The Decatur Minute

As Hurricane Irma is making its way to the East Coast, there are steps that you can take to make sure that you, your family and friends are prepared for potential severe weather. Click here for tips on how to prepare.

Reminders:

• Register for Smart911 now at Smart911.com. You can opt-in for severe weather and other notifications as well as create or update your Smart911 profile with any special medical concerns (such as a household member who uses medical equipment that requires electricity).

• Charge all cell phones and put fresh batteries in emergency radios. When contacting loved ones, a text message is more likely to get through than a phone call.

• Download the FEMA smartphone app for additional tips and emergency information.

• Stay tuned to www.decaturga.com, thedecaturminute.com and the city’s official social media pages for up-to-date information.

For more tips on how to prepare for a hurricane click here.

The Decatur community is welcome to participate in community conversations on Sunday, Sept. 24, 5- 7:30 p.m. This event will also feature the I Am Decatur photo project.

Read the personal stories of fellow community members, and then join in on a broad community conversation across differences. Participants will be supported by table facilitators and invited to share experiences and perspectives on various topics. The event will take place at Beacon Municipal Center, Ebster Gym, 105 Electric Ave., and is free to the community. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP at goo.gl/tPa55D (use password WeAreDecatur17). Registration ends Friday, September 15.

This is a weekly blog post that lists all of the events and sales going on around town. It will be updated daily. If you would like to add an event, email renae.madison@decaturga.com.

Sunday, September 3

• AJC Decatur Book Festival, noon
• Lillian Smith Book Award Ceremony 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 6

• Blue Sky Concert, noon
• Wednesday Decatur Farmers Market , 4 p.m.

Thursday, September 7

• Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite, 7 p.m.
• Book as Art White Glove Night 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, September 9

• Tai Chi and Qigong, 7:30 a.m
• Saturday Decatur Farmers Market , 9 a.m.
• Downtown Decatur Food Tour, 11 a.m.
• Food Photography at Revival, 1 p.m.
• Concert on the Square, 7 p.m.

This is a reminder that all city offices are closed Monday, September 4, for Labor Day. Regular services for Monday, September 4, will be on Tuesday, September 5. Regular services for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, September 6.

This is a weekly blog post that lists all of the events and sales going on around town. It will be updated daily. If you would like to add an event, email renae.madison@decaturga.com.

Sunday, August 27

• Downtown Decatur Food Tour, 11- 2 p.m.
• Stories in the Woods 1 p.m.
• POP UP Plant Sale 2 p.m.
• Music in the Garden 2 p.m.

Tuesday, August 29

• 2017 Fall Book Preview, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, August 30

• Wednesday Decatur Farmers Market , 4 p.m.

Thursday, August 31

• Atlanta Startup Night – Wild Heaven Beer, 6 p.m.
• Cocktails and Comedy, 9 p.m.

Friday, September 1

• The Art of Protest, 6 p.m.

Saturday, September 2

• Saturday Decatur Farmers Market , 9 a.m.
• Fall Plant Sale
• AJC Decatur Book Festival, 10 a.m.
• Bank SEE, noon

In 2015, the City of Decatur signed a resolution to become one of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Cities. Decatur will join Welcoming America and other organizations around the world in participating in Welcoming Week, Sept. 15-24. This year’s Welcoming Week theme is “Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities.” During this annual week of events, communities are encouraged to bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born neighbors to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. See planned events below.

Welcoming Week Decatur Reception
Friday, Sept. 15 ∙ 5- 7 p.m.

This year Decatur will host a Welcoming Week kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 15, at the community bandstand on the square. Bring your family and friends as we celebrate what it means to be a member of the Decatur community. There will be artists, refreshments and speakers from the community sharing their stories of immigration and what being a Decatur resident means to them, and the unveiling of the I Am Decatur photo project. The event is free and open to all who wish to join.

*A public art installation based on Decatur photographer, Beate Sass’ I Am Decatur photo project will be on view beginning Sept. 15 at the community bandstand on the square. You can also view the exhibit online at IamDecatur.com. Subscribe to receive new stories as they are published.

Atlanta Panyarders Caribbean Arts and Culture Exhibit
Friday, Sept. 22• 5-8 p.m.

The Atlanta Panyarders Caribbean Arts and Cultural group invites the community to the bandstand on Friday, Sept. 22, to embark on a journey through Caribbean culture. The program will include steelpan music, a display of elaborate festival costumes and interactions with the audience.

We Are Decatur: Building Community through Conversations
Sunday, Sept. 24• 5-7:30 p.m.

The Decatur community is welcome to participate in community conversations around Sunday supper on Sept. 24. This event will feature the I Am Decatur photo project.

Read the personal stories of fellow community members, and then join in on a broad community conversation across differences. Participants will be supported by table facilitators and invited to share experiences and perspectives on various topics. The event will take place at Beacon Municipal Center, Ebster Gym, 105 Electric Ave., and is free to the community. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP at goo.gl/tPa55D (use password WeAreDecatur17).

Decatur will host its fourth Open Office Hour with Commissioner Scott Drake on Thursday, August 24 from 7 – 8 p.m. Commissioner Drake will speak for approximately 15-20 minutes on the topic of Keeping It Indie-Catur – advantages and challenges facing businesses and business life in Decatur. Do you have a question relating to these areas that you would like for him to answer? If you already have a question in mind, submit it on Open City Hall here now.

The community is invited to tune in to watch online and will be able and encouraged to submit questions related to the topic live via Twitter, Facebook, email or phone (info will be posted on Thursday right before the meeting).