Marco sends in this announcement…

The 1st Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby was in October 2011 and created by a group of neighbors on Madison Ave (in Oakhurst). We were inspired by a neighbor who decided to get involved with the opening of Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Awareness Center. Our motivation was to support one of our own by coming together as a community.

Our vision was to create an event that encouraged parents and children to work together. Our priorities were to raise money, support Decatur children, and have fun!!! As a result, we accomplished all three! The turnout for the 2011 derby was amazing. We had 60 registered drivers of all ages. T-Shirts were donated by friends, food was donated by our local Publix, bales of hay were donated by the local Ace Hardware and baked goods donated by moms. At that end of the day we were extremely proud to write an oversized check for $4,500 to Gigi’s Playhouse. All of this organized and accomplished by a group of neighbors with an idea.

We are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby. This year’s event will support Our House, a child care and support center for homeless families in Decatur. The mission is the same: money, children, and fun! The event is Sept. 29th, 2012 and begin at noon. Please visit madisonavesoapboxderby.org for details and follow us on Facebook for constant updates. Our goals have grown, but our grassroots efforts have stayed the same. Please come out and cheer on our racers, and help support Our House.

For more info on Our House, please visit OurHouseGA.org

Ray Glier, a Decatur resident and sportswriter who contributes to the New York Times, USA Today, and many other news and sports publications, has written a book, How the SEC Became Goliath: The Making of College Football’s Most Dominant Conference, published by Simon & Schuster.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has won the last six national titles in big time football. Not only that, but 5 of the top 11 schools in the current AP rankings are undefeated SEC schools. (Georgia is #5.)

If you’re as cynical as I am about college football, you might have assumed that the SEC achieved this success through a combination of first-rate slime and unrivaled corruption. (Think Lane Kiflin, Cam Newton, etc.)

Ray looks at the phenomenal success of the SEC and makes a convincing argument that they got where they’re at with the biggest players, superior coaching, and lots and lots of money. It’s a fun book; Ray not only knows his stuff but also writes with humor.

If you want to see Ray talk about How the SEC Became Goliath, you’re in luck. Today starts what has officially been declared “The Week of Ray.”

The Week of Ray

Wednesday, September 26th, Manuel’s Tavern, presented by A Cappella Books, 7pm, free.

Thursday, September 27th, Alabama Booksmith (Birmingham), 4pm, free.

Friday, September 28th, Little Shop of Stories, tailgating (with beer, soda, chips, and hot dogs) at 6:30 p.m., presentation at 7pm, free (because “Ray Glier” rhymes with “free beer”).

Tuesday, October 2nd, Eagle Eye Bookshop, 7pm, free.

Also This Week

Cliff Graubart, author of The Curious Vision of Sammy Levitt and Other Stories, An Evening with Pat Conroy and Cliff Graubart with an introduction by Terry Kay, Thursday, September 27th, 7pm, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, presented by A Cappella Books, $28 for individuals, $38 for couples (autographed book included). (Please note: Pat Conroy and Terry Kay will not be signing at the event.)

Eric Litwin, author of Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, (book release party), Friday, September 29th, 6pm, Little Shop of Stories, free (because it’s all good).

Adam Gidwitz, author of In a Glass Grimmly, Wednesday, October 3rd, 7pm, Little Shop of Stories, free.

* The ability to make official declarations is just one of the many perks of being a Decatur Metro contributor.

The AJC reports this morning that the DeKalb County Commission voted on Tuesday to make recycling services free to all residents, eliminating a one-time $30 subscription fee.  According to the article, DeKalb County recycling participation is only at 21% currently, and the commissioners hope to double that number by waiving the fee.

The the fee has been eliminated, residents still need to opt-in and sign up in order to participate.

• Decatur Root Beer Festival tix go on sale next month [LSOS]
• ASO lockout either extends or ends today [ArtsATL]
• Atlanta mayor proposes new panhandling law [ABC]
• Music Midtown comes of age [ArtsATL]
• Barilla pasta factory cures absentee problem [Planet Money]
• Chicago plans to end pedestrian deaths in 10 years [Chi Tribune]

Photo courtesy of Carl via Flickr