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.
May 16, 2014 Free-For-All Friday 5/16/14 (121)
June 20, 2014 Free-For-All Friday 6/20/14 (34)
May 23, 2014 Free-For-All Friday 5/23/14 (101)
David
Mr. Mooney
LOL
Bruce
JC
nelliebelle1197
spreak
Chachee
Chewey
brianc
At Home in Decatur
At Home in Decatur
The Original Church Street Bridge
Does anyone know where I can get a manual push mower blades sharpened in the Decatur area?
You might inquire at Ace Hardware.
Call American Chainsaw and 2-Cycle on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. (770) 934-7297
Mr. Wright’s little shop on E. College near Waffle House.
Did you snag that from CraigsList? I saw someone had listed one for free yesterday…
Intown Ace Hardware on Scott Blvd.
Is it a reel mower, or rotary?
If it’s a reel mower, here’s the deal. I went to American on Lawrenceville Highway as FM Fats recommended. They wanted $75 to sharpen the blades. $75!!!
So I then I went to Intown Ace, and one of the always-helpful employees told me I shouldn’t bother. Manual reel mowers are self-sharpening, as there’s a strop on the underside that hones the blade on each revolution.
DTR, $75 doesnt sound bad for a real ‘reel mower’, of course it was something like 20″ or 24″ wide. I remember paying that 20+ years ago… Maybe I was taking it on the chin, but…
Hmm…interesting. I had in my mind something like $20, so was completely surprised by the $75. I guess maybe that’s a normal price.
Either way, I decided to take the Ace Hardware guy’s advice and let it sharpen itself.
Depending on how much it costs, plus the hassle of taking the lawnmower to a shop, it might just be cheaper and easier to get a new blade.
Any news or rumors on the Feast space?
i heard it is going to be a mexican place…fresh, a bit more upscale…anyone else hear the same thing?
La Fonda Latina? Please?! Fellini’s is just around the corner, and they usually come in locational pairs.
I vote for a Mexican burger/pizza/frozen yogurt/growler shop where everything is a dollar. Or a peso.
Hadn’t heard that. Are you sure you’re not confusing Feast with Decatur Diner, ‘cuz I think it’s the guy who did the Cinco restaurants who is moving into the Diner space?
How much more upscale is “a bit”? $25 entrees? I’m slowly being priced out of Decatur’s dining and I don’t like it.
+1. Can’t afford to pay my taxes and can’t afford to drown my sorrows.
i don’t know too many details…i was chatting with a friend of the possible-soon-to-be-owner and that was the description she gave me. wish i knew more
Is there a GOOD Italian restaurant that I just haven’t found in or around Decatur? I haven’t found a real Italian restaurant since leaving the Northeast. A local, non-chain Italian restaurant. Is there no room for such a place in our Decatur dining scene?
Closest I can think of for what you are looking for is Alfredo’s on Cheshire Bridge.
Yup, that or Nino’s, also on Cheshire.
Try Capozzi’s by Community Q
+1! We love this place!
Yes. Capozzi’s. Good food and service.
I love Capozzi’s!
Being half Sicilian I have to jump in here and say that is not REAL ITALIAN food!
Noni’s on Edgewood if you go early before it becomes a smoky hipster dance club. The house made tagliatelle is great, as is the meatball sandwich.
Their lasagna is terrible. Don’t order it.
I usually stick to the pasta with marinara and a chicken cutlet with a Caesar. The antipasto is pretty good, too.
Ooooh, I can answer this one! The answer is NO! The people who are suggesting places mean well but they likely do not understand the question. Capozzi’s is the closest you will come in the immediate Decatur area. It wouldn’t last a month in Philly or Pittsburgh or any place else with a significant population of 3rd to 4th generation Italian Americans. When I get a craving for “Northeast Italian”, i.e. mussels in spicy marinara with fresh bread, antipasta with meats other than Boar’s Head yet still costing less than $20, real New York style pizza, etc…I remind myself that I’m living in Georgia and just go to Fox Bros. for bbq instead…
I grew up in Queens. I understand the question. While it’s true that there’s nothing like, say Dante’s on Union Turnpike, Arturo’s on Houston Street or the places on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, there are some places around town that can satisfy a Yankee’s urge like Noni’s or Varasano’s.
I do love me some bbq, and that’s something I can’t get up North, so OK fair enough. I’ll try the recommendations here though – especially from the guy from Queens.
I do think a really good Italian restaurant would do well in Decatur (one that serves more than pizza).
+Uno
Interestingly, I used to live about 20 miles outside of Philly and there wasn’t a decent Italian place anywhere around – you had to go to South Philly.
Had some chocolate frosting cupcakes from Oakhurst’s Sugar Moon on their opening day and they were yummy. (Owners used to sell their cupcakes at Taste.) Saw people enjoying milkshakes there.
You know, I question the logic of having SO MANY yogurt shops in our little area but I sure do NOT mind having a lot of bakery-type shops. For me, there could never be too many places to get cupcakes or chocolate anything. I look forward to patronizing ALL the new and older businesses.
milkshakes????? where is this place exactly?
Next to Kavarna’s, across from Universal Joint and the Hop and Shop, where Nectar used to be.
They make the best red velvet I’ve ever had.
Thanks for the tip on red velvet; my son’s favorite. Think I’ll surprise him… that is, if I don’t end up consuming it all myself…
Can anyone recommend a good handyman in Decatur?
John Suratt has done a lot of work at our house, and I am always more than satisfied. Try him at 404-213-9559.
+1 on John Suratt; great repairs and reasonably priced.
John is also a former Decatur High teacher and his family is an old-timey Decatur clan (and I mean that in the modern sense). But don’t ask him about Triumph GT6’s or conduct policy from the 1970s. Could be a long conversation. You may want to mention his niece who was the valedictorian of the Class of 2012. Everyone was mighty proud of her!
I always use Dale Jenks. His number is 404-610-2349.
Give Will Sawyer a call. He has done some terrific work for us. Really nice guy. Honest. Reasonable rates. 828-450-6620.
On the subject of yummy, had donuts (yes, multiple!) at Revolution Donuts yesterday. These are amazing–they are very substantial, just the right amount of chewy and caky, and it’s obvious that the ingredients are top notch. We tried caramel, cinnamon, chocolate and the caramel-bacon one. Yes, there were several children eating! My favorite was the caramel. Please go by and visit–next to Ale Yeah. On College Ave, west of the train track intersection near Oakhurst, for the 5 of you who don’t where Ale Yeah is…
I need a new garbage disposal (mine is leaking) but don’t want to put it in myself. Any recommendation for who to get to do this?
I used Gary’s Plumbing Service a few years ago. 770-921-0080.
Tim Chen is an excellent plumber: good prices and very prompt. He replaced my disposal a year or so ago.
Reach him at:
770-934-8511
or timchenplumbing at yahoo.
Tim Chen did some work for us few years ago. Very reliable, efficient and reasonable.
Well, I am $520 poorer now.
But I have a non leaking garbage disposal and a drain was rerouted to the (allegedly) proper position. I really hope the latter was necesary. Ugh.
Speaking of Mexican food (segue requires reference to anniefannie’s post above), any updates on the Decatur Diner replacement?
Well, I noticed some progress for myself. No details on the actual business, but it looks like demo is in full swing. The ugly green awnings are gone, but the painted blue stone(?) remains.
That’s real progress, because the blue awning was still there on Wednesday.
For those interested in other points of view on the recent Fernbank Science Center brouhaha, check out
http://dekalbschoolwatch.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/budget-meeting-tonight/#comments
I actually wasn’t surprised that there appear to be a number of DCSS parents and teachers who want Fernbank closed. I wasn’t surprised, either, that they were worried that CSD & APS parents would try to jump into what is a DCSS issue.
I can see both sides of this issue pretty clearly and both sides seem to have good arguments. Sadly, seems like the kids and teachers lose no matter what the current school board does.
I read a lot of both sides on different blogs and understand the point of view that parents want every penny spent in classrooms given the dire situtation there in DCSS. But it doesn’t seem like that will happen no matter what. If FSC disappears, it’s unlikely that those dollars will show up in the classroom. The basic problem seems to be financial mismanagement combined with a bloated administration with inadequate accountability, too much favoritism and nepotism, and no way to get those responsible out except when things get so bad that criminal sanctions apply. I was impressed with the logic that the Budget Committee recommended over 300 cuts in Central Office but only ~70 are going to be implemented. Those cuts need to happen before any other cutting happens, IMHO. And one has to be careful and not just consider operating budget, but also longterm value and investment. A planetarium would never be replaced.
It’s none of our business as a non-DCSS family, I guess, but we can walk to the Fernbank Science Center as easily as we can walk to much of Decatur so closing it hits close to home. I’m glad that the donor had the foresight to put some restrictions on what could be done with the property. It’s also a lesson in watching one’s school system closely. Evidently, DCSS was once much better. Folks even mention that it was once preferred over CSD. Hope DCSS voters figure out how to elect folks who can ensure that the system is turned around.
In my non-DCSS opinion, I wish Fernbank would take it over and let CSD, APS and DCSS pay part of the operating costs so all students in the immediate area could benefit!
Now yer talkin.
You mean the Fernbank Natural History Museum? Some have suggested that the museum will be less interested in serving low profit audiences like school groups. But I don’t know that. And maybe the donor corporation, Fernbank Inc., which donated the museum land too, could hold sway.
I was at the meeting and spoke. I have reviewed the budget and find both the “epiphanies” behind why there is a shortfall (such as unanticipated 2.7 million for textbooks and another 10 millions for increased healthcare costs) AND the way they have planned on “solving” it are complete idiocy. The “solution” is to raise taxes to cover almost half the shortfall while increasing the Board Members budget from 3.7 million in FY 2012 to 6.7 million in FY 2012…..and no, that is NOT an error on my part. I took it directly from the proposed budget….right below the line where the superintendent’s budget is raised more than 30%. It is flat out ridiculous…
The increase is in FY 2013…
Why do the board members need a budget??
Wait a minute. The Board Members have a budget of several million? Besides their $18,000+ stipends? What for? You drive to the meeting; the gas and mileage should be covered by your stipend, no? You take notes with a pencil and notebook for a total of $1.79.
Do CSD Board Members have a budget besides their stipends? Now I am worried. I do remember a retreat or two. How much is the CSD Board Member budget, not counting stipends which I’m hoping are still being declined? I’m hoping it’s in the <$1,000 category.
And the Superintendent's budget has been raised 30% in a time of austerity, staff laid off, programs cut, and sanctioned classroom crowding? Shame, bad karma, purgatory. Or tell me that this was just an organizational shifting of budget codes not an actual increase in non-instructional spending.
I am so afraid that DCSS culture is going to contaminate neighboring school districts. "How can you criticize this Central Office expense? After all, in DeKalb County….."
I don’t really know what the Board members budget consists of….I’m not sure they do either. I’m sure there are things like conferences, travel, pencil pushers and coffee getters, etc….which should be completely cut. I just found it remarkably ironic that, just before the board members entered the meeting, some nice woman brought a tray of bottled water and set a bottle out in front if each board member’s seat. They are making the teachers pay more for benefits….and they get bottled water. Perhaps I will be written off as petty but I am a strong distaste for hypocrisy.
Even if it is an accounting restructure, the looks on the members faces didn’t suggest that, and I’m not really sure that such is a better answer. It makes me think of Houdini rather Lincoln. And besides, accounting needs to be explained…which is what I asked the Board to do….do a much better job explaining to folks the real solutions. After all, the board and super pat themselves on the back for cutting positions….but neglect to tell people that the committee recommended five times as many cuts. The sense that they genuinely believe they are playing with monopoly money is overwhelming.
Contrast this with my experience today of having to file something in probate court of a county not named DeKalb. You know who was sitting at the window to receive the filing? The judge. Not someone from his office or the clerk’s office….but him. He filed it in, prepared a receipt, stamped my file copy, and answered three general phone calls. Amazing…
So, I did some checking here, since I need to take my mind off tomorrow’s race, and fy 2012 budget of 3.7 million was comprised of salaries (approx 200k, travel (4k per member), insurance (approx 33k), and purchased services (budgeted at about 900k…which exploded to more than 3 million). It is on page 14 to 16 of the more than 1600 page approved budget and i have posted the location here…..http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/www/documents/budget/approved-budget-detail-(2012).pdf.
I believe that “purchased services” are legal bills….and my guess is that the ongoing legal battle with Heery/Mitchell is going to make up the more than 3 million increase in the FY 2013 proposal……which is a travesty.
Why do they get INSURANCE?
Now that I think of it so do CSD Board members. One Board member was quoted as saying it was the most important compensation. But I always assumed that it was part of some larger group policy that CSD had anyway, not an additional per person cost.
Has anyone ever noticed a Board category in the CSD budget? I would think we’d have heard about it by now, during elections or something, but I’ve never been as good as others at studying the budget.
After my coNversation with board member Don McChesney, I believe,too, that the board’s budget consists primarily of legal fees. Marcus Turk, the prior CFO, did not do a very good job. Thus we’ve never clearly known how much weRe paying in legal fees. Turk is also the one who depleted the reserves, a depletion that was just discovered weeks ago, and failed to budget the interest payments on the bonds. There are many, many reasons why DCSS is in such bad shape, but I think that the fact that it’s a surprise is Turk’s fault.
I’ll pose this question again: Where can I get new tires put on my old Honda motorcycle for a reasonable price? The only thing that comes to mind is ATLMotorcycles, but I have a feeling that their hourly labor rate is going to be beyond my budget.
I like MSP Cycles on Lawrenceville. I haven’t done much comparison shopping but they’re a good shop.
Ken’s Motorcycle Tires in Woodstock. It’s a bit out of the way, but they’ve done me right in the past and I’ll go back. http://www.kensmotorcycletires.net/
My two year old blueberry bushes are loaded but I need bird netting. Does anyone know a source?
Have you tried Deer Netting? I’m not sure if the openings are too big but you can get it at Home Depot.
Ace Hardware had some last time I was there. You can also google for it, lots of places carry it including amazon.
You all are such an informed bunch. Good tip last week — thanks to Patrick, who mentioned Triangle Rent A Car for a one-way cargo van rental.
*This week*, I am in need of a working AT&T microcell in good shape to boost my AT&T signal when I visit Charlotte, NC for business (my space gets zero-one bar of service). I have complained to AT&T — their response was to offer me $100 off the $199 price of a microcell device… They used to give it away until earlier this year.
Since I already pay a fair amount to them for my bundle (uverse, land line, family wirelss), I want it for free…. but I am not getting my way.
Does anyone know a work around, another techo gadget, cheaper option? I am still under contract for wireless service so switching providers is not an option.
You all are such an informed bunch
Good tip last week — thanks to Patrick, who mentioned Triangle Rent A Car for a one-way cargo van rental.
*This week*, I am in need of a working AT&T microcell in good shape to boost my AT&T signal when I visit Charlotte, NC for business (my space gets zero-one bar of service). I have complained to AT&T — their response was to offer me $100 off the $199 price of a microcell device… They used to give it away until earlier this year.
Since I already pay a fair amount to them for my bundle (u-verse, land line, family wireless), I want it for free…. but I am not getting my way.
Does anyone know a work around, another techno gadget, cheaper option? I am still under contract for wireless service so switching providers is not an option.
Hmm… my changes during that 5-minute edit period resulted in a second posting. Sorry, don’t know how that happened.
I haven’t seen any comments on Pinewood Tippling Room on this site yet, so I am going to share my experience from last night. To start, I highly recommend it as a place to get drinks before dinner, or to chat with friends after a meal.
I tried 3 of the signature cocktails and two of the apps. First, I was very pleased with the Goodwood Julep, which was served in the traditional pewter cup. I thought it was the right mixture of sweet and mint, and an improvement on the traditional julep.
My second drink of the evening was the “Day that I Die,” a Rye based drink with ginger and pecan flavors. I enjoyed the spice that the ginger brought to the drink, and the southern flavoring.
My third cocktail was the “Decatur Discretionary.” I recall it was good, but my memory is a bit fuzzy.
I also tried two appetizers: Herb popcorn (my only disappointment was that they did not also have the parmesano and olive oil popcorn available), and the collard green egg rolls. They both had excellent flavor, and were a good accompaniment to the cocktails.
I am extremely pleased that Pinewood has opened, and am excited to return. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was good. I’d like to see it a bit more crowded, but then it was early evening on a Thursday when I was there.
Heh heh….he said Goodwood Julep. For brunch, do they have a Morningwood Bloody Mary?
You have been hanging with Kenny too long, Keithy
I went with some friends earlier this week and thought it was awesome. I had the Decatur Discretionary and it was delicious – though I would have liked to try another, unlike Todd I had to stop at one.
The cocktail list is very interesting and I look forward to sampling others. We had the collard spring rolls, yummy, and a couple of sliders, also yummy. A great, different addition to the Decatur scene.
Agree! Wonderful cocktails and small apps. We enjoyed conversing with the mixologist about booze. They claim to make an outstanding funnel cake. Can’t wait to try that in our next visit!
I will find out about the funnel cakes – they gave each of us a card for a free one on our next visit
In addition to some fine cocktails, we took a chance on deep fried chicken hearts, which proved both delicious and anatomically instructive. Who knew?
I can’t remember having contemplated it before, but after due consideration I can say with complete confidence that “anatomically instructive” is not something I will ever be looking for in an appetizer. The place does sound appealing, however, and I look forward to trying it.
You should probably stay away from any Rocky Mountain oysters then! Unless you’ve *really* been tippling!
Not enough fascinating cocktails in the world to make me go there.
Our old AC unit quit- any tips on who to add to our bid list to get replacement air conditioning unit( s)?
We use B. Tucker Heating & A/C, 404-298-1314, and know several other people who use them. We are all pleased with their service and prices.
Call Empire Heating and Air. Last August when my system decided to take the big sleep, owner Martin Hoover told me “You’re in luck. That’s a problem money can fix.”
Three days and several thousand dollars later, I was basking in delightful cool comfort. I took the opportunity to replace all the ductwork as well, and install a damper stystem so I could heat and cool the upstairs and downstairs independently.
Empire’s got all sorts of solutions without a lot BS.
Ace & A in Avondale Estates. When my AC went out I got multiple quotes. They were by far the best. They are friendly, professional, and local. Love them!
I can’t forgive Ace & A for the giant Hummers they have. Painting your company logo on a huge, gas guzzling tax write-off that can’t even carry the same load as a pickup truck is my idea of poor advertising.
are they the diesel H1 hummers? or the smaller GM built SUV’s that run on gas?
I highly recommend CoolMasters. This is an independent shop, won’t try to sell you stuff you won’t need, will do quality work for a reasonable price.
Nothing like a nice stiff drink.
Had a good experience at the Decatur Wells Fargo Bank on East Ponce. My sister, who is visiting from Illinois, needed the use of a notary and Mr. Michael Byrd agreed to help. Mr. Byrd reminded us that one of the benefits of a big bank is that they can provide services to customers who may be visiting from other states. Overall it was a very pleasant experience and we had the opportunity to visit the original location of Decatur Federal. Brought back a lot of great memories.
I’ve posted this once before, but I’d like to let everyone know that I am available for summer tutoring. I’m a substitute for CSD, and I am certified in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Language Arts, and Family and Consumer Sciences. I am also ESOL endorsed and have my M.Ed in English Education. I’ve taught middle school and privately tutored. Feel free to call me at 954-288-2676 or send me an email at [email protected] . Thanks for your support!
Join us at The Solarium on Sunday, June 3rd from 5-8PM for the 9th Annual Patio Party Fundraiser! Participate in a lively auction featuring birdhouses, mailboxes, yard art and found art for the home custom-crafted or decorated by local artists and famous Decatur personalities. The bidding will be hot for these one-of-a kind masterpieces lead by Oakhurst Elementary favorite, Wanda Nesbitt! Other highlights include a raffle, kids’ activities center and live music by Jeff Holt. Guests will also enjoy wine, beer and fabulous food showcasing The Solarium’s preferred caterers. Have a great time with your neighbors while supporting the mission of the Community Center of South Decatur and The Solarium. Tickets available at https://www.xorbia.com/e/ccsd/patioparty or email us at [email protected] .
just had a cherry grape orange stuffed with chocolate king Snoball. now time for another!
A quick thank you to whoever recommended Dr. Larry Ray as a trans-friendly doctor a few weeks back. I finally went in for an appoint this past week, and had a great experience. He was very open and knowledgeable. I’d highly recommend him to anyone, transgender or otherwise.
Looking for an inexpensive mosquito treatment from a reputable company that is ok for young kids. Any recs?
DM: Could we start a thread on HOW to appeal unreasonable assessments? There seems to be some wisdom out there but we need to share it fast so that we can do the research and form submissions in time:
For example:
– Decatur Patch has a good article with some tips, e.g. which grounds for appeal to pick–e.g. both “value” AND “uniformity of assessment”. BUT where does that go on the online form? I don’t see a field for that? Just in the large text box called “What is the basis for your appeal” along with everything else you have to say?
– Or is it better to download the Excel Appeal Form and submit hard copy?
– Is the appeal to the Board of Equalization (BOE) the best approach? When should one choose “Binding Arbitration” or “Hearing Officer” instead?
– According to a real estate agent acquaintance, be sure and check what Condition Code the assessment notice assigns your property. E.g. “excellent”, “good”, “average”, “poor”. Anyone know what the basis for average vs good is? Is that defined anywhere? What features count for a downgrade? Sagging floors? Old paint jobs? Moldy grout? Dinged baseboards?
– What is “Quality Grade”? Mine is good. Should it be average or lower? Is it defined anywhere?
– I know that it’s important to show that sales of similar property in the area were lower than the assessment. But are does one best get that data? If I click on “Sales Data Search”, the most recent data for my “Neighborhood and Land Use Code” is from 2011, no sales listed for 2012. Is the data just not up to date or is it possibly real because of the slow market? Should I be looking elsewhere for better data? Or in another neighborhood and land use code?
– How does one make the basic argument of “there’s no way this property increased in value by $XX,000″ in just one year? Our land value went up multiple fold but so did everyone else’s on the block. But then they did the weird downgrade of house values. How do we argue that it doesn’t matter which field they fiddle with, the effect on overall assessment is unreasonable?
– Are there any other good how-to articles for property assessment appeals?
Multiple smart voices seemed to work with keeping the Fernbank Science Center alive. Maybe it’ll work with tax assessments too……
AHID, we have until July 13 to file appeals, so don’t let your hair catch on fire. Appeals to the BOE (which carry no fees, I believe) can be filed online, mailed, or hand-delivered. If mailed, must be postmarked by the deadline. The back of the assessment notice has information about how to do it and you can find additional details about the process at the website (although not right now, it seems to be down again — what a funny coincidence). The other day I called up the record for my property and clicked “file appeal” (or some such button) and was able to view process details and then cancel out without pulling the trigger to file right then.
If there are specific properties you believe (or know) have sold recently that do not show up in the Sales Data search, look them up individually. I do know that it sometimes takes several months for a sale to show up in the property tax records.
What would interest me most is empirical information, i.e., from people who know what they’re talking about, not fellow property owners speculating, about things like:
— Condition Code: what do the categories mean and how are they applied?
— Quality Grade: same questions
— “Economic Obsolescence” and “Functional Obsolescence”: two things you’ll see on the “Detailed Information” page of a property record. Most of the ones I’ve looked at have 0.0 values for both, but sometimes there is a 0.5 value for one or the other, with no evident rhyme or reason.
I’m also curious what it means when there is no sale price information for a property in the record.
I can answer your last query. It usually means the property was inherited so there was no sale price.
Thanks, but I can think of several examples where I know that is not the case, so still curious.
I guess what I’m looking for is strategy more than just information. The information on our assessment notice and on the website is a start but doesn’t address all of the questions that STG and I have. I’m sure others have other questions. I also plan to call the “staff contacts” on the notice. But the type of info in the Patch article is stuff I wouldn’t even think to ask. Ditto for some of the advice shared on listservs, blogs, and casual contacts. Sometimes one is new enough to a topic that it isn’t obvious even what questions to ask.
And in my experience, deadlines creep up on us in our house when we are not looking. I’m still getting the summer merry-go-round, I mean camp, care, vacation schedule, in order.
BTW, I overheard a conversation today in which two homeowners with huge increases in assessments were discussing whether it’s worth staying in Decatur anymore. One said that they just had not figured this kind of tax in their budget and the family salaries were not increasing. The other said said “Since we use Private School X anyway, we might as well move somewhere where we aren’t paying $XX,XXX in taxes. So we are looking….” The quality of life here and our school system has fueled the influx of families here to the economic benefit (mostly) of Decatur. But there is a point at which the equation changes, especially if taxes go up and reduced state funding of public education were to make things tighter in CSD with larger classes, less sports, less enrichment, special support. Tipping points can be dangerous.
On the other hand, a wise friend who lives in Lake Claire told me years ago, during a mini-housing price drop, “They aren’t making any more land out there…” So I contradict myself.
Those folks also need to consider quality of life issues such as public safety (DeKalb can’t match Decatur response time for emergency calls, plus compare crime rates) and insurance rates (we pay less for homeowner’s insurance in Decatur because we are one of only 17 fire departments in the state with a Class 2 insurance rating. The only other one in Metro is Alpharetta). If schools don’t matter,other things do.
Absolutely agree that we get a lot more than just the school system for our Decatur tax dollar. But offering good value and being affordable are two different things. “Other things that matter” for quality of life also include taking a vacation now and then, dining out now and then, being able to buy new tires or have a tooth capped or replace an appliance when needed, without breaking the bank. (And that’s just from the perspective of somebody with no dependents.) When housing expenses keep going up and up while income doesn’t, then something has to give.
Went by Houndstooth Road bike shop last evening and strongly recommend checking out the “Danish station wagon.” Euro-bike, minivan and doublewide stroller, all rolled into one.
Here is a video about these “cargo bikes.” Very cool. I want one!
http://www.good.is/post/watch-a-short-film-about-cargo-bikes-the-danish-station-wagon/
Funky Moth Invasion
If you’re still reading FFAF on Monday morning, I’ve got a moth question for you. About 2 weeks ago, I started noticing moths in my car. No big deal. I just opened the window and let them fly out. Now I see 1 or 2 each morning. Sometimes more. Gah.
I am starting to think that the moths have taken up residence, or that the mama moth laid a bunch of eggs in air ducts somewhere. (They fly out of the vents when I turn the air on.) I park underneath an old oak tree, so I am guessing that some of the tree moths have moved into my car.
What can I do to get rid of the moths? I thought about spraying or using moth balls. But the car is such an enclosed space. And I don’t want to gas myself out. They’re just moths. But they are becoming a nuisance. Especially when they fly at my when I’m driving.
Any suggestions GREATLY appreciated.
Do NOT put a fogger in your car. I remember seeing a very nasty prank (or at least the aftermath) in college involving a car and multiple foggers. You will never be able to get the car clean.
Check the Car Talk website. They have fielded questions over the years from people with various kinds of infestations of bugs and rodents in vehicles.
I had ants take up residence in my car a couple of years ago (not fire ants, fortunately). I wiped out (literally, with wet paper towel) all the ones I could get at, then put about 4 of those ant baits around the car and they disappeared in a few days.
You can also get moth repellent sachet kinds of things that are lavender-scented. Maybe tucking some of those into the vents and leaving the car closed overnight (or even for a couple of days) would make the moths go elsewhere.
Good luck!
Thanks y’all. Great suggestions.
Moth balls are toxic to humans just like they’re toxic to moths–its just that we’re bigger, so it takes a little longer. Lavender is a great suggestion, as is cedar, or even just waiting for the heat to kill them like it would *anything* in a car during a Georgia summer. Many years ago, I bought a car from a friend with a dog, and the car had fleas. Luckily, it was January, so I just left the windows down two nights in a row, when it was about 35 degrees out. Weather solves a lot of problems =)
We are thinking of having an attic fan installed to help cool the house in the summer. Does anyone have any experience with these and/or a recommendation for someone to install one?
I had a thermostatically controlled attic fan installed several years ago by Keath Your Handyman (I’ve recommended him before, and still highly recommend him: 404- 274-1689). You can adjust the attic temperature at which the fan is activated, and I’m very glad I spent the few extra dollars for this fan versus just replacing my rusted-into-place turtle. Yesterday, for example, the a/c never really came on, but that attic fan happily vented humid air all day long.