Remembering Warren Bruno

A note from Virginia-Highland Civic Association President Jack White

By Jack White Warren Bruno's passing is a great loss. He was an integral part of this neighborhood for over three decades. He was well-known for renovating the Atkins Park Bar and Delicatessen, an act that was a landmark event in the commercial renaissance along North Highland, but it was his devotion to the whole area and his wit and humor that left the deepest impressions. Warren had a very broad vision of community, and he remained resolutely confident over the years that we could balance and protect both business and neighborhood interests. His faith was sometimes tested, but it never wavered, and it was on display from the early 80’s in helping start Summerfest to the Neighborhood Commercial rezoning effort a quarter-century late, …

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Jacob, Sophia Most Popular Baby Names for 2011

The Social Security Administration has released its list of most popular baby names for 2011.

Would you choose the name Jayden or Aiden for your son? What about choosing Ava or Mia for a girl? According to the Social Security Administration, those were among the most popular baby names in 2011 in the United States. The most popular baby names list is compiled from names provided on Social Security card applications. For 2011, the most popular baby names are as follows: For Boys: For Girls: Which of these names is your favorite? Which is your least favorite? What is the most unusual name you have ever seen? Let us know in the comments.

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Fixing a Broken Street Light: How Easy it Can Be

Ever wondered what it takes to fix a broken street light?

By Brian Gross Just wanted to share what a remarkably easy experience it was to get a street light working again. Shame on us in our street, we let it go for maybe a month (and I should know better). I finally looked on www.vahi.org for "Government" under the A-Z list and followed the link to Georgia Power. I filled in a simple form online. Got an immediate email confirmation that it had been received  — signed by a real person! Four days later the light was working again and that section of our street (Adair just west of Rupley) is SO much brighter again. I was astounded they fixed it so quickly. Hope that serves as a little bit of encouragement to others! Brian Gross is a Virginia-Highland resident and communications chair of the …

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Murphy's Wine Guru Buys Highland Wine

A note from Nick Salpekar, new owner of Highland Wine

By Nick Salpekar After 9 years working at Murphy's, I'm happy to announce that I now have my own Wine Store! Less than one mile north of Murphy's on Highland Ave, I recently purchased Highland Wine and Crystal! My great mentor and friend, Tom Murphy, was instrumental in helping me put this deal together, and all his years of incredible support have meant more to me and my family than I can ever describe.  Tom, as I've said so many times before..."I owe you one!" It's been so nice to see many of you stop by the shop over the past few weeks as the excitement from the neighborhood has been incredible! The Highland Wine and Crystal Shop is a perfect location as there is dedicated parking in front of the store and a very "open" shopping feel. …

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Davis: redistricting aims to 'provide a quality education to all'

A letter from district superintendent Erroll B. Davis, Jr.

The following letter was sent on March 30, 2012, to city of Atlanta residents by Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Dear APS students, parents, employees, and supporters, There are occasional challenges in life that simply cannot be avoided and must be faced for the benefit of all concerned. This is the situation with the current redistricting effort, as we attempt to make needed changes in order for all students to academically benefit from a more equitable distribution of available educational resources. Our proposal calls for the closure of 13 under-enrolled schools and the creation of 10 clean feeder patterns or clusters, the latter establishing a direct, un-splintered flow of students from elementary to middle …

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Emory Prof Weighs in on Gun Violence

Emory’s Drew Westen wrote an op/ed for the New York Times

An opinion piece by Emory’s Drew Westen was featured in the New York Times on Monday. Westen said political leaders fail to address American ambivalence about guns. From the NY Times: In so many cases, it’s a failure of our leaders — Republicans, who prey on the fears of their constituents and don’t even bother anymore to hide the puppet strings pulled by large corporations, and Democrats, who too frequently forget that humans are supposed to be vertebrates (and hence to have a spine) — to speak to Americans’ ambivalence about guns. Read the full story on the New York Times Blog. Connect with Virginia-Highland Patch on Facebook and Twitter at @VaHiPatch. Get Patch in your inbox.

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Supreme Court to Rule on Affordable Care Act

Emory prof weighs in

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on the Affordable Care Act Monday, March 26 through Wednesday, March 28. Emory University Law School Dean and federalism expert Robert Schapiro discusses the legislation, whether there's any constitutional justification for the bill the possibilities of it passing. Connect with Virginia-Highland Patch on Facebook and Twitter at @VaHiPatch. Get Patch in your inbox.

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Stand Up for Inman: A Call to Action

Parents for seven Grady cluster schools call for unity among neighborhoods

The following letter was posted on an APS redistricting parent-run message board on Sunday, March 18. An open letter to our friends and neighbors at Centennial Place Elementary, Hope-Hill Elementary, Mary Lin Elementary, Morningside Elementary, Springdale Park Elementary, Inman Middle and Grady High Schools. Dear Grady Cluster parents, We are running out of time to unite our voices and impress upon Superintendent Erroll Davis and the Board of Education the highest priorities that many of us within the newly formed Grady Cluster share. We are strongest together and we need strength and unity NOW to keep our voices ringing in the ears of the Superintendent and Board Members as they debate the final recommendations for the redistricting of …

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Patch Voices

APS Redistricting: Candler Park's Official Response To Davis' Proposals

Sixth grade academy is good idea but consider alternate locations or expansion at Inman Middle School instead of Coan Middle School.

by Kate Sandhaus Candler Park would like to thank Superintendent Davis, the Atlanta Board of Education and Atlanta Public Schools for their continued efforts during the redistricting process. The superintendent’s proposal is a balanced approach that takes into account the district’s many competing needs. It is a fair, fiscally responsible and pedagogically appropriate way to solve the over-crowding problem. Candler Park supports the plan and looks forward to working with APS and all the other communities to make its implementation successful. The defined cluster model is a sensible one. It both strengthens community support and involvement, and encourages long-term, cross-cluster collaboration that will build on the Inman-Grady cluster’s …

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