Decatur Beach Party Today 5:00 PM to Midnight

Coming in July - Medlock Garden Tour

MEDLOCK GARDEN TOUR JULY 11!
Second Annual Medlock “Funky-Elegant Lush Summer” Garden Tour


As our neighborhood and the whole metro area burst into full and glorious spring, the Medlock Garden Tour Committee has been out walking the neighborhood, checking out all kinds of new gardens for the second annual Medlock Garden Tour. Gardeners are so grateful that rain has finally returned to the Southeast that they are not complaining too much about delayed planting due to storms. In fact, this seems like one of the freshest and greenest springs in many years, and we hope that our summer gardens will be lush and bounteous as well.

For those of you who didn’t attend last year’s First Annual Medlock Funky-Elegant Lush Summer Garden Tour, let it be said that it was a rousing success! We had huge lots, small plots, fish ponds, bird houses, showpiece gardens, old gardens, new gardens, community gardens, vegetable bounty, butterfly habitat, shade gardens, and sunflowers galore.

Approximately 250 adults and many children toured these gems of our neighborhood. Those who had never planted anything learned a lot and took great inspiration; gardeners and non-gardeners alike delighted in the uniqueness of each individual garden; neighborhood kids sold out of cookies and lemonade and gave guided garden tours; produce was given away; live classical music was played; neighbors had a wonderful time meeting each other as they walked, bicycled and drove through the neighborhood; and we raised $811 to benefit environmental education at Medlock School.

So, what’s in store for 2009??? The garden list is having the finishing touches put on it as we go to press; we have found that there are many more wonderful gardens in our community than we could have imagined. The list this year will include mostly new gardens, with a couple of star repeats from last year. We are looking at gardens with multiple raised beds for vegetables; a front yard that is nothing but flowers; a 1.7-acre lot featuring a huge shade garden, creek, swinging bridge and pond; a “power line garden” which includes a stream trail and bluebird habitat; a “rain pond garden” fed by gutter drainpipes going underground; and some major historical neighborhood landmarks on large lots, including one with a very large fish pond.

SO – mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. And please note: we will need lots of volunteers on the day of the tour to "garden-sit.” Contact Margie at Thirdbrown136@sbcglobal.net if you can help on the day of the tour!

MEDLOCK GARDEN TOUR JULY 11!
Second Annual Medlock “Funky-Elegant Lush Summer” Garden Tour
14 Exciting Gardens – Including Historic Gems of Neighborhood!

~ Volunteers and Lemonade Sellers Needed ~

The grounds of the historic Steele-Cobb house on Fox Hills Drive and the McClelen family property on Medlock Road, both historic sites formerly totaling 400 acres, will be on the upcoming Medlock Garden Tour! Each of these properties are two acres each, and other gardens on similarly large lots will be included on the tour. The fourteen gardens represent a great range in style and personality and include mature hardwoods, vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, berry bushes, ponds and fountains, wildlife habitats, creeks and lagoons, rainwater preservation, and more. Both North Decatur Presbyterian Church and Medlock School gardens are on the tour, as is an Atlanta Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary. You can get a good sense of the neighborhood’s geography and see how gardeners have creatively used power line areas. In all, the tour promises to be every bit as exciting as last year’s inaugural event! Volunteers are still needed for two-hour “garden-sitting” shifts (contact Margie at thirdbrown136@sbcglobal.net if you’d like to volunteer), and we hope neighborhood children will set up lemonade and cookie stands (contact Linda at lr1518@att.com if your child is interested). Tickets will go on sale June 12 at Ace Hardware, and will be available at Medlock School on the day of the tour. See you July 11!


Thanks Dennis for mentioning on your blog.

Jean Cohen

Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build Wins Remodeling Award

Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build Wins Remodeling Award


June 12, 2009 - Continuing to set new standards of professionalism, remodeling companies from across the nation were honored at the fifteenth annual Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence on June 5th during the Southern Building Show in Atlanta. The awards program recognizes the nation’s best work in residential remodeling.



Judged by editors and writers of Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Southern Living and Houseplans.com, the winners were selected from over 500 entries. These entries were judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.



Decatur-based Renewal Design-Build took home the award for Best Kitchen Remodel in the $75,000-$100,000 category. Having won many awards in the past, including NARI’s Contractor of the Year awards and Earthcraft Renovator of the Year, this is the first Chrysalis award for the company. “This was the first year they have entered the awards, and to take home top honors on the first attempt is impressive,” says Ken Kanline, Director of the Awards.



The winning kitchen was originally small, outdated and did not suit the homeowner’s lifestyle and taste. Renewal expanded the kitchen to the porch, which provided ample space for an island and built-in dining table. The new kitchen is now modern and much larger but still maintains the home’s cozy cottage style.



Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, porches, decks, small projects and repairs.

For information, call 404.378.6962 or visit www.RenewalDesignBuild.com.

Decatur holds line on taxes, dips into reserves and No. 1 Fire Department to be Renovated

Decatur's No. 1 Fire Department building to be renovated.


``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
By APRIL HUNT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Decatur has agreed to spend more than $1.3 million of its savings this year and next, to keep taxes the same for its citizens.

Despite dipping into its reserve fund, the city will still have $5.9 million in savings - almost a third of its $18.6 million spending plan.

“This is exactly why you save money over time, to get you through the tough times,” said City Manager Peggy Merriss.

The city commission on Monday approved the 2009-2010 budget which holds the millage at 13.035. The spending plan includes money to renovate the main firehouse, redesign the city’s website and upgrade equipment in municipal parks.

AJC full story

"ROY WILLY'S" - WORLD'S BEST BAR-B-Q.

Trivia Question.
The picture here is of ROY WILLY'S Worlds Best Bar-B-Q .
The building was fictional, made up for a movie.
Now here is the Question.
What movie was this from. ?
No cheating.

Father's Day at Wahoo!

Michelle Allen of Wahoo! Grill sends this in.




Treat Dad to Brunch or Dinner
this Father's Day at Wahoo!
Sunday, June 21st



Featuring Delicious Brunch Favorites Like...


Shrimp & Grits
Carved Ham with Mayhaw Jelly and Pineapple Glaze
Smoked Salmon with Capers
Chicken Curry Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Grapes


Brunch from 10 am to 3pm
$16 Buffet / $8 Children (under 12)
$5 Mimosas & Bloody Marys
Live Jazz Duo

Accepting Reservations For Any Size Group
Make Your Reservation Today - (404)373-3331

"Best Patio Dining"
Critics Choice, Creative Loafing
2006 & 2008 Best of Atlanta Issue


Wahoo! Grill
1042 West College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
Ph. 404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Decatur Beach Party this Friday 5:00 till Midnight

This was sent in by Jerry Andrews

Please remember the Decatur Beach Party is Friday, June 19 from 5:00 till midnight. We will be honoring Barry Bailey (see info below) at 7:45 on the square, but we would like for everyone to meet Barry at Eddie's Attic at 6:30.


Barry Bailey Info

“In 1972, a group of talented musicians came together to form the Southern Rock Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section. During the next 35 years the band would earn gold and platinum records, as well as a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”



One of the original members of that band is Decatur’s own Barry Bailey! Barry began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and while attending Decatur High School, joined a small garage band. The rest is history.

Barry will be returning to Decatur on Friday, June 19, for the annual Decatur Beach Party. Mayor Bill Floyd will be presenting Mr. Bailey a key to the City as well as reading a proclamation declaring June 19, 2009 as “Barry Bailey Day”. The presentation will be made at the Main Stage on the MARTA Plaza at 7:45pm, before the band begins to play.



Hope to see you there.

Beach Party Info
June 19, 2009 • 5 p.m. to midnight

Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event.

Dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band.

Activities include children's boardwalk games, face painting, wading pools in the sand and more.



There are many food and drink vendors all around the square.

No coolers, glass or pets allowed. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.


For more information or to buy advance tickets for Beach Party, visit www.decaturdba.com . Tickets are $6.50 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free, limit two with each paying adult.

See you on Decatur Beach!

ART "B" QUE AVONDALE ESTATES JUN 13 09

Relics & Rarities - Opening Soon

Today I was driving down N. McDonough St. and I saw Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities.
He was putting up his new sign and he needed help, so I helped him out.
He said the opening of Relics & Rarities is getting closer.

Relics & Rarities
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, Ga

Across from Decatur High School

2ND Annual Art B Que is Today in Avondale

Where : Just follow the crowd.

Scott Boulevard with The Scott Drive-In Theatre circa 1960's

Tommy Holcombe sent this photo in and it's a great picture..with The Scott Drive-In Theatre in the background.

Pictured here is longtime Decatur resident Helen Talton on her bicycle with the Scott Drive-In's original marquee in the background. Notice how Scott Boulevard was two laned back then. This photo was taken probably sometime in the 60's. Thanks to Helen Talton for finding this image!


Enjoy! Tommy Holcombe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks Tommy and special thanks to Helen Talton for sharing her photo with us.


Please share your pictures with Next Stop...Decatur
We love pictures like this.

Great Balls of Fire

This is by far the best scene(fire scene) in the movie.
Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis.

Scott Antique Market this week-end

click to go get a 1.00 off coupon

Scrap Chic Boutique's "Stay-cation"

This month's is "Stay-cation". We are gonna have fun with this. First sign up for your stay-cation table. We will be going to Hawaii, Alaska, New York and Las Vegas. Each stay-cation table will have a special project to go along with them. Hint Hawaii smells of flowers and sand. Spots are limited at each table so get your buddies to together and have a vacation at Scrap Chic. You will love the cost. $10 which includes lunch.

Extra classes will be available and posted for your pleasure. Pick your table and join us. Don't miss our first "Stay-cation" memory Art session. June 20

Scrap Chic Boutique
2774 E College Ave
Decatur, GA

Tues - Sat 10 - 6 Sun 1 - 6 Closed Mondays

Phone 404-378-2115

Staycation Sundays on Church Street

Hanging around Decatur this summer and looking for fun things to do at home? Come out for Staycation Sundays on Church Street and get local!

The participating merchants of Church Street in downtown Decatur have planned three free afternoons of summer fun for you, highlighting their terrific local businesses and the local suppliers and artisans they work with. These three Sunday afternoons will be packed with entertainment-- kid activities, live music, street performers, cool treats, special discounts, trunk shows, artist demonstrations and door prizes each Staycation Sunday. Wow--why go anywhere else?

When does this all happen? June 28, July 19 and August 9, from 1pm-4pm each Sunday.

Where to go and what to do?

THE SEEN GALLERY: Come meet invited artists, in a variety of mediums, creating and selling their art each day. Please check www.theseengallery.com for a listing of the specials and door prizes for the week.

MINGEI WORLD ARTS: Specials each Sunday, and trunk shows featuring local suppliers! Local suppliers—at Mingei? Come meet our global-local artists! On June 28, come see Patty Rollins and her bright, gorgeous Lovebeads and Betsy Hall’s beautiful hand-made jewelry and bags.. On July 19, we’ll feature Julia Leaphart and her Himalayan Candles—made in India, and Conyers! And on August 9? Another trunk show by a local-global designer—TBA!




JAVAMONKEY: Treat yourself to refreshing granitas and delicious cookie samples and join in sing-alongs on the patio!

HOOPLA: Special activities and games for kids and trunk shows featuring local designers of wonderful things for kids! On June 28, don’t miss the sock puppet workshop! While the little ones are making puppets, enjoy the Lil' Sprout Knits-organic and eco-friendly hand knitted products will be at Hoopla. Local Atlanta mom, Alex Norton will showcase her selection of quality childrens' products. On July 19, Penny and Heather of Decatur Girl will show off their local spirit with shirts. Fun shirts for women, kids, and babies that exude hometown pride! On August 9, Get dressed for back to school! Lilliwear-Local resident, Jen Newman, introduces the her fall line! .This adorable line of fun and funky clothing for little girls is available in sizes 12months to 5T. Hoopla will also be hosting a Fall preview trunk show from childrens footwear designers, Pedipeds! Get the hottest Fall styles first!
here
TASTE: Specials each Sunday. And more! On June 28 take Southern mojito lessons and sip free drinks. On July 19, it’s the Great Grits Battle! The winner (amateurs only, please!) takes home a Taste gift certificate and will see their recipe on the Leon’s Full Service Menu for week after the contest!. The judge? Leon’s own Eric Ottensmeyer. Prize includes the opportunity to
Collaborate with the Chef in adapting your recipe to his restaurant kitchen! Visit Taste starting July 1
To register and for contest rules.In August, chill with an organic ice tea seminar and tasty samples



LEON’S FULL SERVICE: Capture your likeness! Portraits on the Spot by Decatur artist Chouaieb Saidi Check out his work at www.saidiart.com. $40 each and free to watch!

So—be cool and stay cool. Staycation on Church Street and Get Local.

Mark your calendars! Go to Church (Street) on Sundays!

PELHAM 1 2 3 - Starts Friday

A Decade of Pete the Cat @ The Seen Gallery

click on photo for more info.

Happy Birthday Pete

East. Court Square with Wide Sidewalk. circa 1998

In this 1998 photo you can see The Brick Store... Mick's Decatur and The Family Jewels both gone.
Check out the blue phone booth( a thing of the past) and look how wide the sidewalk looks ,it's not that wide now, see the two people sitting at the small table, it looks to be about 4 to 5 feet from the curb. I like the wide sidewalk look.

AJC file photo.

Shop at Whit's End...conveniently located on W. Ponce

Shop locally and conveniently at Decatur’s own Whit’s End this Father’s Day (Sunday June 21st) for high quality products from Columbia Sportswear, Kuhl, Prana, Levi-Strauss/Dockers, Patagonia Shoes, Toms Shoes, Jockey, City of Decatur, DHS Spirit Wear and others…..including the locally owned Decatur Dad and Yuckboy lines of tee shirts. Many items on sale!!! We have shirts, shoes, shorts, pants, and accessories with sizes from Small to XXL. 431-2 West Ponce de Leon Ave in downtown Decatur, with free parking. 404.377.3310, whitsenddecatur.com, whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net


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

Next Stop...Decatur's Time Machine

Location for this Next Stop...Decatur Time Machine: 121 Sycamore St.
In 1998 this location was The Grog Shop Tavern.
and in 2009 it is Sage on Sycamore.

The Rifleman- How many times did Chuck Conners fire.

Relics & Rarities -- Opening Soon

Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities tells his story

Relics & Rarities
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, Ga

Across from Decatur High School

ROCKETBUSTER BOOTS

If you like spending money & cowboy boots this is the place for you.

Maybe this will get you in the mood.


Cissy: Are you a real cowboy ?
Bud: It depends on what you think a real cowboy is.
Cissy: Can you two-step ?
Bud: You bet.
Cissy: You want to prove it.

Decatur Train Depot - circa 1987

S&A 750 with an assist from former Southern 3499 F7a charges east past the old Decatur Depot with an Atlanta Loop Trip.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=259073&nseq=4562

Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley -Kentucky Rain

Virginia-Highland Summerfest This Week-end

Virginia-Highland Summerfest

Get out and get some great local music, art, a children’s area, food, drink and more at the 26th annual event. The music stage headliners are Cowboy Mouth on Saturday and Manchester Orchestra on Sunday.

• Free. Virginia at North Highland Avenue, Atlanta. www.vahi.org.

It's our 26th anniversary and this year the parade will be on Friday night before the dinner (see details below). Prizes will be awarded for the best wacky hats just before the Friday dinner.

Bring ID to verify residency in Va-Hi. The movie this year will be Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.).

There will also be a neighborhood Acoustic Street Party at Virginia-Highland Island on Friday, June 5th from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

2009 Summerfest - Celebrating 26 Years of Art, Food & Fun
Saturday, June 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Artist Market closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday Events Are Open to General Public. Free Admission, Donations Greatly Appreciated

Summerfest celebrates the beginning of summer with diverse arts, great food, live musical performances and much more. The festival takes place along Virginia Avenue, in the heart of historic Virginia-Highland.

Voted the "Best Neighborhood Festival" in Creative Loafing and consistently revered by art professionals as one of the best artists' markets in the southeast, Summerfest is a great event for the entire family. Make sure you stick around and explore the unique shopping and eclectic dining throughout the Virginia-Highland neighborhood.

Neighborhood Parade!
Don't miss this year's Parade of Wacky Hats! Everyone had such a good time last year, we plan to do it again. So think up something fun, outrageous, silly and over-the-top for your Wacky Hat as you walk the parade route, down Drewery and onto Barnett (about .6 miles). We will meet at the same place, Intown Hardware (Drewry/N. Highland), but this year it's Friday night at 6 p.m. We'll get started at 6:30 and end up at the neighborhood dinner at the Inman Park field where prizes will be given. Register online and let's have some community fun!

View Summerfest press release

Decatur Sidewalk Scene

click photo to view on black.

The Hero of Time World Premiere @ The Plaza Theatre

We are very excited to announce that The Legend of Zelda: The Hero of Time film is complete and we are having its WORLD PREMIERE in Atlanta, Saturday, June 6th at 7:30PM for the public at The Plaza Theatre!!!



Of course everyone is invited and we hope that you all will be able to attend! Feel free to bring whoever you want!

We'd love to share the film with everyone that encouraged the production and those who just want to see an awesome Zelda adaptation!



The film will start promptly at 7:30PM so be sure to get there early!

Again, here are the details for the Atlanta premiere:
SATURDAY, JUNE 6th 7:30PM
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta GA. 30306

Yard Sale at The Decatur First Baptist Church this Weekend

Just one block down from the old Court House


Tell me what deals you found .