a 100 percent wheat hot cereal on the market made by Ralston Purina. It was simply called Ralston. It seemed that it was carried by every grocery store. I loved the stuff. Now nobody has it. Is it available in the Atlanta area?

JOEL WEISS, Atlanta

A: Ralston hot cereal is one of the few food products that hasn't changed in more than 100 years. In 1933, silent film cowboy hero Tom Mix began endorsing the healthy cereal through his Straight Shooters Club that was a part of his radio show sponsored by Ralston Purina. Ralston hot cereal can be made on the stove or in the microwave. And while it's pretty scarce, it's not impossible to find. Consider buying a couple of boxes because you never know when it might disappear. You'll find 20-ounce boxes of Ralston for $2.13 at Kroger, 2036 Johnson Ferry Road, Atlanta, 770-455-6799.

Q: I used to have no trouble finding Palmolive disposable dishcloths. These were ideal for washing cat bowls and other things when I didn't want to use the sponge that I use on my family's dishes. I heard they were discontinued. I would appreciate it if you could find some for me.

AGNES WATHEN, Atlanta

A: I found some, but you might consider stocking up because I'm not sure how long they're going to last. You'll find tubs of 20 Palmolive dish wipes for $4.98 at Workbench Ace Hardware, 2983 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, 404-325-8000.

Q: Do you know where I can find a professional knife sharpener? I've tried the Internet but got only hand-held devices or someone to send my knives to. I would like someone locally. Thanks for the help.

SHIRLEY DEVRIES, Mableton

A: Shirley, I have the perfect solution for you. There's a local knife sharpener, Geoff Edges, who sharpens knives one day a week at each of the three Cook's Warehouse locations. On Wednesdays, you'll find him at 180 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-377-4005. Simply drop off your knives by Tuesday evening, and you can pick up perfectly sharpened blades by Wednesday afternoon. Straight blades cost $4.50 each and serrated blades are sharpened for $6.

Q: I'm looking for Pears soap. I used to purchase this item in London but cannot find it here. Is it available in Atlanta?

TOM BANNEN, Atlanta

A: While this gentle, amber-tinted soap got its start in the 1700s in England, these days, it's only produced in India. However, the original formula is intact. Pears contains glycerine and rosemary and thyme extracts. You'll find 4.4-ounce bars of Pears for $1 at most Dollar Tree stores, including 2480 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, 404-486-7714.

Q: I'm desperately searching for the new grapefruit flavored La Croix called pamplemousse. I've heard it's terrific, and if I drink one more Diet Coke this summer, my head is going to spin off. Any idea where they are keeping it hidden? Thanks so much.

JENNIFER SWIFT, Decatur

A: Jennifer, the problem isn't that anyone is hiding the new pamplemousse —- French for grapefruit —- La Croix sparkling water, it's that new flavors often take time to trickle down to all the stores. However, you'll find this refreshing, unsweetened drink in the vibrant orange-and-pink can at Kroger, 2875 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, 404-294-5311. A 12-pack of 12-ounce cans costs $3.50. It's popping up in other Kroger stores as well.

Having trouble finding a particular item? We'll try to help you locate it. Because of the volume of mail, we cannot track down every request. Write to us at Buyer's Edge Find It, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, P.O. Box 4689, Atlanta, GA 30302; e-mail buyersedge@ajc.com (please include your name, the city you live in and a daytime phone number); or call 404-582-7642.

Varsity will mark 80th with big bash

By Richard L. Eldredge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/11/08
Photo: Dennis Whitefield

Atlanta, you may want to go ahead and up your dosage of Lipitor now in preparation for next month's milestone. On Aug. 2, the Varsity will celebrate its 80th anniversary at its main location downtown at 61 North Ave.

The city's fast-food fixture is throwing a big birthday bash on the upper deck of the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local bands the Cool Whips, the Hibbert Brothers and the Planet Rock Experience (featuring talented local school kids, ages 7 to 18). 97.1 FM the River will host a live radio remote from the Frosted Orange emporium. Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is hauling in the NASCAR Experience driving simulator for race fans and classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s will be parked outside.

The Varsity will be giving away free birthday cake, ice cream and balloons. And we strongly suspect they'll have a few chili dogs and onion rings available for purchase as well.

Oh, and Varsity fanatics also will get a sneak peek at a five-minute preview of the upcoming PBA 30 documentary tentatively titled, "What'll Ya Have? A History of the Varsity," set to air this fall.

Thankfully, producers taped two interviews with longtime Varsity counterman Erby Walker before the 70-year-old's death last month.

"We were really fortunate," the film's executive producer, Gregg Bauer, told Buzz Thursday. "Two weeks later, Erby was gone. It was quite a shock."

Other bold-faced names and Varsity fans being sought to lend their insights for the film include U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy.

And their dream narrator for the project? None other than Jeff Foxworthy.

"We're working with his agent," says Bauer. "It's really going to come down to his availability and scheduling. But he would be the perfect fit for us. He's a huge fan."

On Thursday, as Buzz gazed at the venerable eatery's menu, we discovered that the Varsity also sells egg salad sandwiches. We've never had one or seen anyone else order one for that matter. Now we're curious. We'd love to hear from readers who have actually sampled the sandwich and can tell us more about it.

And more importantly, how does the Varsity counterperson call out such an order?

Decatur Book Festival has added some "Extreme" star power. Ty Pennington is in the lineup.

Pennington pens a new tome

The AJC Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical has added some "Extreme" star power to its author lineup. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" host and former Grant Park resident Ty Pennington is set to sign his latest book, "Good Design Can Change Your Life: Beautiful Rooms, Inspiring Stories," at the festival on the afternoon of Aug. 30 at Decatur's downtown square. Also added to the lineup, forensic anthropologist, author and "Bones" TV show inspiration Kathy Reichs. The writer is in town to introduce readers to her newest book, "Devil Bones," at 10 a.m. Aug. 30. Both authors will sign copies of their work after their respective talks. For more info: www.decaturbookfestival.com.

REUNION T-SHIRTS: Decatur shop supplies keepsakes for wearing

By David A. Markiewicz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/10/08

Dekalb County will host about 500 family reunions this year, most taking place by Labor Day.

At 85 percent of those get-togethers, the family members will wear souvenir T-shirts, said Carol Murray, reunions specialist for the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau reunion planning office.

Considering that those reunions average 80 to 100 people each, that's a lot of T-shirts that have to be designed, printed and sold.

One Decatur business trying for a piece of that work is the aptly titled Family Reunion T-shirts, operated out of a nondescript cinder-block building on Midway Road.

A giant billboard on Memorial Drive announces the shop to passersby.

Co-owner Tange Hogue said she hit upon the idea of printing family reunion shirts "because of the demand. Whenever you tell someone you print, they ask if you do family reunion shirts. It's really big in DeKalb."

The 26-year-old Decatur native says she stumbled into her line of work after studying industrial engineering in college. After holding various jobs with different employers, she said she realized they weren't the kind of work she wanted to do.

One day, Hogue recalled, she walked by a shirt printing shop, asked if she could help with some artwork and promptly decided it would be her career. She learned the trade, got some equipment and began printing out of her house. Later, she began selling from the store.

Murray said there are plenty of competitors in the reunion T-shirt business and that it's no secret why T-shirts are such a standard part of reunions

"T-shirts are important because they symbolize the group," Murray said. "It shows belonging, that you're part of something."

Hogue has tried to stand out by calling her shop "the home of the $5 family reunion T-shirt," and by offering 23 different basic designs that families can modify to their desire.

She's also tried to offer personalized service, a key in serving family members who might be inexperienced in how to plan and organize a reunion.

Shinita Jordan, who ordered T-shirts from Hogue for her Barksdale family reunion last week, noted how personalized the service sometimes becomes.

"We must have called Tange four or five times a day," said Jordan, who deemed the end result was worth it. She even invited Hogue to the reunion in Stone Mountain.

Hogue said she enjoys the work because of the people.

"Everybody," she said, "has a story. To me, family reunions have a lot of sentimental value. A lot of memories. I like to see the smiles on peoples' faces. It's like their very own work of art, their family's stamp."

Decatur Street Scene