TWAIN'S Billiards and Tap The Early Years

-- TWAIN'S as it Looks Today in 2010 --

Decatur, GA


Decatur, GA
-- TWAIN'S- The Early Years. circa 2001 --

Winnona Park Yard Sale for April 24th is Canceled due to Expected Rain

Anne-Christine Armstrong sends this in.
It will be rescheduled Look for more info soon.


The Winnona Park Yard sale scheduled on this saturday April 24th is canceled due to rain coming and will be hold on May 15th. Look for more info soon....

The ART of Books: A Literary Auction & Social in support of DEF Literacy Programs

This sent in by gail@decatureducationfoundation.org
The ART of Books:
A Literary Auction & Social
in support of DEF Literacy Programs

When: Friday, May 28 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Little Shop of Stories
Why: Because Decatur LOVES Books!

Join us for a fun-filled night of art, books, beverages and food to support the literacy programs of Decatur Education Foundation.

We will be auctioning off signed artwork and books by beloved children's authors & illustrators:

Doreen Cronen
Tony DiTerlizzi
Neil Gaiman
Jarett Krosoczka
Judy Schachner
Rosemary Wells
and others

AND...an original painting of Pete the Cat from Decatur's own James Dean!

Food provided by Cakes & Ale
and other wonderful Decatur restaurants.

Tickets: $20 - Purchase online or at Little Shop of Stories starting May 1. If you purchase online be sure to indicate ART of Books in the notes section.

Earth Day 2010 Vulture Fun in Oakhurst

Winnona Park Yard Sale , Scheduled for Saturday, April 24th will be Rescheduled

UPDATE: The Winnona Park Yard sale scheduled for this saturday April 24th is canceled due to rain coming and will be hold on May 15th. Look for more info soon....

@ WINNONA PARK

Anne-Christine Armstrong sends this in.

Join us from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 24th.

Winnona Park is located near Agnes Scott College and the Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA. The primary bordering streets of our community are S. Columbia Drive, E. College Ave., S. Candler Street, and Midway Road. (East/North/West/South). Look for signs on these roads directing you to the sites.

It will be helpful to note that the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA has soccer games for young children in the park of the elementary school from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please, then, be careful of young children as you drive through the neighborhood. Also, the games bring a lot of vehicles on the streets adjacent to the school. For the Yard Sale, please attempt to park on streets other than the streets adjacent to the school (see map).

Thanks and enjoy a nice walk in the neighborhood, as well as a fun sale -

For more infos, please call 678-327-5374 or 404-775-6530

Link to the sale map : http://tinyurl.com/WPyardsale

--

GRAPHIC Magazine a Publication Created by Students at Decatur High School

This was sent in by:

Ben Lambeth

Business Manager & Webmaster, GRAPHIC. Magazine

"There are a lot of Decatur students putting hard work into this that deserve some kind of recognition and publicity"

GRAPHIC. Magazine is an independent publication created by students from Decatur High School. Featuring student-created comics and artwork, GRAPHIC. has been working to entertain the Decatur student body and community since January 2009.

We invite the community to visit our website, http://graphicmag.net/ where we upload the full content of each issue. Read all four issues, the latest of which was just released last Tuesday, for free!

If you like what you see online, please consider supporting us by purchasing something from our online store or making a donation. Your support ensures we can continue to distribute freely to Decatur High School students.

----

Decatur Girl Scout sets record for caring

By Gracie Bonds Staples

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Michelle Gillig is 17 and a junior at Decatur High School, who has lived in the same house with her mom, dad and big brother since birth.
When she wants to brush her teeth, all she needs to do is go to the bathroom. If she needs soap to bathe or shampoo to wash her hair, it’s in there.

What Gillig might not know is there are nearly 2,000 DeKalb county school children -- some in her own school -- for whom this is not the case.

For those children and thousands of metro Atlanta teens, home doesn’t have an address and toiletries can seem like luxuries.
AJC story

Earth Day in Decatur - APRIL 18, 2010

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Decatur, GA - Sydney Rhame performs at Earth Day in Oakhurst
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Click on pictures to enlarge.


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Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool's Auction Jubilee Sunday April 18th

THIS SUNDAY! From 3PM to 6PM at the historic Solarium in Oakhurst Village - Decatur, GA.


Title: Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool's Auction Jubilee THIS SUNDAY!
Roxie Watson plays this FREE family-friendly event! Something for the entire family - Music, kids' activities and art, auctions, beer and wine! Get unique gifts or pamper yourself with original art, handmade crafts and clothing, sumptuous food, luxuries, and travel...Sunday, April 18th, from 3pm to 6pm at the historic Solarium in Oakhurst Village - Decatur, GA. For more info, visit www.oakhurstcoop.com.

Sammiches N' Stuff Now Open Weekends

Sammiches N' Stuff now open on Weekends.
see menu here

Sammiches N' Stuff
515 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030

This was sent in by Rob Bruner of Sammiches N' Stuff

We absolutely are opening on weekends from 8am to 4pm. We'll extend the hours for special events in Decatur too. With plenty of parking on our side of the square there's every reason to stop by!

We've updated the menu so check it out at www.sammichesnstuff.com where you can also get a 10% discount for Web Orders. Check our reviews on Urban Spoon while you're visiting our site.

Here is just a sample of what's for breakfast.

Check out the new updated menu.

Breakfast
We have a wide variety of Breakfast Sammiches, Plates, and Bowls!

Stop by for some of the creamiest grits in the south. We don't mess around with grits, we get right to the money on 'em.

Fresh scrambled or shell eggs to order are on the menu with all your favorite breakfast meats including bacon, sausage, or turkey sausage.

Choose from a variety of delivered daily breads, bagels, delicious croissants or heartwarming biscuits.

Whether you dine in or take it to go you can choose from a full meal, a sammich, or a breakfast bowl - try a different one every day!

Photo from Sammiches N' Stuff

Big Week-end for Atlanta means Traffic Nightmare

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Close to 300,000 people could gather in Atlanta this weekend due to the long list of events planned for this weekend. From the revival of Freaknik, to Braves games, the Hawks play-offs and the Dogwood festival, the metro area will be packed with people from the north to the east.

An additional plus, this weekend's weather should cooperate – for the most part. Friday's forecast is expected to be sunny with a high near 80. Saturday: A slight chance of showers Saturday afternoon with highs in the mid- to upper 70s. And Sunday: Cooler weather with highs in the low 70s after morning lows near 50 degrees.
AJC story

74th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival this Week-end

http://entertainment.accessatlanta.com

Friday, Apr 16 12:00p to 9:00p

at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

The 74th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Atlanta’s beautiful Piedmont Park. On April 16, 17 and 18, 2010, attendees will enjoy fine art, live entertainment ranging from music to comedy, a variety of food offerings and the fantastic Atlanta spring weather at the city’s favorite free festival. read more

Earth Day is This Week-end

From oakhurstgarden.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010

Join us for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and a great chance for members of the community to come together and participate at the city’s OFFICIAL Earth Day Party!
The celebration will kick off with a parade that will go from Harmony Park to the Community Garden site, beginning at 12:30 pm.
To learn more about this
visit oakhurstgarden.org

Decatur Concerts on the Square

Cheryl over at The Decatur Minute notes that the Decatur Concerts on the Square starts in May



Seeing this poster with Elvis on it reminded me of this movie where Elvis is pulled up on stage to sing in a small town square ( like Decatur) was back in the day.

Conan O’Brien Signs Deal with TBS

photo from http://morningcup.files.wordpress.com
ajc
April 12, 2010, by Rodney Ho
“We made it happen in 72 hours,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks in an interview Monday afternoon. “He’s a transformative personality who could be on our network for the next decade and beyond.” He also confirmed O’Brien will remain in Los Angeles to shoot the show.
Full story ajc

SHAMROCK PLAZA SIGN RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY

Decatur, GA

---Flickr member THE MOVER has great video.


Shamrock Plaza Shopping center is located across the street from North Dekalb Mall.

Cozy Burger Town Grand Opening

Decatur, GA

Located in Surburban Plaza Shopping Center
Cozy Burger Town
2641 N.Decatur Rd.
Decatur, GA
404-687-8484

REVIEW from: www.yelp.com
Karen from Decatur:
My five year old insists upon calling it "Crazy Burger Town" but indeed, it is rather cozy. "Fast Casual" burgers and sides taking over the prior One Love Diner/former Pizza Hut location. Okay, so it's obvious they are working with the "5 Guys" kind of burger model, but it was a pleasant surprise to find out that they have multiple vegetarian/semi-vegetarian options and kids menu (inlcuding salmon, veggie and mushroom burgers). Most burgers are $3.49-$3.99 and you can 'make it a combo' for the price of $5.99-$6.49. Kids combos are $3.49. 5 of us ate quite well with drinks and sides for just under $30. All the burger toppings are free and include all condiments and lettuce, tomato, sweet onion, jalapenos and pickles. The fries were fine, nothing super special but they did have a variety of toppings including Old Bay (yeah, I'm from Maryland) for sprinkling. The very pleasant proprieter brought a pile of extra napkins to our table. There was a flat screen T.V wall mounted, in case you forgot your ipad (har!) and the food was delivered fairly promptly. It's cooked to order, so a bit longer than fast food, but both kids and our friend from out of town thought the veggie burgers were very good. They also have chili and onion rings and apparently "pankcakes" for breakfast. Okay, so apparently no one proofread their menu, but that's the kind of stuff I just love when I go out to eat. We'll be back and I saw someone pick up a to-go order while we were there. Not sure if I'll be doing a lot of lounging on the straight back white chairs on the 'porch', but once they get some rockers, I will be gettin' cozy outside, as well as in.

NO SPEEDING IN DECATUR

Decatur, GA

Decatur Police stop speeder entering Decatur on Church St.

MacArthur Park - Richard Harris

Great song written by Jimmy Webb
recorded by Richard Harris.
----------------
Someone once asked Elvis Presley what he sought about MacArthur Park, and he said: If I had that song in my hands and no one had touched it, I would be in the studio recording it today.

Decatur Downpour

Decatur, GA

TWICE THE ICE To Open Location at Patel Plaza

Decatur, GA



Decatur, GA

Not sure how this will way of buying ice will work.
Most people just stop at a convenience store and buy a bag of ice.


About Ice House America- Twice the Ice

Ice Vending



Ice House America is proud to introduce you to a new revolutionary approach to ice vending sales that is forever changing the way bagged and bulk ice is sold. The concept is simple: Deliver a convenient, fresh ice cube product at a better price.

Ice House America Ice Vending Units are patented (U.S. Patent Numbers 6,932,124 , 7,104,291 and 7,426,945), free standing ice vending units that automatically dispense, at a press of a button, 16 pounds bagged or 20 pounds bulk chipped ice to a customer in about 8 seconds.

Public Input Session @ The Decatur Recreation Center April 12

Linda Harris(Linda Harris ) sends this in.

--For more info visit http://www.decaturga.com

This is from elife Magazine

Cultural Arts Planning: City of Decatur from eLIFE Magazine on Vimeo.

JAZZ NIGHTS @ Historic Scottish Rite

Decatur, GA. - click on photo for more info.

FREE JAZZ! Last four Thursdays in April 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Also SUMMER DANCE CAMP info

Belvedere Plaza Shopping Center in 1955

Decatur, GA - visit the Belvedere Plaza site

This is Belvedere Plaza Shopping Center in 1955, notice that Memorial Dr. was just a
a two-lane street. My how it's changed.

DOG WALKING IN DECATUR

Decatur, GA

The weather this past weekend was perfect for taking a walk.

FARMSTEAD 303 Opening Soon in the Old Decatur Depot

Decatur, GA
Farmstead 303 is moving in as The Depeaux moves out.

The owners of Feast located on E. Howard are opening another restaurant called Farmstead 303 just across the street in the old Decatur Train Depot.
Word on the street: It will be comfort food. They plan on opening mid-May
What is the address of this place you say: Well it's 303 E. Howard St. of course.

Sammiches N' Stuff to Start Opening on Weekends

---



Starting April 10th, 2010 Sammiches N' Stuff will be Opened on Weekends.
see menu here

Sammiches N' Stuff
515 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030

This was sent in by Rob Bruner of Sammiches N' Stuff

We absolutely are opening on weekends from 8am to 4pm. We'll extend the hours for special events in Decatur too. With plenty of parking on our side of the square there's every reason to stop by!

We've updated the menu so check it out at www.sammichesnstuff.com where you can also get a 10% discount for Web Orders. Check our reviews on Urban Spoon while you're visiting our site.

Here is just a sample of what's for breakfast.

Check out the new updated menu.

Breakfast
We have a wide variety of Breakfast Sammiches, Plates, and Bowls!

Stop by for some of the creamiest grits in the south. We don't mess around with grits, we get right to the money on 'em.

Fresh scrambled or shell eggs to order are on the menu with all your favorite breakfast meats including bacon, sausage, or turkey sausage.

Choose from a variety of delivered daily breads, bagels, delicious croissants or heartwarming biscuits.

Whether you dine in or take it to go you can choose from a full meal, a sammich, or a breakfast bowl - try a different one every day!

Photo from Sammiches N' Stuff

Remembering Belvedere Plaza Shopping Center

Belvedere Plaza's Lane Drug's circa 1955
Decatur, GA
Visit my new website :Belvedere Plaza
What are your memories ?

RELICS & RARITIES Warren Pickard on CNN

A police officer finds his passion in ice cream and cars.

Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities on CNN

March 31, 2010

Be sure to visit
Relics & Rarities
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, GA. 30030
(Across the street from Decatur High School)

10 schools remain on DeKalb closure list

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"At the meeting, the task force removed Briar Vista, Laurel Ridge, Medlock and Avondale Elementary Schools from the proposed closure list."

Days before a decision must be made, race continued to divide the group tasked with choosing schools to close in DeKalb County.

The Citizens Planning Task Force -- charged with recommending four schools for closure -- argued and pointed fingers at each other at a heated Tuesday night meeting meant to offer recommendations for the school board.

No decisions were made. Instead, the task force asked school officials if it could come back Thursday with proposed scenarios if certain schools were closed.

Claims of racial inequities in determining the closures was a big roadblock.

ajc story

Easter Brunch at Wahoo! Sunday, April 4th

Easter Brunch Easter Brunch at Wahoo! Sunday, April 4th Live Jazz from the Bonaventure Quartet Easter Brunch Menu Featuring Delicious Favorites Like... Shrimp & Grits Fried Egg Polenta Eggs Carbonara Smoked Salmon with Capers 10 am to 3 pm Accepting Reservations For Any Size Group Make Your Reservation Today - (404) 373-3331 $16 Buffet or $19 w/ Coffee and Juice / $8 Children (under 12) Complimentary Valet Parking Wahoo! Grill 1042 West College Avenue Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-3331 www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Wahoo! Grill

Downtown Stone Mountain to get needed Face-lift

By By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The city of Stone Mountain is stepping from the shadow of one of the largest granite domes in America with, of all things, sidewalks.

The sidewalks will be made of brick and granite pavers in a special pattern. They will be wider, illuminated by decorative street lights and, eventually, shaded by new trees.

And they’ll put Stone Mountain in the company of many metro Atlanta cities that have used streetscapes to pretty themselves up for both the people who are already there and whoever it is they wish would come. That reinvigorating downtowns also can boost city coffers doesn’t hurt, either.

ajc story

Looking Back at Fowler's Garage on E. Ponce de Leon Ave 1955

Decatur, GA - circa 1955

Fowler's Garage
3425 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA

Open Mic Night @ Eddie's Attic Monday March 29

Monday, March 29th Show time: 7:30 pm / Doors open: 7:00 pm General admission advanced tickets: $5 General admission & meal combo: $20 Table of 4 reserved seats: $25

For over 17 years, we've hosted Atlanta's premiere OPEN MIC for the performing songwriter. National and local acts perform 2 songs each, with 3 finalists returning for a third song at the end of the evening for a chance to win a cash prize and a spot in our bi-annual, nationally acclaimed Open Mic Shootout. These Open Mics are well attended and are once again being hosted by Attic founder Eddie Owen. This is a great opportunity for up and coming talent to hone their skills and for listeners to see and meet tomorrow's stars. For more information on playing at our Open Mic, visit the "Artist Info" page of our website.

From http://www.eddiesattic.com/

More than 100 new jobs will come to DeKalb County.

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More than 100 new jobs will come to DeKalb County.

Logistics company Marten Transport broke ground Friday on a new 35-acre site in the Stone Mountain Industrial Park.

Once completed, the company will transfer about 150 employees from its facility in Forest Park and create another 100 new positions in the first year, CEO Burrell Ellis said.

Future expansions could bring another 300 more jobs.

“Creating sustainable, quality jobs is key to a maintaining a healthy economy,” Ellis said in a statement.

ajc story

FIRST MEN IN THE MOON @ The Plaza Theatre Saturday March 27th

This HG WELLS's and RAY HARRYHAUSEN classic presented by the Silver Scream Spook Show!

Saturday March. 27th - 1pm & 10pm

The Plaza Theatre

1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue l Atlanta Georgia 30306 l 404.873.1939

Decatur GA. Street Scene

Decatur, GA

Atlanta Weekend Events: March 25-28

Atlanta Weekend Events: March 25-28From http://atlanta.metromix.com/

Chelsea Handler, BaconFest 2010, the Oyster and Crawfish Festival and plenty of great concerts

By Rachae

l Mason

Metromix

Just when you thought you couldn't wait for warm weather any longer, spring has finally arrived in Atlanta. What better way to celebrate this fine season than with a festival? This weekend, you can choose to honor pork at BaconFest 2010 at Dad's Garage or seafood at the Oyster and Crawfish Festival at Park Tavern. Play your card

s (or should we say plates?) right and you might be able to hit both of them.

Just make sure you leave time in your busy schedule for a concert, because there's lots of great shows happening, from the FurKids benefit at the Variety Playhouse and the Experience Hendrix Tour at the Fox to Tiger! Tiger! at the Star Bar and Major Lazer at the Masquerade. And don't forget Chelsea Handler at the FOX—we certainly won't.

Cool Cat A Go-Go with the Retro Jazz Cats featuring Gwen Hughes and Garrison Elliot

--

When:

March 27 : 7 p.m.

Price:

Admission is $30 and includes two drink tickets.

Event Phone Number:

404-521-1786

http://www.furkids.org

Variety Playhouse

1099 Euclid Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30307

404-521-1786

This benefit show raises money for FurKids, an organization that provides a cage-free home for cats and dogs awaiting adoption. In addition to music from the Retro Jazz Cats featuring Gwen Hughes and Garrison Elliot, the evening will include a silent auction and light bites. Two drink tickets are included with admission.

The 8th Annual TOUR deCATUR broke records:

The weather cleared...
the runners and walkers came...
AND
The 8th Annual TOUR deCATUR broke records:
$23,000 raised to support the
children & youth of Decatur!



Over 1200 participants from toddlers to septuagenarians!

For race highlights, photos and 5k race results
click here

Thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and participants for making TOUR deCATUR a
GREAT success.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 12th, 2011 for the 9th annual TOUR deCATUR - See you there!

Community Road Map to Health March 25 @ Bohan Auditorium

Community Road Map to Health
Hosted by: The Live Healthy DeKalb Coalition and The DeKalb County Board of Health

Thursday, March 25, 2010
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DeKalb County Board of Health • Bohan Auditorium
445 Winn Way • Decatur, Ga 30030

Calling all Elected officials, commissioners, residents, students, businesses, faith groups & health care professionals. Share Your Voice. Be Heard. Express Yourself!



What is important to our community?
How is the quality of life perceived in our community?
What assets do we have that can be used to improve community health?



To RSVP, email Avian Wynn, avwynn@dhr.state.ga.us or call 404-294-3803.

Leon's Bike Rack - A Real Bike Rack

Decatur, GA Leon's Full Service

When Leon's say they are going to put in a bike rack, they don't kid around.

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday March 27

City of Decatur Easter Egg Hunt
The Decatur Business Association presents the 2010 Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 27 from 11:00am – 11:30am. Join the Easter Bunny and hunt for candy on the square in downtown Decatur. Easter Bunny arrives at 10:30 a.m. Age categories: 0-2; Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st – 5th grades. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association and local businesses. Free. Visit www.decaturdba.com for more details.

Best place for Taco's is Taqueria del Sol

Decatur, GA.
Taqueria del Sol has four locations, on Cheshire Bridge in Buckhead, on the westside on Howell Mill Road, in Decatur and in Athens.

11 Alive's Jaye Watson's favorite spot.
Reporters aren't supposed to give their opinions so please forgive me. Taqueria del Sol is quite simply my favorite taqueria in all of Atlanta and I would argue, it's the best, except I refuse to argue over something that I know to be a fact, at least in my biased heart.

The first time I had a fish taco from Taqueria I was blown away. Then I had the memphis taco, then I had the carnita, then I had the fried chicken taco, then I had the salsa trio, then I had the guacamole, then I had the cheese dip...then I rolled myself to my car and laid on the couch for four days.

Owner Mike Klank says the concept is the south meets southwest. He's taken southern favorites like pulled pork and fried chicken and paired them companions like jicama slaw and jalapenos and lots of other stuff I don't know and makes an incredibly unique, fresh, delicious taco.

Most days you'll find a line out the door long before noon. Customers are effusive in their praise and fanatical about their favorites. I know how they feel.

Taqueria del Sol has four locations, on Cheshire Bridge in Buckhead, on the westside on Howell Mill Road, in Decatur and in Athens.
http://www.11alive.com

Toco Hill library’s green remodeling series March 23rd

The last seminar in the Toco Hill library’s green remodeling series

Creating a Healthy Home: Tuesday, March 23rd @ 6:30PM @ the Toco Hill Avis Williams library in Decatur. Learn how to improve the indoor air quality of your home and protect your family from indoor pollutants like gases, chemicals, radon, and carbon monoxide. Presented by Joe Thomas and Steve Herzlieb, Home Performance Consultants. More info can be found at http://renewalsystemsolutions.com/whatsnew.php.

Have a good one,

Kelly Cheek

Marketing Manager
Renewal Design-Build

t. 404-378-6962
f. 404-378-6963

124 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30030

Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com

http://www.RenewalDesignBuild.com