Free-For-All Friday 11/19/10
Decatur Metro | November 19, 2010 | 8:26 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
—————————————
Today’s FFAF is sponsored by Eddie’s Attic…
On November 20 & 21, 2010, over 30 musicians will perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Georgia Music magazine. Admission is $15 and shows run from 3 until 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The Georgia Music Hall of Fame preserves and interprets the state’s rich musical heritage through programs of collection, exhibition, education and performance. The museum fosters an appreciation for Georgia music and stimulates economic growth through a variety of statewide partnerships and initiatives. Georgia Music magazine celebrates the state’s legends, landmarks and unsung heroes and is published quarterly by the Georgia Music Foundation. The museum and magazine share a mission to celebrate and foster awareness of our musicians and their achievements.
How about a small surcharge on concert tickets to support the Music Hall of Fame?
Heading to Seattle/Tacoma, Washington on Sunday; anyone have any suggestions on where to take a 10 year old boy and also suggestions on sushi, beer bars, breweries, restaurants, etc.?
You’ll definitely want to go to the Seattle Center and see the Pacific Science Center and ride the Monorail. After Thanksgiving, a giant train set will be set up inside the Center House and an ice rink will be open. If you go to Pike Place Market, don’t miss the awesome Magic Shop on one of the lower levels. A daytrip to Mount St. Helen’s is pretty fun and educational, just try to go on a relatively clear day. Unfortunately, my restaurant recommendations are too old to help you. Have fun.
Take the ferry to Bainbridge and have brunch at Cafe Nola. Best Bloody Mary ever. (And they have juice for kids.)
If you like history the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is very interesting.
The cheapest way to get out on the water is to take a ferry trip (walk on) out to Winslow/Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. All tickets bought on the Seattle side are round trip. You can walk into Winslow for the small town feel if you want or you can just stay on the boat and turn around — about 2 hours total, (Bremerton is further).
The Museum of Flight is fun if you are into planes.
The whole place is lousy with craft beers — everywhere you look.
Go to the downtown library. It’s amazing.
Thanks everyone! Great suggestions; my son would love the Science Center and Ferry, My wife and I love brunch and bloodies, and I love history and books!
Naked City Brewery in Greenwood: http://nakedcitybrewing.com/. I wouldn’t take a 10 YO boy there. Pike Pub: http://www.pikebrewing.com/. Food @ Naked City is fantastic; no idea about Pike’s food, since I always stop by after stuffing myself with dim sum in the International District (their Chinatown)>
I was just in Seattle last week! I second the Underground Tour, Pacific Science Center, Pike Place market, monorail and library suggestions. Drink coffee of course (Espresso Vivace!). Beecher’s done by the market is fun to watch them make cheese and have some scrumptious mac and cheese as you watch them stir. The Olympic Sculpture Garden is wonderful. We found a restaurant we loved so much we went back twice in the 6 days we were there– Sitka and Spruce. Go EARLY — ie 5:00 to snag a place at the big table in front of the fireplace they cook in. Kinda Seattle’s Cakes and Ale. Have a ball! Oh– and near Seattle Center, Tikulum is an awesome breakfast place!
Excellent. I definitely planned on going to Pike; Naked City I hadn’t heard of. Thanks for the restaurant suggestions as well, especially breakfast!
One more breakfast suggestion! Wonderful, unusual eggs benedicts at Seatown Seabar near Pike Place. Also– pastries on the go from Dahlia Bakery. Try the pumpkin whooppie pies! Yes, I pretty much ate my way through town… AND Macrina Bakery for tasty lunch. Amazing breads and great mezze plates.
5 Spot at the top of Queen Anne hill has the most amazing hashbrowns in the entire world.
Love the sushi at Umi Sake in Seattle.
We went to Lark when we were out there – great bar and restaurant. Enjoy your trip!
I know there have been multiple auto body repair shop recommendations posted here but I can’t find them by searching. I’ve tried several combinations of key words, but am having no luck. How can I locate prior recommendations?
In the meantime, where in Decatur should I take my Honda CR-V for painting? Thanks!
Highly recommend Quantum Mechanics on Talley. http://www.qmauto.com/
Oops, was reading quickly at work and thought you needed someone to work on your car’s engine. I 2nd Decatur Paint and Body. Have gotten great work from them twice in the past.
decatur paint and body….we’ve had great success with them.
Any recommendations for the best furniture stores to go to, especially in “Furniture Row” (along I-85 in Norcross), Duluth, etc.? I’m looking for a sectional sofa – a decent one that will last (no IKEA), but nothing that is heirloom quality, as I can’t afford that. Also, any recommendations on good furniture brands would be appreciated. Thanks!
We have had great luck at Haverty’s. We were looking for a reasonably priced sofa and chair – looked everywhere and could not find anything we liked. Went to Haverty’s (I was under the impression their stuff would be over priced) and found rug, sofa and chair in about 20 minutes. They have all different price points – and lots of sectionals.
I have been blown away by their customer service. The couch they delivered had a slight flaw. I called to let them know – they sent out a tech to see the problem, and then sent us a brand new couch! I could have fixed the flaw with a needle and thread – and was blown away by this. We will certainly buy from them again and again nd have recommended them to lots of friends.
Good luck!
Americana Furniture in Tucker has a wide selection of brands and styles in all price ranges. Small, individual service, not part of a chain.
I’ve heard terrific things about Americana Furniture in Tucker, too. Several friends have had a good experience there. I’m also a big fan of La-Z-Boy’s line. They’ve come a long way since the Archie Bunker days.
Do you by chance know what road that is on? I Googled it and there was one with a Snellville address. Is that it?
Americana is on Lawrenceville Hwy on the right just beyond Cooledge Rd.
Right next to the Big Green Egg.
Wait for the end of year sale at Crate and Barrel. Our purchases from there have stood the test of time. IMHO Mitchell Gold Bob Williams has the best quality upholstery of just about anywhere, but you will likely pay for it unless you happen upon a sale or floor model clearance. It’s worth a look though….
Intaglia Home on the back side of Ansley Mall. Great service, local owners, great selection and competitive prices. Have been thrilled with everything we’ve bought there – armoire, sofa, comfy chair, bed.
I second that!
A month or two ago, I won a free oil change from Six Star Subaru from this blog. Last week, I went in for the service, and they were excellent. I also had them check my tires, as one had been losing pressure, and they plugged it for free.
Just wanted to give thumbs up to a new local business.
Just had my Forester serviced at Six Star on Monday and they were very thorough. I highly recommend them!! SO happy to have Subaru service so nearby…
Me too. When we bought our Forester last year, the closest dealership/service center was on Roswell Road.
ok so a democratic party canvasser came by earlier this week about 6pm…not the best time as i was trying to come inside to feed my kids but i happily listened to his schpeel and then when i asked if he was looking for a donation i offered up the only cash i had which was $5…i had no checks and didn’t feel comfortable handing over my credit card…he wouldn’t take my $5…told me to “seriously consider using my card to make a more substantial contribution”…i was confused to say the least….told him i wasn’t comfortable using my card so he “thanked” me for my time and left…again without taking the cash i offered…strange? rude? thoughts?
I know they canvass before elections but I have never heard of canvassing asking for money, but you could give them a call to inquire. It’s weird if it were a scam they wouldn’t take the $5 though. I really am skeptical of anyone coming to the door. (Except those girls and their evil cookies!) It’s sad that you have to be that way, but there is no shortage of crooks trying to separate people from their money and valuables.
A few weeks ago there was a story about people walking impersonating security system agents up to no good. Perhaps if people look like they are on some kind of mission they look less suspicious. Next thing you know burglars will be impersonating Jehovah’s Witness folks!
That person was rude. I think a complaint to the organization ( a PAC or the DNC?) he represented is in order!
He told me someone in my household had voted Democrat in the last election. I told him I would have to beat my wife. He gave me a look as I laughed in his face.
Wait, what? They said that they know someone in your household voted a certain way? How is that possible? Is that information actually available (in some format, somewhere) to people?
If it is, it would seem to be a HUGE breach of basic anonymous voting tenets.
People cannot tell how you voted in the general election, only that you voted.
I believe that when you register in the general elections that that information (which party you register under) is available.
I thought that was only for the primary. But I could be wrong
For the primary, you must select the party ballot that you intend to cast. There is nothing like that in the general election, but the party primary you voted in is probably available.
ooooohhhh- that definitely sounds like a scam. Strange time to be canvassing for donations. I’ve stopped opening the door for anyone with a clipboard.
Young man canvassing for Democratic party rang my doorbell the other evening, around that time. i was busy cooking and wouldn’t listen to his schpiel, apologized and asked if there was any way I could help besides donate money, and he suggested I think about volunteering. Told him I can’t do that, either, right now, thanked him for his willingness to do so, and sent him on his way. He seemed legit to me.
This happened to a friend of mine sort of- she gave her last $5 and the little brat who took the money sneered at it.
Was it Democratic Party of Georgia? They come by our house all the time. Bless their hearts, they are committed, and I could never do what they do, but man are they persistent. The last one that came by was a girl, and she cornered my husband and would not take no for an answer. He (of course) gave her money so she would go away. The next one that comes by is going to get a big fat “NO” because of that last experience.
yes…i believe that is who that was and “persistent” is putting it mildly…i’m glad my neighbor happened to be standing there with me because i was starting to feel uncomfortable about his inability to understand “no”. my husband actually contacted the group and they did say they had people out in our area. they were going to contact the volunteer coordinator about our experience.
bless their hearts is right…i couldn’t do what they do but if i could i would be a whole lot nicer and more gracious for any donations.
They came by my house, too, but I didn’t give them anything. I am very reluctant to give cash (let alone my credit card #!) to strangers, regardless of their ’cause’. Who knows if they’re legit? And ‘Persistent’ is an apt description. I told him I couldn’t give anything without consulting my husband. He said “No problem – I’ll wait for you to call him or come back in a few hours”. I finally just had to say I’m not giving anything at this time, but I’d be happy to review materials (which he did not have as far I could tell) and consider a donation later. He reluctantly told me to go to their website, but I sensed he was annoyed with me. Good thing I didn’t offer him a small cash donation!
I find it extremely unnerving when people I’m not expecting and don’t know knock on my door. I’m probably paranoid, but it freaks me out every time, especially when I’m home alone! Unfortunately, he saw me through the window, so I no choice but to answer the door or be extremely rude.
Feel free to be extremely rude. Because of our experiences, we’ve totally given up on door-to-door soliciters and open for no one unless they are under the age of 10 with a correctly adorned Brownie vest on. I wave them all away with no explanation and the children are instructed to not make any contact at all. And we call the police so someone can check out their permit to solicit. I’m really sorry if we are hurting some great charities and missing out on Christmas carolers but there are way too many weird soliciters walking around residential streets in the last year or so. I think the safest thing to do is discourage them. There’s other legitimate ways to get donations.
Decatur City Code:
Sec. 22-2. Peddling or soliciting; permit required.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to go from residence to residence and offer for sale, solicit orders for, sell, or distribute any other books, magazines, pamphlets, or any merchandise, or to solicit to perform services, or to engage in charitable solicitation within the city without first obtaining a permit to do so from the chief of police. The chief of police shall cause each person requesting such a permit to be photographed and fingerprinted and shall take such other steps as are necessary to ensure proper identification of the person, except that the chief of police may waive the requirement for photographing and fingerprinting persons officially representing charitable, nonprofit organizations. If a permit is issued, it shall be on the person engaged in going from residence to residence and offering for sale, soliciting orders for, selling, or distributing any books, magazines, pamphlets, or any other merchandise, or soliciting to perform services, or in making charitable solicitations.
I agree with the other posters here that they are *extremely* persistent, sometimes to the point of being rude. I don’t think we’re going to give to them again, for that reason.
I just want to give a shout out to the German Bakery. After seeing the posts here on DM, I ordered a birthday cake for my partner and it was hands-down one of the most delicious cakes I’ve ever eaten—and at a great price. I got a beautifully decorated 8 inch layer cake with an incredible German buttercream frosting with a personalized message on top for $15. The staff are super nice and they really appreciate having been mentioned on DM (there’s even a sign in the window ; -) So next time you need a cake – or any yummy baked goods, I highly recommend the German Bakery!
We recently returned there. I was worried that my memories of the quality of baked goods had been inflated by my long absence. But even my shopaphobic son admitted it was worth the stop. We enjoyed the danish, challah bread, cheese thingamajiggies (like cheese straws but oval), apricot filled cookies, and plain croissants. The latter didn’t even make it the few miles home because my son and I ate them all in the car.
Yes, thanks to DM and all the loyal readers, they now run out of apple fritters….boo! It actually has worked out well – now I send the Hubs to get apple fritters early on Saturday morning when they are warm while I stay at home in my jammies.
Help a fritter-lovin’ girl out.. where is the German Bakery located? Are we talking about the one by Home Depot on L-ville Highway (thought it had closed) or somewhere else?
yup, that is the one. yummy goodies, great service.
It did close but has reopened under the management of former staff. Just as good as before, maybe even better, or does absence make the heart grow fonder?
Is it just me, or does it seem like the entire City of Decatur is under construction? I live in the North Candler/Sycamore/Commerce area, and the work has been going steady for more than a week now. Anybody have any idea when the construction is scheduled to wrap up? (See also: “When is somebody going to do something about all the problems?”)
I think they are putting in new gas lines.
St Thomas More 8th graders will be having their HUGE annual bake sale this weekend (usually 3-4 classrooms FULL of homemade pies, cakes, cookies and breads). The proceeds fund the 8th great retreat in January. Don’t show up for Thanksgiving dinner empty-handed!
1) Anyone know the trash pickup schedule for next week? I always get confused for Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years and end up with weeks of trash.
2) Has anyone else been passed in the new bike lanes/street-parking on West Ponce while waiting for a car to turn left? So rude! Guess this will be a new annoyance on this stretch of road.
3) If you have an American Express card, they are offering a $25 statement credit if you shop at a local business on Saturday. You just have to sign up your card. Since a lot of us are trying to ‘shop local’, I thought it might be useful to some.
https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/sbs/?extlink=em-open-2010sbs-ccsg
1) Thursday and Friday service will be scheduled on Wednesday (Nov 25). Here is the link:
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_sfm_solidwaste.aspx
Oops that is last year’s schedule. I’m sure it is similar though. Pickup for Thu and Fri will be Wed (Nov 24).
The Amex promotion is actually for next Saturday (Nov 27th).
Did you not get a door hanger this week? We got one Saturday.
No, I did not get a hanger. They must not have done that on my street.
Re Amex Small Business Saturday (SM) (in case I’m in legal trouble for not inserting the correct symbol): This is great! It took two seconds to sign up! That’s a free $25 if you were going to shop anyway soon and it benefits local businesses which benefit Decatur and CSD through their taxes. I’m not clear whether only participating local businesses count but hopefully I’ll figure that out.
Cool things like this are a great benefit of this blog. I probably never would have known about this promotion otherwise. American Express might have emailed me or sent me a flyer but I ignore most promotional communication.
I second that! I just signed up too. What a treat! Thanks Harpua.
Regarding the house on E. Ponce de Leon that always had the Christmas dolls in the window and wonderul lit sleigh during Christmas on lawn, does anyone know why it is all gone? Did “Mrs. Santa” pass away? So sad that is gone.
Sadly, yes, Mrs. Santa is no longer with us. She loved to decorate for all holidays, but Christmas was clearly her favorite.
And my name is Susan.
The Christmas Lady provided so many smiles to folks through the years! Always an anticipated spot on a walk. Remember the year they suspended the sleigh midair to swoop down from the rooftop? Betcha she’s having a wonderful time in Heaven, using the clouds as snow in her displays!
( Y’all also make me smile! Whenever I see MyNameIsNotSusan, I’m reminded of that classic Jesse Colter song that goes “I’m not Lisa. my name is Julie. Lisa left you…years ago.” Adding the Susan comment to hers is the icing on the cake! :0)
Glad you get a laugh out of my “handle!” I assumed she had passed and had hoped they would carry on the sleigh tradition. It didn’t appear that the house changed hands. I wish I was brave enough to be “that house” that puts out all the crazy lights and plastic giants that all the children love. Maybe one year.
I need to purchase homeowners insurance for my new home, does anyone have recommendations for an Insurance Agent/Agency in the area? Thanks!
USAA. hands down best company out there!
Second.
Also recomend them for banking too! I use them for everything now, auto/home/banking
SO SO GREAT!
There is no banking/insurance company better than USAA, period.
Fifthed or sixed or whatever. USAA is fantastic.
love me some usaa dividend checks when i am least expecting them
seriously they are a great company…
i seventh/eighth/ninth them…
Always look forward to my dividend check at the end of the year! I even got my mortgage through them and it has never been sold. Love USAA!
Anyone know of a cab company I can call from the Tabernacle tonight probably midnight/later? Or make arrangements ahead of time to get us?
Checker Cab is the largest cab company. I use them often, late at night too. They recently have gone high tech with text messages, etc.
There are usually a few out front after shows. I am going tonight & tomorrow. Never missed a Crowes show in Atlanta! Counting down the minutes.
I know it is a toddler park. And I know sh*t happens. But changing a (very) #2 diaper while the child stands next to the sidewalk (I won’t go into the gory details) was a bit more than I needed to see while returning from lunch. Get a hatchback?!
…or go to the other side of the park, it’s so easy to be discreet there (I know from experience obviously)
At least you weren’t on your way to lunch?
Sh*t happens?
Anyone know why there’s a ton of helicopters flying overhead or near the city early this afternoon?
Wolf hunt?
I don’t know but they are shaking the walls in my house and scaring the dogs.
They are still going around as of 3:30 PM. They look grey and military like to me but I don’t hardly know the difference between a Hummer and a Jeep.
I was working in midtown off 14th St today, stopped counting at 10 blackhawks flying south.
Door-to-door magazine salesman came today, working for Inner City Sales. I almost bought a subscription since he was so charming. Asked him to wait a minute while I Googled the company – I’ve been burned in the past by these magazine sales. Immediate search results showed “D” ratings with BBB, numerous complaints, articles about scams and how these young kids are exploited by these companies. No sale. I hope the young man finds a real job someday.
It often is some kind of scam, and many of the nice kids are being exploited.
If it was in the City of Decatur, they need a City permit. No permit, call 911.
Late teens, early 20s? Joined a gang in CA, moved to ATL? Wants to be a parole officer? He came by Lansdowne yesterday, very pleasant, and if he could keep that kind of energy up, suitable for a more challenging and interesting job….
I try not to buy anything from the door to door folks on principle. If I wanted to make a donation or buy something, the internet or local stores abound.. and I can do it on neutral territory.
Attention CSD teachers and admins. We are thrilled for you that you have the week off next week…. a well deserved break. We see your tweets and social postings about what a great week off you are planning to have. Please keep in mind the rest of us … parents…. who do not have next week off but are stuck at work through Wednesday without childcare or camps that would be available… in the summer… when the rest of the world is on break.
Don’t be too hard on the teachers–they are not the ones who decided even though a majority voted for it (some didn’t–their kids are in other school systems and this calendar sucks for them too as working parents). The administration made the decision despite the fact that the majority of parents voted against it. It’s very hard logistically on working parents in hard times. Of course, everyone will make it work somehow but at what cost in terms of family stress? I just ran into a CSD staffer who told me some of the hardship stories she’s hearing from Decatur families are heartbreaking and a lot more common than a couple of years ago. And sometimes from folks you wouldn’t suspect. Folks used to doing well are hiding their new struggles from their children and neighbors as much as possible. CSD has to remember that it’s not just the great teachers, facilities, and programs that bring in the high test scores, AYP, and generally good working conditions for CSD staff, it’s the time and support that families are able to give their children so they can learn and perform at their personal best.
Didn’t the majority of teachers vote FOR it? I remember someone posting the results from the vote and I think it was the teachers that pushed this calendar over the top, right?Just sayin…..
Yes, the majority of teachers “voted” for it (I believe it was 2/3 but my memory may be faulty) and the majority of parents “voted” against it (ditto). But these opinions polls were just one piece of the data used by the CSD committee to make their recommendation and the final decision was made by CSD Admin and then approved (I think) by the Board. As a parent, I would have liked the parent poll to weigh more heavily and I am not finding that I’m liking the new calendar any more than I thought I would but a good argument can be made that the teacher satisfaction and retention is worth family inconvenience. I just think it’s important to realize that there are many families right now in Decatur who are impacted by the schedule in ways that have nothing to do with fun vacations.
I was just pointing out that the teachers did have something to do with this calendar…. that’s all.
But you really think taxpayer inconvenience and objection should take a backseat to “teacher satisfaction” in a publicly funded service? They are there to perform a public service, funded solely by our tax dollars. Public opinion on this calendar should have been the deciding factor since the public pays for the schools, not teacher opinion.
Good teachers with excellent backgrounds are clamoring to teach at CSD; I don’t think anyone would have quit over this calendar. But a lot of parents who can’t afford fancy vacations or time off at work suffer. I can understand sarah’s frustration at the messages certain teachers are sending. They -and everyone- should be a little more sensitive that this calendar we are stuck with is not easy for everyone.
Oh please, more complaining about something you wish you could do–right on to teacher Ben for acting like a decent person–maybe he’s not really teacher, uh? I’m not just sayin’…
As a csd teacher, I’d like to say your post is off-putting at best. Anyway, here’s a link for a camp you may have overlooked when you were writing your post:
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_rec_afterschool.aspx
The info you need is at the bottom of the page.
That is all.
Speaking of off putting, I won’t go into it here, but our experience with Decatur Rec camps has been off putting at best. But thanks for your assistance.
Sorry you were so off put.
That is all.
You mean the “Active Living” department?
I am off-put by all you off-putting folks. That is all.
BTW, when is someone going to do something about all of the real problems around here?
If you are upset at the new schedule, there are constructive ways to address that instead of taking angry swipes at hard-working teachers. Write to the superintendent. Or the school board. Talk to your principal and other families at your school to see if they have ideas. But please skip the attacks.
Just why does anyone think that school is also childcare for working parents? School is in session for 180 days and for approximately 6 1/2 hours per day. The other hours and days continue to be a parent’s responsibility. The calendar is published well in advance so arrangements can be made for children.
All other parents, due to fatigue and repetition related to the school calender, you all know that if you had a chance to vote for your annual work schedule you would do it the same way the teachers did. Some of you won’t admit it, but that’s how it is. Don’t demonize the teachers because of your lack of opportunity.
I really don’t get the point of this post at all. Do you begrudge the teachers who spend 6-1/2 hours a day, 180 days a year with your child(ren) a good week off? Would it make you feel better if they had a terrible week off? I doubt many of them are taking exotic, luxurious vacations. Most of the teachers I have spoken to are planning to sleep late, spend time with their families, recharge, and prepare for the next busy month of school. If their tweets and social networking posts bother you, then don’t go places online where you can see them.
EXACTLY.
exceptionally well put!!!
Wait, you’ve just complained that there were no camps available, but then when one is pointed out, you sneer at it?
Also, you’ve known for quite some time that this week was coming.
There are teenagers out here who do babysit, as well as some unemployed adults.
I know arranging childcare can be difficult, but this week off was not totally unexpected.
And our school system started a week earlier than most, giving you a week free of paying for a summer camp.
Personally, I like the new calendar.
If you don’t care for the Decatur Rec camps, there’s always Colorwheel (yes, some pre-planning is required since the tend to fill up) and Agnes Scott All-Sports Camp. My kids love both of them!
Sorry, one more thing to add – On the days when I just haven’t been on the ball enough to get my kids into a camp, I’ve found that other working and non-working parents are very willing to swap off child care. That way, my kids are entertained with other kids around and I only have to take off about 1/2 the day. So, as Diane says, there are other alternatives.
Isn’t the calendar published well enough in advance so parents can make arrangements for childcare? Winter break is 2 weeks – what do people do with their kids then? And teacher workdays? Frankly, I think the break is needed – at this point both the KIDS and teachers are just burned out. There are a ton of student absences the 2 days before Thanksgiving holidays, which I am sure had a lot to do with the decision to make the break the entire week.
Part of the problem is employers. Some are more understanding of family pressures than are others. They tend to understand the winter break and summers because those are the traditional times off. A week in September and a whole week at Thanksgiving are not familiar to them. Some understand that you have to leave early at 4 PM because a holiday camp ends at 5 PM, vs. the usual 6-6:30 PM that after care ends; others act like you are goofing off. Of course families will work it out but at what cost in terms of stress and work pressure? Sometimes I wonder if we’ve really forgiven women for having to enter the workplace or not. Or if folks with great, family friendly workplaces don’t realize that many workplaces are not so flexible and some really punish workers, especially employees in low level management positions, when they don’t work 60-80 hours per week. I think it’s great that some families can afford to have only one wage earner and still own or rent a home in Decatur. But many need two wages to own a home here. Or there’s only one parent who is the wage earner and no one else to provide free child care. And many workplaces have become less and less understanding of home pressures because of their own financial pressures and stresses. Just like we want diversity by income level and race/ethnicity, don’t we want some diversity in terms of the work and professions of families?
I am sympathetic to teachers who were presented with a schedule option that they liked and therefore “voted” for it and are now enjoying it. But I am also sympathetic to parents who have to face the everyday issues of how to earn enough to continue to live in Decatur and have good public education for their children, figure out after care and holiday camps, transport children to Girl Scouts, music lessons, sports, tutoring, etc, meet the repairman to fix the toilet, etc, etc. etc. It’s not as simple as “Don’t have children if you don’t want to take care of them”. Families, parenting, the work world, marriage pressures, children’s needs and limitations, are more diverse and complex than that.
FYI we’ve never been in school on Wednesday so you’re really only talking about two days. While I understand that you are frustrated, many other parents are thrilled not to have to pull their children out of school to take advantage of cheaper airfare by flying on Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Does anyone have a good plumber to recommend? Thanks.
There’s probably cheaper good plumbers out there but we have always had reliable, pleasant service from Plumbworks.
Chris,
We really like our plumber, Tony Cornelius. Cornelius and Sons Plumbing, 770-345-9062.
Highly recommend High Priority: http://www.highpriorityplumbing.com/
Decatur Heights neighbors!
Please join our new “online bulletin board” for Decatur Heights neighbors to share information, news, events, etc. Yard sales, petition signings, coyote sightings, Glennwood school news (we’re getting our neighborhood elementary school back!), crime news, etc.–just post it there. Please pass the word along to anyone in our neighborhood for whom you have an email address!
http://groups.google.com/group/decatur-heights-neighbors
This is a terrific neighborhood resource, and membership is growing fast.
Knock!Knock! More Decatur Heights neighbors news!
Noooooooo- Not the Democratic Party’s money raisin’ arm twister guy! Nooooooo- Not hawking fake mags subscriptions either! It’s your neighborhood lovin’ neighbors who’ll be out gathering signatures for the Traffic Calming/Safety Petitions & Neighborhood Watch Enrollment for the next couple of weeks! Info on the petitions are posted around the neighborhood and on the new Google group (linked by Emily.). We hope you’ll join us in making Decatur Heights a safer & even more enjoyable neighborhood!
Update on Agilest: Today was it’s opening day. (It’s in that office building next to Greene’s). I don’t quite get the concept–half is modern furniture, including baby and children’s furniture, but there’s not a lot of floor display yet, and the other half is a smorgesborg of green products from baby products to yarn to beauty products. But I think the store has potential. I saw a lot of small items that I coveted but the owner of the green products part of the store hadn’t finished pricing things yet and was not present. The owner of the Agilest Furniture part of the store was very nice and served cookies.
I suspect that the concept will be clearer after Thanksgiving when they’ve finished setting up.
Another shopping update: Greene’s seems to have more and more cute kids products in addition to sweets. Seems to be a good move on their part. I’ve been successfully tempted by their Melissa and Doug wooden toys/puzzles, their science and crafts kits, and their boomerangs. And they have some really original, interesting flavors of candy canes, including some filled with chocolate. Not your stale peppermint variety at all!
Come enjoy the amazing weather tomorrow at the 5th Annual Steinbeck’s Chili Cook Off! Bring your checkbook and pick up a “Bad Mommies of Oakhurst” calendar, benefiting the Oakhurst Business Association. They’re $14 and include coupons for several Oakhurst businesses.
Jane Doe! You Bad Mommy you!
Maybe…or maybe just an admirer of the Bad Mommies!
Why is it that “bad mommies” sounds so cool, but “bad daddies” just sounds beyond creepy?
Thank you. My Jack Handy moment of the day.
I was wondering the same thing–is it a gender perspective thing?
Really, who’s your bad Daddy??
I think it has to be.
Will they be sold at another time or place for those of us who can’t make it tomorrow?
The calendars are also sold at Fresche Hair Salon in O’hurst and Homegrown Decatur on the square. Thanks!
I also saw them at Saba in snobby-Oakhurst.
“snobby-Oakhurst” HAHAHA
as if
Oh dear, there was a prodigious amount of blood in the lot in front of Sweet Melissa’s this morning… anybody know anything?
Since this is such a great site for recommendations, we are thinking about having some work done on our kitchen, possibly a major re-do. Anyone have any suggestions for contractors and/or design groups?
Thanks!
Home Forge Remodeling in East Decatur Station. They specialize in kitchens and bathrooms, do great work, are efficient, and are easy to have in the house. They renovated our master bath and are now working on another bath after an adventure with a burst shower valve…
Reagan Koski of Revive and Design is an amazing kitchen designer. She did the house on Feld that’s on the tour of homes this Dec and has done several in Winnona Park.
They handle the design, too.
I attended the opening of the DecaturDocs series tonight to see Bouncing Cats. I was very pleased with the event. I’ll buy the season package (and pretend it’s a Christmas present for my husband.) The film was interesting, the crowd was interesting, and the high school venue was very comfortable. A few friends were there and after the movie we went over to The Marlay for a drink and discussed the film and the event. Very nice Decatur evening.
In case you are interested: http://decaturdocs.com/
I’d like to second that sentiment. We really enjoyed Bouncing Cats as well. The venue was lovely and it was cool to have Burn Unit break dancing before the movie started. The complimentary treats from Sammiches n Stuff were a nice addition. And what a lovely auditorium! I think if others try Decatur Docs they will be pleased–quality documentaries PLUS.
p.s. It was great to be able to walk to dinner (at Cakes and Ale-YUM) and then walk to the movie and back home again!!!!!
Did you really enjoy that movie? I didn’t care for it. I found it awfully simplistic to think that teaching break dancing to poor starving Africans would have much of an impact on their lives. I found the documentary disjointed and thought it took a rather naive and simplistic view of the situation. It didn’t even present the dancing in its best light, I thought. I found it an odd choice for a kickoff.
I’m not particularly ready to sign up for four more documentaries without knowing what they are going to be, especially not if this is a good sample of the goods.
I really WANT to be a part of this, but I found that movie tedious and depressing.
I’m hoping that you will invite all your friends, neighbors, and associates at work to join us for the “DHS Close Up Night” at the Corner Pub on Thursday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. The Corner Pub is a family friendly establishment with delicious meals starting at $6.99. I’ve never been disappointed in the food or service. The owner of the Pub, Mr. Joshua Elrod, lives in the Decatur area and taught at Renfroe Middle School before going into the restaurant business. You can see the menu at http://www.pubalicious.com/menu.html
In addition to asking you and your friends to attend, I am also looking for items for a silent auction. We have already received two Braves tickets (directly behind the visitor’s dugout- What A Deal!) for the auction. If you have a sports-related or seasonal item to donate, or you do business with someone who would be willing to donate, please send me an email at All the money we raise will help pay for our 2011 trip to Washington, D.C.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’d recomend calling Frank at SpaceMax Storage on N Decatur Rd @ 404-292-0606
I know they have given vouchers for silent auctions for other schools!