From Mr. Chris Billingsley…

Former DHS principal, Silas “Red” Prosser, who led Decatur High during the turbulent years of school integration, died in his home in Macon, GA. on Friday (His obit was in Saturday’s AJC). He had quite a career in public education, as a teacher, coach, and finally finishing as principal of DHS. I believe he retired in 1977.

What I remember the most about Mr. Prosser was that he gave me my first job as a teacher but fired me at the end of the year. He called it a “reduction in staff” but basically I was told that I could resign or get fired. The next year, I was called back to serve as a long-term sub and was eventually offered a contract, but for years, I held a grudge against Mr. Prosser. How could he fire such an outstanding first year teacher? I only saw him one more time after that, at a reunion for retired educators. He didn’t remember me but we had a pleasant conversation about coaching. I wish now that I had told him how influential he was to my development as a teacher and coach. He fired me because I was a lousy teacher. I should have received the “1976-77 Clueless First Year Teacher” award! Had I had the chance, I would have told him that I was a child in 1976 but he helped me realize that I needed to put up my childhood ways. He forced me to grow up quickly or find another career. Now that I think about it, it may have been the most valuable lesson I ever learned from an administrator. Thanks Mr. Prosser. God Speed.

Here’s the link to Mr. Prosser’s obituary in the AJC.

Allison writes in a comment…

McGowan’s Pub is now open for business next to Palate. The space looks great. The staff was very friendly, twenty beers on tap. Full menu will be available in another week.

I heard the same thing when I was down in Oakhurst on Friday night.

I had been in touch with Jill, the owner, who told me they would be open in a week or so.  I guess she meant they would be”completely open” – with a full menu and whatnot – in a week’s time.

No website yet that I can tell.  I’ll be sure to let you all know when it’s up.

From TicketAlternative…

We’re very excited to announce that tickets for 2010′s Decatur Craft Beer Festival are going on sale September 20. The event is set to take place on October 16 in downtown Decatur, Ga., and will feature more than 100 of the best local, national and international beers, as well as live music and food from local restaurants. Decatur truly is one amazing beer town, and this festival has a history of selling out pretty fast, so be sure to get your tickets for this incredible beer-lovers paradise.

Tickets remain at $35 each, according to festival’s website.  Also of note, “The festival is limited to the first 4,000 ticket holders. All tickets are sold online. No tickets are available for purchase at the gate.”

No beer list yet.