Roadway debris - and the accidents it can cause - has become an increasing problem in metro Atlanta. And according to the Georgia DOT, 85-90 percent of road trash comes from unsecured loads, with half of that coming out of the back of pickup trucks. Unfortunately, items such as ladders, lumber, and clothing have become common sights on busy roads and highways around the city.
While 25 percent of the trash is just plain litter from fast food items, larger items can be dangerous and deadly. Please do not depend on the weight of an item in your truck to keep it in place! Unexpected sudden stops, potholes, turns, and even the wind from your travel speed can wreak havoc on any load. “It’s like a mini-hurricane in the back of your truck when you are going down the interstate,” says David Studstill, chief engineer of the GA DOT.
Please give special attention to mattresses, large appliances, lumber, tools, ladders, landscaping stones and concrete materials like cinder blocks. Secure them tightly with heavy binding or rope. Place the heaviest items as close to the cab as possible. Smaller, lighter items such as half-full paint cans or empty containers should be covered with a tarp or canvas; make sure the covering is pulled taut and tied down to prevent the wind from getting underneath it.
Even benign litter like fast-food take out bags and containers can be dangerous on the highway, since people often slow down and swerve to avoid hitting anything unidentified in the road. And whatever kind of trash it is, be aware that it costs all of us money. “$14 million of taxpayer money is spent every year on picking up litter,” David says. “It’s terribly expensive.”
If you happen to spot roadway debris in metro Atlanta, dial star-DOT on your cellphone. The call goes to DOT’s Traffic Management Center, which is staffed 24/7.
– Beth Rice

It’s a feast for all your senses, specially crafted by Chef Matt Rainey at 103 West. This Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 22 from noon to 5 p.m., enjoy appetizers, turkey, traditional dressings, side dishes and dessert. Treat yourself and your family to an elaborate feast without all the work. Cost is $69 for adults, $35 for children under 12 and children six and under are free. They are located at 103 West Paces Ferry Road. Call 404-233-5993 for required reservations or for more information.
This article provided by the Brookhaven Buzz.

The holiday season is not complete without attending a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. Join the Callanwolde Dance Ensemble as they present three performances of excerpts from the holiday ballet classic. Performance will be held at St. Pius Catholic School on Saturday, December 1st at 12:00, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 and will be on sale in the Programs Office at Callanwolde from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. beginning November 1. For information, call 404-872-5338 ext 238.
This article provided by the Brookhaven Buzz
http://www.hometownnewsatlanta.com/farticles.htm

Their totally electric GEM car (Global Electric Motorcar, www.gemcars.com — a Daimler Chrysler product) has put the fun back into driving. Recently, Jim Baskett, who is a Decatur City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem, along with his wife Mickey, purchased this electric car in an effort to cut down on gasoline consumption and emissions and make life greener and a little less hectic. The car is legal on any roads with a 35 or lower mph speed limit — which is all of Decatur, plus Avondale. The car travels 25 mph maximum, so they can enjoy the scenery and the ride when doing their errands. The car is a very “social” car in that when they are stopped, people on the street or people in cars like to start up a conversation and find out about the car. The car can travel 30 miles on a single charge. With a cable, it plugs into any 110 electric outlet. Since they rarely need to travel outside the Decatur city limits, their other cars are getting moldy from lack of use.
This article provided by The Brookhaven Buzz.

Oglethorpe University: Certified Wildlife Habitat
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently announced that Oglethorpe University has been certified as an official Wildlife Habitat site. Oglethorpe’s 105-acre campus attracts a variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife, while helping to protect the local environment.
NWF began the Wildlife Habitat certification program in 1973, and has since certified over 75,000 habitats nationwide. The majority of these sites represent the hard work and commitment of individuals and families providing habitat near their homes, but NWF has also certified more than 2,500 schools and hundreds of business and community sites. The average habitat is between 1/3 and 1/2 acre, but certified sites range from urban balconies to thousand-acre areas.
Any habitat enthusiast can create a certified habitat and learn the rewards of gardening for wildlife. In order to become certified, a property must provide the four basic elements that all wildlife need: food, water, cover and places to raise young. It must also employ sustainable gardening practices. Habitat restoration is critical in urban and suburban settings where commercial and residential development encroaches on natural wildlife areas. In addition to providing for wildlife, certified habitats conserve our natural resources by reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation water, which ultimately protects the air, soil and water throughout our communities.
For information, visit www.nwf.org or call 800-900-2656.
This article provided by the Brookhaven Buzz.

Just in time for the holiday season, The Fresh Market opened the doors to its fifth Atlanta location last month with a grand opening celebration. Located on 4405 Roswell Road, the specialty grocery store brings over 90 new jobs to the area and offers its customers high-quality products and superior customer service.
The Fresh Market is a true neighborhood market known for its inviting atmosphere, friendly staff and specialty items. Each store captures the charm of an old-world European market while classical music, Italian tile floors, antiques and soft lighting highlight the intimate setting. The Fresh Market also reflects the open-air markets with its attractive display of loose and unpackaged products, which allow customers to hand-select their own quality perishables for a unique shopping experience. The full-service meat and seafood counter, fresh bakery items, and bountiful produce department round out the Fresh Market’s offerings.
Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For information, visit www.thefreshmarket.com or call 404-250-0852.
-Article from the “Brookhaven Buzz”, http://www.hometownnewsatlanta.com/farticles.htm