Thursday, August 27, 2020

Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby Postpones Race Until 2021

June 25, 2020 (Decatur, GA) - The organizers of the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby announced that the 10th annual event, originally slated for Saturday, October 3rd, will be postponed until next year to protect the health and safety of the community. "We all need to focus on making responsible choices right now, and take care of each other," said Raul Trujillo, longtime Madison Avenue resident and one of the event's original founders. "The Derby is shifting gears for 2020. But we will be back to rally our neighbors around supporting a worthwhile cause." The community-driven event has flourished since it began in 2011, having raised $200K cumulatively for local charities serving children. The race would not be possible without strong support from local businesses. Race days have grown to attract more than 1,000 spectators. And hundreds of youths have raced down Madison Avenue in cars they built with their families. While the next race is on hold, many people need help now. If you have suggestions or ideas on how the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby organizers can help the Decatur community get through these tough times, please e-mail madisonavesoapboxderby@gmail.com. ----

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Decatur Police called for Hazardous Materal


Decatur Fire responded to a suspicious package at E. Trinity Pl. and Church St. but found it was not hazardous. Church St was reopened around 6:00 pm. Employees of nearby businesses gathered  at E Trinity until all clear was given.



Saturday, November 30, 2019

It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! December 5th

From littleshopofstories.com It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 5th It’s the Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 5th Little Shop of Stories and the City of Decatur again bring you the annual Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy holiday carols, warm cookies, hot cocoa and “snow” on the square. At 7 p.m. sharp, Santa himself flips the switch to light the tree above the east entrance of the Decatur MARTA station. Come join thousands of your neighbors and help to make your season bright! The Christmas Tree Lighting is sponsored by Butter & Cream, Chick-fil-A, City of Decatur, Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Folk Art Restaurant, Kelly’s Market, Little Shop of Stories, Mudhouse Design, and The White Bull. At Little Shop, purchase $100 in merchandise on this day and we’ll give you a $10 gift card that you can use in 2020! Click here to visit the city’s Terrific Thursday guide!

Kudzu Antiques Holiday Parties


https://www.kudzuantiques.com/

Monday, August 12, 2019

Decatur Book Festival celebrates its 14th year over Labor Day Weekend

From ajc



The AJC Decatur Book Festival celebrates its 14th year over Labor Day weekend, and on Saturday evening the organizers revealed the highlights of the upcoming three-day extravaganza.


Wednesday, June 19, 2019

The Decatur Beach Party on Friday June 21

Come and celebrate the kick-off of summer Decatur style at The Decatur Beach Party on Friday, June 21 from 5 to 11 pm in downtown Decatur. This is truly where the beach meets the street with a sandy “beach”, kids activities, DJ, live music, and more. Best of all, admission is now FREE.

Gather up those sand toys and come ready to play as this year there will be even more beach than before, with 80 tons sand hitting Ponce De Leon Avenue. Kids’ activities will line the boardwalk area, including a toddler play area, and big kid fun with a rock climbing wall, dunk tank, and more.
Kids area will be open 5 - 9pm

Thursday, April 4, 2019

AN INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR THE VERY YOUNG

This sent in by: Kathleen Covington, Content Strategist, Alliance Theatre

ALLIANCE THEATRE, ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, AND HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FIFTH ANNUAL

TODDLER TAKEOVER

AN INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR THE VERY YOUNG

 

MAY 11-12, 2019, AT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER

 

Toddler Takeover is presented in conjunction with the Theatre for Young Audiences/USA (TYA/USA) National Festival & Conference, hosted by the Alliance Theatre, bringing together international theater companies who will perform as part of Toddler Takeover

 

ATLANTA, April 2, 2019 — The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art are pleased to announce the 2019 Toddler Takeover, an arts festival for the very young, May 11-12, 2019, at the Woodruff Arts Center.  Tickets are on sale now at



 

This one-of-a-kind experience developed for children age newborn through 5-years-old will feature international theatre for the very young performances from South Korea, the UK and Australia, performances from the Alliance Theatre’s Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Young, toddler tours, art-making at the High Museum of Art, performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and much more.  Festival tickets also include admission to the High Museum of Art.  During the festival, the Woodruff Arts Center will open its doors to the youngest members of our community with the goal of inspiring the next generation through world-class artistic experiences and arts-based workshops.

 

TYA/USA, the national organization that provides advocacy and resources to the field of Theatre for Young Audiences, in collaboration with the Alliance Theatre, will present the 2019 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference May 8-11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Thanks to the timing and location of the conference, Toddler Takeover audiences will get to experience new work from theater companies all over the world who are developing new plays for very young audience members.  For more information about the TYA/USA Conference, visit


Thursday, March 28, 2019

Looking Back to 1955 - First Baptist Church in Decatur

The First Baptist Church at the corner of Church St. and Trinity Pl. was torn down in 1955.
The Church was built in 1926.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Video Friday - Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton - You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Decatur Tree Lighting Tonight (Thursday) Dec. 6

Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 6, 
On the square
 TREE LIGHTING THIS YEAR WILL BE ON THE PLAZA not on roof of The Little Shop of Stories.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Coming to Clairmont Road


A new Hilton Garden Inn hotel is being proposed near the Century Center office complex on Clairmont Road just off Interstate 85 in DeKalb County.  The five-story hotel would be developed by Suwanee-based DayBreak Hospitality LLC, and have 156 rooms plus retail/restaurant space, according to plans recently filed with the City of Chamblee. 

read more

Friday, November 16, 2018

Decatur Tree Lighting Dec 6, New Location on the Plaza

Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 6, 
On the square
 TREE LIGHTING THIS YEAR WILL BE ON THE PLAZA not on roof of The Little Shop of Stories.

Extra Membership Savings at Center for Puppetry Arts

Special Limited-Time Offer!

Join by Nov 25 and SAVE $10 on select Memberships:

Dual Level: $75  $65
Family Level: $110  $100
Puppet Prime Level: $175   $165


Plus, enjoy 2 EXTRA MONTHS of Membership - FREE!

(Your Membership will be valid through Jan 31, 2020)

PROMO CODE: SNOW
Exclusive Member benefits include:
  • Up to 50% discount on Family Series performances
  • Priority seating for Family Series performances
  • FREE admission to Worlds of Puppetry Museum and Special Exhibits
  • FREE admission to film screenings
  • 10% discount on all Museum Store purchases
  • Waived online handling fees
  • Special Members Only activities and previews
  • ...and more! (click for full benefit listing)
Don't wait! This special offer ends at midnight Sunday, Nov 25. 
Use 
 PROMO CODE: SNOW  to become a Member today!

You can also call the Ticket Sales Office at 404.873.3391.

Video Friday - Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy

Friday, November 9, 2018

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta Will Become The Waldorf Astoria

From http://www.tonetoatl.com/

The Mandarin Oriental Atlanta will be re-flagged as a Waldorf Astoria hotel in December.  The hotel, which opened in 2008 as The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel, became the Mandarin Oriental in 2012.  The 42 story property designed by American architect Robert A. M. Stern is home to 127 hotel rooms as well as 45 private condo units and three private villas.  The change is scheduled to take place December 8.




Photo credit:  The Waldorf Astoria in New York. Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images North America

Video Friday - The Righteous Brothers - You're My Soul and Inspiration

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Video Friday - Robert Mitchum - Thunder Road

On this day Oct. 18. 2018  Sixty years ago The movie THUNDER ROAD played at The Decatur Theatre.

Read more at http://the-decatur-theatre.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post_6.html

Electronics Recycling Day This Saturday Oct. 20th

From The Decatur Minute:

See full guidelines for recyclable items at decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.
Public works will recycle just about any electronics equipment you have in your attic, basement, closet or office. See decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling for a list, and for answers to frequently asked questions. Recycle your Styrofoam as well and safely shred and recycle your sensitive documents all in one place. It’s simple and convenient. Just drive through and drop off your recyclables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Sorry, early drop-offs are not possible.)

Paper shredding
AAA Security Shredding provides secure on-site document shredding, and all shredded documents will be 100 percent recycled. These items cannot be shredded: Cardboard, glass, plastic, magazines, napkins, newspapers, paper cups and plates, plastic or spiralbound notebooks, phonebooks, binders, and trash.
Styrofoam recycling
  • Make sure foam has the “6” symbol on it
  • Rinse and separate food service containers from other foam
  • No straws, lids, tape or stickers
  • No foam peanuts or insulation material

NOTE: Fee required to recycle cathode ray tube equipment (exact change only): Monitors $5; TVs $10
Since we started in 2005, we’ve diverted more than 1,000,000 pounds of electronics from landfills. Contact Sean Woodson, 404-377-5571, or sean.woodson@decaturga.com for more information and last-minute updates, or visit decaturga.com/electronicsrecycling.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

How Hurricane Michael could impact Atlanta Area

Thirteen months since Hurricane Irma whacked Atlanta with high winds and rains, another northbound tempest is threatening to again disrupt life in the Southeast’s landlocked capital city.
But don’t expect Irma, round two.
In light of hurricane-force winds in southern parts of Georgia and the potential for deadly flooding elsewhere, Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency today for 92 counties, although none of them fall within metro Atlanta.

more

Friday, October 5, 2018

Video Friday - Winning - Paul Newman - Opening Sequence - Music To Get You in the Mood for The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby

Now at The Alliance Hip-Hop musical for middle and high school students

The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce its next production for middle and high school audiences, Paige in Full.  Paige in Full blends poetry, dance, media and music to tell the tale of a multicultural girl’s journey through hip-hop to self-discovery. Since its premiere in May 2010, Paige Hernandez’s “visual mix-tape” has sold out performances throughout the country and garnered praise from critics and audiences alike for its energy, intelligence, and originality.  Examining ideas on how ethnicity and pop-culture shape our identity, Paige In Full tells a personal, yet universal story for youth and adult audiences.

Although Paige in Full has been performed all over the country, the Atlanta version will include the fresh perspectives of middle and high school students who participated in the Alliance Theatre summer drama camps with Paige Hernandez.  Seventh grade student Hannah Hubbert said, “When students come to see this show, they see their friends, they see themselves, they see situations that they have gone through.  Stories like this help to show them that anything is possible.  Students from different lives will see it and will learn that no matter what’s going on in your crazy life, what bad or good things have happened, that they are not alone.”

OUR PERFORMANCES ONLY – OCT 6 & 13, 1:00 & 3:30 P.M.

ATLANTA, October 3, 2018 — Performer and playwright Paige Hernandez brings her highly acclaimed hip-hop show Paige in Full to middle and high school audiences at the Alliance Theatre for four performances only on Oct. 6 and Oct. 13. 

Paige in Full blends poetry, dance, media and music to tell the tale of a multicultural girl’s journey through hip-hop to self-discovery. Since its premiere in May 2010, Paige Hernandez’s “visual mix-tape” has sold out performances throughout the country and garnered praise from critics and audiences alike for its energy, intelligence, and originality.  Examining ideas on how ethnicity and pop-culture shape our identity, Paige In Full tells a personal, yet universal story for youth and adult audiences.

Although Paige in Full has been performed all over the country, the Atlanta version will include the fresh perspectives of middle and high school students who participated in the Alliance Theatre summer drama camps with Paige Hernandez.  Seventh grade student Hannah Hubbert said, “When students come to see this show, they see their friends, they see themselves, they see situations that they have gone through.  Stories like this help to show them that anything is possible.  Students from different lives will see it and will learn that no matter what’s going on in your crazy life, what bad or good things have happened, that they are not alone.”
Public performances are Saturday, October 6 and Saturday, October 13, at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. 
Tickets are available online at www.alliancetheatre.org/paigeinfull or by calling 404.733.5000. 
Paige in Full is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, presenting sponsor of Alliance Theatre Family Series, and Home Depot. 


Wednesday, October 3, 2018

The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday Oct. 6

From: http://madisonavesoapboxderby.org/schedule/

2018 Race Day Schedule

RACERS… ARRRRE YOU READY?!
What you need to know…
10:30 Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in, wait for car inspection & park
Enter Madison Ave thru Johnston Place beginning at 10:30. Look for the registration tent. An adult must check in for their child regardless of team grouping. Waivers must be signed before you proceed. DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMETS! NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
-Please note, at this time, we cannot make any changes to the team, team names or drivers. If you have not paid your registration fee you have been withdrawn from the race and we hope you can join us to watch the event.
11:00 Food area is open: Grab a bite to eat and prepare for racing!
Food options will remain open until 5:00 pm.
U Joint & Steinbeck’s tent
Grilled Cheese, Burgers (including Steinbeck’s Tower of Power), Hot Dogs, Pulled Pork,
Wraps, Jettie, Tots, Chips & Fruits
Matador tent
Pork Tacos & Grilled Street Corn
Bake Sale Tent – also selling race t-shirts
Beer Tent powered by Three Taverns
Steel City Pops: Great local popsicles
Face painting and crafts will be available for the kids (cash only).
11:30 am – Flag Presentation and National Anthem
12:00 pm – Judging begins (cars all at the top of the street)
12:45 pm – Race introduction
1:00 pm – Race – ages 6 & under
1:45 pm – Race – ages 7 to 11
2:45 pm – Race – ages 12 to 17
3:45 pm – Race – ages 18 and up
4:30 pm – Race over – Musician Blake Byrant (of Leonard Washington) takes the stage
5:00 pm – Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation
5:30 pm – Blake Bryant back on stage for a second set
6:00 pm – that’s a wrap!
– This is a rough schedule. We cannot predict how the race will flow with over 100 drivers!
Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots event and we will do the best we can to stay on schedule.

Fun, fun, fun… The vision of this event is picnic/parade style where families, friends and neighbors will be walking to the event with their chairs & blankets while snacking with their families and watching the Derby. For those of you who live on Madison Ave we hope you invite your friends, set up a tailgate style picnic and enjoy the day! All others are welcome to set up their picnic goods on the sidewalks up & down the street.
We will have a “donation station” with baked goods for (cash or check) donation, t-shirts and hats for sale ($20 for Youth & Adult). We encourage you to spread the word to bring cash & checks ONLY.