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Happy Weekend

August 19, 2011 by Catherine

Happening this weekend in Decatur:

  • Saturday: Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival, 4-10 p.m. in Oakhurst. Delicious food and great music. Enough said.
  • Saturday: Chick-fil-A’s Back to School Bash, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ms. Teacup will be painting faces and creating balloon animals, and there will be a bounce house! Bring new school supplies to donate to the Decatur Cooperative Ministry.
  • All Weekend: Greene’s weekend sale. Two tables full of great items. Save more than 50% off select items like pickled veggies, salsa, jellies, games, and lunch bags.

Posted in Events | Leave a Comment »

A Field Trip with the Building Inspector

August 17, 2011 by Regina

Safebuilt Inspector Steve Kinnaird with Thrive Home's Project Manager

 
Ever wonder what building inspectors look for when they inspect homes?  Okay, most of you might think about the framing, flooring, electrical or maybe plumbing.  All true, but there is so much more that goes into inspecting construction to ensure that all codes are met and that the home is energy efficient.  Two years ago, Decatur decided to contract Safebuilt to provide expert inspection services.  Steve Kinnaird is the Safebuilt representative that works for the City of Decatur.  Today I joined him in his inspection of a new single family home being built at in the MAK  district by Thrive Homes. 
 
The home will be a certified Earthcraft house which means that it meets stringent standards for sustainability.  We looked at caulking on the outside, insulation/caulking all openings that go outside (ceilings, floors, seams on the plyboard), any fixtures that allow air to pass through.  There a lot of holes in a house!  That specific pink caulk was everywhere!  We looked at the smoke detector outlets to make sure they met code and were hard wired.  Every duct for the HVAC needed a special goo called Mastik painted on the inside to make sure air flow stayed in the duct and not in the walls or attic.  We counted electrical outlets, made sure ceiling fans did not get installed within 36″ of a smoke detector (aha!) or a vent (could blow smoke in the vent away from the detector-that’s bad!).  The plumbing needed to be insulated and the wires coming from the electrical panel had to be spread out so that they don’t get overheated (who knew?).  The amount of knowledge and expertise required to ensure that buildings are safe and energy efficient is astounding!  What impressed me the most was the spirit of collaboration between the inspector and the builder.  Each knew that the final product must be safe for the new occupants so solutions and corrections were discussed and agreed upon.  Those changes will be made and Steve will head back over and make sure it’s done to his satisfaction.  This happens everyday, many times a day as Decatur is experiencing a great deal of growth and increase in construction permits.
 
So, be assured that while the standards for construction change and the requirements for energy efficiency and safety increase; Decatur and it’s contractor Safebuilt have it all under control.  City of Decatur Schools should offer this as a field trip.  The kids would love it and so would Steve!
 
 
 

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Sammiches N' Stuff Loves Photography

August 12, 2011 by Catherine

Two SPS Members at Sammiches. Photo courtesy of SPS.

Did you know that the “N’ Stuff” of Sammiches N’ Stuff includes photography? Located under Eddie’s Attic and known for it’s sammiches, fries, wings, smoothies, the eatery is also home to The Southeastern Photographic Society. This partnership between restaurant and artists means customers can enjoy/purchase great photography while eating their sammiches and the members of the SPS get a great meeting space and gallery. SPS has a new theme every month so the artwork rotates frequently. This month the theme is “Sacred Spaces.” I stopped by this morning for my favorite breakfast sammich (egg and cheese on croissant – very healthy) and was entranced by the photographs. Sammiches N’ Stuff is open from 8 am until 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday so go check it out this weekend!

Posted in Retail & Restaurants | 1 Comment »

Deadline Extension for DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate Program

August 12, 2011 by Lena

DecaturWISE LogoThe deadline for the DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate Program has been extended to September 16th at 5:00pm.

Decatur businesses and organizations have the opportunity to apply for rebates for energy efficient upgrades to buildings located within the city. Funded through an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant administered through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), rebates ranging from $1,000-$4,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Check out our website for more details.

Posted in Sustainability | Leave a Comment »

Volunteer at the 2011 Decatur Book Festival

August 11, 2011 by Catherine

Be a part of Decatur’s largest festival!

Straight from the mouth email of our volunteer coordinator Lee Ann Harvey:

AJC Decatur Book Festival, Sept. 2-4 in downtown Decatur, is the largest independent book festival in the nation. It takes hundreds of volunteers to hold a world class Book Festival.  You are invited to volunteer at an author venue, help set up or close down the Book Market on the Square, or assist with one of the many other volunteer positions at the festival. This is a great opportunity for book lovers.  Volunteers receive a Decatur Book Festival t-shirt. There are opportunities available that are perfect for individuals and groups. To sign up, visit http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/2011/Participate/volunteers.php or www.decaturga.com/volunteer. If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Lee Ann Harvey at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or (678) 553-6548. Festival information is available at www.decaturbookfestival.com.

Posted in Events | 1 Comment »

Living Walls in Decatur

August 9, 2011 by Catherine

I’m sure some of you have noticed the murals going up on the side of Squash Blossom on the Square and on the side of the old Hairwerks building on Howard Ave. They’re part of the Living Walls Conference that starts this Friday in Atlanta. A couple of Decatur’s property owners agreed to “host” an artist’s work for a year. I’d like to think of it as a temporary public art gift.

As part of the conference, there are a number of murals being installed around Atlanta with four sites in Decatur: Squash Blossom (pictured), the old Hairwerks building, the Big H in Oakhurst, and Core Performance’s alley on the Square.

I’ll include more photos once the pieces are complete.


Posted in Community | 5 Comments »

Only 10 Days Left! Sign Up for the Home Energy Makeover Contest Today.

August 9, 2011 by Lena

Decatur and Atlanta residents only have 10 more days to sign up for the Home Energy Makeover Contest! The DecaturWISE and Atlanta SHINE programs have teamed up to offer two lucky homeowners free energy efficiency improvements – worth up to $10,000 – that will increase the overall comfort of their home and reduce their energy bills. Makeovers will be awarded to homeowners in each city.

Contest Details

  • The Home Energy Makeover Contest will run through August 19, 2011. Interested homeowners in both cities should visitwww.homeenergymakeovers.net to sign up.
  • Contest entrants must be at least 21 years of age and own a single family home in City of Atlanta or City of Decatur.
  • A panel of qualified judges will evaluate entries and select finalists.  Finalists will each receive a free energy use analysis conducted by a certified contractor.  After review, contest judges will choose a minimum of 2 winners.  The winners’ homes must each be a structurally sound residence and meet specific technical requirements.  All determinations by the judges will be final.
  • Individuals employed by the City of Atlanta, City of Decatur, Sponsors, promotional companies or advertising agencies involved with this Contest (or their affiliates or subsidiaries) are not eligible to apply.

Decatur Residents can call (678) 553-6577 for more information. Atlanta residents can call (404) 954-8500.

Sign Up Today!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Au Revoir Watershed

August 5, 2011 by Catherine

Watershed's Fried Chicken. Image courtesy of Food Sessions.

As excited as we are about our new foodie additions to the City of Decatur (Welcome No. 246! Welcome Oakhurst Market!), we’re equally as sad to see Watershed go. As most of you already know, the restaurant will be closing its doors after dinner service this Saturday, Aug. 6 and moving to somewhere outside of Decatur. Is there a world outside of Decatur?

I kid. Sort of.

The good news? Watershed is leaving with a bang. And that bang is two nights of its famous Southern Fried Chicken (pictured above, photo from Food Sessions). Usually only offered on Tuesday nights, the fried chicken will be available tonight and tomorrow night after 5:30 p.m. Thank you, Watershed, for leaving on such a fried sweet note! And thank you for being such an amazing business in Decatur for the past 13 years. You will be missed!

Posted in Retail & Restaurants | Leave a Comment »

King of Pops is Here!

August 4, 2011 by Catherine

For those of you who have walked across the square in the past two days, you may have noticed a new addition. The King of Pops is selling its delicious frozen pops as part of a food cart pilot project that we’ve been toying with. Some of you might remember an ice cream cart that was on the MARTA Plaza for a summer a few years ago. Although that concept didn’t take off, we were approached by two popsicle companies recently and decided to give it another go (the second pop company is coming soon).

Update: Just noticed Dateline: Decatur has a short video of customers trying out King of Pops on the square today. Check it out here.

 

Posted in Sidewalk Talk | Leave a Comment »

DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate Program Launches

August 4, 2011 by Lena

DecaturWISE LogoDecaturWISE is at it again…

The City of Decatur is excited to announce the launch of the DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate Program. This time around, businesses and organizations will have the opportunity to apply for rebates for energy efficient upgrades to buildings located within the city. Funded through an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant administered through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), rebates ranging from $1,000-$4,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis.  Applicants are also encouraged to seek rebates available from Georgia Power’s EarthCents program to maximize the benefits of DecaturWISE.

Why improve the energy efficiency in your buildings?

According to ENERGY STAR, commercial and industrial buildings are responsible for 45% of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions, and almost 30% of the energy in these buildings is wasted.  By expanding the DecaturWISE Program to commercial buildings, businesses and organizations can now save energy costs over time, as well as reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in their facilities and throughout the city. As an added bonus, DecaturWISE Rebates may be added to Georgia Power Business Rebates.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must have a Georgia Power Commercial Account rate.  This can be verified by comparing your Georgia Power bill to the commercial rates listed on the Georgia Power EarthCents website at:  http://www.georgiapower.com/earthcents/business/rates.asp

How to Obtain a Rebate:

Step 1: Obtain an energy assessment or walk-through to determine energy savings project(s).
Step 2: Obtain a detailed cost estimate for the project.
Step 3: Contact Georgia Power to determine what rebates you are eligible for, if applicable.
Step 4: Apply for a DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate by 5:00 pm, August 31, 2011.  Click HERE to download the funding announcement and application.
Step 5: Once approval is granted, register your project at www.georgiaenergychallenge.org
Step 6: Contractor to install energy efficient upgrades.
Step 7: All required documents must be received by the City of Decatur by 5:00 pm, December 13, 2011.

Further information and applications can be accessed via the DecaturWISE Commercial Rebate Program website.

If you have questions, please contact:

Lena Stevens
Resource Conservation Coordinator
City of Decatur
678-553-6577
lena.stevens@decaturga.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

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