The Decatur Minute

Today starts Winter Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. With temperatures in the 60s, it’s hard to believe that chilly temps (and perhaps some snow and ice) are just around the corner. However, if you remember the winter storm we experienced in January, you don’t need me to tell you that ice is one of the major winter weather problems in the state and across the Southeast. Even though the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a warmer and drier winter in the coming months, we will have to wait and see what this year brings.

For more information on Winter Weather Awareness Week (December 5-9, 2011) and what you can do to prepare for winter weather emergencies, check out the National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Awareness Week page.

Read Full Post »

Atlanta Magazine’s 32nd annual “Best of” Atlanta issue hit the newstands and Decatur shops, spas, restaurants, and temporary art projects scored in several categories.  Editor Steve Fennessy explains in his column that beginning six months ago, the magazine sent out a team of editors, reporters, and contributing writers across the city to determine the best.  They went anonymously and paid their own way, Steve explains, thus resulting in an objective, comprehensive listing. 

I encourage you to pick up your copy of the December issue today and in the meantime, here is how Decatur rated Best:

Restaurant Relocation – Cakes & Ale
Best New Restaurants – No. 246
New Food Trucks – W.O.W.! – Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen
No Excuses Exercise – Walk for Lunch
New Tri & Cycle Spot – Decatur Bikes

Inducted into the Hall of Fame were:
Dine & Drink – Taqueria del Sol
Play & Thrive – Jazmin Spa
See & Scene – Eddie’s Attic

Reader’s Survey:
Gifts – Heliotrope
Yoga Studio – Decatur Yoga & Pilates
Sports Bar – Taco Mac

Three Arts-Related Events that originated in Atlanta but featured locations in Decatur:
City Art Project – Living Walls: The City Speaks
Pop-Up Culture – Flux Projects
Scavenger Art – Catlanta

Thanks Atlanta Magazine for the shout out to Decatur!

Read Full Post »

Jump “Bean” for Joy: Parents Night Out Parents, jump for joy and enjoy your Sunday evening while your “beans” play! For ages 1-9 yrs, 5.30p-8.30pp. * $25 flat rate for the 1st & 2nd child; $18 for each additional child. * Includes dinner and Reggio-inspired activities. * Registration required + Bean Play Care policies apply. * Space is limited to 18 children. Open to both members + nonmembers Upcoming Dates: * November 20th * December 18th * January 29th
To sign up, please call us 404.828.0810

Bean Work Play Cafe

Read Full Post »

Happy America Recycles Day to all of Decatur!

America Recycles Day, a program of Keep American Beautiful, was created to help improve American’s consumption and recycling habits.  We would like to take the opportunity to thank all Decatur businesses and residents for their commitment to recycling.

Here are some Decatur recycling facts you may not know:

• In fiscal year 2010-11, Decatur residents recycled over 2,100 tons of materials curbside.  This equated to about 26% of all curbside solid waste being recycled.  With an additional 26% of curbside solid waste being composted as yard waste, the total diversion rate was 52%.
• Styrofoam can be recycled in curbside bins, provided it is marked with a recycling logo and a #6.
• Pizza boxes may be recycled in curbside bins as long as they are not contaminated with food waste/grease.
• The City of Decatur Public Works Department is pleased to be able to provide recycling services to commercial and multi- family properties. Our recycling services include single stream collection of items listed on our website.   For more information, please contact Sean Woodson, Solid Waste Superintendent at sean.woodson@decaturga.com or 404-377-5571.
• In 2007, the Decatur City Commission approved an amendment to the solid waste ordinance to provide better accessibility for recycling for multi-family residents of the city.  Multi-family property owners and condominium associations must now provide recycling services to their residents that include at least four materials to recycle such as paper, glass, metal, and plastic.  Multi-family properties are not required to use the City of Decatur Solid Waste service and can contract with third party collection companies.

Read Full Post »

The community is invited to attend the annual memorial ceremony on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. to honor the men and women who fought for our country.  The service will be held in Decatur Cemetery in front of the American Legion memorial (use the Bell Street entrance).

For the 3rd year, the Friends of the Decatur Cemetery (FODC), in conjunction with the American Legion Harold Byrd Post 66, coordinated the placement of American flags on the graves of the veterans of all wars who are buried in the Decatur Cemetery.  So far, they have located the graves of more than 900 veterans buried in the cemetery.

Last Saturday, the FODC, American Legion Post 66, Decatur Boy Scouts, volunteers from Agnes Scott College and Decatur High School and the community placed all 900+ flags.  I went by to see the results and sure enough, there was a flag on the grave of my mother’s father.  I never knew him as he died before I was born but it was heartwarming to see the flag.

Thanks to those who gave up their time for this worthwhile project.  Here are a few action shots:

Amy Weaver and David Crenshaw

 

The Boy Scouts help every year

Read Full Post »

If you like supporting local bluegrass music or supporting community radio, tune in tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 2) to WRFG Atlanta Radio 89.3 from 9 – 10 p.m.  The Decatur-based Porch Bottom Boys will be playing.  Five of the six member acoustic string band are Decatur residents.  Or, you can listen over the internet with access at the radio website.

If you like knowing who you are listening to, the Porch Bottom Boys include Steve Gorbatkin and Charlie O’Neill from Winnona Park; Jim Thompson from Clairemont; Denis Gainty from Oakhurst; Todd Prusin from “greater Decatur;” and Ron Arrington from Jonesboro.

Happy listening!

Read Full Post »

The City of Decatur residents did not disappoint with the Halloween decorations this year! If you haven’t had a chance to walk or drive around, you have to get out there and see what people have been up to!

The 2011 Decorate Decatur Halloween winners are listed below (in no specific order)

620 Pinetree Drive

119 Vidal Blvd

101 Cottonwood

429 Adams Street

252 Kings Highway

434 2nd Ave

151 Vidal Blvd

727 W. Ponce de Leon Ave

423 Adams Street

123 Kings Highway

And the grand prize, known as the Commissioners’ Cauldron, goes to Amanda Owens Brown of 212 Adair Street #A

Scarecrow Army

Finally, in case you haven’t been on Adair Street in last ten years or so, you have been missing out on the amazing effort that our neighbor, Nancy Wilkinson, has put into her Halloween decorations. After winning the grand prize last year, you might think she would scale things back a bit this year. But you would be wrong. Watch this cool mini-documentary about Nancy and her passion for Halloween.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Read Full Post »

The Oakhurst Arts Run is Saturday morning starting in Harmony Park and they are still accepting registrations as well as looking for a few friendly people to volunteer.
If you are interested, please contact Charles Cope at One Step at a Time (404-377-1030)

Read Full Post »