Free-For-All Friday 10/12/12
Decatur Metro | October 12, 2012Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close on Monday.
Latest from Decaturish
brianc
brianc
Danielle
Wacky Sitcom Neighbo…
Saniel
Avondalian
Decatur Metro
Frankly
TinMan
DawgFan
DawgFan
Kat
Rod T
Rival
AMB
Good morning!
Please come out on Saturday morning at 9 am to the Decatur High School Band Yard Sale held at the Ace Hardware on Scott Blvd. Proceeds help fund scholarships and buy instruments for students. Thanks Tony! Come get your junkin’ on!
Two events at Fernbank Science Center this weekend: tonight starting at 6:30, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of the film E.T. – – – costume contest judged at 7pm by Applause-O-Meter, special planetarium show on the search for inhabitable planets at 8pm, and lots of free Reese’s Pieces and other gimmes. I think they’re trying to figure out a way to show the actual film as well . . . admission is free, 5 bucks or so for the planetarium show.
Then Saturday, National Fossil Day. Fossil painting, fossil shark tooth dig for the kids. Star of the show will be a Decatur fossil hunter showing and talking about the Triceratops fossils he found in Wyoming. Noon to 4:30, absolutely free, and neatly sandwiched between Fernbank Elementary’s fun run and evening movie.
Go O’s!
+100
Saw the film trucks parked in the Thankful Baptist Church lot yesterday and saw a truck outside the Courtyard this morning. Anybody know what the latest production to hit Decatur might be?
Oh, and Leapin’ Lizards was a fine venue for the Low Country Boil.
Ditto on fine venue. Loved the inflatable lobsters.
+1 on Leapin Lizards. I was amazed by the transformation, and plenty of space, inside and out.
+100 to new Leapin’ Lizards location for DEF LCB! Also, a HUGE shout out to Badda Bing for the food. I thought it was the best in a few years. Grits rocked the house and lots of good items to bid on in the silent auction. One year, we are going to get that week in Costa Rica! Congrats to Gail, Nia and crew for a great night and a great event for an awesome cause.
You are correct on all accounts, RobP. Leapin’ Lizards far exceeded all expectations. ‘Twas a fantastic evening. The music was sublime. The Grits were perfect. And who was that cool crooner that opened for them? He was great too – busting out some classic tunes from the band America – very nice.
Hey, dog owners,
Leaf bags are for leaves and grass clippings, not for bags of your dog’s poop. Creeks are for water, not bags of your dog’s poop. Bushes are not trash cans for bags of your dog’s poop. If you scoop it up, take it home.
At least it’s biodegradable.
But sadly the plastic bag it’s in is not.
Actually, the bags provided at the City dog poop stations are biodegradable as are many sold in shops.
Actually, a lot of people don’t use those bags and reuse plastic grocery store bags or something else. Either way they don’t belong anywhere other than a garbage can.
yes they are
It doesn’t matter what kind of bag it’s in. Everybody needs to take responsibility for disposing of whatever waste they generate, including what their pet produces. Placing it in somebody else’s leaf bag or trash can or recycling bin, and certainly tossing it in the shrubbery or in the stream, does not constitute taking responsibility.
That’s number wang!
Yes, please take your dog poop with you. The leaf disposal guys will not pick them up. They take it out and put on the grass. For the home owner to take to their own garbage and it’s not fun.
Here here! I find bags dropped into my trash can but not in the decatur trash bag so I have to dig your poop bag out of the can to put into the bag. WTF? You don’t want to carry the bag around, don’t have a dog…
sheesh….
+1000 a million times
+1000 a million times…that sounds like a math problem. That shouldn’t be allowed on a Friday.
As a dog owner, I’d like to apologize for the lazy behavior of my fellow dog owners. You are exactly right, the poop bags need to go in a community trash can or taken back home. If you don’t want to tote it back home, don’t have a dog.
Amen! I never cease to be amazed at what people think is acceptable behaviour.
I agree. And as of recently, I’ve tried to make sure my unused bag is visible on our walks since I’ve noticed several piles of poo left unpicked up. Probably paranoid, but I definitely don’t want anyone to think it’s us.
I’d do the same if I had a dog! Wear your responsibility with pride.
An overnight shooting at a car wash near I-20 in south Dekalb makes the news as happening in Decatur. : – (
Email the source and tell them.
Get over it. The post office calls it Decatur. Your home value did not go down because somebody was shot and killed on Candler at I-20.
Get over it? You can’t be serious, fool. They said “shooting in Decatur”, I heard “shooting in Decatur” and the damage cannot be undone. Screw emailing and telling the source, I’m going to sue the source for intentional infliction of emotional distress! Now seriously, when are we going to forcibly annex the rest of unincorporated DeKalb into Lithonia?
I have a better idea. Incorporate all that stuff as the city of DeKalb. Then all these folks could moan when it’s referred to as COD.
For some reason this issue never came up when I lived in unincorporated Snellville, where we could at least get a drink on Sunday at Longhorn back in the day, while Applebee’s bar was dark.
Who made the Post Office the pre-eminent arbiter of municipal boundaries? I guess their designations supercede the actual governance structures that have been set up by the people.
James Madison.
That’s # wang!
So he gave us that and the comma-addled 2nd Amendment. Tanks fer nuttin!
The very definition of a first-world problem.
And yet, no one is complaining about the lead sentence in the “Morning Metro” story about the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve: “The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is a hidden gem in the heart of Decatur.”
http://www.examiner.com/article/clyde-shepherd-nature-preserve-annual-harvest-festival-october-14-2012
Zip code 30033 is OK. It’s those sketchy ones like 30032 or 30035 that give the REAL City of Decatur such a bad reputation. It will all be forgotten once the wall is built.
Does anyone know of a listing of local seasonal job opportunities? I keep seeing articles about the increase in holiday hiring this year, but without contacting each company, I don’t know of any list of local companies (by local, I don’t just mean CoD – I mean the general area). My stepson will be home from college, and like every college student I have ever known, would like to make some extra money.
Target ALWAYS hires seasonal help, as does Walmart. Target puts signs on their doors (“now hiring seasonal”) when the time comes. Most retail places – especially large department stores do as well. No idea about a collective list, but maybe he could scour some individual websites?
Chain restaurants, especially those prone to office celebration dinners or ones located at a mall also hire seasonal wait staff.
Good luck!
Apparently the Wells Fargo at the corner of Candler and Ponce across from the Pure Station was robbed last night. I heard something about drilling of safe / safety deposit boxes. Thought y’all might like to know.
And in happier robbery news, if there was ever such a thing:
http://decatur.patch.com/articles/decatur-police-charge-two-in-burglary-caught-on-video#youtube_video-8787241
Anyone have any idea about the initial cost of setting up such a system?
very happy to hear there’s a break in that case…a long time comin’, for sure! and i could swear the last one getting in the car is a girl…with the long hair and skinny jeans and flats? looks like a girl to me..
How can we make it seem like this wasn’t really in Decatur?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with tofu bibimbap. Where’s the best place to get vegetarian-style Korean dishes near Decatur?
I would love to hear other responses to this question, too. I love Korean food but usually go up Buford Highway to either Cho Dang Tofu House or Woo Nam Jeong.
Zuma Sushi and Sake over in the Toco Hill Shopping Center used to have some Korean dishes on their menu (they might still, but I haven’t check in awhile), but that is not their main focus.
Ohhhh I hope someone has an answer for you. I used to get it at a place near the Plaza but that has long since closed, and before that…I lived in Massachusetts. I’ve been missing it too! You can get sauces to make it yourself at Super H-Mart, but it’s not the same.
The Burnt Fork BBQ had a great Korean style BBQ, Soft Taco Shell sandwich made with Tofu (no meat) that I loved. It has been a while and since I have moved on to downtown ATL, I have been too busy to get back there, so I do not know if they still have that vegetarian dish.
I’m certainly no expert but the Bimbim Bop bowl at Takorea in Midtown is fantastic! Not Decatur, but not too far.
Zuma sushi in Toco hills shopping center offer some Korean dishes such as Bibimbap and they are pretty good!
Great suggestions, everybody! Some of those restaurant menus look fantastically intriguing. Can’t wait to take a few field trips…. And, yep, I will try my hand at making some very vague version of bibimbap myself, with a lot of help from Google and YouTube. Thanks to all.
Please vote for the Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival – nominated as best festival in Atlanta
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/bestofatlanta/survey/default.aspx
Gladly.
If you happen to be involved with that fest, could you ask one of your peeps to check the email box(es)? (I’ve sent some inquiries about the grants but haven’t heard back). I realize those inboxes may not be monitored like personal/work emails (trying not to be annoying here).
I believe they are announcing the grant recipients on October 23rd. will forward to a contact on the grant committee..
Be sure to vote for your favorite local blog while you’re at it!
That URL in case you missed it:
http://www.atlantamagazine.com/bestofatlanta/survey/default.aspx
We are having a yard sale this Saturday, 10/13 to benefit former Decatur resident, Kirsten Walker, who was injured in last May’s Iron Girl Triatholon. During the bike portion of the race, Kirsten had an accident and sustained severe injuries including a life-threatening traumatic brain injury. Kirsten is home recuperating now, but she requires daily care and her medical bills are significant.
Please stop by to shop and visit! We’ve got furniture, kids items, a brand-new KitchenAid mixer and other wonderful things to sell. We’ll also feature baked goods and hot dogs.
236 Willow Lane (corner of Willow and Pensdale)
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
http://decatur.patch.com/announcements/yard-sale-to-benefit-kirsten-mead-walker
Any school/youth groups doing a car wash tomorrow? The Miata is filthy.
A Miata? Hell, you could do that in five minutes with a toothbrush.
I’m thinking of buying a CNG (compressed natural gas ) Honda Civic. They’re offering a $3000 gas card good at Clean Energy Fuel pumps (there’s one in Tucker) which offsets about half of the premium Honda charges for the car. I also would like to use the renewable CNG that will be sold at the landfill in Ellenwood (about 11-12 miles from downtown Decatur). Also factoring in my decision is the recent announcement of the ” CNG-in-a-box” being introduced by GE and Chesapeake Energy. This product will make it much easier for filling stations to add a CNG pump, alleviating my main concern with CNG cars: lack of pumps on long trips. For now, I would only be using the car around the metro area until there are more places to buy CNG. Will probably put about 12k miles a year on it.
With CNG at about 2.25 a gallon versus 3.75 for gasoline (a gap that is expected to remain for many years), it seems like a viable economic decision, even without the $3000 gas card thrown in. Plus, from what I understand, the CNG cars don’t require emissions checks and rarely need oil changes.
Someone tell me why this a bad idea. Also, does anyone in Decatur have a CNG vehicle?
I’m not going to tell you it is a bad idea, but predictions about the future prices of commodities like nat gas and gasoline are, to put it mildly, unreliable. I would be especially skeptical of nat gas prices remaining so low. Right now, there is so much supply and prices are so low that nat gas production is unprofitable for many suppliers. It is entirely possible that production will decrease and prices will increase to the point where the producers aren’t “losing their shirts,” as Exxon’s CEO recently said about nat gas production.
Yeah, that is a risk, and I don’t expect the prices to remain this low. But I’m thinking there will continue to be a price gap because there is so much domestic supply. Of course, price would not be my only reason for doing this. There are also the low emissions. Plug in hybrids aren’t an option for me.
As I understand it, prices should stay low because so much money was spent tying up drilling rights in a big rush. Most of those contracts have time limits on them so the companies are now forced to drill or lose their initial investment.
How does a gallon of CNG compare with a gallon of gasoline? Same milage?
Wouldn’t a better measure be cost of fuel per mile. My old Civic gets 320 miles on 10 gallons of gas. At $3.265 a gallon that’s:
($3.265 / gal) x 10 gal / 320 miles = $0.113 / mile
What’s the CNG Civic going to get?
Mileage for the CNG Civic is pretty much the same as a regular gasoline-powered Civic. The downside with the CNG is that it has less range than a regular Civic. To get make room for the larger tank the CNG Civic loses a lot of trunk space, and still has less range than the regular Civic. This is why a lack of fueling stations is such an issue. It’s sort of a chicken and egg thing: there aren’t enough CNG pumps to push demand for CNG cars, but there aren’t enough CNG cars to encourage more infrastructure. This is slowly changing, though, as fleet vehicles steadily convert to CNG and more stations are opening up.
I can’t tell you weather to purchase it or not – but there are a number of new CNG filling stations coming on line. AGL is building out several in the coming year.
There is an Alt Fuel vehicle event going on next week at Lenox mall (http://www.cleancitiesatlanta.net/index.php/calendar#AFVO2012) next week. There will be a lot of people there that can answer any questions you have.
Thanks for the heads up on the alt-fuel event.
I think you’d find more value in a vehicle that can run 15% (or higher) ethanol.
Landfill gas may be “green” when it isn’t flared, but it isn’t renewable.
Somebody please ‘splain me why a completely self-service frozen yogurt shop should have a tip jar on the counter.
My guess is it’s the employer’s way of throwing their employees a bone, if they don’t get paid very much. More of a question than that, is why does it bother you if a person who probably makes no more than 7 or 8 bucks an hour has a tip jar? If they’re friendly when I go in, and I have an extra buck, I’ll throw it in. Then they take the money, and go tip someone else, and so on and so on. Keeps our little economy plugging along.
Tip jars bother me no matter where they are, with the exception of street festivals where the tips go to non-profits. I am being asked for a handout when there is a tip jar on the counter. What next? Tip jars at the Target checkout? We should tip someone for a 30 second transaction that involves no more than swiping a debit card?
I don’t know what’s got you so bent out of shape about a low-paid working person, making a couple of more bucks. I mean- really? If someone behind you wants to come along and drop a tip in for them, what is the problem? The extra dollar doesn’t make a difference to me, but it may to someone else. My personal belief is that when you give, you receive. And to me, that’s more than writing a check at the end of the year, and something I try to practice in my daily life. Some days a tip jar may be the way I do that. I’m surprised it’s that big a of a deal to you.
When you ask for a tip it is not a tip anymore.
Maybe it’s my age showing. It seems to me that the tip jar is a relatively recent development. Would you expect the cashier in a QT to have a tip jar? The McDonald’s cashier, who at least has to get your order right and put it together for you, should there be a tip jar at the register for him or her? If a store owner is throwing a bone, then how about the bone of paying a decent wage? I’m not bent out of shape about it, but interested in how others feel about it.
Can’t speak for FM, but it bothers me because it indicates an expectation of receiving a gratuity for doing your job. In a self-serve environment, keeping the place clean and stocked–and maintaining a friendly demeanor toward customers–is what the employee is being paid to do. They should be paid fairly for doing it and, as FM noted below, the prices should provide for that. I have no problem with you giving your money to whomever you please, but I don’t like being expected to offer extra remuneration to people for doing what they’re already being paid to do.
I think that’s where we & FM separate. I never view it as an expectation, if I have it and I want to, I drop it in, but I don’t over think it if I don’t, or don’t want to. We don’t live in a world “should.” The reality is the small businesses I frequent can’t survive paying all employees $13 an hour plus benefits, and I’m not oblivious to that. Generally where I get my coffee it’s always the same girl, and she knows my order. It’s usually the same crew over at YT, the girl with long hair in the early afternoon who is incredibly pleasant, or the dude with the dreads. I see the same faces, they help make my experiences nice, and I like those people. And throwing a buck in when I pull out my purse doesn’t bug me. Or sometimes I’ll just toss in whatever change I get back. I don’t piss away my money, I clip coupons, and live modestly compared to many, but I’m fine with saying an extra thanks. I guess I just don’t sense that implied obligation.
FM- tipping at chains? Hmmm… I would have to think about that, maybe on Xmas eve, or holidays. But I would happily tip the librarians if they had a tip jar out, any day of the week.
What the heck is up with the DM website today! No tip for you!
You can speak for me.
A tip is meant To Insure Promptness. I find tip jars extremely tacky.
Tip jars originated in situations where several staff are providing limited table service as a team, e.g., delivering food/drinks to customers who order at the counter and then sit down, offering/fetching refills, busing tables. Speaking as a customer and as a former server, I think in that situation it is fair to invite customers to offer some gratuity, and pooling the tips is the fair way to do it when wait staff don’t have specific table assignments.
However, the proliferation of tip jars anywhere and everywhere nowadays is, IMO, reflective of an overall increase in pushiness about tips. Last year I had someone at a salon charge me $25 for a particular service, and when I handed her two $20 bills, she made to put them away while saying, “Did you want change?” in a manner that clearly invited me to decline. I said, “Yes, that was two 20s,” (giving her the benefit of the doubt and a graceful way out, that she’d mistaken the money for a $20 and a $10). She said, “Right,” and just looked at me for a couple of seconds, then made change.
Yes, we should all hate the proliferation of folks who want to make more money.
There’s a difference between “making” and “taking”, Bin Buddy…
Is that a troll I smell?
“Troll”? I don’t even know what that means! I will admit, though, that I may have been in the middle of preparing some tax documents when I wrote that…
I wasn’t referring to you, but your cryptic predecessor. The earlier “wang” comments are headscratchers.
Ah. I don’t get it either. Number Wang!
I’m not trolling–just lurking and blurting things out. Sorry if tip jars are a scam, and you guys are right, workers should be paid better, but please, don’t tip if you don’t feel like it.
Blurker!
$15 on a $25 service is nuts and you were absolutely right to be miffed for her not to hand you your change (it’s still your money at that point in the transaction), unless you indicated to her prior, which you didn’t. The only time I would tip that high of a percentage compared to price, would be if it was the last time I was going to see my hair stylist before Xmas. But she would absolutely never pull any sh*t like that, she’s very sweet and a true professional in her business.
Random/unrelated question: Have you been watching “Call the Midwife” by any chance?
I caught the first episode by accident when it was re-broadcast, haven’t remembered yet to figure out when it comes on and get it scheduled on my tivo. Do you like it?
I watched what I thought was the first episode a few weeks ago, wasn’t super into it, and then watched the 3rd(?) last night, and it was hysterical. I don’t think they’re really a true convent because 2 of the women went on dates, so it’s picking up a little steam. I’m also in the middle of season 2 of the Tudors on Netflix, which I LOVE, but after that. I’m period drama’ed out for a while. I tried to watch the Tudors on BBC but couldn’t get into it, because of the commercials I guess, but loving it on Netflix.
In the episode I watched, Jenny first arrives at the hospital and is deeply surprised to learn that it’s a convent, she had thought it was just a small private hospital. The head nun recognizes her shock and tells her not to worry, several of the other nurses are not nuns, either, and that they are all nurses first.
I found a pale imitation of Maisie Dobbs, a series of mysteries about Bess Crawford, also a WWI nurse. Nothing like the depth or texture of the MD books, but entertaining. Same author has a different series I like better, main character is Scotland Yard detective Ian Rutledge, a WWI vet with PTSD.
Another question this brings to mind. Should you tip your hair stylist if he/she is the salon owner?
I was taught by a hair salon owner that employees of a salon are tipped, not the owner who gets fees from the stylists who work there. But my current stylist is solo–both owner and employee. I noticed others tipping her so I asked about it. She said she’s fine either way. But given her limited availability and great skill despite challenging hair, I’ve decided to follow suit and tip.
I did when I saw a guy who was the owner a while back, but only because I didn’t realize there was any other protocol until you just brought it up actually.
Salons are tricky. Last week I got a mani/pedi which is rare for me, and I prefer to have one person do everything. But none of them were busy, so 2 girls did it. And I wound up tipping both of them, which made the tip more than if it would have been one. But I may not go back to that place because I’ve had/seen a couple of weird payment things there.
A woman walked in while I was getting done, and bought a $50 gift certificate, and asked for a pair of the paper flip-flips because she was making a gift bag for someone, and they told her no, quite rudely. It was a weird scene.
Anyways FM- ultimately it’s your money and you should tip how you feel comfortable. There are lots of rules, but I just do as I please. For example, I have never tipped the postman, or garbage person. Should I start? Oprah says you’re supposed to. Who knows…
My wife and I been tipping the owner and sole stylist where we get our hair done for years, despite the fact that my sister-in-law, who owned a salon for years, has told us that traditionally the owner doesn’t get tipped. Since our current stylist doesn’t have any chair rental income, I feel it’s appropriate to tip her. It doesn’t hurt that she’s pretty hot.
The employee often helps people by answering questions and giving out samples. They also keep yogurt machines and toppings stocked. They clean the dining area and bathrooms. I appreciate these things and don’t mind tipping especially, as daydreamer said, the person is friendly.
They should be paid a decent wage and product prices should be adjusted accordingly. The French have got this one right with Service Compris.
The Final Word On Tipping:
http://gawker.com/5951623/the-final-word-on-tipping
It’s really no wonder that if we stand on our tiptoes, we can see the beginning of the end of civilization as we know it.
I’m referring not to the article, which was pretty funny, but to some of the comments which were clearly in earnest.
As someone who regularly oozes sarcasm online, I fully understand how Gawker commenters often don’t quite catch on to what’s going on. Irony doesn’t always play well in print. That said, often the comments are the best part of a Gawker piece.
Not sure if this has been covered in a previous FFAF, but for those of you who don’t know, CorrectMed on Scott Blvd has had something of a shake-up. They are changing from pediatric primary car and urgent care to general primary care and urgent care. From what I have heard they will have a primary care pediatrician on staff but not a pediatric urgent care specialist. Dr. Goo (who is AMAZING) has left and Dr. Doyle is leaving.
CorrectMed is corporate-owned and the way this went down was awful. I don’t think the owners realized that Drs. Doyle and Goo were what made the practice so special. Additionally, parents of very young children don’t want an urgent care specialist who “can treat all ages.” They want a specialist. I know for my family we will just be taking our kids to Eggleston as needed since that is what our former pedi advised. We will be following Dr. Doyle to her new location. We do not plan to give the “new” CorrectMed any of our family’s business.
+1000 I especially “loved” the form letters sent back to those who wrote to the president of the company. Great customer relations.
Wow. Had no idea. When did this happen? Did anyone get contacted by the practice? We have seen Dr. Doyle once and love her. Do we know where she is going?
The form letter response was really the icing on the cake. I suspect that the corporate office will be getting a rude surprise as their patients leave in droves. Their loss. I just need to know where Dr. Doyle is landing when she leaves so we can follow her.
Why is the charter school constitutional amendment bad for our school system? I cant remember where that was discussed.
Long story, many perspectives. My take:
1) Since the overall state school budget is finite and dwindling, funding state charter schools takes away funds from everything else, e.g. regular public schools which is what CSD schools are. (Being a school charter system does not mean that we have charter schools).
2) It takes away the decision to give dwindling funds to proposed local charter schools from the local school systems (flawed as they may be at times) and gives the option to the state, the entity which gave us the failed experience in a new integrated high school math curriculum, creative accounting of school graduation, and cuts in educational funding,etc.
3) Many of these state charter schools will probably be run by commercial charter school chains. So it’s a shift in using our tax dollars to fund public schools to fund private educational corporations, many of whom will probably end up in financial scandals like we have seen recently. There’s not a lot of money to be made in education. So if someone is making a profit on it, something is being skimped and it’s probably financial integrity and the students.
BTW, good local charter schools truly inspired, designed, and run by local parents, community members, and teachers, not private corporations, exist and have nothing to do with this Amendment. This Amendment is about privatizing public education without spending a cent more on students.
Furthermore, as I understand it (and anyone feel free to correct me because I’ve had the hardest time tracking down a solid answer), anyone who’s had a charter school application denied locally can still appeal to the state BOE, who can override the decision. Assuming this is true, I fail to see the need for a redundant state committee performing (essentially) the same function.
Scott is correct, this is true and is included in Superintendent Barge’s explanation of why he is against the amendment.
The State BOE’s webpage suggests this is not the case, http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Charter-Schools/Pages/General-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx.
At the link, it says “in order to be granted a charter, schools must be approved by both their local board of education and the State Board of Education with the exception of state-chartered special schools which are authorized by the State Board of Education only.” This would seem to mean that local school board approval is nescessary to obtain a charter.
The state-only approval referenced in the answer you cite is what was stricken down by the Georgia Supreme Court; the amendment means to reinstate that provision. Thus, no local approval would be required, which is the point of the opponents of the amendment.
But the excerpt I cited suggests that under current law state and local board approval is required. Meaning that either has effective veot power, and if you don’t get approval from the local school board then BOE can’t overturn that under current law. Perhaps I am reading it wrong.
Until the court decision, a charter school could go for state approval only without the local board having any say-so, or could go for state approval after being turned down by the local board. After the ruling, such approval was not legal.
The amendment would put the bypass of of local boards back, so a state charter school could be placed in a local district and take money away from a local board since some their funding is allocated on a student population basis and the state charter school students would not be counted in those numbers.
Ironic that Republicans, who are all for local control of things, are advocating a proposition that removes local control, but it’s not the first time.
Here’s a take on the whole thing: http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2012/10/10/state-charter-school-advocates-try-to-squelch-dissent/
Get Ready for the More Fest 2012 Saturday October 20th
Saint Thomas More Church is looking for donations for the More Fest Flea Market. We will have donation collections Saturday/today from 10:00 to 12:00 noon and tomorrow, October 14th. Please leave your items at the garage door underneath the rectory. If you need assistance, we will be at the drop off site today from 10:00 to 12:00 noon. We ask that you NOT include the following in your flea market donations: NO CLOTHING. NO STUFFED ANIMALS. NO ELECTRONICS. We are also asking for smaller toy donations for game prizes. Bins will be located outside the main doors of the school all this coming week. If you need more information about donations, please contact Chris Billingsley (cbillingsley1823@gmail.com) or about More Fest, please contact Ms. Laura Keyes (lkkeyes@yahoo.com).
ah, fall . . .
that time of year when summer’s heat fades, the trees begin their cinecolored show, and young boys dressed in their Cub Scout finery stalk their neighbors, knocking on doors, and sending normally socially adept adults diving behind the couch, praying the little brat will go away.
i know your pain. i feel your pain, and as a public service to your charmingly hermetic ways AND your ravenous appetite for all things popcorn related, i offer the best of both worlds: the delicious caramel or chocolate covered puffy kernels you desire, without the need to interrupt your favorite televised game, or leave your well-dented spot on the sofa.
click and order popcorn convenience for you my friends:
http://www.trails-end.com/shop/
Scout ID#: 30651724
need more? a charming video from the cutest little booger on the block? well, ok.
and thanks for your support!
https://vimeo.com/51033257
Sorry DM that you are having trouble with the website and thanks for all you do to maintain it. This is truly a community function, the modern version of the town crier or party telephone line. Decatur would be a less connected place without it.
FYI that tonight until 8 PM and tomorrow until ?7 PM? are the last chances to see the free exhibit “Step into Africa”. It’s about children and HIV/AIDS. You wear headphones and walk through a recreated African setting listening to an enactment of the story of a real child either infected by or affected by HIV. It’s short, well-done and appropriate for the whole family. It’s definitely got a religious slant which I didn’t realize going in and you’ll be asked if you’ll sign up to support a child. But it’s worthwhile even if you are not interested in the religious or fundraising messages. I wouldn’t reschedule my whole weekend around it but it’s worth doing if it fits in, especially if you are driving by anyway.
I had a great time at the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival today. Anybody else?
a beautiful day, great music and dancing, artists galore and a fabulous parade! go oakhurst!
OAMF! What a great little festival! Enjoyed the music, bought a little art, visited with lots of friends and neighbors. Well organized and folks were having a great time. How did the planners get such perfect weather?
My group had a fabulous time at the Oakhurst festival dancing in the parade (and afterward)! Thanks to everyone who cheered us on and gave us compliments. Great neighborhood festival. We’ll be in the Little Five Points Halloween parade Saturday!
I’m really happy that Decatur is concerned about the health of adults, not so happy about the location of the adult fitness equipment. I’ve gone with the kids twice to Glenn Lake this week, and each time the fitness equipment was 100% occupied by the under twelve set. Though it’s kind of awesome to be thought a muscle woman because I can do chest presses, it’s also annoying to have to ask kids to get off the equipment. Maybe a little foresight in placing the equipment a few feet from the playground might have been in order.
That’s horrible. Teach those urchins a lesson and start playing on their equipment.
Or peeing on it, like they do at the Toy Park.
I already use their play equipment. I would look just sad at the Crossfit a block away, but the kids think in great shape because I can hang from the bars for seconds at a time.
I don’t think the peeing would work without a major change in both wardrobe and gender.
Hopefully once the novelty wears off the kids won’t be interested. I like the placement of the equipment near the playground; I can use it while keeping an eye on my kids. Time will tell how well this works out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrIxH6DToXQ
red bull jump from the edge of space live!
AWESOME! Watched the whole thing live. An unforgettable experience.
The reason I see orange font all over DM now is because it’s almost Halloween, right? We will see red and green before Christmas, red and pink before Valentine’s Day, green before St. Patrick’s Day? Or is it the website acting up?
Please, DM, please, please tell us the font color is not going to change to reflect holidays.
Please, DM, please, please, please tell us the font color IS going to change to reflect holidays.
Do you see orange too?
Yes, I DO see orange fonts. They’re everywhere. They don’t know they’re orange…
Ha! No, orange was just the default color for the website template when I was putting it back together this weekend, and I thought it was an interesting contrast with the blue logo. So I left it for the time being.
Reminder email from CSD:
Amendment One Informational Session
Tonight, Monday, October 15, 2012
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Offices at Westchester
Board Room
758 Scott Boulevard
Decatur 30030
Please join us for an Amendment One Informational Session TONIGHT, October 15, 2012 at 6:30, to hear from representatives from both sides of the vote.
Two City Schools of Decatur parents will present:
1. Pro Amendment One: Matt Arkin, Head of School for the Georgia Cyber Academy
2. Against Amendment One: Margaret Ciccarelli, Legislative Services Director and Staff Attorney for PAGE
The informational session will be moderated by Annie Caiola, CSD Engagement Committee member, CSD parent and Attorney for Slotkin and Caiola, LLC.
Amendment One on the November 6 Ballot:
“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?” Vote “Yes” or “No”
Links to websites and articles about Amendment One can be found here:
http://www.csdecatur.net/Charter-Schools/
Media Contact: Courtney Burnett | 404.370.4400 x 933 |
http://www.csdecatur.net | Follow us on Facebook
Please consider supporting the zoning proposal for The Frazer Center (a school for children and adults with developmental disabilities) at the DeKalb County Community Council Meeting this Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at 6:30pm at the Mason Mill Center for Seniors & Disabled, 1340-B McConnell Dr., Decatur 30033
Call your County Commissioners and let them know how you feel Jeff Rader – (404) 371-2863 and Kathie Gannon – (404) 371-4909.
Below is a summary of the key issues
Concern: The number of children and adults served has increased over the years and will continue to do so.
• The number served has fluctuated +/- 10 over the years since 1995 – there has not been an increase.
• Frazer’s Child Development Program has a substantial wait list, and the Adult Program receives 8-10 inquiries a week. Despite this demand, there are currently no plans to expand either program at the current location.
Concern: An increase in the number of MARTA buses accessing the Center through Lake Claire.
• In 2009 MARTA adopted the use of new mobility buses 1.5 ft wider than prior vehicles (prior buses were 8 ft wide – new buses are 9.5 ft wide). Since the Center’s driveway from S. Ponce de Leon Ave is only 16 ft. wide, MARTA was required to redirect their buses through Ridgewood Rd, as the S. Ponce driveway cannot safely accommodate 2 buses passing in either direction.
• Due to its re-routing of MARTA buses, the Lake Claire neighborhood experienced an increase in traffic, with 40 mobility vans passing through the neighborhood daily. The Frazer Center has worked with MARTA to improve the efficiency of pickups, and the number of mobility vehicles was reduced from 40 to 10 per day in Oct. 2011.
• Widening the road has been explored, but would mean the elimination of many trees, the regrading of the current driveway, and the building of a significant retaining wall system.
Concern: Elevated traffic in the Lake Claire neighborhood.
• The traffic experienced on Lake Claire streets adjacent to the Frazer Center exceeds that of average streets of this size (but not that of streets adjacent to other educational institutions). To help address this, effective Oct. 1 2012, the Frazer Center has closed the gate to Ridgewood Rd at night and over the weekend. This minimizes the use of the Center as a cut-through and event-related traffic at night and on weekends.
• The Center has plans to retrofit the Ponce de Leon entrance bridge to sustain larger vehicles. Once complete, all large vehicles (buses, sanitation vehicles, delivery trucks, etc.) except MARTA mobility buses will be routed to the Ponce entrance.
Concern: Excessive noise during events held at Cator Woolford Gardens.
• Following a change in the Executive Director in 2010, the Center consulted a sound engineer, conducted formal tests, constructed a sound shell, and implemented new restrictions for new events (including no amplified music and new time restrictions exceeding current zoning requirements).
• Note: events in the Gardens raise funds for the Center, and their regular use ensures their maintenance. In addition, they provide positive exposure for the Center. These funds also help maintain the Frazer Forest (fallen tree removal is expensive – $3500-$5000). If the Gardens are not used for events they will need to be closed to those not connected with the Center; this likely means the hire of full-time security to prevent trespassing.
Concern: The Center is exceeding “legal nonconforming use” of the property (a “grandfather” designation given to buildings that predate and do not conform to an area’s current zoning regulations)
• The Center’s request to return to 2007 status was denied, and therefore the Center is currently pursuing a Zoning Overlay proposal and Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) applications.
• Center representatives have met with different groups of neighbors (including reps from the Lake Claire and Druid Hills neighborhood associations) over 20 times since September 2011 (some subgroups as many as 6 times to address concerns).
Speculation that the Frazer Center is seeking re-zoning to expand on the property or to sell the property.
• This is incorrect and based on rumors. The Center has no such plans to expand on or sell the property.
• The Frazer Center is not seeking rezoning, but a zoning overlay. If this overlay and the Special Land Use Permits are approved, they are specific to the The Frazer Center and cannot be transferred.
• The Frazer Center is seeking the overlay and permits to maintain its mission, to be able to repair its infrastructure, and to possibly expand its parking with a small amount of parking spaces (and thus address neighbor concerns regarding cars associated with the Center being parked on neighborhood streets). The Center will ensure to maintain mature trees, and use areas that currently have low tree cover.
• With approval of Zoning Overlay and Special Land Use Permits, the Frazer Center will stay in its current location.
• Due to its re-routing of MARTA buses, the Lake Claire neighborhood experienced an increase in traffic, with 40 mobility vans passing through the neighborhood daily. The Frazer Center has worked with MARTA to improve the efficiency of pickups, and the number of mobility vehicles was reduced from 40 to 10 per day in Oct. 2011.
Concern: Frazer Center Dumpsters.
• Neighbors have raised concerns that the Center’s dumpsters have led to an infestation of rats in the neighborhood, and specifically in their homes. Working with Northwest Exterminating, the Center has carefully monitored the dumpsters, modifying them so that they can be chained/locked when not in use.
• Once the zoning process is complete, the Center will seek appropriate permits to move the dumpsters to a new location to further reduce if not entirely eliminate this concern.