02-07-2014 Brookhaven Reporter

Inside Summer Camps A special advertising section PAGES 18-21

After the storm Residents, officials reflect on the snow and ice

Brookhaven Reporter

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FEB. 7 — FEB. 20, 2014 • VOL. 6 — NO. 3

Getting hosed

Pink Pony offers $200,000 a year to settle lawsuit

COMMUNITY 5-7

Super sized Cumbersome school system needs flexibility COMMENTARY 8

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

melissaweinman@reporternewspapers.net

Robin’s Nest

Representatives for the Pink Pony strip club say they have offered to pay the city of Brookhaven $200,000 a year in licensing fees to settle their ongoing lawsuit, but city officials haven’t accepted it.

That amount, offered for an undisclosed long-term period, doubles the amount the club has paid DeKalb County in fees each year, said Dennis Williams, chief financial officer of Trop Inc., the corporation that owns the club.

“We never really got a yes or no,” Williams said. “They said they’d take it under consideration.”

Brookhaven City Manager Marie Garrett declined to discuss the offer.

“We cannot comment on that. It’s pending litigation,” Gar-

Our new columnist talks about family life COMMENTARY 9

SEE PINK PONY, PAGE 28

Where you live Check out recent home sales in this new section

Eager volunteer groups ready to renovate city’s parks

HOME & REAL ESTATE 10-13

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

Going country

melissaweinman@reporternwspapers.net

PHIL MOSIER

Oglethorpe exhibits French landscapes OUT & ABOUT 14

Back, Chuck Bray, fire apparatus operator, and fire medic Patrick Hogan clean a fire engine’s supply line hose from chemicals and salt laid down during the recent snow storm.

The engine, which helped pull cars off the roads, is housed at DeKalb County Fire Department Station No.15, 2017 Flightway Drive, adjacent to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

As the city of Brookhaven begins the planning process for the future of its parks and recreation system, volunteer groups are becoming more organized and enthusiastic.

“We all believe the potential is there for something really groundbreaking,” said Chad Boles, president of the Briarwood Park Conservancy.

Brookhaven has a robust network of park volunteers.

Along with active “friends of the park” groups and conservancies for each of the city’s parks, there is also a recently formed umbrella group known as the Parks and Recreation SEE PENT-UP, PAGE 26

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COMMUNITY

Legislative committee OKs proposal to create new schools

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A legislative proposal to allow “new cities” to create school systems was approved by an education subcommittee Feb. 4 and is now headed for a hearing before the full House Education Committee Feb. 5.

HR 486 is a resolution that would amend the Georgia Constitution to allow for the creation of school districts in new cities incorporated since 2005 and the cities adjacent to them. The measure would potentially affect 16 cities in the metro Atlanta area, including Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven.

Erika Harris, representing Georgians for Local Area School Systems, told the committee that most of the state’s highest performing school systems have few-

er than 10,000 students, compared with large school systems like DeKalb County, which has nearly 100,000 students.

She said there needs to be flexibility for school systems to reorganize as the metro Atlanta area continues to grow.

Brookhaven City Councilwoman Rebecca Chase Williams told the committee her city would support the measure.

“Our high school is Cross Keys, which had a 42 percent graduation rate.

We think we can do better than that,” Williams said.

In order to amend the constitution, the resolution must be approved by twothirds of the House and Senate and then voted on by a majority of voters in a referendum.

Canon promoted to assistant city manager

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Brookhaven’s Community Development Director Susan Canon has been promoted to assistant city manager.

Canon will continue to oversee the Community Development Department but will also assist the city manager in other city operations.

Ben Song has been promoted to community development deputy director. He will assist Canon and manage code enforcement, building services and land development for the city.

Song was hired in 2013 as planning and zoning manager.

“Ms. Canon and Mr. Song have been dedicated to Brookhaven’s success since

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COMMUNITY

DeKalb CEO: ‘We’re changing the way we do business’

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

melissaweinman@reporternwspapers.net

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May recognizes that his county has seen better days, but he’s confident that things are turning around.

In his “State of the County” speech Jan. 23, May touted his plans to target public safety, economic development, beautification and ethics to improve DeKalb County.

“This administration is prepared to take our struggles of today to define our progress for tomorrow,” May said.

May was appointed interim CEO in June by Gov. Nathan Deal after former CEO Burrell Ellis was indicted on several charges, including extortion and perjury.

May said public safety is a priority in his proposed 2014 budget. To combat high levels of attrition, May said he would like for the county to hire 160 new police officers and 100 new firefighters every year for the next three years. In December, public safety officers received a 3 percent pay raise, which for some officers was the first increase in six years, May said.

“That is something we are doing to keep our streets safe,” May said.

May also would like to see DeKalb

do a better job with economic development, an area in which he said the county has “faltered.”

“While government itself does not create jobs,” May said, “it is our responsibility to create an environment in which businesses can grow and thrive.”

He would like for county offices to make it quicker and easier for businesses to get permits and licenses in DeKalb.

“This has been a nightmare for business to come in and either open or expand their business,” May said.

He said the county is also looking to hire a firm to create an economic development strategy.

Another way to help recruit businesses and improve quality of life is to work on cleaning up and beautifying the county, May said. A program called “Operation Fresh Start” would focus on improving gateways and major corridors of the county by increasing efforts to mow grass, pick up litter and remove illegal signs.

May said he also plans to step up code enforcement on private properties. May said he would like to hire seven more code enforcement officers next

“While government itself does not create jobs,” May said, “it is our responsibility to create an environment in which businesses can grow and thrive.”

– LEE MAY INTERIM DEKALB COUNTY CEO

year to help combat nuisances like abandoned properties.

“We are changing the way we do business, y’all,” May said.

As for ethics, May called for continued investment in the DeKalb County Board of Ethics, restructuring auditing positions, and creating a commission to study the county’s ethics ordinance and make recommendations.

May also used his speech to comment

on three proposals to form new cities in the central area of the county.

“Cityhood is not necessarily a bad thing. But the cherry-picking of commercial properties and quickly drawn enclaves isn’t good for anyone,” May said. “I’d like to renew my call to the General Assembly to refrain from creating any new cities this year until we can draw up an equitable solution to the current law.”

Brookhaven Government Calendar Brookhaven City Council usually meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at locations to be determined.

For complete and up-to-date schedule of Brookhaven city meetings, go to http://brookhavenga.gov .

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AFTER THE STORM

While praising storm response, cities seek to improve for future

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Once the ice melted and the traffic gridlock eased, local officials began considering how to improve future reactions to storms like the one that froze metro Atlanta in January.

“We will do a post-mortem to assess things we did well and what could have been done better,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said.

Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan, who worked more than 30 hours straight during the storm Jan. 28 and 29, said his staff, too, would review their actions to look for ways to improve.

The storm that blew in Jan. 28 closed schools and created traffic tie-ups so bad that people abandoned vehicles to walk, or spent dozens of hours sitting in cars waiting for traffic to clear.

Shelters opened at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and Congregation Or Hadash, Paul said, and people spent the night at several businesses. Some children were stuck overnight at schools. Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough said 334 mortorists stayed in shelters.

Dunwoody police Sgt. Fidel Espinoza delivered gas and blankets to stranded motorists using an ATV. He said most officers ended up staying the night, sleeping at

City Hall. “We ran out of cots, and people ended up sleeping on the floor,” he said.

Despite sharp criticism leveled at state government officials for their actions during and prior to the storm, several local civic leaders seemed pleased overall with their community’s response. “Across the board, we had a great response,” McDonough said.

Paul said Sandy Springs officials got a jump on the storm. “We pre-treated the roads around the hospitals before the snow started as a precaution and also targeted schools to help bus traffic,” he wrote.

“The city issued updates at least every two hours throughout the emergency period, using social media and email chains to get crucial information to our citizens. ... The council members did a magnificent job of distributing this emergency information to people in their districts, which helped many people avoid impassable areas in their struggle to get home.”

Volunteers jumped in to help, providing stranded motorists with water, food and shelter. In Dunwoody, Tony Delmechi said people stopped in at his home for cocoa and bathroom breaks, and a group spent the night in his basement. In Brookhaven, Joel Callahan fed and walked

Inspiration Originates In Your Heart

dogs for a neighbor he didn’t know after ers and public works personnel,” he said. posting an offer to help on a community Grogan wrote on Facebook that his debulletin board. partment will soon begin looking for ways Part of the reason for the gridlock, Groto improve reaction to future storms. gan pointed out, was that many people “In hindsight, the two things that were at work when the storm hit and were would have helped the most would have headed home to neighboring communibeen if the schools had closed Tuesday ties, so they all were trying to drive on the [Jan. 28], and if many of the businesses same roads. “Everybody wanted to leave at had closed as well and their employees had the same time,” Grogan said. stayed home,” Grogan wrote. “FortunateGrogan said Dunwoody police received ly, we can all learn from events such as this 222 service calls in 18 hours. The departand improve upon our future responses.” ment usually receives about 75 calls in 24 hours, he said. McDonough said Chatcomm, the city’s 911 center, received 4,062 calls for service between noon Jan. 28 and 6 p.m. Jan. 29.

“I can’t say enough about our staff ...,” Grogan said on the department’s Facebook page. “Not once did I hear an officer complain about the harsh working J.D. MOOR conditions, the workload or the long hours.”

Paul said public response to city officials has been favorFrom left, Malena Shipley, 9, Fernando able, too. “I received more than Reyes, 6, and Jesus Reyes, 4, who 300 emails and Facebook posts live in the Drew Valley Road area in thanking us for keeping them inBrookhaven, take off down an icy formed about the situation and activities that occurred, while street on Jan. 29, using the tops of commending our first respondDeKalb County recycling bins as sleds.

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AFTER THE STORM

The ‘storm’ in 140 Characters Twitter lit up on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29 as the snow storm rolled into the metro area.

Here’s a sampling of how things unfolded:

Sandy Springs, GA @SandySpringsGA Jan 28 National Weather Service issued winter storm warning. Dusting to sev inches of snow expected.

Forecast models not conclusive.

Sandy Springs, GA @SandySpringsGA Jan 28 Traffic on most main surface streets in Sandy Springs has slowed to a crawl. Neighborhood streets are icy. Avoid travel where possible.

Brookhaven Police @BrookhavenGA_PD Jan 28 All roads throughout Brookhaven are heavily congested at this time with conditions becoming more severe.

DeKalb Co. Schools @DeKalbSchools Jan 28 All DeKalb County schools will be dismissed early today. Teachers & staff will remain at schools until all children are on buses/picked up.

Atlanta Police Dept @Atlanta_Police Jan 28 APD is aware of the traffic situations around the city and we are working with various departments to resolve the issues.

FultonCountySchools @FultonCoSchools Jan 28 Today’s weather pattern has come in faster than initially forecasted. The school day will be ending at 1:45 p.m.

Georgia DOT @GADeptofTrans Jan 28 Hazardous conditions are spreading throughout Northeast GA. Crews are active in the affected areas.

GrowBrookhaven @GrowBrookhaven Jan 28 Attn: #Brookhaven ~ Dresden Drive is a sheet of ice & shouldn’t be attempted. Go home.

Dunwoody Police @DunwoodyPolice Jan 28 The volume of traffic everywhere is extremely high & all roads are gridlocked. We have an extended police response time.

City of Dunwoody, GA @DunwoodyGA Jan 28 For stranded motorists: First Baptist Church Atlanta is providing room to stranded motorists at 4400 N. Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, Georgia.

City of Brookhaven @BrookhavenGaGov Jan 28 Big thanks you to @BrookhavenGA_PD for working around the clock to help motorists in #Brookhaven stay safe on icy roads.

Governor Nathan Deal @GovernorDeal Jan 28 Gov. Deal declares state of emergency related to the winter storm, delays opening of state government until noon tomorrow.

FultonCountyGeorgia @FultonInfo Jan 28 Home Depot has announced that many of its stores are also available overnight for motorists who are stranded.

ATL Public Schools @apsupdate Jan 28 Emergency Update: #APS will ‘shelter in place’ for the remainder of evening 1/28/14 Kasim Reed @KasimReed Jan 29 Throughout the night, our crews have been working to salt and sand roads and bridges. We will continue all day until everyone is home safe.

–Compiled by Collin Kelley BK

: LS T A I R C I ALORECEITRYTO:FSFUIFTI!CIALS

AFTER THE STORM

WY OF !

A N F AL L O I T E I T I L PET TO SIOENTTFOR C LAWSUIT ETIT TTLE

Snow shoes?

Joey Carbonara, left, and Chandler Parks, sophomores at St. Pius X Catholic High School, were spotted hauling their basketball gear along Spalding Drive, near Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs, on Jan. 29. Carbonara and Parks were walking in order to meet Carbonara’s father so he would not have to drive down an icy hill to pick them up.

P

TO SE

CITYCITY OFFICIALS ARE OFFICIALS AREIGNORING IGNORING THETHE WILL OF THE PEOPLE! WILL OF THE PEOPLE!

The two said they were supposed to get a ride ■ A recent 20/20 Insight poll indicated that 75% of Brookhaven residents want ■ A recent 20/20 Insight poll indicated that 75% of Brookhaven residents want from a friend’s mom the city tothe reach a settlement agreement with the Pony.Pony. city to reach a settlement agreement withPink the Pink on Jan. 28 since school ■ The Pink Pony would the citythewith in annual revenues.

■ The Pink Ponyprovide would provide city$460,000 with $460,000 in annual revenues. let out early. However, ■ If we continue the battle, notwe only we we continue icy conditions on ■ If we continue the we battle, notlose onlyout loseon outthe onrevenue, the revenue, continue to incur costly litigation expenses, potentially for years to come. to incur costly litigation expenses, potentially for years to come.

Spalding made the drive treacherous, so instead ■ Weour expect our elected treat businesses Deliberately including ■ We expect elected officialsoffi tocials treattobusinesses fairly.fairly.

Deliberately including of getting a ride home, their friend’s mom took them to her house, the Pink Ponycity within city limits, then immediately acting to shut them down, the Pink Pony within limits, then immediately acting to shut them down, not fair treatment. where they stayed the night. The next day was spent “playing video is not fairistreatment. games indoors,” said Carbonara, and running on the icy roads outdoors, Go to www.brookhavenalerts.com/petition to read petition. said Parks. “It was fun,” Parks added.

Go to www.brookhavenalerts.com/petition to read andand signsign thethe petition.

The goal of Brookhaven Alerts is to help residents build a local The goal of Brookhaven is to help residents build a local government that isAlerts responsive, accountable and transparent. government that is responsive, accountable and transparent.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church opened a shelter for stranded motorists. Rector Michael Sullivan found himself turning to social media to help people find their way in the storm.

“In the midst of this storm, no committee was necessary. No meeting was held. No agenda prepared. No, social media and its immediate power to connect and mobilize people for action is the lesson.

“Within the first hours, a citizen in Atlanta set up a Twitter and Facebook profile for people stranded in cars. The group, SnowedOutAtlanta, established by Michelle Sollicito, had thousands of followers within minutes. It immediately became the chief means of communication for those with smartphones who were stranded in cars. Water and food were coordinated via Rector Michael Sullivan this amazing resource.

“Our parish opened as a shelter. It was just the right thing to do. But just like SnowedOutAtlanta, the ministry started taking on a new dimension via social media. We connected with our metro Atlanta city, Sandy Springs, via Facebook and Twitter. We became an official city shelter because I talked to Mayor Rusty Paul via Facebook messaging. We repeatedly posted we were open, and news spread as a contagion.

“By 2 in the morning, I was using Facebook to instruct walking motorists how to get to the church. I was also assuring parents that the shelter was safe, and sons and daughters were OK. I became an online pastor. Soon, I was using Twitter and other outlets to ask for food, water, blankets and pillows from neighbors who might raid their pantries and closets.

“And it all worked. People responded with such generosity that we will make a run to the food pantry as this city returns to normal. Within an hour of my initial posts, we had hot-cooked oatmeal, stockpots of soups, baby food and formula, toiletries, needed medication, and the list goes on. Social media became the way to connect faith and action, people to people, relationship to relationship.

“Some of my colleagues laugh about the church on Facebook and Twitter; I’ve even heard some say the church must resist such relationless forms of communication. Personally, I’ve known for a few years now that a good 90 percent of pastoral information comes via Facebook.

“Now I know that faith goes into action via these same avenues when a disaster strikes. These forms of communication saved lives in Atlanta, and made a difference for a community of faith’s response to disaster. ... So, while other people are pointing fingers, I am busy training mine to text better.”

BK

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COMMENTARY

Allowing ‘new city’ school systems would increase flexibility

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 Staff Writer: Melissa Weinman Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker Creative and Production Director of Creative & Interactive Media Christopher North chrisnorth@reporternewspapers.net Graphic Designer: Walter Czachowski Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Senior Account Executive Janet Porter Account Executives Susan Lesesne Lenie Sacks Sales Consultants David Burleson Linda Howell Office Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net Contributors J.D. Moor, Phil Mosier, Martha Nodar

Flexibility appears to be the new buzzword in education.

It is possible that we have finally hit on an idea that we hope will take off like wildfire and, more importantly, be here for the long run.

There is no arguing that teachers need flexibility in a classroom, through curriculum and instructional implementation, to meet the needs of individual classes and students. Schoolhouses benefit from flexibility too, in order to build schoolwide programs that match their student body’s needs.

In various ways, school districts also benefit from flexibility. Currently the state has embraced flexibility by encouraging school systems to adopt programs that allow them to waive certain requirements in order to build programs that will support their district’s needs and goals.

Flexibility not only exists within program development, but is also an important tool in system organization and structure.

The Georgia Constitution provides one-sided system flexibility through allowing for school system consolidation. In certain cases, very small school districts may see an opportunity to improve upon academic and extracurricular programs, and strengthen financial management through consolidating with another school district.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, when school systems are too large, there is no flexibility to deconsolidate.

This moves school-system flexibility into uncharted territory, as deconsolidation has never been broached. That is because only now, nearly 69 years after the Georgia Constitution capped the number of school systems in Georgia, are we realizing that just as there are school systems that can be too small to succeed, there are also school systems that are too large to succeed.

With the average school system nationwide being 3,500 students, it isn’t shocking that this conversation is not being heard more often. Super-sized systems are truly in the minority. However, when you consider that in a school system the size of DeKalb County you could fit 28 average-sized school systems, it seems deserved that this conversation be moved to the forefront.

To determine when a school system has grown too large to successfully offer an education that maximizes each student’s potential, you would look to the following: When a school system loses the ability to find the pulse of the individual stu-

Leash your dog while in the park To the editor:

One of Brookhaven’s most appealing assets is its beautiful parks system, especially Murphey Candler Park and 65,000 copies of Reporter Newspapers are delivered Blackburn Park. Like many other resiby carriers to homes in ZIP codes 30305, 30319, 30326, 30327, 30328, 30338, 30342 and 30350 and dents, I enjoy taking my two dogs for to more than 500 business/retail locations. daily walks.

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dent or accurately determine a schoolhouse’s needs (and more importantly meet those needs); when financial management becomes mismanagement because of an inability to effectively and efficiently match those dollars in a way that will result in successful outcomes; when the administration flow chart looks more like a fifth-generation family tree; or when media covERIKA erage seems lost in a labyrinth of HARRIS continual hope for improvement with results that show a downward GUEST COLUMN trend, the need for the flexibility of deconsolidation becomes critical.

There have been many studies pointing out the benefits of systems of manageable sizes. Among the measurable and observable positive outcomes are: higher graduation rates, maximizing of financial resources, increases in teacher satisfaction, increases in parental engagement, increased cross-level communication, and an increased sense of community.

Providing for the deconsolidation of super-sized systems can allow more students, parents, teachers and districts to realize these benefits.

House Resolution 486, put forth by Rep. Tom Taylor (RDunwoody), is the constitutional amendment that seeks to reintroduce the flexibility of school system deconsolidation into the constitution. It provides the opportunity for cities formed after 2005, and any other cities that share a contiguous border, to form municipal school systems.

By allowing for the opportunity to create municipal school systems of a manageable size, these new school districts can capitalize on the full benefits of flexibility on all levels in education: instructional differentiation in the classroom, program innovation in the schoolhouse and district structural flexibility. That provides a winning combination for everyone.

Erika Harris, a Dunwoody resident, is co-chair of Georgians for Local Area School Systems, or GLASS, a group organized by parents to lobby for passage of House Resolution 486.

LE TTE R TO THE E DITOR E-mail letters to editor@reporternewspapers.net

dog owner’s face. This is followed by shouts of “Buddy! Here Buddy,” the scrambling to grab a collar or attach a leash, and then mumblings of “Sorry” as we pass.

Did you ever stop to think that it’s not always about you and your dog?

My dogs are usually friendly, but not always, especially if an excitable animal comes bounding toward them.

While dogs are members of our families, they are not human, and have no

idea whether another dog is “good” or is going to attack. If a fight were to ensue, or even if my dog were to react as the aggressor, the fault squarely lies with the owner of the dog off the leash. And that could be made even worse if a person gets in the middle to try and break things up and gets bit.

There is a very simple solution: Leash your dog.

A disciplined walk is a good thing.

Save off-leash play time for sanctioned dog parks, doggie day care centers, your backyard, and your house. Not to mention: It’s the law.

Oh, and while you’re at it, please pick up your dog’s poop and dispose of the bag in the proper bins… but that’s a rant for another day.

Michelle Wagner BK

COMMENTARY

All choked up about this thing called love When my twins were but elementary school boys, one of them developed a crush on a girl. Upon learning this sweet tidbit, I did what I do in embarrassing situations -- pry information from the twin brother. So I asked twin brother, “Does she like him?” To which he responded enthusiastically, “Yes! It’s like a miracle!”

Even at the tender age of 10, my son recognized the simple wonder of requited love: that returned affection is a phenomenon not to be taken lightly. It doesn’t happen every day, it doesn’t even happen every lifetime, and if and when it does happen, it is a small miracle.

So what is this thing called love, and how does it stay alive? Four children and a couple of decades after my own wedding day, I feel like I should have some answers. But I don’t. I do, however, have some thoughts.

I heard in a high school English class that “love is friendship caught fire” and I have yet to come across a tidier definition. It has taken a whole heap of friendship and just enough sparks to keep this marriage going.

It has also been said that love isn’t an emotion, it’s a commitment, and a recent viewing of “Fiddler on the Roof” at a neighborhood playhouse brought that statement to my mind.

It was the song, “Do You Love Me?” that did it.

In the song, the protagonist Tevye asks Golde, his wife of 25 years by an arranged marriage, “Do you love me?”

There is such poignancy in that question, in the fact that after 25 years of marriage he must ask, and that she avoids answering.

She responds with a list of domestic chores that she has done dutifully throughout their life together. He continues prodding, and Golde replies, “For

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25 years I’ve lived with him, fought him, starved with him.

For 25 years, my bed is his. If that’s not love, what is?” Finally, they ROBIN JEAN both admit MARIE CONTE that yes, they do love each ROBIN’S NEST other after all, and that (this is the part that really chokes me up) “after 25 years… it’s nice to know.”

I cried, as I do every time I hear it.

And I realize that commitment is exactly what Golde was singing about. Commitment was the glue that held those two initial strangers together, and from that commitment, love grew.

Something else about the lyrics struck me: That period of time that seems so noteworthy when set to music and sung onstage is the milestone that my husband and I have just hit. I think now of our own ups and downs, the years raising children together, the years of supporting each other in our trials and achievements, of working out our differences…the years spent learning who we married. And I am astounded that a quarter of a century has passed like a wisp.

This past June, my husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary. It’s been a bit like a marathon…and a lot like a miracle.

Robin Jean Marie Conte is a writer and mother of four who lives in Dunwoody. She can be contacted at robinjm@earthlink.net.

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 9

HOME & REAL ESTATE

EXPERIENCE

A FAMILY VACATION

Editor’s Note: This issue introduces our new Home & Real Estate section, which includes articles on neighborhoods, information on home sales and news of the real estate business in our communities. We hope this type of coverage will give you a deeper understanding of your commmunity. The section will appear regularly in all four Reporter Newspapers.

THAT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY

The Hillsdale neighborhood is located off North Druid Hills Road, near Cross Keys High School, in the southern portion of Brookhaven. The area is close to interstates and shopping in both Buckhead and Brookhaven.

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Ken Storr knew he would love living in Hillsdale from the first moment he Where saw his house.

You “We pulled up and I told the real esLive tate agent you don’t even have to take me inside. I’m going to buy it,” Storr said. “We’ve lived there since 1990.” ty during the first weekend of OctoThe Hillsdale neighborhood is locatber, said David Schurer, president of ed off of North Druid Hills Road near the neighborhood association. “We do Cross Keys High School in the southa really awesome Oktoberfest neighborern portion of the city of Brookhavhood event,” Schurer said. en. Neighbors say He said the event they love the locaalways includes great tion, which is confood and live enter“You feel like you live in venient to interstate tainment, which for a different time, where highways, shopping the past several years in Buckhead and the has been provided by everybody used to walk Brookhaven commuhis own three-piece the streets with the kids nity, which has develband. and dogs. To me it’s oped a lot in the past Schurer said Hillsfew years. dale has many senior like an old-fashioned Established in the residents.

‘50s neighborhood.”

1950s, the neighbor“The neighborhood is comprised hood is definitely a – KEN STORR mostly of ranch- style little bit older. But houses with large some of those peolawns. ple are leaving, truStorr said he’s always been drawn to ly leaving this world, or they’re moving that design, which he describes as vito assisted living or senior citizens placbrant and modern. He collects mid-cenes, so we’re seeing things change,” Schtury furniture too, he said. “It’s just a urer said. very interesting era,” Storr said.

Storr, who is 60, said he has really enStorr said there’s something nostalgic joyed getting to know the older residents about the neighborhood, too. of the neighborhood, some of whom are “You feel like you live in a different the original owners of the homes. One time, where everybody used to walk the streets with the kids and dogs,” he said.

Is there something special about “To me it’s like an old-fashioned ‘50s your neighborhood? Let us know at neighborhood.” editor@reporternewspapers.net One of the things that brings neighbors together is the annual block par-

HOME & REAL ESTATE of the neighbors he was closest to passed away this year at age 96.

“Some of our best friends ended up being some of the older people that lived in the neighborhood,” Storr said.

Throughout the city of Brookhaven, there’s been a building boom as people purchase older homes in neighborhoods like Ashford Park and either tear them down or renovate. That transformation hasn’t reached Hillsdale.

“It hasn’t had the newer-style homes that have gone in, say, Brookhaven Heights, where you see a lot more teardowns and rebuilds,” Schurer said.

Storr said a few new homes have been built on Hillsdale lots. But he hopes the look of the neighborhood he loves so much won’t change too drastically.

“I’d have to admit I’d like to see our neighborhood stay intact,” Storr said. “But that’s the Atlanta way – we tear down and build new.”

Storr said one thing is for sure: He plans to stay in his beloved Hillsdale home for years to come.

“This is it. It’s home,” Storr said.

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From left, David Schurer, Gary Hunnicutt and David Selden perform at Hillsdale’s annual Oktoberfest block party as Santiago Sickler dances along.

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 11

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Real estate snapshot: Single family home sales Sandy Springs: 30327, 30328, 30350 High Low Median

# BRs 7 3 5

Sq. Ft. 11,000 1,340 4,057

List Price $2,495,000 234,000 595,000

Sales Price $2,170,750 200,300 554,000

Days on Market 262 3 47

Sales Price $2,400,000 322,000 755,000

Days on Market 217 2 67

Sales Price $705,000 225,000 354,000

Days on Market 127 0 20

Sales Price $411,000 120,000 332,500

Days on Market 188 2 53

Buckhead: 30305, 30327 High Low Median

# BRs 6 3 4

Sq. Ft. 7,853 1,664 2,998

List Price $2,500,000 309,900 749,000

Brookhaven: 30319 High Low Median

# BRs 5 2 3

Sq. Ft. 3,720 984 2,081

List Price $850,000 244,900 375,000

Dunwoody: 30338 High Low Median

# BRs 6 3 4

Sq. Ft. 3,848 1,265 2,812

List Price $425,000 150,000 336,450

This information is compiled from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) from Jan. 1 - Feb. 4, 2014. It is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and is not a complete list of activity. Data provided by Judy Soden, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Sandy Springs office.

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The map above, prepared by the Atlanta Regional Commission using demographic data from ESRI, shows areas with these median home values:

● $557,028 to $1 million in red ● $307,471 to $557, 028 in orange ● $185,560 to $307,471 in yellow ● $109,564 to $185,560 in green ● lower than $109,564 in blue For a larger version of this map, go to ReporterNewspapers.net.

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HOME & REAL ESTATE

Luxury high rise, hot metro neighborhoods, new projects Mitch Kaminer, associate broker with RE/MAX Paramount Properties and owner of Kaminer Property Management, has been honored with the 2013 Realtor of the Year Award by the Atlanta Board Mitch Kaminer of Realtors. Todd Emerson, senior vice president and managing broker of Harry Norman, Realtors Atlanta Perimeter and Blue Ridge Offices, was named 2014 President of the Atlanta Board of Realtors.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Jan. 30 for a new $72 million luxury high-rise in Buckhead. SkyHouse Buckhead is being developed

by Novare Group and BastsonCook Development Company.

Located on Stratford Road behind Maggiano’s, the 26-story, 362-unit high-rise apartment community will be connected to the Buckhead MARTA station and the west side of Ga. 400 by a new, underconstruction pedestrian bridge spanning the highway. The building will feature residential units of one, two and three bedrooms, with high-end finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass. The “SkyHouse” will be on the 26th floor with a clubroom, fitness area, and outdoor plazas that include an infinity swimming pool, fireplaces, covered outdoor lounges and 360-degree views. The building is expected to be complete in early 2015.

Novare has already developed similar SkyHouse projects in Midtown Atlanta and in Dallas.

Traton Homes has announced the development of The Enclave at Dunwoody, which features six, single-family “executive luxury homes” priced in the $700,000s. The community is located not far from I-285 on Happy Hollow Road. www.TratonHomes.com for more.

Online real estate brokerage firm Redfin recently released its Top Ten Hottest Neighborhoods of 2014 list and the Morningside-Lenox Park neighborhood is number one in the Atlanta market and third nationwide. The Springfield and Dunwoody Club Forest neighborhoods are also in the local Top 5. Redfin bases its list on homebuyer searches on Redfin.com leading into the new year. Page views, “favorited” homes and insights by Redfin agents all play into the selection process. Nationally, Morningside-Lenox Park ranked with up-and-coming neighborhoods in

San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Austin, Seattle, Portland, Denver and Chicago. iStar Residential has announced a new sales team for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta. Karen Rodriguez of Dorsey Alston Realtors will lead the revamped sales efforts. The Residences currently are being built out with contemporary, high-end finishes and built-in fireplaces with marble surrounds. Each unit will also feature a 36-inch Viking gas grill as well as a fireplace on its balcony. The team is also revamping the common areas with modern color palettes and marble floors. iStar has partnered with local architectural firm Harrison Design Associates to craft unique layouts that showcase the spectacular views. Additionally, plans are under way to build out all the remaining unfinished shells. Harrison Design also designed a three-bedroom model home

B RIEFS

that was staged on the 45th floor to demonstrate The Residences’ new contemporary appearance. For more, visit www.moresidencesatlanta.com.

Harry Norman, Realtors has relocated its Buckhead Northwest office to 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 250, Atlanta, 30327, within the new One Riverside live, work and play community.

A proposed office tower in Buckhead would feature a shimmering glass exterior that would be the first of its kind in Atlanta, according to a report in Curbed Atlanta. The 30-story tower would be the third and final building in the Alliance Center complex near the intersection of Lenox Road and Ga. 400. Ac-

cording to commercial real estate firm Tishman Speyer, the exterior design is a “faceted glass curtain wall system.” The building would offer 500,000 square feet of leasable space.

Rockhaven Homes has announced that framing is under way at Brookhaven’s newest luxury townhome community, The Haven on Briarwood. Located on a quiet street and surrounded by mature hardwoods, the development features three-story townhomes with shake, brick and stone exteriors; two-car garages, 10-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens and more. For more information, visit rockhavenga.com.

Harry Norman, Realtors Buckhead North Office has announced the formation of a new team, The Waters Group. A native Atlantan, Teresa Waters is a consistent top-producing agent and a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club.

Clayton Howard has joined The Waters Group as a new Realtor in Harry Norman’s Buckhead North Office.

As a member of the Millennial Agent program with the Buckhead North Office, Howard will serve the younger market of homebuyers and sellers.

For more information, visit www.TeresaWaters.HarryNorman.com.

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Student credits professor for reviving her interest in art

BY MARTHA NODAR Classic and modern landscape paintings in a new exhibit now on display at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art caught the eye of Oglethorpe freshman Jordan Michels, who credits her art history professor for “reviving her interest in art.”

The “Sky Light: Landscapes, Traditional and Contemporary” exhibit, which runs through March 9, consists in part of paintings and lithographs from Impressionists and Post-Impressionists Eugène Boudin, Armand Guillaumin, Édouard Manet, Maxime Maufra, Camille Pissarro and others capturing the French countryside.

Influenced by Japanese prints, Manet’s 19th century oil on canvas, “Le Dejeuner sur J’Herbe,” (Luncheon on the Grass) is one of the paintings in the show and one of Manet’s most controversial pieces.

“The greenery surrounding this composition serves as a natural frame, and makes me think it is perhaps a warm day in late spring,” Michels said. “I want to know more about the female figure in white garments depicted in the center background.”

Manet’s piece holds a contrast to Maufra’s 19th century, “La Glace Etans

de Ville d’Avray” (The Frozen Pond in the Villa of Avray), portraying a wintery scene. Maufra’s expertise in marine painting does not go wasted in this composition where the water literally takes center stage.

“In this piece, the action is in the foreground with the implied movement of the water,” Michels said.

“There is also a contrast of warmth and cold between the snow depicted in the left foreground and the dark green leaves of the trees bordering the edge of the water toward the right background.”

Michels, who is majoring in international studies and minoring in Japanese culture, praises her art history professor Jeffrey Collins for what he brings to the classroom.

“Dr. Collins is not a traditional teacher,” she said. “He likes to engage his students in conversation, and we have the freedom to express ourselves.”

In addition to teaching art history and anthropology to Oglethorpe students, Collins also oversees the university’s study abroad program, which allows Oglethorpe students to travel to other universities around the world and study there for a semester. Michels said she hopes to travel to Japan during her

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sophomore year.

Every summer Collins organizes a trip to Europe for Oglethorpe students and alumni to experience first-hand the works of art they may have discussed in class and the unique features of different cultures.

“Our program transforms students into highly independent thinkers and doers, develops global citizens, and promotes deep understanding of other cultures and languages,” Collins said.

MARTHA NODAR

Oglethorpe freshman Jordan Michels looks at Manet’s 19th century oil on canvas, “Le Dejeuner sur J’Herbe” (Luncheon on the Grass).

What: Sky Light: Landscapes, Traditional & Contemporary Where: Oglethorpe University Museum of Art Philip Weltner Library, 4484 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven When: Now through March 9 Regular Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: noon—5 p.m.

General Admission: $5 (Free for children under 12) Closed on Mondays and school holidays Parking: Free For more information: 404-364-8555, museum.oglethorpe.edu

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ception for Spruill Art Gallery’s exhibition “Looks Good on Paper,” showcasing original works on paper in a variety of mediums. Reception and show are free, and open to the public. Exhibition runs through April 19. 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. To learn more, go to: http:// spruillgallery.blogspot.com or call 770-394-4019.

Love Songs Sunday, Feb. 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – The Heritage Winter Classics series concludes when trumpeter and band leader Joe Gransden takes the stage for a Valentine’s Day concert with special guest Francine Reed. Enjoy classic love songs from Broadway, jazz, American standards and film. $5 per person.

Held indoors. Park on Sandy Springs Place or in the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church Activities Center parking lot. Call 404-851-9111, x4 or email: events@heritagesandysprings.org for details.

Heritage Hall, 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328. www.heritagesandysprings.org.

Civil Rights Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Abernathy Arts Center presents “Women, Agents of Change in the American Civil Rights Movement,” a documentary photography exhibit by Dr. Doris Derby, civil rights activist, educator and artist.

Opening reception and exhibition are free, and open to the public. Show continues through March 29.

254 Johnson Ferry Rd., NW, Sandy Springs, 30328.

Call 404-613-6172 or visit: www.fultonarts.org for additional information.

Marion Grodin Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. – Marion Grodin,

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“Bring on Spring” Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. – Lauda Musicam of

Atlanta performs Medieval and Renaissance music on instruments appropriate for the time period at the Church of the New Covenant. The group showcases music written for the annual change in seasons in a concert “Bring on the Spring: A French & English Celebration of Springtime.” Free; donations appreciated. 3330 Chestnut Dr., Doraville, 30340. To learn more, call 404-314-1891 or go to: www.laudamusicam.org.

LET’S LEARN

Artery Disease Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. – Dr. Joseph Ricotta speaks at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. His areas of expertise include aortic and peripheral aneurysms, peripheral artery disease (PAD), renal and mesenteric disease, venous disease and thoracic outlet syndrome. Free, and open to all. No registration needed. Contact cathy.wright@ dunwoodyumc.org or call 770-394-0675 ext. 112 with questions and/or for free childcare reservations.

1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.

Grant Proposals & Budgets Saturday, Feb. 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m. – Learn

how proposals fit into the overall grant seeking process; what to include in a standard proposal to a foundation; tips for making your proposal stronger; what funders expect to see; communication tips; and more. Free. For adult audiences. Registration required by visiting: http://foundationcenter.org/atlanta. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Call 404303-6130 or email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us for additional details.

Minimum Wage Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. – Raise the

Minimum Wage, Sandy Springs, holds its inaugural meeting in Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall. Attendees will discuss why the wage should be raised and how to encourage elected leaders to raise it. Free and open to the public. Questions? Visit: http://sandyspringsminimumwage.weebly.com or email: don. mcadam@yahoo.com. 471 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328.

Chemo Brain Wednesday, Feb. 19, 12-2 p.m. – “Chemo brain” is a phenomenon associated with cognitive dysfunction. The American Cancer Society says “people who have chemo brain may find themselves unable to concentrate on their work or unable to juggle multiple tasks.” Join others for a free, informative discussion about the signs, symptoms and physiology behind “Chemo brain.” Lunch provided. For members of the Cancer Support Community. RSVP to 404-843-1880. 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Suite C-225, Atlanta, 30342. www.cscatlanta.org.

Civil War Wednesday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. – James McPher-

son reflects on his career as America’s chief interpreter of the Civil War. Moderated by Stephen Berry, Gregory Professor of the Civil War Era at the University of Georgia, the evening features a free-ranging interview in which McPherson discuses the war, its legacy, and its changing place in American memory. $5 for Atlanta History Center members; $10 for non-members. Reservations required by calling 404-814-4150 or going online to: www.atlantahistorycenter.com/Lectures. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30305.

FOR KIDS

Black History Month

Valentine Stories Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10:15-10:45 a.m. – Chil-

dren will enjoy Valentine’s Day stories in three story time sessions. Toddlers age 1 at 10:15 a.m.; toddlers age 2 at 11 a.m.; preschoolers ages 3-5 at 11:45 a.m. Free and open to all. Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30305. Call 404814-3500 or email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us for information.

Bricks 4 Kidz Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Program

uses LEGO bricks to provide a fun, multi-sensory and imaginative hands-on learning experience. Free and open to the public. For elementary and preschool youth. Space is limited. Registration required and started Jan. 4. Call 404-303-6130, email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov or visit the Sandy Springs Branch Library to sign up or with questions. 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328.

Short Film Workshop Saturday, Feb. 15, 3-6 p.m. – Learn how

to create your own animated short film with the help of professionals and artists from local Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA). Free, and the public is welcome. Registration required. Open to those in middle and high school. Sandy Springs Branch Library, in the Meeting Room, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Call 404303-6130 or email: marlan.brinkley@fultoncountyga.gov to sign up or to get details.

Kids in the Kitchen Saturday, Feb. 15, 4-5 p.m. – Kids of all ages

are invited to come learn about health and wellness in a hands-on environment that focuses on preparing healthy foods. Free. Open to the community. Sandy Springs Branch Library, in the Story Time Room, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. Email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-303-6130 to learn more.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Join Out of the Box Art Studio in celebrating Black History Month by creating an African art project. Free and open to all. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Space is limited. Registration required and started Feb. 1. Email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov, call 404-303-6130 or visit the Sandy Springs Branch Library to sign up or with questions. In the Story Time Room, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328.

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Hang out, eat pizza and play games when the library is closed! For girls ages 8 and 9 ONLY. Space is very limited. Free, and open to the community. Registration required and started Feb. 1. Email: leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov, call 404-303-6130 or visit the Sandy Springs Branch Library to sign up. 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328.

Drop-In Craft Saturday, Feb. 22, 12-4 p.m. – Children ages

4-12 can drop in any time between 12-4 p.m. and make a unique Black History Month craft as a parent and child activity. Free. Open to the public.

Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30305. Email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us or call 404-814-3500 to learn more.

e-Textiles for Teens Saturday, Feb. 22, 4-6 p.m. – Learn how to use conductive thread to make your gloves light up with LEDs! No previous experience with electronics necessary. Free; the public is welcome. Appropriate for middle and high school youth. Registration required by calling 404-303-6130 or emailing: marlan.brinkley@fultoncountyga.gov. Sandy Springs Branch Library, in the Meeting Room, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328.

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ing construction at North Springs Charter High School has put some young plants in peril. Join other volunteers in saving plants and money by transplanting them. Come in work clothes, with gloves and a shovel. Free, and all are welcome. In case of heavy rain, event rescheduled for March 15. 7447 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328. Contact Sandra Jewell at 770-395-9918 or go to: www.friendsofnorthsprings.com for details.

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 17

Summer Camps

To advertise in the March 7 Camps section call 404-917-2200 x130.

Camp Grasshopper Camp Grasshopper summer day camp engages preschoolers in an adventure of discovery. With a different theme each weekly session, camp staff lead indoor and outdoor activities that are fun, creative and targeted specifically to the interests and abilities of boys and girls ages 3 to 6.

Throughout the week, campers enjoy arts and crafts, music, story time, creative play, drama, sports and nature study, with lunch and playground time each day.

For more information, visit atlantaspeechschool.org/grasshopper or call 404-233-5332.

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SESSION I: JUNE 2 - JUNE 27 SESSION II: JULY 7 - AUGUST 1 The Camp at St. Martin’s offers fun for children in rising Pre-K through 8th grade.

The Camp at St. Martin’s 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30319 (404) 237-4260, ext. 380 www.stmartinschool.org Owned and managed by St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

Director of Summer Programs: Mark McDaniel

FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 19

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Summer Camps

To advertise in the March 7 Camps section call 404-917-2200 x130.

Summer Horse Camps Chastain Horse Park - convenient Buckhead location!

Mon-Fri 8:00-1:00 Camp includes daily riding lessons, crafts, and games!

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Contact Margie at 404-252-4244 or ponychastain@aol.com Boarding * Riding Instruction * Therapeutic Riding Professional Clinics * Pony Parties * Camps

Pace Summer Programs offers a large variety of programs for campers of all ages!

We welcome you to explore our web site where you will find many opportunities that promise to enrich your summer!

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Art • Chess • Cooking • Debate • Handwriting • Robotics • Theatre • Photography • Field Trips For a complete listing of programs, visit www.PaceCamp.com or call 404-240-9130 Pace Academy, 966 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30327

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 21

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Senior Pastor Wiley Stephens outside the Dunwoody United Methodist Church sanctuary.

Two Dunwoody churches share same ‘core beliefs’

BY J.D. MOOR Dunwoody Baptist Church and church’s 50th anniversary in March.

Dunwoody United Methodist Church “I hope nothing really distinguishstand together in the center of their es us from other churches. I hope that north DeKalb city. we’re all involved with each other,” DunNeighbors on opposite sides of woody United Methodist Senior Pastor Mount Vernon Road, they are hardWiley Stephens said. ly mirror images of Dunwoody Bapone another. Instead, tist has been part of they’re more like misChip Thompson’s life matched bookends since 1979.

“We want to continue with one core value “We have incredto be relevant in this kept upright between ible leaders that conthem: nurturing the community while things are tinually prompt us community through ever changing. The gospel to trust God and spirited cooperation. make a difference doesn’t change, so it’s a “We’re here to in the community,” wonderful challenge.” minister to the comThompson said. “As munity, whether our pastor says so ap– MACK HANNAH you’re a member of propriately, ‘“We are SENIOR PASTOR the church or not,” just beggars trying to DUNWOODY BAPTIST CHURCH Dunwoody Baptist show other beggars Senior Pastor Mack where we found some Hannah said. bread.’”

Both churches hold contemporary Providing food to the needy through and traditional Sunday services. The the Community Assistance Center is Methodist congregation is more than just one of the churches’ shared activi100 years old and claims some 4,600 ties. They also participate in Perimeter members. The Baptist congregation’s Adult Learning and Services, host Scout 1,500 members will celebrate their troops, and civic and cultural events,

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Senior Pastor Mack Hannah on the stage of Dunwoody Baptist Church’s Worship Center.

such as concerts or public meetings.

Plus, the two pastors meet over breakfast periodically to compare notes. “We believe in the same basic faith. The core beliefs are the same,” Stephens said.

A sampling of the two churches’ individual highlights includes Dunwoody Methodist’s long-term plans to build a new addition to its youth ministry, a new covered parking area, and to assemble a new organ, using vintage pipe materials. Later this year, the church hopes to launch a community initiative with six other churches that will help local senior citizens live independently in their own homes by providing transportation services and other programs.

“Asking us what is special about DUMC would be like asking a goldfish what is special about water,” member Sid Linton said.

Dunwoody Baptist’s extended family includes the 2,000 people who belong to its state-of-the-art fitness center, plus those who participate on athletic teams through its sports center and the many who take music, dance and voice lessons at its Dunwoody School for the Arts.

They are open to the general public, as is a robust ESOL program. Church members, such as Jack Hamilton, also have access to a Men’s Fraternity, which he proudly said has changed his life.

“We are learning how to be better men at home and better men in our workplace,” Hamilton said. “It has opened my eyes and been very beneficial with my relationship to my wife, my daughters, my sons.”

The pastors agree that their biggest challenge is pacing themselves.

“We want to continue to be relevant in this community while things are ever changing,” Hannah said. “The gospel doesn’t change, so it’s a wonderful challenge.”

Hannah is into his 10th year as senior pastor. “I plan to be here as long as God wants me to,” he said.

In 2015, Stephens will face manda-

tory retirement, according to Methodist rules. “It will leave a big hole in our community when he goes. He’s such a great man,” Hannah said.

Stephens, who lives in Sandy Springs, says that after retirement, he doesn’t plan on going far. “I’ll always be in ministry,” he said, “but just as a volunteer.”

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 23

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“Honey, they’re having fun over there!”

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Come on over. take a look around. Make yourself comfortable. Meet some residents. Join a conversation.

Have some lunch (our treat, of course). What you’ll find is that the Renaissance on Peachtree is fun and energized. or is it energized and fun? Whatever the case may be, it certainly isn’t ordinary. so, don’t be shy, call (404) 237-2323 now to schedule your tour. Next thing you know, you’ll be saying, “Honey, we should’ve moved in years ago!”

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 Julianne Lang  The Galloway School, senior Julianne Lang long has had her heart set on theater. Ever since kindergarten, she has loved performing.

In high school, she devoted herself to performing at Galloway, where she recently played one of her favorite roles, Prospero, the lead in Shakespeare’s Tempest.

“It was the most challenging role I had ever done, being my first Shakespeare show, and playing a guy...it was a long process, but I felt like all of my hard work really paid off,” Julianne said.

Another of Julianne’s favorite parts came in a comedy about two robots who fall in love. “I love comedy. It’s just fun - there’s something really wonderful about making people laugh,” said Julianne, who was also involved in a improvisational comedy troupe for four years.

But theater is not the only activity in Julianne’s life. At one point, Julianne thought she wanted to be a lawyer, prompting her to join the mock trial team. “I originally got involved to be a witness, because it’s a way of performing and working on public speaking skills,” said Julianne.

Eventually, she became an attorney and won an Outstanding Attorney Award at the regional mock trial competition the next two years.

Julianne, who “absolutely loves musical theater,” enjoys singing. A member of Galloway’s chorus since freshman year, she’s taken voice lessons for five years and made all-state chorus for the past three years.

Her interest in community service is demonstrated in her organization of two Breast Cancer Awareness walks with her best friend, collectively raising $6,000 for the cause.

To top it off, Julianne serves as Galloway’s Student Body President, after being a member of Student Government (SGA) since freshmen year.

Her ability to succeed in so many areas is unsurprising to her SGA advisor and history teacher, Felicia McCrary.

“Julianne is not afraid of failure, and, because of that, she is bolder and sees things from such a unique perspective,” McCrary said. “There is joy in everything she does. I have been entertained by her abilities on the stage, inspired by her commitment to service, intrigued by her perspective as a student, impressed with her academic and artistic

gifts, amused by her sense of humor, engaged by her storytelling gifts, and overwhelmed that a student so wonderful has been in my life for four years.”

Julianne claims that while it might seem counterintuitive, “the fact that I have such a busy schedule helps me be more productive,” and her devotion to Galloway shines through - enough that wearing the school’s stinky mascot costume hasn’t bothered her for the past four years.

While Julianne’s life is filled to the brim, her passion for theater still emerges. “If I could, I would live eight million lives to do everything,” she said. The solution to her endless interests is theater, where “you get the chance to live so many lives, dabble in everything, by playing characters.”

Julianne used her summers to explore performance, first participating in a program at the renowned North Carolina School of the Arts, and the following summer, at the Cherubs program at Northwestern, a five-week theater intensive.

“We would wake up at 6 a.m. and stay up to 10:30 p.m. doing everything,” said Julianne. “While I’ve always been pretty sure that theater is what I want to get into, the hard work that went into everything we did really solidified in my mind that this is exactly what I want to be doing.”

What she loves most about theater is the family atmosphere it fosters. “It’s the community that happens in every show - whether you’re Hamlet or the guy helping with quick changes, you’re all working together...it’s about creating a story together,” said Julianne.

What’s Next:

Julianne plans on pursuing theater at Northwestern University.

Elizabeth Wilkes, a senior at North Springs Charter High, prepared this article.

Do you know a standout high school student?

Send nominees to editor@reporternewspapers.net.

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EDUCATION Student Profile:

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His parents are runners and, like his brother, he must have inherited the running gene.

In Austin’s freshman year, he beat his brother’s school record.

Since then, Austin has focused on running cross-country and track.

This past summer, he ran more than 700 miles.

The work paid off. Austin was named the 2013-2014 Gatorade Georgia Boys’ Cross Country Runner of the Year, which honors the state’s top athlete in the sport, St. Pius X Catholic High announced in January.

Winning the Georgia title puts his name in a hat for the national title.

“That is a lot harder to achieve, because I am going against the top 50 in the nation,” he said.

Last year, Austin raced to his second consecutive AAA individual state championship, pacing the St. Pius X boys’ team to its fourth consecutive AAA state crown, the school said in a press release.

Austin also was named co-Runner of the Year by the Atlanta Track Club after a season which saw him finish fourth in the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional. He placed 32nd at the NXN Final national race and has finished in the top 30 at both the 2011 and 2012 Foot Locker South Regional Championships.

“Austin is a very dedicated athlete, and despite making some sacrifices early, we were able to still help him accomplish his goals, so the season definitely ended on a high note,” said St. Pius X’s head boys’ cross-country coach, Ryan McClay. “He has four individual state titles, and five team state titles in crosscountry and track and field. He’s looking to get three more this spring. He also has the rare accomplishment of placing in the top 10 at state all four years of high school.”

McClay called Austin “the fiercest competitor that I’ve ever coached.”

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“He’s a very talented athlete, obviously, but his work ethic is second to none,” McClay said. “He does everything right, and takes care of himself in every way.

I’m so proud to have coached him and will miss him as an athlete.”

After cross-country season is over, Austin usually takes 1 or 2 weeks off and then moves into training for track season. “I do both indoor and outdoor track and field,” he said, “but while the weather is cold, it is nicer to race indoors.”

His first race is in Kentucky on Feb. 22, where he hopes to qualify for the indoor track nationals in New York City.

When Austin is not running crosscountry or track, he spends his time working at a program for kids with occupational therapy needs. “During the summer I work with kids and do different activities, like bowling and laser tag.”

He discovered the program through a former gym teacher. “He invited me out to one of the hikes, then invited me to one of the summer camps,” Austin said. “Ever since then, I have fallen in love with it.”

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Austin plans to attend Furman University and run cross-country there.

Felipe Schmidt, a student at the Atlanta International School, prepared this article.

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Coalition, or PARC, that ties them all together.

Ray Holloway, Brookhaven’s Parks and Recreation Director, began work with the city in January, and the city will soon get started on a Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

“I feel really enthusiastic and excited about the possibility for parks in the city.

We’re just eager to get going and eager for the parks department to get going,” said Karen Whitehead, a board member of the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy. “We want this master planning to get going so we can get to work on our parks.”

The pent-up energy comes from more than a year of patience on the part of parks advocates, who have waited for the city’s parks department to get up and running.

Boles said active volunteer groups in Brookhaven parks pre-date the formation of the city. But he thinks the continued energy surrounding Brookhaven parks is “just a natural momentum” from the cityhood movement.

“I think that cart came before the horse. People wanted a robust police force and a renovated park system. That’s why the city was created,” Boles said.

Whitehead credits a desire for better parks and recreation with bringing many voters to the polls to vote for the incorporation of Brookhaven in 2012.

“Consideration of parks is partly what brought the city to be,” Whitehead said.

Brookhaven City Manager Marie

Garrett said she thinks there is opportunity for partnership between the city and the volunteer groups. “There is a lot of pride in their parks and they want to see them fully utilized. I’m enthusiastic about it,” Garrett said.

Whitehead said she thinks having a full-time parks and recreation director in Brookhaven will mean a lot more personal attention for the parks.

“The DeKalb County parks director, I think, was an outstanding person. He was really quite accessible. But he had a huge responsibility compared to Ray Holloway, who has 11 parks,” Whitehead said.

She said parks advocates are encouraged that the new city government seems to consider parks and recreation to be a priority. “From the beginning we feel like city has really supported us too,” Whitehead said. “They have not relegated parks to the background.”

Boles said for many, volunteering to pull weeds or spread mulch in the parks is an easy way to get involved with the new city.

“It’s immediate satisfaction. You see it. There’s so many easy things to do at each one of the parks,” Boles said.

He said parks volunteers hope that their efforts, coupled with resources from the city, will make Brookhaven’s parks stand out.

“Our vision came from an existing parks system,” Boles said. “It’s kind of like we looked in our back yard and found we all had these hidden treasures and no one was really utilizing them.”

Bills aim to end annextion fight

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

melissaweinman@reporternwspapers.net

DeKalb County lawmakers are supporting legislation to end a lawsuit holding up Chamblee’s recent annexation of Century Center.

In November about 11,000 residents of unincorporated DeKalb voted to annex their area, which includes Century Center, into Chamblee. But Chamblee and Brookhaven had been fighting over the Century Center property, which would boost the tax base of either city.

Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, who represents the area, said he introduced the bills to “legislatively recognize the result of the November referendum.”

Highwoods Properties, the owners of Century Center, applied for annexation into Brookhaven, and Brookhaven City Council voted Oct. 8 to bring the property into the city. But Century Center was already drawn into the General Assembly’s local act establishing the Chamblee annexation referendum.

The two cities went to court, and DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie ruled that Brookhav-

en could only annex the property if the Nov. 5 Chamblee referendum failed.

After the referendum was approved, Brookhaven discontinued funding an appeal of the judge’s decision, but Highwoods carried on with the appeal effort.

“The purpose is to end the litigation so that way both Chamblee and Brookhaven can move on with planning their futures,” Holcomb said.

On Feb. 3, the DeKalb County delegation approved the local legislation, which will now go before the full General Assembly for approval. The legislation consists of two bills: one that will recognize the new borders of Chamblee, and another which “out of an abundance of caution” will officially de-annex Century Center from the city of Brookhaven, Holcomb said.

“Their appeal is alive because Brookhaven hasn’t rescinded its annexation vote,” Holcomb said.

Holcomb said it’s the job of the General Assembly, not the court system, to settle annexations.

BK

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New Parks and Recreation Director shares vision

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Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Director Ray Holloway began work with the city of Brookhaven in January. He formerly served as the parks and recreation director for Clinton, Miss., and brings more than 20 years of parks management experience to the position. Reporter Newspapers asked Holloway a few questions about his new job and what he envisions for the future of Brookhaven’s parks system.

Q.

What do you see that you would like to improve about the city’s parks and recreation programs?

A.

There is no question that Brookhaven Parks and Facilities need some attention, and I’m very excited to see what the final Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Master Plan reveals. I’d like to ensure that all updates to our parks and facilities meet user needs, and we make parks safer and more user friendly. This includes making sure all grounds and facilities are ADA compliant and consistently well-maintained. It is important that we work to enhance existing assets while also seeking out opportunities for future growth — and that’s exactly what the master plan will guide us to do.

As time permits, and with the right qualified professional staff in place, I would definitely like for Brookhaven’s Parks and Recreation Department to introduce recreation opportunities that everyone can have a vested interest in. In the future, the Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department hopes to introduce a variety of traditional and non-traditional activities, including special events like tournaments and competitions, therapeutics for seniors and mentally- and physically-disabled children and adults, and recreational activities including seasonal camps, clinics and workshops.

Q. A.

What about Brookhaven’s current parks and recreation system would you like to preserve?

Each park in Brookhaven has a distinct character that surrounding neighborhoods are very proud of. I would like to make sure each park’s character remains intact as we work to make improvements.

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Brookhaven, being a young new city, has the unique opportunity to create its own identity. I see myself helping to shape Brookhaven’s identity as a city with premier parks. As Director of Parks and Recreation, I will be actively involved in all evaluation and planning activities, and tasked with executing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In the future, my staff and I will also be responsible for launching programs and scheduling special events, tournaments and league play.

Q.

What interested you in taking the job of Parks and Recreation Director in Brookhaven, a new city that has never had a parks and rec director before?

A.

The excitement of starting something from the ground up, combined with the city’s passion and solid leadership, are all reasons that drew me to Brookhaven. It is rewarding to help people enjoy physical activity by providing a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our parks and facilities. It is my hope that Brookhaven families will be able to take pride in fulfilling their recreational interests at the city’s parks and recreational facilities for years to come.

I feel very fortunate to have another opportunity to work in this profession that I am deeply passionate about. For me, this position is a welcomed challenge, and I look forward to understanding the needs of Brookhaven park users and utilizing my knowledge and experience to develop a parks and recreation system that matches the city’s first-class standard.

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rett said.

In May, the owners of the strip club sued the city after Brookhaven City Council approved a sexually-oriented business ordinance that would ban nude dancing with the sale of alcohol. In December, a DeKalb County judge dismissed the lawsuit, and the club appealed the decision shortly after. The case is now awaiting a hearing in Georgia Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Brookhaven officials denied the Pony’s application for a 2014 liquor license, a decision that was upheld recently by the city’s Alcohol Board.

At the board’s first meeting Jan. 27, the four members present took a split vote, with two siding with the city and two with the club. A majority of the five-member board would have been needed to overturn the city’s administrative denial. Enforcement is now at the city’s discretion.

“We still have a valid state license and we will still operate legally until the Supreme Court or someone else affirms or reverses the DeKalb judge’s decision,” said Aubrey Villines, an attorney for the Pink Pony, referencing the lawsuit between the club and the city.

The issue with the Pony’s license revolves in part around the 2012 death of its late owner, Jack Galardi.

Scott Bergthold, the lawyer who was brought in to draft the city’s sexually-oriented business ordinance, said the state requires that the license holder be actively engaged in the business. Also, in order for the state license to be valid, the business must also hold a valid county or municipal license.

He said because Jack Galardi is no longer involved with the business,“they had a duty to notify the state of that.” He said the club also lacks a Brookhaven license, as their 2013 license was issued by DeKalb County before Brookhaven became a city.

“Pink Pony does not have a corresponding, valid city of Brookhaven alcoholic beverage license. They’ve never had one,” Bergthold said. “They have to have a local license for the state license to be valid.”

Alcohol board members questioned the logic of the “chicken and egg” scenario in which businesses must hold one license in order to obtain the other. “It seems to me there’s got to be a lot of businesses in the city of Brookhaven that have to be in very similar circumstances. To me, it’s a dog chasing its tail,” board member Caskey said.

At the state level, the club is licensed using its corporate name, Trop Inc. Villines said that shouldn’t be an issue at all. Many

businesses register under a corporate name to obtain a state liquor license, he said.

“Therein lies the rub. You’ve got a city that licenses the person and a state that licenses the corporation,” Villines said.

Williams said the state Department of Revenue has verbally been informed of Galardi’s death. However, the ownership of Trop Inc. is also being decided in court, so formal documents will not be submitted to the department until it is resolved, he said.

Villines said along with the club’s application for a Brookhaven license, he sent a letter to the city explaining Galardi’s death.

“We explained and basically asked for direction. There was no deception here,” Villines said. “The only thing inconsistent is we’re not getting a license.”

During an interview in his office at Galardi South Enterprises, Williams said the employees of the Pink Pony are concerned about what will happen to the club.

“I get asked all the time, how are we doing? Are we going to lose our liquor license?” Williams said. “We lose sleep at night. We’d like to get this behind us.”

But Mike Kap, chief operating officer for Galardi South Enterprises, said he doesn’t believe the city will negotiate.

“I don’t think there’s anything we could offer them that they would accept,” Kap said.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter

ALASKA

From police reports dated through Jan. 30.

The following information was pulled from Brookhaven’s Police-to-Citizen Portal Event Search website and is presumed to be accurate.

BURGLA RY  400 block of Lincoln Court Avenue – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 18; a burglary to a residence, without using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 18.  3500 block of Clairmont Road – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 21.

was reported on Jan. 18.  4000 block of Lake Hearn Drive – A larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 18.  2700 block of Buford Highway – A larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 19; theft was reported on Jan. 26.  2800 block of Skyland Way – A larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 19.

 1300 block of N. Cliff Valley Way – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 21.

 3100 block of Brixworth Place – Theft was reported on Jan. 19.

 1400 block of N. Cliff Valley Way – A burglary to a residence, without using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 21.

 2600 block of Winding Lane – A larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 19.

 3400 block of Buford Highway – A burglary to a non-residence, without using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 27.

 1300 block of Windsor Parkway – Theft was reported on Jan. 20.

 2000 block of Coosawattee Drive – A burglary to a residence, using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 28.  3600 block of Buford Highway – A burglary to a residence, without using forced entry, was reported on Jan. 30.

ROBBERY  3400 block of Clairmont Road – A robbery of a business using a gun was reported on Jan. 19.  2900 block of Buford Highway – A robbery of a business using a weapon was reported on Jan. 19.  3100 block of Buford Highway – A robbery in the street using a gun was reported on Jan. 26.

A U TO THEFT  3300 block of Buford Highway – Theft of an auto was reported on Jan. 27.  3500 block of Buford Highway – Theft of an auto was reported on Jan. 27.

T HEF T/ L A RC EN Y  1100 block of Standard Drive – Theft from the mail was reported on Jan. 16.  2400 block of Brookhaven View – Theft was reported on Jan. 16.  3200 block of Buford Highway – Shoplifting was reported on Jan. 16; a larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 25.  3300 block of Buford Highway – Theft from a building was reported on Jan. 17; shoplifting was reported on Jan. 22; theft was reported on Jan. 26; theft from a building was reported on Jan. 27.  3000 block of Buford Highway – Theft BK

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 700 block of Town Boulevard – Theft was reported on Jan. 24.  3600 block of Ashford Dunwoody Road – A larceny of articles from a vehicle was reported on Jan. 25.  2200 block of Gables Drive – Entering an auto was reported on Jan. 25.  2600 block of Osborne Road – Two larcenies of articles from vehicles were reported on Jan. 26.

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 1600 block of Northeast Expressway – Two larcenies of articles from vehicles were reported on Jan. 30.

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 3200 block of Buford Highway – Swindle was reported on Jan. 27.

 3400 block of Buford Highway – Aggravated assault with a gun was reported on Jan. 20.

 1800 block of Corporate Boulevard – A public peace offense was reported on Jan. 17; a suicide attempt was reported on Jan. 20; a death investigation was reported on Jan. 23; carrying a concealed weapon was reported on Jan. 26.

 1300 block of N. Cliff Valley Way – Battery was reported on Jan. 20.  1600 block of Briarwood Road – Battery was reported on Jan. 21.

 3600 block of Buford Highway – Aggravated assault was reported on Jan. 28.

FR AUD  3100 block of Hillview Avenue – Credit card fraud was reported on Jan. 20.

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 3900 block of Peachtree Road – Forgery was reported on Jan. 26.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29  3500 block of Buford Highway – Simple battery was reported on Jan. 16; battery was reported on Jan. 24.

 3100 block of Buford Highway – Simple battery was reported on Jan. 24; simple assault was reported on Jan. 24.

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Police Blotter

 300 block of Windmont Drive – Battery was reported on Jan. 20.

Call 404-941-2000 for an Evaluation New, Used and Slightly Abused Inventory Is Constantly Changing.

PUBLIC SAFETY

 3000 block of Buford Highway – Check forgery was reported on Jan. 21.  1000 block of Mendell Circle – Financial identity fraud was reported on Jan. 22.  1400 block of Sylvan Circle – Credit card fraud was reported on Jan. 22.

OTHER

 1300 block of Briarwood Road – A death investigation was reported on Jan. 18.  3500 block of Buford Highway – City ordinance violation was reported on Jan. 20.  100 block of N. Cliff Valley Way – City ordinance violation was reported on Jan. 21.  2100 block of Hillview Drive – A suicide attempt was reported on Jan. 21.  100 block of Lincoln Court Avenue – A verbal dispute was reported on Jan. 21.  1300 block of N. Cliff Valley Way – Harassing communications were reported on Jan. 21.  2600 block of Dresden Drive – An animal complaint was reported on Jan. 22.

Read more of the Police Blotter online at www.reporternewspapers.net

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poern ou c stom u 0 c $ 5 e per On

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Bob Haddad, owner

™

Commercial & Residential Junk Removal Recycling 770-399-6605 www.justtrashit.com Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates • Locally Owned Since 1997

www.generatorstore.com

(770) 251-9765

Oriental Rug Shop www.generatorstore.com Antique and Decorative Rugs since 1976

Best Rug Cleaning & Repair 5548 Peachtree Blvd.

Atlanta, GA 30341 404-995-8400

1.5 miles inside 285 in Chamblee Plaza

www.PersianRugParadise.net www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

% 20 OFF

Cleaning & Repair of All Rugs

With coupon. One per family.

FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | 31

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FEB. 7 – FEB. 20, 2014 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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