The bar is high for gas stations in Decatur–one former station won a James Beard award,  another is a model for a burgeoning taqueria franchise, and yet another once sold a beer for over $2500. And that’s only the ones on Ponce. Now, the former Hi Tech gas station at the corner of Ponce and Candler, legendary site of Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin’s encounter with Decatur’s marauding undead, is set to reopen over the next couple weeks. Service next week, gas available the week after. Detailing and other stuff soon after that.

The property is getting a facelift. It will wear the Pure Gasoline badge, but the shop itself will be operated under the name “Men With Gas and Tools” The gassy, tooly partnership includes Decatur scion Scott Drake, unofficial Oakhurst mayor Marc Brennan (of U-Joint and Steinbecks), and Joel Ross, onetime master mechanic at the Nissan dealership on Church St.

The Pure station, not intimidated by its competition, is stepping up to the plate and  will be all Decatur–sending a portion of proceeds to various Decatur charities on a rotating basis. But that’s not what has us down here on this end of Ponce excited. No, that would be the fact that they will be stocking prepared foods from the Oakhurst Market. Let me say that again–you’ll be able to get Oakhurst Market goodies right there on Ponce. Can growlers on Sunday be far behind?

Monique writes in…

November 6-7. The Junior League of DeKalb County-  21st Annual Bargain Bazaar.

Doors open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 6 and from 1 pm to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 7.

There are many treasured items to be uncovered at this indoor sale of gently used items, including Children and Baby Items, Linens, Books and Gadgets, House Wares, Appliances, Furniture and much, much more! No cover charge. For more information, contact Junior League of DeKalb County at 404-378-4536. www.jldekalb.org

First Decatur Baptist Church
308 Clairemont Ave
Decatur, Georgia 30030

This annual fundraiser helps JLD to fund initiatives that are dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in DeKalb County.

Diane writes in with a project she recently discovered online and wanted to share with the Decatur (Georgia) community.

Over on “Adventures in Paradise”, the mother of the commander of the USS Decatur, Lynne, recently wrote of her plans of putting together 278 gift boxes for the sailors on board.  Together with the help of her daughter, Commander Shanti Sethi, they compiled a list of items to include in the boxes, most notably 278 hand-knitted wool hats for the sailors on those cold days and nights at sea.

The deadline for items is November 1st.  Please note that I can’t 100% verify the validity of this effort, except to say that it certainly seems authentic – there are MANY replies from other knitters indicating they would be drumming up support – and that the blog includes many entries from Sethi herself, with reports and pictures aboard the Decatur.

So there you have it.  There is no connection here other than that many frequenters of this site and those aboard the Decatur currently live in locations named after the Naval hero.  But sometimes, in a world so vast, that is all that’s needed to focus an effort and help out a fellow American.

Members of the community have gotten together and arranged a flower memorial for Gary DeToma Jr. in Oakhurst’s Harmony Park.  College Heights principal Suzanne Kennedy sent out the details yesterday about how you can participate…

Dear Parents,

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.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Kennedy

Principal of College Heights

UPDATE: The AJC has a new, more detailed story on the case this morning, with more neighbor accounts and mention of DeToma’s Sr.’s court appearance yesterday afternoon.  Articles about the murder of Gary DeToma Jr. have been hovering among the most popular posts all week on the Atlanta paper’s website, so expect them to stay on top of this story for a while.

A few commenters reported yesterday that a fund had been set up at Decatur First Bank for Gary DeToma Jr.  Here are the details…

A fund has been set up to help the family with expenses. Here is the information:

Decatur First Bank

Gary DeToma Jr Fund

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

In related news, the principal of College Heights ECLC sent out an letter to parents yesterday, which mentions the fund and provides a couple new details of the timeline for Gary Jr.’s funeral and the condition of his brother.