Dave reported in this morning to say that Decatur Diner was closed and that there were reports of another restaurant taking its place.  Can’t confirm that, but another Dave followed up this afternoon with this photo and stated…

Closed sign on door. Door open, lights off.

What’s up?

UPDATE: The Schmacher group has announced the sale on its website.  It reads in part…

The Shumacher Group, Inc. and Steven Josovitz represented the Seller Nahidul Khan in transaction. Irving Jacobson of The Shumacher Group, Inc. Co-Broker deal with Mr. Josovitz representing Buyers Mike Brocius. Mike plans are to convert space to a full service hi quality hi energy Mexican restaurant and bar with a street food twist and exciting patio service.

This business was just sold in October but new absentee owner has no full service experience and not capable of growing or manage business thus reason for sale. This is one of the hottest corners in all of Metro Atlanta with incredible visibility, frontage hi traffic car and foot traffic at the intersection of Church and Ponce.

This Wednesday’s guest blogger is Krista, manager at Little Shop and poetry lover.

It’s National Poetry Month!!!

When is the last time you read a poem?

I’ve been reading them a lot this month, because of our Poem of the Day blog. But usually, poetry is something that I like the idea of, but never really seem to read on a regular basis. So that’s why I make a point to do it in April.

In 1996 the Academy of American Poets was inspired by the celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), so they declared April to be National Poetry Month. Since then, they’ve gotten government agencies, educational leaders, publishers, sponsors, art organizations, and libraries and bookstores to promote poetry, in hopes of widening the attention of individuals to the beauty and importance of poetry. Most people can recall some Emily Dickinson or Shakespeare from a high school English class, but then eventually forget about the genre all together, and the Academy of American Poets wants to change that.

There are some really terrific contemporary poetry anthologies out there–Garrison Keillor’s Good Poems collections are always a good choice–and there are also lots of ways to celebrate National Poetry Month. Memorize a poem, bring a book of poetry to read while you’re at lunch, write a poem on the pavement in sidewalk chalk, or attend a poetry reading. Even if you missed Java Monkey’s Grand Slam on April 8th, there are lots of events to choose from this month:

Thursday, April 19, 8:00 p.m.
What’s New In Poetry Series: Ben & Sandra Doller and Jessica Smith
The Emory Poetry Council will host a reading at the Barnes & Noble campus bookstore, 1390 Oxford Road. The reading is free and parking is available on the street and in the deck behind the store.

Friday, April 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Earth Poetry for Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day 2012, Stephen Wing continues the ancient poetic tradition of celebrating the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth. Reading followed by open mike on nature and ecology theme. Wing is the author of two books of poetry and an eco-comic novel, Free Ralph! A benefit for Environment Georgia, $5.00 at the door. Sycamore Place Gallery, 120 Sycamore Place, Decatur.

Thursday, April 26, 7 pm
Little Shop’s Annual Poetry Jam
We love National Poetry Month and we’re finishing off the month with an opportunity for all of you to share your favorite poems–either by you or your favorite poet! Invite your friends and family and join us at Little Shop of Stories for an evening of beautiful words and sharing!

Saturday, April 28, 3 to 5:00 p.m.
Sibling Rivalry Press Showcase
Georgia Center for the Book will host this special event at the Decatur Library as part of National Poetry Month featuring four nationally known poets whose work is published by Sibling Rival Press of Little Rock. The poets include Megan Volpert of Atlanta, Jessie Carty from Charlotte, Stephen Mills from Orlando, Loria Taylor, and Bryan Borland, the poet and publisher from Little Rock. they’ll be reading from their work and signing copies of their books at this afternoon event, free to everyone.

Saturday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.
The Poetry In Music
Franklin Abbott invites an eclectic cast of poets to reveal the poetry in the lyrics of their favorite musicians. Join us to celebrate National Poetry Month with the following readers: Franklin Abbott, Dustin Brookshire, Taryn Crenshaw, Rupert Fike, Collin Kelley, Janet Metzger, and Rico Revels.  Bound To Be Read Books, 481-B Flat Shoals Ave. in East Atlanta Village.

This Week

Haley Kilpatrick, author of The Drama Years: Real Girls Talk About Surviving Middle School — Bullies, Brands, Body Image, and More, tonight, April 18th at 7pm, Decatur High School Performing Center, for moms and their girls; see Little Shop of Stories for information.

Kevin Wilson, author of The Family Fang, tonight, April 18th at 7:15pm, Decatur Library Auditorium and hosted by Georgia Center for the Book, free.  (The Family Fang was recently mentioned by Ann Patchett as a Pulitzer-worthy novel.)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, author of Monday Mornings, Monday (appropriately enough), April 23rd at 7:30pm, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Zaban Park, sold out.

Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China, Tuesday, April 24th at 7:15pm, Decatur Library Auditorium and hosted by Georgia Center for the Book, free.

Sean Connolly, author of The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science and The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math, Wednesday, April 25th at 7pm, Little Shop of Stories, free.

Delia Ephron, author of The Lion is In, Wednesday, April 25th at 8pm, Atlanta History Center, free.

• Watershed of Buckhead plans to open May 24th [AJC]
• CSD meeting about budget today, no millage increase expected [Patch]
• Decatur High football schedule set [Patch]
• Terrapin to feature unique beer at Decatur Green Fest [Decatur Minute]
• Savannah gets its first electric car charging stations [SMN]

• Majority of ATL hybrid car buyers are not repeat buyers [ABC]