12-12-2014 Sandy Springs Reporter

Sandy Springs Reporter

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Holiday home cooking Local cooks share their favorite recipes HOLIDAY FOOD 14-16

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DEC. 12 — DEC. 25, 2014 • VOL. 8 — NO. 25

Holiday horsin’ around

Council authorizes condemnations for City Center BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

trict.” He added that experts have told city officials there is actually too much retail in the corridor. “We’re trying to figure out a good, healthy mix,” he said. Ground is being cleared at the corner of Hammond and Roswell Road for One City Walk, where developers Kaplan Residential and George S. Morgan Development Co. are planning 204 high-end, high-rise apartment units and just

Sandy Springs city officials have taken steps toward acquiring the final pieces of property they need for the proposed new City Center. Members of Sandy Springs City Council voted Dec. 2 to authorize condemnation, if necessary, of properties at 237 Johnson Ferry Road and 6201, 6215 6219 Roswell Road and 260 Mount Vernon Highway for use in the City Center. City Attorney Wendell Willard said after the meeting that the properties would complete the city’s planned assemblage of land for its project. The city plans to construct a $46 million building that will include a performing arts center, city offices and meeting spaces. The surrounding area will include parks, a parking deck and privately-developed homes, restaurants and shops. The total project is expected to cost about $196 million. The council voted unanimously to authorize condemnation of the Johnson Ferry Road property, which houses a Goodwill Industries store. The city has offered $3.9 million for the property, but the owner has declined to sell, Willard said in a memorandum to council members. The council divided 5-1 on whether to authorize condemnation of the other properties, which are located in a triangle of land bordered by Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads and Mount Vernon Highway. The city has offered $3.407 million for the property, Willard said in a memo, but the owners refused the offer. During the council’s Dec. 2 meeting, lawyer Christopher Galanek said the property owners were convinced the land was worth more. “We will fight any valuation less than $5 million,” he said. Galanek said the property’s owner wanted

SEE IS A NEW CITY, PAGE 4

SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 5

Sisters Olivia, 6, and Elena Vega, 9, enjoy horseback rides at North Springs United Methodist Church on Dec. 7. The rides were part of Christmas tree sale festivities on the church lawn. Brothers Austin (front) and Bailey Pinto handled the horses, which were provided by their parents, Joelle and Danny Pinto. More photos on page 22.

PHIL MOSIER

Mayor: ‘We’re trying to ﬁgure out a good, healthy mix’ on Roswell Road BY ANN MARIE QUILL

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With one mixed-use development under way along Roswell Road near the future City Center and another in the pre-planning stages, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul says that the right mix of retail needs to be found to make it all work. Describing the City Center project as the “catalyst” to help redevelop the area, Paul said “what we’re trying to do is create a healthier environment for our central business dis-

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COMMUNITY City redesigns website The city of Sandy Springs has unveiled a new website, which it says has been redesigned and reconfigured to improve users’ experiences. BR I EF S “As a population, we are spending more time in front of a screen, whether computer or mobile device. Based on feedback from the community through focus groups, web analytics, data from our call center and research, we’ve created an online presence we hope will add to the enhanced level of customer service our residents expect,” Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough said in a press release. The home page has been streamlined to more prominently feature Sandy Springs and the people within the community. The navigation now focuses on information frequently requested by residents, the business community and visitors. City improvement projects, such as roads and sidewalks, are mapped, as are the city’s parks. With more than a third of the site’s visitors using mobile devices to view the website, city officials dedicated efforts to ensuring the site is responsive, giving the user a similar experience whether on mobile phone, tablet or desktop, the city said. The city also launched a “Sandy Springs Works” app for iPhone, Android and Blackberry that provides residents a way to report items needing “work” directly to city staff. The city worked with Vision Internet for the redesign, while See Click Fix provided the infrastructure for the app. Visit the website at www.sandyspringsga.org.

Deadline for humanitarian award extended The city of Sandy Springs has extended to Dec. 22 the deadline for nominations for its 2015 Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes an individual who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s history of character and service. Nominees must live or work within the city of Sandy Springs to be eligible. The nomination form can be found online at www.sandyspringsga.gov under the recreation tab/Annual City Events. Nominations are due by 10 a.m. on Dec. 22. A volunteer committee will review the nominations and select the recipient. Hugo Mullins, CEO and owner of Family Ties Inc., received the 2014 award. The award will be presented during the city’s annual MLK Day festivities on Jan. 19.

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Police outﬁt emergency response vehicle As winter weather approaches, the city of Sandy Springs on Dec. 2 unveiled its new emergency response vehicle before that night’s council meeting. The vehicle will be manned by part-time police officers and Citizens on Patrol volunteers who have been specially trained to help motorists on surface roads. According to Sandy Springs Police Capt. Steve Rose, the city outfitted the vehicle with equipment paid for by drug seizures.

Lost Corner hiking trail now open The city of Sandy Springs has opened the hiking trail at Lost Corner Nature Preserve for light community use. “The trails will be open from dawn until dusk every day until early 2015, when the parking lot will be constructed, followed by an official grand opening of the park and cottage later next year,” according to the Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Facebook page. The conservancy provided the community funding match to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ trail grant for the park earlier this year. The park is located at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Brandon Mill Road.

Sandy Springs Government Calendar The Sandy Springs City Council usually meets the ﬁrst and the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, which is located at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500 For the most up to date meeting schedule, visit http://www.sandyspringsga.org/Calendars/City-Calendar SS

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Ed Gerson proudly displays his 1956 Nash Metropolitan.

JOE EARLE

He winds up with his favorite toy car

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Perhaps you’ve seen Ed Gerson driving around Sandy Springs. He’s hard to miss. He’s the driver of the pint-sized, coral-and-white 1956 Nash Metropolitan, a little car that looks like a wind-up toy. Complete with wind-up key. “I just feel like a kid driving it again,” Gerson said. “I feel like I’m 16.” In fact, his Nash is the same model he drove when he was 16. It originally was his older sisters’ car, but it was handed down to him and he learned to drive on it. He’s felt a fondness toward the two-seat Nashes since. About 10 years ago, he started searching for a similar car on the auction website Ebay. After couple of years, he found one, he said, and bought it. Pretty much everything on the car is original, he said, except that he has added seat belts, upgraded the radio so he could listen to FM stations and attached the fake wind-up key to the back of the car. He installed a switch that allows him to power up the motorized key so that it slowly turns as he drives along. To complete the joke, he added the label “hybrid” to the

This eye-popping little coraland-white car is no toy.

back of his car. People spot him on the road and do double-takes. “I’ll pass people and they’ll be...” he said, opening his eyes wide and dropping his jaw in amazement. Some, he said, flag him down and ask to take selfies with his car. He’s happy to oblige. “You should laugh with yourself and not take yourself too seriously.” After all, he said, “it’s my toy.”

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under 10,000 square feet of retail space. “They’re headed in the right direction,” Paul said. “Too many [mixed-use projects] don’t have the right retail mix.” One City Walk development partner George Morgan says the apartments and shops should open in March 2016. “We’re doing a true ‘live, work, play’ environment,” he said, adding that One City Walk lives up to its name as residents will be able to walk to places like Whole Foods, Starbucks and Kroger. Across the street, in the 6000 block of Roswell Road, developer Kirk Demetrops with MidCity Partners is requesting a zoning change for the property, where a seven-story office building and Bank of America stand. According to Demetrops, Bank of America has been issued a building permit to construct a new branch where KFC and Checkers were located, adjacent to the proposed development. If rezoning is approved by Sandy Springs City Council, the MidCity Partners development could include a mix of office, retail and residential. That project is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on Jan. 15 and the council on Feb. 17. On Sept. 2, the city approved changes to its zoning ordinance, giving the council more power over apartment development. The council voted to eliminate a clause that allowed apartment developers to obtain permits in commercially zoned districts. The vote now forces developers interested in building apartments in those districts to appear before the council for a rezoning. “One of the things we’re trying to do is develop a retail strategy,” Paul said, adding that he would like to see the city bring in an expert to guide developers in

“The apartments need to be higher-end and last longer. The stick-built garden ﬂats don’t have the quality of construction to have 40 or 50 years of life. Give us real mixed use, bring in a good quality set of retail clients.” – RUSTY PAUL SANDY SPRINGS MAYOR

finding the right mix. He cited the city-commissioned Goody Clancy study, which found in 2012 that the Sandy Springs downtown corridor needed more residents to create a walkable downtown. “Putting just apartments in is not our vision,” said Paul, who had previously expressed frustration that many developers would simply add token retail space to qualify for mixed use. “The apartments need to be higherend and last longer. The stick-built garden flats don’t have the quality of construction to have 40 or 50 years of life. Give us real mixed use, bring in a good quality set of retail clients.” SS

COMMUNITY

Council authorizes condemnations for City Center Sandy Springs’ City Center plan proposes a park at the triangle made by Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads and a performing arts center and civic building. SPECIAL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to develop the land. He said city officials planned to use the property for a park that “no one’s going to use.” “No one is going to take their children across Roswell Road or take their dogs across Roswell Road to play [in this park],” he said. “I’m aghast the city would pay [more than] $3 million … for a park. This city has made the decision to buy the most expensive parcels on Roswell Road to build public buildings and parks.” But Mayor Rusty Paul argued the land was needed for other purposes than just the park.

The city also planned to use the property for road improvements and the relocation of utility lines as part of the city center project, he said. Not buying the parcel, he said, would require “a significant redesign” of the city project. “There’s a lot more involved in this parcel than a park,” Paul said. Councilman Andy Bauman, who cast the sole vote against authorizing the use of eminent domain against the parcels, said he was concerned about the “openended” cost of the property if it is condemned. “This is a large sum of money,” he said.

Brookhaven debates gas station on Johnson Ferry BY ANN MARIE QUILL

annmariequill@reporternewspapers.net

When plans for a controversial Kroger gas station on Johnson Ferry Road go before Brookhaven City Council on Dec. 16, it could be the third strike for the proposal. The Brookhaven Planning Commission on Dec. 3 recommended a denial of Kroger’s request for a special land use permit to install a gas station with seven fuel centers near the grocery store at Ashford-Dunwoody and Johnson Ferry roads. That action followed arecommendation from city staff members to deny the station, which has drawn strong criticism from some residents in the area. Ben Song, the city’s deputy community development director, said the staff recommendation was made because the area is zoned neighborhood shopping and that gas stations, such as the one requested, are typically found in denser areas. In recent weeks some neighbors have come together to voice traffic and safety concerns over the proposal, putting up protest signs and a

website, nokrogergasstation.com, that states “Cambridge Park Civic Association and Hampton Hall Civic Association strongly believe that the proposed property use as a 14-pump mega station is contrary to our neighborhood’s character as a pedestrian, family-friendly, walkable community and, more specifically, contrary to the designation of our neighborhood as ‘neighborhood shopping.’ ” Linley Jones, neighborhood affairs chairwoman of the Cambridge Park subdivision, said the permit request does not fir current zoning. “It’s just way too close to longstanding neighborhood developments,” said Jones, neighborhood affairs chairwoman of the Cambridge Park subdivision. But the proposal does have some supporters. “I probably will have a lot of neighbors who hate me after this speech,” said nearby resident Ed O’Connor, who said that he thinks the grocery store runs a “world-class” fuel center that would be an improvement over nearby gas stations that sell items such as adult magazines.

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COMMENTARY Reporter Newspapers Our mission is to provide our readers with fresh and engaging information about life in their communities. Published by Springs Publishing LLC 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: 404-917-2200 • Fax: 404-917-2201 Brookhaven Reporter | Buckhead Reporter Dunwoody Reporter | Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net Atlanta INtown www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

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Q&A S T RE E T TA LK

“Online, deﬁnitely. All online. We’ll be traveling and it’s much easier to order it all online and have it shipped to Minnesota and then wrap it. We’ll be doing more shopping, but just because the family’s grown. There are more cousins.”

Q: Are you doing more holiday shopping online than you did in years past? And do you plan to spend more, less or about the same for holiday gifts this year, as compared to last year? “All my shopping has been online. I’m spending more this year because I just graduated from school and have my ﬁrst job and a little more to spend.”

“Yes, I’m deﬁnitely doing more shopping online. I avoid the stores as much as I can. I don’t like crowds. I don’t like parking problems. I don’t like to shop, period. I’m probably spending about the same this year as last year.”

Kaitlyn Mosher

Sue Haines

Susan Clark “Yes. [Why?] Time. It’s great. If I’m tired, I can sit on the couch and knock out three or four presents. This year, I can spend a little more.”

“Yes, my wife and I are doing more shopping online. The deals were better. I would say about 80 percent of it we did online. We spent less money this year.”

“Yes, it’s easier. [I’m planning on shopping] about the same. I kind of have a set amount we do each year.”

Laurisa Bridges

Rita O’Brien

Mike Pack

“No, I’m doing it in the stores. I love to browse and view all the holiday decorations while I make my gift selections. [We’ll spend] more money this year.”

“We’re doing half and half. We’re new to the area so we’re shopping online for out-of-town friends. We’re spending less. As our kids are getting older, their gifts are becoming more practical.”

“No. I don’t have a computer. We’re probably going to be doing less shopping. Our family has cut back by mutual agreement.”

A.W. Busby

Christina Bishop

Sherry Bagel “I don’t do a heck of a lot of shopping, but I do more online than in stores. I’ll do about the same [as in past years].”

“I’ve already done online shopping. Probably spending a little less this year.”

Marie Rashid

Bob Young

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COMMENTARY

Christmas chore cheer

Park Springs Member Pat Thomas

It’s the middle of December, and The Question is on everyone’s lips: Are you done yet? As if Christmas is a chore. Are you done yet? How should a person respond to that? “Yes, I’m done! I’ve washed two loads of clothes, cleaned the bathroom, made dinner and besides all that, I’m done with Christmas!” Is that any way to treat the most wonderful time of the year? The thing is, the question is gender specific—it’s the question that we mothers are asking each other. When we’re chatting at the class party, when we pass each other in the aisles of Publix, sleepdeprived and overwhelmed, we give each other a knowing look and then ask…are you done, yet?

ment stores and bakerROBIN JEAN ies, haunting MARIE CONTE us with guilt if we don’t ROBIN’S NEST spread a little joy to everyone we know, in the form of a loaf of homemade banana bread. December has become the designated “show your appreciation month.” It’s also become national “bake your best cookie month,” “light up your yard month,” “spruce up your house month,” “send cards to your friends month” and “visit your relatives month.” It makes for a daunting list of tasks. But I decided that it was time to take the reindeer by the antlers and do something about it. It occurred to me that if I was going to take the chore out of Christmas, I needed to extend the deadline. I got permission for the extension from a song. You know it, too—it’s the annoyingly redundant “The Twelve Days of Christmas”— the one that starts with a partridge in a pear tree and ends up sounding like “One Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” They’re not singing about a race through the malls from Dec. 14 to Christmas Day. The Twelve Days of Christmas start with Christmas and keep on going past the New Year and clear into January. They’re bonus days. These are the actual days of the Christmas season, and so I use these days to give gifts to the SPECIAL neighbors and the mailStop with the chores and have a cup of coffee. man. I entertain after After all, we are the purveyors of Christmas Day, when the house is still Christmas Magic. decorated and the holiday food is halfThe veritable winter wonderland that price. I give the teachers a New Year’s springs up each December—of decogift. I figure that friends can get our rations, gifts, parties, treats and greetgreeting cards around the time that the ing cards—is the product of wild-eyed Wise Men made it to the manger. women running ragged. It’s as if we Why not? moms are all swabbies on the U.S.S. It’s not a perfect solution, but it does Make It Happen and Captain Christmas help. It allows me a grace period, if you is in charge, barking orders and sending will—time to take a breath, tone down us to the poop deck. the trappings and do a bit of spiritual Somewhere along the line, Christpreparation for this holy season. It’s not mas Cheer got replaced with Christonly a traditional thing to do, it’s a sane mas Chore, and that’s a rotten, Grinchly thing to do. thing. I looked for the root of the fa-laSo put down that mop, you scurvy la-frenzy, and I discovered that it really swabs, and take a load off. Stop with the isn’t growing in my home. Rather, it’s chore and have a cup of cheer. out there with all the dashing through And make mine a double. the malls and showing our love to all of our friends, relatives and service providRobin Conte is a writer and mother of ers. The Christmas spirit has become four who lives in Dunwoody. She can be a goblin that chases us around departcontacted at robinjm@earthlink.net.

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Interested in selling a home during holidays can also be a good time because the holidays, but not sure it can be done? it means their children will start a new Some local real estate agents say that if you school in January after winter break. “It have the time, go for it. can make for an easier transition,” she said. “There’s not that much new inventoPotential buyers looking around the ry coming in [at this time of year],” said holidays tend to be more serious, too, said Robin Blass, a real estate agent at ColdAngie Ponsell, a Keller Williams Sandy well Banker Dunwoody. Springs agent. “You’ll have “I encourage clients if more quality showings,” they can handle it during she said. the holidays with miniO’Neill added that the mal decorations, then go holidays can be advantaahead and do it. I just listgeous for buyers even if ed two houses this past the inventory is smaller beweekend, and have alcause they will likely have ready had multiple showmore downtime to search ings because of low invenfor a home. tory.” And then there’s the Stacy O’Neill, a real question of decorating. estate agent with Keller “I tell [clients] to not go Williams Sandy Springs, overboard,” Blass said. “If Robin Blass agrees. they want a Christmas tree “The holidays can be a or stockings, that’s fine. great time because the inventory shrinks,” But you don’t want buyers to get distractshe said. ed. You want them to see what all the floor Because of the holiday hustle and busplans have to offer.” tle – decorating, family visits, shopping O’Neill agrees. “You don’t want to and parties – the end of the year can seem bring out every decoration you have,” she to some to be a tough time to take a home said. “People expect to put their tree up, to market. Winter’s short and gray days but you may want to keep decoration colalso can make for a dreary setting because lections boxed.” homes can seem dark. Referring to a local home that has nuBut Blass said winter can also be posimerous inflatable decorations around tive for home sales. “When I show a house Christmastime, O’Neill added, “If that in the winter, I can at least let them know house were on the market, a buyer couldn’t that right now it’s the worst as far as pribegin to imagine that home with their bevacy is concerned. All of the greenery is longings. going to fill in and make it more private “On the flip side, a wreath on the front eventually,” she said. door and a mailbox decoration are fine,” Blass said that if folks are selling their O’Neill said. “You just wouldn’t want to home to relocate to another town, the be the house with a million lights.”

REAL ESTATE

Local markets dominate top metro ZIPs for three-year average home prices ZIP CODE 30327 30306 30342 30305 30307 30319 30005 30338 30097 30068

AVERAGE HOME PRICE 2012-2014 SANDY SPRINGS, BUCKHEAD INTOWN SANDY SPRINGS, BUCKHEAD BUCKHEAD INTOWN BROOKHAVEN ALPHARETTA DUNWOODY DULUTH EAST COBB

$691,467 $459,331 $401,971 $382,318 $364,287 $356,302 $340,178 $334,763 $319,268 $313,067

This map shows the top metro Atlanta ZIP codes with the highest 36-month home sales price average, (2012 – 2014). Source: Atlanta Regional Commission

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

‘Awesome place’

Shepherd Center offers compassion, state-of-the-art rehabilitation BY COLLIN KELLEY Patients at Shepherd Center in Buckhead have survived life-changing incidents: car accidents, strokes, swimming mishaps, sports injuries, combat injuries or a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The rehabilitation facility could easily be drab and full of despair, but instead it’s infused with an air of hominess, compassion and, most importantly, hope. Founded in 1975 by Harold and Alana Shepherd after their son, James, was injured in a surfing accident, Shepherd Center has grown into the largest spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation center in the world. It also leads in MS research, and the Shepherd Pain Institute provides care and management for those living with chronic pain. The nonprofit fundraising Shepherd Center Foundation is wrapping up a $20 million capital campaign for a new state-of-the-art MRI, pharmacy and laboratory for the facility, according to J. Tyler “Ty” Tippett, Senior Director for Planned Gifts. “We receive no government grants, so Shepherd Center relies on the generosity of the community,” Tippett said. Willie Myers has been on the receiv-

ing end of that generosity and the caring attitude that permeates Shepherd. Myers was a member of diplomatic security on assignment in Tel Aviv. On a day off, he went for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea and a wave threw him to the ocean floor. Myers was barely able to speak and had no movement about his waist. That was in September. Today, Myers has regained movement and his speech, and is progressing daily with his rehabilitation. He sums up his experience at Shepherd succinctly: “This is an awesome place.” Shepherd also supports family members of patients. The center has 84 apartments on its Peachtree Road campus that are offered to families to use free of charge for up to 30 days. Tippett said it allows loved ones to be fully immersed in the rehabilitation process. “Training of family is just as important as training the patients to adapt and reintegrate,” Tippett said. Along with physical rehabilitation— such as sessions in the gym and the large, heated indoor pool—Shepherd also teaches patients to become self-sufficient (including cooking and driving)

PHOTOS BY ISADORA PENNINGTON

Left, John Bowders practices going over bumps in his wheelchair. At right, Terrill Estabrook is assisted by a Shepherd Center employee.

and to use technology. The facility’s tech department helps patients with limited mobility learn to use computers, tablets and cell phones, members of the Buckhead Business Association were told dur-

ing a tour of Shepherd’s facilities Dec. 3. In conjunction with Georgia Tech, Shepherd Center is developing new ways to communicate, including the “tongue drive,” a magnetic tongue stud that al-

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE lows those who have lost the use of their and post-traumatic stress disorder. arms and legs to have access to computWith patients coming from around ers or maneuver their wheelchairs. the state, the country and the world for For those who treatment at Shephave sustained injuherd, Tippett said the Do you know an organization or ries during the wars ongoing mission is to individual making a difference in Iraq and Afghanprovide care and atin our community? Email istan, the SHARE mosphere of optieditor@reporternewspapers.net Military Initiative at mism. Shepherd Center is a “When somecomprehensive rehaone says, ‘Shepherd bilitation program that focuses on asdoesn’t feel like a hospital,’ I know we’re sessment and treatment for servicemen making a difference,” Tippett said. and servicewomen who have sustained For more about Shepherd Center, mild to moderate traumatic brain injury visit shepherd.org.

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SCOVIL Residents since 2005 Above, Exercise Specialist Kelly White addresses members of the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) during a tour Dec. 3.

Engineer • Global Executive Multi-lingual Translator Craftsman • Volunteer

Right, patient Willie Myers speaks with Senior Director of Planned Gifts Ty Tippett. Bottom left, one of Shepherd Center’s service animals rests in the gym. Bottom right, Sarah Lowe and other BBA members view the facility’s indoor pool.

Sailors • Occasional Birders Editor and Artistic Director of Resident Newsletter

The best part about our life here is

OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS. The Scovils chose Canterbury for reasons you might expect – great location, maintenance-free living, intriguing things to do with time to actually do them, the promise of future health care. What they didn’t know then was how wide their already generous circle would grow to embrace wonderful new friends. Or, how much fun it would be to share experiences with people they enjoy.

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DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | 11

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BROOKHAVEN • BUCKHEAD • DUNWOODY • SANDY SPRINGS

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Carol Sing

Nutrition & Wellness

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. – Spend your holiday with the

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Join Tiffany Barrett, oncology dietitian, from

Choral Guild of Atlanta! Their annual concert features guest conductor James Bohart, directing movements from the Mass in E-flat by American composer Amy Beach. Hear German chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach and carols called “The Many Moods of Christmas.” An audience carol sing also is scheduled. Tickets: $15; $12 seniors; $5 students. Northside Drive Baptist Church, in the Chapel, 3100 Northside Dr., Atlanta, 30305. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit: www.cgatl.org.

Candlelight Nights Thursday, Dec. 18, 6-10 p.m. – The At-

lanta History Center’s Candlelight Nights is back! Enjoy candlelit strolls through the woods and tour three historic homes decorated for the season. Experience holiday traditions of years past with interpreters and special activities, including carolers, cookie decorating, tree decorating and theater productions. Food for purchase; cash bar. Tickets: $10, members; $15, nonmembers; $8, children. Go to: www.atlantahistorycenter.com for details and to buy tickets. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, 30305. Call 404-814-4000 for further information.

Georgia Boy Choir Friday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. –

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church hosts Christmas with The Georgia Boy Choir. Event features all five levels of boys, a full orchestra, and lots of audience participation, including the largest “Twelve Days of Christmas Sing-along.” Additional show on Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Tickets: $12-$40. Call 404-402-4083 or visit: www.georgiaboychoir.org for details and tickets. 3180 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30305.

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DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

LET’S LEARN!

last-minute shoppers! Get to the Spruill Art Gallery. Find locally-crafted gifts and take 20% off your entire purchase during the last day of the Holiday Market. 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30346. Call 770-394-4019 or visit: spruillgallery.blogspot.com for details.

the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, as she discusses “Nutrition for Wellness.” Free and open to the community. Pre-registration not required. Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. Call 678-812-4000 or go to: http://gacancersurvivors.org for details.

Becoming Parents Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – This

class helps start you on your path for success in the most important job you will ever have. The one-time session focuses on you and your couple relationship, how to care for yourselves, relating to your baby and the many ways becoming parents affects your lives. $38. Reschedule if you have any flu-like symptoms. Northside Hospital Atlanta Interchange Building, Suite 400, Classroom 430B, 5780 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30342. Questions? Go to: https://classes.northside.com/classes or call 404-845-5555.

Social Security Saturday, Dec. 20, 4-5 p.m. Baby Boomers – learn what you need to know

to maximize your retirement income. Seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits. Free and open to the public. For adult audiences. Registration required by calling 770-7997016 or emailing: clare.stefan@lfg.com. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us for further information.

COMMUNITY

Winter Harvest 5K Saturday, Dec. 20, 9-11 a.m. – The Charity Benevolent Fund hosts the Winter Harvest 5K/ Walk to provide new and gently used, clean coats for individuals in need. Registration, 8 a.m. $25, adults; $15, students ages 6-18; $30 for adults on race day. Keswick Park, 3496 Keswick Dr., Chamblee, 30341. Email: cbf@mycbf.org call 478-9864908 or visit: http://mycbf.org to register and with questions.

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HOLIDAY FOOD

Home cooking for the holidays Holidays are times when food turns personal. Many families have favorite dishes they cook up each year—special cookies or side dishes that define the holidays by tying us to our pasts, reminding us of our youths and linking us to family members who came before. Without them, the holidays just wouldn’t be the same. We asked some local cooks for their special holiday treats. Here are their recipes.

Lizette Leanza Our family’s holiday celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition. Every year we celebrate Noche Buena, or Spanish Christmas Eve, at my parents’ home in New Orleans with a traditional Cuban pork roast and an impressive four-course menu that has remained untouched by time since my grandmother was the hostess many years ago. It’s no secret that great food brings people together. On our holiday table where so many cultures converge, from my mother’s Spanish/Cuban traditions to my father’s Italian/Argentine roots, the spirit and magic of the holiday season come to life and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. I am proud of my multi-cultural heritage, and it warms my heart to know that my children are growing up surrounded by our unique family customs and traditions. During the holiday season, my girls aren’t dreaming of sugar plums but, instead, eagerly await a taste of Abuelita’s Flan. Flan is one of the most popular and classic desserts of Spain, and it’s found throughout most of Latin America. In its simplest form, flan is a creamy vanilla egg custard made with eggs, milk and sugar, baked in a water bath and served in a rich pool of sweet caramel sauce. Cream cheese is not traditionally used in flan, but it is my family’s “secret” for making the creamiest and richest flan that you will ever taste! For a step-by-step guide to making flan, visit www.onecraftykitchen.com. Lizette Leanza of Brookhaven edits the One Crafty Kitchen blog.

Abuelita’s Spanish Flan Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 60 minutes. Makes two 9-inch round custards. For the caramel sauce: 1-1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water

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For the egg custard: 8 ounces 1/3 reduced fat cream cheese, 12 ounces evaporated milk softened 2 cups whole milk Pinch sea salt 5 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla Whipped heavy cream for serving, op14 ounces sweetened condensed milk tional Preparation: 1. In a medium saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over high heat and cook until a brown caramel forms, about 6 to 8 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, in a large blender or mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, salt, vanilla and milks until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat just until combined. 3. Coat two round pans with the hot caramel, moving it around to coat all the way up the sides. Be careful—the caramel is extremely hot! 4. Pour the custard filling into the pans. Place the custard-filled pans into a larger pan. 5. For the water bath, fill the larger pans with enough warm water to cover halfway up the sides of the smaller pans. (I will usually do this in the oven to avoid splashing water around while transferring the pans to the oven.) 6. Bake the custards in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour or until set. If it looks like the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking. Let the flan cool. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. The flan will literally be swimming in caramel sauce. To serve, spoon some of the sauce over the flan slice and top with whipped cream, if desired.

Joseph Dabney Every Christmas back in the 1940’s, our family looked forward to my mother’s big, nutty “Japanese fruitcake” creation, a scene doubtless repeated in households across the South. The cake’s oriental name has been a mystery over the years, since the cake contains no Japanese ingredients. A precursor, “Japanese Cake,” appeared in the 1895 “Tested Recipe Cook Book” in Atlanta’s “Cotton States International Exposition,” something of a world’s

HOLIDAY FOOD fair for its time. Mama bolstered her masterpiece with nuts and raisins and topped it with shredded coconut. Some friends substitute milk for water. The filling should be made first, followed by the cake layers. Joseph Dabney of Brookhaven won the 1999 James Beard “Cookbook of the Year Award” for “Smokehouse Ham, Spoon Bread and Scuppernong Wine.”

Mother Dabney’s Japanese Fruitcake For filling: 2 cups sugar 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups boiling water For 3 cake layers: 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup milk 6 eggs

1 fresh coconut, finely grated 2 lemons, finely grated 2 oranges, finely grated

1 cup pecans 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1 box raisins 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon nutmeg

For the filling: In saucepan, combine sugar and flour. Mix thoroughly. Add boiling water, then add coconut, lemon and oranges. Cook mixture on low for about 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture reaches proper consistency, but not too runny. Set aside. For the cake batter: Heat oven to 325-350F. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar in mixer until fluffy. Add flour, baking powder, milk and eggs (one at a time) and beat everything together. Next, add to batter pecans, cinnamon, raisins, cloves and nutmeg. Pour batter into cake pans and bake until golden brown on top. When baked, punch tiny holes in each layer. Final step: Place first layer (with holes in it) on cake plate. Pour filling on top. Do same for second and third layers, then pour filling over top, along with shredded coconut.

Donna Lorenz When my parents married, my mother couldn’t cook. Dad loved to tell a story from early in their marriage that involved dinner guests and stuffed peppers and ended with dinner in a restaurant. But Mom practiced and was good enough by her 50s that she was teaching cooking classes in her kitchen. Christmas cookies were a specialty. She would bake large quantities, in a dozen or more varieties, and give them to friends and neighbors. These very pretty shortbread cookies were a favorite with her family and everyone lucky enough to get one of her trays of cookies. My copy of the recipe has this note on it: Aristocrats (without which it isn’t Christmas.) Donna Lorenz of Buckhead bakes at home.

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Aristocrats 1-3/4 sticks butter (14 tablespoons) at room temperature 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, finely chopped 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped course or pearl sugar (sometimes sold as “parl socker”) In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar, add one egg and beat. Add flour and mix just until well combined. Divide the dough in half. Wrap one half in waxed paper and refrigerate it. Divide remaining dough in half again. Knead the chopped chocolate into one half and nuts into the other half. Roll each half into a 10-inch cylinder, wrap in waxed paper and chill. Remove the reserved, chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll into a 9 x 11 inch rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, to make two 11 inch by 4-1/2 inch rectangles. In a small bowl, beat the other egg lightly and brush one half of rectangle with the beaten egg. Place the chilled chocolate dough cylinder along the long edge of the rectangle and roll the dough tightly around the cylinder, so that it’s totally encased. Smooth the seam and press the dough firmly around the cylinder. Trim the ends. Repeat with the walnut cylinder and the other half rectangle of dough. Brush each roll with egg and roll in course sugar crystals. Rewrap the cylinders and chill 4 hours or more. When ready to bake, heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove one chilled cylinder from refrigerator and slice it into 1/3 inch disks. Repeat with other cylinder. Bake about 10 minutes, until cookies just begin to brown around the edges. Remove to a rack to cool. Note: If course sugar crystals aren’t available, the cookies will be very good without them, just not as pretty. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

CARPET

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6223 Roswell Rd. 404-255-2431 Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30, Sat 10-4 www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | 15

HOLIDAY FOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Gabe Sterling

Let the experts at Home Care Assistance answer your questions.

What can I do to help my mom prevent memory loss 5 TIPS FOR BRAIN HEALTH

• Stimulate your mind Engage in cards, Sudoku, reading or puzzles. These activities help stimulate and exercise the brain, keeping it stronger longer. • Exercise your body Exercise stimulates the circulatory system which promotes the removal of toxins and increases blood flow to the brain. • Eat right Fish, nuts, dark chocolate, blueberries and olive oil are super brain foods because they promote heart health and heart health increases blood flow to the brain. • De-stress Stress actually shuts down systems in the body including the part of the brain that allows you to learn. Try yoga, meditation or prayer to calm stress. • Maintain social ties. Rich meaningful relationships help sharpen cognitive ability. Stay connected with friends and family to stay engaged and maintain a sense of community

Call us for a free consultation 404-355-9901 | www.HomeCareAssistance.com

MOSAIC’S SUCCESSFUL REMODELING PROCESS

COMMUNICATION Justin Larrison is a team player. Coordinating, tracking,

While many focus on the main dish of holiday meals, my family has always had amazing side dishes. Over time, it has fallen to me to prepare the heartiest of these side dishes—the dressing, which always defines our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. The tradition began with my grandmothers, on both sides of my family, and the torch eventually passed to me. The secret to this tasty, moist dressing? Bacon grease. Gabe Sterling is a member of Sandy Springs City Council.

Sage & Sausage Dressing Tools: 1 large cast iron skillet (I use a 12-3/4 inch); 1 large pot; 1 large bowl; 1 14 x 9 baking dish Ingredients: 2 rounds of cornbread 1 lb. sage sausage 1 red onion, diced 3 tablespoons dried sage 1 sweet onion, diced 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning 1 red bell pepper, diced 4 tablespoons salted butter 1 green bell pepper, diced 3 to 4 cups chicken stock (or broth) 4 stalks of celery, diced 1 tablespoon kosher salt 4 cloves of garlic, diced 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper 5 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter…if you must) Cornbread: Mix cornbread mix/recipe of your choosing Preparation: Place 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter) in cast iron skillet Put skillet in oven and heat to 450º. Once oven and skillet reach 450º, remove skillet and add cornbread mix. Replace in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are deep brown. Remove from oven and place on rack to allow steam to escape. Prepare two rounds. Dice all the vegetables, place in a bowl to the side. Place the sausage in a large pot and brown. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the pot and melt. Add garlic and stir for 3 minutes. Add vegetables to pot, stir and start to sauté. Add 2 tablespoons of dry sage. Sauté the mixture until onions look translucent. Remove from heat. In the large mixing bowl, break up the 2 rounds of cornbread with your hands. Add the sautéed mixture to the cornbread. Mix with a spoon and/or hands. Begin adding chicken stock, 1 cup at a time. Add the remaining sage and poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Continue adding stock until the mixture in the bowl is firm but moist, to the point of nearly being wet. Preheat the oven to 350º. In the baking dish, use remaining bacon grease (or butter) to cover all the inner surfaces of the dish. If any of the grease (or butter) remains, just leave it in the bottom of the dish. Pour the cornbread mixture into the dish, evenly. Place dish in the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes.

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DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Amy and Beth Arogeti Sisters-in-law Beth and Amy Arogeti associate fried treats known as burmuelos with Hanukkah. “We never had them any other time,” Beth said. Now they share the honeydipped goodies with their families and at Congregation Or VeShalom’s Hanukkah Bazaar. “We remember our grandmothers making them and want to pass the recipe on,” Amy said. Beth and Amy Arogeti live in Sandy Springs.

Hanukkah Burmuelos (Fritters) 1 tsp. yeast 1 tsp. sugar pinch salt 2 c. warm water

3 c. plain White Lily flour 1 egg, beaten

Syrup: 1/2 c. honey 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. water

Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Place dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture, egg and the rest of the warm water; mix well. Allow to rise in covered bowl in warm place for 2 hours. Fill a 2-quart pot with 3 inches of cooking oil. Allow to get very hot. Take a teaspoonful of soft dough and drop into hot oil. Remove with slotted spoon when golden brown. For syrup: mix all ingredients together in pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly sticky. Pour over Burmuelos while hot. From “The Sephardic Cooks Comé Con Gana,” compiled and published by Congregation Or VeShalom.

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DINING OUT: Sun In My Belly

I’m intrigued by restaurant names and what they say about a restaurant. Some are self-explanatory: The Atlanta Fish Market or Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Some are iconic, such as Bones or Bacchanalia. Some allude to history or literature, like Ink and Elm and King + Duke. Some are just whimsical, such as Sun In My Belly. Located in a former hardware store in Kirkwood, Sun In My Belly is a neighborhood café that serves brunch, lunch and dinner. If you ART HUCKABEE don’t live in the area, it’s a little hard Fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese and collards. to find the first time as there’s minimal signage. And, in typical Atlanta neighborhood fashion, there’s minimal The accompanying Parmesan mashed parking. potatoes affirmed my hunch, as they had The restaurant has a patio for warm the consistency of spackling compound. weather Sunday brunches, and just inThe Fez burger was undercooked. To side the door is a pastry/coffee counter if its credit, the kitchen re-fired a new one you just happen to want a quick bite. As rather than attempting to remedy the is the case with many old buildings that mistake in a microwave. The second itare converted into restaurants, the seating eration was properly done...hot and juicy is European banquet style with rows of on an onion Challah roll. It needed just a tables only separated by the slimmest of little more mint aioli to balance the lamb. margins that turn everyone into involunThere were lots of sweet offerings on tary eavesdroppers. The piercing “High the menu. The pumpkin crème brûlée C” screams of a nearby baby further rewas the perfect holiday sweet and the affirm that this isn’t necessarily your date s’mores parfait was a good riff on the tranight destination. ditional nighttime campfire treat. Sun In My Belly’s menu is extensive. As to the service, our experience (and From soups to salads, from “Lite Bites” that of many diners around us) suffered to “Big Bites,” and even a kids’ menu in from long pauses in between courses, the evening, there’s something for everymiscommunication between the kitchone. A four-course “Supper Club” menu en and the front of the house, and a genis available Thursday through Sunday for eral flurry of activity that came across as $35. There’s a decent wine selection and flailing. There’s a team effort at play here they offer craft beers. but the players don’t know their individAs an appetizer, we tried the fried ual roles. On a positive note, the hostess green tomatoes with pimento cheese. The did inquire about our experience at the unripe tomatoes were lightly battered and end of the meal and seemed genuinely infried to an al dente doneness with just the terested in our feedback. right dab of pimento cheese. We could Sun In My Belly may be a whimsical have eaten another serving.We sampled a name and some of the food is pretty sunvariety of salads. They were freshly assemny, but the service is mostly cloudy with bled with good ingredients. a chance of rain. For entrees, we ordered the fried Sun In My Belly is located at 2161 chicken, the meatloaf and the Fez burger. College Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30317. For The chicken was hot and crispy; the meat more information, call (404) 370-1088 moist and tender. The accompanying or visit suninmybelly.com. mac ‘n cheese had a smoky Gouda taste and the mojo collard greens were spicy, Art Huckabee is one of Yelp’s Elite Rebut a bit too vinegary. The meatloaf with viewers, as well as a pilot, gourmet cook and tomato jam had good flavor but was dry, food lover. Send feedback to atlantafoodas if it had lingered under a heat lamp. writer@gmail.com

Quick Bites Buckhead Tavern is set to open in the Eclipse Buckhead Condominium development on Dec.18. Founded by the son of Johnny’s Hideaway owner Johnny Esposito, Jr., and restaurateur Ron Barber, the restaurant and sports lounge will offer tavern fare, cocktails, beer and wine and live entertainment Thursday through Sunday. Buckhead Tavern is located at 264 Pharr Road. Gourmet breakfast franchise Toast Café has announced it will open a restaurant in Sandy Springs in the new year, at a location to be announced. Also coming to Sandy Springs is Maya Steaks & Seafood, which is replacing the shuttered SeaBass Kitchen, by year’s end, at 6152 Roswell Road. -Collin Kelley

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Keith White, who said, “She is the type of person who exemplifies the kind of leadership skills, dedication and aptitude needed to motivate other young people and lead a group of her peers to strive to create for the greater good of our community.” Khorkie, who has been a member of the Girl Scouts since she was five, has just received the Girl Scout Gold Award for her work with “Warm Love.” Khorkie is one of the 5 percent of Girl Scouts who receive the Gold Award annually. Khorkie also participates in Model UN and People’s Club, and is the current president of Disney Club. “Khorkie’s future is as bright as a harvest moon,” White added.

What’s Next: Khorkie plans on applying to Syracuse University, Hawaii Pacific University and Wooster College. She is working on making “Warm Love” into a nonprofit organization and says that she wants to continue her work with it throughout college. This article was written by Eliza Paprin, a student at Riverwood International Charter School.

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COMMUNITY

Students moving out of the Hub About a year ago, residents near an extended-stay hotel lobbied to convince city officials to close the facility known as the Hub. The hotel, on Barfield Road, provides student housing for the Art Institute of Atlanta. The facility had received notice of a zoning violation due to the fact that it was housing students longer than FILE PHOTO the zoning code alSoon, the Hub will no longer house local AIA students. lowed. Neighbors complained that lating fire and safety code violations. the students’ presOver the summer an Art Institute stuence have caused increases in crime and dent was slain and another student has noise. been charged with his murder. Since that time, representatives for This month, the Art Institute of Atthe facility have been fined for violanta is moving students out of the facility, which it does not own, though a C A T C H IN G spokeswoman for the school declined UP to say where or exactly when they were leaving the Hub. Revisiting a local news story from the recent past

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DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | 19

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter

 5700

block of Glenridge Drive—On Dec. 4, someone broke into a storage room of an apartment complex and took HVAC tools including a Freon scale, hand grinder, oxygen tank, brazing rods and more.

The following incidents and arrests are some, but not all, of the reports ﬁled with Sandy Springs police from Nov. 22 through Nov. 26.

 7200

The following information was provided by the Sandy Springs Police Department from its records and is presumed to be accurate. Snarky comments courtesy of Capt. Steve Rose.

ROBBERY  8300 block of Roswell Road—On Nov.

22, an 18-year old man said he was robbed after posting an ad for his gym shoes on Craigslist and Plenty of Fish websites. He said he was contacted by a man wanting to purchase the shoes. He told the man to meet him in Clarkston, Ga., where he lived. They met. The seller said the buyer asked if he wanted to go for a ride. (Two things I need to point out here: One, the sale was going on at midnight and two, why the heck would you want to go for a ride with a stranger at midnight?) The buyer pulled a gun and then told the victim he was just released from prison and thought that the seller was a girl and that he wanted sex. He again told the seller he wanted sex as they drove about. The seller refused and got out of the car somewhere around Northridge Road. The seller then said the first part of his statement to police was a lie. (So we don’t really know what happened other than one guy was a getting a little froggy and the other guy is a liar.)

BURGLA RY  5000

block of Rebel Trail—On Nov. 22, a report was made that several men in a black car visited a house under construction, saying they were workers. After a call was made to the builder, the men left in a hurry. The caller reported that when he looked in the home, he saw that several items had been stolen, including a check for $3,000 that was left in the permit box.

 6300

block of Powers Ferry Road— On Nov. 24, a burglary was reported at a sandwich shop. A rear door was forced open and the phone and alarm lines were cut, which activated the alarm. It appeared the burglar tried to get into a safe that was bolted to the floor, but was unsuccessful. However, a small amount of cash was taken from a petty cash box.

 2400

block of Spring Creek Trail— On Dec. 1, a man said that he found the front door of his home forced open and an X-box game system and laptop were missing.

 4900

block of The Valley—On Dec. 1, a woman returned home and found her front door forced open. A 60-inch television, laptop, iPod, $260, blankets and jewelry were missing.

CAPTAIN STEVE ROSE, SSPD srose@sandyspringsga.gov  9000

block of River Run—On Dec. 1, a resident called police after noticing some jewelry and other items were missing from the house. The burglary happened during the first week of August, according to the resident.

 700 block of Jefferson Drive—On Dec.

2, a woman returned home from work and found her front door unsecured. She reported that three televisions were missing.

 3900

block of Treelodge Parkway—On Dec. 2, a resident reported someone entered through a bedroom window and took a television and other items.

 8400

block of Roswell Road—On Dec. 3, a resident reported that jewelry, clothing, a laptop, camera, guitar and other items were missing upon their return, after being forced to vacate their apartment after a fire. A second resident in another apartment in the same complex reported that someone stole a 40inch television and two laptops.

 4700 block of Roswell Road—On Dec.

3, a woman heard a noise from the front of the apartment. She called out, thinking her daughter was home, and then heard someone running away. She called police and apartment maintenance. They found damage to the front door where it had been forced open. Nothing was taken.

 200

block of East Belle Isle Road—On Dec. 3, a man reported his front door forced open and two MacBooks, a television and a watch were taken. A second burglary was reported in the area.

 1400

block of Spring Creek Drive— On Dec. 3, a resident reported that a front door was damaged and a television, DVD player, laptop and jewelry were missing. A second burglary was reported in the area.

 Highland

Park Trail—On Dec. 4, the front door of a home was kicked in and the alarm company alerted the resident. A PS4 game system and video games were missing.

DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

block of Riverside Drive—On Dec. 4, a woman called 911 saying someone was in her home. She could hear movement in the home and knew that no one else should be there. Responding officers found a maroon Dodge Ram pickup backed into the driveway. One officer rounded the corner of the home and saw a man with a tote bag; the man took off running. The officer noted a second male suspect, also running away. The officers set up a perimeter but couldn’t locate the two men. The suspects’ truck was taken for processing. All but a pair of earrings was recovered.

TH EFTS  500

block of Summit Springs—On Nov. 22, a woman ordered a turkey fryer from a television sales cable channel; it was delivered and signed for in the apartment leasing office. She said that when she went to the office to get the fryer, it was gone. She believes office staff took it in retaliation for her complaints about ants in her apartment. 5600 block of Roswell Road—On Nov. 29, a man said he accidentally left his phone at a restaurant. He checked and was told that restaurant employees had not found a phone. The “Find My iPhone” app showed the phone was in the vicinity of Kennesaw State University. 

 8000 block of Roswell Road—On Nov.

30, a man reported that his 2005 Volvo was stolen from the parking lot of a restaurant sometime between 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

 2000

block of Jefferson Drive—On Dec. 1, a woman reported that her white gold wedding ring was missing from her bedroom jewelry box. The woman’s sister and brother-in-law were visiting over Thanksgiving. After they left, she noticed the ring was missing.

 8100

block of Colquitt Road—On Dec. 1, a man said that he was at work and, while standing outside of his office, he could see that a young man was in his office and had snatched his cellphone from the desk. The young man ran, but was nabbed by a staff member. The worker got his phone back, but the young man was able to free himself and run off. A bicycle, believed to belong to the suspect, was recovered.

 400

block of Windridge Drive—On Dec. 3, a woman said she had ordered

a phone and was expecting a delivery by mail. She did not receive the phone and, upon checking, found that it had been delivered and apparently stolen from the apartment leasing office.  1100

block of Perimeter Center West—On Dec. 4, employees of an outdoor gear store reported that a man stole several Leatherman knives and fled. He was last seen running toward the MARTA station.

A S S A U LT A

woman contacted police and said that she was attacked by her soon-to-beex-husband, whom she allowed to stay in her apartment so that he wouldn’t be homeless. (This is always a mistake.) During that time, the ex saw a text on the woman’s phone from another man, became enraged and tried to choke her. She had evidence of the attack on her neck. She did not report it that night, but did so the following morning from her office. (This woman is a victim and, with the injuries, we would have arrested the man and given her a safe environment. I’ve said this before, but when it’s over, end it. That includes where you stay that night. By the way, take what’s dear to you as well because your ex will surely dispose of it in a timely manner.)

 8540

Roswell Road—On Dec. 2, a woman said that she got into an argument with her sister because the 18-yearold was dating a 33-year-old man. One sister got into her truck and drove off, striking the other with the passenger side-view mirror and knocking her down. The driver stopped and asked if her sister was okay, then left.

 Around

3:15 a.m. on Dec. 3, a man brought his brother, who had been shot in the side, to Northside Hospital. The man said he was shot in Brookhaven, and then called his brother, who took him to the hospital. The story was conflicted because the man later said that he was shot at a nightclub on Northwood Drive. Although detectives believe the victim is being evasive about who shot him, they developed leads and secured a warrant for a suspect who has not yet been arrested.

OTHER THINGS  A woman and her husband were talking

on speaker phone with the woman’s exhusband when the conversation turned nasty. The ex-husband cursed and said he would come to the current’ husband’s job and “take care of him.” The married couple called the police because they believe the ex may carry out the threat.

 Two

men got into an argument after one of the men placed his hand inside the other man’s favorite pumpkin-pecan pie. The first man said the other man then assaulted him, causing his ear to hurt. The SS

PUBLIC SAFETY second man said the argument was actually over money ($30) owed for bills and that the man who owed the money got so angry, he stuck his hand in the pie. The first man had a small scratch. One of the two men left for the night in order to let things cool down.

ARRES TS  Northwood

car. Both were caught and later arrested. Both women had arrest records for theft.  5675

Roswell Road—On Nov. 24, police were called to two apartments regarding a man throwing items from his balcony. The woman on the lower floor said the man “called her a name” and she yelled back that he was a “drug addict.” He threw a broken toy, which hit her on the shoulder. The man upstairs was arrested.

Drive—Police spoke with a man on Northwood Drive who said his girlfriend’s son beat the hood of  5700 Roswell Read more of the his car with a metRoad—On Nov. Police Blotter online at al pole. The son www.reporternewspapers.net 24, a gas station said he did it beemployee called cause the man police and said threw his phone off the second story balthree men stole an 18-pack of Corona cony, so he retaliated by grabbing a stick and a 12-pack of Modelo beer. One man and hitting the car’s hood. The boy’s threatened to shoot the clerk as the three mother confirmed the story. Since both fled. Later, an officer saw an intoxicated subjects are adults and police have been man on Northwood Drive who looked called to the residence several times belike one of the men described to him by fore, the two were arrested. One of the the gas station employee. The officer demen had an outstanding warrant from tained the man and, once the store clerk DeKalb County for failure to appear. identified him, he was arrested.

 1155

Mt. Vernon Highway—On Nov. 22, a sports equipment and clothing store’s loss prevention staff called the police after two women concealed clothing in their purses and tried to leave. One tried to empty the purse in the trash can and the other was making her way to her

 300

block of Mt. Vernon Highway— On Nov. 30, just before 6 a.m., police arrested a man after a homeowner found him, asleep, at the back door of the residence. The man was intoxicated and unable to explain why he was there. He was arrested.

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201404101

Petitioner:

Ashley Kotkin

Location:

5180 Vernon Springs Trail

Request:

One primary variance from Section 109.225 (a) (1) & (2) of the Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance for relief from the seventy-five (75) foot impervious surface setback to allow construction of a garage.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201403999

Petitioner:

Mosaic Group

Location:

100 Crestwicke Trace

Request:

One primary variance from Section 6.6.3(D) of the Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required minimum rear yard to allow construction of a screened porch.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201403960

Petitioner:

Paul Marotte

Location:

1122 Kingston Drive

Request:

One primary variance from Section 4.2.10 of the Zoning Ordinance to increase distance at which minimum lot width is measured and one primary variance from Section 6.2.3(f) of the Zoning Ordinance to reduce minimum lot width to one hundred and eight (108) feet to allow construction of a new single family home.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201403955

Petitioner:

Joshua Ratner

Location:

4715 Kitty Hawk Drive

Request:

One primary variance from Section 6.4.3(C) of the Zoning Ordinance to reduce the required minimum side yard to allow for mechanical units.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF REZONING SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201403595

Petitioner:

Dantanna’s Restaurant

Location:

6649 Roswell Road #30

Request:

Primary variance from Section 33.26.H.2.a. of the Sandy Springs Zoning Ordinance to allow for a wall sign on a non-street facing wall.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

Petition Number:

201403566

Petitioner:

Robert McConnell, Inc.

Property Location:

4825 High Point Road

Present Zoning:

R-2

Request:

To rezone the subject property from R-2 (Single Family Dwelling District) to R-3 (Single Family Dwelling District) to create two (2) lots.

Public Hearings:

Planning Commission December 18, 2014at 7:00 p.m. Mayor and City Council January 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

Sandy Springs City Hall, Morgan Falls Office Park 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350 770-730-5600

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | 21

COMMUNITY

Tree-mendous family fun Left, Kurt Weigand packs and loads trees at the annual Christmas tree sale at North Springs United Methodist Church on Dec. 7. Bottom left, Elena and Olivia Vega play in the Christmas tree lot. Bottom center and right, families could search out the perfect tree among the rows of evergreen specimens in the Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest. Additionally, the sale featured fresh wreaths and other holiday decorations. Some proceeds from the annual sale go to support church activities throughout the year. PHIL MOSIER

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ADVANTAGE PAINTING

Honest Affordable Dependable Free estimates

Interior/Exterior Decks Sealed & Stained Carpentry Repairs Excellent References/Insured Prompt Professional Services

770-255-8575

Call Tony 404-402-5435

TOO MUCH STUFF HAD ENOUGH? GET ORGANIZED TODAY!

We do quality work at reasonable prices.

CALL BECKY PERSONAL ORGANIZER www.BeckyWhetzell.com

Stock Ready To Install www.generatorstore.com www.generatorstore.com • Automatic Standby Generators (770) 251-9765

Electrical & Remodeling

Antique Repair Specialist • Speciality Care Hand Wash Cleaning (front and back with plenty of water) • No Chemicals Used Air Dried, Scotch Guard • Mothproof, Padding, Storage Appraisal & Insurance Statements • Pickup and Delivery Available

404-982-7128

(770) 251-9765

Carlton Robinson, General Contractor

Oriental Rug Cleaning

404-467-8242 • 3255-5 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta GA 30305

and follow us on

• Tub and shower caulking • Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrical • Painting

We will pick up appliances, furniture, tree limbs, construction debris, basement and foreclosure clean-outs.

To Advertise, call 404-917-2200 ext 110

since 1968

• Plumbing • Electrical • Sheetrock • Floors • Tile • Framing • Kitchens • Painting • Roofwork • Concrete • Stained Glass • Antique Door Restoration as well as many other issues...

678-927-9336 Cell 803-608-0792

Residential Installation Commercial  Replace 496 Glen Iris Drive, Atlanta, GA Repairs – a written estimate will be given prior to www.PlumbWorksINC.com starting any work, so there are never any surprises

Apex

The Handyman Can

No job too small References Available “I can help you with local moving and delivery”

A Complete Plumbing Service Center

Voted Best of 2012 & 2013

Call today for your FREE Consultation 770-310-1195 | www.apextreeservice.com

Handyman Services

Plumb Works has been serving Atlanta’s residents and businesses for 25 years. We thank all of our customers for trusting us with your plumbing needs and look forward to serving you for many years to come.

• Certified Arborist on Staff • Tree Trimming & Pruning • Tree Removal • Yard Clean Up • Fully Insured • 24/7 Emergency Services

John Salvesen • 404-453-3438 thehandymancanatlanta@gmail.com

404-461-9724 All Work is Guaranteed!

Your home. Our help.

Get help around the house by calling one of our Home Services and Services Available advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in Reporter Newspapers! SS

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | 23

Put Reporter Newspapers & Atlanta INtown to work for your business!

The exposure we get from our ads brings in our neighbors from the surrounding area. When we ask how they heard about the practice, they usually say Reporter Newspapers or Atlanta Intown! – Dr. Durrett, McDaniel & Durrett

The positive response we have received from our ads has been invaluable and has helped increase awareness and trafﬁc to our dealership. Our service department continues to beneﬁt from this exposure. – Geoff Meeker, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead

Our advertising in Reporter Newspapers has helped grow our business since we opened in 2012. We have gotten great response. Customers often come in with our ad in hand so we know that they have seen it in the Reporter. – Tisha Rosamond, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Reporter Newspapers Published by Springs Publishing LLC.

100,000 copies delivered to homes and businesses in Atlanta’s best communities Call 404-917-2200 ext. 130 for more information.

DEC. 12 – DEC. 25, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net