Some friends and I wanted to send flowers to someone in Atlanta recovering from surgery. I called and asked her roommate about a good florist near them. Foxgloves and Ivy was the only place recommended.
"Hmmm," I wondered, 'Isn't that the one owned by a man whose sister lives in Sandersville who I have known for about 20 years?" I dialed them up and a young woman answered, "Foxgloves and Ivy, this is Jenna. How can I help you?"
I knew I was in good hands-Jenna is the owner's niece, and I have known her since she was about four. We talked about what would be cheerful to receive, got the message on the card just right (Jenna encouraged something clever), shared some news about Jenna's one year old daughter (Laney Jane is in the walk-run phase of mobility), and wished each other a Merry Christmas.
Once again, when getting something right for a friend really mattered, the best help possible came my way. My friend is recovering nicely, and I knew what was delivered would be perfect. Shopping in Atlanta was just like shopping at home.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Who Knew?
Glascock County is just to the north east of Washington County where I live. This will give you an idea of where it is: Glascock County The county lives in the shadow of its neighbors, and is know for being very conservative and having very little racial diversity (86.5% white from 2009 data Glascock County data).
The tiny town of Gibson held its annual Winterfest and parade today. Dianna Wedincamp with Ogeechee Riverkeeper, my husband David, and I set up a display about the river and the proposed coal fired power plant and hoped for the best. We were surprised with the great response we got from people of all ages.
Very few people said they weren't interested, and many people wanted to learn more, share our flyers with their friends, and sign comments opposing water permits for Plant Washington (find out more here: FACE http://faceenvironment.org/). We met men and women who are county leaders who not only signed comments opposing the plant, but brought friends and family to our booth to sign too.
The only person who approached us who supports the plant is county commission chair Anthony Griswell. After challenging him on every point in support of the plant, he finally gave us some suggestions on how we might shape our arguments to make stronger points. We didn't change his mind, but we stood our ground.
Today was much better than we expected. It was encouraging to talk with people who know we must protect our water and air. I had sold Glascock short on having community members who are forward thinking and willing to speak up for what they think is best. I learned a lot today too.
The tiny town of Gibson held its annual Winterfest and parade today. Dianna Wedincamp with Ogeechee Riverkeeper, my husband David, and I set up a display about the river and the proposed coal fired power plant and hoped for the best. We were surprised with the great response we got from people of all ages.
Very few people said they weren't interested, and many people wanted to learn more, share our flyers with their friends, and sign comments opposing water permits for Plant Washington (find out more here: FACE http://faceenvironment.org/). We met men and women who are county leaders who not only signed comments opposing the plant, but brought friends and family to our booth to sign too.
The only person who approached us who supports the plant is county commission chair Anthony Griswell. After challenging him on every point in support of the plant, he finally gave us some suggestions on how we might shape our arguments to make stronger points. We didn't change his mind, but we stood our ground.
Today was much better than we expected. It was encouraging to talk with people who know we must protect our water and air. I had sold Glascock short on having community members who are forward thinking and willing to speak up for what they think is best. I learned a lot today too.
Plant Washington Public Comments Dominated by Plant Opponents
Last night Georgians from across the state told the EPD, P4G, and community leaders that Plant Washington is not supported and that water permits should not be issued. We had new people there from other Middle Georgia counties who said that based on their knowledge and experience living near other coal plants, the promises being made can't be kept.
The GA Chapter of the Sierra Club submitted 600 comments opposing the plant, and FACE submitted 400 (with more to be sent in by Friday). We also picked up some nice coverage from the Fox and ABC channels in Macon last night and GPB today.
Tomorrow I am speaking to the Washington County Board of Commissioners about closing one road near the plant and a major re-route of another. That will be interesting. Stay tuned.
The GA Chapter of the Sierra Club submitted 600 comments opposing the plant, and FACE submitted 400 (with more to be sent in by Friday). We also picked up some nice coverage from the Fox and ABC channels in Macon last night and GPB today.
Tomorrow I am speaking to the Washington County Board of Commissioners about closing one road near the plant and a major re-route of another. That will be interesting. Stay tuned.
The Benefits of Shopping Locally
I believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible because local businesses are in many ways the backbone of rural communities.I am willing to spend a little more money if necessary to support local businesses throughout the year. Wal-Mart won't stay open late to help me get a pipe for a repair so we can have water all weekend, but the locally owned and operated ACE Hardware has waited on me when I have made that call.
J. C. Grant Company Jewelers will check my jewelry and clean it at no cost when I stop in. By "trading" with them (as my grandparents said) for decades, they know what we like, what we don't like, and help us make good decisions when we need guidance. And Mr. Grant, Sr. likes to egg me on about our political differences (how many jewelers know where their customers stand politically?).
I did my fair share of holiday shopping online, but I already knew local businesses didn't have or can't get what I was hunting. It was easy and fast, and the gifts are waiting to be wrapped. But Amazon won't ever ask me who I like in the next Lt. Governor's race. Mr. Grant already knows.
J. C. Grant Company Jewelers will check my jewelry and clean it at no cost when I stop in. By "trading" with them (as my grandparents said) for decades, they know what we like, what we don't like, and help us make good decisions when we need guidance. And Mr. Grant, Sr. likes to egg me on about our political differences (how many jewelers know where their customers stand politically?).
I did my fair share of holiday shopping online, but I already knew local businesses didn't have or can't get what I was hunting. It was easy and fast, and the gifts are waiting to be wrapped. But Amazon won't ever ask me who I like in the next Lt. Governor's race. Mr. Grant already knows.
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