Close Up advisor and DHS teacher Chris Billingsley writes in…

1. On Friday from 5:00 until 7:00, we will have a fund raiser at Fifth Earl, across from the old depot and next to Trackside Tavern.  Please come by and enjoy great food and drinks at reasonable prices.

2. Saturday is “Rake&Run”.  A team of Close Up students with adult chaperons will come to your Decatur home and do yard work- rake and bag leaves, clean first story gutters, apply mulch, and much much more.  This is a free service for City residents but any donations to help pay for our Washington, Inaugural trip will be greatly appreciated.  Please contact Mr. Chris Billingsley at to reserve a spot.

And since we’re speaking of trees, just a quick personal plea… “Oak trees!!  I implore you to PLEASE just drop your leaves!  The maples and ginkgoes complied weeks ago!  I know you’re upset about the drought, but who isn’t!?  Just let it go.   If you do, I promise two days of delicious, cold rain.”

My tendency to speak out to uncomprehensive plants on the internet is unsettling…even to me.