11-29-2013 Sandy Springs Reporter

Inside Thank you Retiring mayor, councilwoman celebrated COMMUNITY 4

Stressed out Redevelopment plans upset Spalding Woods’ residents COMMUNITY 5

Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

PERIMETER BU S pages 10

INESS

-15

NOV. 29 — DEC. 12, 2013 • VOL. 7 — NO. 24

Ready when you are PHIL MOSIER

Tessa Rider, 11, carefully handles an ornament at the third annual Elegant Elf Marketplace at Lake Forest Elementary School on Nov. 16.

The two-day holiday event, presented by The Sandy Springs Society, raises funds for local community services.

Rider, part of a multigenerational family selling hand-painted ornaments at the market, personalized the decorations with a buyer’s name while he or she shopped, having it ready when the customer was finished.

Additional photos on page 3.

Chopped up City Council debates treehouse application COMMUNITY 7

Hushed money Ga. 400 Toll Plaza comes down COMMENTARY 8-9

Joyful noise Churches putting on holiday concerts OUT & ABOUT 18,22

Contract awarded for Lake Forrest fix

Councilwoman makes last stand for trees

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

Scan here to get Reporter Newspapers in your inbox or sign up @ ReporterNewspapers.net

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

City Council awarded a $717,689 contract to C.W. Matthews Contracting to fix a portion of Lake Forrest Drive that’s been closed since June.

The city’s current timetable estimates the portion of Lake Forrest between Lake Summit and Chevaux Court will be reopened by Feb. 28, 2014.

The city closed the road after multiple rock slides.

The initial quote from C.W. Matthews was $1.5 million. City officials revised their plans for the fix, deciding to use a net to catch

Before she exits Sandy Springs City Council in January, District 6 City Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny is working to secure her legacy as the city’s lead tree preservationist.

McEnerny, a firm believer in term limits, didn’t seek a third term in this year’s municipal election. She’s also a firm believer in tree protection, and has spent the last few months trying to get the council to correct what she believes are glaring flaws in the city’s tree ordinance.

City Council on Nov. 19 discussed McEnerny’s suggested fixes

SEE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 27

SEE COUNCILWOMAN, PAGE 6

concentration

esence hold your own gain passion love your life! gain sweet! gain performance on top of your game gain AUDIOLOGICAL hear the world!

A CONSULTANTS of gain nition discern differences gain effectiveness you’re the authority C ATLANTA Open House December 9th be – 10th ered! gain a part of it Aall gain “Since 1983” Helena See our ad on the back page to learn more!

You Could Be Hearing From Us. and feelings gain relationships joy! gain getWilliams, it Kadyn theAu.D. first Solodar, Au.D. perception what a colorful world gain sit back and just listen gain

LISTEN TO YOUR HEARING connection

discovery freedom communication

understanding

relaxation

PRUDENTIAL GEORGIA REALTY HAS A NEW NAME...

Georgia Properties

SOLD

Georgia Properties BHHSGeorgia.com

It’s A Sign Of Quality For Real Estate.

“A home is one of the most important assets that most people will ever buy. Homes are also where memories are made and you want to work with someone you can trust.”

WARREN BUFFETT, CHAIRMAN Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

When the world’s most respected company puts its name on a real estate sign, that’s a sign buyers and sellers will want to see. The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand signals a defining moment in real estate. Our vision is to bring a new level of quality and innovation to the industry. We are proud to be among the elite entrusted to call ourselves Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. And that’s...

Good to know.

TM

For More Information: BHHSGeorgia.com or 770-992-4100 ©2013 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

2

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

SS

COMMUNITY

Runoff for District 6 council seat set for Dec. 3

Andy Bauman

Get merry!

The Sandy Springs Society presented the third annual Elegant Elf Marketplace at Lake Forest Elementary School Nov. 16-17. The two-day holiday event raises funds for local community services.

Above, left, High Point Elementary students, from left, Allison Leffler, Murphy Barja and Blakeslee Young sold “stocking stuffers,” with all proceeds going toward class field trips and graduation. Above, some of the items for sale at the market.

Right, one of Hollie Bell’s, a participating vendor, handpainted, customized ornaments.

John Stoj

Sandy Springs voters head to the polls Dec. 3 to choose a new member of the Sandy Springs City Council in the municipal runoff election.

Andy Bauman will face John Stoj in the runoff for Sandy Springs City Council District 6.

For more information about the candidates, go to ReporterNewspapers. net.

To vote, you must be a registered voter. Be sure to bring with you identification that includes a photograph.

Acceptable photo IDs include Georgia drivers’ licenses, U.S., state or local government IDs, valid passport, valid U.S. military IDs, valid tribal IDs or state Voter ID cards.

To check your registration status, determine the polling place where you should vote or to see a sample ballot for the election, go to the My Voter Page on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website at mvp.sos.state.ga.us/Login.aspx.

For more information: 404-6562871.

PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

We’ve moved!

Same exceptional care, new location.

Specializing in: • Comprehensive Ophthalmology • LASIK and Refractive Surgery • Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus • Oculoplastic Surgery and Cosmetic Services

15

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

• Cataract Surgery • Eyewear and Contact Lenses for all ages • Retina, Glaucoma, and Cornea Services • Optometric Services

% first pair OFF of glasses*

*Cannot be combined with insurance. Offer expires January 15, 2014.

Schedule your next appointment TODAY!

404.256.1507

Sandy Springs 5995 Barfield Road | Sandy Springs, GA 30328

www.thomaseyegroup.com

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 3

COMMUNITY

Outgoing mayor, councilwoman receive tributes

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

Two of the first people to hold electThe Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamed office in Sandy Springs are making ber of Commerce organized the Nov. 18 the rounds of a farewell tour. event, held at The Retreat at Villa ChrisMayor Eva Galambos and District tina in Sandy Springs.

6 Sandy Springs City Council member Galambos’ political and business Karen Meinzen McEnerny both decidpersona is well documented. She was ed not to seek re-election this year after first elected in 2005 after spending serving two terms. years trying to get Wendell Wila Sandy Springs lard said a few cityhood referenwords about dum on the balGalambos, his collot. She holds a “If [Meinzen McEnerny] had league and friend, Ph.D. in economwanted to stand again (for during a Nov. 18 ics from Georre-election), she would’ve breakfast honoring gia State Univerher. won, and she would’ve sity and a master’s Willard, a degree in labor won by a landslide. She’s state representaand industrial realways understood the tive and Sandy lations from the issues that affect us.”

Springs City AttorUniversity of Illiney, told Galambos nois. Her husband – CHRIS CRAMER that she’ll be hearis John Galambos, ing similar tributes a retired gastroenuntil she officialterologist. She has ly leaves office in three children and January. She is the six grandchildren. city’s first mayor and served two terms City Councilwoman Dianne Fries before deciding not to seek a third. told the audience that few people know “I know you don’t like for people to Galambos’ nickname around City Hall: fawn on you,” Willard said. “I want you Eva Knievel. Fries recalled a few of her to forget about it for the next six weeks.” experiences riding in a car with Galam-

DAN WHISENHUNT

District 6 Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny addresses supporters during a farewell party on Nov. 24.

bos behind the wheel. She remembered a ceremony marking the paving of one of the city’s roads. When the crowd turned to see if the notoriously punctual mayor was on her way, they caught sight of her car lifting off into the air after she barreled over a speed bump.

Other speakers said that Galambos often recruited them into serving on different boards for the fledgling city. Refusing Galambos’ requests wasn’t an op-

tion, they said.

Bruce Alterman, owner of The Brickery, said he met Galambos shortly after he opened his restaurant. “I’m still not sure how found myself on the board of Sandy Springs Revitalization a few weeks later,” Alterman said. “I found myself sitting across the table from Galambos on a sign committee.”

Mayor-elect Rusty Paul, who served with Galambos on the city’s first coun-

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

Hurry!

Early registration with discount ends

January 4th!

Visit

www.sandyspringsbaseball.com for more information or to register

4

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

SS

COMMUNITY “I learned a long time ago that you can argue with Eva for an hour and say ‘yes’ or simply save us both the aggravation and say ‘yes’ at the beginning” – MAYOR-ELECT RUSTY PAUL

AMY I. KAHN PHOTOGRAPHY

Mayor Eva Galambos thanks the crowd during a breakfast in her honor Nov. 18.

cil, said he told Galambos that his choice not to run for a second term on the council was an “irrevocable decision.”

“I learned a long time ago that you can argue with Eva for an hour and say ‘yes’ or simply save us both the aggravation and say ‘yes’ at the beginning,” Paul said.

Galambos thanked her well wishers

and said the city’s success has more to do with them than her.

“I think the reason that it’s been such a pleasure to be the mayor of Sandy Springs is because the people are so special,” Galambos said. “This is a special community. There’s a maturity. There’s a willingness to listen to each other and to get along, and it is a shining light that other communities can aspire to.”

Friends and well wishers gathered in Sandy Springs on Nov. 24 to say farewell to McEnerny.

McEnerny’s friend Chris Cramer talked about his friend’s service on the council.

“She represented all of us in a way I think is unique,” Cramer said. “If she had wanted to stand again (for reelection), she would’ve won, and she would’ve won by a landslide. She’s always understood the issues that affect us.”

City gives Spalding Woods developer one more shot

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

SS

City Council has delayed action on a controversial development at Glenridge Drive and Mabry Road.

Many residents of the Spalding Woods neighborhood asked whether the city was delaying the inevitable. City Council voted on Nov. 19 to revisit the zoning application at its Dec. 17 meeting.

City Council voted 4-1 in favor of the deferral. City Councilman Gabriel Sterling voted “no” and City Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny recused herself.

Developer Traton Homes is seeking to have 6.6 acres at the corner of Glenridge Drive and Mabry Road rezoned to allow for a higher-density development.

The zoning application was requesting a development of 18 units, but that had been whittled down to 14. The city Planning Commission recommended denying the zoning application and city staff recommended approval with conditions.

Pete Hendricks, an attorney for the developer, told City Council his client wanted the deferral so there would be more time to develop a plan that will satisfy neighbors. He said there had been negotiations, but nothing had been finalized.

Residents in Spalding Woods and other neighborhood representatives sounded doubtful that the two sides could agree on replacing the three single family homes on the site with a higher-density development. They urged the council to deny the application on Nov. 19.

Trisha Thompson-Fox, a member of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods, said the property is in the center of a protected neighborhood, and the development doesn’t adhere to the city’s comprehensive plan.

“Please deny this application for an intrusive subdivision as stated and uphold the comp plan,” she said.

Sterling voted against the deferral and made a motion to deny the zoning application, but the council did not vote on his motion. Sterling said the numerous deferrals on the case are needlessly stressing out residents in Spalding Woods.

City Councilman Chip Collins disagreed, saying if this developer isn’t successful there will be another developer interested in the property.

“It sounds like we all agree this is going to get redeveloped at some point,” Collins said. “So the pain of the neighbors is not over.”

SOLD!!!

5815 Riverwood Dr. I can sell yours too!

CALL ME! AngIe PonSELL, SANDY SPRINGS

404-226-2002 www.isellsandysprings.com

Be Your Very Best!

“Giving me back my youth makes Dr. Zweig my new best friend.”

BEFORE

Arnold Zweig, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with over 25 years experience performing enhancements safely and successfully.

Dr. Zweig’s experience and continued pursuit of the latest techniques provide rapid, predictable recovery while delivering natural results.

Our mission is to always exceed your expectations.

Our reputation is built on the personal care we warmly extend to every patient.

Call today to see why so many have chosen Dr. Zweig for their cosmetic procedures.

Ask about our Holiday Specials.

Procedures Offered Include: AFTER

• Face/Neck Lifts • Eyelids & Brows • Nasal Sculpting

• Botox Treatments • Skin Rejuvenation • Juvederm & Radiesse

Actual Patient Photos

404.252.9991

www.zweigcenter.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 5

The Needlepoint Experts

Your one-stop Needlepoint Shop!

404.816.4612 3137 E. Shadowlawn Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 • institchesatlanta.com

Georgia Urology’s newest location in Buckhead on the campus of Piedmont Hospital Specializing in medical and surgical urological services including: • Urological cancers (including prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular) • Male and female incontinence • Kidney stones • Robotic surgery • Prostate problems Robert Di Meglio, MD

Joel Rosenfeld, MD

GeorGia UroloGy TreaTinG PaTienTS. HealinG PeoPle.

• Erectile dysfunction • Urinary tract infections • Male reproductive health (including vasectomy)

35 Collier Road NW, Suite M245 | 678-205-8211 | www.gaurology.com

Ask the Breast Cancer Expert Are most breast cancers curable?

Yes! The earlier the cancer is found, the greater the chance of cure. The good news is that with high public awareness and regular screening, most breast cancers are found early on and these women lead long and healthy lives after treatment.

Barry J. Roseman, M.D. Surgical Oncologist

Specializing in Breast and Skin Cancer Surgery

1218 West Paces Ferry Road, Suite 204 • Atlanta, GA 30327

404.841.6262 • www.barryrosemanmd.com

6

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

COMMUNITY

Councilwoman makes last stand for trees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 members also suggested reviewing the for the ordinance during the council’s ordinance to clean up any language work session. The item was moved off that’s confusing or unclear. the Nov. 12 agenda, and City Council Mayor Eva Galambos thanked on Nov. 19 asked if it could be taken up McEnerny for giving a “concise” report at a future meeting. at the Nov. 19 meeting.

McEnerny insisted the discussion go McEnerny said, “I hope you will alon as planned. low all of these to go back to staff, so “Respectfully, I was on the agenda a future council can hammer through.” last time first,” McEnerny said. “The Mayor-elect Rusty Paul said he hasn’t mayor has asked me to be brief.” been given all the details about the proMcEnerny has outlined six things posed changes, but he said he’s willing that she thinks to consider them. should be changed Paul’s term as mayabout the current or begins in January. tree ordinance. They “There’s been an are: awful lot of work Prevent put into the tree clear cutting, the ordinance,” Paul practice of cutting said. “Just because all trees on a lot up a council member’s to adjacent property term ends, you don’t lines; scrap it. I’m sure it’s Increase something that we’ll tree canopy covercontinue to work age; on.”

Allow for McEnerny atadministrative aptended a going“There’s been an awful lot away party in her peals of permits of work put into the tree that allow cutting of honor on Nov. 24. “landmark trees”; One of the hosts ordinance. Just because Desigwas Nina Crama council member’s term nate all hardwood er, founder of Trees ends, you don’t scrap it. trees greater than 37 Sandy Springs and a inches in diameter I’m sure it’s something that friend of McEnerny. and pine trees great- we’ll continue to work on.” Her friends and er than 40 inches; well wishers said Create a McEnerny’s work – RUSTY PAUL public-private tree on the city’s tree orMAYOR-ELECT planting program; dinance was among Require the high points of developers to post a her career. notice when they’ve applied for a buildWhen McEnerny delivered her fareing permit so neighbors can review the well remarks, she said she would continplans filed at City Hall. ue to work with voters to hold elected McEnerny said the city’s commuofficials accountable. nity development staff is considering “That means handling themselves in her suggestions. Staff members sent a courteous and kind manner to reflect a memo to council members ahead our highest ideals of character values and of the Nov. 12 meeting suggesting integrity … protecting our quality of life amending the city’s code to require in meaningful ways, including preservaan annual plan for spending tree bank tion of our tree canopy,” McEnerny said. fund money; conducting regular canWhen people in the room began opy studies; and increasing the mincheering, she briefly deviated from her imum replanting size of trees from 2 speech and smiled at her supporters. inches in diameter to 2 ½ inches. Staff “You knew that one.”

Tell them you saw it in Reporter Newspapers SS

COMMUNITY SANDYSPRINGSGA.GOV

Rafael Celedon wanted to build a 15 x 183 foot tree house in the Talbot Colony neighborhood for his two children. After it was partially constructed, Celedon learned he needed a permit, due to size.

City Council debates tree house

BY DAN WHISENHUNT

danwhisenhunt@reporternewspapers.net

There’s no matter too small for a zoning dispute in Sandy Springs. Even a tree house can draw attention.

During the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, council members spent about 30 minutes debating a zoning application for a tree house presented by Rafael Celedon, who lives in the Talbot Colony neighborhood. Celedon’s property is one of several in that area built near Ga. 400.

Celedon wanted to build a tree house – technically it’s a playhouse, but the council used those terms interchangeably – for his kids, who are aged 9 and 11.

Celedon has been working to get the tree house approved since August.

It was already partially constructed, but Celedon learned that he needed a permit. By the time he got the permit, with some restrictions, on Nov. 19, Celedon said he would withdraw the application.

“It’s been a long painful process for me,” he told City Council.

Patrice Dickerson, manager of planning and zoning for the city, told city council that playhouses that are no larger than 120 square feet do not require a permit. The property is 15 feet high and 183 square feet, according to the application.

Celedon’s neighbor, Cynthia Wilkins, requested a 30-day deferral to address some of her concerns, and City Council briefly considered a motion to defer for 60 days.

City Councilman Chip Collins said that was unnecessary and recommended approval, with a few conditions to screen the property from the neighbors.

“To my mind we’ve already spent too much time and effort on this,” Collins said. “I certainly don’t think it’s worthy of a deferral of 30 or 60 days. Either grown people can figure this out, or we can’t.”

SS

Other council members agreed with Collins, so they voted to approve the permit.

But when a reporter caught up with Celedon outside of the meeting, he said he was giving up on his plans to build the tree house on the property.

Georgia Court of Appeals will hear cemetery case Descendants of a Confederate veteran will soon appear before the Georgia Court of Appeals to argue that the veteran’s family cemetery should be returned to them.

On Nov. 19 the state Court of Appeals agreed to consider the appeal filed by the descendants of Judge John Heard, a founding member of the Sandy Springs community. Heard’s 1-acre cemetery is located at 0 Heards Drive.

The descendants are trying to take control of the cemetery away from Christopher Mills. Mills, who is not a member of the Heard family, owns the property because it was mistakenly sold at a tax auction. His in-laws paid the back taxes and obtained the property in order to preserve the cemetery. They later sold the property to Mills for $1. Mills wants to build a home on an undeveloped portion of the land. Mills obtained an archaeological survey that determined there are no graves on the spot where he wants to build.

Mills and his attorney have repeatedly declined requests for comment about this case.

Mills applied for a building per-

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

BR I EF S mit, which the city of Sandy Springs denied because the property contains a cemetery. Mills sued the city in 2012. Members of the Heard family filed a motion to intervene.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Adams ruled against the descendants’ motion for summary judgment, which would’ve given them control of the property, but agreed to let the Court of Appeals Review her decision.

City accepting award nominations Each year the city of Sandy Springs presents its Humanitarian Award to an individual who lives or works in the city and “embodies [Dr. Martin Luther] King’s history of character and service.”

The city is accepting nominations for the 2014 recipient, who will be honored Jan. 20 at the city’s annual Martin Luther King Day event.

To submit a nomination, visit http://www.sandyspringsga.gov/ MLK

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 7

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 Assoc. Editor/Digital Content Manager Dan Whisenhunt 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 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. © 2013 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.

8

|

Ga. 400 tolls: The rain of falling quarters comes to an end

AROUND TOWN

JOE EARLE

The constant rain of quarters ended Nov. 22.

The falling coins really did sound a bit like rain down in the tunnel beneath the Ga. 400 Toll Plaza. Coins drivers dropped into the toll-collection baskets on the road above rolled down metal tubes and then thumped into locked metal boxes placed at various spots along the 600-foot-long, concrete-walled tunnel.

“During rush hour, it gets quite intense,” said Bert Brantley, deputy executive director of the State Road and Tollway Authority, who wore a reflective orange vest reading “Tolls end Nov. 22” as he led a media tour of the facility on Nov. 19.

The rain of quarters, dimes and nickels yielded tens of millions of dollars over the 20 years the tolls were collected on Ga. 400. In recent years, the toll booths PHOTOS BY JOE EARLE have collected about $60,000 a day, half of that in coins, Brantley said.

The State Road and Tollway Authority stopped collecting Ga. 400 tolls Landmarks come and go in Atlanta. on Nov. 22, after 20 years of dimes, nickles and quarters dropping We’re a burn-it-down-and-build-it-again into baskets. Above, the deposited coins traveled via metal tubes into kind of place. We save little. Take Turner locked boxes in a 600-foot-long tunnel beneath the toll plaza. Below, Field, the ballpark the Olympics gave to Michael Bent worked at the plaza for 17 years and is sad to see it go.

Atlanta baseball. Now there’s a very public plan to move the Atlanta Braves to a new suburban home and tear down The Ted in a couple of years.

There will be an outcry, no doubt, and discussions about how to save a brickand-steel ball field and keep the Braves downtown. But if the Braves do move, we metro Atlantans will get used to that.

We always do.

We’re not the kind of people who need our ballplayers to work the same hallowed ground where sports giants of past made their marks. We leave that to Boston or Chicago or New York. Here, once Turner Field opened, I couldn’t wait until the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was blown up. It blocked the view of downtown skyscrapers from seats in Turner Field.

As a landmark, the Ga. 400 Toll Plaza isn’t on the same level as Turner Field, of course. Still, it’s a place we’ve all gotten used to and have grown to know. For lar, and they give you back 50 cents and throw the other 50 20 years, north metro drivers have tossed quarters into those cents into the basket. After a stint as a cashier, Bent moved up collection baskets as they fought traffic to and from Buckhead. to the building overlooking the plaza, where workers monitor Now we expect to stop and smile at the cashier as we fumble the computer screens that show a count of every single coin for change. It’s part of our routine. going into the collection baskets.

Soon, it won’t even be a wide spot in the road.

Soon, metro toll roads won’t have any cashiers at all. The A few will even miss it. Michael Bent will. He’s worked at system will be fully automated. Then, there will be few, if any, the plaza for 17 years. “It’s very sad,” he said, a memory of his people left to tell the stories of the tollways. It’s the stories that native Jamaica accenting his words. “It’s been here all these make places come alive and keep them alive long after they’re years. It’s like home here.” gone.

It’s the tales that matter.

He started as a cashier. And don’t call them “toll collecTh e Ga. 400 Tollway Plaza leaves behind its share of tales. tors,” SRTA folks are quick to say. Toll roads in other towns Th e cashiers tell them. The people who sat for hours in the may have toll collectors, but metro Atlanta doesn’t. They don’t booths, making change, remember the drivers, the ones who collect tolls. Instead, they make change. You give them a dol-

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

SS

COMMENTARY passed by, and the regulars they grew to recognize and sort of got to know. Some of the drivers knew them, too. Some even brought snacks for their favorite cashiers or asked about them when they were sick or changed shifts.

The toll plaza workers remember when fistfights broke out among drivers who turned road rage into toll plaza rage. Some remember when drivers died at the plaza in terrible wrecks. Bent recalls that a baby was born at the plaza in an ambulance summoned after the parents stopped at the toll lane and said they’d never make it to the hospital in time.

Cashier Kaz Jones of Sandy Springs remembers the women in cars who wanted his number. He even went out with a couple of them, he admits, grinning sheepishly.

And then there are the scandalToll plaza cashiers can share plenty of stories ous tales. Some may had involved about what they’ve seen over the years. Above, alcohol. Some may have required and right, Kaz Jones says “you never know it. Cashier Roslyn McDonald rewhat you’re going to see down here.” members when, late one night, a man jumped from a car stopped in the toll lane and ran down Ga. 400, women wearing nothing but their smiles. “You removing his clothes as he went. The driver paid never know what you’re going to see down here,” the toll, drove off and collected the naked streaker Jones said. a few hundred yards down the road.

Soon enough, there’ll be next to nothing left Jones recalls a night when a female driver to see. The plaza will be gone. The tunnel will grinned mischievously at him, then gestured toremain, a way to route utility lines beneath the ward the back seat of her car. There, he saw two road. But the sound of falling quarters has ended.

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 9

Perimeter Business A monthly section focusing on business in the Reporter Newspapers communities

Retailers face shorter shopping season George Lawes, behind the desk, owner of Kudzu Antiques, and manager Peggy Horne, chat at the Sandy Springs store while employee Tommy Orr hangs Christmas lights.

The store is readying its interior in anticipation of the holiday shopping season. Lawes said his store will try and enhance a customer’s shopping experience by holding special events, and offering music and refreshments. He hopes people will shop at “brick and mortar” retailers like his and support the local community.

By Dan Whisenhunt People who put off holiday shopping until the last possible moment might want to check their calendars.

Retailers are checking theirs.

The holiday shopping season, beginning on the day after Thanksgiving, which has come to be known as Black Friday, will be six days shorter this year. 2013 offers the shortest holiday shopping season in recent memory.

Dane Seibert, a retail consultant who lives in Sandy Springs, said many stores began their holiday promotions earlier this year. The continued growth of Internet sales has put added pressure on retail stores,

particularly local ones.

“They’re going to have to get really creative.

They’re also going to fight Internet sales, which are growing substantially,” Siebert said. “If they haven’t already got their plans started, they’re already behind.”

In the Perimeter and throughout the country, retailers are looking for ways to attract more customers during the shortened shopping window. Some of the nation’s largest retailers, including Walmart and JCPenney, planned to open on Thanksgiving Day. Online retailers will be competitive this year, too.

According to a study by the Adobe Digital Index, the shorter shopping window will cost retailers $1.5 billion in online sales.

Q&A: Season to give

Southern-inspired

-11

It may seem ‘oldfashioned’ to some, collecting monetary donations in red buckets, but it has been working for The Salvation Army for many, many years.

-12 Emmie Howard took her love of ‘preppy aesthetic’ and turned it into a clothing line for the ‘Southern gentleman.’

George Lawes, owner of Kudzu Antiques in Sandy Springs, said his business will hold special events throughout the season to bring people through the doors. There will be music and refreshments.

Lawes hopes Kudzu can attract civic-minded customers who support local businesses.

“As bricks-and-mortar retailers, we’re continuing to fight for the consumer’s choice because of the Internet,” Lawes said. “So many people now buy through the Internet. One thing that we feel is important is for people to support local brick and mortar retailers that are locally owned. We hope more consumers will value that choice, because if everybody shops at Amazon, you’re not going to have any stores CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Ribbon cuttings

-13

Companies serving up hamburgers and deli sandwiches as well as providing financial services are making their mark in the Perimeter business community.

PERIMETER BUSINESS

relax, you’ve found the perfect gift

The Salvation Army raises funds with red buckets, bells They’re a true sign of the holiday season. The Salvation Army’s donation collectors, with their recognizable red buckets and ringing bells, are taking to the streets again.

In this time of Internet fundraisers and gifts-by-Twitter, why do they keep showing up in front of groceries and malls to greet passersby and collect coins? Here’s what a volunteer bell ringer who stands outside businesses in the Perimeter and Buckhead and a Salvation Army lieutenant who oversees collections in those areas had to say.

Bell ringer Walter Long, a tall, talkative 53-year-old, first volunteered to collect for The Salvation Army last year.

This year, he’ll be back, manning his red Lt. Stephen bucket and ringing his bell about three days a week at various locations around Buckhead and Brookhaven. His enthusiasm for the job shows. “I really enjoy it,” he said one recent afternoon as he collected donations outside a Brookhaven grocery. “It’s a great way to volunteer.”

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful. But when you give the gift of massage The Elements Way,™ you’re giving your loved one a personalized session of

warded. It’s really refreshing.”

What’s the oddest thing you’ve seen while collecting?

Last week, there was a guy. He looked homeless. He was carrying his backpack and he comes and puts a whole jar of coins in my basket. It’s just amazing, the generosity. Beneath it all, we are soldiers of Christ. You see it come out in people at this time of the year. It pulls us together as a community.

It picks me up. Life’s different for everybody, but when you give to others, it’s a pick-meup.

Q A

Lieutenant Stephen Correira works as an assistant corps officer for the Atlanta Temple Corps of The Salvation Army.

The 38-year-old watches over red bucket colCorreira lections at 38 locations in the Perimeter, Buckhead and parts of DeKalb County. Last year, the bell ringers collected $194,000 in his area, he said. His goal for 2013 is $200,000.

How important is the bellringer program to The Salvation Army?

This is our sinWhy do you do gle, largest anthis? nual fundraiser of It can really be the year. The funds fun. You can generated at these lobrighten up people’s cations give us 80 days. People donate percent of our total and they know revenue. they’re helping. PeoWith so many ple see this kettle and other ways to it’s nostalgic. I can’t collect contribuWalter Long tell you how many tions, why continue come by this bucket to do it this way? and say, ‘This is my This is nostalgic Number One charity.” for people.

They look forward to seeing the red buckets. PeoHow do people react when ple are donating online as well, but they see you standing here the vast majority of our donations is with the bell and bucket? happening at these kettles.

Ninety-nine percent of the The need is great. The need for our people love us. The other 1 services keeps going up. In metpercent love us, too, they just don’t ro Atlanta alone, we served 104,000 know it yet. Half the people who nights [for homeless people]. We put money in this bucket they say, helped 54,000 people with rental, “Thank you. Thank you for ringing food, Christian assistance. the bell.’ For some people, who are Don’t the buckets and bells lonely during the holidays, this realseem a little old-fashioned? ly brightens their day... The smiles If it was old-fashioned and out you get. It can be rewarding. After of date, we wouldn’t be standyou do this for a day, you feel reing here.

bliss that promotes less stress, elevated mood and holiday cheer. After all, ‘tis the season to Let Yourself Go.

GIFT CARD SPECIAL

2 FOR $99

55-MIN MASSAGE SESSION GIFT CARDS Recipients Must be New Clients. Limit 3.

Offer ends 12/31/13.

404.254.4050

Buckhead Chastain Square Shopping Center 4285 Roswell Rd Atlanta, GA 30342

elementsmassage.com/buckhead

Find out why people love us at facebook.com/elementsmassage

Q

A

Q A

Q

A

We welcome you and your family to join Brookhaven Dental Associates • • • • •

Saturday Appointments Our services are in-house Pain-free dentistry Preferred Provider Finance with Care Credit® Program

*8 veneers with approval from care credit for 60 months. **Includes: X-rays, periodontal (gum) evaluation, oral cancer screening, oral exam & basic cleaning. Not valid with other offers or dental insurance. Expires 12-31-2013.

Q A

N

←

Q A

Open up new doors with a new smile for $179/mo* ––– $129 New Patient Offer** Save $200

Left to right: Susana, Bailee, Dr. Vik, Carol, Dr. Chen, Rose, Ivy, Mikie

1407 Dresden Drive Atlanta, GA 30319

Call Today 404-816-9336 www.BrookhavenDentalAssociates.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 11

PERIMETER BUSINESS

Clothing line aims to dress ‘Southern gentlemen’

By Melissa Weinman Emmie Howard loves a welldressed man.

There’s just something special about a man in a bow tie and a seersucker suit, she said.

Howard has taken her love of the preppy aesthetic and made a living creating patterned ties and collegiate– style clothing to outfit Southern gentlemen through her company, SouthMelissa Weinman ern Proper.

Emmie Howard loves a “well“Women, especially in the South, dressed man.” influence what a guy wears,” Howard said. “We wanted to influence what a the brand’s New England vibe. guy looked like and make sure we’re “We didn’t summer in Nantucket,” with a guy who looks his best.” she said. “We knew there was a niche Howard, the “chief executive belle” in the market for something Southernat Chamblee-based Southern inspired.”

Proper, launched the comHoward said the compaPeople Drive Us. pany in 2006. She felt there P er imet er ny started with printed ties was a need for a preppy P r o f ile and bow ties featuring pastel brand that catered to Southcolors with prints like huntwww.facebook.com/mercedesofbuckhead ern men. ing dogs, lanterns and state Howard said she liked the bright flags. Each year, the company has addmercedesofbuckhead.com | 404-846-3500 colors and preppy patterns of Vineed new articles of clothing into their 2799 Piedmont Road | Atlanta, GA 30305 yard Vines, but felt guys going to SEC repertoire. football games just couldn’t relate to A tie with a cotton boll motif is Southern Proper’s No. 1 seller, she said.

Cotton is particularly meaningful y 10 We ca ant ™ for Howard, who grew up on a cotton r r on a y any ear w n offe r w Proof ler a farm in rural Tennessee. “It’s been my e y a con arra r 15 - Stain nt Se nty str family’s livelihood,” Howard said. r e uct n fo ion ma r After graduating from Brenau Unie .

P versity in 2001, Howard went to work for Newell Rubbermaid. She used her experience in product development from the corporate world to start her own company. She now lives in Brookhaven with her husband, who wears a Southern Proper tie to work every day, she said.

Howard said her family couldn’t understand why she would leave a good job for the uncertainty of starting a business. But she hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s been very fulfilling in so many ways,” Howard said. “This has been a Before Construction After Construction great way for me to express truly what I’m interested and passionate about – fun, preppy clothes.”

Southern Proper is sold online and Patios/Pool Decks Pools & Spas Outdoor Kitchens Arbors in about 300 men’s specialty stores Brick & Stone Chimneys/Fireplace Decorative Concrete/Pavers throughout the Southeast.

Decks • Driveways Efflorescence Cleaning Grading & Drainage Madeline Brumby, store managHistorical Restorations Masonry Maintenance Contracts er for Southern Traditions in BuckBefore head, said the Southern Proper bow Retaining Walls Stone Patio Restoration & Sealing ties are among the store’s top-selling Stone/Tile Deck Waterproofing & Leak Repair items. Brumby attributes much of the recent popularity of bow ties to Southjosh@southernoutdoorcd.com ern Proper. “Any kind of college thing After - formals, semi formals - they’re all looking for bow ties and cumberbund Serving your community sets,” Brumby said. “[Southern Proper] www.southernoutdoorcd.com for 15 years really set the stage for that trend.”

Service Center

Specializing in Construction, Renovation, Repair & Maintenance

• •

•

•

•

•

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

•

404.478.9563

12

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

PERIMETER BUSINESS Chambers, local officials welcome new businesses Businesses offering everytings formally marking the thing from hamburgers, deli opening of new businesssandwiches and financial Op ening s es in the area. Photos were advice are starting up in the provided by the Sandy Perimeter, one of the largest Springs/Perimeter Chamcommercial centers in metber of Commerce and the ro Atlanta. Here are recent ribbon cutDunwoody Chamber of Commerce.

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, serving up burgers, fries and frozen custard, recently celebrated its opening at 5975 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs with a ribbon cutting. At left, owner Glenn Baker, left, with wife, Erin, next to him, and their two children, mark the occasion with Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

7 Meal

$

DEAL

Includes Bobby’s Classic Single Cheeseburger, Fresh Cut Fries and Drink Cannot be combined with any other coupon.

Expires 12/12/13

Buckhead

Sandy Springs

678-732-9531

404-600-2484

4365 Roswell Rd. Atlanta Roswell-Wieuca Shopping Center

5975 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs Next to Lowe’s

Highpointe Wealth Advisors announced their grand opening on Nov. 2 with a ribbon cutting and fall festival. Owners Susan Riley-Hayes and Samuel Hayes, holding the scissors, were joined by guests and family.

The company, which offers finanical services, is located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 450, in Sandy Springs.

Jason’s Deli celebrated their remodeled store at 4705 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Suite 2, with company executives, Sandy Springs/ Perimeter and Dunwoody Chamber members, and Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis, left center, who cut the ribbon.

THE VASCULAR CONNECTION

Got Flow? Get Tested!

• Multiple Sclerosis • Chronic Lyme Disease • Fibromyalgia • Neurological Disorders • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Poor venous circulation can be a factor with vision changes, fatigue, numbness, brain fog and incontinence.

The only certified testing center in the Southeast

Call 404-941-2000 for an evaluation Located in Buckhead at 455 East Paces Ferry Road For more information about CCSVI and how we can help, go to:

ccsvi-atlanta.org

Growing older doesn’t mean the options for enjoying life have to shrink.

DON’T STRUGGLE WITH AGING. FIND A SOLUTION. When the time comes to determine how you will spend your later years in life, make sure you have the right solution.

Starting with a partner who takes the time to understand your unique situation – then customizes a solution for all the places you’d like life to go.

Call 1-877-521-1823 or visit to start customizing your senior living solution today.

THE HALLMARK® BUCKHEAD Independent Living | Assisted Living 650 Phipps Boulevard NE | Atlanta, GA 30326 brookdale.com ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a Trademark of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 20526-FSI01-1013-LB

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 13

PERIMETER BUSINESS Michael Beattie, general manager of Dunwoody Photo, is waiting for the last two months of the year to “see where we’re at.”

Rug workroom onsite!

Get your unique rug de sign done here

Huge Selection • Great Prices!

Sisal  Seagrass  Shag  Wool  Nylon

MYERS CARPET ATLANTA

1500 Northside Dr., Atlanta, Ga 30318 404-352-8141 www.myerscarpetatlanta.com

Come and Celebrate Living!

Peregrine’s Landing at Peachtree Creek Where Fathers are celebrated

Photos by Dan Whisenhunt

Retailers prepare for a short holiday shopping season counts on holiday sales at his photo-finishing business, Dunwoody left in people’s hometowns. If Sandy Photo. Most photographers have Springs wants to maintain a vibrant switched to digital cameras, he said, retail community, a consumer has to and the film processing business has support that.” just about vanished. “When I started Kelly Wolff, owner of the Hunt[in the business] in 1997, we did 300er Collective jewelry store in Buck350 rolls of film a day. Now I do 300 head on East Andrews, opened her rolls of film a month,” he said. “I’ve business two months ago. She’ll conbeen waiting for the last tend with having fewer holtwo months of the year to iday shopping days and beCo v er see where we’re at. We’re ing the new store on the St o r y kind of break-even the othblock. “I’m figuring it out er months.” as I go along,” Wolff said.

He’s hopeful that the “The West Village here in seasonal push that comes when peoBuckhead is getting together to do ple turn their family photos into holthe Small Shop Saturday on Nov. 30. iday albums, greeting cards and calThere’ll be carolers and hot cider staendars will make the difference in tions throughout the West Village.

Dunwoody Photo’s first year.

From an event planning standpoint, Cori DeFrancis, owner of Fantastic we’re going to offer 10 percent off for Finds for Him in Sandy Springs, said that weekend.” people already are shopping for presIn Dunwoody, Michael Beattie CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Oriental & Area Rug Hand Washing

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

He tied your shoes He was your chauffeur He was your mentor

|

Free Pickup & Delivery • Serving Atlanta for Over 25 years

And you will never forget that He is your HERO

404.355.2126

Peregrine’s Landing: a Memory Care Community where Dads are our HEROes too.

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

Call to schedule a tour 770-803-0100. www.PeregrinePeachtree.com 14

Restoration & Repair • Pet Urine Removal Padding & Storage • Moth & Stain Treatments

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

MicroSeal of Atlanta

A DIVISION OF S&S RUG CLEANERS

Mention this ad for fall discounts!

TheRugCleaners.com

EPA RATED NON-TOXIC & NON-ALLERGENIC

Do you have burning pain in your hands or feet?

PERIMETER BUSINESS

Or any of these other symptoms: R R R R R

My feet/hands are numb and feel dead I’m unsteady when I stand or walk I can’t feel my feet when walking My feet/hands hurt at night My feet/hands tingle

Alison Norris, owner of Alison’s Restaurant, is optimistic about this holiday season.

ents at her store. “I think we are having a busier time right now,” she said.

“This time in November usually has been a little bit quieter.”

Alison Norris, owner of Alison’s Restaurant, is optimistic about this holiday season, too. She depends on the holiday season for party bookings, she said, and this year she’s already pre-booked more parties than last year. “I’m looking good,” she said. “I can take more, but I’m looking good.”

Ed Grenvicz, owner of Pour Bistro in Brookhaven, said restaurants won’t be as susceptible to the shorter calendar as the retail stores. He said the restaurant is promoting the space it has available for rent on Sunday for people looking for a venue for a holiday party.

“We’re still going to have the same number of actual holiday days,” he said. “Our job is to try to squeeze as many Christmas events and other

folks coming through our doors as possible.”

Mike Cosentino, owner of Big Peach Running Co. in Brookhaven, said he planned for the shortened calendar a year ago. Also, his business does a substantial amount of sales just after the new year, attracting customers who are buying running shoes to help them keep their New Year’s resolutions.

“The biggest surprise to me is how much it seems to be a surprise to everyone else, given how much of us in this business were looking at this a year ago,” Cosentino said.

“What I’ve heard is that the tendency to mark things down ridiculously low is more likely, because of the fact that there are some retailers who feel like they over-bought. Because of the shortened season, they aren’t going to get the velocity they need to get through the inventory they have.”

Stop suffering from painful peripheral neuropathy!

There is a new, cutting edge, drug-free treatment for peripheral neuropathy.

Most insurances are accepted including MEDICARE. Call today to schedule an appointment with our board-certified doctor who specializes in treatment for neuropathy.

Bonnie Ellenoff, M.D.

11 Dunwoody Park 888-286-2538 Suite 140, Dunwoody Our appointment line is available 24/7 Mon-Thurs 8:30-4:30 www.neuropathycenterofga.com

Beautiful for the long term.

Carpet treated with R2X® keeps its stylish good looks... like so many other things that endure.

Dental Implants

995

$

Services: Teeth Extractions Dental Implants General Anesthesia Jaw Reconstructive Surgery

*

Hours: M, Tu, Th: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Wed: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Fri: 8:00 am to Noon Office: 770-393-8500

Lee “Mac” Whitesides DMD, MMSc. Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Trust the unmatched value of R2X®, Shaw’s patented combined stain and soil resistance treatment that provides unequaled protection against soiling and liquid spills.

Visit us in-store or online today to see our full line of carpet that repels liquid!

Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com

4700 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. Suite 400, Dunwoody, GA 30338

www.onedayteeth.com Consult fee $100 • X-ray $95 • Due at consultation *Cash only. Not valid with other coupons. New patients only. Certain restrictions apply.

No Insurance. Must present coupon at consultation. Expires 7-31-14.

Lifetime Installation Warranty • All Products 12 Months No Interest

6223 Roswell • 404-255-2431 Kitchen &Road Bath Design

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 15

Unique fabrics and personal service

out& about

BROOKHAVEN • BUCKHEAD • DUNWOODY • SANDY SPRINGS

FOR KIDS

Holiday Hoops Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. – Boys and girls in

886 Huff Road | Atlanta, GA 30318 www.arteefabricsandhome.com

404-554-1215 Mon.-Sat. 10am - 5pm

grades 6-8 can test their basketball skills during the Holiday Hoops 2 on 2 Tournament. 2-on-2 round robin, free throw and 3-point shooting contests. Competition begins at 6 p.m. Awards given in each category. Includes tournament t-shirt. Free. Sandy Springs Middle School, 8750 Pride Place, Sandy Springs, 30350. To learn more and to register, go to: www. sandyspringsga.org or email: tramos@sandyspringsga.gov.

Queen Glitter Tuesday, Dec. 10, 4-4:45 p.m. – Get ready

to be swept up in the magic of Queen Glitter’s enchanting tales. For ages 4-12. Free and open to the public. Northside Branch Library, 3295 Northside Parkway, NW, Atlanta, 30327. Email: comments@ co.fulton.ga.us or call 404-814-3508 for additional details.

Turtle Tours Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. – Her-

itage Sandy Springs’ “Turtle Tours,” an educational series appropriate for children ages 2-5, continues. In this program, museum mascots “Sandy” the Chipmunk and “Spring” the Turtle “Celebrate the Season.” Free; donations encouraged. 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information, email: kbrigance@heritagesandysprings. org, call 404-851-9111 or visit: www.heritagesandysprings.org.

Winter Craft 2009 Best Chinese-The Sunday Paper 2001-2002 Best Chinese by Atlanta Jewish Times readers 1998-2012 Best Chinese by Creative Loafing “Mouth-watering Chin Chin spices things up.” –The Atlanta Journal Constitution “Most Memorable Meal” –Where Atlanta Magazine - 21/2 stars–Knife & Fork • DELIVERY (LIMITED AREA, MIN. $10) • CARRY OUT • CATERING • FULL BAR SERVICE WATCH OUR OPEN KITCHEN & EXPERIENCE THE ART OF CHINESE COOKING!!

Chin Chin Chinese Restaurant

Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-4 p.m. – Children

ages 4-12 can drop in with parents and caregivers to make a winter holiday craft. Free and open to all.

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

LET’S LEARN!

Cathedral Tour Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:50 a.m. – Come tour the

architecture and stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Philip. Free, and open to everyone. Tour begins in the atrium outside the bookstore entrance, and includes the organs, rose window and five of the six chapels. Binoculars encouraged. 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30305. Contact Ken Brownlee at 404-365-1000 with questions.

Feel Better Monday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – The “Look Good, Feel Better” program teaches beauty techniques to people with cancer, helping them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Free. Call 1-800-395-5665 to register. Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Carroll Conference and Education Center, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, 30342. Free parking in the East parking garage. Go to: http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org to learn more.

Waning Autumn Hike Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Join

National Park Service Ranger Jerry Hightower for a hike through a forest that was once home to American Indians. Visit the largest natural rock shelter in the park, and hear about the Indians’ use of available resources to survive and prosper. $3 daily park pass; $25 annual park pass required. Call 678-538-1200 to make a reservation. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Palisades unit, Whitewater Creek Rd., NW, Sandy Springs, 30327. Visit: www. nps.gov for details.

Urban Wildlife Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. – The Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort returns to the Blue Heron Nature Preserve to discuss how urban wildlife has adapted to living next door to humans.

Event includes “meet-and-greet” with a flying squirrel, box turtle, screech owl, corn snake and an opossum! $10 per person. RSVP by calling 412-3981101. 4055 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, 30342. To find out more, go to: www.bhnp.org.

Reporter Newspapers

Get Listed.

In print and online.

email your event to calendar@reporternewspapers.net 3887 Peachtree Road, Buckhead/Brookhaven And Other Locations 404-816-2229 | www.ChinChinAtlanta.com

16

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Hanukkah Hootenanny Monday, Dec. 2, 5:15 p.m. – The

community is invited to a Hanukkah celebration at the Marcus Jewish Community Center - Atlanta. Festivities include a Menorah lighting, songs, jelly doughnuts and a special performance of “Milton the Menorah” by The Bible Players. Hanukkah dinner available for purchase following the show. Free. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. To learn more, call 678-812-4161, email: rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or visit: www. atlantajcc.org.

Hanukkah Goblins Thursday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. – A feisty band

of goblins has stolen Hanukkah, and it’s up to Hershel of Ostropol to get it back! Camped out in the haunted synagogue on the hill, Hershel outwits the goblins one by one, but can he prevail through the eighth night when the ferocious King of the Goblins appears? Play suited for ages 3 and up. Additional shows: Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets: MJCCA members, adult $12; child $10. Non-members, adult $15, child $12; Thursday matinee, all tickets $10. Marcus Jewish Community Center - Atlanta, Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.

For information, visit: www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice or call 678-812-4002.

Live Nativity Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. – Enjoy the live nativity scene, Bethlehem town, the shepherds’ fields and the heavenly host above the lawn of St. John Church Methodist Church. Refreshments provided.

Free, and all are welcome. Also on Sunday, Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m. 550 Mt. Paran Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30327.

Call 404-255-1384 or go to: http://stjohnatlanta. org with questions.

Global Gift Market Church hosts its annual Global Gift Market in the Fellowship Hall. Browse hand-crafted gifts, gift cards and fair trade food products and baskets. Proceeds support Ten Thousand Villages and the LaGonave Haiti Partnership.

Free admission, and the public is invited. Enjoy free, hot apple cider and cookies. $6 chili supper follows, with Lessons and Carols at 6:30 p.m. Free parking at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. 2461 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30305. Go to: www.covenantpresbyterian.us or call 404-237-0363 for information.

Candy Making

Thursday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m. – Join others at Holy

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. – Sari teach-

Artists Market Saturday, Dec. 7, 12-3 p.m. – It’s Family Day

at the Spruill Art Gallery! Bring everyone for an afternoon filled with activities and tastings, and check out the market’s locally-crafted gifts and décor. Free and open to the community. Late night shopping, 6-8 p.m., Thursdays in Dec. Jewelry trunk show Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Market hours: TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Market opened Nov. 14 and continues through Dec. 23.

4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, 30346. Call 770-394-4019 or visit: spruillgallery.blogspot.com for details.

like your restaurant featured at

TASTE?

email us!

NEW

LOCATION

Sunday, Dec. 8, 12-5:30 p.m. – Covenant Presbyterian

Tree Lighting Spirit Catholic Church for holiday traditions: Advent Vespers and Mass, followed by a live nativity and tree lighting on the Holy Spirit Preparatory School campus. Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. 4465 Northside Dr., NW, Atlanta, 30327. Call 678-904-2811 with questions.

January 25, 2014 at 7:00pm Crowne Plaza hotel 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Featuring would you

SUPPORT

children’s donate to the

silent auction! email us!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

www.choa.org/tod thank you to our sponsors:

Dunwoody friends

is looking for volunteers...

Donate your time! email us!

es you how to make candy in time for the holidays!

Adults only due to hot ingredients. Free. Open to the first 15 participants. Call 404-848-7140 or visit the Brookhaven Branch Library to register. 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319.

dunwoodyfriends@yahoo.com

Holiday Greenery Wednesday, Dec. 11, 3-3:45 p.m. – Learn

how to create holiday decorations by using materials from your yard and home. Presented by Sarah Brodd of the UGA Cooperative Extension. Free. Open to first 25 participants. For adults, 18 years and over.

Brookhaven Branch Library, 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319. Call 404-848-7140 or visit the branch to register.

German Market Saturday, Dec. 7, 12-6 p.m. – Atlanta International School holds its annual international experience! Market features holiday refreshments, craft activities for kids, photo opportunity with St. Nicholas, gift items from more than 40 vendors, live entertainment. Free admission and open to all. 2890 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta, 30305. Call 404-8413840 or go to: www.aischool.org to learn more.

Elf Evie Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m. – Santa Claus

and Elf Evie fly in from the North Pole to visit children and give out treats. Free admission to the Oglethorpe University Museum for children under 12. Photography permitted and encouraged. Program also on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. $5 general admission; free for OUMA members and those with a Petrel Pass. In conjunction with “Haddon Sundblom: Santa Paintings” exhibit. 4484 Peachtree Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319. For additional details, visit: museum. oglethorpe.edu or call 404-364-8555.

The Holiday Spirit Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

– The Atlanta History Center’s annual holiday pro-

gram lets you explore holidays past with living history characters at Smith Family Farm and Swan House. Free for AHC members; included in the cost of general admission for non-members. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., NW. Atlanta, 30305. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 404-814-4000 or go to: www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

Live Animals Saturday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m. – Bring the en-

tire family, and check out the live nativity performances every 30 minutes on Sardis United Methodist Church’s front lawn. Sing Christmas carols in the sanctuary, and enjoy refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. The public is welcome. Free; donations gladly accepted. 3725 Powers Ferry Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30342. Call 404-237-6060 or visit: www.sardischurch.com with questions.

It won’t guarantee longer drives, but it will help your wallet go further.

For only $169 (seniors 60+, $139) your benefits include:

n 2 FREE rounds of golf which can be used any time before December 31, 2014 n $50 range card n Special pricing on greens/cart fees: • $19 Mon - Fri (reg rate $27) • $23 Sat, Sun, Hol (reg rate $32) n 10% savings in the golf shop on non-sale merchandise n 10-day advance tee times

As an added bonus: Purchase your Players Pass prior to January 31st and receive an additional free round of golf plus an extra $10 range credit.

Call 770-390-0424 for more information or visit our golf shop.

Visit us online at steelcanyongolfclub.com. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

1/4 Page Ad.indd 1

| 17 NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 11/11/13 10:18 AM

out & about

Church, school concerts to brighten the holiday season The season of song has arrived for festive gatherings, indulging in decadent nibbles and libations and wearing that “colorful” sweater grandma bought you last year. It is also the time that choirs lift their voices to celebrate the season.

Here are some upcoming musical events scheduled for Reporter Newspapers communities that are sure to brighten your holidays.

Brookhaven Brookhaven United Methodist Church Mark your calendar for a community concert featuring holiday favorites, both sacred and secular. Don Jones, the new music director at Brookhaven United Methodist Church and former Broadway musician, presents seasonal favorites, and those in attendance will have an opportunity to sing carols together.

When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.

Where: 1366 N. Druid Hills Rd., Brookhaven, 30319 How much: Suggested donation, $5, or five canned food items For more information: Call 404237-7506 or visit: www.brookhave-

numc.org

Buckhead The Cathedral of St. Philip The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates all family members in “Seasons of Family,” featuring special arrangements of familiar holiday tunes, from “Home for the Holidays” to the Peanuts’ “Christmas Time is Here,” “I Saw Three Ships,” Benjamin Britten’s “This Little Babe” and “Throw the Yule Log On, Uncle John.” The 33rd annual event welcomes a cameo appearance by the new Atlanta Women’s Chorus, as it prepares to launch its own concert season.

When: Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Free ice cream social follows the Saturday matinee Where: 2744 Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, 30305 How much: General admission, $30; premium seating, $40 For more information: Call 404320-1030 or visit: www.agmchorus.org The Westminster Schools The Westminster Schools presents

a holiday concert featuring Lee Harper & Dancers, joined by Lee Harper & Dancers II (youth company), and Westminster Middle School’s dance class and chorus. The concert includes numbers such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Farandole,” “Christmas a La Waltz,” “Carol of the Bells” and “March of the Toys.” Christopher Rex, principal cellist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, performs as guest musician.

When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.

Where: Kellett Theatre, Broyles Arts Center, (on the school’s campus) 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, 30327 How much: Free admission and open to all For more information: Call Lee Harper & Dancers at 404-364-9555 or visit: www.leeharperanddancers.com

learn about the history and background of the songs you have sung for years that are a traditional part of the season.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: 3100 Northside Dr., NW, Atlanta, 30305 How much: Adults, $15; seniors, $12; students, $5 For more information: Call 404223-6362, email: info@cgatl.org or go to: www.cgatl.org Peachtree Road United Methodist Church Peachtree Road United Methodist Church welcomes the five levels of the Georgia Boy Choir, along with a full orchestra, in performing favorite carols and classic songs to keep your holiday season merry. The evening includes Atlanta’s largest performance of the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” with audience participation highly encouraged. During the concert, children under 6 years old are invited to attend an onsite Christmas party, so parents can enjoy the performance worry-free.

When: Friday, Dec. 20, 7-9 p.m.

Northside Drive Baptist Church The Choral Guild of Atlanta invites the public to a “Carol Sing,” with the Lovinggood Middle School Chorus.

Music selections include “I Saw Three Ships,” “Carol of Bells,” “African Carol,” “A Musicological Journey through Twelve Days of Christmas” and sing-alongs of several seasonal favorites. Come

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Holiday Shopping t hi on i t % en m ou ny

10

off

e wh

sa

d

Churchill Fine Cigar Lounge

20% off for new clients Expires March 31, 2014

Large Smoking Lounge Big Screens Private Lockers Meeting Room Walk-In Humidor with the best selection of cigars and accessories in town!

Specializing in hair cutting, hair coloring and hair smoothing treatments Hammond Springs Shopping Center 5975 Roswell Rd. Suite A-129, Sandy Springs

5841 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404.255.6111

ChurchillFineCigars.com

New, Used and Slightly Abused Inventory Is Constantly Changing.

We are just around the corner from Chamblee’s Historic Antique District

Est.

404.256.1192

2013

simple finds

Advertise your holiday sales, products and services to our readers who live in metro Atlanta’s most desirable communities!

Simple Finds Interiors & Antiques

Dealer Booths & Furniture Consignment

18

|

Holiday Guide

3614 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Chamblee, Georgia 30341 www.simplefindsga.com | 678-691-4241 Mon-Sat 1000a-600p | Sun. 1200p-600p

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Reporter Newspapers

Last chance in 2013 is December 13

For more information call 404-917-2200 x130

Holiday Shopping Terrific sdays Thur

7 • 14 • 21 November

5 • 12 • 19 December

Just miles east of Atlanta

seasonal shopportunities Front

Enjoy holiday deals at Little Shop of Stories, Worthmore Jewelers, Café Alsace and 25 other shops and restaurants in the city of Decatur during Terrific Thursdays.

Get the inside scoop on local favorites at our friendly Visitors Center at 113 Clairemont Ave.

Back

Gorham

Snowflake 44th Edition #81290 $109

Reed & Barton Nikolas of Myra 10th Edition #81233 $155

Wallace

Grande Baroque Cross 18th Edition #81279 $109

Reed & Barton Williamsburg Baby’s First Cup Dated 2013 #81237 $95

404.261.4009

www.beverlybremer.com

3164 Peachtree Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 sterlingsilver@beverlybremer.com 13-430. Beverly Ornament Ad.Rev2.indd 1

11/12/13 9:47 PM

We would like to be your Repair Specialists!

visitdecaturgeorgia.com Decatur-buckhead reporter-nov2013_fnl.indd 1

11/12/13 2:17 PM

Bring us your Jewelry, Eye Glasses, all Delicate Collectibles

No item too large, no item too small... we have a new LaserWelder machine that can work miracles! Our two in-house jewelers can do ring resizing, stone replacement, engraving on glass & metal and custom-designed charms and jewelry in gold & silver.

Free gift wrapping with purchase, free parking and lots of smiles.

Camelot Jewelers

www.camelotjewelers.com • 2484 Mount Vernon Road in Dunwoody • 770.394.9045

e ndis a h c Mer ily! iday ing Da l o H v Arri

30% OFF FALL/WINTER 2013 SHOES* *some exclusions

PRADA, JIMMY CHOO, CORDANI, MICHAEL KORS & MORE...

floral design • home • accessories Vinings Jubilee 4300 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 678-309-9708 • www.WillowGreenLLC.com

VININGS JUBILEE • 4300 Paces Ferry Road Ste. 228 Atlanta, GA 30339 • 678.213.2595

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 19

COMMUNITIES OF FAITH Northside drive Baptist



ChurCh

Christmas Eve 4 pm • Family Vespers

Carols and Communion with all children participating in the telling of the Christmas story

10:30 pm • Lessons and Carols with Communion A candlelight service based on the King’s College tradition

3100 Northside Drive NW • www.northsidedrive.org

Christmas Eve at St. Luke Lutheran Christmas Eve Church

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, December 24, Church 7:30 pm Christmas Eve at St. Luke Lutheran Join us a traditional Lutheran at St. for Luke Lutheran Tuesday, December 24, Church 7:30 pm Candlelight Service with24, choir and Tuesday, 7:30 pm carols.

Join us forDecember a traditional Lutheran Join for a information traditional Lutheran For us more callcarols.

Candlelight Service with choir and Candlelight Service with choir and For more information callcarols.

404.237.4413.

AT PeAChTree

10 am | Young Families Service | Sanctuary 12 Noon | Communion Service | Kellett Chapel 12 Noon | A Summit Christmas | The Lodge 2 pm | Family Service | Sanctuary 4 pm | Family Candlelight Service | Sanctuary 6, 8 and 10 pm | Candlelight Services | Sanctuary

For more information call 404.237.4413.

404.237.4413.

Northside Parkway, NW Atlanta, GA 30327 www.StLukeAtlanta.org 32643264 Northside Parkway, www.StLukeAtlanta.org Northside Parkway,NW NWAtlanta, Atlanta, GA GA 30327 30327 www.StLukeAtlanta.org

SAINT MARTIN IN THE FIELDS EPISCOPAL CHURCH Christmas Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 24

3:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant* 5:30 p.m. Christmas Concert* 6:00 p.m. Festive Christmas Mass With Orchestra* 8:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Lessons and Carols 10:30 p.m. Christmas Concert 11:00 p.m. The Solemn Mass of Christ at Midnight *Nursery is available for these services and programs.

Christmas Day: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10:00 a.m.

3110 Ashford Dunwoody Rd • Atlanta, 30319 • 404-261-4292 • www.stmartins.org

Christmas Night Gratitude Service 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist

347 Carpenter Dr., Sandy Springs GA 30328 (near The Comfort Inn at I-285 & Roswell Rd)

All Are Welcome!

More details at

www.SecondChurchAtlanta.org or call 404-364-9642

20

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

3434 Roswell Road, NW | Atlanta Ga 30305 | 404.842.5800 | peachtreepres.org

FAITH PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Hanukkah shopping Left, Congregation Or VeShalom gave holiday shoppers a jump on the season by offering their “OVS Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar” on Nov. 17, featuring food and holiday festivities. Right, Elaine Levine, left, shops in the bakery section of the bazaar as Amy Maslia helps with her order. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began at sundown on Nov. 27.

COMMUNITIES OF FAITH December 1st: Worship 11am Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Family Event 5pm December 8th: Worship 11am: A Thrill of Hope December 15th: Worship 11am: White Gifts Service December 22nd: Worship 11am: A Gift of Love, A Prayer for Peace with orchestra December 24th: Family Christmas Eve Service 5pm December 29th: Worship 11am: A Gift of Joy, with orchestra

Come experience peace, joy, hope, and love with us this Advent season.

Sandy Springs United Methodist Church 86 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404.255.1181 | www.ssumc.org

See the world’s greatest story come to life!

T h e S t o rThe y o fStory B e t hofl eBethlehem hem See the world’s greatest story come to life!

Saturday & Sunday, December 7–8 6:00 – 8:00 PM Walk into The Story of Bethlehem re-creation of the 1st century town with a live nativity, angels on high, magi following the star, shepherds with their sheep and goats, a donkey, marketplace vendors, Roman centurions, a synagogue, and “Rufus” the camel!

The newly remodeled sanctuary is open for quiet meditation with beautiful music, while the fellowship hall is candlelit with the aroma of complimentary hot cider, cocoa, and fresh baked cookies.

St. John United Methodist Church 550 Mt. Paran Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

www.stjohnatlanta.org Free Admission and Open to All www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 21

Saturday & Sunday, December 7 - 8

out & about

Church, school concerts to brighten the holiday season When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Where: Heritage Hall, 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328 How much: $5 per person For more information: Call 404851-9111, ext. 4, email: events@heritagesandysprings.org or go to: www.heritagesandysprings.org. To learn more about the group, visit: www.atlantavocalproject.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

and Saturday, Dec. 21, 7-9 p.m.

Where: 3180 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30305 How much: General admission, $20; preferred seating, $40; students, $12 For more information: Call 404402-4083 or visit: georgiaboychoir.org

Dunwoody Dunwoody United Methodist Church Dunwoody United Methodist Church presents its annual family concert, “All for a Baby,” in the sanctuary.

The Wandering Shepherds, DUMC’s bluegrass band, as well as children, youth, handbell, women and Chancel choirs join together to celebrate Christmas!

When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3:45 p.m.

Where: 1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338 How much: Free. The public is welcome For more information: Call the church at 770-394-0675 St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church holds its annual Toys for Tots concert in its sanctuary. Hear the Chancel choir, FesHSP reporter ad 7.47x 6.185 HR.pdf tival Ringers and brass usher in 11-21 the hol-

The Atlanta Vocal Project will perform on Dec. 15 at Heritage Sandy Springs.

iday season.

When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.

Where: 1978 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338 How much: One unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots; a free-will offering will be collected for service personnel families For more information: Contact David Wallace1:32 at 770-329-5659 or via 3 11/21/13 PM email: elbowgolf65@comcast.net. Also

SPECIAL

visit: www.slpres.org

Sandy Springs Heritage Sandy Springs Heritage Sandy Springs continues its Heritage Winter Classics concert series by welcoming “The Atlanta Vocal Project,” an a cappella chorus specializing in the barbershop style, as they perform a Christmas show.

Cl a ss ic a l. C a t h o lic . I n spi red. Compl ete.

Apostles Church of Sandy Springs Invite your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the season at the Apostles Night of Music and Community Feast! The Apostles Praise and Worship Band, adult chorus and student performance group perform a variety of music, including holiday favorites. Come together after the concert for a potluck community feast. For last name A-M, bring a salad; N-Z, soup. The church will provide bread, dessert and beverages.

When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m.

Where: 6025 Glenridge Dr., NE, Sandy Springs, 30328 How much: All are welcome regardless of ability to bring a potluck item.

For more information: Call 404255-8668 or email: ahamiltonbutler@ gmail.com

Read all of our editions online

you are IN V I T E D to our

Sunday, December 8, 2013 | 1:30 pm-4:00 pm 4449 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327 PRESCHOOL Age 2-4 * Presentation 2:00 pm Childcare is provided for those attending Preschool Presentation UPPER SCHOOL Grades 7-12 * Presentation 3:00 pm

ReporterNewspapers.net

&

SACS and SAIS accredited

www.holyspiritprep.org

22

|

Preschool starting age 2 through 12th grade

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

678.761.7992

AtlantaINtownPaper.com

Here’s Looking at You!

Presented by

To view more photos visit ReporterNewspapers.net.

Submit photos @ photos@reporternewspapers.net

SPECIAL

Green is good From left, Sam Woodrow, Mia Arrigali, Neal Yates, Ethan Archibald, Grace Myers and Azeezat Bello, students at Dunwoody Elementary School, harvested a variety of vegetables from the school’s garden, and were able to sample “home-grown” lettuce, broccoli and radishes.

SPECIAL

SAVE $300

Cool cash Garden Hills Elementary School teacher Kelly Petrello, holding check, received an Atlanta Families’ Award for Excellence in Education, and a $7,500 check to continue her personal project, the Digital Citizen’s Online Classroom. Helping her celebrate were Garden Hills Elementary Principal Mr. Tommy Usher, second from right, APS North Region Interim Executive Director Dr. Sidney Baker, at Usher’s left, Board of Education member Nancy Meister, next to check, and other special guests.

SAVE $300

BONUS

BONUS

3-HOUR DIGITAL SLR CAMERA CLASS

3-HOUR DIGITAL SLR CAMERA CLASS

$99 VALUE

3 DAYS ONLY

49999

$

$99 VALUE

SPECIAL

Soccer stars

The Our Lady of the Assumption Church’s U14 boys soccer team won the Dunwoody Metro Soccer League fall season, defeating Saint Brigid Catholic Church 2-1 in overtime. Front row, from left, Luc Franklin, Max Haslach, Quint Gfroerer, Conor Sheehan, Colt Franklin, Nic Howard, Santiago Martinez, Luke Franklin, Michael Tobia.

Back row, from left, Head Coach Rob Aldrich, Connor Brown, Mac McComb, Nolan Aldrich, Patrick Kremer, Erik Kolvereid, Richy Wagner, Joseph Waller and Coach Mike McComb.

SAVE $100

NOW

SAVE $100

649

$

99

AFTER $100 INSTANT REBATE

BONUS

3-HOUR DIGITAL SLR CAMERA CLASS

$99 VALUE

NOW

144999

$

BONUS

3-HOUR DIGITAL SLR CAMERA CLASS

$99 VALUE

WAS $749.99

DEAN CHELLIAH

Aprons on!

Sarah Smith Elementary School in Buckhead recently held their fall festival. Peter Wurm, left, assists daughters Sadie and Sofie, right, in building tool boxes. The annual festival attracted over 1,200 attendees.

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 23

EDUCATION

Standout Students

It takes courage to

step up

Student Profile:

>

 Sarah Sukin  Pace Academy, senior

At The Galloway School, students age 3 through grade 12 are encouraged to explore their interests and discover their individual strengths.

Schedule a tour today at

gallowayschool.org 215 W. Wieuca Rd NW | Atlanta, GA 30342 | 404.252.8389 Gall_EdGuide_Ad_ML.indd 1

Sarah Sukin is keeping her options open for the future.

Sarah participates in a broad range of activities. The variety highlights her wide interests.

She leads art classes for students at her school, does volunteer work with homeless women and children, teaches Hebrew school, and juggles participation in clubs ranging from the model United Nations to the National Honor Society.

Though Sarah is a very busy girl, carrying a tiring schedule, her passion for everything she does provides the energy to keep her going, she said.

She started volunteer work at My Sister’s House, a shelter for homeless women and children, during her sophomore year in high school.

“It’s so inspiring to listen to the kids and help them, it makes you keep wanting to go back,” she said, “and I go back to that every Thursday.”

9/16/13 8:41 AM

Vibrant. Personal. Captivating.

Come explore our challenging academic environment rooted in Christian values.

We’d love to meet you.

Sarah’s enthusiasm shows not only through her community service activities, but also through her academics. She enjoys both math and art, and is considers a career that would combine the two, such as working with 3-D printing or with product design.

Sarah’s teachers recognize her passion and ability to excel at whatever she puts her mind to.

“With her calm, quiet intellect, coupled with a very mature, consistent work ethic, Sarah is able to tackle any task with apparent ease,” said Jenni Coale, Sarah’s history teacher.

Sarah says she thinks what’s important is to try out a variety of areas.

“The most important thing is that whatever you do you want to do the best that you can,” she said. “But also enjoy what you are doing. I don’t do anything that I don’t feel very inspired about.”

What’s Next: Open House Dates: Lower School (Pre-First - 5th) Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 | 10:30 a.m. – Noon Middle School (6th - 8th) Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Upper School (9th - 12th) Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Westminster Schools | www.westminster.net | 404-609-6202

The Westminster Schools celebrates diversity and practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy.

24

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Sarah plans to pick a college where she can continue her interest in math and art. And she wants to stay active doing service work in her community. “I definitely am going to find a place near wherever I go to college where I can help and continue my service,” she said.

This article was prepared by Maura Binkley, a student at Dunwoody High School.

Do you know a standout high school student?

Send nominees to editor@ reporternewspapers.net.

EDUCATION Student Profile:

couldn’t do that. I ended up picking the association, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

That in no way means that Mollie has given up on pursuing a career in journalism. She works as an intern with Reporter Newspapers. And she is co-editor of Chamblee’s school newspaper, “The Blue & Gold.”

Mollie recently attended the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Conference in Washington D.C., as a representative of the state of Georgia. The conference, named for the founder of USA Today, is designed to encourage and inspire future journalists. Mollie was one of 51 rising

 Mollie Simon  Chamblee Charter High School, senior There’s quite a bit to say about Mollie Simon. She’s president of Chamblee’s Technology Student Association, co-editor of her school’s newspaper and practiced in Aikido, a Japanese defensive martial art.

Mollie has been broadening her horizons and learning new skills for years.

In eighth grade, she started taking classes in Aikido.

Aikido, translated roughly as “the way of the harmonious spirit,” is a defensive martial art that originated in Japan in the early 1900s. The form focuses on grappling and on softness: In other words, it is a style that emphasizes dispatching an attacker rather than attacking someone else.

“It’s all about responding to attacks,” Mollie said.

Though Mollie has not been focusing as intently on Aikido in recent years, she most certainly has not slacked off. She has been working on Chamblee Charter High School’s Technology Student Association, an organization that meets weekly. She is currently its president.

She’s worked with the association since her freshman year. The organization challenges students to compete in various events, from engineering and

What’s Next: Mollie hasn’t settled on a college yet, but believes she’d like to pursue a career in journalism. She is also looking into marketing the customizable bag that won her and her partner first place at one of the Technology Student Association’s International Conferences.

This article was prepared by Blake Flournoy, a student at Riverwood International Charter School.

Scholarship Basics Seminar Gift the gift of an Education you can AFFORD!

writing to debate, public speaking and even fashion design.

Mollie has attended the Tech Day and State Conference in Athens, Ga., and a couple of international conferences – one in Orlando, Fla., and the other in Dallas, Texas. At one conference, Mollie and a friend won a first-place prize by developing a customizable travel bag.

“I had actually wanted to go into journalism instead,” Mollie noted, “but as a freshman, [under school rules] I Forest ranger Biology major

Exotic animal vet

seniors to attend.

Learn the "Art" of Scholarships.

Walk away with a firm grasp on how to write the perfect essay, where to look, how to organize, & how to GET scholarships for college.

Upcoming Seminar: December 9th, 2013 @ Marist School 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Limited # of Seats Remaining

www.scholarshipbasics.com Excavates in Jerusalem

Medical school

University department chair Museum curator

Environmental club

Governor’s Honors Program Peer Leadership Training

Makes the tennis team

Lisa discovers science

Ph.D. in archaeology

Lymphoma walk

Physics major

Astronaut

Navy pilot

Visits NASA

Takes AP biology

Where will your child go and how will she get there? The Society of Mary founded Marist School more than 100 years ago to provide an education quite unlike any other.

Our faculty and curriculum inspire excellence in all of our students. Beyond the classroom, we offer a comprehensive array of extracurricular activities to pique students’ interests and uncover their hidden talents.

Through it all, we instill a sense of personal responsibility, foster spiritual growth, and teach the joy of serving others.

Learn more about what Marist has to offer. Please visit marist.com or call Jim Byrne, director of admissions and financial aid, at 770-936-2214. Help your child prepare for his or her future—no matter where it leads.

Open House: Sunday, December 8, 1 - 4 p.m.

SS

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 25

EDUCATION

City school advocates: Vote shows need for local control

Family Owned www.peachtreecremation.com

BY MELISSA WEINMAN AND JOE EARLE

Simple Cremation $ 995 Why Pay More?

MEDICARE.

E T E W CEP AR C AC D I E M

A DOCTOR’S OFFICE 678.413.0104 THAT UNDERSTANDS

Sam Johnson

Buy any two lunches, get

$3 OFF

OR

Mexican Restaurant 2042 Johnson Ferry Rd NE

(at the corner of Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. in Brookhaven)

(770) 452-9896

Hours: 11am to 10:30pm

$5 OFF Not valid with any other combination offer.

Expires 12/31/13

E T E W CEP AR EC TC E WACEEPDAI R C ACMDI E M

A DOCTOR’S OFFICE A DOCTOR’S OFFICE THAT UNDERSTANDS THAT UNDERSTANDS MEDICARE. MEDICARE.

Buy any two entree dinners, get

WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH CARE.™ When was the last time your doctor took the time to discuss your long-term well-being? As concerns about your medications, conditions, and specialists arise, you need a physician who respects you. It’s our mission to establish a close relationship with you, coordinate healthcare, and provide the care you deserve.

Find your primary care doctor today.

Visit ConcentraPrimaryCare.com/Atlanta Sandy Springs Primary Care 6334 Roswell Rd. NE, Suite B Sandy Springs, GA 30328 770-250-0401

Edgewood Primary Care 1220 Caroline St. NE, Suite A230 Atlanta, GA 30307 678-916-3600

©2013 Concentra Operating Corporation

26

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

CONC-1313B ATL_AI_PC_4.89x10.25_F.indd 1

9/4/13 5:50 PM

Some parents and local officials believe the DeKalb County Board of Education’s recent vote to deny a “charter cluster” application for Druid Hills sent a message that the embattled school board isn’t open to new ideas.

Proponents of independent school systems in north DeKalb say the school board’s decision will bolster efforts to start new school systems. One legisalative proposal now being considered would allow a city school system in Sandy Springs.

“The school board has a one-size-fitsall [philosophy],” said Dunwoody City Councilman Terry Nall, who has advocated for a separate Dunwoody school system. “They’re not willing to recognize the unique needs of local communities.

It highlights our need for control.”

On Nov. 11, the DeKalb school board voted 5-4 against the Druid Hills petition.

A “charter cluster” is a concept that takes a cluster of schools – a high school and all of the elementary and middle schools that feed into it – and puts it under the control of a governing board separate from the school system.

The idea is that the charter cluster would have more autonomy and flexibility in exchange for more accountability and improvements in academic performance.

Marshall Orson, a board of education representative whose district includes Brookhaven, was one of the four members who voted in favor of the Druid Hills petition. Orson said the Druid Hills Charter Cluster petition was the first of its kind to come before the DeKalb school board and had it been approved, it would have been the first charter cluster in the state.

“I think we’re going to have to wrestle with this issue. I don’t think this is the last petition. I think it’s only the first.”

But Brookhaven City Councilman Bates Mattison said the board’s decision also may discourage parents from submitting charter cluster applications in the future. Mattison said he looked into creating a charter cluster for Chamblee High School and a lot of time, effort and money goes into preparing the petitions.

“It took what was a group of active parents and educators who want to improve the school system and told them, ‘We’re not interested in having you participate,’” he said. “In the bigger picture, it says to people like me or in Dunwoody, maybe it’s not worth the effort.”

Meanwhile, a study of the feasibility of creating a separate Dunwoody school system found the system would raise twice as much at current tax levels as it would need to operate.

The study, commissioned by Dunwoody Parents Concerned about Quality Education and paid for by the Dunwoody City Council, projected revenues

for Dunwoody school system at $78.7 million, based on 2012 levels, and projected operating costs of about $37.8 million.

“Such organization reform may be not only financially prudent, but would facilitate the classroom-centered and child-centered operations without the organization encumbrances of a district organized to serve 98,000 children,” said the study, which was conducted by Georgia Tech professor Christine P. Ris and Georgia Public Policy Foundation president Kelly McCutchen.

The study also found that DeKalb County schools stood to lose about $27 million of consolidated revenues if an independent Dunwoody school system should be created.

Orson, who was a strong supporter of the Druid Hills effort, said he sees charter clusters as a good model for improving education.

“They strike a good balance for autonomy for areas with the capacity and interest while maintaining the overall school system,” Orson said.

Orson said he doesn’t think it’s fair to label the school board as inflexible or unwilling to consider new ideas as some might suggest. “I hate to draw a conclusion from any single vote,” Orson said.

“This is a new board.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Nathan Deal removed six of the nine school board members after the DeKalb school system was placed on accreditation probation.

Orson and two other members had recently been elected and were allowed to retain their seats. On Nov. 25, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld the law allowing Deal to remove the board members.

Orson said he thinks it’s likely the state may try to narrow the board’s discretion when it comes to charter petitions. Orson would like to see the board consider more alternatives.

“Are we better off embracing it so we’re still party to it or having the state make a decision for us?” he asked. “To maintain our relevance, we’re ultimately going to have to be part of the process.”

Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Dunwoody, believes denial of the Druid Hills petition will fuel support for his bill allowing the creation of independent school systems.

His bill would allow cities created since 2005, including Sandy Springs, to start new school systems.Taylor said the school board’s recent actions prove that there is a need to create different avenues to improve public education. “This is our only alternative,” Taylor said.

He believes the denial will help his cause in the legislature.

“A lot of the pushback I was getting last year, in the one hearing we had, was, ‘Why don’t you do a charter cluster?’

Now I can tell you why,” Taylor said.

SS

COMMUNITY

Police hope to monitor neighborhood cameras

Chevaux Court

BY MELISSA WEINMAN

Lake Forrest

melissaweinman@reporternewspapers.net

Lake Summit

BING MAPS

This portion of Lake Forrest Drive has been closed since the summer.

City Council awards contract for Lake Forrest fix CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

falling debris from the road’s vertical slope instead of building a wall.

City Councilman John Paulson, who is an engineer, said there’s enough stable soil to hold the netting in place with 13foot long anchors.

“They’re drilled and grouted into

place,” Paulson said. “You’re literally bolting this into the hillside.”

Money for the repairs will come from the city’s reserve accounts, City Manager John McDonough said. McDonough expects the city will be able to replenish the reserve account after its mid-year budget review in January.

The leader of the Atlanta Police Foundation told neighborhood groups in Buckhead if they purchase security cameras, police will monitor them from the department’s integrated video center.

Dave Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, said the organization is hoping to get neighborhoods involved in the effort to reduce property crimes.

“We’re really looking for neighborhoods right now that want to partner with us to install these cameras,” he said.

If neighborhood groups purchase their own cameras or license plate readers, he said, police can access video footage or license plate information to help them catch criminals who may try to enter or exit neighborhoods.

Wilkinson said the effort was part of the Atlanta Police Department’s goal to stay at the forefront of police technology. He said the city’s security camera system, license plate readers, and predictive policing programs put

the department ahead of many major cities.

“The city of Atlanta is on the cutting edge of this technology. We’re leading this technology,” he said.

Wilkinson said he expects to have 11,000 cameras tied into the city’s network over the next two to three years.

Atlanta has a partnership with the private sector called Operation Shield, which allows the police department to monitor existing security cameras at its Video Integration Center.

Using privately funded cameras along with cameras purchased by the city has allowed the police to save costs while maintaining a strong network, he said.

“Providing a camera, we feel, is the next best thing to having an officer on the street,” Wilkinson said. “The reality of it is, it’s very expensive.”

Cameras typically cost between $8,000 and $10,000, and license plate readers go from $6,000 to $8,000, depending on the infrastructure that’s in place.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Variance to encroach within the 25’ State waters buffer DAM Rehabilitation for The FALLS at Sandy Springs Apartments 5555 Roswell Road NE - Atlanta, GA 30342 - 404-252-4455 The property owner, Mosaic / Falls, LLC, is issuing this notice to better inform the public of our request to encroach upon the 25 foot State waters buffer to complete a rehabilitation of a failed dam. The Georgia – Department of Natural Resources – Environmental Protection Division – Watershed Protection Branch issued a public advisory on November 25, 2013 announcing the opening of the 30 day period for accepting comments on the proposed activity. The comment period closes on December 26, 2013 according to the public advisory case control number BV-060-13-17, issued by the GA-EPD. The site is located immediately east of Roswell Road NE, and south of its intersection with Lake Placid Drive, NE in Sandy Springs, GA, within Fulton County. A copy of the proposed construction plans can be reviewed at The FALLS Apartments leasing office, the address and phone number of which are provided above. The leasing office is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The site, including the proposed buffer encroachment, can be visited anytime during normal business hours by checking in at the leasing office.

The proposed project requires the requested buffer encroachments to facilitate the rehabilitation of a small dam that failed on the Falls property on June 5, 2013. The specific work items include an earth buttress berm just downstream of the dam to improve stability, and a new concrete lined emergency spillway to carry the probable maximum flood, a 500 year storm event, without over-topping the dam. Construction of the new spillway and buttress berm will fill in about 67 lineal feet of existing stream bed, and cover over 3,950 square feet of existing stream buffer, within 25 feet of the existing stream channel.

DON’T WEIGHT ON THE HOLIDAYS.

TACKLE THAT DREADED RESOLUTION NOW! Jumpstart your new year with our mouthwatering, chef-inspired portion- and caloriecontrolled gourmet meal plans. So even if you do indulge a bit over the holidays, we can help you manage your weight...and that pesky resolution you struggle with year after year. You’ll enjoy delicious meals that are prepared locally and delivered fresh, never frozen, to any of over 90 pickup locations throughout metro Atlanta.

No hassle, no contract and no calorie-counting!

The type of Permit Applied for is, part “A”; “Variance to encroach within the 25-foot State waters buffer.” This permit is being applied for under the “Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act O.C.G.A 12-7-1 et seq.” The applicable rules are found in the “Erosion and Sedimentation Control Chapter 391-3-7,” with the specific variance being considered as item “A”, within section 391-3-7.05 (2). All written comments about the proposed encroachment and requested variance should be submitted to: Program Manager, NonPoint Source Program, Erosion and Sediment Control Unit, 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30354 referencing control number, BV-060-13-17.

Reporter Newspapers Email updates Be in the know ReporterNewspapers.net SS

R

ORDER AT GOODMEASUREMEALS.COM OR CALL 404-815-7695 100% of net proceeds go directly to support Open Hand’s community nutrition programs provided at no cost to the underserved and chronically ill in our community. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

GMM_Reporter_qtr_pg_vert_Nov13.indd 1

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 27PM 11/13/2013 |12:46:28

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter The following incidents and arrests are some but not all of the reports filed with SSPD over the listed period, dated through Nov. 22.

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

R O BBERY  100 block of North River Drive 30350 – On Nov. 9, a man reported that just before 7 p.m. he was walking when he was approached by another man who pulled a gun and demanded his wallet. The suspect took the wallet and ran.

Pet Pictures with SANTA! Monday, December 2nd 3-6pm

BUR G LARY  100 block of Pine Lake Drive 30328 – On Nov. 9, someone attempted to pry a door leading to the home but apparently left when the alarm activated.  100 block of Fieldsborn Court 30328 – On Nov. 10, someone forced entry to the basement of the home and took disc jockey electronic equipment valued at $3,000.

Mark R. St.Onge, DVM 4226 Peachtree Rd NE Brookhaven, GA 30319

(Actual Santa pictured)

Road  Burdette 30328 – On Nov. 17,

(404) 841-DOGS (3647) www.Buckhavenvet.com

 5100 block of Powers Ferry Road 30342 – On Nov. 17, the resident reported that someone took a leaf blower from his garage area.

The resident said he heard a noise around 10:30 p.m. and believes this was the suspect.

He discovered the theft the following morning.

Together, we can make a difference.

 300 block of Hammond Drive 30328 – On Nov. 18, employees of Gramma B’s Home and Garden store reported that sometime overnight someone threw a brick through a window and took a $1,200 iMac computer. They have an alarm but it was not activated that evening.

GET A QUOTE AND I’LL DONATE $5 As a local Allstate Agent, I’m proud to support the Atlanta Humane Society. And now it’s easy for you to help too. Call or stop by for a free insurance quote and I’ll donate $5* to the Atlanta Humane Society.

The Patriot Group (404) 907-1266

54004

*No purchase or use of goods or services necessary for donation fulfillment. Maximum donation of $500. Limited to one (1) donation per household. Ends 3/31/2014. Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Company

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

 600 block of Fair Oaks Manor 30342 – On Nov. 18, the victim reported that several yard tools had been taken from his storage closet in his carport. The victim said one of his neighbors saw two suspicious persons entering someone else’s carport but did not call 911. Instead, the neighbor e-mailed the homeowner’s association.  8600 block of Roberts Drive 30350 – On Nov. 20, someone entered a sliding door to an apartment and took two TVs, a laptop and an iPad.  6900 block of Roswell Road 30328 – On Nov. 20, someone entered the victim’s apartment and took several items including a TV, laptop, shoes, a Chipper Jones “bobble head” and five DVDs.

1700 Northside Dr., Ste C-1 Atlanta, GA 30318

|

ment and took a plasma TV.

THEFT  6000 block of Harleston Drive 30328 – On Nov. 9, two women reported they were visiting a guy who, during the night, went through their purses, stealing $350 and several gift cards.  A hardware store on Sandy Springs Circle reported on Nov. 17 that someone took several store-closing signs from the location.  6000 block of Rivershore Parkway 30328 – On Nov. 18, a woman reported that a grey SUV drove up to her mailbox and took items she was mailing from the box. This happened at about 9:35 a.m.

officers responded  1100 block Read more of the to a burglary. On arof Perimeter CenPolice Blotter online at rival they found eviter West 30328 – www.reporternewspapers.net dence of an attempt On Nov. 18, a womto enter a storage an reported that area; however it apwhile she was eatpears the alarm scared them off. Nothing was ing at a restaurant, her purse, hanging from taken. the back of her chair, a pickpocket took her

Get a quote for our four-legged friends.

28

CAPTAIN STEVE ROSE, SSPD srose@sandyspringsga.gov

 3100 block of The Valley 30328 – On Nov. 20, someone entered an unlocked sliding door to the victim’s apartment. The apartment was ransacked but nothing was missing.  600 block of Willow Heights Drive 30328 – On Nov. 20, someone entered the apart-

wallet. Witnesses said three people, two men and a woman, were seen sitting at a nearby table. The three walked in and out of the restaurant several times but did not order.

NOTE: Use caution and place your purse on the front side of your chair, not the back.

 1600 block of Riveredge Parkway 30328 – On Nov. 18, trailers and an ATV were taken from a parking garage.  7400 block of Peachtree Dunwoody Road 30328 – On Nov. 18, a woman who works for

an assisted living community reported that someone took $120 from her wallet in her purse. She was in her mother’s room. They do have a suspect but no arrests yet.

 Willow Glen 30328 – On Nov. 19, a 72-year-old woman said her granddaughter stole jewelry from her and then sold it at a nearby coin dealership. The granddaughter is currently in drug rehab in Atlanta.  Cedar Run 30350 – On Nov. 19, a man reported that a life-size poster of Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was stolen from his front porch after it was delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.  6000 block of Roswell Road – A woman reported that her cellphone was stolen from her office while she used the restroom.

When she returned from the restroom, she ran into a man leaving the office, who told her he was lost.  7800 block of Roswell Road 30350 – On Nov. 19, a store manager said three young men stole several boxes from a mail shipment from the front of the store. The report does not mention what was in the boxes.

SS

PUBLIC SAFETY  5500 block of Roswell Road 30342 – On Nov. 20, a man said he loaned his computer to another man who lives in East Point and who refuses to return it.  Saddle Ridge Drive – A woman reported that at some point between Sept. 1 and Nov. 21, someone took her jewelry from a butlershelf closet.

T H E FT F ROM V EHICLES  6300 block of Powers Ferry, 30342, gun  600 block of Summer Drive, 30350, purse and its contents, worth $50  6900 block of Roswell Road, 30328, misc. contents, worth $20, were dropped by suspects who ran when officers arrived

woman. The complainant had a swollen eye.

Witnesses said the two women got into an argument. When the complainant walked off, the other girl hit her. There was no arrest at the scene.  5300 block of Roswell Road 30342 – On Nov. 18, a man said he was hit and thrown to the ground by his boyfriend around 4:30 p.m.

The victim had a cut and bruises. The suspect was gone. The victim said he wants a restraining order.  300 block of Winding River Drive 30350 – On Nov. 18, a woman reported that she was slapped and her hair pulled by another woman who, with another person, came to retrieve personal belongings from an apartment.

 600 block of Fair Oaks Manor, 30328, Honda 3000 generator  800 block of Johnson Ferry Road, 30342, $900 laptop  6900 block of Roswell Road, (x2) 30328, stereo gear; nothing missing  200 block of Cimarron Parkway (x3), 30350, catalytic converter  3000 block of North River Parkway, 30350, landscaping tools

AS S A U LT  6300 block of Powers Ferry Road 30342 – On Nov. 9, just after 8 p.m., officers were dispatched to a nightclub on an assault call.

They met with a woman who had been drinking. She said she was assaulted by another

AR R ES TS  Roswell and Dalrymple Roads 30328 – On Nov. 9, following a traffic stop, the officer noticed a smell of marijuana and the smell of baby powder and fabric softener that is used to mask the smell of marijuana. The driver said she had an argument with her boyfriend and didn’t notice she was speeding. She was cited for possessing two small bags of marijuana and for speeding.  1000 block of Hammond Drive 30328 – On Nov. 19, two men were charged with purchasing marijuana from a room at a hotel.

The renter of the room was later arrested.  5700 block of Roswell Road 30342 – On Nov. 20, a K-9 officer made a traffic stop just after 5 p.m. He saw the driver place some-

thing under the seat and at the same time, smelled marijuana. The man told the officer he had smoked some weed at his friend’s house about a half hour ago. The officer ran the man’s information on the computer and found that he was wanted in Cobb County for a probation violation. The officer found cocaine in the man’s pocket as well as a small bag of marijuana. He was arrested.  5600 block of Roswell Road 30342 – On Nov. 20, officers were called to a discount store on a dispute. They learned that an employee had been fired, and was acting belligerent and causing a scene. The officer told the man to leave. He started to leave but turned around and came back. He was again told to leave and cursed at the officer, making reference to his mother. The man then walked off the curbing and into the lane of store front traffic. The cops told him to come out of the traffic lane. The man continued to curse at the officer, who then decided an arrest was in order. The man began to fight the two officers who attempted to handcuff him. They wrestled to the ground. The office told the man to quit resisting or he would use the Taser. The man said he would stop, and when allowed to stand, he continued to resist the arrest. Two additional officers arrived and they got the man into handcuffs without having to Taser him. He continued to curse at the officers all the way to jail.  200 block of Sandy Springs Place 30328 – On Nov. 20, a grocery store employee watched as a woman took several canned food items, baby diapers and male hygiene

products, and conceal them as she left the store. She was detained and later arrested.

The value of the stolen items was just under $20.

OTHER STUFF  A woman on Brentwood Way called and reported that her baby’s father has violated the “no-contact” order issued by a judge in June. He called her and said “I’ll kill you, and I know how to get to you.”  A man on Glenridge Drive reported that on Nov. 9, someone tried to set his mail, inside the mailbox, on fire.  A woman reported that her ex-boyfriend, arrested in DeKalb County for selling drugs, has been calling her and threatening her if she doesn’t pay him $700 he says she owes him.  An officer who was working a traffic accident heard the sound of a car horn and saw two cars. The driver of one car threw something at the second car. The driver of the second car threw a water bottle at the first car.

Both drivers were detained. Turns out the first driver threw chewing gum onto the second car. Both were later charged with disorderly conduct.  700 block of Hammond Drive 30328 – On Nov. 20, around 8:15 p.m., a woman was at a hotel’s fitness room on the treadmill. A nude man walked by the glass door and faced in her direction. She called for help but the fitness room phone would not work. The man walked away but later he was seen again, this time dressed, as the victim was talking to the staff person. The man left in a blue Audi.

Our advertising in Reporter Newspapers has helped grow our business since we opened in 2012.

We have gotten great response.

Customers often come in with our ad in hand so we know that they have seen it in the Reporter.

Reporter Newspapers www.ReporterNewspapers.net SS

– Tisha Rosamond Nothing Bundt Cakes

With 130,000 readers in four great communities, Reporter Newspapers work for our advertisers! To find out how your business can benefit, contact publisher Steve Levene at 404-917-2200, ext. 111 or email publisher@reporternewspapers.net. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 29

COMMUNITY

For police and firefighters, holidays become a time to give

BY JOE EARLE

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Back in 2009, during the Dunwoody police department’s first year of operation, Sgt. Fidel Espinoza saw a need in the young city.

“When we first started, we realized there’s a big difference between our affluent side of town and our less fortunate side of town,” Espinoza said.

He had an idea. As the holidays approached, the police department would pull together local businesses, church groups and other volunteers, and throw a party for kids from the less affluent side of town. They would play Santa and distribute presents to families in need.

“What better way to tie the two parts of the community together?” he asked.

The department started a program called Christmas For Kids. It collected toys and threw a party for children from the city’s poorer apartment complexes.

“It just seemed the right thing to do. It made sense,” Espinoza said. “The need was apparent.”

And, it worked. The program caught on and is still going.

Each year since that first one, the department has collected toys for distribution in December to children in the less affluent areas of the city. The police throw a holiday party, complete with Santa, for about 60 people. This year, Dunwoody police plan to host their fifth Christmas For Kids party.

“One thing that really stands out about the Dunwoody Police Department is the first line in our mission statement – we will engage the community,” Espinoza said.

But the Dunwoody department isn’t the only group of first responders organizing holiday gift giveaways.

In Sandy Springs, the city’s firefighters gather toys for the North Perimeter Optimist Club’s annual holiday toy drive. In Atlanta, the Police Athletic League sets up Toys for Tots collection boxes in each of the city’s precincts. And in Brookhaven, the spokesman for the city’s new police department said police there don’t have anything going this year, but could organize a gift-collection program by next Christmas.

“It’s in our nature,” Espinoza said. “Police departments, fire departments – it’s something innate. Throughout the year, we deal with the ugly side of people. Doing some-

thing like this – these warm and fuzzies – it’s good for our police spirit.

“We call Chrismas For Kids our jewel. Doing things like this is a positive.”

Elizabeth Stell, executive assistant to Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan, said the program focuses on gifts for children and their families, but it also gives something back to the officers.

“It’s a big morale boost,” she said. “Our officers get something out of it, just like the community. It’s fun for them.”

Sandy Springs firefighters took over a toy-collection program that was in place when the city’s department started. The collections were begun by firefighters with the Fulton County department that preceded the city.

Fire Chief Jack McElfish said the department usually takes in 250 to 300 toys each year. Firefighters themselves distribute any toys that come in after the deadline for the Optimist Club’s party. And the officers enjoy showing up in their emergency vehicles, lights flashing, and handing out toys, he said.

“Whenever they do it, they call me and say, ‘You won’t believe this!’” he said. “It makes them appreciate what they have, and they just appreciate seeing the kids and seeing the parents when they receive the items.”

In Dunwoody, Espinoza said police keep their annual holiday party quiet to avoid any embarrassment the families might feel. “This is a private and intimate affair,” he said.

PHIL MOSIER

Chris and Lisa Albright put children’s gifts in a box set up by the Dunwoody Police Department at the Light Up Dunwoody event on Nov. 24.

But the annual gift-wrapping party, planned this year for Dec. 14, has itself turned into a holiday event for volunteers from local churches and businesses, Dunwoody police said.

Espinoza’s not surprised Christmas For Kids has caught on in Dunwoody.

“One side of town had not so much and the other side of town with plenty and willing to give,” he said. “It seemed to make sense.”

Collection points for donated toys In Atlanta, the Police Athletic League collects unwrapped toys for children aged 8 to 18 for Toys for Tots. In Buckhead, toys may be dropped off at the Zone 2 Precinct, 3120 Maple Drive.

In Dunwoody, the city police department’s Christmas For Kids program collects new and unwrapped gifts for children newborn to age 15. Police will collect gifts in the lobby of police headquarters, 41 Perimeter Center East, through Dec. 23.

Other Dunwoody drop-off locations: Another Broken Egg Café; Crossroads Church of Dunwoody; Cutie Pies Children’s Boutique; CVS Pharmacy; Dentistry with a Difference; Dunwoody Elementary School; Dunwoody Nature Center; Fidelity Bank; Kingsley Charter Elementary School; Mellow Mushroom Pizza; Nancy’s Hallmark; North Atlanta Memorial Park; Peachtree Charter Middle School; Picayune Toys; Starbucks (at Ravinia); Tilted Kilt; Vanderlyn Elementary School.

In Sandy Springs, firefighters collect unwrapped toys for children aged 3 to 12 for the North Perimeter Optimist Club’s Children’s Holiday Party. Donations are accepted through Dec. 12 at the city’s four fire stations. Stations are located at 1425 Spalding Drive, 139 Johnson Ferry Road, 6025 Raiders Drive and 4697 Wieuca Road.

Reporter Classifieds

To place a Classified or Service Directory ad call Deborah at 404-917-2200 x 110.

HELP WANTED

CLEANING SERVICES

SERVICES AVAILABLE

INSTALLATION

Advertising Sales/Reporter Newspapers & Atlanta Intown – We’re hiring another great salesperson—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

House Cleaning Services Available – Home or Office.

Detailed oriented. Free estimates. Call Ellie Wingers or Walter at 404-903-2913.

Handwriting Services – Have your holiday greeting cards beautifully hand addressed. 770-518-0454

Offering vinyl, wood and composite windows – All types of siding. Factory-trained installation. Familyowned, Family-priced. Angie’s List ‘A’ Rated. BBB ‘A+’. 33 Years In Business. Quinn Windows & Siding.

770-939-5634.

TUTORING

CARE GIVER

Computer Tutor Available – Offering personalized and patient one-on-one training in your home or mine. Stay in touch with family and friends via Email, Texting, Video Chat or Facebook. Learn and enjoy iPhoto, Pinterest, Etsy and EBay. Need help with iPhone or Microsoft Office? Need a new computer and don’t know what to buy? I can help – call Jenny Papevies 404-405-2754.

CNA available – Immediately to care for the elderly.

Live-in or Live-out, References Available. Call 678-6404983

Learn Languages Academy – Currently tutoring ages 2 through Adult. Chinese, ASL, English & Spanish. A special Holiday Camp for languages in fluent Speaking, Reading and Math will be available: 11/29 – 1/31/14. Call 678-871-7077.

30

|

I love to clean houses Spic and Span! – Call for the best prices in town!! 678-333-3898.

Around the Clock Cleaning Services – Residential, Commercial and Free estimates provided. Call Shanta at 404-247-2816 – early bird weekly specials available (Monday – Thursday).

LANDSCAPE North Georgia Lawn Care – Honest, affordable and dependable. Free estimates. Tony 404-402-5435.

Outside holiday decorating – We can help hang your lights, take care of your lawn, shrub trimming, remove leaves and debris cleanup. Free estimates. Call Mike 678-662-0767

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Driveways & Walkways – Replaced or repaired.

Masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing and retaining walls. Call Joe Sullivan 770-616-0576.

Furniture Care – Onsite repairs & touchups. Cell/Text 770-882-5132. Linton’s Furniture Shop Matthew’s Handy Services – Small jobs and chores is my specialty, flexible scheduling, carpentry, drywall, painting, plumbing and cleaning. Call 404-547-2079

PSYCHIC READINGS Psychic Readings by Mrs. Rosa – Come see this amazing person! Will help you on all problems of life.

Palms – Tarot Cards - $10 special with this ad. Open 9 AM – 9 PM 7 days per week. Call 347-754-7816

RENTAL Sandy Springs – Bluestone Loft Rental. 1 bedroom with office. $1550/month – credit approval. Call 404-2741265.

Handyman Services moving & delivery too!

No job too small References Available 678-927-9336 Cell/803-608-0792 Cornell Davis, Owner

Reporter Classifieds will work for you.

SS

Home Services Directory PLUMBING Full Service Company

Plumbing • Drain Cleaning Gas Piping • Water Filtration Water Heaters – all types Owner operator • Licensed & insured

404-252-0343

To place a Classified or Service Directory ad call Deborah at 404-917-2200 x 110.

Call for Estimate • 678-630-4543

ELF Home Improvement & Repair • Kitchens • Decks • Bathroom • Fences • Windows • Doors • Electrical • Plumbing • Various Repairs

Skilled Handymen at Your Service Ed Fulcher • elfandelf2@aol.com

Belco Electric

Oriental Rug Cleaning 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

With

FF

This A d

In the heart of Buckhead

404-467-8242 • 3255-5 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta GA 30305 n utpomoer co us 0 c r 5 $ ne pe O

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

• Most Air-Cooled Models In Stock and Ready To Install

770-455-4556

• 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

Check out our new website www.BelcoInc.com

(770) 251-9765

and follow us on

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

www.generatorstore.com

(770) 251-9765

HADDAD LANDSCAPING A Complete Plumbing Service Center

404-461-9724

$25 Off with this ad!

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

15% O

Cell (404) 784 5142 Home (770) 455-6237

www.generatorstore.com

Residential Landscape Design and Installation.

Professional Lawn and Landscape Maintenance.

Bermuda / Zoysia Specialist

Services Include

Roofing Re-roofing Roof repairs

Since 1974

404-622-2211 Bob Haddad, owner

Free estimates • 770-251-0707

Get Ready for the Holidays!

Nationwide

Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Family Owned • 3rd Generation • Licensed and Insured • FREE EstImatEs

404.355.1901

www.WindowCleanatl.com

Gutter covers Gutter installation and siding

Zach & Jack House Services, Inc. • New Construction • Additions • Basements • Kitchens/Baths • Siding • Driveways • Brick & Stone Work

• Painting • Roofing • Tile • Carpentry • Handy Man Service • Electrical • Plumbing

678-691-9852

www.TheContractorCrew.com

Quality and Service Under One Roof • Custom Trim • Room Additions • Remodeling • Basement Finishing • Bath & Kitchen Upgrades • Decks 30 yeARs expeRienCe

Licensed & insured • References Available

678-838-9444

The Handyman Can Need Help with Holiday Decorating?

We can help hang your lights!

Also • Lawn • Shrub Trimming • Remove Leaves and Debris

678-662-0767 • Free estimates

Merry Christmas!

• Plumbing • Electrical • Sheetrock • Floors • Tile • Framing • Kitchens • Painting • Roofwork • Concrete • Stained Glass • Antique Door Restoration • Gutters

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

“We restore the WOW! back into your Marble, Granite, Travertine and other natural stone and tile!”

www.AtlantaStoneAndTileCare.com • 678-662-0110

Your home. Our help.

Get help around the house by calling one of our Home Services and Services Available advertisers.

Tell them you saw their ad in Reporter Newspapers!

SS

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | 31

LISTEN TO YOUR HEARING

gain ambition go for it! gain advantage pick up every word! gain activity get out and about gain participation you have a starring role gain dimension step into life gain information in touch and on the go gain attention make a contribution gain hear the world! gain nuance shades of meaning gain identification discernment matters gain be amazed gain agility be quick of mind gain turn on, tune in no translation required gain meaning no translation required! gain comfort social ease gain choice is bountiful gain engagement get involved! gain it’s possible! gain assurance yes you can! gain mobility go wherever you want to go gain gain safe and sound gain motivation no no time like the present gain life is good! gain intimacy the tickle of a whisper gain curiosity ask questions! gain knowing what’s what gain prosody hear the voices you love gain clear as a bell gain peace of mind no worries gain emotion have fun! party! laugh! love! gain believe it! gain presence hold your own gain passion love your life! gain winning is sweet! gain performance on top of your game gain hear the world! gain recognition discern differences gain effectiveness you’re the authority gain be empowered! gain be a part of it all gain share ideas and feelings gain relationships joy! gain get it the first time gain perception what a colorful world gain sit back and just listen gain experience make memories! gain enjoyment listen! gain you’re in charge

hearing gain

discovery wonder awareness

options opportunity balance

wellbeing security

connection

clarity confidence concentration discovery freedom communication understanding

relaxation

safety

OPEN HOUSE

9th – 10th December 2013 Audiological Consultants of Atlanta 6018 Sandy Springs Circle Atlanta GA 30328 404 496 5795 call to reserve a space

bring a loved one

during your appointment: • appraise your hearing ability and discuss your hearing goals • experience what you can gain through a demonstration of Phonak technology • customize a trial solution exclusively for you www.audioconsult.com 32

|

NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2013 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

SS