Concert by the River
Decatur Youth Symphony
Maple Hill Band

Rhodes Ferry Park
Monday nights 6-8pm
Bring a picnic, a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment!

Concert by the River
Austin High School Jazz Band
Rocket City Jazz Orchestra

Rhodes Ferry Park
Monday nights 6-8pm
Bring a picnic, a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment!

Former Olympians teach skating skills
Point Mallard Ice Complex
7 - 8:30 PM

Concert by the River
Robert Montgomery
Decatur High School 3:15 Jazz Band

Rhodes Ferry Park
Monday nights 6-8pm
Bring a picnic, a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment!

Decatur Police Department
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
“COPS on TOP!”

Beginning Friday morning, May 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 AM and ending Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 PM the Decatur Police Department will be hosting a fund raiser for the “Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics”. A number of Law Enforcement Officers across Morgan County along with a number of volunteers will participate in the event.

The event has been named “COPS on TOP“. This is the Fourth Annual event and will be held at the Wal-Mart Super Center on Spring Avenue in Decatur, Al. Beginning at 8:30 AM Police Officers from around the Morgan County area will meet on the front steps of Decatur City Hall. After a brief introduction of this year’s event and some special sponsors of the event, the Law Enforcement Officers joined by Special Olympic athletes will run the Law Enforcement Torch for Special Olympics from Decatur City Hall to the Wal-Mart Super Center located on Spring Ave in Decatur. Upon arrival at the Wal-Mart (at approximately 9:30 AM) Decatur Police Department’s Officers Juan Penuelas and Mike Hazel along with Rocket 95.1’s “Fish” from the “Go Fish morning Show” will be stationed on the roof of Wal-Mart and will remain there while attempting to obtain donations for Special Olympics thru Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 PM.

The Decatur Police Department’s Mobile Command Post will be on display during the event. The Decatur Police Department’s School Resource Officers will be there on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 at designated times to assist and finger printing all supervised children. They encourage all Parents/Guardians to bring your children and obtain finger prints cards for your personal records.

The Decatur Police Department’s Traffic Division will be on hand at the event on Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd , 2008 at designated times. The Traffic Division will provide a drive thru inspection area were the traffic safety officers will provide a courtesy inspection and installation of your child’s safety seat.

Throughout the duration of the event there will be a number of the Special Olympics athletes and “VIP” guess arriving and participating and assisting in the fund raising. Such as the Decatur Police Chief Kenneth Collier, Morgan County Sheriff Greg Bartlett and other elected Officials. There will be a number of local bands and musicians performing during the event at Wal-Mart throughout the day Friday and Saturday.

We have planned for there to be several attractions on-site during the fund raiser to include a visit from the Alabama State Trooper Helicopter, Jumping gyms for the kids, and event sponsor “Extreme Marine” will be on site displaying a few of their boats and skis. We expect a large turnout for all these attractions and welcome everyone to come join in the fun while supporting this worth while cause.

Our Law Enforcement Community has developed a special connection to “Special Olympics” athletes. That interaction has changed our lives and motivated us as a group to give of our money and time, to promote “Special Olympics”. In doing so we’ve learned that these wonderful individuals have so much more to give to us than we can ever hope to give to them. If you don’t understand that statement, I challenge you to get involved in “Special Olympics” and you soon will!

Please come out and support this event. To learn more about the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics you can go to the state web site at http://www.alabamaletr.com/

We (Decatur PD) do have a new Web-site link (See/Click Below) where you can make donations on-line to our local event.

Thank you in advance for your support.

http://firstgiving.com/therocket

City of Decatur/Patrick Murphree blood drive
PDF Download
9 AM-3 PM

Old State Bank Program to focus on “Alabama’s Most Famous 19th Century Outlaws”
Program to take place on March 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM

The year 2008 marks the 175th anniversary of Decatur’s Old State Bank and everyone is invited to visit the Old State Bank and discover the fascinating stories from the City’s past! Throughout the year, educational and entertaining programs and events are being planned to celebrate the history of this cherished landmark.

A free public program on “Alabama’s Most Famous 19th Century Outlaws” will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 16, 2008. One of the most famous, yet false, legends of the Old State Bank is that Jesse James robbed the building. Come help us separate fact from fiction and learn the true stories of seven of Alabama’s most famous 19th century outlaws. Explore the historical accounts and legends of Railroad Bill, Rube Burrow, James Copeland, Jesse and Frank James, John Murrell, Steve Renfroe and Bob Sims. Guest speaker for the program is Dr. Alan Brown, professor of English at the University of West Alabama. A traveling exhibit will accompany Brown’s presentation. This free public “Roads Scholar” program is made possible through funding from the Alabama Humanities Foundation. To provide adequate seating, guests are asked to make reservations to attend the program by calling 341-4818.

In the 19th century, Alabama was not so far removed from its frontier status, and colorful figures left an enduring mark on local history and legend. These were the days when men like Rube Burrow and Railroad Bill challenged the law and earned nicknames like the “Alabama Robin Hood.”  Rube Burrow was born in Lamar County in 1854 and became an infamous train-robber throughout the South and Southwest. One time when on the run from the law, Rube stopped by a house and asked for a bite to eat. While there, the widow told him of a $700 mortgage owed on her property and that the banker was to arrive that day and foreclose on the home. Rube gave the woman the cash for the mortgage and told her to make sure she obtained a receipt for her payment. After Rube left the home, he hid in nearby woods, robbing the banker on his return trip to collect the debt and thus recovering his own money. In 1890, Rube returned to Alabama after an extensive manhunt. He was spotted by a local businessman in Linden, Alabama, who captured him and locked him in his storeroom. Though Rube managed to escape, he was fatally shot in a resulting gunfight in the streets of Linden. Another legendary Alabama outlaw is Morris Slater, better known as “Railroad Bill.”  A hero of African-American folklore, “Railroad Bill” was believed to possess supernatural powers because of his ability to elude the law. Legend tells that he could change into an animal form, and that one time he transformed himself into a dog and joined the sheriff’s pack of dogs as they attempted to hunt him down. Stories tell that Railroad Bill, a skilled gunman, could shoot a hole through a dime. Like Burrow, “Railroad Bill” was also known for deeds of kindness and a Robin Hood approach to life. When he jumped freight cars, he would throw cases of food off for the poor. Killed in Atmore, Alabama in 1896, his body was put on display and could be viewed for twenty-five cents.

Dr. Alan Brown is a professor of English at the University of West Alabama. He has published and lectured extensively in the field of American literature, and in recent years, his interest in Southern folklore has resulted in several collections of Southern ghost stories, including The Face in the Window and Other Alabama Ghostlore. Find out which outlaw was serving as county sheriff when finally caught for his crime, and who was the son of a Methodist circuit preacher. Hear these stories, and many more in this free public program at the Old Bank. For more information or to make reservations, please call 341-4818. The Old State Bank is a division of the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department.

UAH Charger Chillout
Wilson Morgan Park
Contact: Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau 256-350-2028

Special Olympics Swim Meet
Aquadome
Contact: Kellie Sims 256-341-4958

Polar Open Golf Tournament
Point Mallard Golf Course

The Point Mallard Golf Course will be the site of the two-player best ball. Teams will be divided into flights based on the number of participants and handicaps. Tee time will be 10 a.m.
Deadline to enter is Feb. 6.
For more information, call 341-4925.

Decatur City Rumble II
The Decatur Youth Services would like to invite everyone to our Decatur City Rumble II. The second annual Decatur City Rumble boxing tournament will be held at Leon Sheffield Elementary School Gymnasium, 801 Wilson Street at 6 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 free.

Contact Mario Davis and L.C. Smith for more details at (256) 341-4690

Download the PDF

Olympic Development Soccer Training Camp
Jack Allen Recreational Complex
Contact: Kelly Varnell 341-4831

Point Mallard Celebrates National Figure Skating Month
Ice skating is a great way to get fit and Point Mallard Ice Complex is willing to give anyone interested a free lesson just to give it a try.  

January has been declared National Figure Skating Month by U.S. Figure Skating to increase awareness and participation in ice skating sports. National Skating Month allows U.S. Figure Skating member clubs and Basic Skills programs to reach out to new members in their community by offering the fundamentals of ice skating from professionally trained instructors across the United States.

In recognition of National Figure Skating Month, Point Mallard Ice Complex will provide one free group lesson and skating exhibition on Monday, January 21st (Martin Luther King Day) from 11:00 a.m. – Noon; and on Saturday, January 26th, from 1:00 -2:30 p.m.  Saturday’s class will also include a demonstration on how the Zamboni ice resurfacer works.

Point Mallard’s history on ice extends back over thirty years, when the outdoor rink was built in 1973.  The indoor rink was constructed in 2001, providing year round ice skating and other frozen fun activities.  The same year, the rink was introduced to skating professional, Charles Bernhard, who provides expert instruction on ice in both figure skating and basic skills hockey instruction.

Ice skating (whether hockey, figure skating, speed skating) provides excellent physical fitness. The American College of Sports Medicine says that on average, for every hour of continuous skating, a 150-pound person burns about 600 calories. That’s about the same as running five miles in an hour.  The calorie burn increases to about 800 an hour by adding the basic skills of skating, which include forward and backward crossovers, turning, stopping and changing feet.

Point Mallard’s rink offers many public session times as well as a variety of classes for hockey, figure skating, ice dancing, synchronized skating, and freestyle ice for students to practice on their own.  Birthday parties at the rink are also a hit among kids & adults who wish to experience a unique and festive event and the benefit of physical fitness.  

Those who catch the skating bug may purchase punch cards for 6 or 12 sessions; or may purchase a new annual pass for $100.00.  The new annual pass provides a credit card size badge with photo of the pass holder, valid for one full year of public session skating and free skate rental.  Annual passes are not transferable.

For more information or to sign up for a free lesson, contact: Skating Pro, Charles Bernhard at (256) 341-4913

Point Mallard Ice Complex event calendar may be found on the park’s website: www.PointMallardPark.com — click on the Ice Complex link.

Rocket City United -
SE Region National Premiere Soccer League Tryouts

Jack Allen Recreation Complex
Registration: 1:15pm
Play begins: 2:00pm
Contact: Andy Zorovich 1-866-438-6579
www.rocketcityunited.com

PetSmart Santa photos help charities

PetSmart is offering pet owners a chance to get a digital photo with Santa with proceeds helping local pet charities.

The photo sessions will occur from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For $8.95, participants get a photo of themselves with their pet and Santa along with a holiday frame. From each purchase, $5 will go to local adoption partners.

Christmas Show on Ice

Point Mallard Ice Complex

Saturday 1:00-2:30pm
Sunday 2:30-4:00pm
$5.00 in advance – available at the ice rink or from any skate club member; $6.00 at the door
Call 341-4910 for more information.

Toys For Tots Skate

Point Mallard Ice Complex

Bring a toy for donation and receive a discount to ice skate this day only. Donation boxes will be at the ice rink beginning December 10 for anyone who would like to drop off toys.

Youth Services open house

Decatur Youth Services invites the public to see its operation in progress and meet staff leaders.

The open house will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is a public awareness requirement for receiving financial support from the Children’s Trust Fund. DYS is next to Aquadome Recreation Center at Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue Southwest.

For more information, call 340-2588.

Silver Sticks Hockey Tournament
Point Mallard Ice Complex
Call 341-4910 for more information.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Decatur’s historic districts, Albany and Old Decatur, will be decorated with luminaries, greenery and thousands of lights. Several homes and churches will be open for tours.

Tour: 3:00-8:00pm
Tickets: $15.00

Refreshments will be served from 3:00-7:00pm at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Carriage rides will also be available from 4:00-8:00 pm for a charge of $10.00 per person.

For more information, contact the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 350-2028.

ChemiCollection Day
9 a.m.-noon
Decatur Public Works Complex
1802 Central Parkway S.W.

Acceptable chemicals include paint products, automotive products, lawn and garden products and household batteries. Five-gallon/50-pound limit per household. All containers must be labeled. Call 341-4770.

The Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade

The 2007 Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 3, 2007 at 6:00 pm and will follow the usual route of 2nd Avenue, Lee Street and Bank Street. (Rain date is Thursday, December 6th, 6:00 PM)

This Year's Theme is "The Music and Magic of Christmas!”

For more information or to print an application,
visit http://www.decaturjaycees.com .

Christmas Parade of Lights
The annual Riverwalk Yacht Club and Extremen Marine, Christmas Parade of Lights will be held Saturday, December 1, 2007. The parade is open to all boaters to participate. For more information please contact Heather at 682-5782. You can view the parade of lights from the Hard Dock Café, Riverwalk Marina, or Rhodes Ferry Park. Again this year we will be collecting donations of can goods and dry food. Please help, everything collected will go to local Charities. A collection area will be located at the Hard Dock Café and the Extreme Marine showroom at the Riverwalk Marina.

Santa, live reindeer arrive Thursday
Santa Claus will arrive at Colonial Mall on Thursday.

Because he’s only coming to see what local boys and girls want for Christmas and not delivering a sleigh full of presents, only six of his eight reindeer will make the trip with him.

The live reindeer will stay after the arrival ceremony for children to visit up close.

The sleigh arrives at 6 p.m. in the mall’s main front entrance.

The first 200 children who arrive will receive a free gift. Santaland will remain open next to Belk’s through Dec. 24.

Governors Cup Soccer Tournament
For more information contact the Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (256) 350-2028.

Division I State Cup Soccer Tournament
For more information contact the Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (256) 350-2028.

Halloween Hoot Family Fun in Downtown Decatur

Downtown Decatur will be an exciting place for Halloween Hooters. The annual Halloween Hoot will be Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Traditional children’s activities will be aplenty. Activities are also planned for adults. There is no admission fee to the event. There is plenty of free parking.

A moon walk and slide will be available for children. Chalk art competition will allow students to demonstrate their artistic talents and win prizes. Local musicians, singers and actors will provide continuous entertainment from two stages. Bingo will be available for all ages. Participants will have opportunities to win gifts sponsored by members of the Downtown Merchants Association and Main Street Decatur.

The Second Ave area will be cordoned off from Gordon Drive to Moulton Street to allow participants to safely enjoy visiting booths and the unique old stores. Artisans will be selling paintings, crafts, baskets, pottery, purses, jewelry, antiques and much more. Some booths will show these artists in action.

Downtown merchants will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and many will have sidewalk sales. Merchants will offer Trick or Treat goodies. Trunk or treat will also be featured.

Since there are plenty of downtown eating establishments with TV’s, Auburn fans will be able to watch the football game with excellent sports cuisine and libations.

Everyone will be encouraged to dress up for the occasion because there will be a costume contest at the end of the day. Contestants will assemble at the Gordon Drive end of Second Ave and parade down Second Ave to the Princess Theatre. In addition to the costume competition there will also be screaming contest. The evening will culminate with the play, “I’m Sorry the Bridge is Out, You’ll Have to Spend the Night” to be performed by the Dreamweavers.

For more information or a booth rental, please contact Judi Tardy at Selma’s on Second, 324a Second Ave, phone 580-8100 or 318-2892 or send email to rjtardy@polnet.net.

WALK YOUR PAWS

Wilson Morgan Park Beltline Road SW
Decatur, Alabama

9:00 – Registration ($10 per animal)
9:45 – Opening Ceremony
10:00 – Walk begins
10:45 – Decatur Alabama Kennel Club-Agility trials and fly ball demonstration
11:00 –Micro-chipping ($40 per animal)
11:45 – North Alabama Search & Rescue demonstration
12:30 – Sheep Herding demonstration (Chet Ellis and his dog Jim)
1:00 – Pet Contests (Look-a-like contest, Pet Trick, Pet Costume)
            1st and 2nd place prizes for each contest.

AnimalFriendsInc.org

BASS Federation District Tournament
Ingalls Harbor
Contact: Don Gowen 256-350-7284

City Compost Giveaway
Wilson Morgan Park

Weather permitting Wednesday, city trucks will begin hauling free compost to Wilson Morgan Park.

The compost will be hauled to the park’s small parking lot off Sandlin Road Southwest through Thursday, or as long as it lasts.

The compost is made up of decomposed grass clippings, leaves and brush that have been chipped up, windrowed and turned regularly.

The free compost is only for the private use of residents.

It’s available for free year-round at the landfill to residents who load it themselves.

Loading services cost $4 per ton and can only be used with trucks larger than one ton.

Southern Wildlife Festival
Calhoun Community College
Admission charged
Contact: Beverly Newton

Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Nationally recognized wildlife art show and sale featuring the works of approximately 100 artists, with photographic exhibitions and competitions.

BASS Bassmaster Open Tournament
Ingalls Harbor
Contact: Christopher Bowes 407-566-2492

The Grascals to perform Thursday at Princess

The time has arrived. The Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts opens the 25th anniversary season with The Grascals at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The group was recently named Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row at the 18th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards. The community is invited to meet this talented group of six musicians and hear their electrifying blend of bluegrass and country. Artists will be in the lobby following the concert to sell their Grammy-nominated CDs. Reserved tickets are still available, ranging in price from $20-$28, at the box office, 340-1778, or online at princesstheatre.org. For more information on The Grascals, visit their Web site at grascals.com.

Decatur Police Department - Child Safety Seat Demonstration
Home Depot (parking lot)
1225 Wimberly Drive, SW
11:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m.

The Decatur Police Department will hold child safety seat demonstrations
Saturday in hope of sparing children unnecessary injuries in future crashes,
said Lt. Frank DeButy, a police spokesman.

Crime prevention officers also will be present to fingerprint and photograph
children so parents can create emergency identification kits, DeButy said.

Decatur Fire and Rescue will set up a simulation trailer that teaches
children how to survive in a smoke-filled room and how to handle other
household emergencies.

Pinnacle Exceptional Driver Competition
Jack Allen Recreational Complex
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition
Jack Allen Recreational Complex
10:00 AM

The Decatur Jaycees Riverfest
Ingalls Harbor

The Decatur Jaycees are pleased to announce the musical acts that will perform during Riverfest 2007, which will take place Friday, September 21st and Saturday, September 22nd at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, Alabama.   

Friday night entertainment will consist of local artist Dusty French, who will play at 5:00 p.m.  One of Huntsville’s premiere party bands, Juice, will perform at 6:15 p.m.  The Dave Matthews Tribute Band from Athens, Georgia will take the stage at 7:45 p.m.  And Cowboy Mouth will bring New Orleans rock n’ roll to Decatur as Friday’s headline act, beginning at 9:45 p.m.

Live music will start at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Austin Cunningham performing.  At 2:30 p.m., local favorite Jeff Whitlow and The Old Barn Band will take the stage.  The ever-popular southern bluegrass band Rollin’ in the Hay will play at 4:00 p.m., followed by Tuscaloosa’s King Kotton at 6:00 p.m.  The Paul Thorn Band, led by comedian/entertainer Paul Thorn, will perform at 7:45 p.m.  And southern rock legend Drivin' n' Cryin' will serve as the headline act for Riverfest 2007, with a 9:30 p.m. show on Saturday night.

The 13th Annual Riverfest, presented by Valley Budweiser, Inc., is recognized as the Alabama State Barbecue Championship.  Over 70 teams from across the United States will compete in the event, which is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, and vie for $20,000 in cash and prizes. 

Riverfest will also feature children’s activities and a variety of food vendors, with plenty of award-winning barbecue available for purchase.  Admission is $3 per person during the day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  After 4:00 p.m., admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child.  Weekend armbands are also available for $15.  Since the inception of Riverfest in 1994, over $100,000 in proceeds have been given to local charitable organizations.

Additional information about Riverfest, including links to band web sites, can be found online at www.decaturjaycees.com.

Movie in the Park: Charlotte’s Web
Rhodes Ferry Park
Admission is Free
Rated: G

Stars & Spikes Beach Volleyball Tournament
The Alabama National Guard has announced its sponsorship of the first annual Stars & Spikes Beach Volleyball Tournament to be held at Point Mallard Waterpark on Saturday, September 1st.  The first dozen 4 man, woman or co-ed teams will be vying for bragging rights trophies and other great prizes.  There is no entry fee to participate. All entries receive a free t-shirt.  
Entry forms can be found online at www.pointmallardpark.com , then click on the special events link or call (256) 341-4903.