Free-For-All Friday 4/15/16
Decatur Metro | April 15, 2016 | 8:32 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
gardener
James
Chris Billingsley
MelissaM
Robert Butera
Robert Butera
Decatur Metro
Robert Butera
At Home in Decatur
Julie
altmod
Parker Cross
Join us tonight for the Third Friday Bike Ride- starts at 6:30 pm at Decatur Recreation Center. It is a FUN ride- we ride for about an hour and cover 5-6 miles, then go out to a local watering hole. More info at decaturga.com/biking.
Can’t believe I am the first today!!
I’m glad Susan Riley was reinstated. I’m also upset this happened to begin with. I can’t help but think our superintendent was misled and that Dr. Dude’s initial responses to protests about the decision seemed defensive. I think we should be aware that without such an outpouring of community support, this incorrect decision would have stood and Ms. Riley would be looking for a new job. I hope we don’t lose interest in this matter until we find out why this happened and what is being done to ensure it does not happen again.
I hear that a drug-sniffing dog was brought into Renfroe last week.
I realize that many parents are concerned about drug use, but there have to be better ways of dealing with the problem. If an individual child was suspected of something, couldn’t the school and the parents have taken them aside? If it was some random effort to make the students feel they’re being watched, I disagree with this policy wholeheartedly.
Please suggest alternatives.
Sure. These kids are 11-12. Have a discussion letting them know that you don’t approve of drug use for them, and that there will be consequences. Limit their media use, and let them know that you reserve the right to check on their emails and texts if you become suspicious. Also let them know that if you become suspicious, you are the parent, and you have the right to check their rooms. Be alert for signs of drug use – falling grades, secrecy, etc. If you do suspect something, speak with them again and carry through on your checking. Don’t take away their privacy – a very important thing at that age – unless that privacy is being abused.
In other words, act like a parent. Don’t make them feel as if they are in a police state. They’ll just find a different hiding place.
You assume that all parents are proactive. Not necessarily true.
And 13, 14, 15, maybe 16. Yes, in the spring of middle school, 8th grade.
“If it was some random effort to make the students feel they’re being watched, I disagree with this policy wholeheartedly.”
Sorry, but I completely disagree. I hope all students fully understand that the school has rules and those rules will be enforced. The school should not have an environment where the students feel like they can do whatever they want because no one is paying attention. I don’t want the schools to be a police state, but an occasional reminder of what is expected of students is appropriate.
And FWIW, generally speaking, where there is smoke there is fire. I don’t want to use the term “drug problem”, but I have known more than one parent of Renfroe students who have busted their middle schooler high in the last few years. Kids are doing at 12 and 13 what you and I waited a few more years to try. I would bet the school had a very good reason to bring that dog into the building.
I completely understand your concern, but it’s been my experience that if authority figures try to instill fear, kids this age don’t respond well. If, instead, you give them independence and responsibility, with the caveat that it will all be taken away if they abuse those things, they respond much better.
If there was actually a specific student being targeted, I’m much less inclined to be against the search because that child is being told that he or she blew their right to privacy. I’m still not fond of the method, but I wouldn’t object nearly as much.
I remember when my school started random locker searches, we just found new hiding places.
Another banner day when I generally agree with DawgFan (though I agree with BethW as well). I suppose I see both tactics — parent side and school side — as necessary and complementary.
One thing, though. At least from my recollection attending middle school outside DC in the late 70s (when weed was worse, and harder to get), I distinctly remember at least one group of stoners. Maybe more. Agree with DawgFan that most who were looking to imbibe waited several years but, at the same time, I don’t want to make our present CSD challenges look worse by comparing them with a romanticized past.
Hmm…I am a fierce advocate of privacy from government intrusion. At the same time, these are government schools so you have opened yourself (and your kids) up to these searches. Just another reason to end government education.
You can’t seriously mean that you don’t agree with those who claim their privacy has been invaded when “their” government supplied locker on government property is searched?
Being busted at middle school probably saved my brother’s life. He got probation and had to attend a drug treatment program. It was a tough time for him and my parents (who had no idea what was going on beforehand) but I think it was good that it happened when he was 12 and not years later.
Oops–not probation–I meant to say he only had to do community service as long as he attended a drug treatment program.
I agree with you: If there’s kids doing the drugs, there’s nothing wrong with police being there. It’s appropriate. It’s naive to think that a school drug problem could be solved just with parenting.
And the only kid who’s going to be freaked out by cops and a K9 is the kids who are high or holding. It’s not a police state, or even the suggestion of one. If the cops start telling the kids to pray, that’d be another matter.
I confess that in my younger years seeing a cop sometimes caused me to pray. Devoutly.
City Schools of Decatur was on spring break last week. Are you sure this wasn’t done at some other time?
As far as alternatives, I’m sure there are a few old hippies in Decatur who haven’t been gentrified out that would be glad to assist.
Sorry. Last week, as in the week ending today. Got a bit ahead of myself on the weekend.
There aren’t just kids in the school. When I was in high school a drug dog was brought in. The result was that a teacher was arrested who had been selling drugs to students.
Not all parents act responsibly and kids make bad decisions. I’m okay with my 13 to feeling like pot is a risky venture.
Learn more about efforts to create a new park in Downtown Decatur. https://downtowndecaturneighbors.com/committees/public-spaces/downtown-decatur-park-now-or-never/. Looking at what our City will be in 30 years, more condos and apartments are a given. Why not another park or two? If you agree, we would welcome your support.
I know there are plenty of bikers in Decatur so I am wondering if anyone has done the Decatur to Stone Mountain ride (http://www.sadlebred.com/maps/decaturstonemtn.gif).
I saw it on Be Active Decatur but I’m not comfortable enough with the area (only living in Decatur for 7 months) while riding my bike to pick out directions.
Does anyone do this ride that would let me ride with them? Anyone have the route saved in Strava or MapMyRide? Would appreciate any tips/suggestions/riders!
Bicycle South does a ride on the Third Sunday to the mountain- they start again on May 15th. There are a few groups that also ride out there. You may want to look at the Bike South calendar on their web page as well as the meet-up groups on the Southern Bicycle Ride Meet-up page. Join us tonight for a short fun ride!
Thanks Cheryl. Do you have a link to the Bike South calendar? Or are you referring to the Southern Bicycle League calendar? Appreciate it!
Both! Here is link to Bicycle South web site http://bicyclesouth.com/articles/ride-event-calendar-pg37.htm
here’s the gps file for a ride i do regularly out to stone mountain pulling the kid in a trailer. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/982430674
this is with one 5 mile loop around the mountain, repeat as desired. not much traffic on weekend mornings, fairly flat, very enjoyable.
A good part of the northern section of this ride along Ponce de Leon and Church is, or could be, on the Path. I know the fast bikers don’t like to ride on the path but I prefer to be off the road as much as possible. I’ve done it out and back many times and there are only a couple of places that are confusing — mainly downtown Stone Mountain if you want to go into the park.
I wouldn’t ride into the SMP on the road. I go just past downtown to a city park where the path picks up and drops down through the woods to the park traffic free.
There are only a few points where the directions can get a bit confusing (where it crosses the tracks, downtown stone mountain) or exposed to traffic (crossing 285, downtown stone mountain).
Easiest way to manage is to just check google maps app on your phone – they have an overlay where you can add in all bike paths and bike lanes. So if you get turned around or confused, its really easy to find your way back to the path.
In the past (and likely ongoing) Decatur Bikes has sponsored a Sat morning beginner-friendly no-drop bike ride to Stone Mountain.
Info here:
http://www.decaturbikes.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
I don’t know its current status, but call the shop and ask. I live in the Artisan and stare at that parking lot, and I have seen bicyclists gathering there on at least one recent Saturday morning …
Hey Neighbors: This Saturday 8:30am – 3pm is the Winnona Park Neighborhood Yard Sale. Over 25 Families participating. Main Streets include Avery/Mimosa/Winnona in Decatur. Also bake sales, pop-up food offerings and likely some musical performers here and there to keep it festive. It’s fun and filled good treasure hunting. Come on out! Maps available that morning.
After you’ve gotten up early to be first to the great Winnona Park Yard Sale finds, come out for Pony Ride Day tomorrow – April 16 – at Little Creek Horse Farm. It runs from 10AM-2PM. Enjoy pony rides, kid’s activities, access to the farm, and food. Pony rides available to kids age 4 (as of April 16) and up – teens and adults can ride too! Other activities available for kids of all ages (including those under age 4) include the KidZone craft area (free) and face painting ($3). Line for pony rides to be cut-off at 1PM. $5 donation for pony rides, cash or check only. Event will take place rain or shine. Proceeds benefit Little Creek Farm Conservancy and the Decatur High School Chorus. We are located at 2057 Lawrenceville Hwy. Decatur, GA. For more information, visit http://www.littlecreekfarmconservancy.org
Anyone know when Grindhouse is opening? They were shooting for last summer and I guess it may be this summer?
Here’s some startling news, The Shoe Center in Toco Hills is closing. Sales going on now – 50% off some tables and 25% most everything. There goes the best source of Clarks
Oh nooooooo!!
I was already having a bad day and now this.
Thanks for the heads up. I went around noon and bought a couple of pairs. Will miss them.
Anyone know what happened that made the power go out in the area of Clarion/Nelson Ferry/Woodlawn/Coventry/Scott/Lamont/Garden for about a half hour? It was darn dark out there with no street lights but the stars and Jupiter were cool. Heard sirens but never saw anything down. Maybe a transformer blew but it affected a pretty wide area.
Transformer blew on Adair and West Ponce, according to Lt Ross.
Transformer blew at Adair and West Ponce, according to Lt. Ross.
Thanks for the update. There were so many emergency vehicles heading in that direction that I feared it was much worse.
Affected the Parkwoods too.
Reminder: Decatur kids consignment sale Sale dates – Friday, April 22nd from 9am to 3pm
Saturday, April 23rd from 9am to 3pm
Sale Location : Decatur First United Methodist Church
300 East Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
Is this brand new or a spin-off from the sale that Charlie LEWIS used to run? Website?
Yesterday I had the privilege to say something at Eddie Fowlkes memorial service. When I arrived at North Avenue Presbyterian, I was somewhat surprised to see that Steve Powell, a retired DHS teacher, coach and administrator, would also speak. It turned out that we were perfect bookends for Eddie’s story. Back in the day, Steve and Eddie coached DHS baseball together and he told several stories, including one about playing a strong Saint Pius team and Decatur had run out of pitchers. According to Steve, our last pitcher was getting clobbered and he looked to Eddie for help. Steve demonstrated Eddie’s response and the congregation roared with laughter. Steve ended his comments with moving words about Eddie’s commitment to all things Decatur and his love of faith, family and friends. My comments are found below.
A Few Words About Eddie Fowlkes:
Several years ago, and a few months before ending his career at Decatur High School, Eddie asked me to say a few words at his retirement banquet. I agreed to speak but I never told him that deep down, I didn’t want to. Even though Eddie was my best friend, I was afraid that any effort to sum up his career as a legendary teacher, coach and community leader would fail miserably. For weeks I struggled to put down on paper what many of his colleagues and I knew in our hearts. When the hour finally arrived, and the speech had been practiced almost to the point of being memorized, I panicked and at the last moment added a few things about country and western music and bogus presidential commendations. Steve Powell, a Decatur High School administrator at the time laughed out loud and the fear that had controlled me for weeks suddenly melted away. I began to speak about the man whom I would later describe as “one of the finest men I had even known”.
Ann has asked me to say a few words about Eddie today. To say “just a few words” is of course impossible. I could tell you what an outstanding teacher Eddie was during his twenty nine year career at Decatur but seeing many of his former colleagues and students here today, my words would never him do justice. I could tell you how Eddie led athletes to compete at the highest levels of state competition but those of you here who were members of his cross country and baseball teams could do a better job. Eddie was an outstanding husband, father and friend but everyone in this church today, including thousands of others who could not be here, could speak for hours on the positive influence he had on so many lives. I hope that all of you, whether after the service today, or later, maybe sending a nice card to the Fowlkes family or posting your remembrances online at Decatur Metro or Decaturish, will fondly recall the positive impact Eddie had on your life.
Eddie was my closest friend and for the last thirty years, he was like a brother to me. During this time, he helped guide me on my faith journey in so many ways. Earlier I used the words “afraid”, “panic” and “fear” to describe myself and for much of my life, I was controlled by these powerful feelings. Looking back, it seemed like I was afraid of almost everything, the start of school, standing in front of students, coaching, getting married, becoming a father and especially flying. I tried to control this in a variety of ways: excessive planning, hard work, alcohol, but fear never left me; that is, until I finally realized that there was a model of courage in my life, and that was Eddie Fowlkes.
Nothing seemed to bother him. It was as if Eddie lived his life by the words of Paul in Hebrews, “We may say with confidence/ “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me”. I admired his confidence in the classroom, as a coach, husband and father and wanted to be like him. So began our almost thirty year conversation about faith. With Eddie’s encouragement, I rejoined the church where my baptism took place and learned what it was like to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many of you may know that our Jewish friends have a saying, “To save one life is to save the world”. Eddie helped save me from the storms of self-doubt and constant worry by setting an example of a Christian man based on words from Matthew, “Take Courage! It Is I. Be Not Afraid”. Is there any greater friend than this?
I recall one of our conversations from a few years ago that focused on the accomplishments and struggles of our individual churches, North Avenue Presbyterian and Saint Thomas More. We talked with pride about how our churches seem to be growing and the progress of capital improvements. Both of us laughed about the amount of time we spend on the “Sign of Peace”, with Catholics extending a hand to only those in the immediate area but you North Avenue Presbyterians, well yours is more like a “Sign of Peace Festival”. At some point, Eddie asked me, “Do Catholics pray during church?” Thinking that this was a continuation of our casual conversation, I answered with a joke about the mass being one long prayer. His expression changed and with a serious look he asked, “But do you really pray, with all your heart and soul?” I responded, “Yeah Eddie, just like you.”
I see that my ten minutes are almost up and John Calvin is giving me that look as if to say, “Hurry Up! Let Dr. Weimer get to the important stuff”. Ann, I hope this is what you wanted. I was going to say something about when you and Eddie had just started dating and I told him to be careful because I thought you were a Jesus Freak. Eddie said, “Well so am I”. Martha, I should have said something about how much your father enjoyed taking you to the Dairy Queen for hot dogs and ice cream. Peter, I can’t tell you enough how proud Eddie was to have you join the family. He loved you like a son. Gwen, I should have included something about how much you and Doc influenced Eddie’s character. But there is not enough time.
Before I go, I’d like to leave you with a few prayers I’ve been saying “with all my heart and soul”. I pray for this great church, North Avenue Presbyterian. May you be blessed with more leaders like Eddie Fowlkes with his gentle ways and firm belief in the Christian message. I pray for teachers and administrators, here at North Avenue and especially Decatur High School. Always remember that the most important aspect of your career is not pay, evaluations, or lesson plans but whether or not you love your students. I pray for all young people, especially those in high school. Never give up hope and remember that here in this great church and at Decatur High School, you have adults like Eddie that will listen to your concerns without judgement. I pray for Anne, Martha, Peter, Shep and all the Fowlkes. May the Good Lord protect you all the day long during this difficult time and provide you the strength and courage to carry on. Finally I pray for the Atlanta Braves to win the pennant. Wouldn’t that be something?!
I pray all these things in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Thank you, Chris.
Proud Mama of two City Schools of Decatur grads.
Thanks for posting this, Mr. B. I don’t know that I’ll ever know a finer man than Eddie. We’ll feel his loss for a while, but his presence and impact forever.