01-08-2016 Sandy Springs Reporter by Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Intown, Reporter Newspapers

Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Inside

Where’s the beef? Wendy’s to reopen after ﬁre COMMUNITY 4

The plan man How to ease trafﬁc woes COMMENTARY 12

JAN. 8 — JAN. 21, 2016 • VOL. 10 — NO. 1

All aboard?

COMMUNITY 5

More Barﬁeld relatives voice opposition to renaming road for Mercedes BY JOHN RUCH

johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

SPECIAL PHOTOS

For this winter edition of our semi-annual Education Guide, Reporter Newspapers introduces its ﬁrst “20 Under 20,” a special feature adapted from our sister publication Atlanta INtown. Meet this group of extraordinary young people who are working to improve their communities. The section begins on page 15.

Several Barfield family members are opposing Mercedes-Benz USA’s plan to rename part of Barfield Road for itself. The street name, honoring an old farming family, “may not mean much to other people, and certainly not to Mercedes-Benz, but it means a lot to me and my family,” Natalie Barfield of Gainesville wrote in a Jan. 3 letter to officials. Meanwhile, there is talk of renaming another street named for MBUSA —Mercedes Drive in Montvale, N.J., where the carmaker was long headquartered until its surprise move to Sandy Springs was announced last year. In a reversal of the Sandy Springs situation, one option in New Jersey is replacing the Mercedes street name with that of an old farming family that previously owned the land, according to Montvale Mayor Roger Fyfe. “Admittedly, there were those who wanted to spray-paint the street signs the day [MBUSA] announced they were leaving. (This is New Jersey, after all.),” Fyfe said in an email. MBUSA informally notified Sandy Springs in November of its desire to rename part of Barfield Road, where its new headquarters will be constructed, as “MercedesSEE MORE, PAGE 13

Expect political ‘nonsense’ in 2016 Legislature BY JOE EARLE

New Perimeter towers proposed

joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

Rep. Scott Holcomb says it’s simple. With a presidential primary scheduled for Georgia in March, “there’s likely to be a lot of nonsense” during the coming session of the state General Assembly, the DeKalb Democrat says. Political posturing is “already out there,” Holcomb said. His prediction for the 2016 Legislature? “I think it’s going to be a year not terribly impressive in terms of legislative accomplishment,” he said. “The shadow of the presidential primary is going to weigh heavily on the Gold Dome. You’re just going to see a lot of nonsense.” Still, state lawmakers are bound to do something during the 40 days they meet and debate the state’s business, even if it’s only to approve a state budget. And as legislators prepared for the start of the 2016 Georgia General Assembly,

set to start Jan. 11, there was plenty of new legislation being talked up. Local lawmakers said they expect to spend much of the session arguing over hot-button statewide issues such as gambling, the state budget, funding for education and merit pay for teachers. “I think it’s going to make for an interesting year,” Rep. Beth Beskin (R-Buckhead) said. “I really think education is going to be one of the big ones this year.” The proposal to allow casino gambling in Georgia “will be taken seriously,” Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) said, but he and several other local lawmakers seemed unwilling to predict that it would pass this year. “I don’t see that happening in this session, particularly in an election SEE LAWMAKERS, PAGE 7

Five highrises are proposed in a new development near the Sandy Springs MARTA station. See page 2.

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JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

COMMUNITY

Skyscrapers proposed next to Sandy Springs MARTA station BY JOHN RUCH

johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Five skyscrapers are planned as part of a massive redevelopment on Perimeter Center West next to the Sandy Springs MARTA station. A preliminary community meeting is slated for Jan. 20. The residential and office towers, each standing 20 to 29 stories tall, would surround the existing office building at 1117 Perimeter Center West, replacing a threestory parking deck. Design illustrations show the towers as walled with mirrored glass and topped with triangular beams. “It’s a substantial project that will be built over several or many years,” said Rob Forrest, a Milton real estate professional who is handling permitting and zoning for an Australian family that bought the 13-acre property last year. The new, mixed-use project would include groundfloor retail space,” he said, and can connect to the MARTA station. The plan also preserves the existing building, known for its unusual hexagonal shape, which has an interior courtyard that would be opened up for performances. “What we’re looking at is really, really embracing that [building and courtyard],” Forrest said, adding that the intent is “to

protect the current building and the current tenants.” Forrest declined to identify the developers or any other project they have worked on, saying only that the family is originally from Korea and that this is “their first foray into the Americas.” “They like to fly below the radar… They prefer not to be known,” he said. Forrest said he has spoken with various “stakeholders” in the area, but would not say who they are, except that homeowner organizations are not among them. Tochie Blad of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods said residents need more details, especially on traffic flow, the MARTA connection and whether the project is speculative or has prospective tenants in place. “Connectivity to MARTA is key to any of these massive projects,” Blad said. “And we don’t have any information.” Forrest said he expects to file a full project application with the city next month. He said specific residential unit counts are still on the drawing board and would not give an estimated project budget. Fulton County property records show

COMMUNITY the developers bought the site for $68.5 million. The project totals 1.3 million square feet, Assistant City Manager Jim Tolbert said at the Jan. 5 Sandy Springs City Council meeting. The site is on the opposite side of the Mount Vernon Highway/Peachtree-Dunwoody Road intersection from the parcel where developer Hines proposes another massive, mixed-use development with skyscrapers. The Hines SPECIAL project is embroiled in a city An illustration from the rezoning application zoning dispute. for 1117 Perimeter Center West. The Perimeter Center West project requires rezoning to MARTA stations. mixed-use, and its timing may “This was a delay, but we’re patient,” be aﬀected by whether the city extends its Forrest said of the rezoning moratorirezoning moratorium, currently set to exum, adding that the developers would not pire on Jan. 17. Tolbert said it is one of mind a further extension and that it has three—and by far the largest—projects given them more time to talk to stakeholdthat “gambled” on the moratorium exers. “Whatever it takes for the city to get piring and filed in recent weeks so that it ready…We respect that a lot,” he said. could move ahead under existing zoning Blad said that the moratorium should code. be extended “with a project of this size” The City Council discussed the rezoncoming down the pipe. ing moratorium in a non-voting work sesWhatever happens with the moratorision, with no consensus on whether it um, the Perimeter Center West project is should be extended 90 days or more. The still in an early phase under new city rules council recently approved new “interim requiring pre-application meetings with guidelines” for mixed-use projects while city staﬀ and the general public. As part city consultants work on a new zoning of that process, the developers will hold a code expected later this year. The guidepublic meeting Wed., Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at lines—which merely are suggestions—call 1117 Perimeter Center West. for denser and taller redevelopment near

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It’s taking a lot longer than serving up a combo meal, but the Wendy’s fastfood restaurant at 8455 Roswell Road has a reopening in the works two years after a fire shut it down. “We are working with our insurance company to get it rebuilt and remodeled, and hope to open soon,” said Jay Long, director of operations for PAP Enterprises, a Wendy’s franchise compaJOHN RUCH ny that runs five metro Atlanta restauThe Wendy’s restaurant at rants. “We’re certainly anxious to get go8455 Roswell Road remains ing again.” closed after a 2014 ﬁre. The fire at the restaurant, on Roswell Road between NorthCalling it a “burned-out ridge Parkway and Sulli- C A T C H I N G eyesore,” Pitts Road resivan Hill Road, happened dent Justin Moseley said, UP on Jan. 12, 2014, Long “It’s been sitting empty said, and the business has Revisiting a local and ugly ever since [the remained closed. Today, news story from the recent past fire], with no apparent it is surrounded by a temsigns of it being rebuilt.” porary chain link fence weighted down The property meets city code requirewith split-open sandbags. The Wendy’s ments, said city spokeswoman Marla logo is gone and dumpsters sit along the Shavin. She said the delay in renovations building. is due to PAP and its insurance company Some local residents and nearby entering arbitration. business employees expressed concerns Long declined to comment on PAP’s about the Wendy’s remaining vacant. issues with its insurer.

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COMMUNITY

‘Maglev’ train once an idea for Perimeter Center

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American Maglev Technology first pitched a plan for a train connecting Cobb County and Perimeter Mall in 2011. The company built this test train in Powder Springs in 2006. Sandy Springs and Brookhaven are studying monorails and other forms of elevated transportation.

BY JOHN RUCH

johnruch@reporternewspapers.net

Monorail systems recently proposed by city officials in Brookhaven and Sandy Springs aren’t the first time someone local has pitched alternative, elevated trains. In 2011, a Marietta company presented plans for a “maglev” train connecting Cobb County and Perimeter Mall—and the firm’s president says he’d like to bid on any new Brookhaven and Sandy Springs systems. “We’d be very interested in both those projects,” said Tony Morris, president and CEO of American Maglev Technology. “Anyone who has been around Perimeter Mall for 30 years at 5 p.m. knows something has to be done…I’d love to see something happen, whether it’s us or somebody else.” AMT built one of the world’s few maglev test tracks in Powder Springs in 2006 and is planning an Orlando maglev line, but it has yet to build a full system after several unsuccessful projects, some of which cost millions of public and private dollars. The company’s false starts include the Perimeter Center plan and a proposed maglev line between MARTA’s Georgia State station and Turner Field. Only a few maglev trains—which slightly levitate on a powerful magnetic field rather than riding on wheels—are in commercial operation, all in East Asia. Such lack of success has made monorails and maglevs the butt of jokes— most famously in a 1993 episode of the TV comedy “The Simpsons,” where a con man sells a used monorail to Homer Simpson’s home town by claiming there’s interest from a rival city. Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst jokingly quoted a line from that show when asked about a local monorail: “Maybe it’s more of a Shelbyville thing.” “I look forward to reading what the $10,000 got us,” Ernst said of City Councilman Joe Gebbia’s discretionary fund expenditure for a monorail-oriented transportation study. “We’ll take a look at what it says and all the costs… and see what happens.” Morris said that monorail-pitching

officials deserve praise rather than jokes. “I want to give great credit to people who even have the guts” to propose alternative train systems, he said. “This is a very complicated subject. It’s emotional. It’s controversial.” Elevated monorails and maglevs are both pitched by advocates as less expensive alternatives to normal rail-based mass transit. They can be built on public CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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‘Maglev’ train previously pitched for Perimeter Center CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 About $7 million in state funding was right of way atop pillars; may spent, according to media rehave lower maintenance costs; ports. and some may operate autoAMT now plans its maglev matically without drivers. construction projects entireAMT’s 2011 proposal ly with private funding, Morcalled for a 21.5-mile elevatris said. But, he added, operated maglev train between Kening costs remain a challenge for nesaw State University and the any commuter-focused train Dunwoody MARTA station. system that has to keep fares afIt would have run alongside fordable. AMT’s Cobb/PerimeTony Morris, I-75 and I-285, and includ- AMT president ter train was to have a $4 fare ed proposed stations in Sandy that included a free transfer and CEO Springs on Roswell Road and to MARTA. But that requires at the King and Queen buildsome type of subsidy, he said, ings at the Concourse office park. adding, “That’s going to be the big co“From our standpoint, that was a nundrum for [Brookhaven and Sandy very logical project,” Morris said. “It’s Springs’ monorail ideas].” even gotten better now that the Braves Morris said among AMT’s ideas are have absconded to Cobb County.” tax incentive districts around train staConstruction costs were estimated tions. Another possibility is selling adat $430 million to $645 million. AMT vertising on the trains. “We were going said that was much less expensive than to turn our vehicles into giant Coke botstandard MARTA costs. However, Cobb tles or beer bottles or hot dogs,” he said County officials were not convinced of AMT’s proposed Turner Field train. the math added up and declined to get Morris acknowledged there isn’t a aboard the plan. simple calculation for building alternaFifteen years ago, AMT was unable tive trains, but said that’s why conversato complete a monorail on the campus tions about the Brookhaven and Sandy of Virginia’s Old Dominion UniversiSprings monorail are important. Mass ty amid technology problems and fedtransit, he said, “is our destiny. It’s just eral funding that didn’t come through. not clear what [form] it’s going to be.”

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Rep. Scott Holcomb, a DeKalb Democrat, says he will introduce legislation calling for a vote in 2016 on whether to eliminate the DeKalb CEO position and replace it with a county commission chairman and a county manager.

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Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) is again promoting a call for a state constitutional amendment to allow more school districts in Georgia so cities can start new schools.

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Here are some of the local issues lawmakers in Reporter Newspapers communities say they expect will be debated in the state Legislature this year. The 2016 session of the General Assembly begins Jan. 11.

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ern Fulton County and south DeKalb County. But some lawmakers aren’t so keen on the new tax. Millar says most local Republican lawmakers oppose the idea. Millar and Taylor argue the state should pay part of the cost of MARTA’s expansion and not rely only on taxpayers in counties MARTA serves directly. “I’m all in for this expansion. It depends on who pays for it,” said Taylor, who chairs the legislative MARTA oversight committee called MARTOC. “It’s a state asset,” he said. “Let’s have the state get some skin in the game.” Millar agreed: “In DeKalb and Fulton, a lot of us think we’ve done more than our fair share,” he said. “[MARTA’s] not just for people living in DeKalb and Fulton. ... The state needs to get into the game.” One thing several legislators agreed on was that 2016 will bring a relatively short legislative session. While the March 1 presidential primary may draw a lot of attention, party primaries are scheduled for May 24 this year and lawmakers will want to get back to their own campaigns as quickly as they can, they argue. “It’s going to be a fast session because it’s an election year,” Wilkinson said. “It’ll be a much faster-paced session. A lot of people will be anxious to get out and to start campaigning.” So you can ignore the legislative nonsense. It’ll be over soon.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

year,” said Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody). “I know a lot of legislators are looking at it, but I don’t think this will happen during this [session],” said Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody). “I think there’s still a lot of the religious right out there that’s still opposed.” Some said they expect the “Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act” to produce a lot of debate, but not to pass. “I think it’ll be something we’ll hear about,” said Rep. Taylor Bennett (DBrookhaven), who has been a vocal opponent of the bill and said he expected he would continue to be in the thick of the argument. There are plenty of other ideas floating around: Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) said he is proposing safeguards against identity theft. Millar proposes allowing special accounts for people with disabilities. And Wilkinson said he plans to push legislation to make “the adoptable dog” the official state dog. Several legislators plan to propose local changes. Holcomb plans to introduce legislation calling for a referendum to change the form of government in DeKalb County to eliminate the position of CEO. Instead, he wants to give voters a chance to create a county government with nine commissioners, including a commission chairman who’s elected countywide and a county manager, he said. That would replace the current system, which has seven commissioners and an elected CEO, who has much of the authority of a mayor and a county manager combined. Holcomb says he wants to hold the referendum this year because the presidential election in November should attract a relatively large number of voters. He argues the proposal deserves a lot of debate and a lot of voters. “If it passes, great. If it fails, great,” he said. “Let the voters have that decision.” Taylor plans to again promote his proposal calling for a constitutional amendment allowing cities to start their own school systems. The number of school systems in Georgia is limited by the state Constitution, but Taylor wants a statewide vote on whether to allow more systems so cities could break away from large county districts and start smaller, local school systems. The limit on the number of districts was set in 1945, Taylor said, and is outdated. “I don’t think that in ’45, they envisioned school districts of 100,000, like DeKalb, or 175,000, like Gwinnett,” he said. Meanwhile, MARTA is asking lawmakers to designate half of a proposed 1-cent transportation sales tax in counties where the transit system operates to pay for future expansion of MARTA train lines. MARTA officials say the tax, which would last for 42 years, is the only way they can raise the billions of dollars needed to extend the lines into north-

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portunity to learn first hand by playing a game and dissecting owl pellets. Students can also take home the small bones they find as part of the experience. Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30342. For additional details, go online to bhnp.org or call 404-3451008.

Teen Volunteer Fair Saturday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Is

giving back one of your New Year’s resolutions? This informational session provides volunteer opportunities for kids in middle and high school that introduces them to the inner workings of possible future careers. Representatives from several nonprofits will be on site to discuss teen volunteerism and assist with applications. Free and open to the public. Register by emailing amy.alexander@fultoncountyga.gov. Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30305. To learn more, visit afpls.org or call 404-814-3500.

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Birds of Prey Thursday, Jan. 21, 10 - 11 a.m. – In this eco-adventure, students learn about Georgia’s native hawks and owls. Discover their unique features and their importance within local ecological systems. Participants will have the op-

Presented in partnership with Imagine It: Children’s Museum, this interactive musical performance teaches children about the weather and how to stay safe when bad weather arrives. Free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Suitable for kids aged 4 and up. For more information and to register, email leah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov, call 404-303-6130, or visit afpls.org. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, 30328.

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Free Admission Day

Monday, Jan. 18, all day – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Atlanta History Center opens their doors for a day of free admission. Visitors will gain all-inclusive access to the Margaret Mitchell House, exhibitions in the museum, Meet the Past experiences at the 1928 Swan House and the 1860 Smith Family Farm, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum and the Goizueta Gardens. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, 30305. For additional details, go to atlantahistorycenter.com or call 404-814-4000.

Mini Book Sale Wednesday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. – On

the third Wednesday of every month, the Friends of the Brookhaven Library present a mini book sale. Time to stock up on reading materials for an afford-

able price and support your local library branch at the same time. Free to attend and open to the public. Suitable for families of all ages. Visitors are asked to park behind the library and enter at the lower level. 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd. NE, Brookhaven, 30319. Questions? Go online to dekalblibrary.org or call 404-848-7140.

‘A Lucky Child’

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7 - 8 p.m. – Advance Directives for healthcare are an important part of a comprehensive plan for your personal well-being. An advance healthcare directive, also known as a living will, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity. Georgia’s AD laws are among the best in the country, and in this class you’ll learn why and get the forms needed to file your own AD. Presented by the DeKalb County Public Library and Compassion & Choices, Georgia Chapter. Suitable for adults aged 18 and up. Free and open to the public. Brookhaven Library, 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd. NE, Brookhaven, 30319. For more information, go online to dekalblibrary. org or call 404-848-7140.

DivorceCare Wednesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. – Going

through a separation or divorce? Don’t go it alone. DivorceCare is a group of caring people who gather to learn about and discuss information on topics such as depression, loneliness, faith, finances, anger and more. DivorceCare for Kids is a 13-week program to help children as they weather the grieving

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Sunday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. – Am Yisra-

el Chai, a holocaust education and awareness nonprofit in Atlanta, holds an event featuring Thomas Buergenthal, one of the youngest child survivors of Auschwitz. Buergenthal is an international and human rights lawyer as well as judge at the International Court of Justice. The event takes place on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and includes a lecture, book signing and coffee. Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel, 7 Concourse Pkwy., Sandy Springs, 30328. To find out more and to preorder a signed copy of Buergenthal’s book, “A Lucky Child,” email amyisraelchaiatlanta@gmail.com. Free to participate, registration is required. Go to courageandcompassion.eventbrite.com to register.

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process of their parents’ divorce. These two classes run concurrently through April 27 every Wednesday evening except Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10) and DeKalb County Spring Break (April 6). Cost for participation is $15. Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Room 240, 1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more information and to register, go online to dc4k.org or contact Cathy Wright, DivorceCare Leader, by calling 770-3940675.

Journaling with a Purpose Thursday, Jan. 21, 6 - 7:45 p.m. – This

course is designed for the person already comfortable with journaling but seeks to set an intention and create a daily habit. The benefits to daily journaling include opportunities for self-reflection and better relationships with others. The workshop explores how to use your writing to achieve a higher purpose in your life. Free and open to the public. Registration suggested. Suitable for college-aged kids, adults and elders. Questions? To learn more and to register, go online to afpls.org, email comments@co.fulton. ga.us, or call 404-814-3500. Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30305.

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QuickBites: News You Can Eat BY COLLIN KELLEY Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant, a landmark on Cheshire Bridge Road for more than 40 years, will close later this year after its building was sold for redevelopment. Along with the Alfredo’s property, the land where Enat Ethiopia Restaurant, Ghezai Auto Repair and a Georgia Department of Transportation Maintenance facility were also sold to make way for a mixed-use development. A closing date for Alfredo’s has not been announced.

nual event benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Attendees can enjoy an evening of food provided by more than 25 Dunwoody restaurants, a si-

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Ponce City Market offers plenty of good food selections

DINING OUT

BY MEGAN VOLPERT

There is so much good food at Ponce City Market and I want to tell you all about how to approach that delightful challenge, but first, I feel a moral obligation to warn you about the parking. Huge urban lifestyle complexes like this often get a rocky start, so I let this market breathe for a full month before checking it out. You can pay for parking in one of two ways, either use the machine

have to say, the more that burger proliferates, the less I like it somehow. But any way you like it, Linton Hopkins is certainly the current champion of fastSPECIAL PHOTOS casual dining in Atlanta. Amongst the artisans in the Food Hall there are Top right, food and drinks from Simple two gems: Simply Seoul Seoul Kitchen and Lucky Lotus at Ponce Kitchen and 18.21 BitCity Market. Above, the view of the Central ters. Eat at the former and Food Hall from the market’s mezzanine. drink at the latter. The socalled “Kimchi Queen” of or an app. Well, it’s chilly out and I don’t Atlanta, Hannah Chung, is responsible want to stand around messing with my for Simply Seoul and she makes a mean smartphone, so the machine wins – which mushroom bun. 18.21 Bitters is not actumeans I lose a full five minutes repeatedly ally a bar, but I found myself engaged in force-feeding my credit cards into an unan impromptu tasting of tinctures and bitsympathetic box to no avail. ters that included a half dozen of the best We marched inside in a huff, joining a tastes I had at PCM. Took home three lingering crew of complainers similarly besmall bottles of magic and can’t wait to wildered by parking mishaps. A very nice, serve my smug millennial friend. very stressed-out young gentleman carryOne of the best things about PCM is ing a clipboard asked if he could be of serthe overabundance of beverage options: vice. He had suggestions, took notes, tried cold-pressed juices at Lucky Lotus, whisto remember to smile. Ten minutes later, keys at Brezza Cucina, coffees at Dancing we were officially off the hook for paying. Goats, shakes and floats at H&F BurgA dozen friends of mine have been er, tequilas at Minero, flavored seltzers at to PCM, at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue W.H. Stiles Fish Camp and even popsiin Atlanta, and all report similar situacles at King of Pops. Whatever your mood tions – except for this one smug millenniat whatever time of day, you have great al I know who just said he hadn’t noticed choices. If wandering through the cavernparking problems because he’d always eious West Elm store for hours is your idea ther walked there from the BeltLine or cyof a good time, you could go from coffee cled his way to the rooftop bike valet. to smoothie to cocktail quite easily. Anyway, on to the eats. Let us begin I went to Ponce City Market with four by declaring a clear winner of the epic batother people. Each of us ran off in a diftle of cuisine taking place at Ponce City ferent direction and we reconvened a half Market’s Central Food Hall. I’m speaking hour later to assemble a giant potluck of of course of Linton Hopkins versus Linbasically everything in the Central Food ton Hopkins: amazing fried chicken sandHall. All of it was delicious, most of it wiches versus the classic diner burger. If was reasonably priced, and everyone had a you can only get one or the other, go to blast picking at the cornucopia. Hop’s Chicken instead of H&F Burger. We really got to know each other betThe chicken on a biscuit was divine and ter by the food we brought back, what the chicken on a bun was almost as great. we tried and what we liked. My personal I’ve eaten the Holeman & Finch burghighlight was Fish Camp’s crab beignets. er many times: when it was offered in limMegan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in ited edition on the late night menu, when Roswell and writes books about popular culit was offered in an unlimited supply at ture. Send feedback to TastingIntown@Atbrunch, when it was offered on a maslantaINtownPaper.com. For more on Ponce sive scale at Turner Field, and now this. I City Market: poncecitymarket.com.

Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters. To be sure, we’re proud of our 27 years of experience in senior living. But, to us, what really matters is your experience at our communities. We do everything with that idea clearly in mind. So, go ahead, enjoy yourself with great social opportunities and amenities. Savor fine dining every day. And feel assured that assisted living services are always available if needed. We invite you to experience The Piedmont for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call 404.381.1743 to schedule.

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

CONTACT US Founder & Publisher Steve Levene stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net Editorial Managing Editor Joe Earle joeearle@reporternewspapers.net Associate Editor: John Ruch Intown Editor: Collin Kelley Staff Writer: Dyana Bagby Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker Creative and Production Creative Director: Rico Figliolini Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Senior Account Executives Jeff Kremer Janet Porter Account Executives Susan Lesesne Jim Speakman Ofﬁce Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net Contributors Ellen Eldridge, Phil Mosier, Isadora Pennington, Megan Volpert

Free Home Delivery 60,000 copies of Reporter Newspapers are delivered by carriers to homes in ZIP codes 30305, 30319, 30326, 30327, 30328, 30338, 30342 and 30350 and to more than 500 business/retail locations. For locations, check “Where To Find Us” at www.ReporterNewspapers.net For delivery requests, please email delivery@reporternewspapers.net. © 2016 with all rights reserved Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Reporter Newspapers or Springs Publishing, LLC.

Atlanta Region’s Plan provides 25-year road map to move our region forward The Atlanta region is one of the largest, already crowded thoroughAnother key project will most dynamic metropolitan areas in the fares. remake a one-mile stretch country. What will it take to ensure that The Atlanta Region’s Plan of Roswell Road just north we remain competitive in the coming deincludes a number of imof the Chattahoochee Rivcades, with a high quality of life? portant transportation projer. The existing reversible The Atlanta Regional Commission ects that are planned in and lane system will be removed (ARC) and its community partners have around the Sandy Springs, in favor of a median-dividbeen working for more than a year to adBuckhead, Dunwoody and ed, four-lane roadway with a dress this question. The result is the AtlanBrookhaven areas. multi-use path on both sides ta Region’s Plan, a long-range blueprint In what will be one of of the thoroughfare. An adthat incorporates all of ARC’s planning the biggest road projects in ditional northbound turn areas – transportation, community develstate history, the Georgia lane will be built at the Ga. JOHN opment, water resources, aging and health Department of Transporta120 intersection. ORR services, and workforce development. tion will soon begin reconConstruction on the The 25-year plan focuses on three key struction of the interchange $22.9 million project, exGUEST COLUMN areas: providing world-class infrastrucat Ga. 400 and I-285. The pected to begin by 2024, was ture, building a competitive economy enhancements will improve identified through ARC’s and ensuring the region is comprised of safety and traffic flow in highly acclaimed Livable healthy, livable communities. this highly congested area. Flyover ramps Centers Initiative program. These are ambitious goals, to be sure – will eliminate unsafe and inefficient leftMeanwhile, MARTA is planning an even more so when you consider that we’ll hand merges, and new collector-distribuextension of the Red Line along Ga. 400. be adding 2.5 million people by 2040, tor lanes will separate through traffic from An initial phase would extend the line the equivalent of metro Charlotte. But we vehicles that are entering and exiting via north to Holcomb Bridge Road with stamust aim high if we are to ensure our furamps on both I-285 and Ga. 400. tions at Northridge and Holcomb Bridge ture success. roads. A second phase This means foswould extend to tering vibrant, walkWindward Parkway able communities in Alpharetta. Unless and improved housadditional funding is ing options, including secured, construction the ability for older will not begin on the adults to age in place. first phase until the It means developing a latter years of the 25highly educated and year plan. skilled workforce that It’s important to is able to meet the note that there’s no needs of 21st centuway we can build our ry employers. And it way out of congesmeans making caretion. Traffic is an inevfully targeted investitable part of a healthy, ments to maintain growing economy. and expand our transThat doesn’t mean portation system. there’s nothing we can The Atlanta Redo to improve mogion’s Plan includes GDOT bility – only that the $86 billion in translong-term solution The planned reconstruction of the I-285 and Ga. 400 interchange portation spending must include a robust, will be one of the biggest road projects in the state’s history. through 2040. About truly regional transit two-thirds is needed network to give comto maintain our existmuters new ways of ing system. Of the rest, the plan commits: Looking a bit further down the road, bypassing the gridlock. $10 billion to widen roads and improve the state DOT plans to build managed These are just some of the highlights of highway interchanges by 2020; $6.5 biltoll lanes along the Ga. 400 and I-285 our new long-range plan. To learn more, lion to build a network of managed toll “top end” perimeter corridors. The Ga. I encourage you to visit www.atlantarelanes, promising a reliable, free-flowing 400 project will build two managed lanes gionsplan.com. ride to commuters willing to carpool, ride in each direction (four total) between Please let us know what you think. a bus or pay a toll; and $12 billion for I-285 and Holcomb Bridge Road, and ARC is accepting public comment about transit expansion projects. one managed lane in each direction (two the plan through Jan. 15. You can send We all know that the north Atlantotal) between Holcomb Bridge and Mcus an email at opinion@atlantaregional. ta communities of Sandy Springs, BuckFarland Parkway in Forsyth County. The com and take an online survey at atlantarhead, Dunwoody and Brookhaven are configuration for the I-285 project is still egionsplan.metroquest.com. home to some of the region’s worst traffic. being evaluated. New businesses, apartment towers and These projects are programmed for John Orr is the manager of the Atlanta other development flocking to the area the latter portion of the 25-year plan, at a Regional Commission’s transportation and promise to bring even more vehicles to combined cost of $2.4 billion. mobility division.

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

COMMUNITY

More Barﬁeld relatives oppose renaming road for Mercedes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Benz Drive.” The company has not yet filed a formal request, which will involve neighborhood notification and a public meeting, a city spokeswoman said. The renaming drew opposition from Nancy Kite of Hapeville, a descendent of William Monroe Barfield, the last owner of the family farm for which the street is named. She called the renaming a “slap in the face.” Natalie Barfield said she and six other family members—including her father and grandmother—also oppose the renaming. Like Kite, they do not live in Sandy Springs and learned of the street’s history through news reports. The Barfield Road name should stay, Natalie Barfield said, “basically to keep my heritage and show my kids that’s my family’s road.” She added that locally known names are as important as famous ones. “Is our city and state government going to allow big companies to come into our state, give those companies millions of dollars of incentives and tax breaks and also allow them to rename roads and take away Georgia’s history and my heritage?” Natalie asked in her letter to city and state officials.

In emailed responses provided by Natalie Barfield, City Councilman Ken Dishman said her perspective will factor into his decision and Mayor Rusty Paul said “the name change for a portion of the road to reflect our changing history in no way diminishes our recognition of our more distant past.” MBUSA did not respond to questions. But the company has said opposition would not stop its proposal and that putting the company’s name on its headquarters street is itself a tradition. In Montvale, Fyfe said, several proposals are “being knocked around in terms of a name change” for Mercedes Drive. One is “DePiero Road,” in honor of a family that sold its century-old farm to MBUSA for its headquarters 40 years ago. Another is “Wegmans Way” to recognize a new shopping center anchored by a Wegmans supermarket going up across the street. A third option is keeping the current name because MBUSA will still have a training facility in Montvale. “Some have suggested Fyfe Road,” the mayor added, “but our ordinance only allows using the name of deceased former mayors and I’m not in any hurry to join that club.”

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COMMUNITY Eaves to speak at MLK Day event

Sandy Springs’ annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Jan. 18 will feature a keynote address by Fulton County Chairman John Eaves. The 10 a.m. event also will include the announcement of the honoree of the city’s Humanitarian Award, which has been given annually since 2007. BR I EF S The MLK Day Community Celebration is free and open to the public. It will be held in the City Council chamber at City Hall, 7480 Roswell Road, Building 500.

City buys shuttered gas station

The city is buying a long-shuttered gas station at 8475 Roswell Road, between Sullivan Road and Hightower Trail, as “land banking” in the hopes of sparking redevelopment. The $630,000 purchase from Tucker-based Triton Enterprises was approved by City Council on Jan. 5. The station closed 11 years ago and has been on the market many times without a sale, city officials said. There is no specific plan yet for the property, making it the city’s first speculative land-banking purchase, city spokeswoman Sharon Kraun said. “We’ll be eliminating the biggest eyesore on Roswell Road,” said City Councilman Ken Dishman. Mayor Rusty Paul agreed, saying, “The only way we could make it pretty…is to be able to buy this and do it ourselves.” Officials said gas tanks already were removed and that the purchase price was $50,000 below the appraised value.

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Sandy Springs’ single-family homeowners are oﬀ the hook for building new sidewalks in front of their houses for now—and maybe for good, as the city considers ways to pay for such projects out of municipal coﬀers. In its quest to create sidewalks, City Council has repeatedly tweaked a policy that requires certain redevelopments to pay for new sidewalks. The latest revision in September required builders of single-family homes located on a Sidewalk Master Plan to either build sidewalks or pay into a city construction fund at a rate of $100 per foot of street frontage. Builders also could request a waiver for “hardships.” Since then, there has been a large number of waiver requests, and the buy-out fee may have been unintentionally calculated higher than necessary, city officials said at the Jan. 5 City Council meeting.

New developer takes on Roswell Road project

1866 Olde Village Run - $639,900 Karyn Feinberg 404-309-9018 Dunwoody’s top schools in Village Mill. Over $200K on new mstr wing w/2 walk-in closets, fp, sitting area, oversized bedroom, glam bath| 5/2 w/dbl vanities, stone shower & heated Sunny Isles Beach | $12,000,000 flrs. bells & here. whistles. open to family rm Copy to Kit go w/all here. the Copy to go CopyKit here. Copy to go here. thattoopens to Copy screened is fenced, flat, Copy go here. here. porch. Copy toBackyard go here. Copy to go here. grassy & even866.600.6008 has a bridge! All baths recently renov! Barbara Ackerman

2990 Coles Way - $599,500 Debbie Sonenshine 404-250-5311 One of the best lots in the area, private, level play area, huge deck, stone patio on quiet cul-de-sac street. Huge kitchen. Office/study, banquet size dining room, Sunny Isles Beach | 5/2 | $12,000,000 greattoroom & sun room onhere. main. Bighere. bedrooms upgow/here. Copy go here. Copy to go Copy Copy to hardwood floorsCopy & built-in level Copy to go here. here. custom Copy to closets. go here. Terrace Copy to go here. offers Ackerman playroom,866.600.6008 gym/bedroom, full bath & fireplace. Barbara

1234 Main Street Avenue Search 0000000 on CBHomes.com

Davis Development is the new developer of the mixed-use project planned for 60756077 Roswell Road, according to property owner Kirk Demetrops of MidCity Real Estate Partners. Camden USA pulled out of the high-profile project late last year. “We got a strong group that intends to move forward with the project as approved,” Demetrops said, calling Georgia-based Davis a “really top-notch developer of multifamily housing.” The 4-acre project would replace an existing office building and post office with 291 apartment units, commercial space and a parking deck. Construction may start late this year after existing tenants’ leases expire, Demetrops said.

Silver Restoration Event 4249 Parkside Drive - $500,000 Nancy Puffe 770-262-1859

Coffered ceiling in great rm, bookshelves & opens to a very large kit w/HUGE island. Mud rm in laundry rm just off the

Sunny Isles Beach | 5/2 | $12,000,000 kit. Hardwood flrs & 10 inch trim on main lvl. Formal living Copy to go here. Copy to go here. Copy here. Copy to go here. rm & dining rm, & study completes the main level. Upper Copy to go here. Copy here. Copy to go here. Copy to go here. level w/beautiful master suite, 3 additional BR, 3 BA, den/ Barbara Ackerman 866.600.6008 media/playroom. Large porch next to “Flagstone Patio”. 1234 Main Street Avenue Additional patio between side of house & 3rd car garage. Search 0000000 on CBHomes.com

1002 Garden Court - $219,000 Cynthia Wallace 678-488-7771 Immaculate end unit & largest floorplan in The Gardens. 2 sty entry foyer opens to vaulted fireside great rm. Eat-in Sunny Isles Beach | 5/2 | $12,000,000 kitchen w/custom cabinetry, SS appliances, breakfast Copy to go here. Copy to go here. Copy here. Copy to go here. bay & pantry. Master suite w/renovated spa bath & Copy to go here. Copy here. Copy to go here. Copy to go here. custom walk-in closet. Separate storage rm. Private Barbara Ackerman 866.600.6008 oversized deck. New hi-efficiency AC and water heater. 1234 Main Street Avenue Search 0000000 on CBHomes.com

Sandy Springs 5252 Roswell Road, Suite 202 | Atlanta, GA 30342 Sandy Springs 404.252.4908

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016

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5252 Roswell Road, Suite 202 | Atlanta, GA 30342 404.252.4908

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 11146_ATL_08/15

Are you proud to use & display your family silver… or do you hide it away because it’s old or broken?

Mon & Tue, Jan 11 & 12

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| www.ReporterNewspapers.net

10:00 - 5:00 2484 Mt. Vernon Rd Dunwoody • 770-394-9045

After

25-Year Warranty on Replating SS

Winter 2016 Education Guide COMMUNITY

Haley Hooper, 15 The Lovett School

Editor’s note: In this issue, Reporter Newspapers presents its first “20 Under 20,” a special feature adapted from our sister publication Atlanta INtown. We asked leaders of local public and private schools to recommend students who have gone above and beyond the norm to improve their communities. We received an impressive list of nominees and selected the 20 profiled on the following pages, young people who strive to make their world a better place.

rowing up with dogs, Haley has always loved animals. When she was 9, Haley decided she wanted to help homeless pets, so she created the Kingswood Fun Run to benefit the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). With the support of her parents, Tim and Christy Hooper, the sixth annual run was held last August and raised $15,000. She has raised more than $25,000 for AHS since starting the run. When she went to turn in the 2015 event’s donations, she was honored by the AHS staff and told that her contributions had saved 70 dogs from a puppy mill earlier that same week. “Making a difference in an animal’s life is such a rewarding experience,” Haley said. “I knew, along with my parents, that all the hard work and participation of dozens of people, was paying off to help improve the lives of hundreds of sweet animals. I cannot wait to start planning for next year’s race on August 13, 2016!”

impact-ready leaders

CURIOSITY & PASSION

drive learning. When students explore their questions, passions, and interests they make connections that inspire original ideas

to impact the world. Embraced by a Christian community, Mount Vernon students are the new generation of innovative thinkers, engaged citizens, and compassionate leaders. SS

Preschool – 12. Family. Community. mountvernonschool.org 404.252.3448

Group Tours

Preschool – Grade 4 1/13 & 2/17 at 9:30 a.m. Grades 5 – 6 1/27 & 2/23 at 9:30 a.m. Grades 7 – 12 1/20 & 2/03 at 8:30 a.m.

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 15

Discovering Everything Except Their Limits.

EDUCATION GUIDE Vajraang Kamat, 18

North Atlanta High School

D In the right atmosphere, students take chances and seek out challenges. With the right mentors, students discover interests and passions they never knew they had.

Learn more and apply online at www.hies.org. A community of 1,375 students, ages 3-years-old through 12th Grade. Jan_2016_HIES_Reporter.indd 1

uring the past four years, Vajraang, the son of Samir Kamat and Bindu Balakrishnan, has volunteered more than 2,000 hours in local, national and international projects for Embracing the World, a United Nations-recognized international humanitarian organization. Locally, he volunteers in the Atlanta chapter, participating in park cleanups, shelter kitchens and fundraisers. He’s also the coordinator of the Southeast chapter of Ayudh, the youth wing of Embracing the World. Nationally, Vajraang tours the U.S. every summer and Thanksgiving break, traveling to 14 cities to participate in various humanitarian activities and fundraisers. Internationally, he shadows Ammachi labs in south India, which focuses on technological humanitarian projects. As chief designer for the North Atlanta Robotics Team, he merged his work in Ayudh with robotics to design and build a tree-planting robot. Vajraange and his teammates shut down their laptops to help clear Standing Peachtree Park along the Chattahoochee River. “Once our robots are built, we hope to bring them to the park and put them to good use here,” he said. “Though what we do is small, we plan to keep it alive. We hope to keep working on and maintaining this park, and, with the help of our robots, show how technology and service can go hand in hand for the betterment of society.” w w

Natalie Peek, 17

12/3/15 12:19 PM

Bridging Human Interaction

Group Classes ■ Private Tutoring Corporate Classes Transcription Translation & Interpretation Services

www.LinguisticGuru.com

Riverwood International Charter School

n March, Natalie Peek organized a group of her fellow students to travel to Selma, Ala., to mark the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” a day student Civil Rights activists were beaten by state troopers and police during an attempted march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. That confrontation was part of the campaign that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Natalie put together a program that included a visit to the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, a screening of the movie “Selma,” and the trip to Alabama to take part in the anniversary march across the Pettus bridge. She says she plans to return this year to join the 2016 commemoration. “The combination of learning, watching and then experiencing civil rights in action was truly amazing,” Natalie said. “To walk with 100,000 other people, 32 out of the multitude from Riverwood, for the same hope of marching closer to equality, empowered the students on the trip.” Natalie now is raising money to buy works by Rep. John Lewis (D-Atlanta), who led the 1965 march, for ninth grade English classes. Natalie is the daughter of Tim Peek and Helen Ingebritsen.

info@linguisticguru.com 404.444.1945 ■ 404.444.1532

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

EDUCATION GUIDE Evan Mercer, 18

The Lovett School

We are Christ-centered. We are invested in students. We are academically stimulating.

van has singlehandedly run Lovett’s six-week Habitat for Humanity build for the past two years - volunteering himself and getting his peers involved. Evan became interested in Habitat for Humanity after going on a Lovett service trip to New Orleans, where he worked on housing restoration projects. “Habitat has opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Evan said. “I have been able to work with families and help them attain one of the basic necessities of life while gaining exposure to the technicalities of home construction. I have also been able to experience the communities I live around, which has familiarized me with the socioeconomic and racial divisions in Atlanta.” Evan, the son of Claire and Todd Mercer, said the biggest reward is the dedication of the home. “At the end of each build, Habitat for Humanity dedicates the house, and it’s great to see how appreciative the homeowner and his or her family are. It feels good to see our impact and the result of our hard work.”

We are WESLEYAN

Join us for our Family Open House on January 9 at 1:00 p.m. Our largest admissions event of the year! BUS SHUTTLE ROUTES 2015-16

Decatur/Stone Mountain, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs/Brookhaven, and Suwanee/Duluth

www.wesleyanschool.org/admissions

Ahava Early Learning Center Explore Our Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschool! Open Houses:

Saachi Datta, 16

The Galloway School

aachi was chosen as a Giving Point Institute member this year because of her work creating an organization called Manāna, which collects donations to throw birthday parties for underprivileged kids. When asked about her most memorable moment giving back, Saachi said, “It is hard to choose just one memorable moment because the last two years with Manāna have been unforgettable. However, there was one event, the memory of which I will always cherish. Walking into the Agape Center to set up for our second celebration, the volunteers and I were excited to surprise the children who did not know that we were returning. When they realized that we had come back, their shrieks of delight were piercing and their enthusiasm was infectious. A little girl, barely 5 years old, came flying up to me, nearly knocking me over, and gave me the tightest hug she could. ‘I remember you! I’m so happy! I just turned five!’ she said. That one large smile on her face went straight to my heart. It made me appreciate that we do have the power to aﬀect others, whether it be one smile or many smiles. I realized then that Manāna’s mission – to celebrate children’s lives – had come to fruition, and my commitment to the cause was sealed.” Saahi is the daughter of Jaydip Datta and Sarita Kansal.

1/25, 2/22, 3/23 & 5/11

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Enrolling NOW for Fall 2016! Summer Camp Registration begins Jan. 25!

Flexible Schedule Options Open 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Year-Round Program Low Student : Teacher Ratios Scholarships available!

Call or email to schedule your personalized tour! 404.603.5759 hannah@ahavalearning.org Ahava Early Learning Center welcomes all children regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

Visit our website at www.ahavalearning.org or call 404-603-5759.

Ahavath Achim Synagogue | 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW | Atlanta, GA 30327 SS

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 17

EDUCATION GUIDE Tiffany Wills, 17 Marist School

Which Test: SAT or ACT? As founder of Applerouth Tutoring, I help parents navigate the complicated world of college admissions testing. Parents know the ACT is an alternative to the SAT, but they often do not know how to help their student choose between the two tests. Recently instituted changes to both tests contribute to the uncertainty. Students tend to feel more comfortable with one test format over the other. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve seen time and again how that extra comfort can translate into a significantly higher score. It’s important to make as informed a decision as possible about your student’s test preparation.

wide range of volunteer work decorates Tiffany Wills’ resume. She’s volunteered at Marist, at Feldwood Elementary school, at a senior citizens’ community, with Kiwanis International KKids, Hands on Atlanta and Habitat for Humanity. As a Girl Scout, she focused her efforts on helping younger girls feel better about themselves and succeed in life. As part of a year-long scout project she called “Looking Past Society’s Image,” she worked with a group of fifth graders to discuss the impact of society’s views on their self-images. “One of the most memorable moments was when I had the girls go home and talk to female role models about self-image and self-esteem,” Tiffany said. “When they returned, I could see the impact of our discussion and the work they created to help themselves the next day. I was truly empowering these girls, and I could see that I was making a positive change in their lives.” Tiffany is the daughter of Teresa Dallas-Wills.

Making an Informed Decision Students became familiar with the New SAT format when they took the redesigned PSAT in October, but not all students have taken the ACT equivalent, the Aspire. Parents often ask how they can use just a PSAT score to make this important decision. The easiest way to make this decision is to have your student take a mock ACT so that you can compare the ACT result with its PSAT counterpart, once scores are released January 2016. Compare your student’s percentile rankings on the two tests, and then put your energy into the test your student feels most comfortable with and excels most naturally at. A lot of benefit is derived from using meaningful data to inform your decision. When students find out early which test is a best fit, they avoid unnecessary stress and frustration. Junior year is often the most demanding year of high school. There is a way to make at least the standardized testing experience more productive and manageable.

Find Out More

You can speak with me and learn more about these tests at one of our upcoming FREE EVERYTHING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SEMINARS:

January 16th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wyndham Powers Ferry Atlanta, GA 30339

January 19th 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. DoubleTree Hotel Roswell, GA 30076

February 6th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. FLC at Second Ponce Baptist Church Atlanta, GA 30305

February 20th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Roam Dunwoody Atlanta, GA 30338

To view more information about locations or to preregister, go to applerouth.com/calendar or call 404-728-0661.

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

EDUCATION GUIDE Will Epperson, 17

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Type 1 diabetic, Will has not let that define him. Instead, he has worked hard to raise money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), and to help make HIES the top-grossing school in the nation for seven years in a row in the JDRF Fall Walk. With Will as captain of this year’s walk, HIES raised $93,000 for JDRF. When HIES began collecting bottles of clean drinking water for victims of flooding in South Carolina, Will was one of a handful of students who not only helped to load two trucks and a bus, but also went to the state and helped unload the water. He also volunteered at Camp Hope, a weeklong camp for the children of those who are incarcerated, and at AYUDA Inc., a nonprofit that delivers diabetes education to those in the Dominican Republic and other countries. Will, the son of Natalie and Tom Epperson, was a volunteer, fundraiser, mentor and camp counselor for AYUDA this past summer for three weeks, raising $7,000 for the program, and being promoted to mentor for the summer of 2016. One of his most memorable moments was spending last summer in Latin America to educate those living with diabetes. “I was thanked by people who I had never seen before nor spoken to,” he recalled. “It really showed me how much it meant to the campers and their families that we were there to teach them about how to live with diabetes.”

With a focus on academics through play, we offer small classes, an experienced staff, and modern classrooms filled with developmentally appropriate resources. Temple Sinai has a remarkable and exciting educational experience waiting for your child in each of our programs from ages 12 months through Transitional Kindergarten. For more information or to schedule a tour of the preschool, please call 404.255.6200.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

To learn more and register for an admissions tour, visit gallowayschool.org/admissions

At Galloway, students (age 3-grade 12) are inspired to be fearless learners, to embrace challenges, and to discover more about themselves and the world around them.

5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30327

www.templesinaiatlanta.org

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 19

EDUCATION GUIDE

Connecting learning to life at every level.

Sofia Broffman, 18

paceacademy.org/icgl

Atlanta Girls’ School

In October, students explored the 2015 –2016 Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) theme of FOOD during a study tour to California. Photograph by ICGL Director TRISH ANDERSON

ofia Broffman began raising funds in 2014 for the Fistula Foundation, after learning more about the long-term effects of obstetric fistula, a birth injury that afflicts women who do not have access to maternal healthcare. Fistula occurs in the world’s most destitute countries and causes permanent incontinence. Fistula surgery is not glamorous, but it can save a young woman from a lifetime of shame. Sofia, the daughter of Neal Broffman and Elisa Gambino, has raised enough money for eight repair surgeries. Last summer, Sofia interned at the nonprofit, youthSpark, and developed a national art competition called stART 2 END, in an effort to inform her peers and address the issue of child sex trafficking. “I have come to realize the injustices that are the hardest to talk about often reflect where the need is greatest,” she says. “I will continue this work because needed change does not evolve from silence.”

Julie Street, 15

The Westminster Schools

n seventh grade, Julie found the perfect outlet for her love of serving in the National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter service organization committed to community service and leadership. Through NCL, she has volunteered hundreds of hours to help organizations such as Operation Gratitude, Agape, Furkids, Buckhead Christian Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, Hospice Atlanta, Atlanta Food Bank and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Julie, the daughter of Randy and Holly Street, is a particularly devoted volunteer for Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to veterans and active duty military personnel. Over the past 18 months, Julie has devoted over 150 hours serving Operation Gratitude, and has been involved from the beginning of the partnership between NCL Buckhead and Operation Gratitude. Julie researched paracord bracelet materials, determining where they could be sourced most economically, and created hundreds of readyto-assemble paracord kits so that the local members of NCL could weave bracelets for the care boxes. She personally wove over 300 bracelets. Speaking about Operation Gratitude, Julie said, “This organization sends over 150,000 care packages a year to active duty military. Reaching out to them was really meaningful for me because four generations of my family have served the U.S. forces in the past century, including my own uncle who has spent five years in both Iraq and Afghanistan.”

JANUARY 31, 2016

www.aischool.org

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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EDUCATION GUIDE Zack Leitz, 19

University of Georgia

isturbed by the homelessness he saw in Athens and Atlanta, Zack, a recent Dunwoody High School graduate and the son of Jane and Barry Leitz, founded a Georgia nonprofit called The Backpack Project. People working with the project fill backpacks with over 40 items of food, clothes and toiletries, and then deliver the backpacks to homeless people, “establishing a personal connection in the process,” he says. So far, he says, the project has delivered more than 350 backpacks. “Every person we meet has a different story to tell, but I will share one that has impacted me the most,” Zack said. “A man named Tony, homeless on the streets of Athens, was the second of many to receive a backpack from us.... As we walked back to the car to pick up another load, we passed by Tony again. By this time, he had had several minutes to look through the backpack and its contents. Tony stopped us, and with tears in his eyes, he thanked us and explained that everything he owned had been stolen from him the previous night. He shared with us that the backpack we gave him replaced almost everything that was taken from him. That experience, along with many others since then, makes me confident about the work that I do with The Backpack Project.”

Haley Todd, 18

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School

t Mount Vernon, Haley Todd plans each of the Upper School’s chapels and oversees spiritual organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. As president of the Creative Writing Club, she led a letter-writing initiative for healthcare workers in impoverished nations. Outside school, Haley volunteers frequently with Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS), where she works with children who have special needs. “A really cool opportunity I had recently was at a middle school church retreat. Another small-group leader announced that his group had a boy in a wheelchair, and he was seeking advice. Because I also volunteer with children with disabilities, I offered suggestions about the best way to navigate hills and about being comfortable lifting people out of their wheelchairs.” Haley is the daughter of Amy and Russell Todd.

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Mention this ad and get $25 off your first session! 678.735.7555 • info@DogwoodTutoring.com 5920 Roswell Road at 285 in Sandy Springs DogwoodTutoring.com www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 21

EDUCATION GUIDE Casey Gentry, 16

North Atlanta High School

Words can’t describe it. A visit will. Join us Wednesday, January 27 from 8:30 - 10:00 am for our Parent Open House!

Tour in Small Groups. Attend Classes. Meet our Faculty. RSVP by January 18 to Rise Arkin, Director of Admissions · 404-917-2500 ext. 117 · risearkin@weberschool.org

asey has volunteered for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, cleaned cages for FurKids, prepared and served meals at Ronald McDonald House, made paracord bracelets for military members for Operation Gratitude as well as volunteered at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Chastain Therapeutic Riding Program, City of Refuge and Northside Shepherd Senior Center. Casey also received the President’s Volunteer Service award for National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter service or-

ganization. The daughter of Kathy and Boyd Gentry, Casey said one of her cherished memories was one night when she volunteering at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where she met a young patient who spoke no English and whose family had returned to Mexico. “I stayed with him for the rest of the night, learning about how his family went back to their home in Mexico and wouldn’t see him for another month,” she said. “This experience opened my eyes to my affect on others and made me feel more useful than many other days in my life. Volunteering has shaped who I am and given me my identity that today I can be proud of.” |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

EDUCATION GUIDE Samantha Daly, 16

The Westminster Schools www.westminster.net

Dunwoody High School

From observing sunspots during science labs to seeing the world from a global perspective, our community of vibrant learners never stops exploring. Picture the possibilities.

ne of Samantha Daly’s passions is reading, her mother says, and when Samantha found out Covenant House, a residence for troubled youth in Atlanta had no library, she decided to pitch in. She created a lending library by renovating and furnishing a room to house it, and collecting and cataloging 1,753 donated books to fill it. Samantha, daughter of Donna and Jack Daly, has been involved in other charity works – donating her hair to Locks of Love, volunteering to serve meals at a homeless shelter, raising money for Haitian hurricane victims – but says “this was my most memorable moment of volunteerism because having the ability to see first-hand the impact that I made on the young adults’ lives was overwhelmingly rewarding. “I was able to speak to the youth and staff, and hear them talk about how excited they were about the library. It made all of my hard work worthwhile,” she said. “The purpose of volunteering is to better other peoples’ lives, and being able to see that you have made a significant difference is truly a life-changing experience.”

Prashanth Kumar, 16 Pace Academy

or the past four years, Prashanth has traveled to Tirunelveli, India, to volunteer at Galaxy Hospital and Kidney Care Center, where he translates for doctors during procedures and helps comfort patients. This work also led to hosting blood drives in the small town and other places in India. He also teaches at a local Tamil school every Sunday, teaching the Tamil language to children and serves as a peer tutor for Pace’s Academic Resource Center. Prashanth, the son of Krishnan Kumar and Sundari Ganesan, is also a counselor for the Middle School MathCounts program and Lower School chess team. He said that his trips to India each summer have inspired his career path. “Going to volunteer in India solidified my aspiration to be a doctor, as it is clearly a job that would immensely change the lives of any community,” he said. “[The trips] nourish my internal drive to help make the world one in which all people, irrespective of what country they are in, have the same chance to thrive.”

Take a

CLOSER LOOK. Parent Information Sessions Available | Learn More Online confidence

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Madeleine Howell, 17

Atlanta International School

adeleine, daughter of Dean and Janice Howell, takes action against human trafficking. As co-leader of AIS Against Human Trafficking, she’s put together a panel discussion on the issue, helped organize a fashion show that raised $2,000 for the cause, and spoken at an international conference. “The most memorable moment I’ve had during my time volunteering with Atlanta International School Against Human Trafficking (AISAHT), was when a few of my fellow members and I were invited to speak at a Global Issues Network conference in San Francisco this past fall,” she said. “We presented on human trafficking, the measures that we’ve taken to combat it, and how we’ve helped victims and people at risk of being trafficked. Any time I make a presentation on the issue, it’s always amazing to know that I’m spreading awareness on such an important issue. What made this even more special was presenting to a group of individuals who seemed to be so affected by what we were saying and were inspired to join our efforts in fighting human trafficking.”

Unlocking Potential ROLLING ADMISSION

A WORLD OF WONDER

JAN. 23

JULY 5 - 22

Open House

Summer Explorations

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

info@theswiftschool.org

Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988 www.theswiftschool.org

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 23

EDUCATION GUIDE James Pastan, 18

Morgan Robinson, 17

The Westminster Schools

Riverwood Intl Charter School

ames is the founder of Trading Smiles, a nonprofit organization that seeks to spread happiness and a sense of comfort to homeless kids through trading cards. He collects old trading cards, either from donations from other kids or by buying them in bulk online, and repackages the cards and donates them to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter (ACS). Since the inception of Trading Smiles, James has donated more than 4,000 cards to homeless children in Atlanta. The organization was presented at a Yale Young Global Scholars information session in Vietnam as an example of what Yale Young Global Scholars do in their communities. Since then, he has received emails from students in Vietnam who are interested in getting involved. James, the son of Stephen and Elizabeth Pastan, hopes to reach 10,000 cards donated before he graduates in May. He is working to establish a relationship with a trading card manufacturer or sports team in order to always have a consistent supply of cards and to expand the organization national and internationally. James said meeting and playing with the kids at ACS is a reminder of why he started the nonprofit. “Every time I drop off a donation at the ACS, I look at the playground and remember why running Trading Smiles is so rewarding: every card is an invitation to play.”

organ has always given of her time to her community by volunteering with many groups and organizations. Whether it’s helping to build playgrounds with Kaboom, traveling to Birmingham, Ala., for school cleanup projects, planting a community garden for the needy, or holding leadership positions with Sporty Girls, you can always find Morgan giving of her time. Morgan also volunteers with Alive Ministries, an organization whose mission is to eliminate hunger for at-risk students in local schools. She also participated in the Haiti Care Mission’s “Threads of Love” project, a 2011 initiative to collect and donate 5,000 pillowcases for the purpose of making “pillowcase dresses” for infants and young girls in need in Haiti. The daughter of Scott and Nathalie Brandon-Robinson, Morgan also collected knitted hats for donation to the neo-natal intensive care unit of Children’s Hospital at Egleston as part of the Middle Years Program Project. “As I toured the NICU and saw the precious bundles of joy to whom my hats would help, I believe my heart was warmed most of all,” she recalled. “Despite being hooked up to countless machines and tubes, the babies had so much life and strength in their little bodies. Ultimately, it was one of the best feelings to know that my actions were possibly adding a sense of comfort to a mother’s life, and most of all, showing them that they were not alone.”

NEW

CARD!

Effective January 9, 2016

MARTA converts to a more secure Breeze Card and the Breeze Ticket returns.

Breeze Card Changes for Regular Fare Customers

The cost of new silver Breeze Card will be $2 and will be valid for 3 years. SILVER CARDS will be available for FREE with card registration at the RideStores January 2016!* (Mon. the 11th – Fri. the 29th, weekdays only) *BLUE CARDS will no longer be usable after July 9th, 2017 *Breeze Tickets Return! The cost of the Breeze Ticket will be $1

Questions? Visit www.itsmarta.com or 404-848-5000. Information regarding company, school, or university issued cards will be provided at a later date by your company or school.

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

EDUCATION GUIDE

SEIGAKUIN ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Japanese-English Bilingual School

Anna Kibler, 18

Atlanta Girls’ School

nna has organized and raised more than $6,000 since 2013 for causes such as AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House. Her efforts have included email campaigns to friends and family, as well as on-campus recruitment of AGS community members. Anna was also selected to be the service club leader at AGS, where she organizes and plans service projects for the school’s student community. “I chose to volunteer and raise funds for Jerusalem House in the AIDS Walk over the last three years,” she said. “Jerusalem House is the oldest and largest organization providing permanent housing and supportive services for low income and homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. I am passionate about supporting people living with HIV/AIDS because my family has lost dear friends to this horrific disease. ... In addition to raising money, I have chosen to expand awareness through my school’s community through participation in the annual AIDS Walk and through a neighborhood dining-out benefit to raise additional funds. It gives me immense satisfaction that I am able to help others in need in my community.” Anna is the daughter of Janet Kibler.

   

3 year olds—6th Grade Absolutely no prior knowledge of Japanese needed for children 5 and under Christian Values After School available until 6:00 PM Japanese students are world-renowned for their high test scores, discipline, and level of academic achievement. At Seigakuin, your child will learn more than just a second language. They will be educated according to the curriculum set forth by the Japanese Ministry of Education—the very same curriculum that has led Japan to the top of the world in academic success.

5505 Winters Chapel Rd, Atlanta, GA 30360 TEL: (770) 730-0045 info@seigakuin.us www.seig.ac.jp/english/atlanta Facebook: www.facebook.com/seigakuin.atlanta

At Saint Luke’s Little Saints Preschool we honor the individuality of the child as we prepare each student for elementary school. ■ Fully accredited through AdvancED ■ Award winning Creative Curriculum for Preschool ■ Classes for 12 months old through Pre-K ■ Christian environment

New family registration for the 2016-2017 school year is January 21, 2016. Call Carol Perry, Director to arrange a private tour 770-393-1424, ext. 240.

Josie Barton, 17

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

ver since she was a young girl, Josie has been a volunteer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2012, Josie became part of girlFriends, a volunteer group of ninth-to12th-grade girls dedicated to fundraising throughout the school year for Children’s. She is now co-president of girlFriends, which raised more than $30,600 last school year. Josie, the daughter of Jim and Diane Barton, also creates cards for sick children through Holy Innocents’ Send-a-Smile Club, tutors at-risk students at Sandy Springs Mission, and serves as an acolyte and vacation Bible school counselor for St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. “One of my most memorable moments was a few years ago while I was volunteering at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart to Heart Christmas party,” she said. “I was running the Build a Bear station, helping the heart patients stuff their animals. There was a little girl and her grandmother having trouble, but none of the other volunteers could help them. None of the other volunteers could help because the girl and her grandmother only spoke Spanish. I was nervous at first, but once I began speaking to them in their native language I could see a wave of relief wash over them. As I helped the little girl stuff her bear, I spoke to them and learned she had received a heart transplant as an infant and had had multiple surgeries since. I was so grateful I was able to use my Spanish to help her, especially after everything she had been through.”

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 25

se use use

EDUCATION GUIDE Max Rubenstein, 15 The Galloway School

CHOOSE COME

VISIT

Joy.

Preschool Open House K-6th Grade Open House 7th-12th Grade Open House Campus tours

January 31 February 8 January 31 Weekly

An independent Catholic school on two campuses near Chastain Park for students age 6 months-12th grade www.holyspiritprep.org/visit

Be Amazed. By How We Are Different.

At The Davis Academy, learning happens in our classrooms, our state-of-the-art science and idea labs, new outdoor nature sanctuary and through video conferences with students from around the globe. We teach life skills, instill values, and provide diverse experiences so that our students become well-balanced and self-confident individuals.

s well as being active at school – including creating a mentorship program, working on an anti-bullying campaign and working as a teaching assistant in the elementary school music program – Max also serves on the 21st Century Leadership Youth Council and created a charity called Game Givers that delivers video games to sick children at hospitals throughout Georgia. He also mentors youth to host gaming tournaments to raise funds and awareness. In addition, Max is a board member for E.P.I.C Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that provides children with opportunities for personal development. He also served on the Teen Jam board for the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, leading and implementing community service projects around the city. The son of Ali and David Rubenstein, Max said a special memory is meeting a patient named Davis who had spent 21 months at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as part of Game Givers. “After spending some time with him, I was able to really understand the impact that my charity had,” Max said. “Davis and I will be getting together soon at one of my upcoming charity video game tournaments, and I look forward to getting to know him better. There are many days I feel grateful that I started Game Givers, but on that day I know I truly lived my mission: helping sick kids in the hospital.”

Marist brings back adult classes

Marist School brings back “The Marist Evening Series,” a program of adult education taught ED UC A T I O N by Marist faculty and staff. Courses include religion and spirituality; photography; computer apBR I EF S plications; history and culture; college planning; Send your music appreciation; and genealogy. education news to Courses are to be offered at the school, 3790 editor@reporternewspapers.net Ashford-Dunwoody Road, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Early registration ends Jan. 15. Course tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration. Learn more at marist.com/eveningseries.

But don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself! Join us for a Parent Information Session. Register online at davisacademy.org/events. General Parent Information Session January 14, 2016 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am Mechina: Kindergarten Prep Parent Information Session January 26, 2016 | 11:45 am – 1:15 pm To schedule a private tour, call 678-527-3300.

8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350 770-671-0085 | davisacademy.org

A proud partner of:

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Fulton opens hardship transfer applications Applications now are available online for parents who wish to apply for 20162017 hardship transfers to move their children to another Fulton elementary, middle or high school or to renew a current hardship transfer. Hardship transfer requests relate to medical reasons, curriculum differences, childcare situations or for employees’ children. The deadline for submitting requests is Feb. 15. For more information, call 470-254-5550 or visit fultonschools.org.

Schenck School names new Head

Joshua J. Clark will become Head of School at The Schenck School beginning July 1, the school announced. Clark heads the Bodine School, an independent school in Memphis, Tenn., that specializes in teaching students with dyslexia, the Schenck School said. “The Schenck School has been educating children with dyslexia for over 55 years in Atlanta,” said David P. Higgins, chairman of the school’s board of trustees. “Mr. Clark brings to The Schenck School successful experience in growth, development and community outreach. We are fortunate to have Mr. Clark continue our direct, singular approach of accelerated, dyslexia remediation in the years to come.”

EDUCATION GUIDE

We’re looking for more student interns! During the school year we offer a paid internship for selected high school students. Interns write our “Standout Student” profiles, work on various editorial assignments and possibly assist in other areas of our publications such as sales. Ideal candidates will be editors or writers with a school publication, have excellent written, verbal and computer skills, be proficient in social media and have their own transportation; juniors and seniors preferred. If you qualify, or know someone who does, please e-mail publisher@reporternewspapers.net.

DEBBIE REAMS

Fifth graders from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School take the measure of a structure at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. They’re designing a “destination” treehouse for the center.

Students aim to create a ‘destination’ treehouse BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Learn by doing. That’s the aim of a project through which a group of fifth graders are working to bring a new treehouse to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Not just any treehouse. This one will be special, a destination. Architect Bill Edwards, who is working with the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School students on the project, wants “to stretch their thinking beyond the traditional treehouse.” “I wanted them to consider the unique site for the project and the fact that this is not necessarily just a treehouse and building for kids, but may well be used and experienced by people of all ages and abilities,” he said. School officials describe the treehouse project as one dedicated to realworld problem solving while combining science, technology, engineering, art and math. And the overall project isn’t just about the treehouse itself, HIES Lower School writing specialist Jim Barton said. “The ultimate purpose of the treehouse will be to promote environmental conservation and education along the Chattahoochee River and throughout the region,” Barton said. “Knowing the animals it is designed to protect is a crucial step in being able to credibly advocate for its construction and solicit contributions.” The project started after Barton found out that the nature center, located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, wanted to repair its 40-year-old boardwalk and build a “destination” treehouse. Barton thought he had a perfect team for the project in his writing students. Everything kind of grew from

there. “We could write the proposals, design the treehouse, work on the strategic plan and actually present it to the people who would fund it,” Barton said. “So the idea is, this writing program − which has now spread to science, engineering, math and every discipline − is going to be the proposal that is taken to the funding corporations. I hope to see some of these kids actually presenting to corporations around the area.” The project touches just about every class the students study. In math class, students learned the skills required to calculate spaces. Science teachers talked about the effects of pollution and how the nature center can help promote health and preservation, Barton said. In art class, students work on illustrations. In faith studies, they examine myths associated with the environment and spiritual ideas Native American tribes connected to the Chattahoochee River. The students are “set loose” to work on the different aspects of the projects in different classes, fifth-grade student Chris McDonald said. “Every single class is a different level,” McDonald said. The class first visited the nature center in October. They started the project by conducting “extensive research on the animals and vegetation” in and around the nature center, Barton said. The students spoke in November with naturalists from the nature center and with Edwards, the architect, who visited the school. Edwards talked to students about design, engineering, style, materials and construction of a treehouse. He said the students impressed him. “I feel the students were

discover

the possibilities at St. Martin’s Episcopal School

January 20, 2016, 9:30 a.m. Elementary & Middle School curriculum overview

January 23, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Super STEAM Saturday (3-year-olds – 1st grade)

February 4, 2016, 9:00 a.m. Early Childhood parent open house and chapel

Beginners (3-year-olds) through 8th grade

Preparation for Atlanta’s top high schools

Extended-day program available

Welcoming Christian atmosphere

3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 404.228.0709 | stmartinschool.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 27

EDUCATION GUIDE

Treehouse helps students learn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

engaged and interested in the process,” Edwards said. Edwards said he focused his presentation on the experience, so that the project and its goals would be memorable to the students. “I also wanted them to begin the project with goals or a program in mind – not just start drawing and see what happens, but to have a plan,” Edwards said. He said he asked them if they wanted a “fun place,” a “contemplative place” or a little of both, and he asked if the designs would blend into the natural environment or “make a statement.” “All of these are intentional decisions in design,” Edwards said. By early December, students started working on a website at hiestreehouseproject.com that features the story, photos and video of the project. The video will be used to present the project to Treehouse Masters, a TV show on the Animal Planet network that showcases construction of elaborate treehouse s. “Also, each student will have his or her own webpage, which will feature a summary of his or her proposal, a sketch of the proposed treehouse, a research summary and a video pitch intended for potential donors, corporations and the Treehouse Masters production company,” Barton said. “I think it’s kind of cool that we’re building a treehouse and trying to work with the Treehouse Masters,” fifth-grader Beth Gilcreast said.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE REAMS

From left, Alex Aartigue, Beth Gilcreast and Chris McDonald are part of the team working on the project.

Architect Bill Edwards challenged the students to “stretch their thinking” beyond a traditional treehouse.

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Baily International of Atlanta, Inc. Seeks 3 Operations Research Managers to: Be responsible for prvdng. in-depth analysis across the entire bus. ops., fin., mrkting., & strtgc. analysis; rcmmnd. bdgtry. planning process, policies & goals desired, & departmental strtgc. processes; anlyz. client purch. bhvr./trend and dvlp. approp. promotion plans; collab. w/ execs. to solve dept. conflicts & to clrfy. mngmnt. objectives; measure perf. guidelines of competing comps. in similar wholesale busns.; monitor implmtn. of chosen prob. solutions; define data rqrmnts.; gather & validate info., applying judgment and stat. tests. Must have Master’s in Business Administration and 1 year of marketing or promotions experience. Please send resumes to 3312-B N Berkeley Lake Rd, Duluth, GA, 30096.

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Astra Financial, Inc. - Seeks Operations Analyst to: Create & implmnt. strat. to max. growth & prﬁtblty.; impr. effcncy. of org.; mng. ops. & est. frmwrk. for cost-bnft. analysis; adv. & direct on restruct. & prgress’n.; ident. & resolve probs.; perf. mrkt. & comp.oriented rsrch.; collect & intrprt. data; proc. collected data using comp. sims. & stat. models; audit & integr. sustnbility. into bus. ops. Must have Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or its foreign equivalent plus min. 5yrs experience in ﬁn. analysis or mgnt. Please send resume to 1834 Broad Ave., Atlanta, GA 30344

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 7900 block of Roswell Road—On Dec.

28, around 9 a.m., a woman said she heard knocking on the apartment door. She and her two sons were staying with the resident. Eventually she opened the door and a man came in, pulled a gun and demanded to know where the homeowner was. The man made her lie down on the floor. At that time, the homeowner looked out, saw the man with the gun and jumped from the window. Both victims said the man looked familiar and gave the detectives information on the person they thought the suspect looked like, including street names and where he worked. A laptop and $100 was stolen.

BUR G LARY  800 block of Overhill Court—On Dec.

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block of Hammond Drive—On Dec. 25, a robbery by snatching was reported at about 4 p.m. when a woman and her son went to a complex to look at a property. When she left her car, a man came up to her, pushed her against the parking garage wall and either threatened or did hit her in the face. He then took her purse and fled.

24, a property management employee reported someone came into a home where work was being done and took a miter saw, drill, air handlers, air compressor

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block of Colquitt Road—On Dec. 24, an apartment resident noticed the front door had been damaged and someone had forced entry. A laptop was taken from the kitchen, and a watch, Samsung tablet and jewelry were also taken.

 5500

block of Glenridge Drive—On Dec. 29, someone went into the storage area of an apartment building and took four AC units, hoisting them over a fence and most likely into a truck or van. The units are $400 each.

 100

block of Mount Paran Road— Sometime between Dec. 28 and 29, someone opened a garage bay door and forced entry to the door leading into a home currently under construction. They removed the washer, dryer and HVAC system.

 4900

block of Peachtree-Dunwoody Road—On Dec. 29, someone reported that between Dec. 23 and Dec. 29, someone entered a residence by forcing a door,

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PUBLIC SAFETY taking several items.

agreement with a roommate and, at some point, terminated it. When the roommate moved, she took the woman’s $70 coat. Roommate denies it—which is a good reason to live alone.

THEF TS  Marseilles

Drive—On Dec. 24, a man said he checked his door-front video and saw a man removing a delivery box from his doorstep about 3 a.m.

manager of Maya Seafood and Steak reported on Dec. 26 that a customer ordered dinner and drinks valued at $99, and then said she did not have the money to pay. She said her date was supposed to show up but didn’t. She was cited and released.

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 The

 6000

block of Riverchase Circle—On Dec. 24, a package was reported stolen from the doorstep of a home after FedEx delivered it. It was supposed to have been delivered to a neighbor. (Related to this, Alpharetta PD arrested someone who has been stealing packages. This may be the same person.)

 Rivermere

Way—On Dec. 28, a report was made that between noon on Dec. 23 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 28 someone illegally entered a home via a rock through the window of a side door. Several kitchen items were taken.

 1100

block of Mount Vernon Highway—On Dec. 24, a man reported his wallet was taken from his locker. The lock on the locker had been removed sometime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. A credit card was later used at a discount department store in Dunwoody.

 9200

block of Huntcliﬀ Trace—On Dec. 28, a woman reported that her trash can was stolen from the top of her driveway and yard.

 First

block of Concourse Parkway— On Dec. 26, an employee reported that her wallet was on her desk in her office at a gym. Someone entered the office at some point when she was away and took the wallet.

 5500

block of Glenridge Drive—On Dec. 28, a resident said clothing ordered online and confirmed delivered was stolen from her doorstep. Read more of the Police Blotter online at www.ReporterNewspapers.net

 700

block of Hammond Drive—On Dec. 26, a woman said she had a sublet

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SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

V15-0046

Petitioner:

Kacy & Ross Homans

Location:

220 Abington Drive

Request:

One (1) primary variance from Section 4.3.4.B.2 of the City of Sandy Springs Zoning Ordinance to encroach three and a half (3.5) feet into the required ten (10) foot setback for play equipment.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor and City Council February 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

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

RZ15-0084

Petition Number:

V15-0045

Petitioner:

Thomas & Emily Followill

Petitioner:

City of Sandy Springs

Location:

380 Montevallo Drive

Property Location:

124 & 126 Johnson Ferry Road

Request:

Present Zoning:

O-I (Office Institutional; RZ08-011) & R-4 (Single Family Dwelling)

Request:

To rezone the property subsequently to a land exchange between 124 Johnson Ferry Road and former Masonic Lodge property to O-I.

One (1) primary variance from Section 6.4.3.C of the City of Sandy Springs Zoning Ordinance to encroach six (6) feet into the required ten (10) foot setback to allow for an existing carport and to encroach one and half (1.5) feet into the required ten (10) foot setback to allow for an existing home and a proposed second floor addition.

Public Hearings:

Planning Commission January 21, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor and City Council February 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals January 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

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

Mayor and City Council February 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Location:

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

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JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | 31

Gwinnett Technical College

EDUCATION THAT WORKS

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Alpharetta-North Fulton Mini-mester Begins February 24, 2016

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• Choose from more than 150 of degree, diploma and certificate programs. • Take advantage of financial aid and scholarships. • Enjoy the lowest tuition in Georgia. • Look at Move On When Ready for high school students to jumpstart college. • Use your Veterans G.I. Bill benefits to get started in a new career. For more than 30 years, Gwinnett Tech has been providing career-focused real-world education for in-demand jobs. We offer programs in the fastest growing fields, emerging industries and new technologies.

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Call 770-962-7580 for more information!

Lawrenceville Campus 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5702

Equal Opportunity Institution. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. Veterans’ benefits, financial aid options and scholarships available for those who qualify.

To learn more, call 770-962-7580 or visit www.GwinnettTech.edu. 32

JAN. 8 – JAN 21, 2016 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net