Free-For-All Friday 11/25/11
Decatur Metro | November 25, 2011Feel free to use this post to ask questions and make comments about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
- rss
Feel free to use this post to ask questions and make comments about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Everybody must be out shopping.
I clipped a few coupons from the paper yesterday, and I may venture out later this afternoon. I kind of feel pissed at myself for contributing to what seems to be a way over-zealous emphasis on shopping this year. Last night on the 10p news they were showing people already lined up, and I was just thinking that it was completely idiotic. There have always been people that have to work holidays, but to open unnecessary businesses/retail shops that aren’t typically open frustrates me. 4am was a stretch, but midnight seems absolutely absurd to me. I guess if you have a ton of kids, or are on a budget or something, maybe this would be appealing, but I just don’t get it. I’m trying not to be judgmental about the people that were out, but the lady they interviewed was in line for a smart phone and a television, and I’ve go tot be honest, I thought she was a fool.
I know I made the right decision not to go out after reading about the person who used pepper spray in a Walmart to make sure he/she wouldn’t have any competition for the items on his/her shopping list. ‘The woman, who is still being sought, used the spray in more than one area of the Wal-Mart “to gain preferred access to a variety of locations in the store,” said Los Angeles Fire Capt. James Carson.’ Followed by the following comment from a fellow shopper, “I don’t care. I’m still getting my TV. I’ve never seen Wal-Mart so crazy, but I guess it could have been worse.”
Benefit #3234 for shopping locally – you’re much less likely to be pepper-sprayed by a neighbor than a crazy stranger.
you don’t even have to wait until black friday to bring out the crazy in the walmarts…wasn’t there some kind of fiasco in a walmart nail salon earlier in the week?? happy to have spent the day with the family outside enjoying the beautiful weather
way better than a $199 tv any day of the week…
Shopping is the new patriotism.
Over the years, I have narrowed my range of gift-buying to two types of items: wine and books. Makes the shopping so much easier-and easier to shop local. I usually hit two places: Little Shop of Stories and Sherlocks. May add Blue Elephant to the mix this year.
+1
Especially if you shop in your home town.
+ $1.
Just like farming is the new golf?
The only thing this consumer consumed was more turkey, stuffing, pie…
Some of us have to work….sigh.
I’m at work too. Sigh
Anyone know what’s being developed at the corner of South Candler and Midway Road?
Is it more than the bridge replacement and park renewal?
The old horse farm has been clear cut for 10 new houses.
There was a horse farm here? When?
The previous owners of the property put the place up for sale about 2 years ago, it was active until then. I used to see them riding through my back yard where Shoal creek runs through. The horses were very hard to see through the road because it was heavily wooded and overgrown. I believe a strip of land along Midway where the creek runs next to the street has been donated to the public.
It’s a real shame that property is being developed. I was told by the previous owners that the home there had been the home of Decatur’s first veterinarian. I do understand the owners wanting to make money but it’s also another historic property lost.
A bigger shame is the clear cutting that took place across the street for a subdivision that stalled and now sits dormant, depressed and dusty.
The even bigger shame is that several years before the housing crash, a well respected builder tried to develop that property with a conservation plan that would have left the majority of trees standing, but (if I recall correctly) they were fought by neighbors and withdrew their proposal.
By being unwilling to compromise, the community instead got the clear cut moonscape they have today.
That’s not exactly correct Scott. The plan that was approved and is supposed to be being built (is anyone at the city watching?) included a provision to preserve 30%+ green space on the 8+ acres. It’s hard to tell but they did save a large swath of trees at the back – with much of it going into conservation held by the city. I have no idea why the developer started building, but the community did what it could to get something as agreeable to the neighborhood and to the original developer. There were many plans fought and denied previously, the one that was approved, if built within compliance, should have been nice. I wonder what’s going happen now. Again – is anyone at the city watching?
From the comments I remember at the time, the most vocal folks (perhaps those closest?) didn’t want homes concentrated on one portion of the property so that another portion could remain undisturbed (the basic premise of what was ultimately approved). They wanted tree cover retained throughout, and that’s what was initially presented.
I’m not saying which plan is ultimately *better.* That’s a different conversation. My point is that people were initially presented with a plan that spoke to their concerns (retaining trees throughout) but, because they were fixated on there being no development at all, that plan went away. What’s there today didn’t just happen. It is the logical outcome of the choices made (on all sides) along the way. It could still end well, I suppose, if our economic tides turn. Only the crystal ball can say.
My crystal ball tells me that 500K+ homes sitting this close to S. Candler will not sell well. Then again, there’s a saying about suckas.
Turns out Monte Hewitt is developing a 10-home subdivision. They put up a sign while I was out of town. Here’s a relevant link to their website: http://www.montehewetthomes.com/park-at-overlook.cfm
Hmmm. Seems like that area would be in a flood plain.
I think parts of it are.
Aren’t there considerable restrictions about developing in flood plains because they are part of or near wetlands? How does that work if someone wants to develop property like that – does the permitting go beyond the city?
Also – this former horse farm: Were these the same hombres that used to mosey on into Oakhurst and hitch up to the U.J. from time to time? I’d been hoping these dudes would show up again.
The main restriction is the requirement for flood insurance. In today’s market, some lenders still might not give you a mortgage even with it.
Does anyone know which Decatur food establishments have meeting rooms that they allow local groups to use? I’m looking for a Saturday morning place.
Thanks for all ideas. Decatur-ish is would be ok too.
If you don’t have to have food, Cornerstone Bank has a community room that anyone may use with an outside entrance so it doesn’t have to be business hours.
Not sure how large of a space you need, but Chocolate has a back room that fits about 6 or 8. It can be reserved in advance.
Not that I’m recommending it, but I see a lot of meetings taking place in the side/front room of Ruby Tuesdays.
A better idea would be the Belgian Bar at the Brick Store, The Marley House or Twain’s… But my idea of a “Saturday morning meeting” is around noon
Thanksgiving dinner was AWESOME. Family arguments were non-existent.
Pie for breakfast = equally awesome. Doing my best not to crack open a beer (or dip into the Maker’s Mark) before kick off of the LSU/Arkansas game.
It’s warm enough to sit on the screened porch for a few hours.
JoeBlow is thankful, indeed.
Geaux tigers!
I know I have asked before but lost the info. Need a home window washer, inside and out. Local company would be great.
sunshine windows…they are awesome, professional, and reasonably priced.
+1 re. Sunshine. They are fast and do a great job. Price is reasonable IMHO
FYI to DTR, TeeRuss and anyone else who’s tried to view DM with the new version of Apple’s iOS on the iPad – the software has been upgraded and it no longer appears to be fuzzy.
If anyone is still have issues with this, let me know. Thanks!
It’s….sooooooo clear! Thanks.
For those of you looking to get your festive holiday conifer soon, please support Winona Park elementary next Saturday!
can you give more details?
Winnona Park Elementary will host its annual Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. in the school parking lot. Fresh Frasier firs from Banner Elk, N.C., will be delivered on the day of the sale. Prices are $60 for a seven-foot tree, $70 for an eight-foot tree, and $80 for a nine-foot tree. Fresh wreaths will also be available for sale.
Trees are sold on a first-come-first-served basis and a portion of your purchase is tax deductible. For more information, contact Beth Costello, 404-797-6255. A variety of holiday festivities are planned in addition to the sale of trees and wreaths. Stop by and enjoy some holiday cheer.
http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/index.aspx?page=48&recordid=1849
anyone been to the Harbor place (the old El tesoro)?
We a had a great meal there last night. Have not heard a peep about it
otherwise
Been there 3 times – 2 dinners, 1 lunch. Highly enjoyable. Lovely waitstaff, attentive owner/manager and just the right atmosphere.
We were not impressed with Harbor. Weird drinks, and sweet, sweet coleslaw on a shrimp po’boy, blech.
I have wondered the same thing. Been there three times and gotten great food. Really like what they have done with the place.
We went to Harbor Bar last week and had a great time. Thought the food was great, the atmosphere lively and the service excellent. The two bartenders were very nice.
What do people think of the barrage this past few months of people collecting for various organizations on the stretch of Ponce between Church and Commerce.
While I know the organizations being represented are legit, do we know if these people are actually connected to them? It seems every once in a while I see the same people collecting for HRC as I do Red Cross.
As a resident, I am getting tired of being stopped every time I walk down the street on weekends. I know they are counting on a lot of people visiting Decatur and so they are trying for the “unique hits” and not residents that would be asked every day.
If they are actually collecting money they likely need a City permit – ask to see it. If they are harassing, call DPD 404-373-6551. The people in the Red Cross vests are not collecting money.
They may not be collecting cash. However, they are soliciting ongoing donations/pledges. I, too, have been approached more than once, albeit by some very nice folks.
ah yes, gotta love the 3rd party donation collectors.
everytime i walk around i get hassled. you’d think they’d realize its the same person after a dozen times in a week but no.
My dad did his part to shut them down the other day. As we walked by Starbucks, this guy jumped in front of us and said “you wouldn’t mind answering a few questions, would you?”. Fearing the worst, I braced for an onslaught of Naval invectives. To my surprise, the old man replied “not at all.” I had no idea what was happening until he added, about 5 seconds later, “if you could just get someone who doesn’t smell like ass to ask them”. I admit, I LOL’ed…
Are you sure they are collecting funds? I think the larger NGOs are trying to sign up monthly donors. It’s a common practice in major markets and often drives public transportation riders nuts because they’re hit up so often. But monthly donors are the best — the smaller monthly amount usually adds up to a larger-than-average yearly gift.
For the others, ask for the permit. Should die down in a month!
GO JACKETS!!!!
I wanted to take my 4 and 1/2 year old horseback riding – is there a place close by that people recommend?
There’s horse stables across from N. DeKalb Mall on Lawrenceville Highway, the name is something like Little Horse Farm or Little River Horse Farm. I believe some of the owners give rides/lessons. There’s also the Ellenwood Horse Stables that folks swear by but I haven’t been there. There’s also something along Houston Mill Road, if it’s still there, but I know nothing and have heard nothing about it, just driven by.
That stable is part of the Dekalb County Parks and Rec but there is a Conservancy that works to support the farm. Went last spring during green events with my grandson. There are frequent events including next Sunday’s Holiday Market and program. Check it out.
http://www.littlecreekfarmconservancy.org/LCFC/Home.html
* next Saturday.
Little Creek Farm Conservancy is across from North DeKalb Mall.
http://www.littlecreekfarmconservancy.org/LCFC/Home.html
Long time Garden Lane homeowner Edith Davis died last Saturday. Her obituary was in the AJC last week. I had the honor of getting to know Ms. Davis and her husband Hal during the past twelve years. Ms. Davis and her husband were a master gardeners, experts in azaleas and rhododendrons, long before the term became popular. When I asked them to identify my front yard azalea by bringing them a cutting with a flower, they insisted on putting it into a glass of water, giving it “something to drink”. Both were very proud that their daughter excelled at Decatur High and had great teachers like Ellis Mills, longtime band director. I suspect that the Davis’ stayed in Decatur long after their daughter graduated (mid 70s) because of their love of Decatur First Baptist Church. They never missed Sunday school.
Among the many things I am thankful for this time of year are people like Edith and Hal Davis. I hope others in this town appreciate people like them who stay and grow old and share their wisdom with the citizens of the City of Decatur.
Wonderfully shared and beautifully put.
Chris, I’m thankful for your role as Mr. B with Decatur’s young folks, but it’s your gift of reflecting fondly in tribute to those who’ve passed that touches my heart the most. Thank you for sharing.
The B in Mr. B is for the Best!
True dat!
+1
Woot! Woot! It might snow!
That’s what they keep saying but it still feels balmy! I completely overdressed today thinking snow was on its way!
Yes, it was so weird — it looked cold but was not!
Where can one take old glasses that are still in great condition? Any local place to donate?
Eyeglasses? You can take them to Lenscrafters.
Decatur Lions Club will take them. Here’s the entry from the Medlock Area Neighborhood Assoc.:
Donate Your Used Hearing Aids, Eyeglasses and Cell Phones to North Decatur Lions Club (Right Here in Medlock). The North Decatur Lions Club is the place to donate used eyeglasses (or even just the lenses), hearing aids and cell phones. These items will be sent to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse for the Blind. The eyeglasses will be sorted and cleaned, their prescriptions read and then sent to one of a number of areas throughout the world where your used specs will make a great difference in someone’s life. Used hearing aids will be similarly classified and distributed. The cell phones will be reprogrammed to emergency phone numbers and distributed to the needy.
Please bring your used and unwanted eyeglasses, hearing aids and cell phones to: North Decatur Lions — C/O Stephen and Joyce Faulkner, 2535 Harrington Drive, Decatur, GA 30033
If no one is home, leave your donations in the carport. Lion Steve and Lion Joyce will be sure that your glasses, hearing aids and cell phones will find their way into the hands of someone needy who will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
precisely what I was looking for! Thanks!