August 2010 Atlanta INtown Paper

Volume 16 • number 8• ©2010

all about trees 41

www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

dog parks 19

it’s time! 8-10

KICK OFF! GSU Panthers begin first season

Nationally-known sports reporter Pamela D. Oliver offers an inside look at the inaugural season of the Georgia State University Panthers’ football team exclusively for Atlanta INtown !

Page 4

WE’RE LOOKING FOR ATLANTA’S FAVORITE

RESCUED PET!

Contest Support Provided by:

VOTING ENDS SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th. SEE PAGE 18 FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.

INtown | August 2010

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CONTACT US atLanta intoWn media, LLc

Hyperlocal news print | online | social media www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com Twitter: @ATLINtownPaper Wendy G. Binns PUBLISHER (404) 586-0027 wendy@atlantaintownpaper.com

Table of Contents: IN the Neighborhood 4

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Georgia State Panthers Football............4 Preparing Kids for Kindergarten ............8 KIPP High School Announced ...............9 Encouraging Young Readers .................9 Hot Trends for Back to School.............10 Health & Wellness Briefs ......................12 Intown Notebook..................................15 Charity in the City .................................16 Explorations with Jennifer Campbelll ..16 A Look Back .........................................16 Scene & Heard .....................................17 Rescued Pet Idol Voting.......................18 Dog Parks.............................................19 Pet Pick & Briefs ...................................20

Janet Porter REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING (404) 501-0090 janet@atlantaintownpaper.com

IN Business 21

Collin Kelley EDITOR (404) 586-0102 collin@atlantaintownpaper.com Elizabeth P. Holmes PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN (404) 832-6644 elizabeth@atlantaintownpaper.com ADVERTISING INFO (404) 586-0002 x 302

David Burleson (404) 577-9060 david@atlantaintownpaper.com Linda Howell (404) 586-0002 x320 linda@atlantaintownpaper.com CLASSIFIEDS 0 -58 -000 x30 classifieds@atlantaintownpaper.com INTERN Roshani Chokshi, Emory University CONTRIBUTORS Kate Atwood, Jennifer Campbell, Jenn Ballentine, Martha Barksdale, Sam Bondurant, Ann Boutwell, Patrick Dennis, Lloyd Fritzmeier, Helen Grebe, J. Branham Jarrell, Gordon Kenna, David McMullin, Jesse Morado, Pam Oliver, Laura Turner Seydel, Shandra Hill Smith, Keri Stoltz, Kathy Vogeltanz DISTRIBUTION (404) 586-0027 SUBSCRIPTIONS Send a $15 check to Subscriptions, Atlanta INtown, 154 Krog Street, Suite 135, Atlanta, GA 30307 or sign-up for our free e-Edition at www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

SUBMISSIONS Queries about freelance articles can be made to Collin Kelley, collin@atlantaintownpaper.com Atlanta INtown, 154 Krog Street, Suite 160, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Who We Are And Why

For 15 years, Atlanta INtown’s mission has been to publish local news that helps foster a sense of community. Live, work and play – we cover everything that makes our city home.

Printed with soy-based ink on 100% recycled paper. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Georgians for Passenger Rail ..............21 Business Advice ...................................22 Business & Retail Briefs .......................22 Companies That Care ..........................23

The Studio 26 Young Audiences .................................26 Books by Local Authors .......................27 Atlanta PlanIt Listings ...........................28 A Message to Jake Gyllenhaal ............29

Go Green 30 Green Drinks ........................................30 Laura Turner Seydel .............................30 Students Go to Guatamala ..................31 Re-Inspirations .....................................32 Eco-Briefs .............................................32

News You Can Eat

34

Favorite Mexican Restaurants..............34 Quick Bites ...........................................36

Real Estate 38 Home Forecast for rest of 2010 ...........38 Real Estate Briefs .................................39 BeltLine Update....................................40 How to Keep Your Home .....................40

IN Your Home 41 Improve Your Home with Trees ............41 Outdoor Room Ideas ...........................44 Gardening ............................................45 Renovation Coach ...............................46

www.atlantaintownpaper.com We’re in a giving mood.

To see what you could win in August, go online:

INtown is giving away 2 tickets to see Shen Yun. How can you win?

Visit us online.

NOW TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2011’S

Recognizing 20 students making a difference in the community Please consider nominating a student, under 20 years old, who deserves a salute for his or her community service.

1. ___________________________________________ Nominee: full name, age, grade and school, contact info 2. ___________________________________________ Nominator: your full name, relationship to nominee, contact info 3. Short paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include any actions, characteristics, projects, goals and areas of interest that will help illustrate your point

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: SEPTEMBER 15, 2010.

Email to: Wendy Binns, wendy@AtlantaINtownPaper.com

To advertise in this 3rd annual section, 404-586-0027 ext 302

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August 2010 | IN

IN The Neighborhood FEATURES, NEWS & EVENTS

Kick Off!

GSU’S newest team starts its first season Editor’s Note: The inaugural season for Georgia State University’s new football team begins in September at the Georgia Dome.

We asked Atlanta resident and national sportscaster Pamela D. Oliver to find out more about this new team.

By Pamela D. Oliver Bill Curry’s got a big lump in his throat.

The Georgia State University head football coach chokes back unexpected tears and tries to regroup.

“Wow,” he says. Silence fills the air for long periods before he eventually resumes speaking. “I know my father would be saying; suck it up, don’t be all teary-eyed, just get out there and do your job.”

Curry’s father, Bill, died last fall, preceded by his mother, Eleanor, around this time last summer. He struggles with the image of Georgia State’s first-ever football team, dressed in blue and white uniforms,

taking the field at the Georgia Dome Sept.

2 against Shorter College to great hype and hope… and his parents won’t be there to see it. “Now that you bring it up…. I can be very emotional about it. I’ll be better prepared when I do take the field, because at some point it would have certainly hit me hard.”

Curry, 67, who’s coached big shot programs the likes of Georgia Tech and Alabama, prepares for everything. The Panthers, still minus their own locker room, need every bit of his zealous attention to detail to fill seats, win over skeptics and notch some victories. “There’s a whole laundry list of things we don’t have but not one of them can keep us from winning. Not one.”

Transfer student and likely defensive starter at safety Brandon Jones spits out what everyone’s thinking. “My worst fear, honestly, is not having a good season.”

Jones, who played high school football

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Georgia State Panthers’ Coach Bill Curry

at Southwest DeKalb, talks with his hands, rhythmically tapping his index fingers on a desk in the athletic department to make each point. “We get the talk around campus,” he says through nervous laughter, “that all the work they’re putting into the football team, they might be a bust.”

Jones gambles that won’t happen much the same way he risked coming to Georgia State in the first place. Much to his parents’ dismay, Jones walked away from a full football scholarship at tiny Mars Hill College in North Carolina with no guarantees he’d even make the Panthers’ football team. Forced to try out after his highlight reel failed to impress coaches, Jones has since become a full-scholarship player and one of the teams’ inspirational leaders.

Coach Curry is, of course, readied for the kind of talk Jones hears. “We know all the negative talk so we address it,” he says.

“Ya’ll don’t have a chance. You’re going to hear it, but you’re not required to believe it,” he stressed to a team that will have to unseat the school’s golf program for big men on campus status.

You hear offensive lineman Ben Jacoby before you see him. Well, not him exactly, but the music of hip-hop artist Drake, as the amped up bass thumped through his Dr. Dre headphones.

Jacoby soared on the sport after a coaching change, personal problems and a degree of home sickness left him eager to leave his former school, Ball State. At

his father’s urging, Brandon Jacoby decided to Jones see what Georgia State had going for it. They had him at hello.

“You wouldn’t understand,” he says Ben about how much Jacoby pride he feels about being a part of something special.

“From a guy who really didn’t think he wanted to play football anymore to a person that pushes himself for a goal of having a great first year program…if I didn’t absolutely love it I couldn’t do it.” And his folks won’t have to drive 12 hours from Buford, Ga. to Indiana to see their son’s reclaimed passion.

Dan Reeves, ranked 7th among NFL coaches for career wins, kept seeing articles about Georgia State that he felt sure were planted. “Every time I had a doctor’s appointment I look over and see an article about Georgia State.” The school, founded in 1913, wanted to hire Reeves as a consultant to help figure out if football had a prayer and how to pay for it. “A university that big and the students were missing out (on having a football team)…that got me interested,” he says.

Reeves worked for 14 months turning continued on page 6 w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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continued from page 4

the expensive idea into a dream come true thanks to alumni fund raising efforts and a student fees. “Raising money was not one of my strengths,” he adds.

But, Reeves shudders and wonders aloud why the infant program would dare schedule a behemoth its final game of the inaugural season. The Panthers will face National Champions Alabama, where Curry worked as head coach from 1987 to 1989, in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 20.

Bryant-Denny Stadium seats 100,000, and fans are rabid no matter what the caliber of an opponent. “At least you’ll know where you are (as a program),” Reeves notes.

Run, run and run some more … and, while you’re at it throw in weight lifting sessions four times a week, classes,

study hall and 5:15 a.m. wake up calls for days on end.

Seventy-five practices and the Georgia State Panthers have been a team with zero games played. But that will change Sept. 2.

Curry will be ready with headsets and sentiment about the loss of his beloved parents. “It will be the first time with them not being there, but in my view they will both be there.”

His throat is clear as day.

To get tickets and more information, visit www.georgiastatesports.com.

The Georgia State Panthers have been practicing outdoors and at their home in the Georgia Dome under the guidance of Coach Bill Curry and with the consultation of Dan Reeves, one of the NFL’s most winning coaches. To help build interest in the new team, players have met with kids and fans as they prepare for the opening game against The Shorter University Hawks in September.

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10 Ways to Prepare Your Kindergartener Build trust and routine to reduce jitters

By Keri Stoltz This fall a new group of 5- and 6-yearolds will embark on the first significant milestone of their educational journey – kindergarten. Whether you’ve been through years of preschool or not, the transition into “big kid school” can cause parents and children alike some first day anxiety.

To help ease the transition to independence, Dr. Mary Zurn, Vice President of Early Childhood Education at Primrose Schools, suggests several ways parents can prepare their little ones before school starts.

“Kindergarten is full of excitement and fun! There’s no need to be nervous,” Zurn says. “If you prepare your kindergartener for the transition with a few simple adjustments to your routine, you will end up enjoying the milestone, instead of feeling anxious.”

Here are 10 tips to help calm kindergarten jitters:

3. Get your rest. Read a bedtime story early enough in the evening for children to get a good night’s sleep. Many morning issues can be avoided if everyone is rested and ready to begin the day.

4. Read, read, and read some more. It’s often the anticipation of the unknown that makes children anxious about kindergarten.

Reading about starting school gives children an opportunity to imagine their own experience and express their fears. The following books are fun to read and can help children prepare for the feelings they might experience when school starts: •When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work

by Joanna Cole (1-5 years-old) •First Day by Joan Rankin (1-5 yearsold) •The Babysitter Sings by Phillis Gershator (1-5-years-old) •Don’t Go by Jane Breskin Zalben (1-5years-old)

1. Establish a daily routine that fits your family’s schedule and ask everyone to do his or her best to stick to it. Consistently begin morning activities at the same time every day. Don’t wait until school begins – start at least two weeks before the first day and continue the routine throughout the year.

5. Prepare your kindergartener for longer periods of separation in increments.

Before leaving your child at school for the first time, have him or her stay with a grandparent or a babysitter for increasingly longer periods of time. This will teach your child to trust that you will always return.

2. Night-time routines are important, too. The whole family can help make mornings easier by taking care of tasks the night before. Try making it a habit to pack book bags, complete homework and pick out the next day’s clothes in the evening to avoid morning mayhem.

6. Tour the school with your child. Visit the classroom, meet the teacher and tour the playground so the places and faces they will see on the first day feel familiar and safe.

Afterwards, talk about what both of you saw and how fun the different activities looked.

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continued FROM PAGE 8

Refer to the teacher by name to help your child think of her as a person you know and trust. Reinforce the idea of school as a safe place to learn and play.

7. Set the stage. Talk to your child about

kindergarten and help him or her visualize what the day’s activities are likely to be. “On Monday when you go to school, you will see your friends, play on the swings, and read stories. Ms. Smith will be there to help you. It will be a great day! And Mommy or Daddy will be there to take you home when school is over for the day.”

8. Shop for school supplies. Children love shopping for school supplies. Give your child the opportunity to pick out a few items he or she likes (within reason, of course) to provide a sense of ownership and responsibility in the decision-making process.

9. Say a quick “goodbye” and promise to come back. When dropping your child off at school, give a quick hug and kiss, cheerfully say goodbye and promise to return later.

The longer you stay the less confidence your child will have in being “left” at school.

10. Establish a partnership with your

child’s teacher. Children look for emotional cues from mom and dad’s behavior. The more comfortable you are with your child’s teacher, the more comfortable your child will be. Discuss with your child’s teacher how your child is adjusting over the first few weeks of school. The more visible you can make the connection between home and school the more secure your child will feel.

For more tips and ideas from Dr. Mary Zurn, visit www.DrZandMe.com or www.

PrimroseSchools.com.

Knowledge is Power New KIPP charter high school to open in 2011

By J. Branham Jarrell KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, will open a fifth public charter school in Atlanta next year. The Atlanta Board of Education approved the charter, which will make KIPP Atlanta Collegiate the first high school among its repertoire of middle schools.

In 2003, both KIPP South Fulton Academy and KIPP WAYS (West Atlanta Young Scholars) Academy opened and now serve approximately 320 students each. In 2009, KIPP STRIVE (Success Through Rigorous Instruction Virtue and Enrichment) opened in the West End area with an enrollment of nearly 100 fifth graders, with expansion plans of one grade per year until 2012, when it will also serve approximately 320 students through the eighth grade.

In July, KIPP Vision Academy opened in southeast Atlanta following suit with STRIVE and is slated to be complete by 2013.

KIPP executive director David Jernigan said Atlanta Collegiate will follow the same format as the other schools, starting with ninth grade and expanding to 12th grade by 2014.

Jernigan said the focus of the charter schools is to equip students in underserved communities with the skills they need to go to college and move forward in obtaining career success. Their model is distinctive in that teachers have freedom to express original ideas and parental involvement is promoted to make student w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

education a community-oriented endeavor.

“KIPP is steadfast in giving all students the opportunity to succeed regardless of academic record, past behavior or background,” said Atlanta Collegiate Principal David Howland, who was formerly a teacher at KIPP WAYS. Marni Mohr, a KIPP Board Member and long-time supporter, added, “We are excited that our students will have an opportunity to continue and receive eight full years of formal education through the KIPP system.”

Approximately 85 percent of all KIPP students that graduate have since enrolled in college.

For the Boys

Intown resident encourages love of reading

By Roshani Chokshi The numbers are in, and young male readers are at the short-end of the stick compared to young females in literacy skills.

According to a national survey conducted by the Young Adult Library Services Association, 39.3 percent of boys said reading is boring and no fun while 29.8 percent said they are too busy.

In an effort to combat these grim numbers, Roderick Tate founded The Reading Project, a quarterly program aimed to encourage young males, age 7 to 10, to develop their vocabulary and read books.

“I was in a book store one day and my horoscope told me to come up with something of my own,” said Tate, a software consultant and avid reader himself. “I volunteer with different programs and I know reading does help young boys. I’ve always encouraged people to read. It’s good to be able to talk about different topics as well as just reading for pleasure.”

Located at the West End Library, Tate’s first meeting with the boys was in late June.

He chose Ron’s Big Mission, a biographical piece about a man who breached an unequal system to pursue dreams of

The Reading Room Project’s Roderick Tate becoming an astronaut.

Tate plans to further the boys’ reading interests through participation in question and answer as well as dialogue. He also introduced Give Me Five, where boys will receive a prize after every five books they read.

Tate hopes to partner with the Atlanta and Fulton school systems and the Boys & Girls Clubs to extend the program.

For more information about the program, visit www.thereadingproject.info.

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August 2010 | IN

By Helen Grebe While parents may be rejoicing the finale of summer, going back to school is a weighty experience for most kids. There’s the pre-class jitters (Which teacher will I get?

Will my best friend be in my class? What if no one likes me?) There’s the adjustment: long summer days and even longer summer nights fade into recess, 3 p.m. bells and homework before dinner. Ease their way into heading back by outfitting them with a few things that make learning “cool” just in time for school.

HIS: Lions & Tigers and Bugs, oh my! Get up close and personal with nature when you grab a bug with your very own Grab a Bug Vacuum ($14.99). The vacuum allows little fingers to avoid touching delicate wings and comes complete with a magnifying glass for up-close viewing. Invite your new friend to stay overnight in the Critter Carnival, a real life playground for bugs ($12).

HERS: Develop an early affinity for numbers with the Numbers Match Up Game. Matching numbers enhances memory and the game also doubles as a floor puzzle ($17).

Create a rainbow of possibility with Colorama, a game of manual dexterity and logical thinking that introduces colors and shapes. Your little one will be head of the class when she’s mastered her colors and shapes! ($12.99) BOTH: Growing pains? Turn them into growing gains with Ruler Growth, a fabric chart that helps children chart their growth in (and learn) inches and meters with a felt “pencil” that fastens as they grow ($14.99). My, you’re so big!

HIS: Nothing says “hip” better than a new backpack.

We like the sports-themed rolling back-pack. The wheels let them feel “big” by rolling their own bag into school ($43).

10 INtown | August 2010

Channel his inner heebie-jeebies and lay the groundwork for future homework sessions with My Busy Book, chock full of brain-building activities that gives preschoolers a head start with over 48 wipe off puzzles and games ($9.95).

HERS: Give her creative wings flight when she makes her own purse and bracelet with Super Simple Sewing.

The kit teaches easy stitch sewing and enables her to “show off ” her end results ($12.95). Bake up some sweet afterschool memories with the Cutie Cupcake Baker, a nonstick pan complete with liners and recipe cards, allowing your budding chef to create and decorate her own confections ($19). Assist the baking experience with her own Lil Chef Set, complete with child’s size oven mitt, apron, hot pad and tea towel ($12).

BOTH: Stretch summer a little longer with My Little Sandbox, a mini sandbox that brings the fun of the beach indoors. Sand is self-contained and playtime develops small motor muscles. Themes include construction, beach, mermaid and circus, among others ($30).

HIS: Strum a tune and inspire his inner-artist with My First Classical Guitar. It’s a real guitar with strings and live notes, small enough to fit young hands perfectly. Start now and you’ll inspire a devotion to music ($21). Lunchtime can be a prehistoric adventure with his new dinosaur lunch bag

by Stephen Joseph. Made out of breathable nylon fabric, the insulated interior keeps things cool while a mesh pocket allows for napkins, forks and even a cave-man type love note from mom ($15).

HERS: Imagining the worst scenario and figuring out that it all ends up great is a wonderful way to ease your little girl’s fear of new situations. This Atlanta-based author’s story illustrates a wonderful lesson in stopping to listen and seeing things in a new way. Nobody Likes Me by Cynthia Dekel ($12.95). Still a sticky situation? Chew on this: it’s no problem with the Bubblegum Factory Kit which allows your budding NASA scientist to create gobs of her own gum,

mixing and matching different flavors ($19.99).

BOTH: Sleuth out their day with Sherlock, a game that teaches players to remember clues and makes memory and deduction elementary ($8.99). As they venture off to school, continue to encourage them to share their day over a cool treat both kids and parents can get excited about: frozen yogurt (with live active cultures for digestion and low-fat, low-sugar options)! We like Menchie’s for their kid-friendly, self-serve approach and all-you-can-handle sampling that suits picky little taste buds (www.menchies.com).

HIS: “Disgusting” and “gross” are two words that will have your son’s total attention- which is exactly why you have to get the Disgusting Science Kit. It teaches him to grow his own mold, germs, even a stinky intestine. Hold your breath and grin through it; you’ll thank me when he’s a neurosurgeon ($19.99).

HERS: Gathering at her locker will be chic with her Molly & Me Locker Memo Board. With a cork board for pinning notes, a mirror for primping and pen with dry erase board for reminders, this handy organizer will have her multi-tasking before the age of 10 ($18). At home, she can keep her secrets safe from pesky little brothers with My Secret Safe, a real metal safe with combo lock, coin tray (encouraging saving money) and alarm ($23).

BOTH: Travel around the world together constructing Puzzleball, the spherical globe puzzle. Ask your children where they’d like to travel as they put together the Indian Ocean and traverse across Africa ($18). Stir up something sweet together when you indulge in the Ice Cream Science Kit. Investigate why rock salt is used in making ice cream, how the size of ice crystals makes ice cream gritty or smooth and learn about solids, liquids and gasses ($19.99).

All toys and games can be found at Gretchen’s in Buckhead at gretchensonline.com or Learning Express at learningexpress.com.

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August 2010 | IN

Health & Wellness Briefs Our mission is to help you feel better. We have board-certified allergy specialists and friendly staff who take the time to listen.

Come visit our brand-new office near the intersection of West Paces Ferry Road and I-75. We welcome children and adults with:

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Functional GI & Motility Disorders Providing comprehensive testing, diagnosis and treatment of chronic digestive disorders in a private setting Determining the cause of motility disorders can be a frustrating process and finding the right medical care can be difficult. As specialists in diagnosing and treating every type of digestive disorder, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates developed The Southeastern Center for Functional and Motility Disorders to provide care for these chronic cases.

Our practice-based center is specifically designed to provide comprehensive testing, diagnosis and treatment in a private, comfortable setting where patients get the personal attention they need and the care they deserve.

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1 INtown | August 2010

Northside Hospital announced the opening of its new Blood & Marrow Transplant Unit located on the hospital’s Atlanta campus, which secures the hospital as one of the largest transplant programs in the Southeast United States. The new unit expands the number of beds available to 36 from 17 and provides a state of the art center for inpatient BMT and leukemia treatment. www.northside.com Dr. Shahram Rezaiamiri has been named a Top Doc by Lifestyles Magazine. Rezaimiri is a DeKalb area resident.

The Café of Life Chiropractic Center of Grant Park is now open at The Jane, on the corner of Memorial and Cherokee located at 318 Cherokee Ave, Unit 105. Dr. April Warhola grew up in Sharpsburg, GA and graduated from Life University in 2007. Her vision is to reconnect people with their “inborn potential through chiropractic care and true health education.” www.comethrivewithme.com

Atlanta Medical Center’s Women’s Services Center has recently expanded its selections beyond natural and traditional birthing to include eight certified midwives on staff, plus water birthing. Today’s midwives must graduate from an accredited education program and pass a certification exam.

Once certified, midwives — who work in conjunction with an obstetrician — attend continuing education programs in order to keep abreast of changes in obstetrics. www.atlantamedcenter.com.

The Free to Breathe Lung Cancer 5K Run/ Walk will take place Saturday, Aug. 21, at 8:30 a.m. in Virginia Highlands Registration is $20 online and $23 for mail-in and closes Aug. 16. Event day registration costs $25.

The walk unites people who are passionate about raising public awareness and vital research funding to combat lung cancer. All proceeds help support the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs. www.freetobreathe.org A silent auction and dinner on Saturday, Aug 7 at Garden Hills Recreation Center, $50, to raise money for Doug Hanny who needs a mult-organ transplant. Event includes barbecue and live music by DejaBlueGrass Band. Auction items include vacations, artwork, crystal, jewelry and more. Reserve by Aug. 3. betsyj@mwmcorp.com or (404)375-1779

Cultivating Well-Being Mindfulness Total Wellness Anxiety Relief Healing Depression Grief Counseling Rites of Passage

Psychotherapy that enhances Growth and Wellness

Stacie Smith MA licensed professional counselor Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 687-9940 www.mindfulprograms.com w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

stroke, he was overtaken with an effusive, unfocused desire to create art. Tom Cruise bought the rights to his life story who is executive producing and starring in the film. His work is in the private collections of Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, Diane Von Fursternberg and Meryl Streep, to name a few. Sarkin’s work and that of other outsider artists can be viewed at The Traylor-Post Gallery booth at the Atlanta Folk Fest, at the North Atlanta Trade Center, 1700 Jeurgens Court, Norcross. For more information visit, www.traylorpostgallery.com

Coming in September: What does cabbagetown resident and Buckhead business owner tim Sullivan do in his free time?

Run ... and write.

Works from ABC’s Medical Mysteries’ Jon Sarkin will be featured at the Atlanta Folk Fest, Aug. 20-22, presented by the TraylorPost Gallery. A former chiropractor, Sarkin became a medical mystery after a brain hemorrhage and stroke. Emerging from his near death experience, he awoke a different man both in body and spirit. He was deaf in one ear, his vision splintered and his balance skewed. Neurologists told him his brain had changed and the neurons that were left had been forced to make new connections, find new meaning. Eighteen months after his

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Sullivan’s new sports and fitness column, the Runaround, will feature a local athelete each month exclusively for INtown.

Check back next month to find out who he will interview first!

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August 2010 | IN

in the

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member galleries include Alan Avery Art Company, Anne Irwin Fine Art, Catherine Kelleghan Gallery, Copeland Collection, Hagedorn Foundation Gallery, Huff Harrington Fine Art, Lagerquist Gallery, The Seen Gallery, Sportsman’s Gallery Ltd., TEW Galleries and Whitespace. www.atlart.com

The 8th annual Summer Shade Festival will be held in Grant Park on Aug. 28 and 29. The weekend is filled with a variety of featured events including an artist market, food vendors, the Adams Realtors 5K Run for the park on Saturday morning, live performance stages and a children’s fun center. And, don’t forget Corks & Forks, featuring top chefs/ restaurants each day and some of the coolest wines/ales to hit the market. www.gpconservancy.org

On Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 7:30 p.m., the American Theatre Organ Society and Turner Classic Movies will present a special screening of the 1927 silent film The General to be accompanied by organist Clark Wilson on “The Mighty Mo” as part of the Coca-Cola Summer Film Fesitval at the Fox Theatre. Movie tickets are $8 and are on sale at the Fox Theatre Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com.

Festival Peachtree Latino will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 29, from noon to 8 p.m. at Underground Atlanta.

The event features hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts and crafts, ethnic foods and musical performances, including Mexican pop star Aleks Syntek, pictured. All events are free. www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com Atlanta’s premier charitable fashion event, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, announced Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler as the special guest designers for the 18th annual fete on Monday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. The 2010 event will be held at 12th & Midtown on Peachtree. The fashion-forward event will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund (AAPF). The event includes a pre-show reception, fashion show and after-party. www.jeffreyfashioincares.com.

The Atlanta Gallery Association brings together its member museums and galleries for Art Sun-Up to Sundown on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. AGA

in Atlantic Station. The annual fund-raiser, which also commemorates IRC Atlanta’s 31st anniversary, will be emceed by CNN International anchor Isha Sesay. Guests will enjoy international cuisine and a live auction of unique and experiential offerings.

Reservations for Freedom Fete are $100 per person and can be made on the IRC Atlanta web site, theIRC.org/Atlanta.

The Atlanta Black Book Expo (ABBE) will launch its first-ever literary showcase on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. The event will provide a venue for up and coming literary professionals such as authors, playwrights, poets, publishers and booksellers to promote their creative works. ABBE organizers partnered with the Ludacris Foundation to create a school supply give-a-way promotion established by artist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. www.abbexpo.com.

The International Rescue Committee Atlanta will celebrate the resettlement of its 20,000th refugee to the Georgia at its annual Freedom Fete gala on Sept. 11 in the penthouse suite of law firm Nelson Mullins

7th Annual Kate’s Club Cabaret will be Friday, August 20th at the W Atlanta Downtown, 8pm – Midnight. Ticket price: $100 per person, $150 VIP and includes an open bar provide by Absolut, catering

by Affairs to Remember, live music and entertainment, support towards a great cause. For more information and ticket purchasing visit www.katesclub.org. Read Kate Atwood’s monthly INtown Charity in the City column on page 16.

Movies & The Market in Atlantic Station – outdoor movie nights continue every Thursday through the end of October, airing at dusk, which is around 8:15 p.m. Free and family-friendly. www.atlanticstation.com.

Letter from the Editor Collin Kelley, Editor Last August, there was a tremendous response to our cover story on Georgia Tech’s football players and how they give back to the community, as well as a preview of the upcoming season. In the same spirit, we enlisted FOX Sports reporter Pam Oliver, who is a Poncey-Highland resident, to head down to Georgia State University for a preview of the inaugural season of The Panthers (Page 4). Just like when she’s reporting for the sidelines on TV, Pam talked to the players, coaches and other stakeholders about this exciting new venture from GSU. Another exciting idea that is gaining momentum again is the call for passenger rail in Georgia. We asked Gordon Kenna, executive director of Georgians for Passenger Rail (GPR), to pen his thoughts and give us an update on the plan (Page 21). Despite the feds overlooking the state for transportation funds, GPR’s plan could usher in a whole new era for travel in Georgia.

In January, we asked real estate experts to forecast Intown’s housing market and all were relatively upbeat about recovery from the recession. Now at mid-year, we ask the experts to weigh in on the market and offer tips to buyers and sellers (Page 38).

The 2010-11 school year also begins this month, and our freelancer Helen Grebe tracked down some cool gadgets and must-have items for the new session (Page 10), while Keri Stoltz offers some practical advice on how to prepare your children for going to kindergarten for the first time (Page 8).

Finally, Rescued Pet Idol is back! You can vote on your favorite pooch by visiting our eEdition at www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com to see photos and bios of all the contestants. We’ll announce the winner and two runners-up in our September issue!

-collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

www.atlantaintownpaper.com We’re in a giving mood.

2 tickets to see Shen Yun Go online for details. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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August 2010 | IN

Charity in the City Kate!

Kate Atwood

Giving Away Your Birthday August is my favorite month of the year because it’s my birthday month.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you for presents. In fact, I plan to do just the opposite. I want to take this opportunity and share with you how I plan to give away my birthday and provide some ways you can do the same, no matter what your age.

Today, more and more people are turning their special day into a call to action to family and friends, asking them to help raise money or goods for a favorite cause. I began participating in this tradition last year and used my birthday to raise money for Kate’s Club. I had so much fun doing it that I am planning to repeat my efforts this year.

My hope is that you will join me. First, decide on the cause that you want to support. Once you have that cause selected, you can decide on ways to help.

Here are a few suggestions: Raise money. There are many websites that make it easy for you to raise money for your favorite charity. I use a website called FirstGiving.com. This site makes it easy for my friends and family to donate an amount

A Look Back

that works for them. I can post a link to this page in an email with a special message, on my Facebook profile, and other social networking sites of which I belong. I also like FirstGiving.com because it is very easy for people to leave a message or note for the special day. Extra Tip: When asking for a donation, choose a number that relates to your special day. I use my age as my suggested gift amount. Let people know they can give more or less. If you want to see my page as an example, visit www. firstgiving.com/kateatwood.

Party with a purpose. If you are more of the festive type, plan a party for your birthday that also raises money for your cause. I suggest looking into art galleries as a great location to host your charitable festivities. First of all, you support the arts just by selecting this as your location. Second, art galleries will love the traffic and may be willing to host you for free, or at a low cost. Be sure to mention in your invitation, for your guests to bring a donation in lieu of presents. Extra Tip: Ask the gallery owner if he is willing to donate proceeds of any art sold on the evening of your party to your cause. These funds will be icing on the (birthday) cake.

Kids can give too. You may be surprised at how easy it is to suggest to your child that he give away his birthday to help others in need, most relevantly, other kids. Get them excited with an idea of doing a toy drive for a local homeless shelter for kids and families. Engage them in sending out an invitation that tells their friends what they are doing, and asks everyone to bring a toy to their party. Collect the toys and still have a great celebration filled with fun. Extra Tip: Don’t stop at the collection. Be sure you and your kids partake in the delivery of the toys to the shelter. The act of seeing where the donations go, and who they help, can connect their little altruistic cores to a feeling of joy – which we adults know is a good thing that can last a lifetime.

I do love my birthday! And now, because I give my birthday away, I look forward to it more and more. So maybe I will ask for a present from you this year after all. The best gift you can give me for my birthday is to give away yours!

For more about Kate Atwood and her nonprofit, Kate’s Club, visit www.katesclub. org. The 7th Annual Kate’s Club Cabaret will be Friday, August 20th - see previous page for details.

Explorations ...

Jennifer Campbell

A Sea Change In Travel Anyone who knows me would be shocked to hear me utter the words, “You should really try a cruise.” But … you should really try a cruise!

Over the past five years, the travel industry has seen a swell in the number of adventurers choosing to cruise through their vacations. Not even the faltering economy has decreased our love of seeing the sights of some of the world’s most exotic, interesting and well-traveled spots – all while forging the seas.

I think people love the idea of exploring different destinations while unpacking only

16 INtown | August 2010

once. Imagine ticking Barcelona, St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Marseilles, Portofino, and Rome off your list of must-see destinations in one seven-day cruise. Cruising offers the perfect chance to experience, in small doses, several countries at once – and affords you the opportunity to make note of where you might want to return for a more extended stay.

At Explorations, we’re receiving more inquiries from clients who have never cruised before. They want to understand the attraction, the benefits, the pricing structure, and even the hesitations or possible pitfalls of traveling cruise-style.

And, with so many options, it’s best to do your research before booking a cruise.

Do you want the uber-luxury, all-inclusive Yachts of Seabourn; the more traditional Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines; or the mega-ship experience of RCCL’s Oasis of the Seas?

Understanding the various cruise lines, their “personalities,” their strengths, weaknesses and nuances really will determine your experience. If you choose the wrong line or the wrong ship, it’s like ordering the wrong entrée for dinner. The difference is, of course, this choice could leave a bad taste in your mouth for seven days.

When planning a vacation, first-time

cruisers will benefit from keeping the following in mind: Plan by the book. Cruise lines offer strong early-booking incentives, and that’s when you have access to the widest selection of available cabins.

Talk to an expert. An experienced and savvy travel agent is your best source of information on choosing the right cruise line, the perfect itinerary, the shore excursions that suit you – all of those key decisions that shape your trip.

Get your feet wet. Start with a seven-day Europe cruise, before you tackle that 14-day Baltic cruise.

Make it a family affair. Consider cruising with your family and friends. Multigenerational travel has never been more popular, and cruise lines know that so they typically offer something for everyone … including opportunities to take a break from one another!

Wherever you decide to go – enjoy, relax and experience!

Jennifer Campbell is a partner and travel consultant with Explorations. Contact her at Jennifer@explorationsltd.com.

Ann Boutwell

Aug. 3, 2003: Krispy Kreme at 295 Ponce de Leon Ave. closed for retro renovation.

Two months later the familiar red neon sign flashed “Hot Doughnuts Now,” once again.

The doors reopened exactly at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Patrick Rudolph and four friends, in line since 6 p.m. on Monday, received $500 for Project Open Hand, their favorite charity.

Aug. 4, 1919: Atlanta native Nellie Peters Black died following a brief illness. The visionary civic leader was a prime mover in the founding of the Children’s Ward at Grady Hospital and instrumental in convincing the trustees of the University of Georgia to agree to accept women students in 1918.

Aug. 8, 1997: Renowned architect Paul Marvin Rudolph, designer of Emory University’s award winning Cannon Chapel died. Ground was broken for the chapel on Aug. 30, 1979 by President Jimmy Carter.

Cannon Chapel was consecrated on Sept.

30, 1981.

Aug. 12, 1968: Saks Fifth Avenue’s 28th store opened in Atlanta at Phipps Plaza. The building was designed with a shop-withina-shop atmosphere, achieved by a pattern of cross aisles dividing the three floors into separate areas.

Aug. 18, 1939: The Wizard of Oz opened in Atlanta at the Loew’s Grand Theatre on Peachtree Street. The director was Victor Fleming, who also Gone With the Wind, which would premiere in December at Loew’s.

Aug. 21, 1924: The 12-story Wynne Claughton Building, later renamed the Carnegie, was issued a building permit for $800,000. Originally it was named for the two men who commissioned the building, Morgan T. Wynne and Ed N. Claughton, president and vice-president of the Wynne Realty Company, later named for the street and Atlanta Carnegie Library, which honored the steel magnate. The building is the future home of Hotel Indigo, which will open this fall.

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Scene and Heard Wendy Binns, Publisher

Neighbors Bruce Spengler, Mauri Yopp, Donna Buckler, Yoshiharu Kakinuma, and Ann King at the Morningside Community Garden. Plans are to have a gazebo and shed for our tools. Intown Hardware donated the wrought iron arbor. Trees Atlanta donated two water barrels. Georgia Power gave the neighbors permission to use the land, which was “a huge gift,” says Ann King. She says, “Fred Conrad, who is head of the Atlanta Community Food Gardens, a division of The Atlanta Community Food Bank has been a tremendous help getting this going.”

Allstate Agent Sonja Harrison, white shirt, presents $2,000 donation from Allstate Foundation to the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless at the 2010 Back to School Jamboree at Turner Field in Atlanta. The Foundation’s donation helped provide 100 students with backpacks full of all the tools needed to be successful this school year.

Forward Arts Foundation’s Flea Market Turns “Rags to Riches” into Fabulous Buys, with all proceeds benefiting the visual arts in Atlanta. (standing l-r) Dan Gardner of Presenting Sponsor Wilmington Trust, Jen Acree of auction donor Migliore Jewelry in Buckhead, Sponsor Travis Reed of Harry Norman, Realtors, Flea Market Co-chair Barbara Dulin, Jack Sawyer, President Southeast Region of Presenting Sponsor Wilmington Trust, and (seated l-r) Auction Co- chair Karen Spiegel, Forward Arts Foundation Chair Linda Stephenson and Flea Market Co-chair Jean Glenn discuss plans for the Sept.

24-25 Forward Arts Foundation Flea Market, themed “Rags to Riches.”

Former Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Chair of the Board Carol Cooper is Atlanta Honoree for Prestigious Lion of Judah Award. Pictured left, Cooper with Marty Kogon, a past Board Chair and current Chair of the ALEF Fund. photo courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

A small group of students at The Creative Circus unveiled a surprise campaign last month to promote the greening of campus. They had been secretly planning this for months.

Classrooms and hallways were filled with advertisements made from fellow students’ discarded sheets of paper. And, there were free notebooks made from previously recycled work. Students hope to encourage using the backside of sheets of paper when brainstorming and sketching ideas. The say, “Fresh ideas don’t need fresh sheets of paper.” www. creativecircus.edu photos by Marc Risik, The Creative Circus

COHTATION:

T h i s s u m m e r, M r. F a h re n h e i t i s n’ t b e i n g f a i r a t a l l . ~ mark cohen w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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August 2010 | IN

RESCUED PET IDOL

2010 Rescued Pet Idol Atlanta INtown’s Rescued Pet Idol contestants are now online.

1st Place:

3rd Place:

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These rescued pet photos and stories will warm your heart – and, now your vote could make them a Rescued Pet Idol star!

The Top 3 winners will be featured in our September 2010 issue and receive fantastic prizes from our supporters, including:

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RESCUED PET IDOL

Off-Leash Action

A look at Intown dog parks and Chastain’s bid for one

By Roshani Chokis & Collin Kelley There are a number of parks in the metro that have set up off-leash areas for dogs, but Chastain Park is not one of them – yet.

Randall Fox, co-director of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and a Chastain resident, is spearheading the creation of the park. He has set up www. chastaindogpark.org so supporters can sign a petition (which has more than 700 signatures so far), make donations and find out more information.

Fox said so many residents (and nonresidents) bring their dogs to Chastain Park, but there is no dedicated area to let them romp and socialize.

“We have to walk our dogs along two busy roads in the neighborhood, and it’s not safe,” Fox said. He also noted that when residents were asked to fill out a survey for the Chastain Park master plan, a dog park wasn’t included.

Fox said the goal was not to take back greenspace, but re-purpose it for the dog park. He said 11 potential sites have been found in Chastain Park, and the plan is

to have the city’s parks and recreation department narrow it to two.

While Chastain’s dog park might be some years away, here are some existing parks where Fido can run free:

•Piedmont Park has Atlanta’s largest fenced dog park. The park is equipped with running water and ample space to run and is located at the intersection of 10th street and Monroe Drive.

•Mason Mill Dog Park is a new half-acre public dog park, which offers a water fountain for dogs within a fenced area located at 1400 McConnell Drive.

•ParkGrounds not only offers dogs a fenced-in area to roam around in, but also give dogs’ exhausted owners a quick pickme-up in the form of coffee and a bite to eat. ParkGrounds charges $1 per dog admittance to the off-leash area, with the exception of pit bulls, and is located at 142 Flat Shoals Ave. •With roughly four acres for off-leashed dogs to run around in, the Henry Jones Dog Park maintains a vibrant area for continued on page 20

ANNIE SAYS “VOTE!”

INtown’s 2009 Winner Rescued Pet Idol

IT’S SUMMERTIME AT THE BARK. GET READY TO

CHASE SOME TAIL! VOTE FOR

— Salsa

2 year old female

BY AUGUST 7TH

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August 2010 | IN

RESCUED PET IDOL continUed FRoM paGe 19

man’s best friends to stretch out their paws. Though there is no water fountain, a community bucket is provided. Henry Jones Dog Park is located inside Brook Run Park at 4770 North Peachtree Road.

•Adair Park is a four-acre park adjacent to the historic Mary Gay House, Swanton House and log cabin, which hosts Decatur’s annual Heritage Festival.

The Park offers picnic tables, trash receptacles and a playground area. An offleash area is provided for Decatur residents whose dogs obey voice commands.

F YS T O IDA n S BE HOL k by Ntow.

I c E i s TH p nta der At

Pet Picks Ezra is a handsome 1-year-old Chihuauha mix, who weighs 13 pounds. This sweetheart was abandoned at the Atlanta Pet Rescue adoption center. The staff found him one morning, tied to the railing at the facility, along with his buddy Preston. Ezra has beautiful white coloring and light hazel eyes. He’s done very well with the other dogs and is always happy to receive the love and attention from the staff and volunteers. Ezra promises to be a wonderful lifetime companion.

Atlanta Pet Rescue is open Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about Atlanta Pet Rescue or how to adopt Ezra or any of the 80-plus dogs, cats, puppies and kittens looking for homes, visit www.atlantapetrescue.org.

The annual Dog Days of Summer event is Saturday, Aug. 7 starting at 8 a.m. at Great Harvest Bread Company, 3246 Atlanta Road. Participants should meet at the bakery for a walk to Taylor-Brawner Park for an appearance by dog trainer Amber Burckhalter. Then, return to the bakery for live music, coffee, doggie treats, giveaways and more. $2 from every loaf of bread purchased benefits Atlanta Pet Rescue. www.atlantapetrescue.org.

Living Room inside the W Midtown, 188 14th St., is hosting Mutts & Martinis on Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. This “paw-ty on the patio” features prize giveaways, light bites from Spice Market and martini specials to benefit Atlanta Pet Rescue. www. atlantapetrescue.org.

The first annual Mostly Mutts Fundraiser at the Sharon Lester Tennis Center in Piedmont Park is set for Friday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. benefitting Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption. Mostly Mutts was founded in 2004 and, so far, has found homes for over 2,500 dogs (and some cats ). Mostly Mutts operates with volunteers only and depends entirely on donations. This fundraiser is $30 for adults, $50 for two adults, $70 for a family, and $10 for children. Non-playing adults can attend for $10 and non-playing children for free. Entry fee covers food, drink (non-alcoholic event), participation in the silent auction, round robin and fun for kids. Visit www.mostlymutts.org for more information.

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0 INtown | August 2010

ANNIE

RUFUS

Pet Briefs

Award-winning Atlanta portrait artist Lisa Gleim will conduct an animal drawing workshop this summer. Drawing the Animal in Charcoal or Pastel will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15 at The Art School in Sandy Springs. The workshop will begin with a discussion about the anatomy under the fur and a short demonstration by Gleim. The instruction and demonstration will help students understand how to see the shapes and angles of any animal. Students will draw in charcoal, graphite or pastels and may use their own photos or examples provided by Gleim. Registration is available by calling ‘(678) 755-1079 or visiting www.theartschoolinsandysprings.com.

la rea

In 2009, they won our hearts...

SUEDEE

Fastforward to 2010 ...

Who will be the next Rescued Pet Idol?

YOU can decide.

MEET THE CONTESTANTS AND VOTE NOW at

www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

The first annual BarkWorld Expo will be held Aug. 20 – 22 at Atlantic Station and will feature a weekend full of activities. including a charity pet fashion show and opportunity for social networkers to interact in person and online. There will be a special focus on Twitter, which has more than 69,000 profiles maintained by pet owners. There will be workshops and seminars to educate entrepreneurs, organized businesses and nonprofits on how to successfully brand, market and manage their businesses on Twitter, Facebook and other social media applications. The highlight of the exhibit hall includes PetTech, a technology pavilion showcasing pet-related iPhone apps and other tech products and toys.

For more information, visit www.barkworldexpo.com or follow on Twitter www.twitter. com/barkworldexpo.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

IN Business All Aboard! passenger rail is the logical next step for Georgia RETAIL | MONEY & FINANCE | DEVELOPMENT

too. Homes in the “Drivable Suburban” markets continue to be depressed. “Walkable Urban” neighborhoods such as Virginia Highland and Atlantic Station residential units are gaining in price, yet these types of neighborhoods are scarce. Passenger rail will create these walkable urban centers of residential, retail and office space.

By Gordon Kenna

You’ll be hearing a lot about passenger rail in the coming months as Georgia considers its next steps toward the future.

Why rail?

More than anything else, it’s an economic development issue. Rail drives development, and our neighboring states know that and are acting quickly. All around the country, states are embracing passenger rail as an economic driver. To remain competitive, Georgia must move ahead with rail.

Other answers to the question “Why rail?” include: •More of the same won’t work. Our interstate system is at capacity, and improvements are costly and in many cases, not feasible. If change is inevitable, so is rail.

•The market and demographics are shifting towards rail-based development.

Many aging Boomers seek rail transportation and it’s a popular choice for their younger counterparts, the Millennials.

•The housing market is changing,

If these well-established facts about the real estate market don't build an adequate case for rail in our Atlanta market, then how about looking at rail for its political value? Although we think of Georgia as rural, in fact it is a very metropolitan state with a large majority of residents living in urban places.

The exaggerated division of rural and urban interests gives us a local platform to rant about our in-state neighbors for not being like us. While Georgians are struggling against each other, our regional neighbors in the southeast are taking a prime position in the new economy. The old "two Georgias" model doesn't work in a competitive 21st century economy.

Reconnecting Georgia's cities, starting with Macon, begins to build a real portal into middle Georgia, creating a badly needed secondary growth path for Atlanta and driving development and opportunity into the center of Georgia. Building the network out into Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah and Rome will build a bridge between urban and rural Georgia. By deliberately building a more unified state we also provide choices in how to develop, live and travel.

In addition to personal choice, rail also facilitates smarter corporate options for scaling, re-sizing, and reconfiguring business units. With more workplace flexibility and technology than ever, work and travel are far more compatible in a train than a car.

In the world of transportation, trains can be scaled up in a way that highways cannot. With trains, more frequent trips can be scheduled, additional stations added,

more cars added to the train. Highway capacity is difficult and expensive to increase, and adding lanes is often simply not viable. Peak travel demands make the road investment inherently inefficient and subject to inexplicable delays.

On the other hand, an upgrade of the rail network also will make a significant improvement in freight movements reducing future truck traffic and will lower maintenance expense for our highways.

With the world's busiest airport and the fastest growing port in the United States, connecting these public transportation assets with something other than roads only is the ultimate "no brainer" – rail simply makes sense.

Gordon Kenna is the executive director of Georgians for Passenger Rail. You can reach him at gkenna@georgiarail.com.

the old railroad station in Macon could see new life if passenger rail is constructed connecting atlanta to Savannah and other points north and south.

Read INtown’s e-Edition. it’s exactly as it appears in print. as an exact digital replica of the print product, it includes every article, photograph and advertisement. it looks just like the printed version we mail/distribute - with interactive and searchable ads and articles from all the favorite sections.

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town 1

August 2010 | IN

Business Advice Lloyd Fritzmeier

W.A.I.T. - Why Am I Talking?

One of the biggest challenges facing many companies and people today is our tendency to talk more than we listen.

Ultimately, if two of us want to truly have a meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and build an enduring relationship, both of us need to listen intently to what each other is saying. And, yet, most of us are hardwired to “tell our own story,” dominate the conversation, and make sure we’re heard – all without a lot of listening.

What triggers our need to “be heard”? A major reason is the overwhelming number of tweets, TV sound bites, radio debates, and talking heads who interrupt and scream at each other, so we feel the need to talk louder and longer to “get our 2 cents in.”

We’re starved for time, so we throw their opinions at each other to win the argument without fully listening. There is no more powerful way to show respect for someone than to ask their opinion and then genuinely listen, which is true for any personal or business relationship.

Therefore, when I coach my clients on how to improve their communication, I encourage them to constantly remind themselves to WAIT, asking themselves “Why am I talking?” Make sure you know exactly why you’re talking in the moment and make sure you’re giving the other person enough ‘breathing room’ to state their point-of-view.

When I talk about ‘listening’, I’m not talking about the “lick-and-a-promise” listening most of us do. I’m talking about absolute listening where you’re absorbed in what the other person is saying. When you do this, you’re not fragmented or half-hearted, you are totally or completely engaged in the talker, and you take in the words, the body language, the tonality, and the entire “context” of the person speaking.

In other words, the person speaking feels your full commitment to understanding them. They feel respected…. and ‘heard’, which will benefit both of you.

So, W.A.I.T. and listen.

Lloyd Fritzmeier is a leadership coach and strategic advisor with The Starfish Partnership. Contact him at (404) 551-2964 or lfritz@sfritz.com.

22 INtown | August 2010

Business & Retail Briefs Servicemagic.com awarded Donald Wolf, owner of Dad’s Septic Tank and Well Pump Service, the Home Pro of the Year Award for outstanding ratings and performance.

Servicemagic.com connects homeowners to pre-screened professionals and honors the best in their field each year. www. servicemagic.com Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP has announced that Homer Lee Walker joined the firm as a partner in its real estate and real estate capital markets practices. Walker joins the firm from Alston & Bird. Walker is featured as one of the leading Georgia lawyers for real estate in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

Yipit has launched in Atlanta, connecting residents with prime discounts and savings on local goods and services, organized by group deal sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial and others through a free daily e-mail service. www.yipit.com The Samaritan House of Atlanta and Atlanta Enterprise Center merged to form the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency in an effort to assist the homeless. The Robert J. Woodruff Foundation and Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation pledged $500,000 to the new partnership. www.samhouse.org Grant Park’s Boulevard Group was named one of the Inner City 100 that lists the 100 fastest growing companies in America’s Inner Cities. The Inner City 100 program spotlights companies supporting city economies in an effort to develop strong communities. www.boulevardgroup.com The Icebox was named the 2010 recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta Torch award for Community Service.

Criteria for the award includes company participation with charities and community organizations, individual employees’ community participation as well as contribution levels of money to charity organizations. www. iceboxonline.com Paul B. Kelman retired from his position as executive vice president of Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District on July 16. Kelman’s retirement concludes 22 years of service with Atlanta’s community development organization. At press time, CAP had not

named a new executive director. www.atlantadowntown.com One Georgia Bank has been approved to assist minority, women and veteran owned small businesses by acting as a participating lender through the federal Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). The Short Term Lending Program (STLP) is aimed at helping qualified small and disadvantaged businesses compete for government contracting opportunities. Under STLP One Georgia will provide a line of credit that will be secured primarily by receivables from transportation contracts. The DOT will fully guarantee the line and the maximum loan amount is $750,000. STLP eligible activities include maintenance, rehabilitation, improvements, or revitalization of any of the nation’s transportation modes which include public, commercial, Federal, State, or local agency. One Georgia Bank is currently processing its first application under the program. www.onegeorgiabank.com Victoria Smith has opened 4 Laces, which offers clothing for social events such as football game, tailgating, cocktail parties or evening events. The idea for 4 Laces came in early 2006 when Smith, a University of Georgia grad, always found herself trying to find fashionable and color coordinated outfits to wear to UGA football games. Find the 4 Laces page on Facebook, follow on Twitter at @4laces or visit www.4laces.com.

Chinamex, a facilitator for U.S./Chinese intercontinental businesses, hosted its first official visiting delegation at its headquarters and showroom in Atlantic Station in June. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, pictured, welcomed those in attendance, followed by a luncheon in The Lobby restaurant at Twelve Hotel and then a series of networking sessions take place back in the showroom.

The second day was filled with tours to several local manufacturing facilities. www. chinamex.com HomeGrown Decatur will open this month in the space formerly occupied

by That Pottery Place at 412 Church St. HomeGrown will serve as a market and gallery space for local artists, artisans and craftsmen to showcase their work.

An emphasis will be placed on green and eco-friendly art. Decatur residents and coowners Lori Ronca and Beth Thompson plan to offer classes, as well as monthly art openings and special events. Student art shows will feature talented young people from the metro area. Local artists interested in displaying their work at HomeGrown can contact Beth and Lori at www. homegrowndecatur@gmail.com.

Melissa Hayes-Intermill is the new owner of autrepeau, a fashionable line of innerwear designed to eliminate the itch, stiffness and clinginess of everyday clothing.

Founded in 2005, autrepeau is based in Atlanta and is made solely in the United States.www.autrepeau.com Atlanta’s East Lake Foundation has announced that Daniel Shoy, Jr., has joined its staff as Program Director. In this newly created role, Shoy will work with managers of the programs funded by the East Lake Foundation, including The First Tee of East Lake golf and life skills program and the CREW Teens high school support program. Shoy has worked with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation since 2001, most recently as Senior Program Officer.

Shoy serves on several state and national education committees and task forces, and he is a graduate of Emory University.

DOING BUSINESS IN BUCKHEAD?

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www.buckheadbusiness.org w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Companies That Care: Susansnaps

By Wendy Binns, Publisher Learn about Susansnaps and you’ll understand that this company was created to fight cancer with a 1-2 punch. Number one, the gingersnaps are cheerful and soothing (ginger is known as a natural stomach soother). Secondly, they raise big bucks for The Susan Carver Foundation ‘… because cancer is NOT okay!’ With donations and 10% of all sales from Susansnaps, they fund the foundation for research and patient gifts.

Once upon a time, cancer hit Susan Robbins’ family hard. Susan and her father both underwent chemotherapy within the same year. And, Aunt Susan (the cookies’ namesake) passed away from cancer at only 28 years old. So, Susan and her mother, Laura, took action and created Susansnaps.

“While my mom perfected her recipe, I worked on the logos and packaging … We both decided that we wanted a portion of our sales to go back to fighting cancer. We wanted to do something to give back and starting Susansnaps gives us a fun way to do just that,” explains Susan.

What’s in store? There are gingersnaps, which come in three flavors – original, cocoa and citrus. And, there are cakes, too – get the whole layer cake or by the slice. “We recently opened a fun bakery shop in Sandy Springs (229 Hildebrand Drive) where we bake and sell our ultimate gourmet gingersnaps and eight fabulous flavors of cakes,” says Susan.

“As our company grows, we are able to

donate more to a cause dear to our hearts.”

“We are really proud of how far we have come. From having one small idea to bake gingersnaps and raise a little bit of money to now baking thousands of snaps a day, starting our own foundation, and opening a bakery store, we can hardly believe it! We know we aren’t saving the world, but we truly believe that if you can make others smile, you are making all the difference!

It’s wonderful that everyday, even in just a small way, we get to bring smiles to so many faces! It is so rewarding when we get letters and emails or people stop in our store to tell us how much they enjoyed receiving Susansnaps at their treatment or while in the hospital. What really touches us most is when cancer patients tell us they find our story inspiring and encouraging. We are happy to show the community that anything is possible....that even fun cookies can come from horrible cancer!” For more information, www.susansnaps.com.

Teresa & Kimmie

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town 3

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2474 Saint Patrick Street Renovated Cottage 3 BR/2 BA $239,000 Contact: John Cleveland FMLS #4050627

1885 Spring Avenue Amazing Views of City 2 BR/1 BA $99,000 Contact: Jorge Villalba FMLS #4013673

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860 Peachtree Street # 2316 Midtown living with all the amenities!

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24 INtown | August 2010

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199 14th Street Penthouse with Buckhead Views 2 BR/2 BA $335,000 Contact: Pat Jones FMLS #4057267

197 Elizabeth Street NE Historic Home, Circa 1910 5 BR/2.5 BA $999,999 Contact: Brian Bishop FMLS #4046985

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1012 Lena Street Close to MARTA & Washington Park 3 BR/3 BA $242,500 Contact: Darrin Hunt FMLS #4034674

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195 14th Street NE Unit #2408 Amazing Views of City 2 BR/2.5 BA $344,900 Contact: Francine Allen FMLS #4024564

Kirkwood 138 Kirkwood Road Kirkwood School Lofts 1 BR/1 BA $139,900 Contact: Greg Williamson FMLS #3811445

Midtown 195 14th Street NE #1801, Corner Unit 2 deeded parking spaces 2BR/2 BA $259,900 Contact: John Andersen FMLS #4090289

Virginia Highlands 821 Frederica Avenue #10 Top Floor Condo 1 BR/1 BA $189,000 Contact: Brian Bishop FMLS #4046875

800 Peachtree Street #203 Historic Charm, Modern Convenience 1 BR/1 BA $154,000 Contact: Thom Abbott FMLS #4055360

Emory/Toco Hills 1195 Gavinwood Place Low Dekalb Taxes in cul de sac 5 BR/3.5 BA $449,900 Contact: Todd Hale FMLS #4085706

Deerfield on the River Approx 1.6 Acres on the Ettowah River $99,900 Contact: Greg Williamson FMLS #3794463

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2485 Perkerson Road Renovated Ranch 3 BR/1 BA $49,000 Contact: Damien Hart FMLS #4031063

Midtown 950 West Peachtree #1709 Largest Floorplan in the Bldg!

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town 25

August 2010 | IN

The Studio ARTS & CULTURE

China Artistic Development Calling Young Audiences provides arts-in-education programs

By Martha Barksdale

Dance, music combine for eye-popping Shen Yun

By Roshani Chokshi Underneath China’s face-forward global economy lies a wealth of inspired art forms.

With an eye towards unveiling China’s artistic traits, Shen Yun Performing Arts, the premier classical Chinese dance and musical company, will visit Atlanta for two performances on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Formed in 2006, Shen Yun consists of three dance companies, three orchestras and a collaborative host of choreographers, composers, costume designers and stage artists. In their inaugural 2007 season, the company performed for over 200,000 people. Last year, Shen Yun performed to more than 800,000.

The company has embarked on a new global tour with performances planned across Europe, North and South America, Oceania and Asia.

The stop in Atlanta will be at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. Show times are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60, with groups of 10 or more receiving a 10 percent discount. Tickets are available at www.

Ticketmaster.com.

“We think this will benefit Atlanta and allow them to see this rich culture,” said Joy Zhou, Director of New Times Culture and Education Center. “Our mission is to build a bridge between the East and West cultures, this is a way to take advantage.”

For more about the show, visit www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org.

Win tickets!

See page 3 for details!

26 INtown | August 2010

As it works toward fulfilling its mission of improving the lives and enriching the learning of children through high-quality arts, Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center (YAWAC), has reached more than 640,000 children in 50 Georgia counties.

With school beginning this month, Young Audiences is preparing to take off in high gear with its proven brand of arts-ineducation programming, including several new programs.

The largest arts education program in the southeast, YAWAC is part of the 31chapter national Young Audiences program.

In Atlanta, Young Audiences began with nine artists in 1983 and now has more than 65 artists on its roster. Young Audiences became one of the branches of the Woodruff Arts Center in 2005, a move that YAWAC Executive Director Tony Kimbrell calls “a big deal.”

Kimbrell said becoming one of the branches of the Woodruff Arts Center puts Young Audiences in the company of the High Museum, the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony and the 14th Street Playhouse. “It really raises our visibility. I think it helps us attract board members,” Kimbrell said.

Beginning this school year, YAWAC will be the contact point for schools that wish to visit or work with any of the Woodruff Arts Center’s divisions. YAWAC will facilitate programs for student groups. “Before, you had to call the High or wherever individually to make plans. But now there will be one phone number that schools or young people’s groups can call, and we will work with them on planning.”

YAWAC touches the lives and learning of children and teens in a variety of ways, but probably is best known for its assembly programs in which artists from the Young Audiences roster put on shows for the children. Kimbrell said they have probably 60 different programs they can present, bringing a variety of art forms to students, along with giving them a taste of various cultures from around the world.

Often the assemblies are combined with an artist-in-residence program to give the students an intensive look at a particular subject. “During a 45- or 50-minute program, the kids get a lot of information about various subjects--history, geography and so forth,” Kimbrell said. He said these assemblies are often the first time children have seen a live performance. “It can be lifechanging,” he said.

YAWAC’s signature program, smART stART, helps kindergarteners in metro Atlanta’s Title I schools gain literacy skills.

“The artist works with children on specific outcomes,” Kimbrell said. “They use music, dance, visual arts and theater so the students connect literacy concepts with a fun arts activity. Our artists work closely with the teachers to plan these activities.”

A new project of YAWAC, Arts for Learning Lessons, is part of a national Young Audiences effort aimed at achieving specific outcomes in students in grades two through five. Arts for Learning Lessons combines the discipline and creativity of the arts with learning science to raise student achievement in reading and writing. Young Audiences trains teachers to deliver inclassroom instruction in an extended day format, then a Young Audiences teaching artist leads a five-unit program utilizing a particular art form.

Arts for Learning Lessons was tested ths year in seven DeKalb County schools from January through April. This year the students in after-school programs examined the life and career of baseball great and humanitarian the late Roberto Clemente.

“They read about his life, then had to retell his story through a collage. The children learn how to absorb a story, understand it and use narrative expression to pass it on,” Kimbrell noted.

As the pilot program neared its end in the DeKalb schools, the students had to take the required Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests. “Those kids in the arts program scored higher on the CRCTs,” Kimbrell said.

“We also commissioned an independent evaluation--a study of the program nationally--and are looking forward to seeing those results.” YAWAC is hoping to expand the program to other DeKalb schools this school year.

Another new program Kimbrell and YAWAC are excited about is a digital storytelling residency. Piloted this spring at Atlanta’s Grady High, the digital storytelling residency was funded through a donation from Turner Broadcasting System Inc. The program helps kids learn to tell stories using technology. “They put together scripts, edited raw footage to tell their personal stories,” said Kimbrell. “They had some powerful stories. Many of them are from difficult home situations.”

The students visited Turner Broadcasting and saw a real-world application of the skills they had studied in the classroom. Kimbrell said they are now accepting applications from other high schools that might want to

be involved in the program in the future.

As for YAWAC’s future, Kimbrell said they’d like to begin programming for prekindergarten students. Expanding their summer offerings is also a priority, he noted. “We don’t necessarily have to work with schools,” Kimbrell said. “We can go anywhere there are kids.”

For more information on YAWAC, visit www.yawac.org or call (404) 733-5293.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Five Questions for David Fulmer

FERST CENTER FOR TH E ARTS AT G EORG IA TEC H 2010 -2011 S E A S O N

By Collin Kelley Editor Award-winning writer, journalist and producer David Fulmer is celebrating two releases: his latest novel, The Fall, and producing the release of a “lost” album of jazz by Georgia Music Hall of Fame icon Piano Red. www.davidfulmer.com 1. Tell us about your latest novel, The Fall.

The Fall is a departure for me in that I took a break from historicals and ventured into the risky territory of first-person narrative. The idea came to me years ago when the rights to a series of songs of iconic stature – “The Times They Are aChangin’” to name one, were sold off for use in TV commercials. For those of use who believe some music is sacrosanct, it was a galling development. Like what wasn’t for sale? At that same time, a friendship that had started when I was twelve crumbled to a sad nothing.

And my mother, who is first generation Italian-American, was shocked to be confronted with some really nasty anti-immigrant sentiment. It seemed a throwback at the time.

DEbbIE REyNOlDS

Season Opener!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

bREAk OF REAlITy

Friday, September 17, 2010

SINGlE TICkETS ON SAlE AuGuST 10!

DAvID SANbORN

Friday, October 1, 2010

ROCkApEllA

Sunday, October 3, 2010

DIAvOlO

Friday, October 15, 2010

pAulA pOuNDSTONE Friday, October 22, 2010

MICHAEl bOlTON

Thursday, October 28, 2010

2. What draws you to the mystery/thrill genre?

I never thought I’d be a mystery author when I grew up. I wanted to write about book set in Storyville, New Orleans. With the corruption, prostitution, drugs, early jazz music, and all the rest, it begged for mystery. The book (Chasing the Devil’s Tail) did very well and a publisher made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. That was six books ago.

AN EvENING WITH

bRANFORD MARSAlIS

Friday, November 5, 2010

lIly CAI CHINESE DANCE Friday, November 12, 2010

4. How did you become involved as producer for the Piano Red album recorded at the old Excelsior Mill?

I have always been enamored of American roots music, hence the musical threads that run through all my novels. Doing occasional music-related projects over the years, I became friends with Michael Reeves, who once owned the Excelsior Mill and now co-owns Smith’s Olde Bar. When he decided to release the tape of Piano Red’s last performance – one that he’s been holding on to for over 25 years – he invited me to come on board as co-producer It’s a great final tribute to an iconic performer and I’m proud to be involved in it.

kATHy MATTEA SONGS AND THE SEASON Sunday, December 5, 2010

A pETER WHITE CHRISTMAS

WITH RICk bRAuN AND MINDI AbAIR

Friday, December 10, 2010

STEp AFRIkA!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

5. What are you working on now?

A novel that started as a sub-plot in The Dying Crapshooter’s Blues, my 2007 mystery, set in Atlanta in the 1920s; a contemporary thriller that’s been sitting on the shelf; and a Christmas novella I describe as It’s a Wonderful Life with random gunfire and sex on a dining-room table. I also continue to teach fiction classes at Eagle Eye Book Bookshop.

JON FADDIS JAzz ORCHESTRA Saturday, February 12, 2011

CIRquE MECHANICS

Friday, February 18, 2011

Books By Local Authors

MARGARET CHO

Saturday, February 19, 2011

DOuG vARONE & DANCERS Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Onion’s Dark Core by David Bottoms ($15.95, Press 53) Georgia’s Poet Laureate returns with a book of essays and interviews about poetry and poets. Poet Edward Hirsch calls it a book that is “personal, keenly thoughtful” and “that treats poetry with the seriousness it deserves, as the most natural vehicle of the spirit.”

MElINDA DOOlITTlE

Saturday, March 12, 2011

ERIC MARIENTHAl

Friday, March 25, 2011

NRITyAGRAM y yAGRAM DANCE ENSEMblE Sunday, March 27, 2011

A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker with illustrations by Richard Walker ($16.95, Whale Tale Press) The first in a series of adventures of young characters who are skilled amateur detectives and caretakers for an orphaned polar bear.

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

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Saturday, April 16, 2011

Shadows of the Redwood: The Scions of Shadow Trilogy by Gillian Summers ($9.95, Flux) Gillian Summers is the loosely-kept secret pseudonym of Atlanta co-authors Berta Platas and Michelle Roper. This young adult trilogy follows Keelie, the teenage half-elf heroine and her battle against evil with goblins and ancient curses.

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August 2010 | IN

A guide for arts and cultural entertainment for the entire family.

Visual Arts Hurricane Story: This show at Jennifer Schwartz Gallery uses photographs

by New Orleans resident Jennifer Shaw to tell her story of evacuating for Hurricane Katrina while nine months pregnant. Closes August 14. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. www.jenniferschwartzgallery. com Scissors Obsession: Figure/ Figuration: This exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) presents sculptures by Delona Wardlaw in a cutting exploration into the semiotic form of scissors. Closes August 14.

Open Tuesday through Saturday. $5 to $10. www.museumofdesign.org In Your Dreams: This exhibit at the Atlanta Photography Group Gallery showcases creative responses to the idea that dreams are often at the center of creative inspiration. Closes August 20. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. www.apgphoto.org My Mother’s Clothes: Visit Jackson Fine Art to see works by Jeannette Montgomery Barron that began as a project to spark memories for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Closes August 28. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission is free. www.jacksonfineart.com Indispensable Elements: Come see new figure studies by Minneapolisbased artist Philip Carlton at ZuCot Gallery. Closes August 30. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. www.zucotgallery.com

award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Bill Harbin’s 33 astounding photos of bright flowers and fluttering insects that decorate the entry hall. Daily. $13 to $15. www.fernbankmuseum.org

Museums Our Home – Nuestra Casa: This 3-D house on view at the Global Health Odyssey Museum reflects the lives and stories of people affected by tuberculosis. Open weekdays. Free! www.cdc.gov/museum Conservation Quest: Visit Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta to learn about conservation and water, wind and solar energy at interactive stations while finding new ways to save energy with light bulbs, electricity and recycling. Daily. $12.50. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org De Soto’s Footsteps: New Archaeological Evidence from Georgia: Five years after Fernbank launched an archaeological expedition to investigate the history of early contact between Native American Indians and Europeans in Georgia, this exhibit showcases some of the rare artifacts that tell of the encounters. Daily. $13 to $15. www. fernbankmuseum.org Jim Henson: Wonders From His Workshop: Highlighting the contributions Jim Henson made to the world of puppetry, this exhibit at the Center for Puppetry Arts features the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and more.

Closed Monday. $8. www.puppet.org

Represent: This group photography exhibition at Hagedorn Foundation Gallery is part of the National Black Arts Festival and deals with the roots of black culture and personal identity.

Closed Sunday. Admission is free. www.hagedornfoundationgallery.org

Michael C. Carlos Museum: This museum is one of the Southeast’s premier art museums with major collections of Classical, Ancient Egyptian, Near Eastern, Ancient American, African and Asian art.

Closed Monday. $6 to $8. www.carlos.emory.edu

The Girly Show with Cindy Davis: This exhibit at The Defoor Center showcases 70 paintings by Cindy Davis that portray dancers, trees and nature - all things bright and beautiful.

Closed Sunday. Admission is free. www.defoorcentre.com

The Millennium Gate: This 82-foot, classically styled monumental arch houses a 12,000-square-foot museum that narrates Georgia’s and Atlanta’s history through interactive technology, film and exhibitions. Closed Monday. $8 to $10. http://thegateatlanta.com

Winged Beauty: Butterflies and Other Insects: Visit Fernbank to see

28 INtown | August 2010

Hurricane Story exhibition at Jennifer Schwartz Gallery

Theatre & Dance Love’s Labour’s Lost: This classic presented by Georgia Shakespeare at the Conant Performing Arts Center tells the tale of four young men and their attempt to swear off love – until a princess comes to town. Closes August 6. $15 to $45. www.gashakespeare.org Qualities of Starlight: This World Premiere at Actor’s Express is part of the 12th Annual Essential Play Festival and is a twisted family comedy that follows one man’s journey home to North Georgia only to find his parents addicted to crystal meth. Closes August 6. $10 to $24. www.essentialtheatre.com The Darker Face of the Earth: This Georgia premiere at Actor’s Express is a re-imagined story of Oedipus on a slave plantation in the American South and is part of the 12th Annual Essential Play Festival. Closes August 7. $10 to $30. www.essentialtheatre.com King Lear: This Georgia Shakespeare production at the Conant Performing Arts Center is the story of a father who tests his daughters’ affections when he offers to divide his kingdom among them. Closes August 7. $15 to $45. www.gashakespeare.org

The Legend of the Sword in the Stone: Magic and mischief abound in this World Premiere adaptation of the classic tale presented by Georgia Shakespeare at the Conant Performing Arts Center. Closes August 7. $13. www.gashakespeare.org Laughing Matters: The longest running improv comedy troupe in Atlanta performs a tasteful brand of hilarious improv monthly at Manual’s Tavern. August 7. $12. www.laughingmatters.com Shrew: the Musical: This musical adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew,” presented by Georgia Shakespeare at Conant Performing Arts Center, is set in 1930s Palm Beach, with Petruchio and Kate singing, dancing and matching wits like Fred and Ginger. Closes August 8. $15 to $50. www.gashakespeare.org Hamlet! The Musical: This musical presented by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company at the New American Shakespeare Tavern turns the Bard’s famed tragedy on its head, featuring music ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to gospel. Closes August 8. $15 to $32. www.shakespearetavern.com Sally and Glen at the Palace: This

Georgia premiere at Actor’s Express is part of the 12th Annual Essential Play Festival and is a comic drama about two very different college students working together in a 1970s Southern university town. Closes August 8. $10 to $24. www.essentialtheatre.com CATS: This Broadway classic at The Fabulous Fox for eight performances only is the purrrfect musical to introduce your family to the wonderful world of live theater. August 4 through August 8. $25 to $65. www.theaterofthestars.com Amazing Grace: In this show by Georgia-born playwright Shay Youngblood at Horizon Theatre, Grace is an imaginative child who loves acting, but soon her creative world is challenged because of her gender and race. Closes August 15. $12.96 to $16.20. www.horizontheatre.com Shen Yun Performing Arts: This exhilarating, world-class show celebrates the excellence and grandeur of classical Chinese dance and music at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. August 21. $60 to $220. www.cobbenergycentre.com Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery: This play at Horizon Theatre is a joyous, exuberant celebration of the comingw w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

of-age of a young girl and the eight loving Big Mamas who raised her.

Closes August 22. $20 to $30. www.horizontheatre.com The Color Purple: Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this musical at The Fabulous Fox tells the inspiring story of a woman named Celie who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice. August 18 through August 22. $25 to $80. www.theaterofthestars.com The Sound of Music: This heartwarming musical at The Fabulous Fox promises to be one of your favorite things as the story of the Trapp Family Singers comes to life. August 24 through August 29. $20 to $70. www.theaterofthestars.com Rumpelstiltskin: The Center for Puppetry Arts brings the magical fairy tale to life with this marionette musical.

Opens August 3. $8 to $16. www.puppet.org Shopping and F***ing: This Southeastern premiere at Onstage Atlanta is a dark comedy that follows a trio of young Brits who sell drugs, sex and what is left of their souls in order to survive. Opens August 14. $19 to $23. www.theprocesstheatre.org Becky Shaw: Newlywed Suzanna fixes

her best friend up with the beautiful but odd Becky Shaw and ignites a fuse that sets Becky off in the midst of Suzanna’s family in this Actor’s Express Atlanta premiere. Opens August 26. $15 to $40. www.actors-express.com The Doug Dank Project: This long-form style improv show every Wednesday night at PushPush Theater fuses the unpredictable and impulsive nature of improvisation with the steadiness and permanence of true-life stories. $5. www.pushpushtheater.com Richard Kickers: Starting with a suggestion from the audience, the cast of this show rips ideas from current events, movies, TV and trivia to tell stories of passion, absurdity and surprising connections every Tuesday night at Relapse Theatre. $5 to $10. www.relapsecomedy.com

Classical Music Libby Whittemore: The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra performs cabaret and Broadway favorites with popular Atlanta vocalist Libby Whittemore at Georgia Perimeter College (Clarkston).

August 1. $15 to $30. www.dekalbsymphony.com Disney in Concert – Magical Music From the Movies: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and guest

vocalists will perform the scores and songs of memorable Disney movies shown on the big screen at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. August 7. $27 to $59. www.atlantasymphony.org The Wizard of Oz: Follow Dorothy and her pals in one of the most popular movies ever made, shown on giant screens as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra accompanies the classic film live at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

August 14. $27 to $59. www.atlantasymphony.org

Pop Music Rockstar Mayhem Festival is a mix of hard rockers and complimentary entertainment acts. August 8 at Lakewood Amphitheatre. $31 to $62.50.

Barenaked Ladies emerged in the ‘90s and showed that tunefulness and carefree pop ditties weren’t completely extinct. August 2 at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. $39.50 to $49.50.

Christina Aguilera has transformed herself from a bubblegum sensation to a mature, pseudo-traditionalist, positioning herself as a risk-taker with little connection to her Mousketeer past. August 5 at Lakewood Amphitheatre. $29.50 to $145.50.

Flashback Festival is Atlanta’s biggest

old school R&B concert starring legendary artists from back in the day.

August 7 at Lakewood Amphitheatre. $10 to $60.

his music and his eschewing of media hype for grassroots appeal in his rise to the top. August 20 at Lakewood Amphitheatre. $35 to $55.

Built to Spill is an indie rock band that’s best known for its catchy guitar hooks and the unique voice of frontman Doug Martsch. August 9 at The Buckhead Theatre. $20.

Michael Franti blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, folk and rock. August 26 at The Tabernacle. $25.

Natalie Merchant: Her literate, socially conscious songs have established her among the preeminent women in pop music. August 27 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. $28 to $44.

Arcade Fire brings a theatricality, an intensity, an insanity and a penchant for amazing hooks to their music.

August 11 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. $36 to $46.

Big Mike Geier’s Elvis Royale delivers high Vegas glitz right here in the ATL with this annual death day tribute to the King of Rock & Roll. August 13 and August 14 at Variety Playhouse. $27.50.

Twin Sister: This band’s music is a soundscape that is dreamy but still down-to-earth enough to have fun and get people moving. August 17 at Criminal Records. Free!

Paul Thorn combines rock, blues and a hint of gospel while utilizing narrative storytelling in his songs. August 28 at Variety Playhouse. $15.

Who’s Bad is an infectious party production that takes audiences on a musical expedition spanning three decades of Michael Jackson’s chartcresting music. August 28 at Center Stage Atlanta. $16.

Slightly Stoopid describes their music as “a fusion of acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop and punk.”

August 19 at The Tabernacle. $36.

Xavier Rudd: His compassionate music always manages to render emotion in his fans and is written and sung in a way that urges the celebration of life. August 31 at Variety Playhouse. $20.

Jack Johnson can be seen as a successor to the easygoing, beachculture popster Jimmy Buffett in both

For more information and to purchase tickets for any of these shows, visit www.AtlantaPlanit.com.

A message for Jake Gyllenhaal Patrick Dennis I am an artist and I’ve been thinking…

Jake Gyllenhaal should marry my daughter. Let me explain.

Since I work nearly all the time and spend my “recreation time” fixing some back-to-back crazy problem for my daughters that is right out of a Lucy and Ethel escapade (thankfully minus the walk in freezer idea which I’ve expected one of them to install at any time now), I don’t get out much, and less often to see movies.

When I had a free evening recently, I went to see Prince of Persia with Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role. Now, I’m not saying I’ve never heard of him. I mean Brokeback Mountain was a kind of a wake up slap in the face about the possibilities of unexpected romance set amid inexplicable beauty, with the inevitable conflicts, judgments, shame and sweeping musical score that worked like a defibrillator on lots of people I know whose tickers have been a bit rusty for years but whose names I’ll keep discreet and only hint at by saying their initials are PD, RF, JD, BF, KS, and probably a few more that I just don’t want to w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

embarrass right now.

In Prince of Persia, Gyllenhaal seemed like he could and would save anybody with those meaningful looks and agility, even someone like my daughter who has two adorable kids and has now moved on to a “ranch” in Homerville to help take care of horses, mules and goats in exchange for living in a trailer on a dirt road in a town boasting “Emma the Tax Lady” on the single billboard along the one lane road of this (est. population 2,500) town that time has clearly forgotten. I know that Jake could save her and is probably real good with kids and animals.

I checked with my daughter and she said it was okay for me to extend the invitation, so Jake, wherever you are there is a beautiful girl with two gorgeous kids living in a trailer that may or may not be surrounded by a compound and a heavily armed former Special Ops rancher in Georgia. I’m not betting a lottery ticket that Jake will get this message, especially since that movie was a stinker unless you are under 10 years old and loved the comic book references and recycled Raiders of the Lost Ark special effects, but it would be very nice to have him in the family. I’m just saying.

Important things are always on my mind and I am determined to find a solution using my mental super power McGyver skills

and the benefits of social media.

An artist friend of mine just came back from doing a show in North Carolina. It was exhausting and made him re-think how he could use his time to the best advantage other than spending it exclusively in an Indian reservation casino where they have cheap drinks, but you are guaranteed not to win a big jackpot. He asked, “Why doesn’t Atlanta have more options for artists who want to show their work in public instead of constantly packing and unpacking from traveling shows and getting yelled at by their wife for not making lots of money or at the very least bringing home some tasty roadkill which is now legal to cook and eat in the state of Georgia?”

I applied my laser-like focus and provided the solution. Jake Gyllenhaal. Oh, no, sorry, that’s for a different problem.

Outdoor markets are the answer! Here are a few resources I’ve used recently: 1.www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/ shows - this “yellow pages” site lists small to large shows from the Raccoon Creek Bluegrass Festival to the Roswell Arts Festival. (Note: you need to subscribe to get details.)

2.www.affps.com – this company hosts weekend arts and craft markets as well as two major festivals each year.

3.www.culturemob.com – this site

features events such as CampMODA for children, and more.

4.www.festivals-and-shows.com – this is a listing site for everything from the Savannah First Saturday event along the river to the Young Harris festival.

5.www.craftmafia.com – this group started in Austin and has group shows for craft workers all over.

6.www.etsy.com – this site allows artists to sell their work online 7.www.atlantaintownpaper.com – possibly the most comprehensive listing of fun things to do… Oh, you’re already reading this paper? Congratulations!

Patrick Dennis is an artist, gallery owner and President of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.

On August 21st during the Metro City Artwalk, 120 Sycamore Place Gallery is pleased to host the CUSP of THE LEO ART SHOW featuring the Art, Music, and Performances of Sylvia, Holle Black, Cecelia Kane, Randy Taylor, Bill Taft, Richard Bicknell, The Female Weightlifters of Coffee's Gym, Fireaters, Burlesque Queens and more!

Donations at the door...

Monthly Art Classes begin for Children & Adults in August.

ARTIST STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE!

We host birthday parties and special events!

Call 404 377 7747 or e:sycsyl@yahoo.com

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Go Green Green Drinks A GUIDE TO AN ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE

Socializing to help save the environment one drink – or two – at a time

By Jenn Ballentine With chapters in over 635 cities around the world, Green Drinks is an international organization founded to bring together people interested in environmental policy, green building and renewable energy.

The Atlanta chapter of Green Drinks, currently organized by Brion Fitzpatrick, an employee of Inman Solar, has been in existence for about eight years.

Atlanta Green Drinks meets at different locations around Atlanta every month and typically attracts 100 to 150 people.

Attendees come not only for the free food and drinks, but also to network with other like-minded individuals. Atlanta Green

Drinks attracts an eclectic mix of people from lawyers and accountants to architects, builders and others interested in green industry.

The organization does not have a formal structure nor are there guest speakers. Instead, attendees meet each other and exchange ideas and discuss topics such as green practices, sustainability and renewable energy. Businesses who sponsor the monthly event must be “truly green or be involved in a green or environmental sustainability-focused business,” said Fitzpatrick.

Both sponsors and attendees alike benefit from Atlanta Green Drinks.

According to regular attendee and Volunteer Coordinator for the Georgia Sierra Club Steven Shapiro, Green Drinks has been instrumental in helping with the Sierra Club’s “Green the Governor” campaign.

“I have been attending Atlanta Green Drinks since January 2010. I’ve seen it grow, which has been very encouraging and I

have used these events not only to recruit more volunteers but also to recruit green businesses to sponsor the campaign. It’s been a tremendous opportunity for me to get involved and get the Sierra Club name out there beyond the name recognition that it already has,” said Shapiro.

Atlanta Green Drinks meets the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. The next meeting will be held Aug. 11 at the Liotta’s Modern LEED Home at 140 Barksdale Drive. The September meeting will be Sept. 8 at the Oakhurst Community Garden in Decatur. Meetings are free and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, find the Atlanta Green Drinks group on Facebook or visit the international website at www.greendrinks.org.

Atlanta Green Drinks has met at Leon’s in Dectur, ecco in Midtown and other ecofriendly businesses around Intown.

Green Insider Laura Turner Seydel

In Celebration of the Planet!

Everyone Can Shop, Anyone Can Join!

JOIN OUR CO-OP TODAY www.sevananda.coop

467 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 404-681-2831 30 INtown | August 2010

On Sept. 15, 1990 one of our fragile coastlines fell victim to an oil rig operation gone bad. While the danger seemed grave, this oil spill was resolved quickly thanks to Captain Planet, the world’s first ecosuperhero, who burst into action to save the day.

In his animated debut, Captain Planet called upon his Planeteers – a group of five teenagers, each with their own elemental super power – to combat the eco-wrongdoers and ultimately restore the coastline to its original splendor.

Today, as Captain Planet and the Planeteers celebrates the 20th anniversary of that very first episode, we are experiencing our own real-life oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. While we may not have a greenhaired super hero to swoop down with a quick fix, we are reminded of Captain Planet’s important message that “with our powers combined,” we can be leaders for change.

When my dad, Ted Turner, created Captain Planet and the Planeteers, he aimed to educate youth on the importance of

our environment, while at the same time empowering them to become environmental stewards. Little did he know that the episodes he created – tackling everything from endangered species to a depleting Ozone layer to recycling – would remain valuable teaching tools 20 years later.

Though only lasting six seasons, Mother Nature Network (www.mnn.com) keeps Captain Planet’s legacy alive by featuring all 113 classic episodes for families to watch, learn and discuss. Make it a priority to watch Captain Planet with your children and use the episodes to inspire actions beyond everyday acts like recycling and carpooling. Encourage your children to step up their efforts, become more involved within the community and be more proactive in getting legislators to put policies in place to protect our planet.

For more information about Captain Planet and the Planeteers and the Captain Planet Foundation, visit: www.captainplanetfdn.org.

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Westminster Student Trip to Guatamala ‘From Houses to Homes’ program, building sustainable homes

nicknamed “the Guats” by Daniel Searle, their teacher and the leader of the project, constructed two houses near the small village of Santa Maria de Jesus. This year 16 “Guats” aim to build a total of three new homes for families that now live in “corn huts” in the same corn fields in which they work. Each house will cost approximately $3,500.

One member of the 2010 “Guats” says that they are hoping to “live up to” or even exceed the high standards of work set by the 2009 group and to learn for themselves valuable lessons about other peoples’ lives.

However, Searl will give the new “Guats” no indication of exactly what to expect from this experience. He says simply, “This group will undergo an incredible transformation.

By Sam Bondurant In July, as the hot summer sun blazes overhead, students from The Westminster Schools, all juniors and seniors, will be working alongside adult Guatamalan construction workers helping to build houses for the poorest of the poor in that country.

They will be there as part of the national charitable organization From Houses To Homes that was the brainchild of Joe Collins of New Jersey who, on seeing the dire poverty and need in the area surrounding the city of Antiqua in southern Guatamala, dreamed of providing sustainable and healthy homes for the laborers who live as

My job is to help them along with that journey.”

For more information, wwwfromhousestohomes.org.

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well as work in its cornfields.

While Houses To Homes provides the infrastructure for the trip, Westminster participants are largely financed by a generous donor whose Westminster family made its own eye-opening expedition to help build homes in Guatamala and wanted Westminster students to share their enlightening experience.

However, participating students are expected to raise funds to pay for the houses they build. Each student is responsible for raising $500 with the expectation of at least $10,000 being raised by the group. The students are using babysitting, yard work, pool cleaning and other means to raise the money.

Last summer, 12 Westminster students,

LY NA EAR I F

Students Making a Difference: INtown’s 3rd Annual 20 Under 20, January 2011 Do you know a student 19 years old or younger who gives back to the community in a big way?

Nominate him or her for 20 Under 20. INtown will recognize 20 students in the January issue with a profile of the work they do to volunteer, raise money and give back and a reception.

Deadline for nominations is Sept. 15, 2010. See page 3 for details. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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$0 August 2010 | IN

Recycling With Purpose Eco-Briefs Re-Inspirations turns discarded items into gifts & accessories

By Roshani Chokis Atlanta’s new Re-Inspiration store takes a swing at conventional beauty by creating unique gifts, home accents and accessories from objects, scrap materials and used items.

Located in the Westside Design District, Re-Inspiration emphasizes art with key recyclable or used components.

“The mission of the store is to teach people how you can re-create things,” said cofounder Brooke Schultz. “Art, affordability and recycling, that’s the core of the business, and teaching people that they can turn something they have and refurnish it.”

Schultz said that the store is breaking even monthly. She said that they eventually plan to use vendors who subscribe to similar sustainability and recyclable themes inside the store.

She described Re-Inspiration’s artwork as pieces that obviously utilized used material in order to re-create. By using wood pieces that were used before her ownership of ReInspiration, Schultz painted the wood and glued tile pieces onto them as an example of the salvaged material that can inexpensively turn into art.

“Most of our artists that we deal with we just do straight up consignment. We’re only keeping 35 percent, and most artists appreciate that,” Schultz said. “I prefer to buy outright from people. It’s hard when you’re opening a business because you don’t know what’s going to sell.”

She added that current plans are to move to a wholesale relationship with only 30 percent consignment work and the rest in-house recreations.

“I want to be known for that as well as a cool gift store not so much a consignment store.

I want our identity to be more about the expansion of being able to help people re-create stuff,“ Schultz said.

Since its conception last August, the store has flourished as the only 100 percent recycled store in Atlanta. A self-diagnosed recovering drug rep, Schultz said she has no regrets despite risking her retirement on this project.

“In my whole life, I’ve always been blessed and I wouldn’t trade my life now for any of that crap. Not even as broke as I am,” Schultz said with a laugh. www.reinspirationstore.com

A new company, Rent The Box, is offering a creative and green alternative to buying disposable cardboard moving boxes.

Founder Rob Hancharick started the business out of frustration dealing with cardboard moving boxes, packing tape, building and breaking down boxes and transport from the retailer and then to the recycling center. As a better solution that will help to make residential and business moves easier and greener, Rent The Box provides free delivery and pick up of reusable plastic boxes and free reusable packing materials all at a lower cost than cardboard box retailers.

Rent The Box estimates that their boxes will be used up to 100 times before being recycled. www.rentthebox.com.

Re-Inspirations funky exterior offers an idea of the colorful and recycled art contained inside.

From earrings, to wall sculpture and colorful art, the Westside Design District deals with handmade goods that are crafted from 100 percent recycled materials.

LEED certified “RainShine” House in Decatur was awarded a 2010 Design Award

by City of Decatur Historic Preservation Commission and a 2010 Custom Home Design Award Grand Award for homes under 3,000 square feet conferred by Custom Home Magazine. http://www. rainshinehouseatlanta.blogspot.com/ Atlanta Ballet will celebrate the grand opening this month of its new, LEED certified “green” headquarters in West Midtown off Marietta Boulevard. The stateof-the-art building will house both the professional company and the Centre for

32 INtown | August 2010

Dance Education. There will be a weekend of festivities, including performances. miniclasses and demonstrations. www.atlantaballet.com

The Museum of Design Atlanta’s exhibit, ATLANTA: Beyond Bricks & Sticks, is on tour and will land next at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Sept.

6 through the month of December. It will be touring to other venues in 2011.

Spotlighting many of the metro area’s outstanding design examples, the exhibit tells the stories of the people who live, work, learn and play in the city’s sustainable structures. Exhibit components include an interactive Atlanta Green Map, a “What is Your Carbon Footprint?” quiz, video interviews, an intimate look at student life at DeKalb County’s LEED Silver Certified Arabia Mountain High School and many other features that explain and celebrate green living. All of the exhibit’s projects either meet the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system or the Southeast’s EarthCraft House certification program. The exhibit has been thoughtfully designed with sustainable materials to fit the theme while allowing for the challenges of traveling to the various settings. www.museumofdesign.org.

Pinnacle Custom Builders, a local custom homebuilder and remodeler, is the National Winner of the 2010 Chrysalis Best Green Remodeling Project Under $250,000 Award, as well as the South Regional winner for Addition $100,000-$250,00, and Whole House Remodel $250,000-$500,000 awards. Pinnacle has specialized in ‘green’ construction practices since 2000, has won numerous awards for its work, has been named EarthCraft Renovator of the Year, and is certified carbon neutral in its business operations.

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The 7 Day Plastic Challenge Are you ready to get plastics out of your diet?

What is it?

• A fun way to learn about the prevalence of disposable plastic in our society and steps we can take to reduce the use.

Why do The Challenge?

• Plastic is made to last forever. Using it for single-use items, like straws, plastic wrap or coffee lids, is careless.

• To save your health, save your money and save the environment.

Why does it matter?

• The Pacfic Gyre is now twice the size of Texas, with 90 percent of the trash made from plastic. The plastic is being eaten by fish and entering our food chain. The 7 day challenge is a great way for you to get familiar with the amount of plastic that is out there in the world.

Come Party Your Plastic Off! Party includes ... a drink, appetizers, a membership to GreenPlate, a chance to win 2 tickets to the Jack Johnson and other prizes. Cost to attend the party is $25. Join us and help us raise $2500, which Jack Johnson will match. Must be 21 years old to attend. Noni’s Bar & Deli is located at 357 Edgewood Ave. SE. www.nonisdeli.com.

Jack Johnson Not only is Jack Johnson a great musician and a passionate environmentalist, he is also really generous. This year, Jack Johnson is donating 100% of the profits of his tour to non-profit organizations through his AllAtOnce program. In each city on the tour, local non-profits working in areas related to topics like sustainable food-systems, sustainable living, renewable energy and plastic free initiatives are invited to participate in the Village Green at his shows. GreenPlate has been selected to be a part of the Village Green at Lakewood Amphitheatre on Aug. 20th Who is GreenPlate?

GreenPlate, Inc. raises awareness about the impacts of plastic in our environment, our waters, and our food chain. GreenPlate offers education and tools for individuals and businesses to actively reduce the consumption of single use plastics. The organization is a 501c3 nonprofit. www.GreenPlate.org.

How does it work?

• Sign up for the challenge at www.GreenPlate.org.

• Start at step one.

• As the week progresses, each day builds on the day before. This means that by the end of the week, you’ll have saved money, improved your health, and done your part to save the environment.

• After the week is done, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make better choices about your plastic consumption.

day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 day 5 day 6 day 7 Don’t take the straw!

This is an EASY first step. When you’re at a restaurant or a bar, simply tell your server you don’t want a straw as you are placing your order.

Drink on the go – avoid drinks in plastic bottles

When it comes to the bag, just say NO

Change your “to go” routine

For sodas and juices, go for an aluminum can or glass bottle. For water, be sure to have a refillable water bottle on hand.

When grocery shopping, bring your own reusable cloth bag. At the drycleaners, refuse the plastic clothing bag.

Whenever you can, just say NO to plastic bags.

Ask what the “to go” containers are before packing it up and avoid plastic cutlery.

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

And always, ALWAYS go Styrofoam-free.

At the supermarket

What’s in your house?

Be mindful of the Pay attention to the packaging – choose less! unnecessary plastic in your house – don’t buy disposables when you Try shopping on the don’t have to. outside edge of the store – it tends to be healthier food and have less packaging.

Reduce, Reuse and RECYCLE Learn more about recycling and recycle everything you can.

From this day forward...

Get involved!

Be an advocate!

Learn more!

Spread the word!

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August 2010 | IN

News You Can Eat EATING OUT | EATING IN | FOOD NEWS | WINE

Muy Caliente!

What’s Good team picks their favorite Mexican restaurants If you check AtlantaINtownPaper.com on a regular basis, then you’ve read the What’s Good reviews by our intrepid team of Intown food lovers.

We asked the reviewers to talk about their favorite Mexican or Tex/Mex restaurants in the metro. Participating in the round up: poet, Georgia Tech professor and selfproclaimed foodie Karen Head; graphic artist Thom Volarath; Wren’s Nest director Lain Shakespeare and INtown’s editor Collin Kelley, who never met an enchilada he didn’t like.

Of course, we couldn’t cover them all, so we want you – our faithful readers – to suggest your favorites. Visit our website, go to our Facebook fan page or send us a tweet to our Twitter account (twitter.com/ ATLINtownPaper) and tell us where you love to go for your taco and chips fix. You might see your name and suggestions in our September issue!

Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Mi Barrio

Nothing fancy at this Memorial Drive eatery, but the food is authentic and good, Head said. “The handmade corn tortillas are delicious. If you are feeling adventurous, they even have things like tongue and cactus.

This place is particularly nice for families.”

(404) 223-9279.

El Azteca

There are a number of restaurants in the metro called El Azteca, but the one on Ponce de Leon Avenue in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood is the one most people think of. It’s fast, tasty and reliably good, Kelley said. “The chips are hot, the cheese dip is creamy and has just the right amount of jalpeno peppers, the beef enchiladas are second to none and the margaritas are good, too.” The patio is often packed in good weather. www.elaztecaponce.com.

Pure Taqueria

A relative newcomer to Inman Park, it’s already got a steady following of Tex/Mex fans. The carne a ala parilla (that’s grilled hanger steak) comes topped with a sweet corn chimichurri and jalapeno mac ‘n cheese and is impossible to finish in one meal. Luckily, it heats up nicely at home.

The beef brisket tacos get a punch from the smoky red onions and chile salsa, while the fish tacos with poblano slaw are also recommended. www.puretaqueria.com.

Original El Taco

Head recommends starting with the limesalted corn chips and then try a Mexican pizza made on flatbread with vegetarian refried beans, tomato, avocado, radish, hot peppers and cheese. The wood-grilled fajitas with marinated steak or chicken are also recommended at this Virginia-Highland Tex/Mex outpost. www.eltaco-atlanta.com.

Bone Garden Cantina

Volarath likes the whimsical skeleton themed atmosphere of Bone Garden on Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard on the Westside. “It’s great authentic Mexican menu that goes beyond the basic Speedy Gonzales of most restaurants,” he said. The Al Pastor taco (chopped, marinated pork with pineapple) and Pescado Negro with blackened tilapia are favorites. www.bonegardencantina.com

Jalisco’s Agave

The Cabbagetown restaurant’s southwestern-inspire menu packs some Tex/ Mex punch, especially the Cayenne Fried Chicken. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the Cayenne Fried Chick is so good it will make you snap into the fetal position,” Collin Kelley said. “You also can’t go wrong with the beef and pepper enchiladas and the tenderloin medallions.” They also easily accommodate vegetarians with choices that will satisfy any meat lover. www.agaverestaurant.com.

34 INtown | August 2010

Thom Volarath named this city staple as one of his favorites, noting that it’s the “true definition of a local favorite and has a devoted Buckhead following. The food is always quick and delicious.” (404)233-9244

Uncle Julio’s

Uncle Julio’s big dining rooms and giant portions make this the perfect weekend family restaurant, whether at the original Buckhead location on Peachtree Road or at the Perimeter. Juanita’s Platter – featuring two enchiladas, a crispy taco and a tamale could be a meal for two, Kelley said. www.unclejulios.com.

The Chattahoochee Avenue fixture often tops favorite lists in the city, and Karen Head couldn’t agree more. “Hands down the best Mexican I’ve had anywhere. The salsa is utterly addictive,” she said. “They also have fabulous tamales and excellent Mexican seafood dishes. My favorite is the chicken enchiladas with verde sauce.” We suggest you go early or for lunch, because the place is usually packed. www.nuevolaredocantina.com

Taqueria del Sol

With three locations in Atlanta (Westside, Decatur and Cheshire Bridge Road) and one in Athens, the line at lunch can be daunting, but the staff knows how to get your order and get the food to your table quickly. The fish tacos are the star here. Lain Shakespeare said living so close to Taqueria del Sol is both a “blessing and a curse because every time I head out the door, the smell of brisket seems to waft my way. Like one of Pavlov’s dogs, I turn around, shove my way through the line, and saddle right up to the bar.”

Thom Volarath concurred stating that the food is “consistently delicious and always affordable.” www.taqueriadelsol.com.

Hankook Taqueria Holy Taco

Kelley frequents this East Atlanta Village restaurant, known for its illuminated praying hands and giant patio. He loves the extra-thick chips and array of dips, plus an entrée of the carne salteado, which is sautéed skirt steak with a spicy Mexican sauce. With nearly 40 tequilas on the menu, a margarita is a must. www.holy-taco.com.

Okay, so this is a Korean taco joint, but Volarath said this Collier Road eatery has become a new favorite. Volarath said: “The tacos are pretty self-explanatory. It’s meat, with sauce and veggies. What makes theirs different, are the Korean spices and flavors.

I’ve tried all the tacos, but my favorites are the beef “Bul Gogi” taco and the fish “Saeng Seon” taco. The former is marinated in a mild spicy barbeque sauce and the latter is panko-crusted tilapia with a hoisin tartar sauce.” (404) 352-8881. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Stay Cool.

Join Us In The Shade.

8th Annual Summer Shade Festival In Historic Grant Park Sat-Aug 28th & Sun-Aug 29th Music, Art, Food, Family Fun Zone, 5K Run, Live Music, our fine food and wine event - Corks & Forks, beautiful park setting, ample shade, and more.

Festival Hours: Saturday, August 28 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday, August 29 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

For more information: www.SummerShade.org s 404-521-0938 All proceeds benefit the Grant Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization committed to the preservation, restoration and maintenance of historic L.P. Grant Park. Visit www.gpconservancy.org.

5th Anniversary September 18th 6 pm - 10 pm )YPUNPUN [VNL[OLY ZVTL VM ([SHU[HÂťZ Ă„ULZ[ YLZ[H\YHU[Z [OL )YVVROH]LU (Y[Z (SSPHUJL ^PSS HZZLTISL HU L]LUPUN [V ZH]VY

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Atl Intown 1-4 pg ad.indd 1

7/15/10 1:56:28 PM

Some of the Restaurants include: Blue Pointe • Brookhaven Bistro • Eclipse De Luna Hudson Grille • Haven • Kaleidoscope • Nava Sherlock’s Wine Merchants • Sugar Shack • Terra Terroir • Valenza Presenting:

www.BrookhavenArtsAlliance.com

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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August 2010 | IN

Complete Lunch Special

Quick Bites

Mon - Fri

Virginia-Highland 1040 N. Highland Ave.

Pizza Individual Pizza, Salad, and Beer Emory Village

1593 N. Decatur Road

(404) 377-7766 (404) 873-4545 For Delivery Call: 404.377.7766 www.EverybodysPizza.com

(or soft drink, or wine)

ALL FOR ONLY

$6.95

D OLMAS • CAL AMARI • KA BOBS • FAL AFEL • TZ AT ZIKI

News & Happenings The Atlanta Food Rave is set for Friday, Aug. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery. This interactive night of food, fun, cocktails and live entertainment will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Slated to participate are chefs from P’cheen, Pacci Ristorante, The Shed and more. Tickets are $55 per person for ages 21 and up and are on sale now at www.atlantafoodrave.com.

REPEATEDLY VOTED BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD IN ATLANTA

WE DELIVER www.MediterraneanGrill.com

WE CATER

3 NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATIONS MIDTOWN: 985 MONROE DRIVE (404) 917-1100 / DECATUR-EMORY: 2126 NORTH DECATUR ROAD (404) 320-0101 / EAST COBB: 1255 JOHNSON FERRY ROAD (678) 996-0045

KABOB S • G Y ROS • FAL AFEL • H UMMUS • TABOU L EH

The German Bierfest is back at Woodruff Park in Downtown on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2 to 7 p.m. Get a dose of German culture and enjoy more than 30 beers. Tickets are $30 per person and available at www.germanbierfest.com.

Bottle Bar is now open at 268 E. Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead serving up brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu, created by Chef Ian Winslade, includes small plates with crab fritters and chicken livers along with more ample entrees including steak and burgers.

A.D. Allushi created the extensive wine and cocktail menu. www.buckheadbottlebar.com Zaya Mediterranean has closed in Inman Park, but plans to reopen on the second level of the food court at the Georgia Tech Student Center.

SnoFlake Ice House, which serves up shaved ice drinks, is expected to open this month in Inman Park at the Highland Steel Lofts.

Barcelona, a Connecticut-based restaurant franchise, will open in the old Zaya

4TH ANNUAL | AtlantaArtsFestival.com

SEPTEMBER 18 & 19, 2010

ATLANTA ARTS FESTIVAL

Featuring 200 of the country’s finest painters, sculptors, photographers, leather and metal craftsmen, glassblowers, jewelry designers, wood turners and ceramicists.

Enjoy a beautiful weekend in Piedmont Park with fine art, festival food and live entertainment.

36 INtown | August 2010

w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Mediterranean Grill space in Inman Park later this year serving up Spanish tapas.

Yoforia is now open in Village Place Brookhaven, with 12 self-serve yogurt flavors and a big selection of toppings. This is the fifth location in the city. www.yoforia. com.

Moto Bistro and Bar at 2257 Lenox Road in Buckhead is now serving a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner.

They even make their own baguettes inhouse. www.motobistroatlanta.com Menchie’s, a Californiabased frozen yogurt chain popular with the Hollywood celebrity set, plans to open five locations in north Atlanta in the next two months and a total of 12 by year’s end. Intown locations include the Toco Hills Promenade on Lavista Road and Northside Parkway in Buckhead.

For more information on store openings, visit www.menchies.com or at facebook. com/menchiesatlanta.

Executive chef and co-owner Zach Kell and co-owner Seth Hendricks have opened a second location of Goin’ Coastal, “a sustainable seafood joint” in Virginia Highland, 1021 Virginia Ave. The menu features an array of Southern-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh fish and seafood. The original restaurant is located in

Canton. www.goincoastalseafood.com Established Atlanta sommelier Perrine Prieur will open her own boutique, Perrine’s Wine Shop, this fall at White Provision in West Midtown. Prieur’s namesake wine store will feature more than 200 wine labels, all hand-selected and tasted by the certified sommelier and Atlanta hospitality industry veteran herself. Prieur worked as a sommelier at Le Gavroche in London and, most recently, as the sommelier of the 800-plus wine list at JOËL Brasserie. www.perrineswine.com The owners of La Fonda Latina and Fellini’s Pizza will open a frozen yogurt shop, Three in the Tree, in the old Wolf Camera location near Wieuca and Roswell Roads in Buckhead.

JCT. Kitchen and Bar will host the 2nd annual Attack of The Killer Tomato Festival on Aug. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $50 per person and $45 for Georgia Organics members if purchased by Aug. 1. After that date, tickets will cost $65 per person. www.jctkitchen.com

Restaurant RIP JOËL Brasserie and Mama Fu’s in Buckhead; Repast in the Old Fourth Ward; Vino Libra in East Atlanta; and WaterHaven in Midtown.

2009 voted “BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS ”

by Atlanta INtown readers

Dine Out For Hope and Light set for Aug. 9 On Monday, Aug. 9, restaurants in Virginia Highlands will host Dine Out Night for Hope and Light. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of your bill to the Hope and Light Foundation, which is searching for the cure to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic killer for babies under age 2. The event is spearheaded by Renee Payne of George’s Bar and Restaurant, whose friend Stephanie Miller is the founder the Hope and Light Foundation. Miller’s 6-year-old daughter, Aleena, suffers from Type I SMA, the most severe and fatal form of the disorder. Participating restaurants: George’s, Atkin’s Park, Everybody’s, Highland Tap, Fontaine’s and Skip’s in Avondale Estates. www.hopeandlight.org.

Renee Payne of George’s Bar & Restaurant in Virgina Highland with Aleena Miller, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy SMA. Aleena’s parents, above, created the Hope and Light Foundation to help raise awareness and money to find a cure for the genetic disease that is the leading killer of children age 2 and under. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

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August 2010 | IN

Real Estate Housing Rebound

CITY LIVING | NEIGHBORHOODS | DEVELOPMENT

Experts predict a favorable forecast to close out 2010

By Shandra Hill Smith If you’re looking to buy a home in the second half of 2010, there’s reason to be encouraged, say some metro Atlanta real estate professionals. That’s despite the reality that recovery in the hard-hit housing sector has been more steady than swift.

“I think the third quarter is going to be on the uptick,” says Weslee Knapp, president and broker, Keller Knapp Realty (www. kellerknapprealty.com). “A lot of people have pulled back and waited to see what the market was going to do. I think people have seen that the market is fairly steady and there’s going to be a strong third quarter.”

The news is particularly good, Knapp says, for the resale market. “It’s easier to buy than it is to sell in this market,” he adds.

Collin Ellingson, senior vice president of sales, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors (www.nrtdevelopmentadvisors. com), drives home that point further. “It’s

38 INtown | August 2010

very much a buyer’s market,” says Ellingson.

“Now is still a great time for a smart buyer to purchase a home in Atlanta.”

While both new home sales and new home construction have declined and the

Wright also believes the market is showing signs of improvement and, he adds, “this momentum should be accelerated with the historically low interest rates that are currently available.”

“Now is still a great time for a smart buyer to purchase a home in Atlanta.” - Collin Ellingson, senior vice president of sales Coldwell Banker market has slowed since the end of the extension on federal tax credits, the latter part of the year “will be better than the same period in 2009,” according to Mike Wright, senior vice president and managing broker for Harry Norman, Realtors Intown Office (www.harrynorman.com).

Homes in Intown neighborhoods, say Wright and Knapp, are faring well. “Home sales in Intown neighborhoods with prices under $400,000 continue to do well as a result of the influx of first-time homebuyers,” Wright adds. “Many of these buyers would have been in the condo market a couple of years ago, but they are finding better value in single-family residences.”

In this buyer’s market, setting the price right, experts advise, is critical. “No seller gets the exact price that they dream of,” says Knapp.

“Both on the buyer and seller side, you have to be realistic about what your three or four wants or needs are,” suggests Ellingson.

Buyers, he urges, should take patience with them when looking for a home. They also should be sure to clear up any issues with their credit history before purchasing, adds Wright. After giving consideration to a “reasonable number of properties,” he advises that buyers “be prepared to act quickly when they find the right home.”

For sellers, the advice from Ellingson is to be realistic about what you can expect to capture for your home in this current market.

“Sellers need to keep in mind their end game,” Ellingson says. “If a seller intends to sell their home, but the second part of their equation is that they would like to purchase another home – whether it be a condominium or a vacation home – they may get a little less than they want on the selling side, but they can make it up in value on the buying side.”

Homes that both offer what Wright calls “compelling list prices” and that are in “great shape” will move more quickly, he says. “Buyers are generally passing on homes that require a lot of work, especially if they do not perceive that they are getting a

Weslee Knapp

Mike Wright

Collin Ellingson deal. Properties that have a higher list price than the comparable sales justify or have dated kitchens and baths are sitting on the market much longer and, in many cases, being removed from the market unsold.”

Some in the market can look forward to incentives from certain sellers. These may include closing-cost contributions and prepaid homeowners’ association dues, according to Ellingson.

All in all, even with new home sales having dropped, there are opportunities to be found across the metro area.

“We’re still seeing strong traffic and good sales activity,” says Ellingson. “It’s not all doom and gloom. There’s value in all neighborhoods right now if you’re patient and you understand what you’re looking for.” w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Real Estate Briefs Edgewood, Candler Park, Lake Claire and the Emory area. www.Midtown.PrudentialGeorgia.com Harry Norman, REALTORS’ Harry Norman HOME Magazine, featuring professional photography, elegant, sophisticated design and informative narrative accompany each property for sale by the company, is now both in print and online in digital format. www.HarryNorman.com/home.

Zac Pasmanick, center, is celebrating 31 years of helping more than 4,000 families with their real estate needs by opening his own company – Ponce Realty – to serve metro Atlanta’s residential market from luxury homes to distressed properties. Ponce Realty is in the same Poncey-Highland location at 1057 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta’s historic Plaza Shopping Center where Pasmanick has operated as the zac team at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta.

Managing Broker Mary Jane Parker is overseeing the day-to-day operations of Ponce Realty. www.PonceRealty.biz Decatur-based Renewal Design-Build has hired Aimee Leonard as a Project Designer to specialize in kitchens and bathrooms.

Leonard brings 12 years of residential and commercial design experience to Renewal.

For the past six years, she has owned and operated her own residential design company. She has won multiple design awards, including three Sanddollar Awards, a Builder’s Showcase Award for Best Interior Design, and Marketing and Merchandising Excellence award for Best interior Merchandising. www.RenewalDesignBuild. com

On the Market Prudential Georgia Realty has announced Realtors Francine Bethune and Kris Kolarich, who work together specializing in the Atlanta foreclosure market, have joined its sales team. They are based out of Prudential Georgia Realty’s Midtown offi ce, They join Prudential after their previous company, Bo Bridgeport Brokers, recently merged with Prudential Georgia Realty. To better assist clients with their real estate buying and investing needs, the team’s website, www.AtlantaForeclosureAgent. com , can be reviewed in several languages.

Informative, free reports are also available, including 10 Important Tips to Successful Real Estate Investing, 5 Secrets to Buying the Best House for Your Money, and How to Make Money Real Estate Investing.

GARDEN HILLS New Master Suite!

New Stainless/Granite Kit! 3Bd/2Ba, Sunroom!

Large Flat Yard, Garage!

Bob Dimm (404) 266-1281 Re/Max Greater Atlanta (404) 609-9898 $579,000

The Aberdeen celebrated its grand opening with with over 150 guests and toasted developers Taz and Geoff Anderson for their creation of the 14-story luxury residential high-rise in Vinings. (l-r) Linda and James Shepherd. a co-founder of Shepherd Center and the inspiration for its establishment, with Jenny Pruitt, CEO, and David Boehmig, President of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty and Shepherd Center Medical Director Dr. Don Leslie.

The historica Clermont Hotel is still for sale. The downstairs Clermont Lounge has been a hipster hangout for years and is long part of the city’s bar scene. What do you think should happen to this Intown landmark? Tell us on Facebook and share your ideas about the future of the Clermont.

MORNINGSIDE Stunning home. Floor to ceiling windows.

Granite kitchen with Viking range.

Brand new master suite.

Pristine backyard.

Kate Burke (404) 441-5283 Dorsey Alston, Realtors® (404) 352-2010 $689,000

Five local realtors have joined Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Midtown: Pauline Miller, Susan Powell, Janice Walker, Kathleen Levy and Debby Crawford. www.kwatlantamidtown.com Bo Bridgeport Brokers, owned by Benita Carswell and Janie Gray, is now part of Prudential Georgia Realty. Bridgeport will keep their Kirkwood offi ce at 2033 Hosea L. Williams Dr. open as a satellite of Prudential, which is located near the High Museum. Bo Bridgeport Brokers was formed in 1997 and has a reputation for real estate sales, renovating historic homes and marketing new home communities in numerous Atlanta and Decatur neighborhoods, including Grant Park, Kirkwood, East Atlanta, Oakhurst, East Lake, w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates (TSW, www.tunspan.com), an Atlanta-based fullservice planning, architecture and landscape architecture fi rm, has been recognized by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission (AUDC) for its landscape design of Greystone, Piedmont Park’s historic bathhouse and swimming pool. TSW served as Landscape Architect on the two-year renovation project, which was headed by Smith Dalia Architects of Atlanta. Their efforts have recently been rewarded with an AUDC Development of Excellence Award.

GARDEN HILLS A Real Surprise Inside!!

Sophisticated Elegance!

3 Bdrms / 2 Baths, ScrnPch, Offc, Gar! Great Expansion Possibilities!

Bob Dimm (404) 266-1281 Re/Max Greater Atlanta (404) 609-9898 New Price $449,000

town 39

August 2010 | IN

How To Keep Your Home Expert answers hot questions about housing market

By Marian Anthony With so many homeowners in financial distress and facing tough decisions about their mortgages in or approaching default, questions abound about how to best handle the complex situation with the bank lenders they’re indebted to.

I’ve heard about short sales. Why is this strategy more advantageous than a loan modification or foreclosure approach?

The reduced payoff in a short sale releases you from the debt obligation. This allows you to re-establish your credit faster and re-enter the market much wiser. A loan modification actually builds a debt trap around the borrower who is emotionally attached to a property, milking the borrower for every last nickel. A foreclosure ruins a homeowner’s credit and takes a much longer time period to recover from.

Why have loan modifications and foreclosures become the predominant answer to the distressed real estate market, and why can this be problematic?

The reason loan modifications and foreclosures have dominated in this market is because many of the real estate professionals erroneously consider the short sale process to be too complex. Not knowing how to orchestrate the transaction and not having the correct forms and contact information with all the different parties is overwhelming for many REALTORS, so they forego an option that would otherwise be in the owner’s best interest. The result is unnecessary spending of tax payer’s funds that are being used for the alternative solutions, when capital contributions from the “street level” can used to offset the losses and payoff the delinquencies without requiring such taxpayer contribution.

As a borrower, what are some ways I can gain leverage with my mortgage holder?

One way to gain leverage with a lender is to establish a “substitute mortgage” - a security pledge that is offered to the seller’s lender - with a 3rd party (lawyer or Escrow company) for a lesser amount of the current payment. Over time this will result in a significant amount of collected funds that can be used as negotiating leverage to release the borrower form the debt, or dictate terms

for a loan modification in the borrower’s advantage.

Should I intentionally default on my home mortgage?

Today, many people are “intentionally” or “strategically” defaulting because cash is more valuable than credit. Because many of the banks were unethical, some borrowers don’t feel the “moral obligation” to pay, especially when the banks are begin less than cooperative as buyers try to work things out. Rather than defaulting, the best thing to do is use the Section 702 program of the Obama act, which allows a qualified third-party buyer take possession and make a “bona fide” offer to the bank.

This helps show the debt “settled” on your credit and can eliminate the 2nd mortgages completely. Walking away and allowing the bank to foreclose still allows the second lender to render a judgment...and possibly garnish your wages. You may also have to file for bankruptcy to recover from the credit nightmare.

I’ve heard borrowers in default need a “General Public Disclosure”? Why? Many people are not aware of the “alternatives” when facing foreclosure.

The state and the federal agencies do not provide any literature to default borrowers as a “preventative” measure. Knowing your options, as detailed on a General Public Disclosure document, can make all the difference in establishing a deal that’s in the homeowners’ best interest.

Marian Anthony is a real estate finance expert and author of Short Sale RUSH – A How-To Guide for Nonperforming Assets.

Is neighborhood marketing important to your business?

WE CAN HELP. For more information: wendy@AtlantaINtownPaper.com 404-586-0002 ext 302 www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

BeltLine Update Art, awards and at the ballfield

By Collin Kelley Editor

Ashford Park. $674,900 2706 Skyland Drive

Buckhead. $515,000 1185 Village Cove

Buckhead. $499,500 1210 Glendeven Court

5BR/4.5BA FMLS:4069956

5BR/3.5BA FMLS:4083006

3BR/3.5BA FMLS:4089973

Buckhead. $575,000 3 Vale Close

Castleberry Hill. $895,000 200 Walker Street

Decatur. $539,000 126 Huron Street

3BR/3.5BA FMLS:4089166

2BR/2.5BA FMLS:4086538

4BR/3BA FMLS:4067882

Susan Fron 678.464.7899

Nancy House 770.310.3445

Betty Gargis 770.354.0670

Debra Johnston 404.312.1959

Margaret Rodbell 404.213.3087

Frank Wynne 404.310.5742

Decatur. $234,900 7 Sycamore Station

Midtown. $449,000 355 8th Street

Midtown. $419,000 356 6th Street

3BR/3.5BA FMLS:4074876

2BR/2BA FMLS:4039450

3BR/2BA FMLS:4093079

Leslie and Bill Ransom 404.974.4480 Team Ellis 770.355.0549

AtlantaFineHomes.com

Andrea Cueny 404.695.7040

404.835.9580

© MMX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Farm of Jas de Bouffan, Paul Cezanne used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

40 INtown | August 2010

Thousands turned out for the inaugural weeks of Art on the BeltLine, featuring installations, art pieces, sculpture, poetry and more. While the performances are finished, the outdoor exhibition on the west and east sides of the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine loop remain until October.

In other BeltLine news, the Atlanta Development Authority and the BeltLine project were recognized as the Nation’s Best Bond Deal of 2009 by the Council of Development Finance Agencies, a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns an interests.

Hunton & Williams LLP served as bond counsel for the City of Atlanta and the ADA. The second annual Atlanta BeltLine Night at the Braves is on Thursday, Aug. 5.

The Braves are scheduled to play the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field at 7:10 p.m.

The BeltLine Partnership will join other organizations that support the Atlanta BeltLine at information booths and tables set up to educate the public before and during the game in Monument Grove at the entrance to Turner Field. Half of the proceeds of all of the $12 tickets you

purchase at beltline.org will directly benefit the Atlanta BeltLine.

For more information and a list of regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings and workshops on the BeltLine, visit www. beltline.org. w w w. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m

IN Your Home Branch Out!

HOME IMPROVEMENT | RENOVATION TIPS| HOME DECOR | BEFORE & AFTERS

Build a better community through trees

By Kathy Vogeltanz There’s no easier way to improve a property – and the environment – than by simply planting a tree. Homeowners increase their quality of life and property value with trees – and the entire neighborhood reaps the benefits.

Cheryl Kortemeier of Trees Atlanta listed out a few positive points of trees.

“They capture particulate matter like dust and debris on their trunks and leaves and hold them like tiny catchers’ mitts,” she said.

“Trees help slow the rate of rainwater as it falls from the sky to the ground, reducing erosion and demand on sewer systems during quick heavy rains. They also help manage the little rain we receive during drought years, so trees are literally our allies rain or shine.”

Kortemeier said that the public considers properties with trees “more attractive,” so property values are typically $2,000 more for well-treed lots. And for homeowners who live close together or near busy roadways, it’s good to know that each tree absorbs about 6 to 8 decibels of sound.

“By placing trees on the south and west sides of property, homeowners can reduce their energy and A/C costs,” added Ed Macie. An arborist and Urban Forestry consultant, Macie provides assistance to homeowners in need of help managing their shade trees. He regularly works with communities on land development plans

to protect trees in neighborhoods, and he was involved with the City of Decatur’s Homeowner Shade Tree Assistance program.

Macie also consults with builder/developers to save trees on construction sites around new and in-fill housing.

Compared to other metropolitan areas, Atlanta might appear to be well wooded, but Kortemeier said that’s not necessarily so.

Although often referred to as “The City in the Forest,” Atlanta has lost 65 percent of its tree cover since 1975.

“Atlanta was actually losing convention business because our downtown area was ‘not green enough,” she said. “Trees Atlanta initially focused on downtown and business districts like Midtown and Buckhead, eventually planting more than 20,000 trees along Atlanta streets and sidewalks and around parking lots.”

Founded in 1985 by Central Atlanta Progress, the Atlanta Commissioner of Parks and The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc., the non-profit citizen’s group began as an urban beautification program. Trees Atlanta evolved to do much more. The group protects Atlanta’s grandest trees by helping communities preserve their green spaces and establish tree protection laws. They’ve been involved in saving Big Trees Forest Preserve in Roswell, Morningside Nature Preserve in Atlanta, Connally Nature Park in East Point, and others.

Through their “NeighborWoods” program, Tree Atlanta organizes volunteers

who plant 3,000 to 4,000 trees per year in in-town neighborhoods where shade is needed most. Over the past 25 years, Trees Atlanta engaged 4,500 citizens as volunteers and planted more than 75,000 trees. The impact is incredible.

“These trees are removing an average of 13 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each—that’s nearly 1,000,000 pounds of CO2 per year!” Kortemeier pointed out.

“Each tree recycles $750 worth of water per year while reducing demand on municipal storm water systems and preventing erosion, so our trees provide $56,250,000 worth of water recycling benefits each year. As you can see, trees are an essential part of our infrastructure for human, environmental and economic health.”

Once property owners decide to add trees, there are some things to consider.

“Before adding or planting a tree, people should think about pairing the species with the site,” Macie advised. “Be aware of the size it will reach when full grown and the space it has available to it. Watch for long-term conflicts with utilities, either underground

or overhead.”

He said that the next important consideration is the tree’s ecological impact on the landscape. It’s important to place it where it can do its best work for the environment – like providing shade to a lane or play area, holding soil and controlling water along a drainage ditch, or along a roadway to scrub pollutants. Finally, assess how the tree will add color and bring life to the landscape.

Kortemeier suggested that property owners organize within their neighborhood to plant trees. “Trees planted along a street create visual continuity and a sense of community,” she said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to get buy-in from all the neighbors.

Homeowners occasionally think that trees will create a mess, block their view or create some other type of safety hazard. The best way to get buy-in is to focus on the positive attributes of trees.”

Property owners and neighborhood associations have several resources available to them. Macie said that the Internet is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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August 2010 | IN

Turn Your Dream Kitchen into a Reality with an expert

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BEFORE

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AFTER Terry Kitts, Licensed GC Dawn Landau, Designer

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

great tool for homeowners; most of the information found there is pretty reliable.

However, for insect and disease diagnosis, homeowners will need to get help from someone with expertise.

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) supplies seedlings to Georgia landowners every year for reforestation, beautification and wildlife habitat through their Flint River Nursery in Byromville, GA. The trees are adapted to Georgia’s unique climate and soils. Though the seedling crop is predominantly slash and loblolly pines, a variety of hardwoods and other conifers are also available, such as dogwood, redbud, sweetgum, white oak, red cedar and wild plum. They also offer some shrub/perennials like crape myrtle.

Order processing begins is underway for the following planting season, which runs December through February. All seedling stock is one year from seed and sold bareroot in quantities ranging from ten to hundreds of thousands. Visit www.gatrees. org for details. The GFC recently launched an on-line network called The Georgia Grove, at www.americangrove.org/ga/.

The Georgia Urban Forest Council, www.gufc.org, is another useful resource about community trees where homeowners can learn what member groups are doing in other areas.

A lot of worthwhile information is available at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension website, www.caes. uga.edu/extension/. The experts at UGA’s Cooperative Extension also provide help over the phone at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

National resources include the Alliance for Community Trees in Washington DC, www.actrees.org, and the Arbor Day Foundation, which regularly offers deals through their online store. Join Arbor Day Foundation and receive 10 free trees, as well as discounts on future purchases. Find out more at www.arborday.org.

Homeowners on a budget may want to check out www.freetreesandplants.com.

Of course, a great place to start is Trees Atlanta’s website – www.treesatlanta. org. Trees Atlanta is a member group of EarthShare of Georgia, www.earthsharega. org.

“Trees Atlanta has been so successful because of the people who support the organization—our volunteers, donors and staff,” Kortemeier said. “I encourage everyone to get involved and volunteer at least once. It’s a great way to make a difference in your community, learn about Atlanta neighborhoods and meet new people. I met my husband volunteering with Trees Atlanta.”

Tree Resource Guide Trees Atlanta

www.treesatlanta.org

Georgia Forestry Commission www.gfc.state.ga.us

Georgia Urban Forest Council www.gufc.org

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension www.caes.uga.edu/extension

Alliance for Community Trees www.actrees.org

Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org

Free Trees and Plants

www.freetreesandplants.com

EarthShare of Georgia www.earthsharega.org

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Outdoor Room Ideas

Fall is the time to plant and NOW is the time to plan!

•Design & Installation •Maintenance Services •Irrigation & Lighting •Seasonal Color Installation •Perennial Beds •Container Gardens •Hardscape Installation •Tree & Shrub Care •Specialized Horticultural Services

Environs Residential Design & Construction came to the rescue of these Intown homeowners, who had multiple issues while trying to plan an outdoor room, while keeping their magnolia tree and parking space intact.

Environ’s Dawn Landau said since grass wouldn’t grow in the shade of the tree, they created a number of surfaces for this outdoor space using gravel rather than grass or sod, decorative pavers that lead off the driveway and a slab for the seating area. Space was also left to install flower beds along side the house are carport area, which gives shelter, but also leaves the space open, too. This outdoor space is complemented by a standalone fireplace and there’s even room for a grill.

This design takes once dead space and makes it something the homeowners and their guests can enjoy. www.environsresidential.com

Visit our award-winning Garden Center for a selection of locally-grown plants, unique garden art, gifts & accessories!

Landscape Services:

Jerry Bell 404-873-4702, ext. 2302 jerry@habershamgardens.com

Garden Center:

2067 Manchester Street 404-873-2484, Tues-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-6

www.HabershamGardens.com 44 INtown | August 2010

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Gardening www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

David McMullin

Make it in the Shade

We’re in a giving mood.

To see what you could win in August, go online:

JOIN US to receive Atlanta INtown sponsored events, promotions, discounts,

As I stroll through my garden, I realize that the years have brought more and more shade to my space. The little trees that I planted years ago are sprawling, reaching up towards the sky. My negligent neighbors have allowed hackberries and pecans to thicket skyward along the property line, shading out a once vibrant perennial border.

If I didn’t also have a sunny farm to play around with, I might start pruning and chopping. Given this, I welcome the cool and shady retreat of my home garden.

Planting in shade is always challenging for intown gardeners. The quality of shade isn’t exactly the moist, mountain cove-type shade that nurseries sell plants for. In Atlanta, we typically deal with big thirsty oaks on small lots and high rise neighbors with heavyhanded shadows that block the sun and air, leaving a dark desert.

contact David at newmoongardens@gmail. com or 404-593-0996.

Oak-leaf hydrangea

Hellebores

giveaways, great shopping tips, and tasty

&

places to dine from our Food Bloggers.

A few pointers for a shady Intown garden: •Morning shade and afternoon sun is a lethal combination for many plants.

In this scenario, choose mostly full sun plants. Select those that can handle the hottest, harshest sun after lolling around all morning. Alternately, morning sun and afternoon shade can bring the best out of fl owering plants that scorch in high light.

Add a little moisture to this scenario and hydrangeas will thrive.

•Big trees can suck the water out of the ground faster than a Hoover. Water is a higher priority when planting under the oaks and maples. A deep leaf mulch is essential to long term success.

•Forget fl owers. The meadow plants of sunnier yards just won't bloom in the shade. Instead, fulfi ll your garden needs with the essence of foliage, texture and variegation. Take a subtle approach.

Read the e-Edition

The INtown e-Edition is exactly as it appears in print.

As an exact digital replica of the print product, it includes every article, photograph and advertisement. It looks just like the printed version we mail/distribute with interactive and searchable ads and articles from all the favorite sections.

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Over the many years of designing gardens here, by necessity, I have adapted my thinking to address the shade. I include the toughest plants to accomplish my design goals. Carexes and Hellebores, dryloving ferns and forbs are now a part of the repertoire; and dry-shade loving shrubs like oak-leaf hydrangeas, hardy Pittosporums, and graceful Momi fi rs have found their way into many gardens that I design.

Shade gardening, though tough, can make your garden look fabulous, lush and refreshing.

David McMullin, an acclaimed garden designer, has owned New Moon Gardens design firm for 20 years. His gardens have been featured on tours, in magazines and on television. David recently ventured into retail, opening Garden*Hood, the newest garden center destination located in Grant Park.

For more information on his design services,

AUGUST 28 AND 29, 10 AM - 6 PM, MAKE IT IN THE SHADE

Garden*Hood joins the Grant Park Conservancy in celebrating “Summer Shade” with Make it in the Shade. Garden*Hood experts and guest specialists will be on hand to give you tips and tools for creating an interesting, healthy understory garden. This weekend, Garden*Hood will give Summer Shade Festivalgoers a 15% discount on plant purchases when they show their 2010 festival program. Atlanta INtown is a sponsor of this 8th annual Summer Shade Festival - see their ad on page 35.

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August 2010 | IN

Renovation Coach Jesse Morado

Want a Green Floor – How About Dirt?

Green building practices have really introduced some great products that increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint and are environmentally friendly. We are all familiar with the usual hardwoods, tile, stone, carpet, vinyl and engineered products but what about dirt?

Yes, dirt.

This new trend in flooring has really captured my attention and appears to be catching on in certain areas of the country.

I found it quite ironic and interesting that we have spent a lot of time, money, and equipment trying to keep dirt off our floors and now we’re bringing the dirt in.

Dirt floors, or earthen floors as they are referred to, are gaining in popularity and

believe it or not are attractive and quite easy to care for. Now, we are not talking about a dirt floor that looks like something you saw in the movie, Dances with Wolves or in some old barn. Earthen floors are very cool. No really, they keep your home cool in the warm months and can hold and radiate heat in the winter months. Talk about ecofriendly, you can’t get more eco-friendly than mother earth.

Some of the qualities I like about an earthen floor are that using it as a finished flooring material reduces construction waste, is an inexpensive material, easy to secure, produces zero to minimal pollution, is quite durable, repairable and easy to maintain. There are a few cons in using this

product. One is being labor intensive to install, a little more vulnerable to gouging and scratching from high heels and pointed furniture legs, and a shortage of trained installers.

Installation basically consists of having a structurally sound substrate covered with a moisture barrier, a layer of sand and then the earthen mix which consists of clay-rich dirt, straw, and lime. Once the flooring has been poured and trowled into place it is allowed to dry and set up. This may take some time but it will be well worth it.

To protect the floor you’ll need to apply coats of linseed oil along with a wax. The combination of these materials will insure the floors performance and also facilitate

its cleaning. So next time you think about “what kind of floor should we use in the new room addition?” look into an earthen floor.

Jesse Morado is CEO of Renovation Coach, Inc. a consulting firm providing preconstruction guidance and risk management for homeowners and business coaching of best practices for contractors. He is a Certified Remodeler and Certified Aging in Place Specialist and currently serves as NARI Nationals Education Committee Vice Chair.

You may reach him at (404) 729-4969 or at www.renovationcoach.com.

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46 INtown | August 2010

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It’s Peachtree Battle Shopping Center and it’s the best of Buckhead in one convenient location. Summer has arrived and so have all the wonderful offerings of the season. Everything from sporty shorts to sandals.

Sweet tea to sweet smelling soaps and scrubs.

Simple sofas to sunglasses. Salsa to seafood. Take time and explore all the wonderful shops, services and restaurants at Peachtree Battle.

Come Live the Life.

Ace Hardware Bank of America Baskin Robbins Bonehead’s Seafood Burger King Café Lapin Cartridge World Chico’s Children’s & Prep Shop Cheyenne Grille European Alterations Famous Hair Festivity Flowers Atlanta

For Eyes Optical Framers On Peachtree Frolic Boutique GNC Nutrition Gramercy Atelier Happy Feet Hollywood Tan Izzy Maternity Joe May Valet Jalisco’s Junko Hair Design Keller Williams LaRo Jewelers Limetree

Master Shoe Repair Mori Luggage & Gifts nadeau furniture with a soul Nail Shadow Natural Body Spa Paper Affair Pasta Vino Peachtree Battle Barbershop Publix Richard’s Variety Store Rite Aid Savor Starbucks Talbots

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August 2010 | IN

ATLANTA INTOWN OFFICE

Building the blocks of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods since 1979!

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Over 87% of homebuyers start their search online. Start yours at www.ColdwellBankerAtlanta.com. www.ColdwellBankerPreviews.com

DECATUR. Tastefully renovated & expanded 4BR/4BA bungalow with lower level oversized master suite opening to private .92 acre yard. $474,500 Ann Hudson 404-307-9902 FMLS: 4079694

Luxury Properties need Previews Marketing

BUCKHEAD. Charming home built in 1929 with large family room with built-ins, office/sunroom, walk-in closets, hardwoods, private wooded lot. 3Bed/3Bath $450,000 Debbie Heaton 404-434-2262 FMLS: 4094199

BUCKHEAD. Rare contemporary home on great private nature lover’s lot in Sarah Smith School district, 3 formal BR’s, large office & great room. 3Bed/2.5Bath $389,000 Clarke Weeks 404-932-0391 FMLS: 4092290

JOHNSON ESTATES. Total renovation w/new roof, windows & hardwoods. Granite, SS & maple cabs in kitchen. Finished daylight basement.

3Bed/2.5Bath $415,000 Michael Smith 404-786-2057 FMLS: 4094301

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GRANT PARK. Features gorgeous new bathroom, heart of pine floors, original details, finished attic space and finished basement, 2 car garage. 4Bed/3Bath $319,900 Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234 FMLS: 4086921

DECATUR. All brick home features 3Bed/3Bath, hardwoods, walk-in closet, sunroom, 2 car garage, 2 workshops, close to Emory/CDC. $359,000 Viviann Payne 404-202-2258 FMLS: 4094465

VICTORIA ESTATES. Family sized home w/formal LR/DR, huge den with fireplace, gorgeous kitchen, gleaming hardwoods. 4Bed/3Bath $570,000 Rich Baxter 404-931-3431 FMLS: 4079074

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND. 3BR/1BA in main house w/plenty of room for 2nd bath upstairs. 1BR/1BA cottage that brings $1200/month. Great investment! $429,900 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845 FMLS: 4085187

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MORNINGSIDE. Situated on the most beautiful & private .68 acre double lot in Lenox Park. Timeless home is steeped in elegance inside & out.

5Bed/4.5Bath $1,499,000 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845 FMLS: 4088144

MORNINGSIDE. Custom designed masterpiece, exquisitely detailed features include steam shower, home theater, pool & pond w/waterfalls. 5Bed/4.5Bath $1,100,000 Alicia Reteneller 404-429-9334 FMLS: 4084930

MORNINGSIDE. Exquisite residence with all the bells & whistles. All bedrooms have full baths, private backyard perfect for entertaining.

6Bed/6.5Bath $1,699,000 Melissa Stratton 404-713-5850 FMLS: 4088860

MORNINGSIDE. 3 level, 4Bed/ 4.5Bath open floor plan, master on main, huge kitchen w/granite & sub zero, basement playroom/guest suite. $829,900 Katina Asbell 404-932-0739 FMLS: 4085692

BROOKHAVEN. Spacious newer construction with tons of upgrades, Cook’s kit, huge walk-in closet, travertine bath w/separate tub & shower. 6Bed/4.5Bath $699,000 Amber Mason 678-637-3530 FMLS: 4091624

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Careers in Real Estate:

Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, we can help. We are networked with superior real estate professionals throughout the US. Give us a call and we’ll find you an agent. 404-874-2262

There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in Real Estate! Whether you’re a new agent or had your license for years, Coldwell Banker can help you! For more information call 404-874-2262.

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Atlanta’s #1 Coldwell Banker Office - 2006, 2007, 2008 Intown Office - 1370 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 - (404) 874-2262 Lisa Johnson, Managing Broker ® O w n e d & O p e r a t e d b y N RT, L L C , – G A R E L I C # 5 9 7 3 0 – A l l I n f o r m a t i o n i s b e l i e v e d a c c u r a t e b u t n o t w a r ranted – Equal Housing Opportunity

48 INtown | August 2010

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