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Free Admission to Georgia Acquarium Halloween Weekend

decaturmom — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:34:29 +0000

The Georgia Aquarium will become the Georgia A-Scary-Um over the Halloween Weekend, with free admission for children under 12 wearing a costume. Here’s more from the Georgia Aquarium:

Georgia Aquarium is transforming into Georgia A-Scary-Um from Oct. 29-31. Kids 12 and under in costume receive free admission when accompanied by a paid adult or annual pass member. Not only will the Aquarium be decked out with Halloween-themed decorations, but there will be music, candy stations throughout the Aquarium, Halloween craft tables and costume contests throughout each day. So join us, wear your costumes and get ready to have a screaming good time with bat fish, spider crabs, ghost jellies and more! Radio Disney will even be stopping by on Oct. 30 from 12-2 p.m. What fun! Learn more about getting free admission and plan your Halloween adventure.

See you there!

Open Conversation About Decatur Community Center

decaturmom — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:54:02 +0000

The First Christian Church of Decatur is inviting the Decatur community to an open conversation about the unused gymnasium/community center that sits on the church property in order to gather ideas on how to revitalize it and make it a valuable asset for Decatur families. Two open sessions are scheduled; Wednesday, August 18th at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall and Saturday, August 21st at 10am. Here are more details from James, Senior Pastor at First Christian Church:

Dear Friends:

Greetings!  I do hope this note finds you well.

You are invited to participate in an open conversation.  The First Christian Church of Decatur is holding open conversations on both August 18, at 7:30PM in our Fellowship Hall, and again on Saturday, August 21 at 10AM in our Church and Community Park and Playground on Nelson Ferry Road.

This is an open conversation for both the church and the wider community to discern whether to formulate plans and collect resources to build a new community recreation center dedicated to promoting programs, which could then benefit the citizens of the Decatur community by providing excellent facilities and staff for neighborhood programs such as afterschool education and tutoring, health and wellness, sport and athletics, meeting rooms, language and cultural projects, mental health and spiritual wellness services, and so forth.  Currently we have a gym facility we have chosen to close for a variety of reasons, which leads us to ask you and each other, “What can we do with our land to help meet specific needs in Decatur?”

There is a valid and practical precedent for such an open conversation and an expectant hope.

In 1998, First Christian Church of Decatur hosted an open meeting to ask our neighbors, “What do you think should be done with our land on Ponce and Nelson Ferry?” In 1999, residents of the Ponce De Leon Heights neighborhood joined hands with the members and friends of the First Christian Church of Decatur to revitalize 1.3 acres of church property with the goal of creating a church and community park.  A Playground Task Force was formed, and its 5 members met monthly for close to ten years, producing a capital fund campaign, a terrific park, and one Decatur Home Town Hero — Mr. John Hashimoto.  By 2003, we raised over $75,000 in donations, including a $5,000 grant from the Decatur Beer Festival circa 2000; $20,000 from city residents; and $50,000 from the membership of the church.  The funds were pooled to plan, grade, build, and maintain a park and playground that is loved and used by an average of 200 families per week throughout the year.    Somebody say, “Amen!”

Practicing hospitality is a central tenet of this congregation’s faith journey.  For the Christian Church having an open door is not only an ecclesial policy, it is a way of being.  Formed in 1921 and relocated from North Adams Street to downtown Decatur in 1950, First Christian Church of Decatur has a long and significant history of civic-minded ministry.  We are delighted to open our doors “eight days a week” to host Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, local and federal Elections, music lessons and recitals, other churches, community organizations and local boards, a lawn for viewing fireworks, a park for playing and enjoying carnivals, and safe space for city-wide gatherings around spiritual and social concerns.  We calculate that while our church has 100-125 worshipers on Sunday morning, we regularly welcome an average of 1,000 people per week in our facilities, including the church building and playground.

We built a gym in 1970 that was widely used by a variety of church and city groups for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, dances, aerobics, and roller skating.   By 1997, the gym had fallen into disrepair for a variety of reasons, and is currently not in use.  However, the congregation is ready to begin to raise the following question with our city’s citizens and one another: “What can we do with our land to help meet specific needs in Decatur?” Out of this open church and community conversation may emerge (1) the will and (2) the way to establish a new Church and Community Center to foster and build relationships, bodies, minds, and souls.  Or, it may not!  Come, listen and share and let’s discern together where the Spirit is leading us.

If you have any questions or concerns or suggestions, please contact me in person at the church, by phone at 404-378-3621, or by email at citykid4evr@gmail.com.
Shalom,James
–
The Rev. Dr. James L. Brewer-Calvert
Senior Pastor
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
601 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-378-3621

See you there!

Gary DeToma Jr. Flower Memorial and Fund

decaturmom — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:36:50 +0000

A flower memorial will be held this Friday for Gary DeToma Jr., the 5-year old son of Melanie DeToma of Decatur, who was killed on Monday. Here are the details of the memorial from Suzanne Kennedy, Principal of College Heights Early Learning Center, as posted on Decatur Metro:

In an effort to show support for Melanie DeToma and her family, but at the same time respect their wishes for privacy, a flower memorial in Harmony Park is being arranged by the community. A linden tree will be planted on-site by Trees Atlanta. Hopefully, by Friday afternoon families can begin to gather bouquets and remembrances as a gesture of goodwill for the family.

If you are able and wish to participate, simply place a suitable arrangement among the flowers in Harmony Park beginning on Friday afternoon. Please do not forget about the Gary DeToma Jr. Memorial Fund at Decatur First Bank, which is another way of showing support to the family as they get through this very difficult time.

Please also be aware that a fund has been established at Decatur First Bank to remember Gary and support the family during this difficult time.

The bank is accepting cash and/or checks-checks should be made out to the Gary DeToma Jr. Fund.

Donations can be made at the bank or mailed–The mailing address is 1120 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030 or 720 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030

Please pass this information on, and do what you can to help support the family of Gary DeToma Jr. and the Decatur community through this tragedy.

My deepest condolences go out to Melanie DeToma, her son, Will, and the rest of the family.

Happy Mother’s Day Decatur Moms

decaturmom — Sun, 09 May 2010 13:13:53 +0000

Whether you are spending the day at soccer, in church, at brunch, in the park, with your family, with friends or just taking time alone to relax, know that this is a very good day to reflect on all that you do, the fun stuff and the challenges too, with the assurance that is indeed enough because it is done with love.

Happy Mother’s Day to Decatur Moms and to moms all around the world!

Have a terrific day!

February Parent’s Night Out at Leapin’ Lizards

decaturmom — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:17:54 +0000

Leapin’ Lizards is hosting a Parent’s Night Out on Saturday Feb. 27th from 7 – 10pm. The cost is $25 per child and $20 for each sibling. Here are some more details from the Leapin’ Lizards newsletter:

“Want to go out to dinner? Sure. How about a movie? Why not!” With Leapin’ Lizards PNO the options are endless. Bring your child(ren) in their favorite PJs to Leapin’ Lizards where they will have a fun time in a safe environment. Your child will make new friends and play with old ones as they enjoy hours of leaps on our inflatables, create art projects to take home and dine with friends. Our trained staff will make sure your child has fun and is tired out The best part is you can take them straight to bed after picking them up.

Space is limited. Online Registration will be open until Friday Feb 26th at LeapinLizardPlay.com

Tune into the Star 94 Cares for Kids Radiothon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

decaturmom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:18:58 +0000

From November 12 through 14, Star 94 listeners will meet some of the biggest “stars” of all – the patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – during the seventh annual Star 94 Cares for Kids Radiothon, presented by Foresters. Between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on November 12 and 13 and between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on November 14, listeners will hear not only the voices of Star 94’s personalities, but also the courageous voices of the children and families whose lives have been touched by Children’s. Please click here for additional information about the radiothon.

Here are the Radiothon details and information on how you can help -

Dates:
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
November 12-14, 2009

Times:
Thursday, Nov. 12: 6 am – 7 pm
Friday, Nov. 13: 6 am – 7 pm
Saturday, Nov. 14: 8 am – 6 pm

Location:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

How to Help:
Donate online
Become a Change Bandit!

Tune into Star 94 and keep it locked there this weekend to support Children’s and help the kids in our community.

Maclaren Stroller Recall

decaturmom — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:11:01 +0000

If there is one thing that the City of Decatur has a lot of, it’s strollers. So, I think that it is pertinent to pass on the news about the massive Maclaren stroller recall following fingertip amputations. Here is a summary of the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s report from PR Newire and information on what you should do next if you own one of the recalled strollers:

Name of product: Maclaren Strollers

Units: About one million

Distributor: Maclaren USA, Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

Description: This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

Sold at: Babies”R”Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall.

Photo from www.cpsc.gov. More photos available.

    Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 688-2326
    CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
    CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

If you own one of these strollers please discontinue use immediately and contact Maclaren to receive your free repair kit.

Children’s Museum Facebook Contest

decaturmom — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:45:38 +0000

Decatur Mom reader, Lena, wants to let everyone know about a contest to win an annual pass to the Children’s Museum and other great Atlanta attractions by becoming a fan of the Children’s Museum on Facebook. Simply become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/imagineitcma by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 and you’ll be entered in the random drawing.

Here are some more contest details from Lena:

If you win, you can use the membership to take advantage of Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious, which will start Oct. 10 and continue through Jan. 24, 2010. At the exhibit, kids will learn about math, science and engineering while having a ton of fun exploring Curious George’s neighborhood.

Thanks for the tip, Lena!!

DeKalb YMCA Fall Five 5K Run/Walk This Saturday

decaturmom — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:32:32 +0000

REMINDER: The Decatur – Dekalb YMCA Fall Five is on Saturday, September 19th!

Registration is still open. Registration is $20.00 before the 19th and $25.00 day of the run.

Tickets for the Tot Trot and Prize Drawing are $5.00 each. Prizes include YMCA free 3 month memberships, ballet, gymnastics classes, gifts from Hoopla and Little Shop of Stories and certificates from SalonRed Kids, Natural Bath and Body and more!

The Decatur-DeKalb YMCA Fall Five, a 5K and Tot Trot and Prize Drawing on September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. benefits its Partner With Youth program with proceeds going directly to College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center in Oakhurst.

To learn more about this fundraiser and register please visit, www.fallfive.com.

Volunteers needed. Sponsorships appreciated. Race runs rain or shine.Email info@fallfive.com with questions.

Oak Grove YCS Consignment Sale

decaturmom — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:30:41 +0000

Jen, from the Oak Grove Young Children’s School, sent a reminder that it’s nearly time for the 2009 Oak Grove Young Children’s School toy and clothing consignment sale. The public sale takes place on September 25 & 26. Here are some more details from the Oak Grove YCS consignment web site:

Sale Location:
Oak Grove UMC Young Children School
1722 Oak Grove Road
Decatur, GA 30033

Sale Dates and Hours:
Thursday, September 24
Preview Night – Passes Required
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Friday, September 25
9:15 am to 1:30 pm AND
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, September 26
Half Price Day
9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Sale Merchandise:
* Season Appropriate Clothing (Newborn to size 14) Children’s shoes (like new / gently used up to big kid size 5, only specialty shoes – dress, soccer – above size 5) Toys & Dolls (no war games, shooting toys, or weapons) Books (infant, toddler, preschool, early reader, chapter books, please no happy meal books) CDs, Computer games, DVDs (videos no longer accepted), video games (originals only – no reproductions) Games and Puzzles (all pieces included)
* Sporting goods

* Baby Equipment (high chairs, swings, pack n plays, exersaucers, breast pumps, car seats, strollers, and more) Children’s furniture and layette (such as cribs, toddler beds, changing tables, gliders, rockers, toy boxes, train tables, small table and chair sets for a playroom). Crib bedding and other nursery decor (please hang bedding). Outdoor toys (bikes, disassembled playhouses, wagons).
* Strollers and car seats (manufacture date 5 years or less).

Appropriate seasonal girls’ and boys’ clothing for Fall / Winter Sale:

* Long sleeve shirts and dresses, pants, pajamas, sweaters, heavy coats , jackets and costumes. Fall holiday-themed clothing (Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc). Any style (current fashion) outfit in a heavier fabric such as velvet or corduroy. Clothing accepted for Newborn to child’s size 14.Not accepted – short sleeve or sleeveless t-shirts, sundresses, Capri pants, shorts, and light “spring” fabrics such as linen. Blue jeans and collared, short sleeve polo style shirts are accepted year-round.
* Maternity clothes are NOT part of the sale anymore.

Thanks Jen! See you there!