06-12-2015 Sandy Springs Reporter by Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Intown, Reporter Newspapers

Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Inside

Going global

Sparring over Spalding Developer, residents differ on traffic COMMUNITY 3

Home grown Support local farmers markets COMMENTARY 8

JUNE 12 — JUNE 25, 2015 • VOL. 9 — NO. 12

Balancing act

PUBLIC SAFETY 28

City stalls fireworks sales as new state law allows them BY TIM DARNELL With sales of more kinds of fireworks set to become legal in Georgia on July 1, Sandy Springs has declared a moratorium on businesses that sell the merchandise. State Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs), said that retail sales of fireworks in the city are not listed as an approved type of business. At least 90 days are needed for the city’s planning commission and city council to draft the proper ordinances. “Previously, the only type of fireworks that were allowed for sale were smaller ones, like sparklers,” said Willard, who voted against House Bill 110. “This moratorium allows us the time to draft the right zoning ordinances and business classifications.” The moratorium was adopted on June 2 and expires on September 2. Brookhaven and Dunwoody had not considered any similar measures by early June, but Brookhaven’s police chief expressed concerns about the new law’s potential impact. SEE LOCAL CITIES, PAGE 27

With summer’s return, churches start up Vacation Bible Schools BY MARY HELEN KELLY

PHIL MOSIER

On June 6, a beautiful, summer-like day, Say’lah Ware, 7, enjoys the playground equipment at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. See additional photos on page 26.

The three Ballowe children -- Evie, Beck and James -- raced excitedly through the halls of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church one recent night. Their parents followed closely behind. They were trying to decipher a clue that would lead them to their next task on a scavenger hunt. The clue directed them to the second floor of the church, to a classroom FAITH called “Children’s Church.” There, they found church volunteer Suzy Williamson ready to lead the family in a game similar to Pictionary as part of the church’s summer Vacation Bible School. Beck got the word and drew a picture on a chalkboard wall. It SEE SUMMER BIBLE, PAGE 6

A Special Section Pages 10-15

Head for the Hills

COMMUNITY City officials ask: What’s next? NOW OPEN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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City officials plan a pair of public discussions this month on the city’s future. “When we began as a city in 2005, we adopted many of Fulton County’s regulations. We’ve made adjustments along the way, but it is time, especially as we develop our downtown area, to hear what else residents, businesses and comBR I EF S munity organizations want the city to focus on in the years ahead,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said in a press release. On June 23, civic leaders, residents and business owners are to share ideas for neighborhood preservation and improvements. On June 24, all residents will be able to join the discussion, the city said. Participants will be asked to share their thoughts on issues from transportation to the environment, from development to preserving quality of life. The workshops will take a look at Sandy Springs “from a wide lens,” the city said, but the conversations also willfocus on smaller areas, such as the Roswell Road Corridor, the Perimeter Business District, northern Sandy Springs and the Powers Ferry area. “Everything is open for discussion,” Paul said. The June 23 discussion is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Bluestone Road. The community forum on June 24 is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the SSUMC Activities Center, 86 Mount Vernon Highway. Residents also will have an opportunity to comment through an online survey at www.sandyspringsga.gov/visioning.

Seminar scheduled for local nonprofits seeking grants

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 8am-6pm / Sun 10am-4pm

City officials have scheduled a June 30 training session for leaders of nonprofit agencies on how to apply for city grants. The training session begins at 2 p.m. at the City Hall Training Room at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500. The city of Sandy Springs plans to provide up to $50,000 in grants for eligible nonprofit agencies. To be eligible to apply for funding, applicants must be a 501(c) (3) qualified nonprofit organization in good standing, located in Sandy Springs or substantially serving residents of the city. Resources are not granted to support operational, administrative or fundraising functions. Resources are available for projects completed July 1 through June 30, 2016. Applications must be submitted using the city’s online submission tool, and must be submitted by July 17.

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The Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs is holding a photo contest to try to raise visibility of the city’s six watersheds. Photos must be shot within the city’s boundaries and show images related to Nancy Creek, Long Island Creek, Heards Creek, Marsh Creek, Sullivan Creek or Crooked Creek. A dozen winning photos will be selected for publication in a 2016 calendar. The calendar will be sold at the Sandy Springs Festival in September, the alliance said. Entries are divided by age: photographers 10 and younger or 11 or older. Deadline for entries is July 31. Entries should be emailed to Photocontest.WASS@gmail.com. For more information: www.watershedallianceofsandysprings.org.

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Local firefighters now provide free inspections on Wednesdays of car safety seats for children. The inspections take about 30 minutes to an hour, the city said, and are done to make sure the seats are properly installed.The department provides the inspections between 9 a.m. and noon at Fire Station #2, located at 135 Johnson Ferry Road. The department also provides child safety seat installation assistance for new parents by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 770-206-1518.

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

COMMUNITY

Residents, developer disagree over Spalding project traffic BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Traton Homes developer Clif Poston met with residents May 28 to announce results from a traffic study and a cut of 17 homes from the proposal for 116 townhomes at 900 Spalding Drive. Additional traffic, Poston said, would be negligible. “It’s obviously a very busy road, but the additional traffic is not a substantial change,” Poston said. Resident Angela Conliffe disagreed. “It’s already jam-packed and so I’m glad that you have done your own study; however, I would have liked to see the study because I cannot understand how this is not going to cause an impact to traffic in the community,” she said. Members of the Spalding Woods Club voted in February to sell 11 acres of land to the developer to build townhomes, on the conditions that Sandy Springs approves the rezoning and the attorney general doesn’t object to the club’s dissolution plan. City Planner Kevin Howard said the traffic study would be posted online for the public as soon as city staff reviews it and adds comments. Conliffe compared the city’s work in easing traffic on Peachtree-Dunwoody Road to allowing a similar situation where people try “to feed in to make a left onto Spalding because of this development.” The problems that exist within the system don’t “fall on individual developments,” Howard said. “When a rezoning application comes in, we can’t ask folks to make system improvements. That’s something that has to be done separately.” Howard said a traffic study for the area as a whole

has not been done by the city. Lorraine Glynn, a Lafayette Square resident, said she believes Sandy Springs allows development without proper regard for the impact of infrastructure. When people start complaining about traffic or blocked access to certain roads, Glynn said, then the city will go in and “rip up everything all over again to try and make it better.” She said she would prefer the city and its planners take into consideration the effects before development starts. Conliffe said development should be done “in a responELLEN ELDRIDGE sible way.” She added that the Traton Homes developer Clif Poston shows resident Lorraine city government should ensure Glynn plans for townhomes at 900 Spalding Drive. that the community’s interests are met. Safety for children without looking at that intersection, then the city of leaving the high school remains a top priority for her. Sandy Springs is responsible.” “You’re backing up school traffic and endangering Howard said city staff will review the traffic study children’s’ lives [with the proposed development] bebefore next month’s planning commission meeting and cause children are constantly crossing that street,” Conmake recommendations for the mayor and City Counliffe said. cil members, who will vote on the rezoning request “It’s dangerous, and if you permit this to happen made by Traton Homes.

Help shape the future of Now almost 10 years old, the City of Sandy Springs is updating its Comprehensive Plan with a special emphasis on preserving the quality of life of neighborhoods, enhancing the Roswell Road corridor and ensuring sustainability of the Perimeter Business District. This will be a collaborative, yearlong process with the community that will result in a blueprint for managing growth and improving life in Sandy Springs. Please participate. We would like to hear from you.

Civic Discussion

Community Forum

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 6:30 p.m. – Heritage Sandy Springs 6110 Blue Stone Road Hear from Civic Groups around the community and their thoughts on both the challenges and opportunities they see with the recent expansion of growth throughout the city.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 6:30 p.m. – SSUMC Activities Center 85 Mt. Vernon Highway, NW From transportation and environmental concerns, to development and preserving quality of life, this forum creates an opportunity for you to share your hopes, concerns, and ideas to guide the City as we plan for the future. City Contact: Dan Coffer • 770-206-1476 DCoffer@SandySpringsga.gov You can also participate through an online survey: www.sandyspringsga.gov/visioning

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 3

COMMUNITY

City’s 2016 general fund budget lays out $95 million in spending Sandy Springs city officials propose to spend more than $95 million in 2016 through the city’s general fund budget. The proposed budget, scheduled to be adopted by the City Council on June 16, includes $25 million for capital projects, including nearly $18.9 million in expenses related to the development of the planned City Center, $5.2 million for transportation infrastructure and $960,000 for parks projects. The city plans to collect the same 4.731 mills in property taxes it levied last year,

according to City Manager John McDonough’s budget memo. The city projects total 2016 revenues at nearly $86 million. The difference between the revenue and expense numbers will be covered through use of prior year unreserved fund balance totalling more than $9.5 mllion. The general fund budget provides for city operations. The city’s total budget, including special revenue funds, totals about $208 million.

Revenues

Expenditures

Municipal Court $3,000,000

Other $4,466,568

2016

Communications $1,246,836

Information Services $2,251,258

Emergency Medical/Services $1,072,000

Recreation $3,188,808

Insurance Premium Taxes $4,750,000

Administration * $11,134,087

Community and Economic Development $5,105,270

Public Works $12,024,933

Property Tax $30,900,000

Franchise Taxes $9,225,000

2016

Capital Projects $27,613,000

Business & Occupational Tax $9,000,000

Fire $12,092,123 Police $19,570,623

Sales Tax $24,425,000

2016 Budget Revenues

2016 Budget Expenditures

* “Administration” includes $224,922 for City Council, $885,490 for city manager, $164,855 for city clerk, $2.4 million for finance, $823,000 for city attorney, $311,788 for human resources, $1.7 million for facilities, $2.8 million for general administration and $1.8 million for municipal court.

Other $3,954,280

2015

Emergency Medical/Services $1,406,400 Communications $1,228,451

Information Services $2,085,783

Municipal Court $3,300,000 Administration * $10,233,045

Insurance Premium Taxes $4,600,000

Public Works $11,462,058 Capital and Stormwater Projects $31,253,429

Business & Occupational Tax $8,750,000

Sales Tax $23,125,000

2015

Fire $11,861,209

Police $19,233,793

2015 Budget Revenues

Community and Economic Development $4,210,511

Property Tax $30,400,000

Franchise Taxes $8,850,000

Recreation $2,939,683

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

2015 Budget Expenditures SS

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

MARY HELEN KELLY

From left, Beck Ballowe draws a clue on a chalkboard as her sister, Evie, brother James, volunteer Suzy Williamson, mom Meggan Ballowe, back left, and Candace Johnson, Sandy Springs United Methodist Church’s minister to children and leisure activities, back right, look on.

Summer Bible schools provide ‘vital part of ... church life’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing Vacation Bible School in order to didn’t take the Ballowe family long to build a strong community of families, so guess their word: “family.” That was the they switched to this format, said Canfocus of the church’s family Bible school dace Johnson, the church’s minister to program this summer. children and leisure activities. With the return of summer, scores “We wanted a chance for families to of churches are starting up their anget to know each other a little better and nual summer Vacation Bible Schools. build some community,” she said. They’re programs that usually last less The theme for the week at Sandy than a week and involve crafts, drama Springs United Methodist was “Sprout: and songs to teach Bible stories and inGrowing Together in Faith.” The nighttroduce young church members to conly program consisted of a dinner, a worcepts from their faiths in an easy-to-unship program, and then a Bible-based derstand way. activity, including the scriptural scavenThe goal is to “teach them about Jeger hunt. sus in a way that’s fun and over the top,” During the scavenger hunt, which said Len Wilson, creative director at took place during the first night of the Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Buckthree-night school, family members head. followed clues around the church and Vacation Bible Schools vary from found bonding activities at each locachurch to church in size and theme. This tion the clues directed them to. year, Peachtree Presbyterians’ program, Johnson said the hunt was intendwhich ran from June 1 thorugh June ed to provide practice looking up Bible 4, included more than 900 kids. Sandy verses, and the activities were intendSprings UMC’s program included about ed to reinforce the content of the vers40 participants, including parents, dures. For instance, one clue about Moses ing its run from June 3 to June 5. being put in a basket by his mother led The Bible schools cross denominato an activity where participants tossed tions, showing up at Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches alike. Most Vacation Bible Schools begin in the morning and run until early afternoon. But for their Vacation Bible School this year, leaders at Sandy Springs United Methodist chose to try something different. They started a night school so entire families could MARY HELEN KELLY take part. Church leadSandy Springs United Methodist Church volunteer ers wanted to get to Barbara Olson, left, has Nora Fotopolous, know the families of the center, and her brother Grayden’s attention. kids who were attendSS

FAITH eggs into baskets. On the next night, there was a service project, craft project and prayer project. Volunteers from the church helped to put on these nightly activities. Wilson said Peachtree Presbyterian’s program also is multigenerational. Each week of Vacation Bible School is built around a theme. This year, Peachtree Presbyterian’s program was centered around the Apostle Paul. Every morning, there was a large production with skits and worship songs to help convey the lesson for the day. One day, for instance, the skit was a re-enacting of a shipwreck with water guns and fans to explain the story of a shipwreck in Acts which was the scripture for the day. The “over the top” production keeps kids entertained and engaged while they are learning Bible stories, Wilson said. Vacation Bible School at Peachtree Presbyterian goes back to the church’s founding – the church started as a Sunday School for kids – and belief in involvement by the church community. Whether it is helping in the preplanning, or volunteering as a craft helper one day during the week, the program encourages parents to have a connection to what is going on. Wilson says people hear about Vacation Bible School all year and start to look forward to it. “People see it as a vital part of the yearly church life,” Wilson said.

Summer studies Here are some churches in the area offering Vacation Bible Schools in the coming weeks. Chamblee First United Methodist Church 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, 30341 June 15-19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. No charge. Donations for Mission Project and Thursday program and supper accepted. Cathedral of Christ the King 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, 30305 June 15-19, 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $50 per child All Saints Catholic Church 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, 30338 June 15-19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $40 per child First Baptist Atlanta 4400 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, 30338 June 22-26, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. St. John United Methodist Church 550 Mt. Paran Road, NW, Atlanta, 30327 June 22-25, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. No cost Northwest Presbyterian Church 4300 Northside Drive, Atlanta, 30327 July 13-15, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $35 per child Sandy Springs Christian Church 301 Johnson Ferry Road, NW, Sandy Springs, 30328 July 20-24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $40 per child Sources: various churches

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“My favorite part about living here is the flexibility to be as active and sociable as I want!” Meet Christie Kinsaul, who moved to Canterbury Court to downsize and simplify her life. Little did she know how much she would love her new lifestyle. “Maintaining a two-story townhouse and everything in it was taking considerable time and effort. I was ready for some changes, and I wanted to make the move on my own terms.” Christie didn’t expect to find such luxurious living in a one-bedroom apartment, which she says “is plenty big” and comes with full services and amenities. She was also delighted to discover an abundance of activities designed for resident interests, including outings to local events. As a retired music teacher, she’s especially fond of going to the Atlanta Symphony and the opera. Along with more flexibility to spend her time as she chooses, Christie’s move to Canterbury Court has given her peace of mind knowing that on-site health services are available, should she ever need them. Call (404) 365-3163 to see our warm, inviting community and furnished model apartments, including our diamond collection one-bedroom residences. 3750 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30319 canterburycourt.org

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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

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Markets offer a fresh way to grow community In the spring of 2010, two Sandy Springs citizens opened a Farmer’s Market on the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Sandy Springs Circle. Andy Bauman and Jeff Langfelter worked tirelessly for many months visiting area farms, researching market best practices, and putting together a plan to create a Sandy Springs Farmers Market for our community. But Andy and Jeff created more than a weekly shopping experience for those seeking the freshest locally grown produce. They fashioned a “town square” feeling where friends and neighbors came together for coffee and conversation while exploring rows of farm fresh eggs, pasture-raised meat, artisan cheeses and a wide variety of prepared foods. After shaping and growing the market for four seasons, Andy and Jeff passed along the management of the weekly event to Heritage Sandy Springs, the not-for-profit organization that operates the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, presents the annual Sandy Springs Festival, and produces summer and winter concerts for the community. With 30 years of experience in presenting exhibits, programs, lectures, concerts, festivals and events, assuming oversight of the Farmers Market felt like a natural fit for HSS. For the first four seasons, the market was located at 235 Sandy Springs Circle at the site of the former Target store. As part of the city master plan, the city of Sandy Springs is preparing this site for the development of a new City Center/downtown area. As a result, the Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market moved to a new location in May 2015 and is now staged at the corner of Lake Forrest Drive and Mount Vernon Highway in the parking lot of Century Springs East.

Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker Creative and Production Director of Creative & Interactive Media Christopher North chrisnorth@reporternewspapers.net Graphic Designer: Isadora Pennington Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Senior Account Executives Jeff Kremer Janet Porter Account Executives Amber Friar Susan Lesesne Office Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net

SPECIAL

Sandy Springs Farmers Market co-founder Andy Bauman hugs wife Debbie, right, daughter Anna Rose, front center, with son Evan, left, nearby. Back, Domenic Luca, with Zio Micu’s Garden.

Contributors Robin Jean Marie Conte , Tim Darnell, Kathy Dean, Jon Gargis, Art Huckabee, Mary Helen Kelly, Phil Mosier, Martha Nodar

While vendors and attendees love the border of shady trees at the new site, they can make it hard to see the market from the corner, so watch for the signs or use your GPS with the street address 6100 Lake Forrest Drive. Transitions of location and market management could not have gone more smoothly. Thirty-four markets were held in 2014 with CAROL customer attendance averaging 900 THOMPSON to 1,000 people. Many of those are market regulars who get to know GUEST COLUMN the farming families who grow their produce and prepare specialty items, and the most popular items sell out quickly in the first few hours. Farms have been vetted to ensure that they are growing their produce, and arts and crafts sold at the market must be handmade. Each week features an acoustic musician and onsite activities include the “Little Diggers” and “Gardening by the Springs” programs, as well as occasional chef demonstrations. The sights, sounds and smells of the market are addictive, and I miss being there when I am unable to attend. On any given Saturday, you can run into your city councilman, pick up some delicious homemade goodies, indulge in a hot, madeto-order breakfast and choose fresh, organic seasonal produce. I always see people I know at the market – from current colleagues to neighbors from years ago when our kids rode the same school bus to Woodland Elementary. If you are a regular market visitor, thank you for your patronage of our vendors. While some prices may be higher than traditional groceries, you know what you are getting and where it comes from. You can shake the hand of the person who grew it, and the farmers are always happy to share simple and tasty recipes. If you have not visited the Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market, we invite you to make it a regular stop on your Saturday morning round – not only will you be welcomed with a smile, you are likely to see an old friend or maybe even make a new one. The Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market brings that small town community feel to our bustling city, so come and experience the vibe. If you want to build community, you have to invest in it. Carol Thompson is executive director of Heritage Sandy Srprings.

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“Our mission is to make Atlanta Memorial Park a beautiful, sustainable park connected to the neighborhoods.” –Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy Executive Director Catherine Spillman on the conservancy’s plans to remake the park, including the Bobby Jones Golf Course.

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“This started as a sidewalk project and it’s morphing out of control as we sit here and talk.” –Dunwoody City Councilman Terry Nall on the proposed addition of sidewalks to Tilly Mill.

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COMMENTARY

House rules: We Do ... what we do grammatically So, I’m browsing Pinterest, trolling Hokey-PokROBIN JEAN for inspiration and I see it. It’s just what ey! I need to whip my family into shape. It’s “Do” has MARIE CONTE a “house rules” sign. been our goBut it’s not your typical, “play nice,” to helping ROBIN’S NEST “mind your manners,” and “always tell verb since the the truth” sign. It’s not even a rudimendays of Betary plaque of the Ten Commandments. owulf, probably, and he has proven his This is a house rules sign that means ability to function in just about any senbusiness. tence, so isn’t it time to unleash him? I could tell, right off the bat, when I Why not occasionally drop him beread the first lines: tween random words; why not let him In this house … function as a linking verb every once in We Do I’m Sorrys a while? We Do FUNNY! I might even buy that sign. It’ll be a We Do communication. lot of fun to start talking that way. I’ll Wow, I thought. This is a sign that tell my kids to wash up and they will doesn’t let the rules of our language get start whining, “but mom…” in the way of its point. Then I’ll come back with, “No, fellas. I wondered if its In this house, we Do tactic would work. hygiene!” Maybe it doesn’t And what can matter that “I’m sorthey say to that? ry” is already a perI’m going to start fectly complete senthrowing words totence—maybe if it’s gether and see if I turned into a noun will not only be unand pluralized, the derstood but also kids would start sound cool enough apologizing. Maybe to inspire my kids to that tactic would be take action: even more effective Hey, kids! In this than leading by exhouse … ample. We Are yard Yes, that sign got work! me thinking. There We Have thank SPECIAL is brilliant appeal to Robin with some rules to live by. you! the whole flippant, We Do dishwashleave-your-gramer! mar-at-the-doorstep approach. SomeWe Jump dogsled! how, it seems, if we really mess with our We Sniff crayons really well! language, it’ll make our kids feel like Yes, that sign-maker definitely hit on we’re on their side, like we’re all a part of something. I think we can get our famia team. It’s a grammatically challenged lies to do just about anything, if we only team, but we’re all on it together! say it wrong. I read on: On the other hand, I could stick with We Do real. a plaque of the Ten Commandments. We Do loud really well. They’re tried-and-true. They’re gramWe Do kindness. And when we’re matically correct with all those Thou done with it, we’re moving on to other Shalts and Thou Shalt Nots. In a way, virtues. (I added that last part.) they are the original House Rules and I admit, I understand the allure of the the precursor to all House Rules signs whole military talk staccato. After all, yet to come. And they do cover all the we can be kind and real, but if we do bases. it—well, that means action, sister. They really Do. If you think about it, we can Do just about anything. We Do 50 pushups! We Robin Conte is a writer and mother of Do a favor! We Do our nails! We Do the four who lives in Dunwoody. She can be laundry! We Do hard time! We Do the contacted at robinjm@earthlink.net.

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 9

A Special Section

Head for the Hills Take time to explore North Georgia’s vineyards and wineries BY ROBIN CONTE If “wine is sunlight held together by water,” as Galileo observed, then North Georgia has the ingredients for a good bottle of grape. In the last two decades, about two dozen wineries and vineyards have developed in the northeastern corner of the state -- from Jasper to Toccoa and northward -- practically all of them less than a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Most of them hold individual events or combined festivals throughout the year, which makes for an excellent day trip or weekend getaway. Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay, for example, features live music from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Saturday throughout the year. For $10, visitors can enjoy the music along with five tastings of their choice of vineyard wines or hard ciders from Mercier Orchards, and then take home a souvenir wine glass. Sitting neatly in the southern Appalachian Mountains and not far from the banks of the Cartecay River, Cartecay Vineyards was the first vineyard in Gilmer County. Owner Larry Lykins bought the property in 2007 after several years of researching the process of wine making. He rebuilt the original chimney of the old homestead with Georgia red clay and uses it as the focal point of an outdoor patio and bandstand; a rendering of the chimney serves as the vineyard’s logo. He also transformed the barn into a tasting room with the upstairs loft area functioning as an events venue and a winter location for the live music. Lykins now has about 13 acres of vines and says he’s involved in every aspect of the business, “from fixing door handles to washing dishes to planting grapes.” The president of the newly formed Georgia Wine Producers, which is a statewide organization, Lykins has a straightforward philosophy. “Wine making is making wines that people enjoy drinking,” he says. The same elements that make Ellijay prime apple growing country, such as elevation and a relatively cooler climate, make it amenable to vineyards as well. As Lykins puts it, “If you

can grow an apple, you can grow a grape.” Specific to the northeastern corner of the state is the ability to produce the vitis vinifera grapes, or those traditional and commonly recognized European grapes, such as merlots and cabernets. Twenty of the North Georgia vineyards and wineries are members of the Winegrowers Association of Georgia (WAG), a nonprofit corporation that helps in marketing and promotion, and many of them host collaborative wine tours. Many are also collaborative with their communities, donating portions of their event proceeds to local charitable organizations. The weekend of June 12-14 marks the first “Plein Air at the Vineyards” event in Ellijay. The four Gilmer County vineyards, Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Ellijay River Vineyards and Engelheim Vineyards have partnered with the Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association for a threeday winery tour that begins at 7 a.m. on June 12 and runs through 7 p.m. on June 14. Each vineyard will feature artists painting “in open air,” and will also have the artists’ works on display and for sale. A Plein Air Passport costs $25, entitling the holder to wine tastings at each vineyard, a souvenir wine glass, and admission to the special events, including an artists’ reception and a live auction. Some of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Ellijay. For more information, go to ellijaywinecountry.com or call 706-635-WINE. On the other side of the Chattahoochee National Forest, in the pastoral countryside of Rabun County, lies Stonewall Creek Vineyards. The 5-acre vineyard produces about 3,000 vines, all of which are the vitis vinifera variety. The land was purchased by Carl and Carla Fackler, former residents of Brookwood Hills, who originally intended to simply produce and sell grapes. They harvested their first grapes in 2005, and then opened their own winery in 2012. The Facklers now produce two labels: Stonewall Creek Vineyards, which uses

Real Estate In Georgia’s Blue Ridge

The vineyards and the view at Cartecay in Ellijay.

ROBIN CONTE

their own grapes exclusively, and Standing Deer Cellar, composed of grapes from neighboring vineyards. Carl is a retired surgeon, however Carla is quick to explain that their current lifestyle is “definitely not retirement.” On June 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stonewall Creek celebrates the longest day of the year with a festival that includes a live band, wine tastings and their specially created Skywalk wine cooler. Tickets are $15, and visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic. A neighboring organic market and deli will have some food for purchase. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Richard’s Kids, a local nonprofit that ministers “to the health, wealth and selfesteem of children in need in Rabun County, Georgia.” For information about all of the WAG North Georgia vineyards and wineries, and various events, visit georgiawine.com.

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 11

Head for the Hills Mountain events and activities If you’re headed to the mountains to look for that perfect vacation retreat or retirement home, why not coincide your visit with some of the many events and activities happening this summer around the region. Here are a few suggestions.

Blairsville Scottish Festival B L U E

R I D G E

Bagpipes, drums, games, food and fun bring the Scottish Highlands to Blairsville June 13-15. Admission is $10 per day or $15 for both days. Children under 12 get in free. For more information, visit blairsvillescottishfestival.com.

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Tallulah Gorge Hikes Explore the rim of Tallulah Gorge in the moonlight during these 1-mile hikes set for June 1-2, July 1 and 30, and the Holiday Gorge Hikes on July, 3-6, a strenuous 3.5 mile trek to the bottom of the gorge to scamper over rocks, water, trails and stairs. For more, visit n-georgia.com/tallulahgorge-state-park.html.

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Georgia Wine Country Festival The festival will be held every weekend in June at the Three Sisters Vineyard & Winery in Dahlonega. The event features a wine garden with samples from wineries from around the state, jazz music, barbecue and more. For more, visit threesistersvineyards.com.

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Rabun County Music Festival A summer of music is planned in the Rearden Theater on the campus of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. The lineup: Atlanta Symphony (June 21); Simply Diamond: A Tribute to Neil Diamond (July 5); Jason Coleman (July 19); Joe Grandsen and His Big Band (Aug. 2); and Satisfaction: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones (Aug. 16). For tickets and information, visit rabunmusicfestival.com.

Highlands Village Square Art & Craft Show Held in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park in the town of Highlands, North Carolina, the June 20-21 event features art, live music, food and more. For information, visit facebook.com/villagesquareshow

Georgia Mountain Fair

The 65th annual event will be held July 17-25 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawasee. Rides, live music (Brenda Lee, Neal McCoy and Herman’s Hermits are on the bill this year), food and much more attracts thousands of visitors to the fair. Learn more at georgiamountainfairgrounds. com. |

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 13

Head for the Hills

Outdoor living, small town charm draw homebuyers BY KATHY DEAN Just north of Atlanta, the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains offer a relaxed lifestyle, scenic views and friendly communities – all within a two-hour car ride from the city. It’s the perfect place to unwind, and that’s made the area a popular choice for second homes and vacation hideaways. “The attraction of the North Georgia Mountains is definitely the mountain life atmosphere – little traffic, a small town feel, friendly people, an easy commute to Atlanta and Chattanooga,” said Nathan Fitts of Nathan Fitts & Team, REMAX Town & Country in Blue Ridge. “Outdoor enthusiasts come here for the natural beauty and outdoor attractions, like recreation on Lake Blue Ridge, hiking and mountain biking trails.” Springer Mountain, in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, is the beginning point of both the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Hiking Trail. The Toccoa River offers trophy trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing and tubing. The Ocoee River, the site of the 1996 Olympics whitewater course, has rafting and nearby waterfalls, horseback riding trails, zip lines and canopy tours. “Blue Ridge has a strong arts community, too,” Fitts added. “The Blue Ridge Community Theater is superb, and there are many yearly festivals. Some of the most popular are the Blues & BBQ Festival, Paws in the Park, Jazz & Wine Festival, Taste of Blue Ridge and Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off.” According to Jennifer Blake, brokerin-charge at Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club in Highlands, North Carolina, people enjoy Highlands’ small town elegance, dining and shopping, but mostly the cool summer temperatures. She explained that the area owes its cooler weather to its altitude and gentle summer breezes. “At just over 4,100 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide, Highlands is one of the very rare locations at this latitude with an average high of only 78 degrees in July, far lower than the rest of the South,” Blake said. “We also have Harris and Cliffside

Lakes, as well as the Cullasaja and Chattooga Rivers – it’s a fishing paradise.” Known for its rainbow, brown and brook trout, Cliffside Lake is an especially popular destination. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests offer miles of hiking trails, and many provide access to the waterfalls of western North Carolina. The Old Edwards Club, set along one of the East’s highest ridges, features an 18-hole championship golf course. Other amenities include clay tennis courts, outdoor heated mineral pool, fireside patio and panoramic views. “Both Highlands and Cashiers, NC, offer shops that specialize in antiques, arts, jewelry, home décor and more,” Blake noted. “In Highlands, the Scudders Galleries’ auction season begins each June. These two communities offer the grace and allure of yesteryear, with placid streets and well-manicured landscaping.” The Highlands Playhouse and the Bascom Visual Arts Center feed the artistic souls of visitors, as do the art galleries, home and garden tours, culinary weekends and leaf season. “There are multiple reasons for coming to North Georgia,” said Kim Knutzen, managing broker, Harry Norman Realtors, Blue Ridge Office. “We have the national forest, and many rivers and lakes for the outdoor amenities that draw people for hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and boating. A new golf course is now on target to be finished this year, which will add that last component this area was missing.” She added that there’s a slower pace in North Georgia, much more laid back than Atlanta. The atmosphere attracts a sector of high wealth that wants to escape the pressures of their everyday work and unplug for a while. Being just 90 minutes from Atlanta, it’s convenient for a day, weekend or weeklong getaway.

Chill. 14

SPECIAL PHOTOS

Left, the Highlands community in North Carolina offers shops that specialize in antiques, arts, jewelry and home decor.

Above, a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from inside a mountain retreat.

“The quaint downtowns, as in Blue Ridge, feature high-end restaurants, wineries, boutiques and art galleries,” Knutzen said. “There’s also the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and the area hosts many festivals, like the Apple Festival, Adventure Races, Triathlons and Fourth of July fireworks on the lake.” The peace and quiet of a mountain home can be found nearby in Jasper, known as “Georgia’s First Mountain City.” Situated in Pickens County, Jasper is one hour from Atlanta via I-575/515. It’s home to Bent Tree Community, a gated neighborhood that’s owned and governed by property owners. “For folks interested in a second or vacation home that won’t be occupied full time, it’s highly recommended to select a gated community for security,” advised Ben L. Torrey, broker & realtor, Torrey Mountain Properties, Inc. “Bent Tree has a lake, a world-class 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis, and two swimming pools.” Knutzen noted that the Blue Ridge office services multiple counties including Gilmer, Fannin, Union and Towns, as well as sections of Tennessee and North Carolina. “We have a good mix of vacation and second homes. The area

lacks in hotels but thrives in cabin rentals. Some investors are looking for a return on their money while having the opportunity to also enjoy it when it’s not rented.” Blake has also seen strong interest from investors looking for vacation rental properties, and said that their market covers approximately 80 percent second homes to 20 percent vacation. In fact, Highlands boasts the #14 slot in Barron’s “Top 20 Places for Second Homes.” According to Fitts, a large percentage of the market is the Atlanta-based crowd, but there’s also a huge vacation market from south Florida. “Historically, our market has been primarily vacation homes,” he explained. “Approximately 70 percent of our sales were vacation or second homes vs. 30 percent primary and retirement homes.” Over the last 24 months, however, he has watched those numbers change. “Many more people are looking to move to our area full-time, and many of the homes that people bought previously as second homes are becoming their primary residences as they retire. All these things add up to an economic growth forecast over the next few years that’s expected to be great.”

Get a new view on life. It’s within easy reach – only 90 minutes from Atlanta. A place to relax. A place for fun. A place to call your own in the welcoming mountains of North Georgia.

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, Morganton, Ellijay, Mineral Bluff

Chris Colbert, Associate Broker chriscolbert@tds.net 404.226.2062

706.632.3737 1665 Appalachian Hwy, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 mountaintracksrealty.com

Are the Mountains Calling You? ELLIJAY • BLUE RIDGE • BLAIRSVILLE • HIAWASSEE • MURPHY, NC

Blue Ridge, GA 5BR/5.5BA $1,950,000 Lake Front Lodge on Lake Blue Ridge. Incredible outdoor area. 6000+ SF. MLS 246141 Call 706.632.7311

Morganton, GA 7BR/4.5BA $1,749,900 6000 SF luxury Mtn. Estate on 86 acres. Creek frontage, trout pond, 3 car garage. MLS 245619 Call 706.632.7311

Hayesville, NC 6BR/6BA $1,200,000 8,160 SF of quality rustic elegance with mountain and golf course views. MLS 233813 Call 706.896.3132

Blairsville, GA 3BR/3BA $1,200,000 6AC lakefront equestrian property on Lake Nottely. Boat dock, 4 stall barn. MLS 247756 Call 706.896.3132

Jasper, GA 7BR/6+BA $870,000 Custom home on 8.4 acres. 6247SF with panoramic mtn views. Heated pool. MLS 241887 Call 706.276.1254

Blue Ridge, GA 5BR/3BA $675,000 5 Ac - Year- round mountain and Lake Blue Ridge views. Many upgrades. MLS 245249 Call 706.632.7311

Morganton, GA 5BR/3BA $624,900 Gorgeous 3 level log home - 2.4 acres. Many amenities. Gated community. MLS 243358 Call 706.632.7311

Murphy, NC 3BR/3.5BA $575,000 360 degree views into NC,GA,TN. Custom home with every upgrade! MLS 245130 Call 828.835.8500

Murphy, NC 3BR/3BA $339,000 Pre-construction Prow Front. Long-range mountain views on 2+ acres. MLS 239685 Call 706.632.7311

Murphy, NC 2BD/3BA $235,000 Custom chalet - upscale community. Long range views, ﬁnished basement. MLS 247356 Call 828.835.8500

Blairsville, GA 3BR/3BA $234,500 Cabin in walking distance to Lake Nottely. Large, ﬁnished lower level. MLS 245604 Call 706.745.3500

Blairsville, GA 3BR/3.5BA $209,900 Chalet with gorgeous mountain views – minutes from town. Oversize garage. MLS 246732 Call 706.896.3132

Ellijay, GA 3BR/2.5BA $178,500 Cabin style home in gated, river access community. Great family amenities. MLS 245700 Call 706.276.1254

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

out& about

BROOKHAVEN • BUCKHEAD • DUNWOODY • SANDY SPRINGS

LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

Flamenco Musical Saturday, June 20, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – Pre-

sented by Caló Theatre Company, a professional flamenco theater ensemble, “WONDERLAND” tells Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” through flamenco music and dance. Family-friendly event. Tickets start at $40. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to atlantajcc.org or call 678-812-4000.

Atlanta Freedom Bands Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. – The Atlanta Freedom Bands perform orchestral masterworks by composers with a secret past paired with works by contemporary composers who have come out of the closet. The performance is part of Stonewall Week, which celebrates gay and lesbian composers. General admission tickets, $15; seniors, $10; students, $5. Performing Arts Auditorium, North Atlanta High School, 4111 Northside Parkway, NW, Sandy Springs, 30327. For further details, go online to atlantafreedombands.com or call 404-802-4700.

Americana Concert Sunday, June 28, 4 p.m. – The Dunwoody United Methodist Church Chancel Choir performs in honor of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Concert features classic Americana music. Church-wide picnic follows the performance. Register for the dinner by going online to dunwoodyumc. org before June 21. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For additional information, email: mail@ dunwoodyumc.org or call 770-394-0675.

GET ACTIVE

Cancer Run/Walk Saturday, June 20, 8 a.m. – Home Depot presents the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk starting in the Home Depot parking lot. Includes a 5K run/ walk, 1-mile walk, kids Superhero Dash for Dad, and virtual Snooze for Dudes program. Food and drinks available. Special “Build a Father’s Day Gift Workshop” for kids onsite. Free admission; participation in run/walk requires registration. Fees vary. 6400 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information and to register, go online to zeroprostatecancerrun.org/atlanta or call 202-463-9455.

Odyssey Quest Run Saturday, June 27, 8 a.m. – The Odyssey

Quest Run/Walk offers a scenic course, trivia and entertainment. For all ages. Walkers are welcome but strollers are not allowed. Tickets, $30 by June 25; $35 from June 26 to day-of. Route circles around the campus. 1424 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, 30327. To find out more and to purchase tickets, go online to odysseyatlanta.org or call 404-367-5150.

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KIDS & TEENS

Queen Glitter Monday, June 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Kathy Bennett, a.k.a Queen Glit-

ter, offers a reading and performance for kids. Magical tales and storytelling to encourage a love for reading in children. Free and open to the public with valid library card. Recommended for youngsters aged 4-12. In the Children’s Room, Northside Branch Library, 3295 Northside Parkway, NW, Atlanta, 30327. For more information, go online to afpls.org, email: comments@co.fulton.ga.us or call 404-814-3508.

Comics Workshop Monday, June 22, 4-4:45 p.m. –

Kyle Puttkammer, the creator of Galaxy Man comics, hosts a workshop to teach kids how to draw comics. Paper and pencils provided. Free and open to the public with valid library card. Recommended for kids aged 5-12. To see Galaxy Man comics, go online to galaxymancomics.com. Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For learn more, go online to dekalblibrary.org or call 770-512-4640.

required by calling 404-303-6130. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information, go online to fultoncountyga.gov.

Read to Rover Thursday, June 25, 1-2 p.m. – Kids practice their reading skills by reading

aloud to “Ellie,” a trained therapy dog. Appropriate for youngsters aged 5-8. Free and open to the first 12 readers with a valid library card. Groups of 5 or more, call ahead for an appointment at 404-848-7140. Brookhaven Library, 1242 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319.

Touch a Truck Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. – Brookhaven presents the first Touch-

a-Truck event in Blackburn Park. Kids will see and touch real government vehicles, sit in a fire truck, meet a police K-9 and turn the lights on in a Brookhaven police car. Breakfast treats, a dipping station and coffee provided by Krispy Kreme. Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319. Questions? Go to brookhavenga.gov or call 404-637-0500.

It’s a good day to be a dad.

Comic Poster Class Wednesday, June 24, 1:30-3 p.m. – This art class and workshop provides teens with an opportunity to illustrate their own comic book poster featuring heroes and villains. Taught by Mr. Funn and sponsored by the Goddard Foundation Grant. Free and open to the public with valid library card. Recommended for middle and high school students. Registration requested by emailing: amy.alexander@ fultoncountyga.gov. Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave., NE, Buckhead, 30305. For details, go online to fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-814-3500.

Jewelry Workshop Wednesday, June 24, 2-4 p.m. – Teens learn how to craft hand-made brace-

lets. The interactive workshop necessitates basic knowledge of beading and braiding. Free and open to rising middle school and high school youth. Registration

Basketball & Cheerleading Camp Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Kids

looking to get into cheerleading and basketball can attend this camp to gain experience and training. For kids aged 4-12. Hosted by the Brookhaven Baptist Church. 1294 N. Druid Hills Rd., NE, Brookhaven, 30319. For more information and to register, go online to brookhavenbaptist.net, email: brookhavenchurch@bellsouth. net, or call 404-237-6444.

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 17

out & about

Oglethorpe museum brings back docents BY MARTHA NODAR

Looking farther ahead, Lutz said some of his After a two-year break, the Oglethofewer people available due to personstudents are gearing up rpe University Museum of Art is restartal circumstances, making it difficult to to guide the tours for ing its docent program with a group provide the staffing.” other exhibitions later of local volunteers, including students, “I believe the docent program is curthis year scholars and retirees. rently being reinstated in part, due to The Audubon Although the docents, trained to the interest of a number of people who prints also attracted guide tours through the museum, had have experience and expertise in bird the interest of membeen Sunday afternoon icons at OUMA watching, and therefore a particular inbers of Atlanta’s Auduin years past, the program came to a halt terest in the Audubon exhibition.” bon Society (AAS), a during the transition between museum An exhibition of John James Auduconservation group. administrations. bon’s bird prints called “John James Nikki Belmonte, the Brookhaven resident Sandy Murray, Audubon: Swift Birds of Passage,” is on executive director of a museum member for 10 years, weldisplay at OUMA through August 23. the Buckhead-based comed the docents back. Jessica Gregerson, a rising senior at society, credits society “We always enjoyed having the doOglethorpe and one of the new docents, member Susan Gibbs cents in the past, and have been missing said she wanted to serve as a docent for of Brookhaven—who them for a while during the transition the new exhibition because it gives her a is also a OUMA board between the previous and the current chance to combine her interest in ecolmember—with “sugmuseum administrations,” Murray said. ogy with art. gesting that AAS be “The docents added so much value to Gregerson is pursuing a degree in contacted to partner the exhibitions. We benefit from their conservation biology, which she called on the exhibit.” MARTHA NODAR knowledge and experience. They walk “the science of trying to reduce the huAs the result, severAnne McCallum, left, a member of the Atlanta us through it and point out things of inman impact on our natural resourcal docents for the ex- Audubon Society who volunteered to be a docent File Name: M8012_50193_QB_ConnectAtlanta_HalfPage_NSP_10_6_R1 10" x 6" so-Closing Date: Fri May 22 terest.” es,” and says the Audubon exhibit gives hibitLive: are Audubon at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, Murray emphasized that learning her an opportunity to raise awareness ciety master birders. discusses a bird print with Jessica Gregerson, an NOTE: Keyline Live Area Revision 1: May 18, 2015 about the historyIndicates and the background of – Prints about 100% birds. “IBlack researchedBlueline over 30 spe“We are excited to Oglethorpe student who is also a new docent. a work of art adds meaning to the musecies of birds in the span of four months help Oglethorpe with um experience. and wrote the labels posted next to each its Audubon exhibit,” INT15-051 “Having a knowledgeable guide enJay Lutz, a member of the museum’s print,” she said. Belmonte said. Restaurant hances the experience of appreciating board and Oglethorpe’s French profesGregerson will be guiding the tours Museum patrons said they apprecithe art,” said museum visitor Liz Willis sor, said that he “believed the museum and sharing her knowledge with muate the additional expertise the docents of Sandy Springs. went through a period where there were seum patrons on June 28 and Aug. 2. bring to the museum.

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COMMUNITY

Winging it Left, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport welcomed the community at its annual “Good Neighbor Day” Open House and Airshow, May 30. Crowds had the opportunity to get a close look at a 1936 Lockheed 12A Electra Junior aircraft. Right, Quion Dallas gives his son Evan, 2, a better view as they watch air acrobatics. PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 19

rant Re

Res

DINING OUT: La Petite Maison

RESTAURANTS

BY ART HUCKABEE

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Frequent readers might be aware that I have been on a quest for Atlanta’s quintessential French bistro for quite some time. Friends recommended La Petite Maison. We visited most recently on a Tuesday, one of the slowest nights of the week for restaurants, but were surprised to find a good-sized crowd. They take reservations, which earns high marks from me. The space is configured in such a way that it can easily accommodate couples, large parties and business diners with its assortment of seating arrangements. There’s even a covered outdoor patio where you can pretend you’re dining in Paris on the Champs-Élysées; admittedly a stretch for Roswell Road. There’s a small bar that “greets” you when you first walk-in that also does double duty as a hostess stand. The owner and hostess extraordinaire was not on-premises this night, but the front of the house was expertly manned by two gents right of out of central casting for John Turturro’s butler role in “Mr. Deeds.” These two were everywhere at every time; one was a magician at pouring water which was quite entertaining to watch. Neither asked if they could change our socks; watch the movie. Monday thru Thursday the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu featuring choice of a soup or salad, entree and dessert for $32. Not necessarily cheap, but the portion sizes guarantee leftovers for lunch the next day. Only wine and beer are served. There’s a decent selection of French wines that are reasonably priced by the glass or bottle. A plate of crisp French bread slices, a good olive tapenade and whole pitted olives are waiting at each table. Individually sized French bread loaves quickly appear and disappear just as quickly. We ordered mussels in white wine. They were juicy, firm and plump but the sauce lacked seasoning. Our plan for sopping up this seafood “potlikker” was

spoiled by its lackluster flavor. The French onion soup (is it just onion soup when ordered in a French bistro?) was quite good with a cheesy crouton topping. The salads are large dinner-sized portions that could easily stand-in for an entrée. In fact, on future visits, my plan will be to split a salad and split an entrée; there is that much food. The ingredients were fresh and the dressings were well made. Both the salad Verdi and the warm goat cheese salad were excellent. The veal Normandy was the highlight dish. The veal was tender and the mushroom cream sauce, while rich, would make a shoe taste good. A side of stewed tomatoes and sautéed green beans was the perfect contrast. The “Gratin Dauphinois” was also crusty, creamy, “potatoey” good. The sole “Chex Nous” was fried sole paired with arugula, Parmigianino cheese, tomatoes, basil and olive oil served with a side of fries. It’s an example of how those sneaky French can make you think you’re eating something healthy when it’s really just fish and chips; a good dish. The steak frites “Parisien” was the single biggest disappointment of the meal. This simple dish can rival the best of beef. This version was “Plain Jane” and forlorn-looking, lacking the juiciness and seasoning that usually makes this dish shine. The sauce on the side could

RESTAURANTS

PHOTOS BY ART HUCKABEE

Selections from the La Petite Maison menu, far left, salad verdi, bottom left, mussels in white wine, and above, filet de sole “chez nous.”

nor hiccup or two. It is located at 6510 Roswell Road, NE. Call 404-303-6600 or visit lapetitemaisonbistro.com. Art Huckabee is one of Yelp’s Elite Reviewers, as well as a pilot, gourmet cook and food lover. Send feedback to atlantafoodwriter@gmail.com

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not resuscitate the poor fella; it was DOA. Ending on a sweet note, everyone enjoyed the Crème Brulée and the Profiterolles. La Petit Maison, or “LPM” as the regulars call it, is a very good rendition of its Provencal cousins with just a mi-

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 21

RESTAURANTS

Bone marrow transplants that result in world travel.

News you can eat: Quick Bites The team behind Buckhead Pizza Company has opened Pizza Crosta at 5590 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The new concept offers a dipping station for pizza crusts. The station, similar to a salsa bar, features fresh spices, a variety of oils, dips and more so guests can enjoy the crust as much as the cheese-covered pizza itself. For more information, visit pizzacrosta.com. Sprouts Farmers Market is wrapping up construction on the 26,000-square-foot store at 4600 Roswell Road at the Sandy Springs Gateway. An opening date of Sept. 2, at 7 a.m., was recently announced. Sprouts is hiring 100 full- and part-time team members for the store. To learn more about the available opportunities or to apply, visit sprouts.com/careers. Tex-Mex restaurant Pure Taqueria has opened its sixth location at the Brookleigh Marketplace in Brookhaven. The Atlanta Summer Beer Fest is June 20, 4 to 9 p.m. at The Masquerade Music Park in the Old Fourth Ward. This beer-centric event featuring more than 200 beers, ciders and wines will also showcase live music on two stages and a DJ. Patrons must be 21-plus with valid ID; no children or pets allowed. Advance tickets bought before June 11 are $40, increasing to $45 after that date, and day-of tickets are $55 each. For more information and to buy tickets, visit atlantasummerbeerfest.com. Dolce Italian recently served up a victory on the season finale of Bravo’s culinary competition series Best New Restaurant. Atlantans will get a taste of the winning modern Italian menu when a new outpost opens later this summer at Buckhead Atlanta.

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s survival rates are among the highest in the country for bone marrow transplants. That’s for both related and unrelated donors. It’s one reason why so many people from across the country trust Northside with their cancer care. Northside has seen thousands of cancer survivors walk out their doors. And then, go just about anywhere. For help ﬁnding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Chef Ford Fry plans to open a second outpost of his “Mex-Tex” restaurant Superica in Buckhead. The restaurant, which is expected to open early next year, will take over the old Outback Steakhouse space in Buckhead Court. The Superica concept made its ISADORA PENNINGTON debut at the Krog Chef Ford Fry Street Market in Inman Park earlier this year and has been a big hit with the locals, with wait times for a table topping two hours on the weekends. The Atlanta Margarita Festival will be held June 20 at Atlantic Station with a day devoted to food, music and more in honor of America’s favorite tequila-based concoction. The event includes a chance to vote on Atlanta’s best margarita. The festival offers limited-admission VIP Taste of Tequila from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests will be able to sample dozens of premium tequilas and mezcals, and savor gourmet appetizers from top Atlanta restaurants. From 1 to 5 p.m., the Margarita Grand Championship offers the chance to taste and judge over 25 drinks. The main festival will offer shopping, live music, Mexican and traditional festival foods, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and, of course, many different flavors of margaritas from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets range in price from $90 for VIP tickets to $25 for regular admission. Vist atlantamargaritafestival.com for more information.

RESTAURANTS

Find a special meal for your man on Father’s Day Editor’s note: Yelp is a website and a mobile app – free to use – that connects you with local businesses, organizations and events. Reporter Newspapers has partnered with Yelp for a monthly feature on Yelper’s favorite eats, treats and more in Reporter Newspapers communities. Yelp Atlanta OTP Community Manager Kellie Morvillo compiled this list. Father's Day arrives June 21, and while heartfelt cards and new ties don't go unnoticed, we know what dads really want. Whether your father’s ideal day involves a Mexican feast, a seafood extravaganza or a mouth watering slab of steak, here are some suggestions for your dude's special day.

Buckhead

New York Prime - 3424 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30326 Want to impress good ol' Pops? Bring him to New York Prime. He certainly won't leave hungry. Ocean Prime - 3102 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30305 New York Prime Does dad like seafood or does dad like any food that he sees? Ocean Prime will deliver the best seafood experience for the "Poseidon" of your family. Joy Cafe - 316 Pharr Rd., NE, Atlanta, 30305 It's all in the name. Do you want to bring joy to the head of the family? Bring him down to Joy Cafe.

Brookhaven

Pour Bistro - 1418 Dresden Ave., Suite 170, Brookhaven, 30319 Pour offers dad an elegant way to enjoy his day. Give the Mac & Cheese Starter a try. I hear it's awesome! Valenza - 1441 Dresden Dr., NE, Suite 100, Brookhaven, 30319 Looking for a big Italian dinner in Brookhaven? Look no further... Valenza has got even the most picky Italian covered. Newk's Eatery - 305 Brookhaven Ave., Suite A1100, Brookhaven, 30319 Does daddy dig big portions? Take him to Newk's!

Dunwoody

Cafe Sababa-Mediterranean Grill - 4639-D N. Shallowford Rd., Dunwoody, 30338 Is Mediterranean his thing? Look no further in Dunwoody.

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.

Wrights Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe - 5482 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30338 Looking to spoil dad with a great sandwich? Check out Wrights. Don't you dare let him leave without a piece of the lemon cake. Chong Qing Hot-Pot - 5385 New Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, 30341 Looking for something a little different or is dad a Hot Pot conesouir?

Sandy Springs

Taqueria Cuernavaca - 5000 C Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, 30342 Looking for a fiesta for your padre? Celebrarlo aquí!

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The Pub Perimeter - 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, 30346 Did someone say "Scotch Eggs"? Chong Qing Hot-Pot Well, there are not many better places to enjoy this downright dad-approved dish than The Pub. The Rusty Nail - 8549 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, 30350 Now this is where dad can get down and dirty. The Rusty Nail will bring the old stories out of Pop for sure. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 23

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Xanthos Likes The Marist School, senior

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Xan Likes displays many talents. He’s published his own children’s book, “Corporate Fish.” He recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. And he’s earned a six-year letter for playing tuba in his high school’s marching band. “Corporate Fish” began as a project for Xan’s finance management class. The project was to email one’s hypothetical boss every day and ask for a raise, with all the reasons why that day’s work was so extraordinary as to merit the raise. Xan decided to add a touch of humor to the assignment, using problems caused by intelligent fish to justify the raise. After finishing the project, his teacher at the time recommended he compile all of the emails and convert it into a story book. That began an online search for an illustrator. Xan found Mary Barrows. Xan edited and formatted the fictitious emails for a storybook, Barrows completed her illustrations, and Xan used CreateSpace to self-publish the work. Along with publishing it independently, he’s also sent “Corporate Fish” to Deseret Books, where it is in review for listing on their website. His first author read was at St. Jude’s Hospital. Xan says the kids seemed to have a good time listening to the story. “Xan is a very deep and caring person,” said Kelley Likes, his finance teacher. “He has the ability to make you laugh and wonder all in the same sentence.” Xan picked up the tuba in sixth grade. As one of the bigger kids in his

grade, he – naturally – was assigned to play the largest horn, and he says he always enjoyed hitting the low notes. He kept playing through Marist School’s high school band, marching with the band for six years. In case any readers may be wondering what Xan does in his free time, he is also part of the national runner-up robotics team and takes roles in Marist theater shows.

What’s Next: Over this summer, Xan will be submitting papers to go on a mission trip for the Church of Latter Day Saints. He plans on attending Georgia Tech. This article was prepared by Sam Wimpfheimer, a rising junior at The Galloway School.

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

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EDUCATION Student Profile: Abraham Araya Chamblee Charter High School, senior

Melissa Babcock, M.D.

With cross country, track, advanced placement classes, marching band and community service on his resume, one could say Abraham Araya just about does it all. “I want to make the sacrifices, and all the time and energy invested into me by my family, teachers, coaches and friends worth it, so to give anything less than my best is unthinkable,” Abraham says. Abraham certainly gives his best effort in the classroom, ending his senior year in the top 10 percent of his class. He has taken 10 AP classes at Chamblee, including AP Biology, and AP Anatomy and Physiology, his favorites. He has also studied German since fourth grade. Abraham played first chair in the concert band for four years. He was also active in the marching band as the low brass section leader for two years and brass captain his senior year. His athletic achievements are equally impressive. He began his running career in ninth grade. In spite of obstacles in his first two years, including a stress fracture at the start of his junior year, he “was able to run again, except now the inspiration for running came from within,” rather than the outside pressure he had previously felt. That inspiration, along with the coaching of his older brother, helped him place sixth at the region cross country meet as a junior, and be named team MVP for helping his team qualify for the state championship. “[Abraham’s] work ethic during the season and off season is incomparable,” said his older brother and coach, Semere Araya. That same year Abraham set many personal records and broke school records. He was named MVP and placed ninth in the state track meet. He competed in the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, the

June Specials Dysport only $250/site Wear your sunscreen - 15% off our entire sunscreen collection summer before his senior year. In his senior cross country season he broke a school record by running a 16:14, and once again led his team to state by placing sixth in the region. But the season also brought more injuries and emotional obstacles. Ultimately he was able to compete in the state track competition and beat his personal record by 13 seconds. Abraham also found time to be an active member of his community, volunteering at soup kitchens in downtown Atlanta and getting involved with campus beautification at Chamblee High through the National Honor Society. Abraham was also a Simon Scholar. This is a six-year program that offers SAT classes, leadership and public speaking training, college tours and advising, and provides “a second family and another support group,” Abraham says. He was also a state finalist for the Wendy’s Heisman award and Chamblee’s Coca-Cola Athlete of the Year award.

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JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 25

COMMUNITY

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Experience the Renaissance lifestyle for yourself Taste the difference with lunch in the Brookhaven Restaurant prepared by Chef Ephraim from Paris, France. Move in by June 31, 2015 and enjoy up to $10,000 in savings! For more information and to schedule your personal tour, please call one of our Senior Living Counselors at (404) 237-2323.

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Taking advantage of the outdoors Top, the playground at Morgan Falls Overlook Park is busy, with the swings in high demand on June 6. Above, left, Judy Towers shows off her paddle boarding skills on the water.

Above, right, cousins Ashwini Kulkarni, back, and Vaibhaui Begde play badminton.

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Local cities get ready for legal fireworks sales CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis said his city has not enacted any additional regulation measures. “We don’t view the recent fireworks law as a huge issue requiring the city to enact extra legislation on top of what the state passed,” Davis said. “We’ll keep a close eye on the sale and use of fireworks within Dunwoody, especially in and around the July Fourth holiday. “Should we determine possible public safety concerns or issues related to the sale of fireworks exist, we’ll discuss potential actions to address them.” City spokesman Bob Mullen also said Dunwoody is working with the DeKalb County Fire Marshal’s office on reviewing and enforcing local permitting and licensing. Regulating retail fireworks sales also has not made it onto Brookhaven’s agenda, but police spokesman Officer Carlos Nino said the department is concerned about public safety. “The No. 1 concern is responding to some sort of horrific accident where fireworks are blamed, such as a house fire or someone severely injured because of the sale of fireworks in the city,” he said. “And in the past we’ve responded to callers who weren’t sure if it was gunshot or fireworks they heard.” Nino isn’t sure whether the new law will create safety problems within the city. “It’s really too early say. If the public is careful about them, it will minimize its impact on the department and it will improve the local economy,” he said. “We were fully staffed during last year’s Fourth

“People in our state are crossing state lines and buying fireworks. We have so many neighbors around us that already authorize the sale of fireworks, this just made sense. And we have taken every precaution we can to try to eliminate any injuries associated with it.”

of July and we will be again, this year.” When he signed the new law, Gov. Nathan Deal said Georgia should reap the financial benefits of fireworks sales. “People in our state are crossing state lines and buying fireworks,” Deal said. “We have so many neighbors around us that already authorize the sale of fireworks, this just made sense. And we have taken every precaution we can to try to eliminate any injuries associated with it.” The law will allow businesses and nonprofits to pay a $5,000 licensing fee to sell some previously banned fireworks such as firecrackers, torpedos, Roman candles and skyrockets. That money is designated for public safety purposes, and the law also creates a new excise tax of 5 percent on every sale.

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Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. Nothing in this document is intended to create an employment relationship. Any affiliation by you with the Company is intended to be that of an independent contractor agent. 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. ©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. 10475ATL_3/15

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 27

PUBLIC SAFETY

Local cops advise fellow officers overseas SPECIAL

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

From left, Chief Gary Yandura, Brookhaven PD, Chief John King, Doraville PD, Chief Stacey Cotton, Covington PD, Keith Glass, director of Public Safety, Monroe PD, and Chief David Lyons, Garden City PD, exchanged basic information with their counterparts in the Republic of Georgia.

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura has taken advantage of opportunities to travel abroad for training—both in giving it and receiving it. Yandura was invited to the Republic of Georgia this May by Georgia Bureau of Investigations Director Vernon Keenan to assess police services, leadership and management, in the hope of setting up an exchange program. “We met with police chiefs for seven precincts and had discussions,” Yandura said. “We exchanged basic information.” The Brookhaven chief said visiting the Republic of Georgia with fellow chiefs from Doraville, Monroe and Garden City made him thankful for what he has at home. The U.S. State Department has had an international exchange program for 25 years, Keenan said. Kennan invited Yandura on the trip to Georgia because they’ve worked together for more than 10 years and Keenan said he has “the utmost respect” for Yandura, who had also been to Israel through the state-funded program. “He is experienced in international travel and I wanted to have professional chiefs who have been to a third-world country,” Keenan said. “The State De-

partment asked me to come up with recommendations and [Yandura] was one of the first people I thought of.” Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone said it is not unusual for police departments to take advantage of training opportunities, with other cities in the United States and abroad. He said he and other Sandy Springs officers have trained in England, South Korea and Israel. “We are a global society, with criminal networks disregarding boundaries,” he said. “Criminals today link together with sophisticated networks and are very adaptive in their thinking.” The taxpayers don’t pay for these trips, but the experience gained by their leaders helps communities at home, chiefs say. In 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia declared independence from the U.S.S.R., and in 1992 became the 179th member of the United Nations. Today, Georgia is a presidential democracy. Yandura said he felt safe in the relative seclusion of one city he visited, which was a four-hour drive into the mountains from the embassy in Tbilisi, the capital. He said he could envision

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about involved distrust of police in the Republic of Georgia. Because the country only recently established itself as independent, the citizens don’t have a lot of faith in their police, he said. They also don’t get much of a chance to communicate with law enforcement officials, Yandura said. “One of the things we found out was the police are seen everywhere, but they drive around on the streets,” Yandura said. “Traffic is terrible—they [officers] drive with lights activated all the time. They don’t have too much interaction with the public.” Dunwoody Chief of Police Billy Grogan went to the Republic of Georgia in 2010, when he provided leadership training to the Georgian Police, and shared his experiences of starting the Dunwoody department from scratch. “[The Republic of ] Georgia had recently fired all of their police officers and was in the middle of rebuilding their department with the help of the Department of State,” Grogan said. “I also recently provided, in April 2015, media relations and law enforcement’s use of social media training to the Georgian Police.” Grogan said the ability to help train a developing police department in best practices of a professional law enforcement department was a great opportunity to showcase law enforcement in Dunwoody. “It was also a great opportunity to share some of the success Dunwoody has had as a police department, both in starting the department and in our use of social media,” Grogan said. “There was an exchange of information during these training sessions that benefitted all parties, and I was happy to partner with the Department of State to provide this training.” Grogan said the federal government covered all the costs. DeSimone said he believes that to be successful, officers and leaders have to be a step ahead. “Learning from those experts, within their arena, provides an added layer of experience, which is very beneficial as we implement those practices at home,” DeSimone said. SS

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter The following incidents and arrests are some but not all, of the reports filed with Sandy Springs police from May 23 through June 5. The following information was provided by the Sandy Springs Police Department from its records and is presumed to be accurate.

CAPTAIN STEVE ROSE, SSPD

ROBBERY 8600

block of Roswell Road—On May 27, a man reported he was at a sports bar around 2:30 a.m. and spoke to someone he knew. The man didn’t respond, so the victim said, “I see you aren’t having a good day, so have a good night.” The man later punched him, knocking him down. The victim left the bar and then noticed the suspect and seven other guys were following him. They surrounded him and the aggressor told him to empty his pockets. He threw down what he had and ran. He called the police from a nearby convenience store.

1100 block of Pitts Road (and Colquitt

srose@sandyspringsga.gov

BURGLA RY 5500

block of Glenridge Drive—On May 23, a resident reported her apartment door had been forced open. Jewelry and a television had been taken. She

Petition Number:

201501160

Petitioner:

Traton Homes, LLC.

Property Location:

900 Spalding Drive

Present Zoning:

C-U-P (Community Unit Plan)

Request:

Rezone to TR (Townhouse Residential) to construct 82 townhouse units and 17 single family detached units

Public Hearings:

Planning Commission June 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor and City Council July 21, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

Location:

had been away from about 7:30 p.m. until just after 3 a.m. 5600

block of Kingsport Drive—On May 24, a man said he found his son’s bedroom window open and a message written on his son’s bedroom chair read: “You’ve got the power.”

6300

block of Peachtree-Dunwoody Road—On May 25, a resident said upon returning home that he saw that his front door had been forced open. Missing is an iPad, two personal Dell laptops and two pairs of Beats headphones.

Road)—On May 28, a man said he was 8400 block of Roswell Road—On May walking near the intersection around 26, a 79-year-old woman said someone 10:30 p.m. when he was approached by took her purse two males, one from a TV stand of whom pulled Read more of the inside her beda gun. They took Police Blotter online at room. She believes his items from his www.reporternewspapers.net that since there pocket includwas no forced ening $80 cash, celltry, someone had a phone and bank cards. key. Missing is personal documents and some cash. 5000 block of Roswell Road—A man reported that as he got out of his car at night, another man was staring at him. The man came over and asked him what he was staring at and then pulled a gun, first demanding an apology and then the victim’s personal items.

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF REZONING

5000

block of Spalding Drive—On May 27, a resident found a rock that had been thrown through a back glass door. The resident found no evidence of anything missing.

5800

block of Glenridge Drive—On May 28, officers responding to an alarm at 5 a.m. found a door/window shattered and an Apple keyboard hanging out the window. A rock had been used to shatter

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201501422

Petitioner:

James & Marcia Decker

Location:

5035 Riverview Road

Request:

One (1) primary variance from Section 6.1.3.(C) of the Zoning Ordinance to encroach into the minimum side yard to build a shed.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals July 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

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

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201501476

Petitioner:

JSB Homes, Inc.

Location:

6890 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.

Request:

One (1) primary variance from Section 109-225 (a) (2) of the Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance for reduction from the seventy-five (75) foot impervious surface setback to sixty (60) feet to construct a multifamily apartment building.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals July 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION

SANDY SPRINGS NOTICE OF VARIANCE PETITION Petition Number:

201501482

Petitioner:

Earl Moccia

Location:

1140 Churchill Downs Road

Request:

One (1) primary variance from Section 109-225 (a) (1) & (2) of the Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance to encroach into the seventy-five (75) foot impervious surface setback to construct a new single family residence.

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

Petition Number:

201501478

Petitioner:

Larry Viktora

Location:

7589 Van Eyck Way

Request:

One (1) primary variances from Section 6.2.3.I of the Zoning Ordinance to allow an accessory structure in the front yard; and

One (1) primary variance from Section 6.4.3.(B) of the Zoning Ordinance to encroach into the minimum front yard to build a single family residence.

One (1) primary variance from Section 19.3.15.B.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a pool in the front yard.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals July 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Public Hearings:

Board of Appeals July 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Location:

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

Location:

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

www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 29

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sandy Springs Police Blotter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

the glass. It appears two iMac computer were taken. 8300

block of Roswell Road—On May 30, a resident said his neighbor called him, telling him a window was broken and it appeared someone attempted or entered the home. The home was clearly ransacked; however the only item taken was $220 in cash.

Cedar

Run—On May 31, a woman returning home from out of town discovered that someone forced her front door open and entered. The apartment was ransacked and expletives were written on a bedroom wall. The victim said her daughter had a recent run in with two sisters over a guy.

THEF TS 1100

block of Mount Vernon Highway—On May 23, staff at a sporting goods store saw a man (on camera) cutting off sensor tags on items and then leaving the store without paying for the items, which totaled $181. He got into a Nissan Sentra and left the scene.

8300

block of Roswell Road—On May 23, an employee of a liquor store told police that just after 9 p.m. three men came in. Two proceeded to distract the employee while a third took a bottle of vodka, slid it down his pants and left.

8700

block of Roswell Road—A woman said she accidentally left her wallet on the self-checkout counter at a grocery store. She returned but did not find it. Store surveillance showed a woman taking the wallet, but apparently did not turn it in.

8000

block of Roswell Road—A woman reported her 2002 Chevy Tahoe was taken. She said she is behind on her Titlemax loan, however Titlemax did not have the car on an impound list.

5400

block of Roswell Road—A man reported someone stole his 2007 Vespa LX150 yellow scooter.

8500

block of Roswell Road— On May 28, a woman called police to report that two checks were taken from her 91-yearold mother’s room at an assisted living center. One of the checks had been cashed for $600 at a Bank of America on Turner Hill Road in Lithonia.

6100

block of Peachtree-Dunwoody Road—On May 28, a man reported that around 9:30 a.m. he was in the process of checking out of his hotel room and, while doing so, he unloaded his luggage and small children from the elevator. Before he could get one of the luggage carts out, the doors closed and off it went. He followed on another elevator to the ground floor. The first elevator, containing luggage cart and bags, had already lifted off again. When it returned, the cart was gone. The officer viewed the video and saw a man wearing a black security type uniform. The man gets on the elevator with the luggage cart. At the time he gets on, he’s holding one laptop type bag. When he gets off at the 6th floor, he has two bags. The cart and bags were found but it appears a gun and a phone charger were taken.

6600 block of Roswell Road—On May

28, a woman said she accidently left her

wallet at a coffee shop. The next day the bank called her, telling her that her debit card was used for $600.

forward and was charged with disorderly conduct. There was some damage to the hotel property. Hammond

AS S AULT 800

Hammond Drive—On May 25, around 10:30 p.m. cops responded to a hotel because someone said a woman had been hit by a car. She told officers that she pulled into the hotel parking lot and intended to book a room. She was approached by a man who asked her to join him in his suite. She refused and he grabbed her keys. She exited her car and began to scream. He entered his car, with her following him to retrieve her keys. He drove forward, struck her and then he left the scene. She called the police, at which time he returned on foot, tossed her the keys, and ran off. She (turns out she’s known him since she was 12) obtained his name and date of birth and gave that info to the cops. She was seen and later taken to the hospital for lower back pain. Hotel staff said no one witnessed the incident and no one matching the suspect’s name had booked a room. Turns out he is the boyfriend, whom she is trying to get away from due to his drug use and violent ways.

AR R ES TS 1000

block of Crestline Parkway— On May 23, a hotel manager reported that someone activated a smoke bomb on the third floor of the hotel just after midnight. The hotel had to be evacuated due to the heavy smoke. The person who was responsible eventually came

Drive—On May 26, officers got a call around 2 p.m. of a man yelling outside of an apartment complex. The man was yelling “Queens, Princes, Kings, Holy Ghosts, he will never take the throne!” as he pointed to the King and Queen Buildings at the Concourse. The 53-year-old man was located and found to have been the same kicked out of a local bar on Roswell Road after refusing to pay the tab. That officer earlier had given him a ride to the MARTA station, but he apparently hung around. He was arrested. On the way to jail he told the officer that he was “evil” and “serving the devil” and prayed for the officer’s “children to suffer.” Alcohol was involved.

1100

block of Mount Vernon Highway—On May 28, employees of a sports store watched a man who removed tags from clothing items and then attempted to leave without paying for them. He was detained. Officers spoke with the man, who gave a fake name. A fingerprint scanner was employed and verified his real name and a warrant already pending for a failure to appear charge in Sandy Springs. He was arrested.

6300

block of Roswell Road—On May 30, a woman was detained and then later arrested after stealing five items of clothing at a department store. She had placed the items in a cart, pushed the cart to a secluded aisle, placed the items in a bag, then tried to exit the store where her husband and child were waiting. She was taken to the Fulton Jail annex in Alpharetta. The value of the items was just over $81.

Reporter Classifieds HELP WANTED

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Antique Repair Specialist • Speciality Care Hand Wash Cleaning (front and back with plenty of water) • No Chemicals Used Air Dried, Scotch Guard • Mothproof, Padding, Storage Appraisal & Insurance Statements • Pickup and Delivery Available

Cornell Davis, Owner

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Professional Tile and Granite Countertops Installation Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Finish Basements Over 33 years experience References Available upon request

Nuri at 404-219-1923 The Handyman Can • Plumbing • Electrical • Sheetrock • Floors • Tile • Framing • Kitchens • Painting • Roofwork • Concrete • Stained Glass • Antique Door Restoration as well as many other issues...

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

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | 31

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A T L A N T A D E L I C I O U S

D i n e a r o u n d D u n w o o d y d u r i n g t h e f o u r t h a n n u a l D u n w o o d y R e s t a u r a n t We e k , J u n e 20-27. Over 24 restaurants from around town will par ticipate and showcase their best d i s h e s a n d d e s s e r t s a l l w e e k l o n g f o r l u n c h a n d d i n n e r. L u n c h p r i c e p o i n t s a r e $ 1 0 , $15 and $25 and will include an appetizer selection and entrée selection. Dinner price points are $20, $30 and $45 and will include an appetizer selection, entrée selection a n d d e s s e r t o p t i o n . To v i e w p a r t i c i p a t i n g r e s t a u r a n t s , p r i x - f i x e m e n u s , a n d t o m a k e r e s e r v a t i o n s t h r o u g h O p e n Ta b l e p l e a s e v i s i t D u n w o o d y R e s t a u r a n t We e k . c o m | # D R W 1 5 .

JUNE 12, – JUNE 25, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net