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Free CFL Bulb Exchange at Greenfest

April 2, 2010 by Lena

Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc. and the City of Decatur are partnering to bring a light bulb exchange to Greenfest 2010.  Greenfest is being held May 1st on the Downtown Square.  The event kicks off at 3pm with live music and ends at 9:30pm.

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs can pay for themselves in as little as 6 months!

Attendees will receive 1 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb in exchange for signing an agreement to discard 1 regular, incandescent bulb when they get home.  However, if attendees bring an incandescent bulb to the event, they can receive 2 CFL bulbs!  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, CFL bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times as long.  The average CFL will save about $30 over its life, and pay for itself within 6 months.

Supplies are limited, so come early to get your free CFLs.  The light bulb exchange will last while supplies do.  The City of Decatur would like to thank Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc. for sponsoring this event.  Learn more about their company at www.atlantalightbulbs.com

Please contact Lena Stevens, Resource Conservation Coordinator for the City of Decatur with any questions at lena.stevens@decaturga.com or 404-370-4102.

Posted in Sustainability | Leave a Comment »

Winding Up for Spring

April 2, 2010 by Lena

Decatur resident, Nancie Sill winds up her Smart Car

You may have seen Nancie Sill driving her silver Smart Car around Decatur recently.  If so, maybe you noticed a silver key on the back that actually turns as she drives!  How cool is that?  Nancie shows us that promoting fuel efficiency can be fun.  The “Smart Fortwo” model of the Smart Car was rated to be the most fuel efficient two-seater car by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in their 2010 Fuel Economy Guide.   It is rated to get 33 miles per gallon (MPG) in city driving conditions, and 41MPG on the highway.

Photo Credit: Easy Living Pedicab Facebook Page

As Spring finally breaks here in Decatur, it’s a great time to wind ourselves up and start taking advantage of some alternative modes of transportation.  One option is the East Living Pedicabs.   Pedicabs are three wheeled taxis consisting of a driver platform and passenger carriage.  This service is great for rides to or from the MARTA station with your airport luggage,  special date nights :), your local shopping trip, or just a fun tour around town.  Rides start at $5, while tours start at $10.  Just call 920-371-CABS to reserve a pedicab for a pick up or tour.

Students Promote Safe Routes to School Program

How about that morning commute to school with the kids?  Consider participating in our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.  SRTS is a national program that empowers communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine activity.  The goal is to get more students and adults active to help improve fitness levels, reduce congestion around schools, and improve air quality around schools.  Decatur has had an active SRTS program for several years.

This Spring, remember that how we live and travel affects not only our physical well-being but our mental and emotional state as well. The City of Decatur is working to develop a safe, integrated transportation system that promotes bicycling and walking as a viable alternative to automobile travel, increased connectivity between neighborhoods and destinations, and equity for users of all ages and abilities.  You can read more about our goals and plans to promote complete streets in the Community Transportation Plan.

Now get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Posted in Sustainability | 1 Comment »

Agnes Scott Welcomes Community Conversation

April 1, 2010 by Linda

Agnes Scott College invites the community to an open conversation about the proposed transformation of their Creative Arts Facilities.  The team from William Rawn Associates will set up their large scale model that visually shows the proposed plan during lunch in Evans Dining Hall. 

If you are interested in seeing or hearing about their plans, stop by and talk to the team.  They will be set up and open for conversation on Thursday, April 8 from 11:30 – 1:00 and on Friday, April 9 from 12:00 – 1:30.  If you are hungry, lunch for visitors is $8.50.  However, you can participate without dining.

Free parking is available in the Agnes Scott Parking Deck if you need it.

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It's Census Day

April 1, 2010 by Meredith

This is no joke! Today is Census Day in the United States. If you have not returned your form, please do so soon. Results from the census affect federal polictical representation and the direction of billions of dollars in government funding.

Curious to know how Decatur’s participation rate compares with the other cities in DeKalb County or the country? Then check out the Take 10 Challenge Map. Let’s try to beat our 79% rate of return from the 2000 Census.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Design a Library Card

March 30, 2010 by Linda

Pull out your paints, pens, or computers and help DeKalb County Library design a limited edition library card.  The Design-a-Library-Card art contest begins Tuesday, April 13 in three age groups – children (5-12), teens (13-17) and adults (18 and older).

Details will be available at library branches (including the Decatur Library) and at www.dekalblibrary.org after the launch of the contest on April 13.  Get an early start so you will be ready to send in your winning design before the final deadline on June 1, 2010.

While you’re taking a break from designing, pull together your old/used books to donate to the Friends of the Decatur Library for their special sale during the Decatur Arts Festival in May.  Donations are accepted at the Decatur Branch – just drop them off at the front desk with a note that says for the “Friends of the Decatur Library.”  They use the proceeds to fund a variety of special programs including the popular music series.

And you thought the library was only for reading!

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Gas Leak on Coventry

March 30, 2010 by Meredith

3:00 p.m. —  It is now safe to return to the area.

The City Schools of Decatur will be holding children who reside in the area an extra 15 minutes this afternoon. When they are released,  Police Officers and Firefighters will be in the area to make sure that the children get in their homes safely and open the windows.

City staff will begin shuttling people back from the Decatur Recreation Center to their homes within the next halfhour.

Representatives from the Atlanta Gas Light Company will be out this afternoon and evening to check and reset pilot lights in affected homes.

There were no injuries or property damage.

2:00 p.m. — The gas line has been shut off but it will still be several hours before residents will be able to return to the area.

12:50 p.m. — The following streets are being evacuated: 300 to 600 blocks Coventry Road; Merrill Avenue; Chelsea Drive; Pope Circle; Ridley Circle; Kathryn Avenue and Mockingbird Lane to but not including Westchester Drive.

At this time, all residents residing in those specific areas need to open various windows throughout their residences then immediately evacuate from the area.  The City of Decatur has established the Decatur Recreation Center as the staging and evacuation point for all residents.  The Recreation Center is located at 231 Sycamore Street within the City of Decatur.

 If you need transportation assistance to the Recreation Center, Police and Fire units are standing by at Coventry Road @ Scott Blvd.  and will assist you in relocating to the recreation center.

12:20 p.m. — Earlier today, DeKalb County crews hit a gas line which has resulted in a major gas leak centered along Coventry Road.  The City is evacuating houses in the immediate area and providing the Decatur Recreation Center as an option for people.

We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Posted in Community, emergency management | Leave a Comment »

Concerts on the Square and Blue Sky Concerts Announce Bands

March 30, 2010 by cburnette

The Bitteroots Play on May 15

May in Decatur brings the return of the Decatur Business Association’s Concerts on the Square and Blue Sky Concerts. Concerts on the Square, sponsored by Wachovia/Wells Fargo, are presented every Saturday night in May beginning at 7 pm and feature an eclectic mix of music. This year, the first Concert will be held May 1 in conjunction with Decatur Green Fest.  The Holland Dutch will be the featured band and play from 7 until 9:30 pm. Bonaventure Quartet will play on May 8; The Bitteroots will play May 15; Tom Hill and the Midnight Suns will play on May 22 and Laura Monk and High Cotton will play May 29, in conjunction with the Decatur Arts Festival. Bring your picnic dinner or visit one of our many restaurants for either take out, or dining in, before the concert.

Blue Sky Concerts are held every Wednesday in May from noon until 1 pm at the Bandstand on the Square and sponsored by SunTrust.  The Jane & Scott Show starts off the Spring series on May 5, Decaturite John Zedd plays on May 12, Mike Killeen plays May 19 and the series culminates with children’s favorite Douglas Brake and the Sizzle Hiss Pop Band. Bring your lunch or pick up a sandwich from one of our many restaurants.

For more information, visit www.decaturdba.com. See you on the Square!

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The Mad Dash!

March 29, 2010 by cburnette

Folks Lined Up and Ready to "Hunt"

Saturday’s Mad Dash, uh… I mean the Easter Egg Hunt on the Square, brought in record crowds. Everyone seemed to have a great time collecting easter candy and having photos taken with the Easter Bunny. Attendees also enjoyed climbing on the mini-fire engine and turning on the siren. Thanks to the Decatur Business Association and co-chiars Ron & Kathleen Everett for making this event a success. If you happened to miss it, check out this short film:

DBA President Scott Drake Hands Out Bunny Ears

DeKalb Ambassadors Putting Out Candy

The Firefighters Brought the Bunny

Dad Putting Bunny Ears on Son

Beth Ann Clanin and New Baby's First Easter

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Atlanta Urban Area Partnership for Google Video

March 26, 2010 by Catherine

Check out the video we made with Andrea Berry for our Google Fiber for Communities Application:

Atlanta Urban Area Partnership for Google from City of Decatur on Vimeo.

A big thank you to all of our residents who have nominated Decatur and the Atlanta Urban Area Partnership for Google as a trial location for Google’s high speed network. If you haven’t completed a nomination yet, you have until 8 p.m. tonight to do so!

Posted in Community | 1 Comment »

Decatur Wins!!

March 26, 2010 by cburnette

I just received a call from the ING Georgia Marathon folks who were happy to inform us that Decatur WON the Neighborhood Challenge!! Yea!! Thanks to the citizens, the Seed & Feed Band, the city employees and everyone else that helped us make this event a success. I am still amazed that so many people stood in the “cold mist” and cheered the runners on for hours. We were still there when the last runners trotted by. 

Our prize is $3000 which will be put towards a fitness initiative. The city will use the money to “jump start” a new walking program, Walk There Decatur!

Thanks again to everyone who helped Decatur win and show the runners what a great city we live in!

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