08-07-2015 Dunwoody Reporter

Dunwoody Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net

AUG. 7 — AUG. 20, 2015 • VOL. 6 — NO. 16

Inside

Winging it

Going live

ChatComm ready to launch COMMUNITY 2

Red means stop When school buses are running PUBLIC SAFETY 20

Catch me if you can

OUT & ABOUT 14

Consultants say Perimeter zoning should be about ‘balance’

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

PHIL MOSIER

Emily Grumboski, 5, left, gives Ryan Trujillo, 5, a chase around the Dunwoody Nature Center’s ballfield during morning exercises at the center’s “Mad Scientist” summer camp on July 29. The one-week camp encouraged youngsters to look at nature from a scientist’s point of view.

Zoning in the Perimeter area should be about balance, say consultants drawing up new Dunwoody development rules for the area.

In May, the city of Dunwoody contracted with Duncan Associates and CodaMetrics to write a zoning plan specifically for Perimeter Center because, during the earlier Zoning and Land Development Code rewrite, members of City Council determined the area required additional attention.

“Our mission was to facilitate the evolution of Perimeter Center into something that is more urban, but reflects the unique character of Dunwoody,” said Leslie Oberholtzer, principal at CodaMetrics.

She and Kirk Bishop presented a draft of the code to the Dunwoody Homeowners Association on Aug. 2 and then to City Council on Aug. 3.

Oberholtzer said the code works to create a balance between what the current zoning code says and what has been recentSEE CONSULTANTS, PAGE 4

Volunteer teaches kids about life through baseball

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Baseball, like life, is a game of failure, Jerry Weiner says. nities, Shortal said. Many of them come from Murphey And he wants to continue a baseball program Candler Park’s Little League Baseball when at Dunwoody Park so others can learn from his they’re too old for that program. experience.

Weiner said he started as a volunteer coach “My dad likes to say baseball is a game of for DSB when he retired at age 50, in 2001, failure,” Jonathan Weiner said. “Twice as often he said. as you succeed, you fail, and that’s something “That was perfect timing because my youngto be proud of, rather than ashamed.” er son came from Murphey Candler, into DunJerry Weiner recently took the role of presiwoody Senior, and I had a lot of time on my dent for Dunwoody Senior Baseball, a program hands, whereas previously I had traveled a lot,” that City Councilman Denis Shortal, who Weiner said. coached for six years, says “fills an age gap” for Many people get confused, he said, beplayers 13 to 18. cause the “senior” in this case means kids oldJerry Weiner “I know Jerry Weiner, and he has the knowler than 12. Instead, those folks expect to see reedge and desire as the new ‘CEO’ to continue tired or older adults playing ball at Dunwoody to enhance DSB,” Shortal said.

Park. About five or six years ago a printer incorrectly printThe 40-year-old program benefits boys (and girls if they ed T-shirts that said “Dunwoody Seniors,” with an extra “s,” choose to join) from Dunwoody and surrounding commuSEE VOLUNTEER, PAGE 5

SPECIAL

Dunwoody Senior Baseball President Jerry Weiner, right, keeps an eye on his son Jonathan during a game in 2006.

Rabbi Spike Anderson Exciting Things Are Happening At Temple Emanu-El! Come meet our new rabbi and become part of our warm, vibrant community.

Join us at one of our prospective member events Prospective Member Shabbat Services | August 14 & 21 | 7:30 pm Dunwoody/Sandy Springs Prospective Member Wine and Cheese | August 25 | 7:30 pm Alpharetta Prospective Member Wine and Cheese | August 26 | 7:30 pm For more information and to RSVP for events, call us at 770-395-1340 Visit us at templeemanuelatlanta.org

COMMUNITY

Long-awaited ChatComm fix to finally go live Aug. 10

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

On Aug. 8, 2011, Dunwoody’s city manager reported there would be a slight hitch in the city’s effort to move its police dispatching from DeKalb County’s 911 system to the separate system called ChatComm.

The problem was a computer program called CAD-to-CAD. The county dispatch system was having trouble matching its program to the one used by the Chattahoochee 911 Authority, or ChatComm.

“They’re going to get to this, but it’s not going to be until the first of next year,” then Dunwoody City Manager Warren Hutmacher said at the time.

The city switched to ChatComm anyway. Now, four years and hundreds of arguments and disappointing test reports later, the CAD-toCAD problem finally may be solved, city officials said recently.

On July 6, during a conference call among representatives of the city of Dunwoody, DeKalb County 911 and ChatComm 911, all agreed that the CADto-CAD system could at long last “go live” on Aug. 10.

That’s assuming all goes well with a live test of the CAD-to-CAD Interface, Chief Billy Grogan said in a memo to City Council before its July 27 meeting. “At this time, there are no known issues with the Interface or the outlined timeline that would cause a delay in the expected go live date,” Grogan wrote.

The city of Dunwoody contracted with ChatComm in 2011 to provide 911 call taking and dispatch services. As an enhancement to that service, the city engaged in a CAD-to-CAD Interface project to provide for the electronic transfer of fire department and

CATCHING UP Revisiting a local news story from the recent past

emergency medical services data from ChatComm 911 to DeKalb County 911.

By November 2013, Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis had agreed to meet with ChatComm leaders to try to work out a solution to the continuing delays in installing a CAD-to-CAD system to more quickly handle Dunwoody’s fire and emergency medical calls, which had been routed to DeKalb dispatchers.

Delays continued, attributed to technical issues such as the possibility of losing a caller in the transfer process. During the Jan. 27, 2014, City Council meeting, members asked for a report on the handling of a Jan. 8, 2014, emergency call made by a 79-year-old woman who said she waited five minutes to be connected to an emergency medical and fire services dispatcher.

Though council members agreed to continue the contract as a subscriber when ChatComm reduced its price, Councilman Jim Riticher said in August 2014 that problems over the CAD-toCAD system had convinced him to oppose renewing the city’s agreement with ChatComm.

But the lack of an alternative dispatch service, other than returning to DeKalb County dispatch, convinced council members to continue with ChatComm.

“There’s nowhere else to go,” Davis said in August 2014. “It’s a good deal.

We’ve got to take it.”

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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COMMUNITY Revised city comprehensive plan draws critics

Developer seeks community support for townhome plan

After four “community sounding board” meetings and six workshops to hear public comments, members of Dunwoody City Council on July 27 got their chance to weigh in on planned revisions to the city’s comprehensive plan. Some council members didn’t like what they saw.

BR IEFS Councilwoman Lynn Deutsch told the project manager, Jim Summerbell, the vision statement should have been written by council members.

“We’re the final owners; the city is the final owner of this and ultimately it stops with us,” she said.

Summerbell said council members would get the opportunity to rewrite the vision statement and make other adjustments to the comprehensive plan before sending it to the state. The council will again take up the plan at its Aug. 10 meeting. If approved, the plan goes to state officials for consideration.

Resident Renate Herod said she lives in Dunwoody North and said she didn’t like the way her neighborhood was described in the plan. She said the description lacked detail concerning the number of residents who should live in the area. “It felt like it was primarily serving the businesses and developers,” she said.

Deutsch said she didn’t agree with high-density plans for the area around MARTA, and she suggested looking closely at proposals to allow taller buildings in some areas in return for creating more green space. She said the city doesn’t have the infrastructure for too much more development. “[The] Georgetown [neighborhood] doesn’t need any more housing with the exception of ‘age-restricted’ housing,’” Deutsch said. She said residents only want “senior housing.”

Lonnie Moss, a developer with Cypress Communities, says he wants to work with Dunwoody homeowners, city officials and staff on a plan for townhomes in the Dunwoody Village area.

On Aug. 2, Moss presented his plan to the Dunwoody Homeowners Association for the third time, after City Council denied on June 8 a request to change the city’s land use plan to allow 87 townhomes and deferred a decision on re-zoning until Aug. 10.

“Simply put, I don’t want to get voted down again,” Moss told the crowd of about 25 people. He said he has now revised a plan for 81, three-story townhomes without master bedrooms on the main level to a plan for 68 units, of which 26 will have master bedrooms on the main level.

The plan involves changing only the width of the individual units, Moss said, and not the design of the buildings. What would have been six-unit buildings will now have only five, 30-foot-wide units and those will be nearly 4,000 square feet.

“I’m not coming to you with a wildly different plan,” Moss said.

Cypress Communities anticipates charging in the high $500,000 to $600,000 range for the townhomes as planned, Moss said. Though the updated designs and floor plan documents were not available at the meeting, Moss said he would make them available to residents in the next few days.

City Council will discuss Aug. 10 the decision to deny the change to the land use plan because a waiting period of at least six months is necessary before the developer can make the request again, Steve Foote, the city’s community development director, said. Council members also will vote on the revised plan and public comments may be made, but no public hearing will be opened on Aug. 10 because a public hearing was held June 8.

Dunwoody launches contest to name new park Dunwoody residents have a chance to name the city’s newest park at Pernoshal Court, Bob Mullen, a spokesman for the city, said.

The “Name Your Park” contest began Aug. 5 and runs through Sept. 30. The five potential park name selections are Pernoshal Park, Hightower Trail Park, Muskogee Park, Old Buck Park and Magnolia Park—or residents can write in a name.

The winning name will be announced Dec. 14 at the 6 p.m. City Council Meeting. Enter at www. connectdunwoody.com.

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 3

COMMUNITY

Consultants say Perimeter zoning should be about ‘balance’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ly approved. The idea, Oberholtzer and Bishop said, is to provide guidelines for developers and to set predictable expectations for residents.

The current code says buildings can be no higher than five stories, but Oberholtzer said “anyone who can read” would know Ravinia and other buildings far exceed that. This new code will correct the “huge disconnect” between what exists now and recent development, including the ongoing and soon-to-be approved State Farm development, she said.

The presentations focused on two main documents.

The first was a map of the area, which identifies a consistent and mandatory design of interconnected parkways, ELLEN ELDRIDGE trails and frontage requirements.

Leslie Oberholtzer, principal at CodaMetrics, one of two companies The second map divides the Perimwriting the zoning code for Perimeter Center, reviews plans. eter Center area into four districts that mall area, but also in the other districts.

“At that point, the city’s on the hook each would have their own development Assistant City Manager Jessica Guinn for it,” Guinn said. “Typically, if it goes rules. said the council should consider the imthrough a zoning process, like with State In the area containing Perimeter Mall pact of building heights that trigger state Farm or something like that, we could and the MARTA station, for instance, regulations. then send it to the commission, but if buildings could rise as tall as 35 stories.

There are certain development we don’t have that zoning process, we In exchange for added height, develthresholds set by the Department of don’t have that avenue anymore.” opers would be required to use certain Community Affairs and the Atlanta ReCouncil members Lynn Deutsch and types of building materials and desiggional Commission, Guinn said, where Terry Nall expressed concerns with what nate open green space. city would to1 make additional the code would permit developers to do Council members discussed implica- 1the 07-29-15_PerimeterPediatricDentistryFinal_Layout 7/27/15 9:18 AMhave Page improvements such as roads. without feedback from the community tions of building heights in not only the

or an administrative process.

“It feels like 35 stories for a building in the PCID is a really high number,” Nall said to Oberholtzer.

All the documents for the zoning code draft are available online, and additional public feedback will be sought after the mayor and City Council have a chance to provide their feedback. The code will go to the planning commission and before the public early in 2016.

Dunwoody Government Calendar The Dunwoody City Council usually meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Dunwoody City Hall located at 41 Perimeter Center East Suite No. 103.

For a complete and up to date schedule of Dunwoody City meetings, visit http:// www.dunwoodyga.gov/Residents/Calendar.aspx

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COMMUNITY

Volunteer teaches kids about life through baseball

Jonathan Weiner, left, with his father, Jerry in 2006.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Weiner said, laughing.

For more than 20 years, the program was led by John Crawford and Pat Sadler, a man who “win or lose kept the same demeanor,” Weiner said. “Whereas I wouldn’t even get in the house and my wife would say ‘Oh, you lost today.’”

Weiner said Sadler taught him without words how to be a great coach.

“I don’t think [Sadler] said anything to me, but through his example I learned what I was doing had little to do with me,” Weiner said. “It was sometime during the mid-2000s, and it changed my attitude about why I was there and what I was doing.”

When Sadler died a year and a half ago, Weiner said he starting thinking about the program’s future and who would be there to lead it.

“When Pat died, I have to be honest, I cried,” Weiner said. “I knew Pat not all that well but he demonstrated what this [program] really was all about. To some extent this isn’t about sports at all; it’s about helping young people learn about life and learn about themselves.”

One of the people Weiner helped as a coach was his younger son, Jonathan Weiner, who now is 26 years old and still enjoys playing baseball for fun. He’s part of three adult leagues, his dad said.

Jonathan said his dad taught him to

accept failure while not letting his success go to his head. Weiner said his son showed tremendous talent, but he chose to continue playing for the sake of the game and chose to attend a college that didn’t even have an intramural baseball team.

His dad didn’t lay awake at night hoping for the role and responsibilities of being president of the program, Jonathan Weiner said. “He saw [the position] needed to be filled and the program might be at stake if no one took SPECIAL it,” Jonathan Weiner said. “He values baseball and this program, so he stepped up and did what he did taking the reins when nobody else really wanted to.”

Jerry Weiner said he took the job because it hit him hard emotionally when he realized just how much the community program meant to him. “I wasn’t looking to pad my resume with this [president role],” Weiner said. “This was true love, and it took Pat’s passing for me to realize that.”

Adding tournaments and developing more community involvement and support through sponsorships has helped the program, Weiner said.

He hopes to inspire people to get and stay involved because he’s had trouble developing a “volunteer cadre,” he said.

Dunwoody’s park director, Brent Walker, said he couldn’t be happier with the program Dunwoody Park has with Senior Baseball, and he has faith in Weiner as a leader.

“I look forward to seeing the great things that the organization will do under Jerry’s leadership,” Walker said.

Weiner said he appreciates the confidence the community places in him, but he is doing this so his grandkids and other future generations can enjoy the same program he and his son enjoyed.

“There was nobody left to run the program. I had some volunteer experience and a deep passion for teaching these kids about life through baseball,” Weiner said.

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 5

COMMENTARY Reporter Newspapers Our mission is to provide our readers with fresh and engaging information about life in their communities.

Published by Springs Publishing LLC 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: 404-917-2200 • Fax: 404-917-2201 Brookhaven Reporter | Buckhead Reporter Dunwoody Reporter | Sandy Springs Reporter www.ReporterNewspapers.net Atlanta INtown www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com

CONTACT US Founder & Publisher Steve Levene stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net Editorial Managing Editor Joe Earle joeearle@reporternewspapers.net

School counselors deserve same raise as teachers I have been an educator for 30 years and a counselor with DeKalb County Schools for the last 14. Currently, I am privileged to work at Dunwoody High School, which is shining under its new administration. Our students are getting accepted at top colleges around the country, as well as at the University of Georgia, Emory University and Georgia Tech.

A strong team of counselors is critical in establishing a successful high school experience for each and every student, yet parents and community members are often unaware of the many services counselors provide to students.

We provide assistance to all students, not just those who are highly gifted or have learning disabilities.

In addition to aiding students with class selection, counselors help students in all areas of academic achievement, including assisting students with the very complicated and detailed college application process, encouraging understanding and tolerance in a multicultural and diverse population, and working with at-risk students in an effort to reduce the drop out and failure rates.

Counselors do much more. We stand ready to assist in ways that others cannot even imagine. We are there for not only the students, but for the school staff, as well.

Many times we are the ones students turn to when they feel there is no one else who can help them in navigating the murky waters of adolescence. We help students cope with a

Associate Editor: John Ruch Staff Writers: Ellen Eldridge Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker

This issue we say farewell to our summer college intern, Mary Helen Kelly, who soon returns to Furman University to start her sophomore year. Over the past two months, Mary Helen—who’s a Buckhead resident and Marist alum—has researched and written several news and feature articles for us and also assisted with special projects for our sales department. She’s done a great job and we wish her well in future journalism (or related) endeavors.

Creative and Production Director of Creative & Interactive Media Christopher North chrisnorth@reporternewspapers.net Graphic Designer: Isadora Pennington Advertising

Calling more interns...

Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net

During the school year we offer a paid internship for selected high school students.

Interns will write our “Standout Student” profiles, work on other editorial assignments and assist with administrative tasks. Ideal candidates will be editors of a school publication, have excellent written, verbal and computer skills, be proficient in social media and have their own transportation; juniors and seniors preferred. If you qualify, or know someone who does, please email publisher@reporternewspapers.net.

Senior Account Executives Jeff Kremer Janet Porter Account Executives Susan Lesesne Office Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net

On the record

Contributors Robin Jean Marie Conte, Mary Helen Kelly, Phil Mosier, Clare S. Richie, Megan Volpert, Jemille Williams

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Lisa Gordon is a counselor at Dunwoody High School.

Thanks, Mary Helen!

Intown Editor: Collin Kelley

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wide variety of matters, from personal relationship issues, to dealing with a family divorce, to grief counseling, to suicidal thoughts. We are the sounding board and support system for the next generation.

A few years ago, DeKalb County decreased counselors’ salaries, yet since then, we have been required to assume more responsibilities (including, but not limLISA ited to, those of the high school GORDON graduation coaches who were released as part of staff cutbacks). As GUEST COLUMN you are probably aware, DeKalb teachers are scheduled to receive a well-deserved 4 percent raise, effective this fall. However, counselors may receive only a 2 percent raise.

Counselors are vital members of the educational team and deserve the same recognition with an equal salary increase as that of our teachers. We are all on the same team.

On behalf of all counselors, I implore DeKalb County to reconsider this decision and raise our pay by 4 percent, just as they have done for our teacher teammates.

Read these articles from our other editions online at ReporterNewspapers.net.

“It’s been two years worth of work to get to this point. We’ve dived far deeper than we had last year at this time.”

–Bates Mattison, Brookhaven city councilman and chairman of the board of the Brookhaven Innovation Academy, on the proposed charter school’s application for approval from the State Charter Schools Commission.

“It’s a mystery to me. It just seems to me to be grossly unfair for residential property owners to be paying ever-higher property taxes…[while] at least these commercial properties are having such low assessments.”

–Brookhaven resident Thomas Spencer, on his discovery that while the tax appraisal on his home jumped 80 percent this year, the appraisal on neighboring commercial property did not rise.

Correction

In the July 24-Aug. 6 edition of the Dunwoody Reporter, the size of a new State Farm office complex was stated incorrectly.

The insurance company will occupy 2 million square feet of space.

Nevell Allison’s name was misspelled in an article about townhomes proposed in the Perimeter Center area in July 24-Aug.6 edition of the Dunwoody Reporter.

AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

DUN

COMMENTARY

Forget country music, I’ve got the blues Today I’m going to explore two of the most popular musical genres of the South: country music and the blues. I’m a blues girl, myself. Now, I realize that there’s a fine line between the blues and country music, and that’s a line that I don’t want to cross. I’ll go as far as bluegrass, but I stop there.

You might say that both of these musical genres are forms of artful whining.

But the difference between the blues and country music is the difference between telling it like it is and ruthlessly exploiting my emotions.

If I happen to hear a country song that starts off with a letter stuck to an old oak tree, I switch the radio dial, because whoever wrote that letter is going to die. And that will make me cry. And I don’t want to listen to a song and cry unless I’m watching Les Miserables.

With the blues, you start down and you stay down, and those minor chords make it kind of fun while you’re down there. Not so with country music.

You’ll be Sittin’ Knee-Deep in the Water Somewhere and the next thing you know, you’re being showered with tears that are pouring down on you from Holes in the Floor of Heaven.

Don’t jerk me around like that.

I don’t want to be having a rollicking good time with my red Solo cup in hand and in the next moment witness my daughter growing up too quickly before my very eyes while plumbers and other sages are telling her that she’s going to miss this when it’s gone, which starts me spiraling straight into a Sunrise, Sunset melancholy. Stop it, already!

With the blues, I know what’s coming.

There will always be a minor scale and a major problem, and it will be played out in a very reliable fashion. There will be a 12-bar chord progression, three-

line stanza and double entendre.

If I miss the first line of a verse, I don’t have to worry because it’ll be sung all over again-right away.

ROBIN JEAN With the blues, there MARIE CONTE will be an isROBIN’S NEST sue with a spouse—he’s either cheating or leaving. If it’s a Sad, Sad Sunday, I know it’s because my baby has to go. If there’s nothin’ I can do as you leave me here to cry, I know that my love will follow you as the years go passing by. If you’ve been meetin’ your man, baby, down at the local laundromat, then I know that someone’s done got wise and daddy ain’t going for that.

You see? There are no surprises with this musical genre.

I respect the blues. There’s integrity in them thar lyrics. It might sound real sweet to have some slick country music cowboy singing to you about how the July moonlight shines, with “your pretty little head” on his shoulder—but I’ve heard that line before. A blues singer will compare his woman to a whiskey store, and that sounds a whole lot more honest to me.

I’m not trying to convert you. I know you’re happy with your trucks and sunshine and cutoff jeans, your Keith Urbans and your Carrie Underwoods. But I’ll take B.B. King every time.

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

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Head for the Hills

SPECIAL PHOTOS

Left, adopt your own Cabbage Patch Kid at Babyland General Hopsital in Cleveland. RIght, Helen’s alpine village is full of restaurants and shops.

Mountain Towns

Shopping, dining and attractions beckon in North Georgia

BY COLLIN KELLEY If you’re planning to buy a second or retirement home in the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll obviously be looking for peace and quiet. But you’ll also want to be near shopping, restaurants and activities when you need a break from rustic living.

Here are a few suggestions.

Helen

Okay, so the faux-Bavarian is a tourist trap, but Helen also has its charms. Oktoberfest offers kitschy fun, while the annual Balloon Race in June is a must-see. Unicoi State Park is just north of town, offering swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and playgrounds.

Cleveland

The town bills itself as the “gateway to the mountains” and has plenty to offer in way of shopping and dining. The historic courthouse square area has eclectic shops, restaurants and even a soda fountain. The old courthouse has been turned into an interesting museum, but Cleveland was really put on the map as the home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Be sure to visit Babyland General Hospital to see how the kids are born and maybe adopt a new bundle of joy.

Dahlonega

The town was made famous as the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S., but is now known for its vineyards and wineries. After you’ve had a tipple, head to the town square to visit the shops, restaurants and art galleries. The annual Gold Rush Festival in October attracts thousands to the city.

Hiawassee

Located along the Appalachian Trail, Hiawassee is home to Lake Chatuge, a TVA reservoir popular for swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddling, sport fishing and other water sports. The Georgia Mountain Fair is held at the fairgrounds each summer and the Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is in bloom April to late May with more than 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons.

Rabun Gap

The town is home to The Hambidge Center, a nationally known retreat for writers and artists, and Southern victuals mecca The Dillard House is nearby. The Sylvan Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn offers a quiet and relaxing retreat in the shadow of Wolf Valley, which has become a favorite spot for photographers to capture images of the waterfalls. The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School offers events and theater productions year round.

Clayton

This mountain town has a multitude of antique and craft shops, restaurants and two vineyards to explore. For the adventurous, go white-water rafting on the Chattooga River or wander through the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers camping, trails for horse enthusiasts, waterfalls and overlooks.

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Head for the Hills

Outdoor and indoor fun awaits at Brasstown Valley

BY JEMILLE WILLIAMS Just two hours away from Atlanta and vides restorative massage and other body named after Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstreatments with state-of-the-art facial techtown Valley Resort and Spa has something nology. Their salon will have you looking B L U E R I D G E G E O R G I A for all ages – from toddlers as completely restored as to dodderers. you feel.

A scan of license plates With such a range of acin the parking lot shows a commodations from lodge good mix of faraway counrooms and suites to cozy ties and neighboring states cottages imbedded in the have made their way to the trees, the resort is perfect for resort, which is celebratfamily reunions. As much ing its 20th anniversary this of a nature girl as I am, I year. have a sister who is afraid of If you’re a heat-hater the woods, so this is a perand a sun-shirker like me, it fect compromise. It’s the doesn’t get any better than ideal balance of seclusion Brasstown Valley in the without isolation. summer. I love to do water If you have grandparents aerobics in the luxuriouswho can’t take the heat and Brasstown Valley ly shady pool, set in a troparen’t up for a stroll on the Resort’s rustic lobby. ical conservatory. There’s a resort’s eight forested miles Subject to Availability and Weather: Call for days & times 706-632-3411 hot tub inside that’s great of trails, there is a lovefor loosening up tight muscles, but the inly glass corridor that overlooks the mandoor-outdoor pool also has a twin hot tub made waterfall feature. Downstairs there is Plus: Hard Cider Tasting Room, Farm Market, outside if you’d prefer the sun. a gallery of local art for sale or just to enjoy, 800-361-7731 Fresh Bakery, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner But worry not – there’s still plenty o’ and an interpretive display that tells about fun in the sun. The championship golf the mountains in general and Brasstown links are ranked as one of the top coursValley in particular.

SHOP ONLINE: MERCIER-ORCHARDS.COM es in Georgia, and there is even a sandy For more, visit brasstownvalley.com. beach in nearby Lake Chatuge if you yearn to loll in the sand and bob in the limpid lake water.

As if the on-site horseback trail-riding, golf, tennis, hiking and fishing weren’t enough, they offer a wide range of turnkey excursions like tubing and white water rafting in kitschy Alpine Helen. You can make your own arrangements and drive yourself, or the concierge has comprehensive activity packages all wrapped up and waiting for you.

There is a full menu of outings with hiking, biking, picnicking and waterfall gazing in the Chattahoochee National Forest, with close to a million acres of woodsy recreation. Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia at an altitude of 4784 feet) is close-by and is especially fasExperience Matters Scott Smith Sr. cinating in the fall, when you can look Access to both the North Georgia MLS and Atlanta MLS c: 404.441.4400 north and see golden leaves, and south to f: 404.843.2613 Gets the job done at the best price for Buyers and Sellers see summer green.

Nearby Lake Chatuge is the largest lake LivingRoomRealtyGA.com Top agent in the North Georgia and Atlanta markets in the state at 9,000 acres, and you can ScottSmithSr@LivingRoomRealtyGA.com Property owner in the N. Georgia Mountains for 30 years rent watercraft with people power or powerful motors. There are kayaks, canoes and SUPs for quietly poking around in secludAre you ready to find YOUR ed coves for wildlife-spotting, or pontoons new mountain home? and ski boats for maximum excitement.

Our favorite is Boundary Waters Resort Call today for more information! & Marina in neighboring Hiawassee. You can rent a kayak for $10 an hour or a powerful wakeboard boat for $400 a day, with a wide range of intermediate craft that can handle from one to ten passengers.

If relaxation is your goal, a wine tasting at one of the proliferating vineyards nearby is a great way to educate yourself and support Georgia agritourism.

After a busy day, the cherry on top is a spa treatment in the acclaimed Equani Spa, a Cherokee-themed haven that pro-

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 11

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out& about

BROOKHAVEN • BUCKHEAD • DUNWOODY • SANDY SPRINGS

GIVE BACK

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Garden Work Day

Saturday, Aug. 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. – Bring the family for a community-wide meal packaging festival at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

This annual event provides participants with the opportunity to make at least 300,000 meals for the organization Stop Hunger Now. Volunteers can sign up for a variety of shifts to put together the bags or for a variety of other support tasks. Youth are invited to help unload and celebrate with tailgate games and a move on Friday, August 14, from 4-8 p.m. Free and open to the public. Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Gymnasium, 1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.

For more information and to sign up, go online to dumc.org or call 770-394-0675, extension 119.

Saturday, August 15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

– Come out and volunteer for a few hours at

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7-8 p.m. – Joshua Saul

hosts a discussion about how the ancient art of acupuncture can help you to rest, relax and feel better. Free and open to the public. Suggested for high school students, college students and adults. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information, go online to afpls.org or email comments@co.fulton. ga.us.afpls.org.

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WELL-BEING

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the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. The preserve is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, and relies on the community for regular volunteer cleanup and maintenance days. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the property while doing good for the environment. Free and open to the public. Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Buckhead, 30342. For more information, go to bhnp.org or call 404-345-1008.

or email us at dunkinfranchising@dunkinbrands.com

AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m. – Join Dunwoody MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) for their 2015-16 kickoff event at Dunwoody Baptist Church. Socialize with other moms, enjoy dinner provided by fellow mothers, and hear from local author and speaker Cynthia Simmons on the topic of “Self Care for Women.” Meetings and membership are open to any mother of children from infant through kindergarten, and meetings occur on the third Wednesday of every month. $5 fee per meeting; $35 annual membership to MOPS International. Church membership not required. Dunwoody Baptist Church, Room D-306, 1445 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. Go online to dbc.org or email llreace@yahoo.com for more information.

out & about out&

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Chattahoochee Nature Center

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PERFORMANCES

Butterfly Nights

Eats & Beats

Thursday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. – Enjoy live

Thursday, Aug. 13, 7-10 p.m. – This event

acoustic music and stroll the Chattahoochee Nature Center property after hours. Beer and wine available for purchase on the green roof, and visitors can watch the sunset from a variety of points around the center’s 127 acres. Butterfly encounter open until 9 p.m. All ages. Free for members and included with general admission.

Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, 30075. For more information, go to chattnaturecenter. org or call 770992-2055.

Cigar Store Indians Thursday, Aug. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. – Her-

itage Sandy Springs offers another installment of their popular Rhythm & Brews concert series at Heritage Green. Cigar Store Indians is a band from Crabapple, Georgia, and their music style is Rockabilly, Roots-Rock, HonkyTonk, Country and Cow Punk. Blankets, coolers, picnic baskets and blankets are welcome, while pets and smoking are not. Doors open at 5:30 before the concerts. Tickets are $5 for ages 21 and up; $2 for ages 13-20; and free for ages 12 and under. Parking available on Sandy Springs Place in designated parking lots.

Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green, 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs, 30328. For more information, go online to heritagesandysprings.org, email events@ heritagesandysprings.org or call 404-851-9111, extension 4.

promises an evening of music, local eats by top Atlanta chefs, spirits and a foodie silent auction to benefit Children of Conservation and the Giving Kitchen. Tickets start at $75 each and can be purchased online. The Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Rd., Buckhead 30305. For more information and to buy tickets, go to xorbia.com/e/coc/eats-beats-2015-tickets or email kim@childrenofconservation.org.

Memorial Concert Saturday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. – Singers, dancers,

and actors take to the stage for the 7th annual Tim Redovian Memorial Fund Concert. Featured performers are talented former recipients of performing arts scholarships through the Tim Redovian fund. Free and open to the public. Dunwoody Baptist Church Chapel, 1445 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more information, go online to www.timredovian.org or call 678-488-6929.

Rhythms on the River Sunday, Aug. 16, 5 p.m. – Presented in part-

nership with Atlanta Pays it Forward and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, this evening event features live music by The Pieces of Eight, a band that incorporates soul, R&B and beach music. Guests are invited to kick up their heels on the dance floor in the name of a good cause, with proceeds from the night going toward Camp Sunshine. General admission tickets start at $20; other rates available. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, 30075. For more information, go to chattnaturecenter.org or call 770-992-2055.

Dan Sasser loves coming and going as he pleases. That’s just one of many reasons he chose Canterbury Court to be his home.

“I left a tenured position so I could live wherever I wanted.

Then I retired at 60 and was working part time when I discovered Canterbury Court. I thought, ‘How wonderful it would be to live there.’”

When he decided to move to Canterbury Court, he chose a studio apartment, which he says “is more than big enough for me.” The maintenance-free lifestyle also lets him keep a second home in Florida and take frequent road trips.

Dan says people are “missing the boat” by not moving to a retirement community sooner. “Here you have several restaurant options, all kinds of activities and excursions, a theater with daily showings, a heated pool and wellness center, 11 acres of beautiful gardens ... it’s like being on a permanent vacation!”

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Get Listed! In print and online. email your event to calendar@reporternewspapers.net www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

Reporter Newspapers

AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 13

out & about

Butterflies ready to spread their wings at annual festival

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

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.

Live butterflies have visited the Dunwoody Nature Center annually for more than two decades. But people won’t see the hundreds of colorful guests flying in a mass migration into town. Before they go on display, the showy butterflies ride from Florida on a truck, asleep in a simulated state of hibernation.

Ashley Jones and her father now own the traveling butterfly exhibit that had been SPECIAL part of the Greathouse Ashley Jones, along with her father, owns Butterfly Farm in Earthe traveling butterfly exhibit that will letown, Fla. The farm bring the insects to the Dunwoody Nature closed in January and Center’s annual festival on Aug. 15. owner Zane Greathouse hired Jones to care for the 100 acres of land and for his ing, and those tents are a prime examnearly 90-year-old mother, Jones said. ple of being back in touch with nature,” “It was sort of a family business beMothner said. “You’re in a tent with cause we all worked there, but we’re hundreds of butterflies flying around. not related [to the Greathouse famiThere’s no other experience like it.” ly].” Jones said. “Some of my family In addition to Monarch butterflies, and some of my friend’s family worked which the Nature Center’s 22nd annuthere.” al butterfly festival will focus on as part Before the Aug. 15 festival, Jones and of its Milkweed Project, Jones and her a handful of family members will load family are bringing Zebra Longwing, up a rental truck for the seven-hour trek Common Buckeye, Sleepy Orange, Gito Dunwoody. ant, American Black and Tiger SwallowOnce there, they set up a pair of tents tail species of butterfly. filled with butterflies and plants the butThe Monarch butterfly can live up to terflies feed on. Jones and “Professor eight months, Jones said, but most speMullet,” the character her father plays, cies of butterfly live only two to four each host a tent. They teach about the weeks, depending on the season as much lifecycle of the butterfly and why it’s an as the species. important pollinator, along with bees Jones and her father grow butterflies and bats. in greenhouses that have the proper host Alan Mothner, the Nature Center’s plants, such as the milkweed for caterexecutive director, said once people vispillars that will become Monarch butit the festival, they look forward to it all terflies. year until the next one.

“They lay eggs on plants and grasses, “We’re all about experiential learnso you have to have the right plants for

I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng P r e v iou s ly k now n a s T h e H a l l m a r k

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14

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

out & about

Center Ice Arena

Sandy Springs New Ice Skating Arena

5750 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, GA 30342 www.centericearena.org 404-549-8425

Daily public ice skating sessions $8 admission, $4 skate rental Kids 5 & under $6 admission, $4 skate rental Kids 3 & under free

Public Skate, Learn to Skate & Learn to Play Hockey Programs.

Fall Youth Hockey League starting in August!

See website for details centericearena.org

ELLEN ELDRIDGE

Alan Mothner, executive director of the Dunwoody Nature Center, says the butterfly festival is both an entertainment and educational event.

the specific butterfly,” she said. “They lay their eggs, they hatch, and the caterpillar eats the food, makes a chrysalis and emerges. Then it starts all over again.”

Though the butterflies exhibited at this year’s Butterfly Festival will return to Florida, some butterflies leave their farm home for good, Jones said, shipped in special containers via priority overnight FedEx. Her business sells some butterflies that are to be released -- customers as far away as Canada purchase the butterflies for release during special events such as birthday parties, weddings and funerals.

“We fold the wings up as if they were resting and put them in an insulated box,” she said. “We have ice packs at the bottom, separated by a barrier so [the butterflies] don’t get too cold. It puts them in a hibernation state.”

Cooling and shipping butterflies extends their lives, she said, because of the hibernation state. “When it gets cold here, they fold their wings and rest until it warms up,” Jones said. That’s how they travel for the annual festival as well, she said.

Jackie Sherry, the program manag-

er for the Nature Center, said visitors to the tents will be expected to follow the rules set by Jones and her family. Because more than 3,000 people come to spend time with the butterflies, each group of 20 people will have between seven and 10 minutes in the tent, Sherry said.

Jones said visitors will be given sticks to hold and a sugary substance like Gatorade to put on the sticks to encourage the butterflies to land on them.

Though many people treat the butterflies with respect, accidents do happen, Jones said. Sometimes, someone will accidentally step on a butterfly or a child might get nervous and shake the sugary stick too hard, she added. “Throughout the day, usually about 10 butterflies end up not making it,” Jones said.

The end result is education as much as entertainment, Mothner said. He wants to show people how important butterflies are for the environment and give people a chance to check them out up close.

“We want people who might be scared of bugs or butterflies to come in and realize how beautiful they are,” Mothner said.

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 15

RESTAURANTS

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The tres leches, one of two dessert specials served at Superica.

DINING OUT:

If you’re more discerning than Taco summers and I’ll vouch for Superica up Mac but less adventurous than Buford against any of the great, sprawling enHighway, there is The El Felix up in Alchilada joints from South Congress to pharetta. Is it worth the trek for folks Sixth Street. The food is authentic, the who live Inside the Perimeter? Not any bar is thorough and the patio is huge. more – because Ford Fry cut-and-pasted Before I touched the menu, I ordered it into Superica at Krog a house margarita and Street Market. Then he a queso con chile. Red bumped half the menu and green complimentaprices up by a dollar, ry salsas were on the taau because Krog-goers are ble instantly. Both were rant Re willing to pay it. fresh and finely pureed, And pay it they plus the chips were plenshould. Superica is the best Tex-Mex ty salty without being greasy. The chips there is in this town. and salsas are house-made with proper After a half-dozen other concepts in care considering they’re served to every his ever-expanding domination over Attable. The margarita was nicely balanced lanta’s restaurant scene, Chef Fry is cirand the queso was yellow. cling back to what undoubtedly works, Service quality can fluctuate or lapse andOffering for the fiyou: rst time he’s replicating his in a place this big – that, too, is authenbest asset: recipes he ate as a kid in Textic. Still, I asked the server to surprise Compassionate as. •I taught in Austin for a couple of me with whatever enchilada gets ordered

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most often. She brought me the green chicken. The in-house tortillas were ace; the salsa verde was smooth; the chicken was just chicken. My wife ordered the carnitas fajitas. Two thumbs way up on the Mexican butter. You’ll want to take a bath in it. The fixings included decent guacamole and a pile of charred onions so large I doubt anyone finishes it.

The main thing, of course, is the pork belly. When the plate arrived, I couldn’t believe how much of it there was. So nice to see somebody using more than just tiny cubes. That said, pulling pork belly to make your own fajita is complicated. The protein itself is super soft, but strung through with delicious fat ribbons inside and a seared, crispy outside.

You need a knife and fork to handle it, leaving no hand to hold your half-completed fajita. The plating method makes assembly a challenge.

Superica has no dessert menu, but they had two specials. The tres leches was perfect, minus the passion fruit syrup drizzle’s sour aftertaste. They could’ve played it safe with strawberries, though maybe I’m the minority as a passion fruit hater.

The flan-adjacent chocolate custard was likewise absolutely terrific, but for the cinnamon sauce that made two delicious bites before desensitizing my entire palate. I am not a person who orders anything “just plain,” but two overbearing toppings gives me pause. Also giving

me pause: the distinct possibility that Superica is using a certain name brand whipped topping on their desserts. I dared not ask – I love the taste of that stuff, but when everything else is done in-house, this strikes an odd chord.

Where messing with the classics is perfectly acceptable is at the bar, and the bar at Superica is excellent. You must order The Return of the Swamp Thing.

It’s like a glass of mezcal and guacamole. The more I describe it the more insane it will sound, so just order it and prepare to have your prior ideas of summer refreshment blown to pieces. If you’re wondering how I bridged the gap between a house marg and the Swamp Thing, it was with a sweetened up mezcal old fashioned. This bar has something for everybody.

If you want a seat at the bar, go like a granny. I arrived at 5:15 p.m. on a Friday and every stool was already taken. In fact, go early if you want any seat at all without a wait, because Superica doesn’t take reservations. That’s authentic TexMex for you. I hope Ford Fry opens up a half-dozen more places exactly like this.

Heck, just four more and he’ll overtake Taco Mac inside the Perimeter – a worthy monopoly.

Megan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in Roswell and writes books about popular culture. Send feedback to tastingintown@ atlantaintownpaper.com.

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RESTAURANTS

Quick Bites: News You Can Eat Bites, Beers & Bands will be held Aug. 9, 2 p.m. at Aja Restaurant and Bar in Buckhead. The event features Here to Serve chefs, showcasing their grilling skills.

Classic BBQ favorites from Chef Dan Garner of Prime, house-made sausage from Chef Peter Kaiser of Twist and a modern Surf n' Turf from Chef Phillip Strange of Strip will be presented. Among the breweries involved include Second Self, Eventide and Terrapin. Enjoy music from Sailing to Denver, a giant Jenga game, corn hole and a photo booth. Tickets to the event cost $35 in advance/$40 at the door. Admission includes a sampling of each food and beer station. Proceeds benefit the Giving Kitchen. Tickets are available at xorbia.com.

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The Marcus Jewish Community Center (MJCCA) is hosting a grand opening celebration for its new Kuniansky Family Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody, on Aug 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Guests can sample delicacies prepared by two of Atlanta’s most respected culinary stars – Eli Kirshtein, executive chef and partner at The Luminary, and Todd Ginsberg, chef and partner at The General Muir – who will be on-site and conducting demonstrations. Also hosting demonstrations in the state-of-the-art kitchen: Greg Gordon, partner and executive chef, and Susan Fornek, head chef, representing The Food Movement, who will prepare vegetarian fare from the company’s two popular food trucks, Hail Caesar and Pressed for Time; Cyndi Sterne, owner of Hal’s Kitchen, which specializes in corporate teambuilding through cooking; and Zehavit Kaidar-Heafetz of Baking Smiles, who will prepare tempting baked treats. The gourmet fare will be available to sample. Find out more at www.atlantajcc.org/create.

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The Atlanta BAR-B-Q Festival returns to Atlantic Station on Aug. 14 and 15.

More than 50 teams from across the region will fire up their grills to compete in the annual cook-off to win prizes in categories like whole hog, ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, sauce and more. Local barbecue restaurants will also be serving up their specialties during the event. For more information, visit atlbbqfest.com.

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There are some places in the metro area you should watch your step after dark, Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone said. On a recent trip to the Middle East, he says he discovered the same is true in Israel.

“In the West Bank and the Gaza SPECIAL Strip, it’s a lot worse [than other areas],” Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura, second DeSimone said. “I from left, with Israeli border police. looked at it sort of like Atlanta: you go to Buckhead and it’s compared his impression to Israel. relatively safe, but other places in Atlan“Georgia was a little more secure beta, you better watch where you walk afcause they weren’t under the threat of atter the sun goes down.” tack all the time,” Yandura said. “More For the 23rd year in a row, the Georpeople from this country should see how gia-Israel Law Enforcement Exchange they [Israeli police] have to live in a pansent public safety and law enforcement ic mode—on alert 24 hours a day. We officers, including the police chiefs of found out the police and military are Sandy Springs and Brookhaven, overseas on 24 hour, 7-day-a-week alert. If you for training. GILEE is a partnership beheard a siren, you had 15 seconds to get tween Georgia State University and local downstairs. law enforcement agencies that helps pre“And there was an officer who was pare its participants to deal with threats stabbed three times near Jerusalem” to public safety and improve security. while they were visiting the country, he Seventeen Georgia law enforcement said. officials took part this year.

After the stabbing, the border paThough DeSimone had experience trol guard shot and killed his attacker, working with military police and travDeSimone said. eling as a Marine, he had never been to Yandura said some of the technoloIsrael, he said. He was the fourth person gy that Israeli officers have, such as facial from the Sandy Springs department to recognition technology, could help here. travel for the GILEE training, he said.

“Facial recognition is not perfect, but it’s Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan improving,” Yandura said. completed the training in Israel in 2000, Yandura said a crowded place such before he came to Dunwoody. as Perimeter Mall might make good use “I’ve been to several countries around of facial recognition, especially to catch Israel, but not Israel,” DeSimone said. shoplifters.

“This is the 50th country in the world Though the country and police stayed I’ve visited.” on high alert, Yandura said peace did exLocal chiefs said they look at their ist in a small city of Acre, which the ofcities with a new perspective after the ficers visited, Yandura said. Religious training. Brookhaven Police Chief Gary leaders such as Greek Orthodox priests Yandura said the visiting officers ate in a and Muslim imams told the visitors they restaurant where a suicide bomber had didn’t understand why others couldn’t killed more than 20 people years earlier. simply coexist. “In this little town there They saw how law enforcement efforts was a lot of cohesiveness and they got had made communities safer, he said. along,” Yandura said. “They comingled DeSimone said he was most imvery well.” pressed by the way the Israeli police Both chiefs agreed that the mandatohad to maintain law and order in such ry military service requirement for Israea diverse country. Though it’s a Jewish li citizens gives everyone greater respect state, Muslims and Christians live there, for law enforcement. “There’s a sense of too. “It was professionally rewarding to unity in the country,” Yandura said. “I see how Israel police were able to posuppose they’re more patriotic.” lice different communities, whether IsYandura said he knows an Israeli airlamic, Jewish, Christian or any subsets,” line pilot who also volunteers to fly for DeSimone said. “They are able to effecthe country’s air force, and he’s always tively police these communities fairly on alert. and equitably.”

“I feel very fortunate we’re not worYandura had recently returned from ried about getting bombed all the time,” training in the Republic of Georgia and Yandura said.

DUN

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Left and center, if there is no median present, drivers going in both directions must stop for a school bus. Right, if there is a grass or concrete median, drivers on the same side must stop, but drivers on the other side can continue.

You risk a ticket, or jail, if you don’t stop for a school bus

BY ELLEN ELDRIDGE

elleneldridge@reporternewspapers.net

Students return to school this month, capture photos of stop-arm violations, which means drivers heading to work he said. must stop when school buses do.

So, when do you stop?

If a driver doesn’t stop, he or she risks Where no median divides the road, a ticket – and even a trip to jail. all drivers – those headed in both direcTwo Brookhaven drivers who didn’t tions – must stop when a school bus exproperly stop for a school bus stop sign tends its stop-sign-bearing arm, Nino did find themselves headed to jail after said. police pulled them over and found they Police admit there can be confusion didn’t have proper licenses. at times for drivers who trained in the “It is not common to be arrested and ways of the road before buses regularly jailed for failure to stop at a school bus rolled down divided highways and fourstop sign,” said Carlane roads. los Nino, a spokes“If there is a ceperson for Brookhavment or grass median “One of our municipal en police. “Normally, in the roadway, the a traffic stop of that drivers on the same court judges said nature results in the side of the school bus when the red blinking driver’s compliance are supposed to stop,” light is out, all drivers and they are cited Nino said. “Drivers and released at the loon the other side are have to stop.” cation of the traffic free to go.” stop.”

There also can – CARLOS NINO But police write be confusion about plenty of tickets for when a driver a must BROOKHAVEN POLICE SPOKESPERSON school bus stop-arm stop. scofflaws.

“The other misconception is Between January whether or not the bus has to be com1 and May 5, Sandy Springs police citpletely stopped and the stop sign is ed 76 drivers with overtaking and passcompletely out,” Nino said. “One of ing a school bus. Dunwoody police citour municipal court judges said when ed three motorists, while Brookhaven the red blinking light is out, all drivers police gave five warnings and cited 20 have to stop.” drivers with passing school buses.

One of the most common excuses Atlanta Public Schools reported no police get from drivers who fail to stop citations through early May, but that is that they didn’t see the light, stop sign could be changing. Internal cameras on or bus. Nino said that’s no excuse. school buses are being upgraded, and Another common excuse is claimwhen the project is complete, there will ing “I’m not from around here,” Nino be cameras on the bulkhead, driver’s side said. Cops won’t buy it. “I’m sure your and on the rear of each bus, Open Restate has laws that mirror Georgia’s,” cords Administrator Kent Johnson said.

Nino said.

External cameras were to be added to

DUN

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police Blotter From police reports dated July 16 through 31.

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

ROBBERY  First

block of Perimeter Center East— On July 17 and 24, arrests were made for robbery of a residence with a gun.

 4100

block of Charleston Place—On July 24, robbery with a gun was reported at a residence.

 2200

block of Dunwoody Crossing— On July 27, an arrest was made for robbery of a residence with a gun.

BURGLA RY  3300

block of Azalea Garden Drive— On July 20, two reports of burglary at a residence were made.

 4500

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 20, burglary was reported.

 3200

block of Charleston Place— On July 22, burglary was reported.

block of Dunwoody Crossing— On July 22, burglary was reported at a residence.

 5500

block of Trowbridge Drive—On July 24, burglary was reported at a residence.

 1200

block of Dunwoody Gables Drive—On July 24, burglary was reported at a residence.

 6600

block of Peachtree-Industrial Boulevard—On July 27, burglary was reported at a residence.

A U TO THEFT  4400

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 23, theft of a motor vehicle was reported.

 300 block of Perimeter Center North—

On July 28, theft of an automobile was reported.

 4600

block of Peachtree Place Parkway—On July 28, theft of an automobile was reported.

T HEF T/ L A RC EN Y block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 17, 18, 24 and 30, shoplifting and other larcenies were reported and/or arrests were made; On July 19, theft from a building was reported.

DUN

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 30 and 31, shoplifting was reported and/ or arrests were made.

 4700

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 17, 18, 19, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 31, shoplifting was reported and/ or arrests were made; On July 18, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported.

PHIL MOSIER

National Night Out Dunwoody Police Department Chaplin Ray Eagan, left, speaks with Dunwoody Police Officer Tim Fecht during National Night Out at Perimeter Mall on Aug. 4. Hosted by the Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs police departments, the event encouraged the community to look at vehicles and pick up information regarding public safety.

 First

block of Perimeter Center East— On July 22 and 23, shoplifting was reported.

 400

block of Perimeter Center Terrace—On July 16, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

4900 block of Conover Drive— On July 17, larceny was reported.



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

 2300

 4300

 4400

1000 block of Ashwood Parkway—On July 18, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported. 

block of Barclay Drive—On July 19, larceny was reported.

was reported.  6200

block of Dunwoody Gables Drive—On July 26, larceny was reported.

block of Peachtree Place Parkway—On July 23, an arrest was made for simple assault and battery; On July 26, an arrest was made for simple assault and battery.

 4500

block of North Shallowford Road—On July 27, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

 4600

AS S AULT

 5400

 4500

 100

block of Perimeter Center West— On July 19, shoplifting was reported; On July 22, larceny from a building was reported.

 2000

block of Ashbury Square—On July 20, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported.

 12,000

block of Madison Drive—On July 20, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported.

 1000

block of Crown Pointe Parkway—On July 22, larceny from a building was reported.

 1100

block of Hammond Drive—On July 22, shoplifting was reported and three arrests were made.

 5500

block of Reston Court—On July 24, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

 6800

block of Peachtree-Industrial Boulevard—On July 24, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported.

 3100

block of Ashbury Square—On July 25, theft of articles from a vehicle

 4600

 2100

block of Womack Road—On July 16, assault by intimidation was reported.

 5400

block of Charleston Place—On July 16, harassing communications were reported.

 1100

block of Coronation Drive—On July 18, harassing communications were reported.

 6800

block of Peachtree-Industrial Boulevard—On July 19, simple assault and battery was reported.

 5600

block of Glenrich Drive—On July 19, a simple assault and battery was reported.

 4000

block of Dunwoody Park—On July 19, a simple assault of a family member was reported.

 7200

block of Madison Drive—On July 21, a simple assault and battery was reported. www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

block of Holliston Road—On July 25, an arrest was made for family battery. block of Seaton Way—On July 26, an arrest was made for simple assault and battery.

 3300

block of Ashbury Square—On July 26, aggravated assault and battery with a weapon was reported.

 5200

block of Wynterhall Way—On July 27, family battery was reported.  2000

block of Woodland Way—On July 28, family batter was reported.

4900 block of Winters Chapel Road—On July 30, aggravated stalking was reported.



FRAUD  First block of Perimeter Center East—On July 16, 19 and 20, fraud was reported; On July 26, fraud by swindle was reported.  2300

block of Peachford Road—On July 17, fraud was reported.

 4600

block of Devonshire Road—On July 17, fraud was reported.

 1100 block of Asbury Square—On July

20, fraud was reported.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 21

PUBLIC SAFETY

Dunwoody Police Blotter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21  4500

block of Chamblee-Dunwoody Road—On July 21, credit fraud was reported.

AR R ES TS

July 26, fraud by swindle was reported.

On July 24, fraud was reported.

block of Crown Pointe Parkway—On July 27, fraud was reported.

block of Perimeter Center East— On July 17, an arrest was made for failure to appear in court; On July 18, arrests were made for failure to appear and violation of probation; On July 20, an arrest was made for violation of probation; On July 23 and 28, arrests were made for probation violation; On July 29, an arrest was made for forgery of other objects.

 2300

 4400

 2100

 4700

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 22, credit fraud was reported.

 300 block of Perimeter Center North—

block of Dunwoody Crossing— On July 26, credit fraud was reported.

 5400

block of Stapleton Court—On July 26, fraud by swindle was reported.

 1800

block of Stapleton Court—On

 1900

block of Calder Court—On July 27, fraud by impersonation was reported.

 1000

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road—On July 27, credit fraud was reported and two arrests were made.

 First

block of Cotillion Drive—On July 16, two people were arrested for DUI.

 4400

block of North Peachtree Road— On July 16, an arrest was made for pos-

session of marijuana.  5300

block of Tilly Mill Road—On July 29, an arrest was made for possession of marijuana.

OTHER  I-285

at Ashford-Dunwoody Road— On July 16, a hit and run was reported.

 4500

block of Olde Perimeter Way— On July 21, damage to private property was reported.

 300 block of Perimeter Center North—

On July 24 and 26, damage to private property was reported.

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www.ReporterNewspapers.net |

AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | 23

An Open Letter to the City of Sandy Springs from Caroline Mayson on the Ashton Woods / Mercedes-Benz Development Proposal Pending action in front of the City of Sandy Springs Council has created community discussion – and much misinformation – about the proposed development by Ashton Woods Homes and Mercedes-Benz on Abernathy Road. As the owner of this property, I would like to address several concerns and tell you why this proposal is good for Sandy Springs.

When I decided to sell my property, I felt that we could avoid the development mistakes that have been made in the past. Too many developments have been built with excessive density, high impact on our infrastructure, and a disregard for the legitimate needs of our community. That is not what I wanted for my city, and that is why I required each potential buyer to submit their development plans to me as part of their proposal.

All of the plans I reviewed included shopping centers, multiple high-rise office buildings, high-density apartment complexes and overbuilt mixed-use developments – all but one. The Ashton Woods/Mercedes mixed-use development plan includes low-density, fee-simple residential homes, office space for Mercedes-Benz, concierge-style apartments and an upscale retail area. It is the best and least impactful plan for this property and for Sandy Springs.

GREEN INITIATIVES The Ashton Woods/Mercedes plan as submitted contains – by far – the most green space of all the proposals we have seen. In fact, 38 percent of the 76 acres (29 acres) will remain green, far more than any other comparable developments in the city. Other environmental issues to consider: • Tree canopy: there will be minimal mass grading on the north parcel, which has the vast majority of trees on the property. The interior of the south parcel is treeless pasture, and most of the trees around the perimeter of the south parcel will remain intact after development.

• Walking paths: miles of public access walking paths throughout the development will allow Sandy Springs residents to continue to enjoy the property for generations to come. Ultimately, these paths may connect to other green spaces throughout the community.

• Sensitive design: Ashton Woods turned to DPZ, known for their Seaside project in Florida, to preserve as much of the property’s character as possible and to create an environment that is designed for pedestrians yet accommodates automobiles and mass transit. Expansive public green spaces are supported by human-scaled private and public architecture.

• Stream buffers: along the streams and pond, buffers have been established to prevent impact to water quality and preserve the beautiful natural character of the property.

• Water retention: not only will existing water areas be retained, but additional water retention ponds will be added to enhance the landscape, in many cases fed by natural, subsurface filtration.

• Silva cells: Ashton Woods will incorporate silva cells into their plan to promote large tree growth while enhancing storm water management.

TRAFFIC IMPACT Many people are concerned with the potential impact of traffic in the immediate area. That’s completely understandable. But what they don’t know is that traffic engineering studies conducted to the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’s specifications and vetted by the city’s zoning staff found that traffic service in the area will be maintained, and even improved, over the next five years after accounting for projected growth from this development and that of the city. Here’s how: • Developer improvements: Ashton Woods/Mercedes is investing $3 million in surface street upgrades, such as new turn lanes and numerous intersection improvements.

• Public improvements: The Georgia Department of Transportation has already approved and funded $1 billion worth of improvements for the GA400/I-285 corridor that includes significant upgrades to the GA400/Abernathy Road interchange, Abernathy Road, Barfield and Glenridge Drive.

• A community for how people live: Ashton Woods’ plan is to build a community where people can live, work, and play in the same neighborhood. By placing a wide variety of housing options adjacent to Mercedes-Benz and other Perimeter employers, we see a true opportunity for area employees to live within walking distance of work, thus reducing traffic. This is a win-win for anyone.

DENSITY CONCERNS A lot of the discussion centers around the density of the project, particularly the apartment component. Here is some information that puts those concerns in perspective: • Density math: The density of this project is a fraction of the density for other similar projects already approved or built in Sandy Springs. There is no tricky math here; by any measure the north and south parcels, together and separately, have some of the lowest density in the city.

• Concierge-style apartments: The apartments next to the Mercedes-Benz corporate campus are luxury units with amenities that will command premium rents. Built

by StreetLights Residential, a company well known for its exclusive, high-end projects throughout the south, these units will appeal to an affluent, sophisticated demographic. The number of units proposed is modest relative to the size of the property and this part of the project will provide an important alternative to single family housing for the city’s workforce.

• Premium retail: The resident population on both parcels will support the small, but upscale, retail component on the south development with much-needed services in this part of town, including chef-driven restaurants.

My family has had the privilege of maintaining stewardship of this property for more than 100 years and has been blessed with the opportunity to watch Sandy Springs blossom into a beautiful city with boundless potential. My parents’ commitment to this community resulted in the formation of Heritage Sandy Springs, the Sandy Springs Conservancy, and indeed, the creation of this wonderful city in 2005. Those values of supporting this community were passed on to me.

Their legacy – creating a better Sandy Springs for future generations – continues with the proposed development by Ashton Woods and Mercedes-Benz. I urge you to voice your support for this well-conceived zoning application.

Caroline Mayson

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AUG. 7 – AUG. 20, 2015 | www.ReporterNewspapers.net

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