In Memory of our City of Decatur Hometown Hero- Shirley Kendrick

Shirley Kendrick will be remembered as the resident with the big heart.  Shirley moved to Decatur in 1967 and served many roles in the community. She was the Cambridge Neighborhood Association President, assisted families with MARTA Cards, Christmas gifts, helped families in crisis and each Mother’s Day/Father’s Day she organized the community to take individuals with absentee family members to dinner.  She played a key role with Decatur Active Living operating the concession stand at Oakhurst, Decatur Recreation Center and McKoy since 1999. When there was little league game at Oakhurst you could count on her to have the concession up and running.  All proceeds she put back into the community with her Back to School Picnic at Oakhurst. Children in the community could get notebooks, paper, pencils, back packs and other school necessities.

In 2002 she was nominated as a Hometown Hero by Decatur Recreation and Community Services Department (presently known as Decatur Active Living).  People from all walks of life respect her ability to organize, problem solve and motivate others in the Decatur community.  Shirley thanks for serving Decatur and your legacy will always be remembered at Decatur Active Living.

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Olympic Tribute and Celebration On the Decatur Square- Dee Dee Trotter and Angelo Taylor

Thursday, September 20

6pm on the Decatur Square

Celebrate two remarkable DeKalb Olympians- Dee Dee Trotter, bronze winner in the 400m and Angelo Taylor, silver medal winner in the 4 x 400 relay.  Both attend school in DeKalb County- Dee Dee Trotter (Cedar Grove) and Angelo Taylor (Southwest DeKalb). Angelo Taylor has been to four Olympics- 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis and the DeKalb County Commissioners invite everyone to a special “Olympic Celebration”.

BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival- Saturday, August 18

 

Decatur’s 12th Annual Decatur Barbeque, Blues & Bluegrass Festival is brought to you by three non-profit groups the Community Center of South Decatur, the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association and Decatur Active Living. All proceeds of the festival will be invested directly into the Decatu community.Featured music- Mama’s Blue Dress, Dejablue Grass Band, Heather Luttrell, Roxy Watson and the Electromatics.  For more information visit www.decaturbbqfesitval.com and purchase tickets at www.ticketalternative.com

Location: Harmony Park

Time: 4-10pm

Cost: $9 in advance, $10 day of the event

Kids11-20: $5

Kids 10 and under- Free

Postal Service’s Bicycling Stamps Promote Healthy Lifestyle

One of the nation’s most popular outdoor activities gets its stamp of approval from the U.S. Postal Service with the issuance of the Bicycling Forever stamps.  The four stamps feature a young child just learning  to ride with training wheels, a commuter pedaling to work, a road racer intent on the finish line and an airborne BMX rider. 

Decatur is a bike friendly community so Decatur bikers obtain your bicycling stamp today.  Please visit your local post office or the stamps can be purchased online at usps.com/shop.

Cycling Benefits

Bicycling is an efficient  and affordable means of transportation.

Cycling reduces Obesity, Heart Disease, Improves Muscle Tone and Strength

Recent surveys indicate that Americans enjoy billions of bike rides a year

New Sprinkler System Being Installed at Decatur Recreation Center

Construction continues to make progress at Decatur Recreation Center and during my visit to the construction site the following pictures were captured as the new sprinkler system was being installed in the multi-purpose room.  The new sprinkler system has been installed in the gym area and downstairs area.  For construction updates continue to visit Be Active Decatur.com

  

It’s Hot Out There!

With forecasted temperatures reaching above 100* this weekend, several City of Decatur locations have been designated as cooling centers:

Friday- June 29, 2012 between the hours of 12 noon-5pm

  • Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St., Commission Room  

Friday-Sunday, June 29, June 30 and July 1, 2012 between the hours of 12 noon -5pm

  • Ebster Recreation Center, 430 W. Trinity Place- Theater 
  • Fire Station One, 230 E. Trinity Place- Training Room
  • Decatur Police Department, 420 W. Trinity Place- Lobby

The Decatur Fire Department will have a limited number of “Box Fans” to distribute to those who demonstrate a need. Contact the Decatur Fire Department at 404-373-5092 for more information.

Active Living Sport Camps Kickoff with a Blast

Decatur Active Living Sport Camps kicked off with rainy weather on Monday but sunshine on Friday.  Decatur Active Living offered a variety of camps this week- Skate  McKoy, Softball Camp, Lacrosse Camp and Baseball Camp. Special thanks to our instructors this week Paul Kennedy, Don  Rigger, Gary Anderson and Eddie Fowlkes for teaching the fundamentals and character to our young participants.  During the week at Lacrosse Camp it was exciting to see former Decatur High School students and current players giving back to the Decatur community.  Get active and join the fun at Decatur Active Living Sport Camps.  For more information visit www.decaturga.com

Pictures of campers doing the week below at Skate McKoy and Lacrosse Camp:

 

       

Kids and Teen Arts Festival/Bike Valet Service at the Decatur Arts Festival

Saturday, May 26    10am-2pm  First Baptist Church of Decatur (308 Clairemont Ave)

The Decatur Kids/Teen Arts Festival returns again this year to the spacious front lawn of the Decatur First Baptist Church on Clairemont.  Children 0-13 can enjoy activities that include arts and crafts, a rock wall, inflatables, balloon designs, music and more! In true Decatur tradition, the day starts with a Wacky Parade, Lineup begins at 9;40am at the corner of Commerce Drive and Church Street.  Decorate your stroller, wagon, bike and your family to show off your creative spirit.

Bike Valet

May 26 and 27 

New this year is free bike valet service.  A valet attendant remains on  duty to park and monitor bikes during the event.  The Decatur Arts Festival worked with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to provide this service.  The bike valet service is sponsored by Bicycle South and the City of Decatur.

 

 

Team USA Road to London Comes to Decatur- May 30

Wednesday, May 30        1-8pm on the square

The City of Decatur will be a part of the Olympic Games on Wednesday, May 30 from 1-8pm on the square.  The Olympics are coming to DeVry University her in Decatur!  The Team USA Road to London tour is an extension o the partnership that DeVry has established with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).  As we approach the Olympic Games (July 27-August 12) in London this summer, the USOC is bringing an interactive Olympic experience to our extended DeVry University communities.

Attendees will be able to interact with each other in a number of fun activities, meet U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls, and receive some USOC and DeVry University branded merchandise. 

Decatur High School Lacrosse Prepares for the Big Game Tonight

For the first time in school history the Decatur High Boys Lacrosse Team has reached the semi-finals of the state lacrosse tournament.  Decatur (14-5) will play Pope (14-3-1) in the historical game tonight.   The game starts at 7:30pm at the Bulldog Stadium.  Admission is $7 per person.  Many of the young men have played  together since the youth program began at Decatur Active Living in 2003.   Decatur fans come out and support the team as they make history. Go Bulldogs!