12-26-2014 Sandy Springs Reporter

Reporter Newspapers Small Business of the Year, 2013

Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DEC. 26, 2014 — JAN. 8, 2015 • VOL. 8 — NO. 26 The year brought out smiles in all of us, no matter if we were painting, dancing, counting or playing sports — it was good to live in one of the Reporter Newspapers communities. We’ve selected a few of our favorite cover photos from 2014, shown here, with more on pages 8-9.

Inside

Slip and slide

Ice skating rink opens on Roswell Road COMMUNITY 2

‘Urban camping’ Homeless: Don’t sleep here PUBLIC SAFETY 17 Far left, Sammy Lesser, 4, shows off his “inner artist,” with mom Nancy’s help, during Dunwoody’s Lemonade Days Festival at Brook Run Park on April 26. Left, Blaire Bodell, 8, left, and sister Mara, 2, dance before an audience of “bunnies” at the Ashford Park Easter egg hunt in Brookhaven on April 12. Below, Simoni Castillo, nanny for Ansley Shane, 1, helps compare toes with Brutus, a Mastiff, during a program at the Buckhead Branch Library on July 17.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Below, left, Julia Rutledge, front, with Susanna Robinson, back left, show “gator glory” during the Sandy Springs Youth Sports baseball and softball Opening Ceremonies and Parade at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex on March 8. PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

City manager: Some ﬁre stations are ‘very old’ BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Sandy Springs officials are considering the need to replace some of the city’s aging fire stations. The city fire department took over existing Fulton County stations when the city was created in 2005. Some of the facilities were “very old” at that time, City Manager John McDonough told members of Sandy Springs City Council during the council’s Dec. 16 meeting. The average age of the city’s stations now is 45, he said. “We are looking at a number of different options,” McDonough said. City staff members plan to deliver to the council in January or February specific recommenda-

tions on ways to proceed, he said. City officials also say they plan to find a new home for the fire department’s headquarters when the city moves its offices into a new City Hall at the City Center. The fire department now is housed in rented office space at Morgan Falls along with other city operations. The city doesn’t plan to house the department’s headquarters in the City Center complex, McDonough said. Fire Chief Keith Sanders said the department would need a headquarters that would contain about 8,300 square feet to house administrative offices, the Fire Mar-

shal’s office, conference rooms and other facilities. The same building would contain about 8,800 square feet to house dorms for firefighters, a kitchen, bathrooms and other facilities, he said. The total estimated need for the building would require about 24,600 square feet, he said. The city’s existing stations, he said, are smaller. Two take in 9,000 square feet while the other two enclose 16,900 square feet and 19,000 square feet. The city also will need more land for its new stations, city staff members said in a memorandum to council. “None of the city’s existing fire stations contain physical property large enough to adequately enable expansion,” their memorandum said. SEE CITY, PAGE 19

COMMUNITY

Ice, ice baby ... skating rink opens on Roswell Road BY ANN MARIE QUILL

annmariequill@reporternewspapers.net

With little fanfare, a 200- by 85-foot ice skating rink in a 36,000-square-foot facility opened in Sandy Springs on Dec. 20. “The soft launch went great with a few hundred customers showing up, not knowing the skating was free,” said Michelle McIntosh, who bought the land for Center Ice Arena on Roswell Road alongside I-285 earlier this year. “We’re expecting to ramp up today,” McIntosh said during the facility’s first Monday of operations following the weekend opening. She expects that some 300 to 400 customers will come in during each public skate session. McIntosh bought the land for the facility in March with her business partner, Stephane Normandeau, who has previously run hockey rinks in the Atlanta area for the last 15 years. The land was purchased from Mike Aldredge, president of Squire Inn Inc., who is a partner in the business and last year had secured city approvals for the facility. The rink was built on vacant land that Squire Inn owned that most recently had been the site of a Days Inn hotel, demolished in 2007. Aldredge had said his company had been looking for the right opportunity to redevelop the land. McIntosh said that Normandeau had researched places to build an ice rink, and that Sandy Springs was a good fit. “You can’t get better than right inside the Perimeter,” she said. The arena will be open year round. Skating and youth and adult hockey clinics will start in early January, with the Atlanta Amateur Hockey League playing there starting Jan. 3 and a youth hockey league starting in March, McIntosh said. For more information, visit www.centericearena.org.

ANN MARIE QUILL

Above, business partners Mike Aldredge, Michelle McIntosh and Stephane Normandeau have opened Center Ice Arena in Sandy Springs.

Left, the ice skating rink, located at 5750 Roswell Road, opened Dec. 20.

PLAY BALL! Sandy Springs Youth Sports (SSYS)

Baseball & Softball at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex (450 Morgan Falls Place, just off Roswell Road)

Now offering Coach Pitch/T-Ball starting at age 4! • 17 Batting Cages • 10 Fantastic Fields • TONS of Parking • Easy, SAFE Drop-off/Pick-up areas • 2 Indoor Practice Areas • Emphasis on Instruction

Hurry!

Early registration with discounts ends

January 3rd!

Flex-pay options now available… Pay 25% down now, the rest in January!

Visit us for more information or to register at

www.sandyspringsbaseball.com 2

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

COMMUNITY

Gift card giveaway

MJCCA

SUMMER DAY CAMPS 2015

TRANSPORTATION

TO M C A JC

REGISTER ONLINE AT atlantajcc.org/camps starting January 11 at 10 am for returning campers starting January 18 at 10 am for first-time campers

ANN MARIE QUILL

City OKs financing for Gateway project road realignment Sandy Springs City Council on Dec. 16 approved entering into agreements with the Sandy Springs Development Authority and companies associated with the JLB Gateway mixed-use redevelopment project. The agreeB RIEFS ments regard disbursement of bond monies to pay to realign roads at Windsor Parkway and Roswell Road. The agreements result in an allocation of some $4.7 million for the road project and other infrastructure improvements in the vicinity. The Gateway Project Companies, JLB Chastain LLC, JLB Chastain Phase II LLC and Sandy Springs Gateway Owner LLC will make contract payments to the Sandy Springs Authority, with the authority paying an amount equal to the contract payment to the city. In July, the council approved an application from JLB Partners to rezone property on the west side of Roswell Road, about 135 feet north of the intersection of Windsor Parkway and Roswell Road. During the meeting, the council also adopted a resolution approving a proposal to realign the Windsor Parkway intersection. JLB Partners’ mixed-use redevelopment replaces two older apartment complexes with new apartment homes, office space, restaurants and retail.

Nine nonprofits receive city grants The Sandy Springs City Council on Dec. 16 approved financial support to nine nonprofit organizations. Organizations receiving funding were Act 3 Productions, Inc. ($6,250), Am Yisrael Chai ($3,250), Art Sandy Springs ($3,750), Friends of North Springs ($5,000), Friends of Benson ($10,000), Heritage Sandy Springs ($2,645), Keep North Fulton Beautiful ($5,775), Mary Hall Freedom House ($2,500) and the Sandy Springs Education Force ($10,736). The council allocated $49,906 of the $50,000 budgeted for the programs. Altogether, 13 applicants filed requests for almost $100,000 in grants.

EB RE U

A group of friends in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody decided to give Publix gift cards to day laborers and families gathered Dec. 23 at the Copeland Village plaza. The donors said they hoped their actions will inspire others to help those less fortunate. They raised $20,000 for the gift cards this year.

NEW FOR 2015

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS AT EMORY UNIVERSITY

JOIN TODAY AND GET A

AND GESHER HEBREW IMMERSION CAMP

FREE WEEK OF SUMMER DAY CAMP!*

TRADITIONAL • SPORTS • SPECIALTY PERFORMING ARTS • TEEN

Restrictions apply. Please visit atlantajcc.org/specials for full details.

FOR RISING PREK-10TH GRADE

5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody • 678.812.4004 • camps@atlantajcc.org •

/MJCCADayCamps

The Comfortable Chair Store™ Since 1992, quality, custom-made furnishings in classic styles...

Ottomans galore! Want to know why sleepers by American Leather are considered to be the best in the world?

8-way, hand-tied sofas & chairs made in North Carolina, available in small sizes for small people or small rooms. A+ Rating by the BBB

M. Alexis Scott is keynote speaker for Sandy Springs MLK Day celebration

Powered recliners can make it easy to stand or to perfect the art of napping...

Choose from 100s of fabrics & leathers!

770-518-8518

Order the perfect size!

30 E Crossville Rd (Hwy 92), Ste 180, Roswell, GA 30075 www.TheComfortableChairStore.com ille Rd

Located 2.7 miles west of GA 400 and 1.5 miles north of Historic Roswell, between QuikTrip & Slope’s BBQ.

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

GA 400

E Crossv

Canton St Alp ha ret ta St

A community leader and journalist will be the keynote speaker at Sandy Springs’ MLK Day Celebration. M. Alexis Scott, a member of the executive team of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta Daily World publisher and Georgia Gang commentator, will speak at the event at 10 a.m. on Jan. 19 at City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500. The city’s 2015 Humanitarian Award will be presented during the celebration. The event will also include remarks by Pastor Henry Bush of Sharon Community Church, Rabbi Scott Colbert of Temple Emanu El and Reverend Michael Sullivan with Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Students from North Springs Charter High School and the Spalding Charter Elementary School Choir will also participate. The celebration is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Exit 7B Holcom bB

r Rd

HOURS: Tues–Sat 10-6 Sun 12–6 Closed Monday

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 3

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW

City Center, playable art and MARTA expansion make headlines While plans for the future City Center dominated much of the news coming out of Sandy Springs this year, the city also welcomed a new fire chief and helped break ground for a new school building. The city launched a new park designed to be especially kid-friendly and field-

ed complaints from residents who wanted a student dorm shut down. Residents also rallied to tell MARTA officials what they thought about the location of a proposed northern expansion of the transit agency’s rail line. Here’s a look at some of Sandy Springs’ top stories this year.

Students leave troubled ‘Hub’ The Art Institute of Atlanta decided to move its students from “The Hub,” an extended-stay facility on Barfield Road. The move followed months of complaining from nearby residents who said the hotel illegally served as dormitory housing, and that the students were a constant source of noise and trouble. The facility had received notices of zoning violations due to the fact that it was housing students longer than the zoning code allowed. Since that time, representatives for the facility have also been fined for violating fire and safety code violations. During the summer an Art Institute student was slain. Another student has been charged with his murder.

Sandy Springs children took a front seat to hear Mayor Rusty Paul speak to them and a large crowd of residents and officials when the Abernathy Greenway and Playable Art Park opened on July 17. “This is an amazing jewel for our community, for these neighborhoods, for these younger constituents down here,” said the mayor, pointing to the children. The project was a long time in the making, with its opening delayed several times over the years by construction, weather and attempts to appease neighbors. The 6.6-acre portion that opened was along the north side of Abernathy Road from Wright Road to Brandon Mill Road. The portion of the park on the south side of Abernathy is likely to be more low key as it won’t include the playable art stations. Construction is set to begin on that portion in the summer.

‘Go west, MARTA,’ say citizens Facing a possible 12-mile expansion of MARTA service north along the Ga. 400 corridor from the North Springs station, some Sandy Springs and Dunwoody residents are pushing for the extension to run up the west side of the highway. It will be a while before that decision is made. “We haven’t decided which side of Ga. 400 we want to be on,” said Mark Eatman, project manager at MARTA, at an Aug. 19 presentation at Sandy Springs City Hall. Eatman said a preliminary engineering and environmental study would be conducted before the agency can determine where the expansion might be located. That study would examine the impact on the rail extending on the west or east side, or even up the center of the highway. Residents on the east side said that an expansion on that side would cut through schools and neighborhoods, and that a west side expansion would be more logical since more businesses and apartment complexes are located there.

Abernathy Greenway opens

Performing Arts Center plans take shape, grow As the city hired master developers Carter & Selig for the City Center, plans for a performing arts center as the anchor of the City Center complex began to take shape. One of the most central questions – just how big should it be – was addressed when the council in September gave the OK to proceed with plans for a facility with up to 1,000 seats. During a discussion in October, following feedback from community groups that pledged to use the center as well as meeting space it would include, the council agreed that the seat limit should be upped to 1,350 seats. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul has also said he hopes the private sector will contribute money to help build the performing arts center.

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW City Center growing pains The future City Center could be a game changer for Sandy Springs with a performing arts center, government building, retail and apartments planned for the heart of the city in an effort to achieve true “walkability.” But progress on the development didn’t happen without frustrating some business owners who continued to see their properties taken by the city. On Jan. 30, photographer Eric Bern signed a deal that had the city agreeing to pay $1 million for his Mount Vernon Highway studio, a location he had operated from for 23 years. “I have mixed feelings about having to relocate” from a location he “treasured,” Bern said. In August, Master Kleen owner Will Smith lamented during the Roswell Road business’ last week that his long-time employees would lose their jobs. The city had voted in March to take that property through eminent domain. On June 3 the city council voted to approve the use of eminent domain to take more than half of Steven Johnston’s land at 80 Johnson Ferry Road. That land contains a tributary flowing from Marsh Creek. City plans call for the land to become home to a dam and detention pond that will keep City Center developers from having to build their own detention areas. Then, on Dec. 2, the city took a step toward acquiring the final pieces of property they are trying to assemble, voting to authorize condemnation, if necessary, of properties at 237 Johnson Ferry Road and 6201, 6215, 6219 Roswell Road, and 260 Mount Vernon Highway. That included a unanimous vote to authorize condemnation of the Johnson Ferry Road property, which now houses a Goodwill Industries of North Georgia store. The city has offered $3.9 million for the property, but the owner has declined.

Here are the most popular articles from Sandy Springs posted at ReporterNewspapers.net in 2014. 1. Closed: Fulton County, DeKalb County and Atlanta Public Schools cancel classes for Tuesday, Jan. 7 2. Glenridge Hall: A little known Sandy Springs historic gem 3. Developer proposing 50-story office tower, 500 apartments in Sandy Springs 4. After 46 years, Sandy Springs cleaner packs up to make way for City Center project 5. Paul: ‘We’re trying to find a good, healthy mix’ on Roswell Road

Heards Ferry Elementary groundbreaking School and city officials broke ground in November on the future site of a new Heards Ferry Elementary School building, which relocates the school from Heards Ferry Road to a 14-acre site on Powers Ferry Road. When the school opens in August, it is intended to serve as a prototype that addresses limited availability of large parcels of land by building multiple stories rather than spreading one story out. The Heards Ferry school move will also allow for nearby Riverwood High School to make needed expansions. The school is being constructed through a one-penny education sales tax approved by voters in 2011. “I know that the spring is going to be a bittersweet time because hundreds of thousands of students have gone through the halls at the Heards Ferry Elementary that stands today,” Principal Lisa Nash said at the ceremony. “But it will be an even more exciting time when we open the news doors of our new facility in the fall.”

Goodbye Chief McElfish, hello Chief Sanders The city said goodbye to Fire Chief Jack McElfish, who created Sandy Springs’ fire department in 2006. McElfish decided to retire after a 51-year career in fire and rescue service, with 35 of those years serving as fire chief. For his replacement, the city looked to another fire veteran with Chief Keith Sanders, formerly of the Alpharetta Fire Department. Sanders is also a sworn police officer. SS

Proposed Riverside roundabout alarms neighbors Nearby residents expressed dismay when the Georgia Department of Transportation held a workshop on plans for a traffic roundabout at Riverside Drive and I-285, saying the project would only add to congestion in the area, and would cause confusion among drivers. But the agency informed the city that if it obstructed plans for a roundabout, Sandy Springs would be on the hook for $1.5 million. Once the roundabout is constructed, the project will be funded with federal help at no cost to the city, except for landscaping and decorative street lights, state officials say. But if it wasn’t built, the city would have to pay to construct turning lanes on the ramps at a cost of $1.5 million. “It’s a commitment that you guys already made when you requested the signal [in 2011],” said Scott Zehngraff, with GDOT. “So, when we approved the traffic signal, it was contingent upon the turning lanes being added.” GDOT has said it hopes to start construction on the roundabout in 2015.

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 5

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW

State Farm’s arrival, Buckhead Atlanta highlight past year “Live, work, play.” Politicians, business leaders and residents repeated those three words throughout 2014 as a mantra devised to explain the lure of north metro Atlanta to businesses. Both Buckhead and the Perimeter – that loosely defined area alongside the top end of I-285 and encompassing portions of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven – offer MARTA stations, regional shopping malls, apartments, hotels and relatively easy access to just about everywhere in Atlanta.

Finding live, work and play in one place was enough to attract some pretty big names, including State Farm, which said it was moving to Dunwoody to appeal to the younger workers known as “millennials.” Other businesses shot for even higher targets: Buckhead Atlanta, a shopping and living center in itself, talked about luring the rich from around the world to fill its new high-end stores. When it came to business news, there was plenty to talk about in 2014. Here are some highlights.

State Farm breaks ground in Dunwoody Construction began in May on a new high rise across from the Dunwoody MARTA station to house a new national operations center for State Farm, one of three the insurance giant was building across the country. The overall project, its Texas developer said, will take years to complete and will include 2.3 million square feet of offices, 100,000 square feet of restaurants and shops, and a 200-room hotel. The first building will provide 13 floors of offices perched atop a 7-story parking building. The Atlanta Business Chronicle called the project one of the largest corporate office developments in metro Atlanta history. Folks in Dunwoody began to talk of a “ripple effect” from the project that would lead to even more development. For its part, State Farm plans to post thousands of employees to its Dunwoody campus and promised to get deeply involved in its new community. “We are excited. We are so excited about what the future holds,” State Farm Vice President and COO Michael Tipsord told members of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited by the talent. We are excited about the business environment.”

Real Golf. Real Friendly. Real Fast. A round of golf can be a huge time investment. Play Steel Canyon’s executive length course, with all the challeneges of a championship course, in only 3 hour. Our courteous and professional staff are always ready to help get your round started.

Ask About Our $19 Monday Special. Play a great layout fast and for a great rate.

Looking for some practice time? Our driving range is open late.

Call 770-390-0424 for more information or visit our golf shop. Visit us online at steelcanyongolfclub.com.

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

The billion-dollar highway project It’s expected to cost a cool $1 billion before it’s done and has been described as the most expensive road improvement project ever undertaken by the Georgia Department of Transportation. But local businesspeople, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts and Gov. Nathan Deal all threw their weight behind a redesign of the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange, so plans for the project have moved quickly. DOT says the new interchange will stretch from west of Roswell Road to east of

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW Ashford-Dunwoody, and from Hammond Drive to the Glenridge Connector. At Hammond, it connects to another project that adds collector and distributor lanes along Ga. 400. The new interchange was promoted as good for business because it addressed traffic troubles in the Perimeter area and would help cross-country carriers who expect more freight once the port in Savannah is deepened. Local residents seemed to like the new interchange, but fretted about construction over the next several years. “If it alleviates traffic in the area, it’s a good thing,” Mike Buchbinder of Sandy Springs said in August. “But I think it’s going to make traffic worse, especially when they’re building it.”

Hines Interests Limited Partnership will scale back its ofﬁce building from 50 to 42 stories.

FILE

Hines, for a moment, prepares to go big Front, OliverMcMillan’s Dene Oliver, center, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and right, Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell, ofﬁcially opened the ﬁrst shops at Buckhead Atlanta.

FILE

Buckhead Atlanta finally opens After years as little more than a hole in the heart of Buckhead, the development known now as Buckhead Atlanta (originally named “The Streets of Buckhead”) opened for business with big name, high-end shops such as Hermes, and lines of burger fans waiting for a space to open in the Shake Shack. Developer OliverMcMillan wants to draw shoppers from around the world, and has promised a luxury shopping experience, including high-tech security; a valet service allowing customers to drop off a car at one location and pick it up at another; and “park assist,” which directs drivers to empty parking spaces. “We want shoppers and visitors to say, ‘We used to go to New York to shop, but now we come to Buckhead Atlanta,’” General Manager Michael Diamantides told members of the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods.

For a moment, there was talk of the possibility of a 50-story building in Sandy Springs. It would have been the tallest outside the Perimeter. But Texas developer Hines, which proposed a couple of towers along with a rezoning for a mixed-use development that would have included 500 apartments, retail and hotel space, withdrew its rezoning request after repeated deferrals. Members of Sandy Springs City Council said they needed more time to address residents’ concerns over increased traffic that the development – to be located at Abernathy, Peachtree Dunwoody and Mount Vernon – would bring to an already congested area. In September, Hines had said they would study a new proposal that decreased the number of apartments, and took the office building down to 42 stories.

Apartments sprout all over While Hines rethought its high-rise plans in Sandy Springs, other developers scattered new apartments all over the map. In October, the Buckhead Coalition said 30 different projects totaling 9,422 units were planned in Buckhead. In Sandy Springs, workers cleared ground for the Gateway Project, a mixed-use development on Roswell Road, and the city approved another large apartment complex nearby. Developers added apartment complexes on Hammond Drive in Sandy Springs and Dresden Drive in Brookhaven. “Apparently, it’s a direct response to the population growth of 25- to 35-year-olds who presently prefer the flexibility of renting, rather than owning,” Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell said of the apartment announcements in Atlanta.

New zoning codes for Perimeter area In 2014, city officials in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody decided to take a fresh look at zoning regulations for new projects in the Perimeter area. In May, Dunwoody officials began working toward drawing up those regulations. In October, officials from Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven met to talk over requirements in the area. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said the idea was to get all the cities on the same page. “With an unprecedented surge in development interest,” Paul said, “we want to make sure we have a unified, concise policy that allows for long-term economic viability of this market, as well as ensures a high quality of life for existing and future residents and visitors.”

Reporter Newspapers on Facebook Share and Comment

ReporterNewspapers.net www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 7

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 brought festivals, sporting events and plenty of chances for people to play. Over the past 12 months, we published photographs residents of Brookhaven, Buckhead, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs as they enjoyed numerous community activities. Here are some of our favorite cover shots from our various editions during the past year. At left, Monk Sonam Choephel extends a welcome to Narzin Khyunglho, 2, wearing traditional Tibetan attire, during the annual Atlanta Tibetan Festival on Nov. 2 at the Drepung Loseling Monastery. The monastery is located on Dresden Drive.

Brookhaven Reporter

Below at left, from left, Oliver Jackoniski, Brody Garrard, William O’Neil, Bryce Matlock and Kota Suttle, members of the “Tin Caps,” the 6-year-old boys team, stand ready during Opening Ceremonies for the Murphey Candler Little League Baseball season on March 7. Right, Alex Ozburn, left, and Chip Cary have a snack before watching the U.S. men’s soccer team take on Portugal during SoccerFest, an all-day World Cup viewing party held at Brookhaven Park on June 22. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Buckhead Reporter PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Far left, Mary Collier Thurman has her party face on while she watches the Carnaval parade during International Travelers Week at Sarah Smith Elementary School on May 9. The event “took” students to Brazil, helping them learn about the country’s culture.

Jordyn Vaxter, center, enjoys the storytelling portion of the “Juneteenth: The First Day of Freedom” program at the Atlanta History Center on June 21. The two-day celebration focused on the end of slavery in the U.S.

Abigail Frank, 2, above, awaits her turn at a popsicle stand while attending the annual Little Nancy Creek Park Fall Festival on Sept. 26. Attendees enjoyed a food truck and live music. |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW Phil’s pick: Vocal fan at Soccerfest in Brookhaven

Phil Mosier teaches photography at Georgia Perimeter College and takes many of the photos that appear in Reporter Newspapers. We asked him to choose his favorite photo we published in 2014. Here’s his choice and his reason for choosing it. “This picture says it all, with a shout, about our community. I was able to capture a Latin American young man, happily waiving an American flag, while watching the U.S. team score during a World Cup Soccer match beamed live to a diverse crowd in Brookhaven Park. Taking that photo made me proud as a citizen and as a photojournalist.”

Dunwoody Reporter At left, Anisha Singh, 7, front, and Mei Kumaran, 5, attending the Spruill Center for the Arts’ summer camp program, play on “chess pieces” during recess on July 21.

LEFT AND RIGHT PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

JAMES BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

At center, Dunwoody High School’s football Wildcats began their 2014 campaign with higher hopes, after a 3-7 season the previous year. At right, Julie Greer, 2, daughter of Kimberly Greer, assistant to Dunwoody’s city manager, plays before the grand opening of Phase II of Brook Run Park’s multi-use trail on Aug. 23.

PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Left, “Hammerheads” teammates and twin sisters, May Weis, front, and Leah, center, with goggles, get themselves pumped up before a swim meet against the Byrnwyck “Blue Dolphins” at the Hammond Hills pool on June 3.

Center, the city kept the Fourth of July holiday going with a community ﬁreworks show on July 5, at the Concourse Ofﬁce Park complex. Enjoying the night on the lawn, from left, Chanse Hendrick, 4, Cameron Bignault, 5, Leila Wesley, 3, and Emily Volkman, 12. Right, Collins Zgutowicz, 2, dressed as Snow White, creates a colorful chalk walkway at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market on Aug. 2. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 9

2014: YEAR IN REVIEW

Making a difference: Blessing bags, ‘scaring away’ autism and more During the past several years, we’ve introduced readers to some of their neighbors whose volunteer work has helped shape our communities into better places to live. Here are a few we met in 2014 who were making a difference and whose stories especially impressed us.

Jeff Marcus

Sandy Springs doctor Jeff Marcus’s Halloween display began as a simple family project. His daughter, Melissa, who is autistic, loved Halloween, with its costumes and candy, so Marcus put an array of ghosts and witches in his front yard to delight her and his neighbors. He called the annual show “Scare Away Autism” and it now draws crowds of admirers. A couple of years ago, Marcus and his family began collecting donations from the people who came to admire the display. They gave the money to Autism Speaks, a charity that pays for autism research, advocacy and services for families with autistic members. This year, things really took off. Marcus said the family collected nearly $13,000 for Autism Speaks, double the amount raised the year before. Marcus is already thinking about 2015. He said he wants to get others involved to help set up and market the display “to make it more of a community event.” But in 2014, it remained the Marcus family’s show. Melissa had a great time greeting and thanking people who came to visit. “We had a good year,” Marcus said.

monalities dealing with ... issues,” he said. “The goal is to foster some cooperation and understanding on the environmental side and in other areas as well.”

two daughters Reagan and Steele take lessons with Adams. “He just has a way with kids. One year he gave every one of them a new club or shoes.”

Greg Chevalier

Fran Farias

Sandy Springs Rotarian Fran Farias’ two disabled brothers made her aware of the high cost of home medical equipment. So when she was looking for a way to utilize some money raised by the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, she had an idea. “No one [in the area] was really doing anything to recycle home medical equipment,” said Farias, who serves as Rotary’s community service director, is a past president and has been a member for 18 years. So last fall she started working on an idea for such a project. She approached the city, which referred her to Keep Sandy Springs Beautiful, which operates the city’s recycling facility on Morgan Falls Road. Kathy Reed, executive director of Keep Sandy Springs Beautiful, said she was more than happy for the recycling center to house the Rotary’s trailer, where folks can drop off unneeded medical items such as crutches, wheelchairs and walkers.

In 2014, for the second straight year, members of a Brookhaven congregation gathered to stuff “blessing bags” as part of an effort to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Brookhaven Christian Church hosted the blessing bag event in partnership with Street Grace, an organization that aims to end the sexual trafficking of children. Greg Chevalier, coordinator of the program for Brookhaven Christian, also serves on the state of Georgia’s CSEC Task Force, an acronym which stands for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Through the task force, Chevalier has helped create a curriculum to help educate organizations such as schools, neighborhoods, corporations and governments about the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children. The city of Brookhaven recently joined the initiative, becoming Georgia’s first city to take part in a task force combating child sex trafficking. At a Nov. 10 press conference and ceremony, city officials signed a “Not Buying It” pledge.

Angi Bemiss

Robert Port

The first time Dunwoody lawyer Robert Port took his bike to Israel, he thought it would be a good way to see another land close up. But after that trip in 2006, he was hooked. He returned in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2013 to take fundraising rides across that country. He figures that through his rides he’s raised $20,000 to $25,000 for the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, an academic program that brings Jordanian, Palestinian, Israeli and western students together at a kibbutz in the Arava Valley, which runs along part of the border between Jordan and Israel. “The goal is to have students of all these different backgrounds come together and try to find some com-

Matt Adams

He’s been called a Pied Piper by a member of the Chastain Park Conservancy. He’s been called a savior by parents. But Matt Adams says he just loves teaching children the game of golf. “He's devoted his life to teaching kids how to golf and how to respect the game at the same time,” said the Conservancy’s Jay Smith. Adam teaches golf clinics to children at the park’s North Fulton Golf Course. He’s been teaching for 35 years, 12 years at Chastain. He also helped found the Annual Sutton Middle School Invitational Golf Tournament, which draws 20 to 30 schools each year to the Bobby Jones Golf Course. “He teaches them etiquette like shaking hands and saying ‘thank you,’” said Theresa Southerland, whose

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Angi Bemiss has been described as an “on call” healer who plays the harp for patients at Northside Hospital twice a week through the hospital’s Healing Sounds Program. A certified music practitioner, Bemiss says she plays differently depending on the audience. Her listeners range from newborn babies to people convalescing to people who are dying, she said. She usually performs on Friday Do you know an organization or mornings and Sunindividual making a difference day afternoons. “Just a few hours ago, I was in our community? Email there and ran into a editor@reporternewspapers.net cancer patient waiting for her ride,” Bemiss said recently. “Tears came to her eyes when she saw the harp, ‘Oh my, you played for me in May, when I was in the hospital and almost died. I still remember how your soothing music made me feel.’ That's what it's all about!”

COMMENTARY

As another year ends, tell your stories There are stories everywhere—in the stars, in the trees, in the grasses and glades. We find in those places heroes and monsters and fairies; we find remembrances of our past and hope for our future. I grew up surrounded with stories and delighted by them, because my mother is a storyteller. She earned a degree in library science at Simmons College and a Master’s at Emory, and became a children’s librarian (in the days before there were “media specialists”). She was the librarian at my elementary school and for years was the children’s librarian at Maude Burris Library in Decatur. My mother chose themes for her story hour, selecting her books accordingly, and she embellished her story-time with music, dance, puppets and handmade tokens. She had a special talent for lifting the tales right off the page with her

was sure that the world revolved around her— she thought it was spelling out her name as a wonderful surprise. But it was December 7, 1941, and the ROBIN JEAN airplane was MARIE CONTE writing WAR in the sky. ROBIN’S NEST Her father, in the Navy reserves, was deployed within days. Mom told the story of how she met my father, the love of her life, and about their courtship and early marriage. She talked about his strength and quick wit throughout their marriage, a humor which endured in spite of the pain of his cancer. And she spoke of how dearly we miss him now. I have a CD copy of our session. It sits on my counter beside some candid family snapshots, as a reminder to us to continue telling our stories. And we do. Every second of our lives is an experience. And I sometimes wonder which of our experiences will take shape into a story — solid SPECIAL enough to be passed around, Robin and her mother, Bobbie Conte. resilient enough to withstand the passing? Which voice until the stories wrapped themones will lodge in our memories, and selves around roomfuls of squirming our children’s memories, and be handed children like a charmed cloak and left down to their children and grandchildren? them completely entranced. Which experiences, though they seem So it was high time that this year I mundane to us now, will shed a glimmer should give mom the chance to tell her of insight into our lives for those who look own stories. I booked an hour-long sesat us from the vast prospective of future sion with StoryCorps at the Atlanta Hisgenerations? tory Center, where I would interview This year was filled with new expeher in a taped sound booth. The time riences for our family — some advencame and her stories unfolded. She talkturous, some silly, some mundane. But ed about her grandparents who emigratthey hold the promise of more stories: ed from Italy: her grandfather, a dapeight Boy Scout buddies at Philmont per shoemaker, and her grandmother, Scout Ranch; seven hours of icy grida mother of seven who learned English lock, six people reunited for Thanksfrom her children and then continued giving, five hours at the Smithsonian her English language education by walkhomosapiens exhibit; four extracted wising to classes until she earned her certifdom teeth; three days at Cumberland Isicate of completion. land; two graduations — two wonderful Mom told of her mother, who went celebrations; and one massive zucchini. to work at a candy store after school at We all have a lot to talk about. age 13, calculating purchases and change So cozy around the fireplace in this on the back of a brown paper bag and deep December, with the people you love presenting her salary to her father each and a mug of something hot. “Take a cup week, in a sealed envelope. of kindness, yet, for auld lang syne.” Mom remembered watching an airAnd as another year ends, tell your plane writing letters in the sky as a young stories. girl in Brooklyn. Because it was the day after her birthday and she recognized Robin Conte is a writer and mother of the letter “R” from her name — and befour who lives in Dunwoody. She can be cause she was of the tender age when she contacted at robinjm@earthlink.net.

Comprehensive Women’s Health

Lynley S. Durrett, M.D.

Obiamaka Mora, M.D. State of the art Pelvic & Bladder Surgeries Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy daVinci Robotic Surgery Bio Identical Hormone Therapy Services offered

» Incontinence Testing & Treatment » Abnormal Bleeding Treatment » Annual Exams & Contraception » Nutrient Deﬁciency Screening & Counseling » Saliva Testing & Pellet Hormone Therapy » Plus Aesthetic Services

Great News!

For the convenience of our patients, we have a new office location at Northside Hospital Campus. Appointments being accepted now! Call to schedule for either office today: 404-352-2850

Julie Sayers, PA-C

Jessica Guilfoil Killeen, WHNP-BC Main Office: Piedmont Hospital Campus 105 Collier Rd NW, Suite 1080 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-352-2850 Satellite Office: Northside Hospital Campus 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 336 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-352-2850 www.mcdanielanddurrett.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 11

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

CONTACT US Founder & Publisher Steve Levene stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net Editorial Managing Editor Joe Earle joeearle@reporternewspapers.net Intown Editor: Collin Kelley Associate Editor: Ann Marie Quill Staff Writer: Ellen Eldridge Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker Creative and Production Director of Creative & Interactive Media Christopher North chrisnorth@reporternewspapers.net

Q&A

What do you think will make big news in 2015?

Our local communities delivered their share of big news in 2014. State officials proposed a billion-dollar construction project in Sandy Springs to remake the interchange of I-285 and Ga. 400. State Farm started construction on a new skyscraper in Dunwoody. The long-awaited Buckhead Atlanta shopping and housing area opened for business. Brookhaven “Reconstruction of the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange will begin final preconstruction phases in early 2016. Our PCIDs support efforts by Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia General Assembly to identify $1 billion in funding for enhancing Georgia’s transportation infrastructure over the next five years. The new interchange will have sustainable economic impact statewide. Traffic continues to be a top concern for metro Atlanta residents and commuters, and wishing alone won’t make the congestion ease.”

Yvonne Williams president and CEO, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

Graphic Designer: Isadora Pennington Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Senior Account Executives Jeff Kremer Janet Porter Account Executive Susan Lesesne Ofﬁce Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net Contributors Robin Isaf Phil Mosier

Free Home Delivery 65,000 copies of Reporter Newspapers are delivered by carriers to homes in ZIP codes 30305, 30319, 30326, 30327, 30328, 30338, 30342 and 30350 and to more than 500 business/retail locations. For locations, check “Where To Find Us” at www.ReporterNewspapers.net For delivery requests, please email delivery@reporternewspapers.net. © 2014-2015 With all rights reserved Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Reporter Newspapers or Springs Publishing, LLC.

“One of the most signiﬁcant things I foresee coming up for my constituents in House District 54 in 2015 is addressing our transportation issues. Georgia’s failure to properly maintain and prioritize upgrades to our transportation infrastructure threatens our continued economic growth. The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding established by the Georgia General Assembly earlier this year will present its ﬁndings and recommendations shortly. We must prioritize our transportation needs and identify sources of funding so Georgia can continue to grow and attract new businesses while maintaining and improving quality of life for our residents.”

Rep. Beth Beskin (R-Atlanta)

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

city officials cut a deal with the owners of the Pink Pony strip club that pays the city $225,000 a year and allows the club to stay open for six more years. We asked newsmakers from across Reporter Newspapers communities to play prognosticator and predict what big news or big events 2015 would bring. Here are their answers.

“2015 represents an opportunity to create connections which enhance access to the city’s essential amenities. Several key projects planned for 2015 which underline this connectivity include the construction of the new 5-acre Pernoshal Park, the construction of the Tilly Mill Road and North Peachtree Road intersection project, the Chamblee Dunwoody Road bicycle and pedestrian improvement project, and the construction of the connecting phase of the multiuse trail creating pedestrian and bike connectivity from the Georgetown area all the way to Brook Run Park. Our focus continues to emphasize investments in infrastructure, public safety and quality of life amenities.”

Mike Davis, mayor of Dunwoody

“I’m upbeat for my North Buckhead neighborhood in 2015. • January: Ribbon cutting for PATH400’s Tower Place to Old Ivy Road phase. PATH400 will transform pedestrian mobility and recreation from North Buckhead south to I-85. • March: City Council is to approve the North Buckhead Neighborhood Master Plan. • June: Mountain Way Common becomes a real, usable park with the completion of a major pedestrian bridge over Little Nancy Creek. • Later in 2015, PATH400 opens from Old Ivy Road to Wieuca Road.”

Gordon Certain president, North Buckhead Civic Association

“2015 will be the year that high-rise residential really begins to impact Buckhead’s commercial core. We will become more of a community, rather than a job and activity center, with a more healthy mix of jobs and housing. The big question will be how this community gets around, so creating more attractive and safe options to get around on foot, on transit (MARTA’s 110 – “The Peach” – operates every 15 minutes on Peachtree, folks!), and on bicycle will be crucially important. We will also begin to create a safer Peachtree Road from Midtown up to Piedmont.”

Jim Durrett executive director, Buckhead Community Improvement District

“Buckhead’s commercial skyline, which has mushroomed over the past quarter-of-a-century, beckons as a jobs market. Developers have read the census data and now scramble to ﬁll the needs with 32 complexes offering over 10,000 compact, multifamily rental units for the millennials. The occupancy proﬁle will maximize pedestrianization, introduce technical startups, and share fresh thinking leadership. We have evolved from a ‘Bedroom Community’ in the ‘40s and ‘50s to a respectful ‘Boardroom Atmosphere,’ ensuring tomorrow’s economic success in our 28-square-mile boundary. We are the center of Atlanta’s metropolitan region and the ‘address of choice’ for urbanized quality of life.”

Sam Massell, president, Buckhead Coalition

COMMENTARY “For us, it’s the City Center (getting it out of the ground), and developing strategic plans for the Perimeter and Powers Ferry and Roswell road areas to set a 15-year guide path to work through what we want those three areas of the city to look like in the future. That’s 2015 for me – getting the City Center out of the ground and having an opportunity to plan the next 15 years.”

Park Springs Member Pat Thomas

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul “2015 will bring a new and potentially exciting dynamic to the Fulton County Commission, given the redrawn district lines that gave additional representation to the northern part of the county and the election of three new commissioners to the seven-member body. The increased representation from the northern part of the county that pays so much of the tax burden, hopefully will result in a county government that is more efﬁcient and effective, and more ‘customer friendly’ to all citizens of the state’s largest county.”

“The most important issue for DeKalb homeowners is that the Legislature make the property tax freeze permanent. It is set to expire and homeowners will be subject to 10 years of assessment increases. The DeKalb House delegation through Mike Jacobs passed a bill last session and the Senate failed to act. People throughout the county should be outraged. Until this issue is resolved it will be difﬁcult for most DeKalb legislation to move forward.”

Fulton County Commissioner Lee Morris

Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody)

“I believe the key issue in 2015 will be the outcome of the current cityhood movement now playing out between three key players: the future city of Tucker, the future city of LaVista Hills (formerly Lakeside), and then the ever-present desire of the city of Atlanta to expand its boundaries within DeKalb County. The five-member State Legislative Committee recently settled the border dispute between Tucker and LaVista Hills by dictating the non-negotiable boundaries. The more significant problem will be how far and how aggressive Atlanta will be in their move for expansion. Many issues are at stake: the cohesiveness of long-standing communities; DeKalb County schools becoming part of the Atlanta Public Schools system; the expense of the inevitable legal fees to be paid by the DeKalb County School Board; the potential impact on our county’s improved status of Accredited Warning with SACS; the loss of a northern tier tax base for the already financially distressed county government; and the list goes on... There is a 300-pound gorilla in the room. Atlanta sees a weakness and they are going after it, and what Atlanta wants, they usually get. This could be a defining year for DeKalb County.”

Joe Gebbia, Brookhaven City Councilman

“Now that I'm living at Park Springs, visiting with my daughter and grandkids is easier than ever.” Holidays with family, resort-style amenities, maintenance-free living and so much more. Reserve your new home at Park Springs before December 31st and we’ll cover up to $7,500 of your moving expenses.* Call or click to schedule a private tour. Ask about our Door-to-Door Move-in Services.

678-684-3300

www.ParkSprings.com

“The most signiﬁcant thing that I see coming in my community is my re-introduction of the Independent School System legislation. This would lift the constitutional prohibition on cities forming school systems that has been in place since 1945. With the state of DeKalb County Schools, this would allow individual municipalities to form local school systems. The second major thing is the start of construction of the Ga.400/I-285 interchange re-do. This project is the single largest transportation project in Georgia history and will bring needed trafﬁc relief in the area that currently sees 420,000 cars daily.”

Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) “I am cautiously optimistic that 2015 will be the year we stem the tide of bad news for DeKalb County. It will require hard work and compromise on the part of state legislators, county officials and citizens in all areas of the county. DeKalb remains a desirable place to live. The headlines of the past couple years have raised significant hurdles for our community. However, I am confident that working together we can overcome those hurdles this year.”

Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Brookhaven)

* Reserve a new home at Park Springs before Dec. 31, 2014 and up to $7500 of your moving costs will be reimbursed. Offer valid on independent living residences only. Restrictions apply.

ParkSpringsGA 500 Springhouse Circle, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 An Isakson Living Community | Managed by Life Care Services, LLC

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 13

out& about BROOKHAVEN • BUCKHEAD • DUNWOODY • SANDY SPRINGS

LET’S LEARN!

Medicinal Plants

Chinese Astrology

Organizing Workshop

Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Get a holistic start to the new year! This beginners’ class focuses on herbs and oils used since antiquity to treat a variety of ailments, with an emphasis on women’s needs and particular energizing blends that help chase the winter blues away. Class includes a hands-on presentation and crafting of floral water and teas to take home. $30 general public; $20 members. Register by Jan. 7. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, 30075. Call 770-992-2055 or visit: www.chattnaturecenter.org for information.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 1-3 p.m. Chinese Astrology is an ancient system of fortune telling that takes into consideration planets and the Sun, and calculates time in twohour intervals. Each year is depicted by two elements, one of which is an animal. 2015 is the year of the Wood Goat. Learn what’s in store for the new year! Free and open to everyone. For adult, college, high school, middle school audiences. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us or call 404-3036130 for details.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 3-5 p.m. Join a certified professional organizer for a free workshop. Topics include: dealing with paperwork, mail, email, general household clutter, time management strategies, goal setting, and the benefits of making a daily “to-do” list. All are welcome. For adult audiences. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us or call 404303-6130 with questions.

Hawks and Owls

Personal Branding

Saturday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Feathered predators are guaranteed to liven up a cold winter’s day. Learn about the winter habits of hawks and owls. Live birds of prey will make an appearance, courtesy of AWARE (Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort). $10 per person. RSVP to 678-315-0836. Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, 30342. Learn more by going to: www.bhnp.org.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 1-3 p.m. Want to know how to brand or market yourself to help your career? Learn personal branding techniques, including how to use social media to become a personal brand. Class limited to 15 participants. For adults. Free and open to the community. Register by calling 770-512-4640. Dunwoody Branch Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.

Sunday, Jan. 11, 4-5:30 p.m. Join geriatric specialist P.K. Beville as she shares her insight and practical tips to help families and caregivers more effectively manage the challenges of loved ones with dementia. Free and open to the public. Offsite shuttle service; park at Georgia Perimeter College, Lot 11 on Womack Road. RSVP to 404-410-1200 or visit: www.jewishhomelife. org. Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Dementia Lecture

COMMUNITY

BOLD & JUICY

FOR KIDS

BOLD& JUICY Winter Stars

Resolution Run Thursday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Start the new year on the right foot at Atlanta Track Club’s Resolution Run 4 Miler, 1 Mile and Kilometer Kids Dash! 4 Miler (ages nine and up), $25; 1 Mile (seven and up), $15; Kilometer Kids Dash (six and under), $10. No headphones, pets, baby joggers/strollers, roller/inline skates or bicycles. Register online through Dec. 29 at: atlantatrackclub.org. Brookhaven MARTA station, 4047 Peachtree Rd., Brookhaven, 30319. Questions? Call 404-231-9064 or email: atc@atlantatrackclub.org.

Monday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Are you curious about stars and constellations? Have you wanted to know the myths behind our constellations? See nature like you’ve never seen it before inside the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s inflatable planetarium! Take a journey through the night sky viewing stars and locating constellations. Included with the center’s general admission. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, 30075. Call 770-992-2055 or visit: www.chattnaturecenter.org for further information.

Three Kings Day Sunday, Jan. 4, 1-5 p.m. Kick off the New Year with the Three Kings Day Festival, held in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and the Instituto de Mexico. Learn about this tradition of our southern neighbors through storytelling, music, live performances, food and activities designed for the entire family. Free admission day. Food and drink available for purchase. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30305. Call 404-8144000 or go to: http://AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family for details.

THE ARTS

Lily Smernou Friday, Jan. 2, 1-5 p.m. Check out Lily Smernou’s work at the Sandy Springs Branch Library. Free and open to the public. On display through Jan. 31. Appropriate viewing for all ages. 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: comments@ co.fulton.ga.us or call 404-303-6130 for information.

with purchase of Fresh Cut Fries and Drink

Cannot be combined with any other coupon. Expires 12/31/14

Buckhead

4365 Roswell Rd., Atlanta Roswell-Wieuca Shopping Center

678-732-9531

Sandy Springs

5975 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs Next to Lowe’s

404-600-2484

GRAND OPENING at the Prado Sandy Springs Open New Years Day!

One for the Chipper Saturday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Area residents can put discarded Christmas trees to good use during Keep Sandy Springs’ recycling program, “Bring One for the Chipper.” Remove decorations and lights before dropping off trees. Drop off at Home Depot, 6400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328, and also at the Sandy Springs Recycling Center, 470 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs, 30350. Mulch to be used for playgrounds, public beautification projects, wildlife habitat and homeowner landscaping projects. Find out more by visiting: www.knfb.org.

FREE Bobby’s Classic Single Cheeseburger

Open for Lunch & Dinner • Hibachi Sit Down Tables • Dine In • Take Out Catering • Gift Certiﬁcates Available Open Mon-Sat 11:00am-3:00pm Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-10:30pm Friday 4:30pm-11:30pm Saturday 3:00pm-11:30pm Sunday 12:00pm-10:30pm

Film Class Monday, Jan. 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Emmy award winner Michelle Watson in this hands-on training that teaches students the fundamentals of acting, voice over recording, and the creative and technical demands of storytelling with moving pictures. Free. For ages 9-12. Registration required and started Dec. 17. Space is limited. Visit the Sandy Springs Branch Library, call 404303-6130 or email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov to sign up or if you have questions.

Japanese Sushi & Steak House 5600 Roswell Road NE Atlanta, GA 30342

404-254-5866 www.FujiyamaAtlanta.com

Bring this Ad to Receive

20% OFF

Your Entire Purchase - Lunch or Dinner Must present this coupon. Cannot be combined with other oﬀers. Expires 01/08/15.

NOW OPEN IN SANDY SPRINGS 5975 Roswell Rd, Suite #D 245 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 | 470.440.5431

Tiny Tales Tuesday, Jan. 6, 11-11:25 a.m. Come and enjoy stories, songs and learning activities for infants and toddlers. Free and open to the community. Appropriate for ages six to 35 months. In the Story Time Room, Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-303-6130 for details.

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

(In the Lowe’s Shopping Center near Jason’s Deli)

Moksha Indian Cuisine & Bar 3294 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite # 1005, Duluth, GA 30096

*Offer does not include drinks.

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS GRAND LUNCH BUFFET

www.mokshaatl.com 678.473.9288

15% OFF FOOD*

Lunch Buffet: 11:30am-3:00pm & Dinner a la carte 5:00pm-10:00pm

Teen Study Time Wednesday, Jan. 7, 5-6:30 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 have priority use of the Buckhead Branch Library’s small conference room. Reserve ahead for a group project or drop in and sign up on a first come, first served basis. Valid library card required. Free WiFi available. You may also reserve a librarian to help with research projects. To reserve a librarian, email: amy.alexander@fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-814-3500. 269 Buckhead Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30305.

GET LISTED!

Submit listings to Calendar@ReporterNewspapers.net

The Needlepoint Experts Learn to Needlep oint! begin ner clas ses availab le

404.816.4612 3137 E. Shadowlawn Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 • institchesatlanta.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 15

EDUCATION 25%

20.00

Off LED Light Bulbs

Limit 10. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 12.31.14. NP072

Limit 2. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 12.31.14. NPDR1

ATLANTA

MARIETTA

4418 Roswell Rd., N.E

51 Cobb Pkwy. SE

Mon-Fri 8 - 9, Sat 8 - 9, Sun 10 - 7

404-256-0310

Off Phone/Tablet Screen Repair

770-421-0220

MARIETTA (East Cobb) 4101 Roswell Rd.

678-539-6761

Mon-Fri 8 - 8, Sat 8 - 8, Sun 10 - 7

www.batteriesplus.com

Happy Holidays!

We will be closed Dec. 24-Dec. 28, closing at 1pm on Dec. 31 and closed New Years Day

New high end consignment for women in Fountain Oaks Shopping Center. Taking current clean and cute womens consignment clothing. Would love to see you. –Janet and MC 4920 Roswell Rd. Ste. 5, Sandy Springs GA, 30342 Mon-Fri, 10-6; Sat, 10-5; closed Sunday | 770.286.6432

Melissa Babcock, M.D.

We wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

Standout Student

Student Proﬁle:

 Summer Robinson  North Springs High School, senior Some students spend their summers on pool decks, beaches or phones texting their friends, but North Springs senior Summer Robinson had different plans. During June and July, Summer traveled to Ethiopia and Ghana with Black to Our Roots, a two-year program that promotes African cultural values. While there, Summer immersed herself in the culture, she took in the sights and had lively interactions with the people. “The trip was really eye opening for me and everyone else; it made me realize how sheltered I am living here in the United States,” Summer said. Each participating student is assigned different tasks for the trip. Summer’s task was to produce a documentary of the group’s trip, highlighting everyone’s experience and reflections. For Summer, this was the quintessential project, as it aligned with her love for film. Her fellow travelers loved her artistic creation. One of the trip advisors, Shevon Myers, was delighted with the film. “It was refreshing to hear her recount the experiences she had in Africa in such a thought-provoking manner, noting the people, places she visited, culture, and societal challenges that influenced her perspective of Africa,” Myers said. “As an aspiring filmmaker, Summer is well on her way to becoming a leader.” In preparation for the trip, Summer sought out donors to provide necessities for her host countries. One benefactor, Dan Moore, president of the APEX

Museum, which focuses on the appreciation of African American history, gave a generous gift for Summer to deliver. In addition, he also gave her a camera, instructing her to take pictures so upon her return so she could write a book detailing her expedition to Africa. Moore pushed Summer into finishing the book, and she says the words fell off the page easily. “[The trip] lit a fire in me to be more involved and see all the cultures, so writing the book wasn’t difficult because it was all from my own knowledge and experience,” Summer said. Summer has been a member of the track team for the past three years. She is also a member of the Anti Bullying Club and the League Club as well as a staff member for her school magazine, where she contributes articles and poems.

What’s Next: Summer has not yet decided where she will be attending college next fall, but she hopes to pursue a career as a screenwriter after college. This article was written by Amanda Gibson, a student at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

Do you know a standout high school student? Send nominees to editor@reporternewspapers.net.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

Open New Year’s Eve!

Procedures Performed: • Skin Cancer Surgery Specialist (Mohs) • Dermatologic Surgery

• General Dermatology • Chemical Peels • BOTOX® Cosmetic

Ring in the New Year with a New ‘Do!

• Cyst Removal • Mole Removal • Restylane®

Same Day Appointments Available • Free Parking

4890 Roswell Road, Suite B-10 • Atlanta, Georgia 30342 (404) 835-3052 • BabcockDermatology.com

Bring in or mention this ad this month for a $20 blowout

Located at the corner of Roswell Road & Long Island Drive

View our Digital Editions on your smartphone or tablet

ReporterNewspapers.net 16

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

We are the only blow out salon that uses Phyto product, all organic botanical base product from France.

(expires 1/8)

Hours of Operation Tues- Sat 9-7 Sunday 12-5 Closed Mondays

parksideparlor.com

404.252.9099 5920 Roswell Road Suite C-205 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (Located next to Tuesday Morning just outside of 285 off Roswell Road)

Open in Sandy Springs since 2002 Experienced & Certified Teachers

PUBLIC SAFETY

Come Join Us!

Hill

Bu fo rd

gh w

ruid

New Students! First 3 classes for $20 & Brand New Beginner series starting Jan. 11

Yoga Teacher Training*

Wisdom Warriors: Yoga after 50 & The Power of Yoga

200 hours beginning Jan. 23 through Nov. 15

with Desiree Rumbaugh Feb. 26- Mar. 1

*Yoga Alliance Registered

GOOGLE MAPS

Gregory Brian Moody was arrested by Brookhaven police after he was found urban camping near Buford Highway.

Cities use ‘urban camping’ to keep homeless off local streets BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

in jail,” said lawyer Gerry Weber. “The cost to the taxpayers is significant.” Weber, then an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, won a class-action legal challenge in 1997 that led to the revision of the “urban camping” law in Atlanta. He said one of the nine people in the 1997 lawsuit was a college student who failed classes because he was arrested for urban camping and another was an employed homeless person who lost a job after being jailed for urban camping in Atlanta. He said the way the ordinance was written meant anyone lying down in a public park could be arrested, but only homeless people were being targeted. Weber said these ordinances violate their constitutional rights. Taking homeless people to jail isn’t what some city officials said they mean to do first. But that doesn’t always work. “Ultimately, we can’t force [Moody] to seek help from outside resources,” said Carlo Nino, a spokesman for the Brookhaven Police Department. Nino said Moody’s urban camping CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Hindson & Melton LLC Attorneys at Law

“Serving our clients and community with honesty, integrity, and courage.”

Karen Hindson

Divorce Custody Support Estate Planning Trusts

770-939-3936 karen@hindsonmelton.com

Fountain Oaks Shopping Center around the corner from TCBY

Among the fascinating people who

live and work at Canterbury Court:

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Brookhaven Police know Gregory Brian Moody well. He has a DeKalb County arrest record going back four years, featuring charges including public drunkenness, carrying an open container of alcohol, soliciting and loitering. The day before Thanksgiving, Moody was arrested for “urban camping” in Brookhaven, accused of violating an ordinance the city had adopted in March. The city’s urban camping ordinance outlaws the “improper use of public spaces,” including erecting tents or other temporary structures or objects providing shelter; sleeping in a single place for more than one hour at a time; cooking or preparing meals; or other similar activities. Similar ordinances exist in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Buckhead, which is covered by Atlanta’s ordinance. City officials say the ordinances keep homeless people from setting up permanent residences on unused property, but critics say they’re intended to make homeless people disappear. “They are designed to sweep homeless people off the streets and put them

T.J. & Lois

ANDERSON Residents since 2012 Composer • Conductor Orchestrator • Professor Volunteer • School Librarian Book Reviewer

We appreciate spirited discussions and connecting with

NEW INTERESTING FRIENDS. The idea of retirement community living never really occurred to the Andersons. Their daughters wanted them close by and willingly did the research, visiting several communities, and eventually choosing Canterbury for its welcoming feeling. With T.J. actively composing most days, their newly renovated apartment had to provide a gracious home for his piano, as well as expansive art and book collections. That it also offered a great view of Peachtree fireworks was icing on the cake.

The Andersons invite you to discover their Canterbury Court.

Joy Melton

770-512-8383 joy@hindsonmelton.com

3750 Peachtree Road, N.E. - Atlanta, Georgia 30319 - (404) 261-6611

c an t e r b u r yc o u r t . o r g

Conveniently located at:

400 Perimeter Center Terrace, Suite 900

www.hindsonmelton.com

Atlanta’s premier non-profit continuing care retirement community www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 17

Oriental & Area Rug Hand Washing

PUBLIC SAFETY

Cities use ‘urban camping’ to keep homeless off local streets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

• gentle •Wash thorough Atlanta's Only Unique safe Submersion & Compressed Air Cleaning

Restoration & Repair • Pet Urine Removal Padding & Storage • Moth & Stain Treatments Free Pickup & Delivery • Serving Atlanta for Over 25 years

404.355.2126 MicroSeal of Atlanta

A DIVISION OF S&S RUG CLEANERS

Stoney Green & Steve Arroll, Owners 1710 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318

TheRugCleaners.com EPA RATED NON-TOXIC & NON-ALLERGENIC Mention this ad for winter cleaning discounts!

Raising The Standard of Care

Our team has grown... thanks to you!

Our team is waiting to serve you! L to R First Row: Carol, Gloria, Bonnie, Susana and Mikel Back Row: Dr. Vik, Frances, Lori, MacKinsey, Bailee, Melissa, Ivy and Dr. Chen

Our Oral Surgeons

Board Certified & Experienced

Our Services Include: • Metal-Free Fillings • Same-Day 3D Crowns • Root Canals • Non-Invasive TMJ Therapy

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

1407 Dresden Drive, Atlanta, GA

Looking Forward To A Great Year In Sandy Springs Real Estate In 2015! Call Me For All Of Your Real Estate Needs!

www.BrookhavenDentalAssociates.com

www.isellsandysprings.com

$99 SPECIAL! Dr. Patrick Walker Dr. Sandeep Pathak DMD DMD, MD

Exam, ALL X-Rays and Basic Mouth Cleaning.

404-816-9336

arrest occurred after the manager of a Urban camping food store on Buford Highway called arrests in 2014 police recently after his warnings didn’t deter local homeless people from living Brookhaven: 11 on the business’ property. Dunwoody: 2 On Nov. 26, the police officer on patrol decided to check the rear of the Sandy Springs: 5 property behind the store and a gas station and found violators, including Moody, Nino said. Moody was arrestappropriate agency or have them move ed and charged with urban camping. He on. Occasionally, we have to make an spent Thanksgiving in jail, before being arrest.” released on his recognizance on Nov. 28. Dunwoody resident Jenny Carter He could not be located for an interview said she’d prefer her tax dollars go to profor this article. grams that provide a hand rather than Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said to fund incarcerations. As the direchis previous work as tor of finance at Dunthe assistant secretary woody United Methfor the Department of odist Church, Carter Housing and Urban said people in need of Development gives him resources can find help, perspective on dealing if they ask. with the problems assoCarter said she ciated with poverty. He wishes government said that homelessness offi cials would learn is a symptom of a larger from agencies such problem, so programs as Family Promise of should work toward reNorth Fulton, which solving underlying isshe sees as the area’s sues of mental illness, primary initiative to addiction or poverty ashelp the homeless in sociated with couples Dunwoody and Sandy who divorce. Springs. Gregory Brian Moody “We don’t have the “Their first stops are ordinance to put them usually to food banks and then, once in jail,” Paul said. “The first thing we try those folks hear their stories, that’s when to do is get them to social services. If you they know to refer them to other procan keep them from becoming homegrams,” Carter said. Dunwoody UMC less, that’s a better action.” has a food pantry where anyone can When Brookhaven police officers come once a month and pick up a box first encounter homeless people, police of food, she said. urge them to take advantage of resourc“When people come in and ask for es and shelters in nearby Atlanta, Nino help, we want to get them from food to said. transitional housing to employment,” “Urban camping is not a severe probshe said, describing how the cycle of lem in Dunwoody,” Dunwoody Police poverty often means suffering from late Chief Billy Grogan said. “However, we fees on rent and utilities that create more do have occasions where there are issues, debt. “We always wonder if there’s a betand we deal with each incident based on ter way. It’s a tough cycle. They have to the specific circumstances of each case. miss work to apply for help.” For most, we try and refer them to the

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

AngIe PonSELL SANDY SPRINGS

404-226-2002

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter

TRAIn SMART wITh GRAVITY

The following incidents and arrests are some but not all, of the reports ﬁled with Sandy Springs police from Dec. 6 through Dec. 21.

The most time efficient and transformative functional bodyweight workout you’ll ever experience.

The following information was provided by the Sandy Springs Police Department from its records and is presumed to be accurate.

ARRES T North Metro SWAT Team negotiates arrest of man charged with armed robbery. A Marietta man who told police he had “bills to pay and children to buy Matthew Weber Christmas gifts for” was arrested after a standoff with police Dec. 21. Matthew Weber, 21, was accused of stealing cigarettes and cash from a grocery store and a pharmacy. Weber was taken into custody after a standoff with the North Metro SWAT Team in a wooded area off Roswell Road at Northridge Road. Police said Weber robbed the a grocery store located at 8331 Roswell Road of cash and two cartons of cigarettes and ran away. He was caught a short distance away in the wooded area. He placed a handgun to his head, police said. Negotiators successfully convinced him to give up without incident. Weber was taken to the Fulton County Jail on charges of armed robberies of the grocery and a Walgreens pharma-

CAPTAIN STEVE ROSE, SSPD srose@sandyspringsga.gov

cy on Dec. 18. Police said he took two packs of cigarettes and about $274 from the pharmacy. Weber also was wanted on warrants from Forsyth County for burglary and possession of marijuana.

BUR GLARY

GRAVITY STudIo now open In SAndY SpRInGS. CAll 678.515.4006 oR STop bY To SChedule YouR fRee week. TM

block of Jett Road—On Dec. 7, a resident reported that he had several work tools taken from his garage.

 8600

Roberts Drive—On Dec. 8, a resident notified an apartment maintenance employee she heard glass breaking around 8 a.m. He went to the apartment location and found a man walking away carrying electronic items. He yelled at the man, who fled after dropping the items. Police found a broken bedroom window which was the point of entry.

 400

block of Granite Ridge Place—On Dec. 8, a 32-year-old man returned to his apartment after taking his dog for a walk and a 3rd Edition Samsung tablet and $10 cash were stolen.

 8400 block of Roswell Road—On Dec.

9, after relocating following a fire, a resCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

GeT STARTed wITh A fRee week.

 4000

City considering updating ﬁre stations The city now owns 1.37 acres at Station 1, 1425 Spalding Drive, 1.26 acres at Station 2, 135 Johnson Ferry Road, 2.78 acres at Station 3, 6025 Raider Drive, and 1.37 acres at Station 4, 4697 Wieuca Road, according to the memorandum. “Our goal is to improve response times,” McDonough said during the Dec. 16 meeting, He said one option city officials do not plan to pursue would be to locate a new station at the intersection of Abernathy and Wright roads. Before the council meeting, residents in the area had contacted city officials saying they’d heard the location was being considered as a new site for Station 2. Residents who attended the meeting to question the station move instead were pleased by McDonough’s denial.

Aging ﬁre stations Here are the years Sandy Springs’ ﬁre stations were built: Station 1: 1969 Station 2: 1968 Station 3: 2002 Station 4: 1975 Source: city of Sandy Springs

OUR BUSINESS IS GROWING! JOIN OUR SALES TEAM

We’re looking for another great Account Executive who has a passion for selling, proven experience and measurable success in any type of outside sales. We offer excellent compensation (salary + commission) and benefits.

For information, contact publisher Steve Levene at 404-917-2200, ext. 111 or email stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net.

Reporter Newspapers

“I think they got the message,” resident Barbara Malone said. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 19

MAKE YOUR BOOK DOLLARS I-285

Hammond Dr.

GO FURTHER!

Ashford Dunwoody Rd.

%! 0 8 F OF

BOOK WAREHOUSE

New books

added everyday! Also visit us at Town Center Mall

www.facebook.com/BWAtlanta 770-399-4688 www.book-warehouse.com

1151 Hammond Dr. NE Dunwoody, GA 30346 Hours: Sun 11-7 • Mon-Sat 10-9

1 ANY GARMENT DRY CLEANED $ 99

NOW OPEN IN SANDY SPRINGS

6358 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs GA, 30328 - 470-440-5450 4314 Roswell Rd, Atlanta GA, 30342 - 678-974-8377

See studio for details."Best" claim based on Net Promoter scores from 2013 via Listen360.com.

Start the New Year feeling your best Buckhead 404.254.4050 4285 Roswell Rd elementsmassage.com/buckhead

studio name

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net - license#

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sandy Springs Police Blotter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

ident found that someone accessed his damaged apartment and took several personal items.

TH EFTS  6600

block of Brandon Mill Road— On Dec. 7, a man said he received a ride home from a ride-sharing driver. They arrived around 2:30 a.m. He got out of the car and realized he had left his phone, possibly in the car. They called the number and heard it ringing—from the car. The driver refused to let them search and drove off. The phone was since tracked to Covington, Ga.

 6390

Roswell Road—On Dec. 8, an LL Bean Briefcase, Dell Laptop, leather briefcase and HP laptop were taken.

 1155

Mt. Vernon Highway—On Dec. 8, a Ruger .308 hunting rifle with scope was taken.

 6558 Roswell Road—On Dec. 8, a tail-

gate to a 2008 Ford pickup was taken.

 6317

of Roswell Road—On Dec. 10, a MacBook Pro, Michael Kors suitcase, clothing and makeup were taken.

FRAUD

A woman reported someone  No address reRead more of the used her personported—A Home Police Blotter online at al information to Depot employee www.reporternewspapers.net open an account reported that he with Scana Enerwatched two womgy on West View en take LED lights, stash them in a purse Drive in Atlanta. She found out when the and walk out. He also watched them collection call was made to her. meet up on an aisle with a man, before they left. The man had a cart with items  A man came into the Costco on Dec. 6 in it, but he abandoned it in another aisle and received a new membership. He then and then met the two women in the parkpurchased two Sony PS4 game systems ing lot. They left in a Chevy Caprice. with an American Express card. He came back later and bought a 60-inch TV. The  Mount Vernon Oaks—On Dec. 9, following day a woman came in with a resident reported that about 5 p.m. the same membership card and bought someone swiped a UPS box delivered to two PS4’s and a desktop computer. She his address. The box contained clothing picked up the computer but apparentvalued at $246. ly got nervous and left without picking up the PS4s. The man then came in with  4700 block of Powers Ferry Road—On the receipts wanting the two PS4’s. The Dec. 10, a builder reported that someone loss prevention employee, who found this stole an exterior AC unit from a home he transaction to be suspicious, asked is building on Powers Ferry Road. for the American Express card to It was one of three units and valverify the status (stolen or not.) ued at $2,600. He also asked for the man’s ID,  Mt. Vernon—An employee which was a fraudulent Floriof the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian da ID. The man responded by Founder’s Campus said she left refusing and then fleeing to a her purse in one of the classrooms white Escalade and off they went. and walked to another classroom to They were pulled over minutes later. The card appeared to have been meet with students. Shortly afcloned,thebut the number for tollter, she got a callDepending from her bank’s on how the template interprets layout, adjustments may be ne contact fraud unit askingyour if she admade size. aThese adjustments mayfree involve liningtoupAmerican the white Exand green $40 charge on her credit card. adjusting the placement of the logo or press text. said only that they were open Monday through Friday. She went back to the classroom Thit. e man butbox thefor you and found that To someone alter thehad disclaimer, double-click on This was willreleased, open a text gone into her purse. card was kepttheuntil verification disclaimer. Note: for offers with a session length, statement "sessions in can by be the done. consultation and dressing" is required legal department. For headline "best TH EFT FRwords OM V EHImassage" C L E S the statement "Best" claim based on Net Promoter sco via Listen360.com is required by the legalAdepartment. S S A U LT  7447 Roswell Road—On Dec. 6, a 

wallet and cash were taken.  8331 Roswell Road—On Dec. 9, a The offer circle may be changed way as just in any other template. fight the callsame was placed after 4 p.m. in Dou select your offer by clicking on it, click "Apply" at the bottom and then click  6881 Roswell Road—On Dec. 7, a the Kroger parking lot off Northridge the inspector. .45-caliber Tarsus Gun, work keys and Road. A man was lying in the parking lot $5 were taken. and appeared to have been beaten. The To remove the address for in-studio use, just drag thesemi-conscious, contact information bo beaten man, who was  280 Hilderbrand Drive—On Dec. 7, aarea. template onto the gray said he remembered nothing. A witness laptop was taken. said he saw two men in a black 2014 The blue line around the ad is the bleed line. go Thetodefault bleed is set Dodge Charger a liquor store in to .125  5600 Roswell Road—On Dec. 8, an has a different bleed, or no bleed, change or remove the bleed as follows: the shopping center and then speak with Apple MacBook laptop, Go Pro Camera and bag were taken. CONTINUED 22 of the page. 1) Double click the red "Document Settings" linkON at PAGE the top SS

2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0. If the ad has a

404 Cut Tree AAA Auto Club Group AARP Acadia Homes Adman Promotions Advantage Painting Agave Alexander Academy Alfie Pets LLC All Sports Camp at Agnes Scott All Sports Camp at PRUMC Alliance Theater Allie J. Salon Allstate - Clinton Ward Alon’s Bakery AMA Executive Conference Center Ansley Eye Care Appelrouth Tutoring Appliance Repair Art Sandy Springs Artee Atkins Park Atlanta’s Best Massage Atlanta Colts Youth Association Atlanta Communities - Shirley Sidwell Atlanta Communities - Sue McKay Atlanta Fine Homes-Jim Getzinger Atlanta Fine Homes - Michelle Wing Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces Atlanta Fringe Festival Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Atlanta Girls School Atlanta Gymnastics Center Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Hearing Associates Atlanta International School Atlanta Jewish Academy Atlanta Peach Movers Atlanta Renovation Store Atlanta Roof Cleaners Atlanta Speech School Atlanta Surgical Arts Atlanta Technical College Atlanta Track Club Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Atlantic Realty Partners Atlantis Granite & Marble Audiological Consultants of Atlanta Babcock Dermatology Baker Dennard & Goetz Bank of North Georgia - Alpharetta Bank of Sandy Springs Bare Foot Barnsley Resort Batteries + Bulbs Beacham & Co Donna Boynton & Joy Myrick Beacham & Company - Buckhead Office Beacham & Company Realtors - Anne Powers Becky Whetzell Bell Carpet Galleries BenchMark Physical Therapy Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beverly Bremer Silver Shop Big Ketch Big Ring Media / Sharian Rugs Binders Art Bird Law Firm Bird Loechl Brittain & McCants LLC Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center BNARR LLC Bob Gibeling Bob Montigel Booth Western Art Museum Brandon Hall School Break Into Business Briarcliff Animal Center Brookdale Senior Living Brookhaven Alerts Brookhaven Baptist Church Brookhaven Dental Associates BuckHaven Veterinary Clinic LLC Buckhead Fine Rugs Camelot Jewelers Camp Chatuga Camp Thunderbird Camp Westminster Canterbury Court Caring Transitions Carlisle Montessori Cathedral of St. Philips Bookstore Center for Civil & Human Rights Central Atlanta Progress Central Presbyterian Church Chastain Horse Park Cheeseburger Bobby’s Cheeseburger Bobby’s -Chastain Children’s Healthcare -Three Children’s School Chin Chin Restaurant Christopher Burton MD Chrysalis Exp Academy Church of the Atonement Chyten to Premier & Test Prep City Brookhaven Office of Tourism City of Decatur City of Decatur City of Sandy Springs We want takeTutoring this opportunity toofsay Clairmont Baptist Church Club Z Intown Cobb County Gem & Mineral Society Cobblestone Capital LLC Coldwell Banker-Robin Blass Coldwell YOU” to theHigh nearly 500Realty advertisers Banker“THANK Corporate Coldwell Banker Country Coldwell Banker Intown Coldwell Banker Res- Midtown Comfortable Chair Store Crescent Heights Th e Atlantic Condos Cruise Authority, Th e Cumberland Academy Cutco Dance Theatre Davis Academy Dentistry with a Difference who helped to make 2014 our biggest year ever. Doc Chey’s Noodle House Dorsey Alston Realtors Dorsey Alston Realtors - Erin Yabroudy Dr. Arthur Silver DDS, PC Dunwoody Brokers Realty Please shop and patronize them when Dunwoody Nature Centerlocal Dunwoody Photo Dunwoody Pines Dunwoody Preservation Trust Dunwoody Veterinary Center Eighteen Eight Fine Men’s Salon Elements Massage Emory Healthcare Emory University - Asthma Clinical Res Engel & Volkers Intown Atl - Ken Covers Engel & Volkyou’re looking high quality products and services. ers Intown Atl - Scott Askewfor ENT of Georgia South EpiCity - 627 Irwin St Townhomes Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia Epstein School Euro-Distribution Co EZ One Price Cleaners Farsi Fine Jewelers Fast Signs Ferst Center for the Arts First Watch Flatz Shoes Fresh ‘N’ Fit Cuisine-Cumming Friends and Neighbors of Bill Bozarth Friends School of Atlanta Fripp Island Resort Fujiyama Japanese Sushi & Steak Fulton Science Academy OurHealth advertisers choose Newspapers Atlanta Intown we&reach Functional Inc. Galloway School Reporter Garage Dude, The Gas South and George’s Restaurant & Bar because Georgia Blinds Interiorsmore Georgia Perimeter College Georgia Urology Gifty Nibo Goddard School Good Measure Meals Goodchild for Georgia Gordon Street Realty Gravity Studio Great Clips homes and cover more news in our five communities than any other local publication. Great Gatsby’s Fine Antiques Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greenfield Hebrew Academy Gunnison Tree Specialists HammerSmith Hammocks Trading Company Hands Youlook Demand Harry Norman Buckhead - Hilof Harper Harry the Norman Buckhead NorthWe’reHammond proud toGlen beSenior yourCommunity newspaper and forward to another year growing local Bob Glascock Harry Norman Intown-Rodney Hinote Harry Norman Intown - Chris Hough Team Harry Norman Perimeter - Peggy Feldman ties that matter most to ourHarry customers and readers alike. Harry Norman Realtors - Carolyn Calloway Norman Realtors - Travis Reed Haygood Preschool High Meadows School Highland Pet Supply Hindson & Melton Hitch House Holy Innocents Episcopal School Holy Spirit Preparatory School Home Care Assistance Home Rebuilders Homestead Real Estate Consultants Howard School, The ID Tech Camps In Stitches InShapeMD Insidesign Intaglia Home Collection Integral Structure Inter Atlanta FC Janke Glass Studio Jewish National Fund The Joint Junior League of Atlanta-Nearly New Kaikudo Martial Arts Academy Kazoo Toys Keller Williams-Angie Ponsell Keller Williams - Alex Wilkinson Keller Williams - Gipson Team Keller Williams - Kelly Marsh Keller Williams - Schiff Realty Partners Kevin Aycock Homes Kids Enabled Kudzu Antiques & Vintage Home Mkt LaAmistad Landmark Vacation Rentals %Priority Mkt Las Margaritas Little Da Vinci International School Little Szechuan Los Bravos Mexican Restaurant Lovett School Lucky’s Burger & Brew Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Marcus Jewish Community Center Marcus L Dorsey Marist School W Atlanta Downtown MARTA Maryville College Massage Envy Spa Maxim Maylan International Academy MBS Wellness McDaniel & Durrett, PC Gynecology McKenna Long & Aldridge Medlock Gulf MedZed Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead Merlin Auto Group Merry Maids 1185 Michael Smith Midtown Bank MJCCA Moda Floors Modern Atlanta Modern Dental Modern Emergent Care Moksha Indian Cuisine Moon Bros., Inc Mosaic Group Atlanta Mount Vernon Presbyterian School Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Murphey Candler Girls Softball Assoc Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Myers Carpet Nancy’s Pizza Midtown Nancy G’s Neuropathy Center of Georgia Nightvision Outdoor Lighting North Atlanta Primary Care North Atlanta Women’s Specialists North Springs Charter High School Northside Drive Baptist Church Northside Hospital Northside Hospital Physicians Northside Oral Surgery Northwest Presbyterian Church Nothing Bundt Cakes Nu Ear Hearing Centers Olansky Dermatology Assoc Oriental Designer rugs Osteria 832 Pasta and Pizza Our Lady of the Assumption School Pace Academy Paideia School Palmer House Properties & Associates Paolo’s Gelato Italiano Park Springs LLC Parkside Parlor Blowout Parkside Partners Peachtree Cremation Peachtree Presbyterian Church Peachtree Road UMC Perdue for Senate Peregrine’s Landing at Peachtree Creek Perimeter Clinic Perimeter Institute for Clinical Research Piedmont Healthcare %Tailfin PNC Bank Price for Congress Primrose School Midtown Primrose School of Brookhaven Priority Marketing Proactive Residential Red Baron’s Antiques Redding Allergy & Asthma Center ReMax Around Atlanta ReMax Metro Atlanta Cityside ReMax Metro Cityside / The Intowners ReMax Town & Country Renaissance on Peachtree Rialto Center for the Arts Richmond Tree Experts Riverside Military Academy Riverview Camp for Girls Robb Pitts Campaign RuSan’s S & S Rugs Saint Anne’s Terrace Inc Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism Sandy Springs UMC Sandy Weider Sanford Brown Savage Pizza Scholarship Basics Second Church of Christ, Scientist Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Sembler Company Sewell Appliance Sheffrin Men’s Health Signature Bank. Silk Route Simple Finds Interiors & Antiques SKIRT Slice of Brookhaven Smiles By Design Snow Companies Sophia Academy Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society Southeastern Lung Care Southern Classic Jewelry Southern Outdoor Construction Spivey Hall - Clayton State University Sports Broadcasting Camp Springmont School Spruill Center For The Arts SRA International, Inc SSYS St James United Methodist St. Benedict’s Episcopal Day School St. John Children’s Center St. John United Methodist Church St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church St. Luke Lutheran Church St. Martin’s Episcopal School St. Pius X Mother’s Club State Farm-Jerome Johnson State Farm-Harold Florence Steel Canyon Golf Club Sufi’s Restaurant Suzuki School Sweet Repeats Swift School Sylvan Learning Center Tacos and Tequilas Target Auction Teela Taqueria Temple Emanu-El Schiff Preschool Ten Thousand Villages Tenet Health/Atlanta Medical Center Tennessee Valley Railroad The Haute Spot The Pet

We’re celebrating another year of growth! More advertisers More circulation More local stories

Thank you from the Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta INtown staff!

Buckhead Reporter

Brookhaven Reporter

Dunwoody Reporter

Sandy Springs Reporter

www.ReporterNewspapers.net • www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com • PUBLISHED BY SPRINGS PUBLISHING LLC SS

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | 21

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sandy Springs Police Blotter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

someone in the parking lot. The witness believes there was an argument before the two men left in the Charger. He, however, did not witness the assault. The beaten man was taken to Northside Hospital and is expected to recover.  Abernathy

under Ga. 400—On Dec. 10, a man reported that he was riding his bike west on Abernathy, under Ga. 400, when a bronze 2015 Toyota Tundra pickup truck cut in front of him to merge onto Abernathy. In doing so, the truck nearly hit the bicyclist. The truck stopped ahead at a red light. The bike rider rode up to the truck so that the rider “could explain bicycle rider’s rights” to the driver. The bicycle rider pulled up to the passenger side and knocked on the window. The driver pulled and pointed a gun at the bicycle rider, who was knocking on his window. The bike rider retreated and called 9-1-1. Regardless of how just the cause, don’t put your safety in jeopardy. That was not a smart move. The driver of the truck, although in this case he probably knew what was going on, and he was most definitely a rude driver, could have assumed he was about to get car jacked. Who knows? Grab

a tag number and report it but don’t confront someone with so much “road rage” potential.

OTH ER TH I N GS A

man reported his ex-girlfriend has been calling and emailing despite the Temporary Restraining Order put out on her.

 8763

Roswell Road— A man walked into the BP Station and grabbed a 16-ounce Heineken and walked into the bathroom and started drinking the beer. The beer was recovered 2/3 full and the man was charged with shoplifting.

 6280

Peachtree-Dunwoody Road—On Dec. 10, an employee of the Micro Inn and Suites called police around 8 p.m. and said a guest notified him that he had accidentally discharged his gun. The bullet went into the door’s metal plate around the handle and lodged. The guest later met with officers and said the 9mm gun discharged accidentally while he was cleaning it. The

guest had a firearm license and was in town for business. No charges were filed.

AR R ES TS  8800

block of Dunwoody Place— On Dec. 6, officers were called to an apartment just after 1 a.m. They spoke to a man who said another man, whom he allowed to stay with him, was drunk and had threatened him. They found the man who was indeed drunk, shirtless and staggering about the parking lot. The man said he had an argument with the other man and referred to his woman using derogatory language. He was cuffed and put in the back seat, where he began to run his mouth, making specific references to the complainant in the form of the following: “I’m going to make him pay for it.” The officer reminded the man he was being recorded and to cease making threats. He said, “Oh I’m going to make threats,” and continued making threats, cursing and at one point threatened, “Make sure you type that

when I get out, I am going to kill….” The arrested man was then charged with Terroristic Threats and Acts.  Ga.

285 West at the river—On Dec. 8, officers received a call around 3:30 a.m. of a Dodge Charger on I-285 near the river. The car, according to witnesses, was swerving and it appeared someone was shooting out of the windows. The officers notified Cobb County Police and later, around 4 a.m., they were contacted by Cobb PD, who had a car matching the description on the East-West Connector. SSPD units met with them and interviewed five people in the car. The end result was that a woman in the car fired several 9mm rounds from the car. Cops determined that she acted alone and, although she was not firing at a particular target (such as a car), she was acting in a reckless manner. She was arrested.

 Trowbridge

Road--Loss prevention staff at a grocery store detained a man who took four small bottles of Moscato wine and stuffed them down his pants before walking out. He was later arrested.

We get a lot more calls and leads from the Reporter Newspapers than we do from any other community paper we have advertised with. – Stoney Green & Steve Arroll Owners

Reporter Newspapers www.ReporterNewspapers.net 22

65,000 copies delivered to homes and businesses in four great communities! Put Reporter Newspapers to work for your business. For advertising information, call 404-917-2200, ext. 130.

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Reporter Classiﬁeds & Home Services Directory

To Advertise, call 404-917-2200 ext 110

HELP WANTED Advertising Sales - Reporter Newspapers & Atlanta Intown – Join our team! You should have a record of success selling products or services to small and mid-sized businesses, know the local market and enjoy working in a fast-paced, deadline oriented, entrepreneurial company. Unlimited earning potential with base salary + commission + company paid health insurance. Contact Publisher: Steve Levene at 404-917-2200 ext. 111. or email stevelevene@ ReporterNewspapers.net.

PET SERVICES DIRECTORY

CLEANING SERVICES

Part-time Personal Assistant Wanted (Intown) – Looking for an organized, self starter person to assist in local work related activities. Duties could entail office work, bill paying, filing, errands and miscellaneous responsibilities. Hours can be flexible and may vary. Fax resume to 404-4788465.

I Love to clean houses! – Call 678-221-7716. Great prices. Houses, Apartments, Ofﬁces & more –Affordable prices, excellent references. Call 770-837-5711 I will clean your house at a reasonable rate – My Cleaning is excellent! Fully trained, experienced & dependable. Call Charlotte 404-604-7866.

Feline & Canine Wellness Packages Starting At

$75

We have an immediate opening for drivers – Do you love to drive and make money? Are you VCA Pets Are People Too organized, dependable, honest and hardworking? POLICE DEPARTMENT 4280 N. Peachtree Rd Then let’s make money. OTR drivers needed Computer/IT – Lead Architects, Atlanta, GA located in Atlanta GA. Minimum 2 years verifiable Chamblee,GA 30341 LOST & FOUND PROPERTY Apply: www.air-watch.com O.T.R Truck driving experience. If you have any Sandy Springs Police Department – Seeking 770-452-1001 questions call or text – Adam 614-787-7208. owners for Lost and Found Property. These www.VCApetsarepeopletoochamblee.com property items are not for sale. To view the WINDOWS & SIDING property items list, visit the Sandy Springs Offering vinyl, wood and composite SERVICES AVAILABLE Police Department website at http://www. windows – All types of siding. FactoryFOR RENT sandyspringsga.gov/public-safety/policetrained installation. Family-owned, Family- Driveways & Walkways – Replaced or repaired. department/citizen-services/property-evidencepriced. Angie’s List ‘A’ Rated. BBB ‘A+’. 33 Masonry, grading, foundations repaired, retrieval. To claim property, you must have valid Dunwoody North home – 4377 Vintage Lane. Years In Business. Quinn Windows & Siding. waterproofing and retaining walls. Call Joe identification and proof of ownership. 5BR / 3.5BA avail Feb 1. Recently renovated, 770-939-5634. Sullivan 770-616-0576. spacious. $2150/mo. ralph.a.jordan@gmail.com

justTRASHit!

™

Commercial & Residential Junk Removal Recycling 770-399-6605 www.justtrashit.com Licensed Insured

Free Estimates

Locally Owned Since 1997

Trash, Junk Hauled For Less

35 – $150

per load

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

Call James

cell (404) 784-5142 home (770) 455-6237

Belco Electric

• Family Owned since 1972 • Fast, Dependable Service by Professional, Uniformed Electricians

770-455-4556

Check out our new website www.BelcoInc.com

Universal Services LLC

Handyman Services

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

770-285-7017

www.universal-handyman-services.com A Complete Plumbing Service Center

$25 OFF WITH THIS AD!

www.PlumbWorksInc.com

moving & delivery too! No job too small References Available

678-927-9336 Cell/803-608-0792

Window Cleaning

This A d

North Georgia Lawn Care Honest Affordable Dependable Free estimates

We do quality work at reasonable prices.

Atlanta’s Premier

• Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Family Owned • Licensed and Insured • FREE ESTIMATES

since 1968

404.355.1901

www.WindowCleanAtl.com

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

Voted Best of 2012 & 2013

Apex

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

The Handyman Can

www.reporternewspapers.net

With

Call Tony 404-402-5435

Cornell Davis, Owner

poern ou c stom u 0 c $ 5 e per

Shine Some Light on Your Business.

15% O

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

Handyman and Home Improvement

404-461-9724

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

In the heart of Buckhead

and follow us on

Hey! Over Here.

Oriental Rug Cleaning

• Most Air-Cooled Models In Stock and Ready To Install • Most Air-Cooled Models In • Automatic Standby Generators Stock Ready To Install • Most Air-Cooled Models In • Automatic Standby Generators Stock Air-Cooled Ready To Install • Most Models In (770) 251-9765 • Automatic Standby Generators

(770) 251-9765

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

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

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

www.ReporterNewspapers.net | DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.generatorstore.com

(770) 251-9765

www.generatorstore.com

IMAGINE THE DREAM

We’ll take you there

HAPPY NEW YEAR & warm wishes this holiday season from the Schiff Real estate Team connect with:

Schiff Real Estate Team Office: 404.419.3500 Direct: 404.418.9105 info@SchiffRealEstateTeam.com www.SchiffRealEstateTeam.com

DEC. 26, 2014 – JAN. 8, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Michael & Leigh Schiff SS