Crisp evenings call for lots of community events!

• Paula tells us that Greene’s Fine Foods is having its Grand Opening today, notated by balloons out front.
• Carl writes in that Worthmore is having an “America Celebrates Photography” opening reception tonight featuring Johnny Colt, the original bass player for The Black Crowes and the current bass player for Train.
• From a recent walkby – Sharian’s annual outdoor rug sale starts tomorrow and runs thru the 12th.  Look for the nighttime security guard.
• Beacon Hill Studios is hosting an Open House fundraiser for DHS Arts program this Saturday from 4p-9p ($10 suggested donation) – courtesy of Carl
• Though this happened last week, “A” lets us know that Twist & Scoot’s new Decatur store is now open between Dancing Goat’s and Whit’s End.

Anything else?

Renovations at Sharian Rugs look to be almost complete and the buildings are looking better than ever. The showroom window is making much better use of street-front property and the iconic art-deco main office building is cleaned up and looking better than it has in years.

This morning 11Alive highlights Decatur’s oldest continually operating business and assures us that they’re still open. (Yes, we were already aware.)

Cheers to you Sharian! You win the Decatur Metro award for being really cool about investing in the look and economy of our lovingly hip Decatur. It’s kinda like a Hometown Hero award, but there’s no physical award or ceremony and its given out randomly by single dorky blogger instead of the active and intelligent city commission.

h/t: InDecatur

“About the only things that haven’t changed in this town are the courthouse and Sharian Rugs.” AJC 2/16/06

Sharian, one of Decatur’s oldest businesses (est. 1931), is giving its buildings at 368 Ponce de Leon Ave a much-needed makeover.

The oriental rug retailer and cleaner has given its distinctive Art Deco office building a fresh coat of paint and removed its “Sharian” lettering from over the door (also being restored?). Additionally, the company’s long, oddly-situated, 1950s-era brick showroom (to the left in the picture above) is better-utilizing its spot along Ponce and installing a display window.

The interiors of both buildings are also under major renovation, as is quite evident when its rooms are lit in the evenings.

First and Second Generation Sharians in 1968 (Courtesy of Sharian.com)