Free-For-All Friday
Decatur Metro | December 10, 2010Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discuss here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discuss here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
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Once upon a time, a mixed-use development was planned next to the Dairy Queen. I’d heard that deal was to be delayed for a couple of years — and I believe that was a couple of years ago. Any word on this property and its future? Is the project dead for good?
I wouldn’t expect any movement any time soon. Developers are sitting on so many empty condos all over the city. That being said, I prefer a pile ‘o rubble over they skanky hook-up hotel that was there.
The project was approved in late 2008 so it got caught up in the collapse of the financial market. We continue to stay in contact with the property owner/developer and expect the project to move forward as approved as soon as financing is available.
Good to hear. And WriterChad, I agree that rubble is better than trouble.
Same for the Publix development in Avondale and the mixed use development in the Marta lot on the edge of town. Lots of big projects on hold.
I have been thinking for over a year that the empty lot next to the Dairy Queen would be perfect for a 3 or 4 screen small art & commercial movie theater that could also be used as performance space and coffee shop during the day. Showing a couple of commercial films and a couple of art/indie or classic films.
What do people think?
I know I would frequent it but I don’t understand what makes a business model good or bad.
Didn’t someone post here several weeks back something about a big upcoming new something or other coming to Decatur and everyone tried to guess what it was going to be??
Was it ever revealed? Did I miss it?
That was DecaturDocs, a new documentary series to be screened at Decatur High. First one on Jan. 8. google DecaturDocs for more details.
Our office “adopted” a family for Christmas. It’s a mom and three kids. The oldest daughter attends the KIPP Ways Academy downtown that burned down this morning.
My co-workers and I have collected money to buy the family gifts for Christmas (clothes, shoes and a few toys). One of the items on the daughter’s wish list was a laptop computer or an MP3 player.
Since the school burned down, it seems like she’d need the computer now more than ever, but if we buy her the laptop, there’d be nothing left to buy gifts for her mom or siblings.
If you know of a group that donates computers, or you have one in good condition that you’d be willing to donate, please drop me a line. I have to drop off all the gifts on Monday morning. Thanks!
Does she want/need a netbook or a full blown laptop?
She asked for a laptop. We collected enough money to buy gifts for everyone in the family and had just enough money left over to get a netbook! Seriously, I think I have eight cents left over.
I saw salt, pepper and sugar shakers out on tables at the Decatur Diner.
I saw what looked like employee training there on Tuesday night. There was about 15 people in there around 8PM.
DM: ‘Why is traffic to my site down so much as of late?’
Wisecracker: The Diner opened.
writerchad/wisecracker- Your jokes always make me laugh! Beautiful wife’s one lucky lady! :0)
actually i think it’s “pretty wife” but i’m sure beautiful wife would fit, too…
Why, you’re right! My bad! Thank goodness she has a good sense of humor, along with a super hubby! :0)
Alas, my humor is somewhat lost on Pretty Wife. Then I’ll be especially ‘on’ at a social function. In the car on the way home she says, ‘i forget how funny you are.’ Such is married life.
Awwww… well, there’s a reward in that too! :0)
( Guaran-dang-teed appreciative audience if you make jokes while also doing household chores! :0)
I was stunned to see three men in the Diner on Friday late afternoon. I just stopped and stared at them.
December? 3 men? Were they bearing gifts like napkin holders & straws?
Comment on the “What would you give to Decatur?” thread mentioned a re-do of Harmony Park. I remember another comment a while back about a planning committee being organized for that, although I believe it was still in the idea stage. Is that still in the works? Thanks.
Could someone recommend a good psychiatrist in the area? The rec is for an adult with major depression and anxiety disorders.
Thanks
Kirk Lalor, who’s a PhD, has treated a family member of mine for severe depression, and that therapy was the catalyst that saved his life. I don’t have a telephone number, but I know he’s got an office near Clairmont Road. Hope things work out for your friend.
I’ve been going to the Integrated Life Center for about a year and a half for both depression and anxiety, and I’ve been very satisfied. I’ve only actually seen the psychiatrist there a couple of times because a nurse manages my meds, but I see a counselor there on a regular basis for therapy. Here’s their website: http://integratedlifecenter.com/
I would suggest calling Joanna Colrain, a Licensed Professional Counselor, 770-220-4059. Her office is in Decatur. She is not a psychiatrist, and therefore could not prescribe medication, but she could recommend a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists these days generally handle the medical aspects of treatment, and leave counseling to folks with social work degrees, psychology degrees, counseling degrees.
You may also want to know that, according to suicidehotlines.com/georgia.html, there is a suicide hotline serving DeKalb County, and the number is 404-892-4646.
I wish you patience and persistence in finding good help.
If this adult has a therapist, that is a good place to ask for recommendations. If this adult has insurance, there will be psychiatrists in that person’s network. You can check on matn.info which is the Metro Atlanta Therapists’ Network to ask for recommendations as well.
So I’ve got daddy day care duty all next week and in addition to the stuff that I have planned for the kids ( movies, play-dates etc. ) I’d like to give them and me the opportunity to volunteer some of our time to a local charity. Any ideas?
Want to go over to the Decatur High Community Garden and pull some weeds?
Or is that too cold?
Depending on their ages & health (no germy colds)– A visit to the VA Hospital or one of the nearby seniors communities would be very welcome. They could make cards or a small treat to take along! It’s terrific that you’re encouraging volunteerism. Hope your little ones are inspired by how much their gesture will mean to whoever receives their efforts!
Great idea! Nationwide, about 60% of nursing home residents never get personal visitors during the course of a year. Each facility’s activities director can answer questions and help people find residents who would especially benefit from having volunteer visitors.
Here’s a great resource for people of all ages who want to make nursing home visits enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved:
http://www.legacyproject.org/guides/visitnursinghomes.html
Wow. I had no idea about the 60 percent. Thanks for posting the link.
Thank you for this terrific link!
When I was a little kid, our church used to take kids caroling at nursing homes. The residents loved it!
Volunteering to do an art project or read to the kids at Our House is a fun volunteer activity!
Depending on the kids’ age, packing meals at Open Hand or sorting food at the Atlanta Community Food Bank are pretty good options.
Atlanta Food Bank is great but be sure to call ahead. They book groups on weekends so call to make sure they can accommidate you. But they’ll always take donations!!
So, um, Ale Yeah! Craft Beer Market is kind of awesome. Some coworkers and myself saw online that it opened Wednesday at 11, so we quickly made a mad-dash over there during lunch. The owners were great and the beer selection was exactly what I wanted. Definitely worth your time of checking it out if you’re interested in good beer.
Can’t wait to give it a visit!
Any ideas for what to do tonight? Any special events?
Sorry, did not mean this as a reply to Rob!
i didn’t realize they were already open! that’s awesome! now i can walk there! woooo!
What happened to the front gate at Glenlake doggie park? The handles were a bit strange, and difficult to maneuver with an excited and pulling pup on your other arm.
Lately, every time I go there the gate has been vandalized. Last time, it was pulled off its hinges laying on the ground. Seriously burns my toast.
It’s completely gone now. Hadn’t even been up that long!
Anyone know of a good (read: cheap) towing service? My car won’t start in the cold, even after putting in a new battery.
Check your auto insurance policy. You may have it included. If not, joining AAA Auto Club South may be a good way to go.
McCullough Towing, 770-491-3073. They were recommended by my mechanic and I used them once.
Try Zach’s. He’s in Avondale. (404) 294-7837
DM – What’s up with the scary “I love my new knee lady” at the top of your blog? I think the picture must be distorted, but she frightens me every time I visit your site. Her hair is a little wild and her mouth is open. Is my computer the only one that does this to this poor soul?
Nope, it’s not just your computer. She is kinda freaky looking now that you mention it…
I’ve thought the same thing. Scary lady!!
Thank you Stu – I thought I was the only one that found this ad creepy –
Could you imagine being that lady, happy to give a testimonial for DeKalb Medical, then finding out that THIS is the freeze-frame they decided to post in their ads?
I’m all for more DM readership, but I hope she never has the misfortune to stumble upon the site and find herself frozen in such an awkward, presumably mid-sentence position.
You just described who she reminds me of: Nancy Grace!
Wait until you see the Dollar General ads DM probably has planned!
Please don’t let it be Glenn Beck!
I thought of y’all last night when I stopped by the DG near the Forum! (It’s not been upgraded to the expanded groceries concept yet, but it sure is handy for getting office supplies, etc.)
Does anyone know of an upcoming schredding event? I’ve repeatedly asked to be removed from several catalog mailing lists, but they keep coming! I have a home shredder, but it can’t handle the plethora of junk mail I’ve been getting lately.
Schredding! LOL!
You can toss all those catalogs in the recycling bin. There probably won’t be a local shredding event for 5 or 6 more months.
Contact the Community School here in Decatur. They’ve been hosting periodic shredding events to raise funds.
http://www.thecommunityschool.net/
If by schredding you mean guitar schredding, I am so there.
go to catalogchoice.org. It really works. I never get catalogs anymore. when i do, i add them to the site and they don’t show up again.
CatalogChoice.com works for most catalogs but not for all. There are two companies in particular that apparently do not participate.
Wondering which are the best neighborhoods/ streets in Decatur for viewing holiday lights and decorations?
My four year old thanks you!
I know it’s not in Decatur, but the Life College up in Marietta always has a great light show.
I thought Life College closed, no?
It’s actually Life University and it is still going strong. Info on the Lights of Life:
http://www.life.edu/lightsoflife
Not the city of Decatur, but behind the Oak Grove Market on Oak Grove there is a house that is DONE UP. Kids’ll love it.
Carbon footprint be damned. Light pollution, pfft. It’s the holidays. As such, Pretty Wife and I will round up the offspring for a ride in the family ‘see’-dan. Hot chocolate in our respective sippy cups, we go forth seeking homes all aglow with twinkling lights. Alas, there is no guiding star in yonder sky to lead us. So, hey man, where we headed? Who’s house is busting out the razzle dazzle?
Decatur Diner has some glowing neon lights
I hear Stone Mountain has a pretty light display. The homes over here in Oakhurst are nicely decorated but it doesn’t seem like there are many of them to see.
Couple houses on Adair Street. A short street, you shouldn’t have trouble finding the ones I mean.
Lights on bikes, that’d be cool.
How about Southern Bicycle Leauge’s Christmas Light Tour – December 16 at 6:30pm? Ride starts behind the CVS at W. Ponce de Leon…not the usual Thursday night ride.
hill street in oakhurst has some great displays.
There use to be a great light display on Murphy St. in Clarkston. I haven’t been in a while so I’m not sure they still do it. It’s the second street past Valley Brook off of E. Ponce.
Take me with you!
Rick Abt’s house on King’s Highway in the MAK is awesome, as always. Many know his house as “the house that scares the bejesus out of my young kids on Halloween,” but many don’t know that his xmas decorations are equally as involved.
Can anyone share a recommendation for a local electrician? We recently bought a house with several old outlets that are not grounded, phantom light switches (we can’t tell what they’re supposed to operate, etc.)
I’ve searched Angie’s List but no one will come out to give an estimate without a charge and I’d like to have some idea of what this might cost before I pay someone to come out.
TopHat Husband is convinced that any electrical work is going to cost five gagillion dollars and is threatening to do it himself. Though he’s quite handy, he’s not an electrician and our relationship has plenty of spark without adding any of the literal kind. Suggestions? Experiences to share?
TopHat Husband and Hubs must be kindered spirits….make sure your husband goes to the library for hte book on electrical code. We recently took it back, so it should still be there. Three months and our house has not yet gone down in flames – good luck.
If you have non-code electrical work done, it will be near impossible to sell your house in the future without bringing it up to code. I would hire a professional licensed electrician, particularly for an older house.
My 1955 house was brought up to code for a refinancing and I sleep better every night not worrying about old , frayed, and amateur wiring sparking a fire.
Matthew Morgan, , 770-256-7174
Matthew is a good egg!
Agreed, endorsed and highly recommended.
Thanks, you guys! And also for the notes about non-code electrical work. Helps my case for getting a pro.
I tried that argument too – that is when he went to the library for said book – and the book is the reason we finally joined the library. Hoping it works for you. After Hubs did some of the work, he informed me he had no desire to be an electrician and understnads why they charge what they do. It took him 40+ hours to complete the task – when I reminded him of his own billing rate and asked if he really thought it was worth the 40 hours at his rate, I think I finally won
We now hire electricians.
Bought three DM shirts today… the “There’s a festival for that.” shirts.
Tis the season! I’m thinking about picking up a few for holiday gifts myself. How do the sizes run?
Nice! I definitely need to put up a pre-Christmas post about the ladies tees and long sleeve versions available at Decatur Screenprint!
Thank you, DM, and thank you for mentioning this!
Heard a rumor that College Heights 0-3 won’t be run by the YMCA anymore and that CSD is taking that part of things over. Also, the current 0-3 teachers are having to reapply for their jobs, and there won’t be part-time options available for them anymore (and they discovered their jobs were open when they saw them advertised on the internet). Does anyone know any more on this?
I think we knew that CSD had ended its arrangement with the YMCA–that was announced a while ago, wasn’t it? But not the rest of the info. I have always thought that it’s too bad that most CSD teachers cannot work part-time although I have to admit that the classic school day is not structured easily to allow part-time work, unless one is a specialist or administrator. There’s some great teachers that have left for several years to have more time for their children. Some have eventually come back, often as specialists so they can work part-time. I am not surprised that the YMCA hasn’t worked out although maybe there’s some great individual teachers working for them. When we were at the preK at College Heights, we felt that the after care provided by the Y was inferior to that provided by Decatur Rec through Animal Crackers. And the YMCA after care and camps at the Decatur/DeKalb YMCA do not have the same good reputation as do Decatur Rec’s; we had one bad experience there.
The move away from the YMCA has been in the works for a few months. The decision to fold College Heights into CSD was made at a November 29 Board meeting. Dr. Edwards sent a note home to parents at College Heights shortly after that meeting. The note includes some detail about CSD rehiring to fill the 0-3 positions. I’ll send a copy to DM in the event he wants to post. I would imagine that a similar memo went out to the YMCA staff.
An incident with Y staff last summer has caused the College Heights to lose accreditation with NAEYC. Other things happened as well, so CSD sent the 0-3 program administration out to bid several months ago. CSD was one of several groups that bid on the administration and the advisory council recommended the proposal submitted by College Heights and prepared by Suzanne Kennedy. Overall, the arrangement will probably work out better for most of the teachers. In most cases, the reapplication for the 0-3 teachers is merely a formality.
There have been lots of memos and meetings about this over the last six months.
Thanks for all the info – not involved with College Heights personally, just know an upset 0-3 teacher! Just curious what was going on up there….
Hubs and I tried The Square Pub last night – it is a must in the Square! We were a little worried at first when it was empty at about 7:00, but once we saw the menu, we had to try it. Service was excellent. We started with the fried avocado (yum), then Hubs had the fish and I had a burger. They let me design my own burger with all sorts of things that they do not offer on burgers (I got it with black beans, cheese, fritos, guac, pico in addition to the beef – grew up eating my burgers this way and theirs was excellent) – they were super accomodating.
We will be adding Square Pub to our regular rotation. We had the baby with us and his stroller – be advised that while you can eat on the main level, the main “dining room” is the third floor – Hubs carried the stroller up (luckily it is light weight, as is the babe). The second level has a few tables, but is the “lounge” level.
Not sure if you can rent out the space, but the 2nd or third level would be great for a private party.
Oh, and kid’s meals are $5. Also had the veggies as my side – green beans that tasted fresh and were not overcooked or swimming in butter.
Give them a try – can’t wait to go back soon and try something actually on the menu.
We also had a wonderful meal at the Square Pub w/ our three young kids. We felt very welcome and the kids loved their meals, which were pretty healthy as far as kid meals go. It’s a great additon to the square!
Hi Decatur Heights Neighbors!
The Petitions & N’hood Watch Enrollment continues! This week’s door-to-door efforts will be a bit hampered by freezy temps. Please don’t hesitate to email to set up a visit! All info can be found on the Decatur Heights Neighbors Google Group or on our neighbor’s DH blog (link on DM’s right sidebar.)
**Sycamore Ridge still needs volunteers to help w/signatures gathering. If 6 folks each cover 15 houses, it’ll be completed in no time! (And you’ll meet really nice neighbors!) Please contact your Board President to step up to help out.
Thanks!
anyone know where the pets with santa picture thing is today? I think i saw an ad on a vacant window beside sawickis but can’t remeber where its at! i think it said today from 12-5
While walking around Decatur yesterday I noticed a lot of mailboxes with a wonderful Christmas greenery decoration and a tag saying “Community Friends – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.” I would love to have one for my mailbox and support CHOA too – anyone know how I can buy one?
found this via google- http://www.theahaconnection.com/2010/11/07/decorate-your-mailbox-and-raise-money-for-choa/
Ok, It’s way past Friday, but did anyone see the NYT’s Show Us Your City request for videos? Interesting way to promote our little piece of near-paradise…
http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/show-us-your-city
No posts about the snow? Weren’t the huge flakes gorgeous? It was the best of both worlds–pretty snowflakes but no accumulation to cause dangerous roads or cancel events. Some optimistic kids that I happen to know were out there in snow wear and sliding equipment, gliding on the frosty grass. The only downside has been the bitter wind that makes one fear for the homeless and hope that all are careful with space heaters.
What happened with the City/Google video project from earlier this year?
Also, the look on that lady’s face on the ad for DeKalb Medical scares me
lol
Hi All-
We have opened at 127 E. Trinity Place, which is located in the 125 building next to Chick-fil-A. Our hours are Mon – Sat 11 – 7. Our number is 404-370-7079. Agilest Collections is a modern furniture retailer with an emphasis on modern classic contemporary design, new modern design furniture and home accessories. We carry products line such as Knoll, Vitra, Offi, Emeco and others. Likerish is a retailer with ecofriendly, sustainable and recycled products as well as baby and kids items. Again, our number is our number is 404-370-7079. .
Thanks in advance