Lots of folks have been clamoring for some more info on the new loose tea shop that was reported to be opening in the old “Wild Seed” spot along East Ponce de Leon Ave.  Marla just gave us the name – Cozee Tea’s – and that’s all we needed!  Their website is already up and humming.  Here’s the summary from the “About Us” page…

New to the downtown Decatur area, encompassing that home away from home feel consumers look for, CozeeTea’s is the new hub for comfort, relaxation, and professionalism. This family owned establishment, started by Leigh Canada, who has over 27 years of corporate experience, is sure to be your new sip and socialize spot. The ambiance, with its warm colors and vintage styles, is inviting to people of all ages and backgrounds. The wide selection includes something for every taste bud. The teas are also prepared in numerous ways including, hot, cold, smoothies, latte’s and bubble, which means there is always a perfect cup with your name on it.

Superintendent Phyllis Edwards send this note out to the Decatur community yesterday afternoon…

Dear Families,

We hope you are having an exciting pre-holiday season. Our schools are balancing a focus on learning and the eagerness your children feel!

Several systemwide committees have been working at my request:

• Engagement
• Enrollment Trends
• Start and End Time for RMS and DHS
• Transportation Options

Members include parents, students, and CSD employees. Each of these committees are creating recommendations that will be presented to the Board after the new year.

The Start and End Time for RMS and DHS committee has requested the community to offer their perceptions through an online survey. Although this committee is focusing on start and end times for RMS and DHS only, the survey has been launched to all CSD families. We have heard that families would like more time, so the survey has been extended to December 16, 2011. If you need Parent Portal access to reach the survey, please go to your child’s school in person to acquire your login information. Once you reach Parent Portal, select “Inbox” to find the survey.

This committee will continue to focus only on start and end times for RMS and DHS. However, all the data collected through this survey will be used by the Transportation Committee, as well as myself and school leaders, as decisions are made regarding 2012-2013 start and end times for all schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Phyllis Edwards

UPDATE:  Patch has acquired the Virgin Islands Police Department’s report on the incident involving Ms. Nettles, stating that she and her friends were attempting to get out of a tide pool at Annaly Bay when a current pulled her under.

Very sad news out of Alabama that apparently has lit up Facebook among Decatur’s younger population, according to parents.

al.com reports of a car accident on State Route 77 early morning Thursday…

Madison Minor Lewis, 19, was killed in the accident that happened around 3:20 a.m. She was a freshman third baseman on the Lady Bison softball team from Decatur, Ga.

I’ve also received some reports that another young Decaturite, Ellen Nettles, died in the Caribbean yesterday. Still trying to collect more details in that case, but multiple emails and comments have confirmed it. A very tough day for many in the Decatur community no doubt..

Our deepest sympathies go out to all the friends and family members.

Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not yet discussed here over the past week.

Comments close Monday.