Free-For-All Friday 8/16/13

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 on Monday.

121 thoughts on “Free-For-All Friday 8/16/13”


  2. Stop signs going in on 3rd Avenue and Maxwell: welcome safety measure, or overkill? Not sure myself.

    And I saw some new city-issued sawhorses up around that ditch that’s been disrupting the sidewalk (for a couple of months) on 3rd Ave. near Maxwell too. I hope that means they’ll finally be doing something about that. Walking my daughter to school in the morning, with a truck usually parked right next to the ditch, I’ve been having to swing way out into the road to go around it. Not that I’m terribly worried about one or the other of us getting smashed into jelly by an oncoming vehicle, but it’s a little annoying going out there (and sometimes having to wait for the traffic to clear), and I’d prefer to be able to stick to the sidewalk.

    1. I think I blew through the stop sign at least twice this week before I realized it was there. It’s a silly place for a stop sign. And the sign on the right coming from East Lake is partially blocked by branches, probably why I blew past it.

    2. Maxwell seems to be a popular run around for parents dropping off at Fave. I can see where this might be useful.

    3. I’m a huge fan of whatever will slow people down on third, particularly with the trashed sidewalk right there. Looks like the truck has been moved, which will help the walking situation, but an extra stop sign is fine by me, particularly if it slows people down or deters cutting through.

  4. TGIF on a rainy Friday– looking for insignts on termite treatments!

    [I posed this question a couple of weeks ago, when FFAF got bumped to the second page of DM by Friday’s end by a number of lengthy entries. Possibly due to the bump there weren’t very many comments that weekend, so I’m hoping an early start will stimulate some helpful discussion. 🙂 ]

    >>Earlier this year there was a discussion on retreat vs. repair termite bonds. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a good, preferably local, termite company.

    I’m also wondering if a thorough, yearly termite inspection is a viable alternative to the retreat bond option. With that bond, if termite evidence is found they “retreat” by replacing the bait in the barriers, correct? But, if there are termites in the home, then they would have to be treated with pesticides and any damage repaired, and I don’t believe that is covered by the retreat bond. So if the bait stations are only a inspected annually, I’m curious whether a yearly termite inspection would provide the same service, i.e., catching any outbreaks before significant damage.

    Basically, we inherited a bond when we bought our house. We’re not happy with the company—compared to others the yearly fee seems excessive, they only inspect once a year, and their customer service has been shoddy, to say the least. But if we go with another company, then we have to pay for their bait station set-up and start the process anew.

    Thanks for any feedback/information! If a yearly termite inspection is not a viable option for managing termites in the south, then termite company recommendations would be much appreciated.

    1. I highly recommend Bulldog Pest Control. It is a family-run business located in Loganville but the owner, John, is a native of the Atlanta area, very responsive and just a nice person. We’ve used Bulldog Pest Control since we moved to Decatur in 1998 and never had any problems. His termite process involves bait stations and inspecting those stations four times a year. Their phone number is 770-466-4156.

    2. I am happy with Peachtree Pest Control.

      There are 2 ways to combat termites, so re-treat may or may not mean re-baiting. One is a liquid treatment and the other is the in-ground bait stations. I have the latter and they inspect quarterly. They do my pest control at same time (for an additional fee of course). Also, it has been a few years, but I do remember them explaining both at the initial inspection and the costs differences.

      After I had an old tree removed, I thought some of its occupants found their way into my house, and when I called they sent someone out the next day to inspect. Turns out I was wrong, but they would have retreated if necessary.

    4. get the best protection you can, termintes are a whole different ballgame in the South. We had issues with our house, and it was built on a slab! Our neighbors had one end of their house eaten up as well. Luckily we both had repair bonds. That upfront and yearly fee is painful at time of writing the check, but boy was I happy when the repair guy was in the house for 2-3 days and no check writing then.

  6. We are looking for someone to pick up our child from DHS M-Th and drive her home and to do some light shopping and cooking. Anticipate 10-12 hours per week. Flexible. Anyone interested or have a lead?

    1. I know somebody who might be interested! Do you have an email address or phone number I could give to her?

    2. I just learned of a website called Sitter City (www.sittercity.com). I haven’t actually used it yet but the premise sounds pretty good. You post for exactly what you’re looking for and then sitters answer your ad. Everyone has been vetted with background checks, driving record checks, etc. Might be worth checking out for you.

      1. We’ve found 2 great sitters from sittercity.com
        Both were in college at the time, eventually graduated and got full-time jobs.
        Worth checking on there for your sitter needs

  8. Cub Scouts!

    Do you have boys in grades 1 – 5? If so, bring them to the field behind Glennwood Elementary School this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Decatur Pack 175 is holding its annual ice cream social to kick off another great year of scouting. Did you hear that? ICE CREAM! And it’s free!

    Outdoor fun, community service, friendship and a whole lotta fun will be had.

  10. All, Annie Caiola’s campaign for school board will be hosting an event at the Brickstore pub on Monday, August 26 at 5:30 PM. This will be held in the Belgian room, and will be a great chance to meet and greet Annie, talk about the issues, or just enjoy a good time with friends. All are invited!

  12. i’m in the process of helping a friend sell a gawjeous white/tan 2007 BMW 750Li with 84,000 miles, and was wondering whether i should sell it on eBay, Autotrader, or Craigslist? It’s only $24,500 and is loaded with every imaginable feature–is this the kind of lovingly cared for high performance/exceptional value car drivers in Decatur will find attractive and would want to see this weekend?

    also, I love trees, our schools are great, i’m tired of all the rain, and am seriously considering making chicken tikka masala for our dinner guests tonight.

    1. I’d probably avoid Craigslist because it seems to attract more scammers and nuts (I say that on the same day I’m supposed to go check out some audio equipment I found on Craigslist, but I think cars are a different animal). Just curious: Did you get a quote from Carmax, just as a baseline price?

    3. $24,500? That seems kind of high for a 2007 car with 84k, don’t you think? You could buy a brand new car for that amount. It wouldn’t be a BMW, but still.

      3. You could have gone to edmunds.com or NADA or Kelly Blue Book or any of the myriad other automobile pricing sites before making that off-the-cuff, reactionary post. Either that or you didn’t use the sarcasm font.

    4. I’d go eBay, Rick–there are built-in protections for both sellers & buyers. You’ll have to go through a few more steps to set up the transaction, but it’d be worth it.

  14. Oh Lord, won’t you give me a day of sunshine?
    It’s just too depressing with rain all the time.
    I’ve tried wearing pink, and I’ve tried wearing lime.
    But Lord, what I really need is a day of sunshine.

    1. I second this! And I deeply regret putting off some photography projects with looming deadlines.

  16. Anybody been on Howard between the depot and ice house at night lately?

    It’s lit up like a stadium now. Extreme overkill on the new street lights. I know there were complaints about how dark it was before but were there any actual incidents to warrant this much light?

    1. Maybe they are LED? Seem to be a new standard going in for streetlights all over. They do give off a very bright, white light.

  18. The taxi system in Atlanta (including Decatur’s Best) is very frustrating. The cabbies don’t always tend to the fare light, so it’s hard to know if they are available. The meters are not always set and now there is a Dekalb fuel surcharge per ride. $$$$$$$$$$

    5. If you try Uber, use this promo code when you register and you’ll get $10 off of your first ride: yzuxp

  20. Hi everyone. I’m looking for a company to do routine yard maintenance in the Decatur area. Any recommendations?

    1. My husband, Chad, owns Carley Lawn & Landscaping and does a lot of work around Decatur. He can provide references. 404-354-9815

    2. Pedro Sanchez has been keeping our yard looking spiffy for a couple of years now. Good guy, reliable. No muss, no fuss. (678) 745-8306

    3. I too am looking for someone to do some basic lawn care but only as a one or two time thing.

      My lawnmower has been giving me issues all summer and we need our fairly high grass cut in the front and back lawn and fill up about 5 bags with tree debris.

      Would prefer to help a kid earn some extra money for about 3 hours of work. Just bring over a lawn mower and I will even provide the gas. Also will provide the bags for the debris.

      Willing to pay $40 cash for 2.5 to 3 hrs. work. Anyone have a teenager wanting to make some quick cash this weekend?

      I have had some neighborhood kids come by this summer and do it but have not seen them around and don’t know how to contact them. Located on Midway.

      1. This went around on Winnona Park list serve this morning:

        Are your weeds thriving with all this rain? Is your lawn growing like a weed? Need some muscle power to finally clear out those invasive plants or haul those old logs? My brother Nate and I have been doing yard work in the area for a number of years now (neighbor references are available). We are local athletes who love to work hard and sweat, and it would be our pleasure to help make your property more beautiful.

        I can do a range of jobs including:

        • mowing
        • moving
        •light carpentry
        •light handiman work
        • weed whipping
        • mulching
        • blowing
        • log splitting
        • digging in and out/planting
        • weeding/invasive plant removal
        • We have equipment including a landscape trailer and pickup truck if you need things hauled. We can pick up and deliver free mulch from the county as well. Thanks!

        Kid’s name was Nate – email address: [email protected]

        1. That’s our buddies, Jack and Nate Scully – Nate is a Decatur High Lacrosse, Basketball player. Jack is home from Cal Poly. Strong, friendly and work hard. With the rain, they might need a farm tractor to cut the lawn.

  22. I just want to give a shout-out of sincere thanks to the couple that helped me last night while I was running on East Lake Drive in Oakhurst. I thought my new gas perm contact lens had popped out while running and they stopped to ask what was wrong. Seems that the pesky thing had simply slid around to the rear portion of my eye – and they helped me get it back in place. Small things mean a lot and I’m glad I live in a place where people still take the time to stop and help a stranger.

  24. i followed people’s recommendation of summit auto last week and had a great experience. thanks for the wisdom folks.

  26. Anybody have any opinions about upholsterers? We have a built-in “banquette” or corner bench that is getting harder to sit on.

    1. Gee & Gee Upholstery – an affordable, family business in Tucker. They will come to your house to give you an estimate and will transport furniture if necessary. They actually repaired my couch in my house on their first visit.

    2. If you’re looking for a custom bench/banquette cushion, I’ve had great luck with this Etsy seller: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HearthandHomeStore

    3. We used Corn Upholstery Co in Tucker for some cushions on a wicker chair. They did a fantastic job. We Bought the fabric ourselves and brought it to them, but I think they also carry some fabric. They actually make some high end furniture from scratch on-site. When we went to drop off our fabric the owner, Larry Corn, was there and he gave us a tour of the whole place. This is more like a small factory in an industrial complex than a Mom and Pop store front. Although his son does most of the designs and business now, Larry is an interesting old salt- of- the-earth type of guy who loves to chat. It is a very professional place, with a very personal feeling to it.

  28. What’s good at Colbeh? We have been trying to get there for months but keep ending up at the bar at 246, where the inertia becomes powerful and the chicken is always delicious.

    1. It’s been a while but the smoked eggplant dip was good, as was the barg kabob. A friend enjoyed the stew combination platter.

    2. Only ate there once but the veggie kabobs were amazing.
      Didn’t care for the meat I tried, unfortunately.

    3. We love it. To me, the lamb it serves is some of the tenderest, best cooked I’ve ever had. We love all the rice dishes with berries in them, e.g. cherries, bayberries. Also the bread. The atmosphere is quiet and tasteful, but not stuffy.

  30. Music suggestions. To serious music aficionados, these recommendations are probably dated, but I finally got around to picking up two excellent CDs at Decatur CD – The Civil Wars (Barton Hollow) and a double CD tribute to Guy Clark, with just about every Americana/alt country artist you can think of on it singing Guy’s songs – Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, etc. Good rainy day listening.

    1. You know the Civil Wars second (and potentially last) album came out like a week ago, right?

      1. Yep; I hate that. Heard Joy Williams interviewed on NPR recently. I’ll miss them. Saw them in Austin last October; their encore was Bille Jean. Amazing.

        1. Yeah, I’m thankful we got to see them at Agnes Scott a couple years ago when we had the chance (I believe they did Billie Jean then as well). I wouldn’t give up hope of them working things out in the long run, but may be a long hiatus…

      2. We love(d) the Civil Wars and saw them at Agnes Scott. On the new album, you can hear the tension of the musical relationship start to break — a more abrasive sound than their earlier work.

    2. And in a whole different genre…

      The Cult just reissued “Electric.” Buy it. Listen to it. Turn it up to 11.

      And they are playing the Tab tomorrow night.

      1. I loved that album in high school – can still hear the ripping power chords rattling through my 77 Buick. Park Avenue. Might have to go to the show, curious if there are any original members still involved and I am too damn lazy to google it. Any idea?

    3. Jason Isbell’s album Southeastern is the best damned record I’ve heard in a long time, and what I’ve heard of the new one by his wife Amanda Shires is pretty amazing. If you like Civil Wars, check out Shovels and Rope and NOLA’s Hurray for the Riff Raff. Guy Clark’s new one is real fine. I love the new album by Austin’s Bonnie Whitmore, There I Go Again. Her label, http://www.thisisamericanmusic.com, puts out a lot of music by bands you would like, including local guys The District Attorneys. I also caan’t emphasize what a bargain the Open Mic night on Monday at Eddie’s is these days. Five bucks, and often there’s a guest sitting in for a few songs.

      1. I did buy the Jason Isbell CD the same day at Decatur CD that I bought those other two. It’s really good, but I think I need to listen to it a couple of more times. I liked his interview on NPR where Teri Gross asked him about the lyrics to Outift (“…Don’t ever tell them your car is broke”). He told her it wasn’t a grammar lesson from his father but advice to know what’s wrong with your car before you take it in for a repair. Didn’t know that! I like Open Mic at Eddie’s; just don’t enjoy the next Tuesday morning if the last act, often a “special guest”, comes on at 11:30 or so. Maybe when I retire…….

  32. We used Trillium Upholstery to reupholster our loveseat recently. We provided the fabric, they picked up the loveseat and returned it to us reupholstered within 10 days. They were a good bit less expensive than other quotes we got and did a fantastic job. For a quote you can contact: [email protected].

  34. Don’t text and drive. Please.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BqFkRwdFZ0#at=705

    For decades, acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog has introduced audiences to subjects that stick in one’s mind long after the credits have rolled, from a cave of artwork painted more than 30,000 years ago, to the landscape of Antarctica, to a man who believed he had a special relationship with grizzly bears.

    His latest film is no less thought-provoking, but it’s a bit of a departure for Herzog. It’s a public service announcement. His haunting documentary From One Second to the Next was created after AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile approached him to make a film about the risks of texting and driving.

    1. Last Friday I saw someone on a scooter heading westbound on DeKalb Avenue, in motion, AND CHECKING/READING THEIR PHONE. Astounding.

      1. What’s worse is the cyclists who are talking on the phone…or texting. I’m a cyclist and I have no idea how (or why) they do it.

  36. Many thanks to the anonymous neighbor ahead of me in the Chik-Fil-A drive-thru who paid for my breakfast this morning. Just wow. A great way to start a day, and I plan to “pass it on”.

    1. so awesome! we started doing this with the toll on 400 whenever we are on it and our kids love to watch the unsuspecting driver’s response…feels good to make another person smile 🙂

      1. Cue trombone: http://www.myajc.com/news/news/charity-at-the-toll-booth-not-anymore-on-ga-400/nZP47/

          1. Yep: http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/political-insider/2013/aug/16/state-officials-reverse-themselves-pay-it-forward-/

          2. Really, they reversed it already? This morning they said they were shutting it down because of complaints that the booth operators were simply keeping the random act of kindness and putting it in their own pockets. I think they call it stealing.

            1. The ajc reported that some drivers had recently complained that cashiers were pocketing the extra 50 cents when they didn’t see their money being tossed into the coin basket for the driver behind them.

              The deputy executive director of the State Road and Tollway Authority, Bert Brantley, says a driver might not see the extra money being thrown into the change basket because the next motorist sometimes declined the money, allowing it to be passed to another driver.

  38. The movie A.C.O.D. that was filmed in Decatur has its first trailer up now and can be viewed here: http://screenrant.com/acod-movie-adam-scott-trailer/

    Recognized No. 246 and Leon’s in some of the shots.

  40. Neighbors, I am looking for a rewarding, preferably small and local, volunteer opportunity. I work full time but have no kids, so I have quite a bit of time. While I would love to say that all my household projects are complete, that would be such a BIG lie. What organizations or groups need relatively unskilled volunteer labor?

    1. Check out these 30030 based volunteer projects on Hands on Atlanta’s site.
      Great organization:

      http://www.handsonatlanta.org/HOC__Volunteer_Opportunity_Search_Page?dstnc=0&k=&p=Se&z=30030

    2. Decatur Cooperative Ministry – they provide a continuum of homelessness prevention and intervention services. As a past Board member, I highly recommend this organization.

      http://www.decaturcooperativeministry.org/index.php

    4. The Book Festival was still seeking volunteers last I looked and that’s FUN. Decatur Education Foundation might have some needs.

    5. The City of Decatur maintains a great list of local volunteer opportunities at the link below. Contact Lee Ann Harvey, and she can help you find a match for your interests. There’s also a VolunteerDecatur email distribution list. Ask about that, too.

      http://www.decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=418

        1. Steve, thanks for providing the update. I do recall that Lee Ann will be focusing on Livable Communities now.

    6. Last week someone suggested Meals on Wheels and I seconded it. I still do!

      http://www.keithforrester.com/?entryId=f033f5886237e4f118f94657d5c9478f

      1. Keith, that was me. I loved reading your blog post about your own experiences. On my old route, there is a lady who tends a tiny-but-beautiful Vietnamese-style garden on her patio. And another route member is newly adjusting to blindness, but she lights up, talking about what a busy life she led in NYC. I think of them often, now that I’ve switched to a Saturday MOW schedule. (If anybody’s reading, there’s a fourth-Friday route that could be perfect for you!)

        1. I know this was just posted a few weeks back but please tell me again where to call to sign up to volunteer.

          1. Sure! Senior Connections is the nonprofit that manages Meals on Wheels in DeKalb County. The number is 770-455-7602, ext. 104; however, the volunteer application and full description are available on the organization’s website. (It’s one of the links on my page, which is clickable above.) There’s a satellite office for MOW here in downtown Decatur.

        2. Thanks DC. My latest story is a new woman on the route. She apparently worked late into life and only recently gave up, due to illness, her job. She’s more than a little mixed up these days, but there’s still a very sharp mind at work a inside the fog. She’s a retired psychologist who spent much of her career doing assessments. After we talked for a while she said,”I’ve really enjoyed talking with you,” and I said, “I’ve really enjoyed talking to you as well.” She looked me straight in the eye and said, “I know you have.”

          Love it!

            1. Truthfully, it frightened me just a little because me first thought was, “Oh, God…what if I had lied to her? I would be so busted!”

  42. OOh, ooh, I manage the Decatur High School community garden. We always need help weeding, mowing, spreading mulch, turning the compost. Contact me at dloupe at mindspring cot com.

  44. Does anyone know anything about whether the BBQ festival will happen if it’s raining? I’m really looking forward to it and will happily eat BBQ and listen to music in the rain. But I want to make sure it’s actually happening before I head over there. Thanks!

    1. Watch here for any updates, but, with all the setup requirements, I imagine they’ll do everything possible to make it happen. The forecast isn’t that bad – occasional light scattered showers.

    2. Festival committee posted on Oakhurst board yesterday: It’s rain or shine, so come on down. Volunteers still needed. No event parking in Family Dollar lot, so walk if you can or get a free ride from UBER. Everything is cash only, there will be several ATMs at the festival.

  46. Thanks, y’all! Just got back from a run that went through Oakhurst, and they are definitely gearing up. Woot woot!

  48. Does anyone know of any shredding events (to shred papers/files) that are coming up in the near future around Decatur?

    1. Keep Atlanta Beautiful holds a monthly recycling event (2nd Saturday) in Old Fourth Ward includes on-site shredding. First box free, additional boxes a couple bucks each. http://www.keepatlantabeautiful.org/?page_id=77

  50. Seeing that the Great Winter Solstice Festival (formally called Christmas) is fast approaching (dang it’s chilly outside), would anyone be interested in purchasing the following?
    The first Hess truck (in the box)
    1988 truck with race car (in the box)
    1989 white fire truck (in the box)
    1990 tanker truck (in the box)
    1991 truck with race car (in the box)
    1992 truck with car
    1993 police car (in the box)
    1994 rescue truck (in the box)
    1995 truck with helicopter
    1996 emergency truck (in the box)
    1997 truck with two cars (in the box)
    1998 rescue van with dune buggy and motorcycle (in the box)
    1999 truck with jet (in the box)
    2000 fire truck (in the box)
    2001 helicopter with SUV&motorcycle (in the box)
    2002 truck with by-plane (in the box)
    2003 truck with two cars (in the box)
    2004 SUV with motorcycles
    2005 red fire truck with emergency vehicle (in the box)
    2006 truck and helicopter (in the box)
    2007 monster truck with motorcycles (in the box)
    2008 truck and front loader (in the box)
    2009 race car and racer (in the box)
    2010 truck with jet (in the box)
    2011 truck with race car (in the box)
    2012 helicopter and rescue vehicle (in the box)
    ???? Hess fuel oils tanker truck bank (in the box)
    ???? Old Hess truck with sliding side door
    ???? Red fire truck bank (in the box)
    ???? White “Bank” truck with sliding side door (in the box)
    ???? Hess training van (in the box)
    2002 Hess miniature Voyager
    2011 Hess miniature helicopter transport (in the box)
    2012 Hess miniature truck and airplane (in the box)
    2013 Hess miniature truck with race cars (in the box)
    If so, please contact Chris at [email protected]
    Thanks
    PS- I was going to add something as to why these items are for sale but being accused of a DM trool gets tiresome even for me.

    1. Chris, I would like to know why you’re selling your collection if you would like to share. And an impressive one it is, so I’d also dig knowing any cool stories from the years you spent putting it together.

    2. Oh, I wish my boy was still little…. he was once in a truck worship stage. (Before or after his train, school bus, and construction equipment worship stages.)

    1. DeKalb property tax bill came yesterday. Anyone want to buy some old G.I. Joes (sorry, no G.I. Janes)?

      1. It changed? Ours hasn’t since the debacle ?last year? of screwy assessments. Or is this just the annual pain?

  54. Does anyone know what the heck is going on across Sam’s Crossing from Win Way? First the trees were removed, now all kinds of drilling machinery has taken root.

    1. It’s the AGL pipeline staging area. They’re going to be boring way down, then under the MARTA rails to connect to the other side. WOW, huh!

  56. Since it is FFAF I am wondering…does anyone else have a problem with the light over the railroad tracks at S. McDonough and West Howard heading toward the square? Every Sunday morning I sit through numerous red and green lights for the other directions and sometimes finally get a green light and other times go through the red. I have seen other cars go through the red lights also. I try to remember to avoid this light at all costs since in the morning rush hour it takes forever to turn left and cross over the tracks here, but on Sundays it seems to not even function.

  58. amazing turnout, in spite of the weather, at Pack 175’s Ice Cream Social—our kick-off event of the year. Pack Master Doug Glasgow leads a stellar group of den leaders, kids, and parents in a well run Scout pack that offers lots of fun and learning for boys. looking forward to another great year.

    if you have a 1st-5th grader who’s interested in Scouting, visit http://www.pack175decatur.com for more information.

  60. Does anyone have a status on the pedestrian struck by car on Ponce Sunday around 4PM in front of Fleet Feet? I was running up Ponce & came upon the situation right after she was hit. The driver was very distraught.

Comments are closed.