Include Your Social Media Accounts in Your Final Arrangements

Talking about writing a will has to be one of the top ten most uncomfortable conversations.  But any family that has had to settle an estate will tell you the effort will make the process easier on the survivors.

Social media networks now have procedures in place to close or otherwise address the status of your accounts after your passing.  Some people find comfort in reviewing old posts and photos by their loved one;  others are just creeped out.

For both LinkedIn and Twitter, a next of kin or executor can contact the admin desk and make a request.

LinkedIn:  Deceased LinkedIn Member - Removing Profile
There is a form at the link to fill out and the information they require is:

• The member's name
• The URL to their LinkedIn profile
• Your relationship to them
• Member's email address
• Date they passed away
• Link to obituary
• Company they most recently worked at

Profiles will be completely removed and not preserved

Twitter:  Contacting Twitter about a deceased user or media concerning a deceased family member

The information required to deactivate the account is basically the same as LinkedIn.  However, Twitter also requires that the person reporting the death provide a copy of their legal ID.  AND - all information has to be sent via US Mail to an address listed at the above link.  The process takes a while.

Facebook has taken a proactive approach.  Every member is now permitted to designate a Legacy Contact, who can perform some management tasks after your passing.  They won't be able to post as you, but they can change pictures, decide to download your photos, etc.  

Article from PC World on the new feature

Step by step instructions from Facebook to add a Legacy Contact

Best of all, you don't have to jump through a ton of extra hoops to have an account managed for a deceased person.  The Memorialization Request is simple and just requires a single proof (online obituary, etc) to show the person has actually died.  Once that is confirmed, the Legacy Contact can take over the account per the deceased owner's request.  (More about Memorialized Accounts on Facebook.)

Take a few moments and make future plans for your social media.  It will make the details easier on your survivors.

Help Dunwoody Apartment Residents Displaced by Fire

UPDATE:  Thanks to an enormous outpouring of support, the Dunwoody Glen office is filled to overflowing with contributions.  No more assistance is needed at this time.

The fire at Dunwoody Glen apartments on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard damaged 10 apartments and displaced 30 residents.  True to form, other Dunwoodians are banding together with the apartment managers to help provide for their immediate needs.

The following Facebook post was just made by Councilman Terry Nall.  There are all kinds of ways to assist and all of the needs can be met if everybody picks one.

DROP-OFF InformationAll donations are being collected at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church (1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338).  Donations will be accepted beginning this Sunday February 1, 2015 from 8:30-3:30 and throughout the week during regular church office hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Post by Terry Nall for Dunwoody.

Google Fiber Redux: Read the Fine Print and Watch For Details

Google Fiber coming to 9 metro Atlanta cities
(but not Dunwoody)

Almost a year ago I posted some questions about Google Fiber's service that no one outside of the hardcore tech community was asking.  Many elected officials (eg, Kasim Reed) and others closer to home are going gaga over the idea of internet connections that seem to be as fast as thought.  But technology has a price and it is never Utopia.

First - here is the original post:   Google Fiber: Is anyone reading the fine print?

Second - why are our elected officials (in Dunwoody as well as other cities) not asking the questions I raised in the post?

My opinion about Dunwoody's omission from the plan still stands:  it's not a setback.  Google's decision plants our city squarely in the catbird seat.  Kasim Reed and other local mayors want to rush headlong into new technology, no questions asked.  I say, let 'em.  Let them take all the risks, endure the complaints, stumble across the problems, and work their way out of it.  Dunwoody can sit back, feet comfortably elevated, enjoying a cool beverage, and taking notes about what works well and what doesn't.  Dunwoody can learn about the quality of Google Fiber services and logistics without having to make an irrevocable commitment.

Before writing my original post in the above link, I researched the Internet for days.  I found terms of service after some serious digging.

But my Google search was almost silent about real-life customer experience and satisfaction (or lack of) with the service.

That lack of information alone should speak volumes.

I found *one* article describing a homeowner's real-life experience w/ Google Fiber installation and usage:
Basking in the Glow of Google Fiber: A Hands-On Experience With Gigabit Internet

So we have one anecdote filled with pros and cons.  But it was from 18 months ago with no updates.  I'm glad Dunwoody can wait and see if that experience is repeated closer to home before we have to decide if the experience is worth the work to bring the service to our own homes.

Opportunity Knocking: How Will the GSU/GPC Merger Affect Dunwoody?

A few days ago, Fran Millar posted on his Facebook page a news article about Georgia State University absorbing Georgia Perimeter College.  He posted in his comment that he thought the merger was a good idea.  Fiscally, it is, at least for GPC.  There financial troubles are no secret to anyone, including their own student body.

But when there is a hint of any institution expanding in Dunwoody, the first criticism is always about traffic and that was my immediate response to Fran.

Historically, GPC's leadership hasn't given any indication they care for a second how they impact the through traffic or communities around Dunwoody so it's natural to assume the worst.

Then I read the news articles and press releases

Reporter Newspaper

AJC

Q&A with Georgia State Prez

Q&A with Board of Regents

That last one is the most interesting.  Here's Question #3

Will any campuses be closed? 

The consolidation implementation team will be assessing the needs and infrastructure of the new consolidated institution. The consolidation team’s final report to the Board will include a recommendation about campus structure and locations.

Way back when Dunwoody was researching its populace for ideas on branding  the community surveys or "wish lists" had numerous segments of the population wishing they could close the Dunwoody GPC campus.  Our city government cannot take that initiative:  GPC is a state institution (see above re:  not giving a damn what we think) and they're going to pack students in their land like sardines, dammit, and who cares if all the classes let out at once and immobilize the streets?

But there's a new head honcho in charge of the GPC campuses.  There's a chance for a fresh start.  Dunwoody's mysterious "Town and Gown" committee has a chance to improve this campus' interaction with the community.

If the above quote from the Regents' Q&A is to be believed at face value, there's even a chance that GSU won't need that campus anymore and there's even a chance - however slight - they would want to dispose of it.

So my initial reaction to Fran's post may not necessarily be the most accurate.  There's a possibility that the new GSU will fail to care any more than the smaller GPC did and continue to pack its campus with increasing enrollment and traffic.  But there's also a possibility that GSU's leadership may be more willing to compromise with Dunwoody about activities on that campus.  There's even a possibility that the poll respondents from 2011 will get their wish and the location will close.

So now is the time for Dunwoody's officials, especially the Town and Gown committee to get on the stick and get a meeting with GSU's leadership and consolidation team.  Now is the time to make serious decisions about what Dunwoody wants for that campus - no more shoot-from-the-lip wish lists.  Real decisions made on real analysis of potential outcomes of each scenario, both positive and negative.  (FWIW, there would be no impact on Dunwoody's tax base:  the campus is state land and therefore not taxed.)  If Dunwoody wants activities adjusted to lessen congestion, or if they want the campus closed (and made available to a city that has civic needs of its own and has an eye toward its own school district....) then that outreach from City Hall to GSU needs to start yesterday.

Happy 2015, Dunwoody!

May it also be healthy and prosperous for you and yours.

(Yes, I'm working today.  Hi Nancy, Stan, Bryan, Rik, Kathy, Spud-man, Armann, and Katie!)

Keep Your Gifts Safe This Season

News story from Channel 46:  don't leave your gift boxes by the curb, waiting and soaking until the next garbage day.  Especially if they housed electronics.  Nothing says "come steal from me!" like a cardboard box advertising a giant flat-screen TV or game system.

Someone had a great idea:  take the boxes to the dumpsters outside the Dunwoody Library.

DUNWOODY, GA (CBS46) -
Sanitation crews are busy picking up trash the day after Christmas.
Residents have tons of trash to get rid of, including wrapping paper and gift boxes. The Dunwoody Police Department posted crime prevention tips on its Facebook page telling people not to leave empty boxes of gifts by the curb because that will let burglars know what you have inside.
"We're asking if people have holiday gifts this year, especially expensive electronics like televisions, computers, Xbox, PlayStations, that if they have the empty boxes, do not leave them out by the trash can," officer Tim Fecht said.
They encourage people to be aware of their surroundings.
"Try not to expose your house, and not to be too flashy about items you've been receiving," Fecht said.
Police recommend that people break down boxes. Then, put them in black garbage bags, or take them to their local recycling containers.
Several people stopped by the Dunwoody Library to put boxes in the dumpsters the day after Christmas.
Copyright 2014 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Read more: http://www.cbs46.com/story/27712566/dunwoody-police-offer-post-holiday-crime-prevention-tips#ixzz3NEhJpKdh

SDOC Never Closes. Neither do our clients.

“Power couple” Stan Jester, left, and his wife Nancy meet at their kitchen table.

The Jesters joke they soon will offer DeKalb taxpayers “one-stop shopping.”

“It’s one-stop shopping for people who want to complain [about county taxes or school problems],” Nancy Jester said. “You just call a Jester.”

Read the full article at the Dunwoody Reporter.

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Small business owners and other local establishments (politicos?) in Dunwoody always have a part of their mind on work.  Nancy's new site as Commissioner is on the holiday to-do list in my house.  (Yes, it too involves a kitchen table when my office gets claustrophobic.)  Other local Dunwoody-area businesses are on the docket as well and will be launched in early 2015.

And with that, the Duncans start getting ready for the childrens Mass at All Saints.  Merry Christmas, everybody!  I'll probably be at my desk the day after tomorrow!

Early Christmas Present?

Post by SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions.

Counting Down Work for 2014...

...and all of the holidays leading up through the New Year!

So like all of the other small business owners out there, New Year's Eve is like a magical finish line where, whatever you complete or not, it's a relief.  All of my ecommerce clients are humming along and for once Groupon didn't give me any trouble on those installs.

Today, I'm reaching out to my clients via phone to line up project stopping points and get the 2015 work schedule in order.  Starting with the Annual Holy Redeemer 3rd Grade Nativity Pageant tomorrow morning, this house will be in full-scale Christmas mode.  SDOC is still open ("we never close") but most work will be to address urgent questions only.

I'm thrilled that SDOC's clientele has seen such success in 2014:  from improved sales in the brick-and-mortar stores, to increased online sales and outreach, to a winning political campaign.

I'm looking forward to continuing these working relationships into the new year and forging new ones along the way.

To all of our community, from my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a Heri za Kwanzaa, and Merry Solstice and Yule.  Most of all a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2015 for all!

Adrienne
(with Pat Sr, Maggie, Michelle, and Patrick Jr)

(Opportunity knocking for next year:  decorate this display for Christmas/Hanukkah.  Make it coincide with Light Up Dunwoody at the Farm House.)

NANCY WINS!!

Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog: Today is Election Day - Nancy Jester is the clear ...

Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog: Today is Election Day - Nancy Jester is the clear ...: Nancy Jester Several months ago there was a candidate forum where I said there were serious contenders with great backgrounds running ...

Nancy Jester is the clear choice in the Heneghan Duncan household and if you have doubts, please watch the video below in John's post. The polls close at 7 pm.

#Nancy4DeKalb