2005 - February - Vol 21

 

The

CITIZEN’S REVIEW

Vol. 21

Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc.

February 2005

Budget Raises Salaries and Lowers Property Tax Tax Millage Rate  

BY CLAIR CLAIR MULLER Atlanta City Council Member, District 8  

This year’s “interim budget”, approved in December, had seen a lot of debate primarily because of the disparity in the level of raises between police and firefighters and other city employees. What we eventually came up with—including changes I introduced for a millage roll back—may be a satisfactory solution to the debate. As background, you should know that the Charter requires that the Mayor’s proposed budget be submitted to Council by early December the preceding year and then approved by the end of February for the year of the  budget. By law, appropriations for the general fund cannot exceed 98% of the prior year’s revenue. While I have attempted to change the timing of the fiscal year to address the structural problem of approving a budget two months after the budget year has begun, the process employed by this Administration is to approve an interim budget in December based on 96% of the prior year’s revenue which is re-debated and finalized in February based on the actual revenues of the prior year. Because of the methodology used in the past three years, there has been a “surplus” (more prior year revenue than projected) over the forecast that was approved in December.

Budget talks: a fight for parity for City firefighters The proposed budget for 2005 was debated in Novem ber and December and amended by Council with several amendments, some of which were vetoed by Mayor Franklin. The major emotional issue was that the Mayor’s  budget proposed a 1% cost of living increase for all em ployees and an extra 3% raise for police pursuant to a study that showed that Atlanta police were not on a equal  basis with other police departments to which Atlanta com pares itself. The firefighters complained and many demonstrations were held to promote equalizing the pay increases among all employees. On the floor of Council, one amendment (by Starnes) called for the first $5 Million of any “surplus” that might materialize by the end of December be used to give raises to other employees who had not gotten a raise AFTER a

salary survey was performed to compare various departments to other similar departments in other jurisdictions. Any raises that might be given would be data-driven and retroactive to January 1. A second amendment (by Muller) called for one half of any remaining “surplus” after the initial $5 Million to be used to roll back the city millage rate for property taxpayers. I wrote the amendment in that way because extra public safety personnel still need to be hired and the remaining dollars could be put

Rolling back property tax millage rate is priority for budget surplus funds At this point (February 2005) we know that the unappropriated “surplus” after close-out in December 2004 is over $18 Million, and so the first amendment which calls for spending $5 Million to fund raises for firefighters and other city personnel pursuant to a salary survey (just completed) will be accomplished. I believe all City Council Members were really of the same opinion. We all wanted our firefighters and other employees to receive raises as well as our police. But I believe we must know how much money is available and we must give market based raises. In addition to the first $5 Million for raises, the end of the year close out provides over $13 Million, one half of which will be used to roll back property tax millage for 2005 according to the Muller amendment. This amounts to .45 millage roll back, not very big, amounting to $7.65 for every $100,000 of house valuation but at least it’s a step in the right direction. The Council has now begun the debate over the final 2005 budget, in effect debating the $18 Million “surplus”. Let’s hope the Council retains the property tax roll back.

 

 

The President’s Corner By YOLANDA ADREAN

This opening 2005 Association Board meeting took place January 20. Our first order of business was the unveiling of our new website: mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org which has been under construction since this fall. Our volunteer webmaster, Beechwood neighbor Mike Elrod, Lynne Moscow, Jo Ann Rau and I have been hard at work creating this wonderful resource for our neighborhood. We hope you find the website informative and easy to use. Please peruse the site and communicate questions and suggestions by clicking on the webmaster’s address, and save the website in i n your favorite places! There are a few features I would like to highlight beginning with the home page. You will first notice a banner which will change reflecting current events in our neighborhood. Beneath it, are three tool bars with pull down menus to connect you to our neighborhood sites and those for local government offices and other neighborhood links. This will enable you to locate elected officials and email them simply by clicking on their address. I will caution you that some of the links are still under construction and others are only as up to date as the government’s  pages, which we learned are often out of date. You can access crime reports, the neighborhood calendar, lost and found pets and the garden club directly from the home  page by clicking on the pictures. The website is “read only” with the exception of the link for lost and found pets where you enter information on forms found on the lost and found link. If you wish to make referrals for services providers, providers, click on the drop down menu for the Neighborhood where you will find the Referral bar. Email recommendations to our webmaster. We’ll continue emailing crime alerts, lost and found pets and urgent matters affecting the Neighborhood using our email network and publishing this newsletter. The website is an additional resource. Look at it and let us know what you think! I can’t thank Mike Elrod enough for his genius and enormous time commitment. A busy dad, husband, Fulton County Sheriff and businessman, he has somehow found time to donate his services, and without him, we could not have launched the website as quickly as we have. So on  behalf of all of us, thank you Webmaster Mike Elrod Mike for giving us a powerful tool to keep us linked as a community and as civic-minded voters. 

IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Annual Fireman’s Appreciation Christmas Lunch Every year since December 1999, our Neighborhood Association provides Christmas lunch to the dedicated firemen at Station 27 on the corner of Northside Drive and West Conway. In keeping with that tradition this year, MP-NCA board member Lynne Moscow dished up lunch and some holiday cheer to the firemen and Mt. Paran Security Patrol Officer, Jim Hendrix.

From left: Jim Hendrix, Firefighter Willy Blankenship, Lynne, Fire Apparatus Operator Scott Seely, Fire Captain George Coleman.

20th Annual Meeting a Succe Success On October 20, 2004, more than 60 neighbors attendingss the association’s annual meeting were treated to special presentations and refreshments celebrating our 20th anniversary. Outgoing president, Brenda Smith, was presented with a  beautiful crystal flame sculpture handcrafted by master glassblower, Don Lillie, in honor of her four years of service as president of the Association. Lynne Moscow was presented with a magnificent gold bracelet for 20 years Brenda Smith by Shel Schlegman of dedicated service to the Association she helped form in 1984. Following the presentations, recently elected Atlanta City Council President, Lisa Borders, and 8th District Councilwoman, Clair Muller spoke. Ms. Borders updated us on the state of the city and Ms. Muller announced the expected reduction in water/sewer bills resulting from the additional one cent sales tax that took effect on October 1, 2004. The meeting concluded with a forum featuring the candidates for Fulton County Sheriff. Both Myron Freeman and Danny Stephens spoke of their qualifications and plans to im prove the chaotic sheriff’s office. The question and answer period led to a lively discussion for the benefit of all who attended.

Shel Schlegman

 

Budget Talks Over County Debates Incorporation

 

By KAREN HANDEL

Fire Side Chat By CAPTAIN KEITH SCHUMACHER FIRE STATION #23 B-SHIFT

Chairman of the Fulton County Commission

As many of you know, I am no longer assigned to Station #27 on Northside Drive at West Conway. Captain Jeff Miller has The County passed its final taken my place. He’s a 24 year veteran of the AFD and brings a 2005 budget a few weeks ago, wealth of experience to the Mt. Paran Community. I am just and for the second year in a down the road at Station #23 on Howell Mill Road near the Wa-

row, it is a budget with NO tax increase! We also held a reserve in the General Fund of about 9%—slightly more than the minimum requirement of 8.33%. Additionally, funding was increased for libraries to ensure that adequate operating funds were budgeted for the new libraries that will open in 2005. The road capital budget Karen Handel at Association event was also increased, as was the arts budget. Despite funding increases in a number of areas, there were also over $25 million in targeted reductions. This let us know to slow the rate of increase in our expenses. There was a great deal and take andthat good discussion programming, and of in give the end, I think this is a fair about and reasonable  budget. If you want to know more about the final budget, you can visit my website at karenhandel.com. Over the next few months, there will be much debate over the  potential incorporation of Sandy Springs. The Board of Commissioners voted recently to oppose all legislation that would allow incorporation. That vote was 4-2 (voting FOR: Pitts, Darnell, Boxill, Edwards; AGAINST: Handel, Riley; ABSENT: Lowe). I see my role over the next 60 days as ensuring that if legislation is moving forward that it is fair and equitable to ALL citizens in our county. The people of Sandy Springs have a right to determine their form of government, but it must be done in a way that does not unfairly or inequitably impact the rest of our citizens. There is also growing interest in the overall idea of incorporation and whether an entirely incorporated county makes sense. I don't know the answer, but I think we need to get the answer, so that citizens can be informed about the pros and cons. To that end, I am initiating — through the private sector — an independent study to explore various organizational structures with one goal in mind: the best, most efficient service delivery  possible for our citizens. I'll continue to keep you updated as this  project moves forward. Finally, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts with me. I value your input on the many issues facing facing our county. Thanks!

ter Works. It is my pleasure to continue to keep you informed of the happenings around Station #27 and the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department. Of course I am not the official spokesman of the AFD. I am just relating my personal experience that affects the citizens which I have sworn to protect. There has been interest in the activity that occurred during Hurricane Ivan. After a little research, thanks to Captain George Coleman and Communications Supervisor Marie Farrell, I can give you a few numbers. Hurricane Ivan made his way through Atlanta on September 16. has It has been said that September 16 was the busiest day in recent fire department history. Atlanta Fire-Rescue responded to a total of 609 requests for emergency services that day. That breaks down to 464 fire and 145 emergency medical calls. This is over six times the normal volume of alarms. On September 17, our Communications Section transmitted 388 alarms. This was 292 fire, and 96 EMS alarms. This was still three times the volume of a normal day. Due to the tremendous number of calls and several additional units were put into service with the use of overtime personnel. During that period, Atlanta Fire-Rescue units began monitoring the creeks in their territory for the threat of flooding. When units had the opportunity, they would go to the bridges in their territory. If the water began to be a threat, the plan was to evacuate the areas that might be in danger. This has become known as “Creekwatch” and became an invaluable service. At the end of the year, Atlanta’s firefighters had responded to 49,527 calls for emergency assistance. This includes fire and emergency medical calls. As I have mentioned previously, a unit called a Hose Tender is equipped to respond to larger homes and other buildings that sit a considerable distance from the road that may not be accessi ble to the larger fire engines. It carries 1500 feet of supply hose and 400 feet of attack hose. Currently, this unit is a 1987 pick up truck that may, or may not start. It is assigned to Station #27 due to the large number of mansion style homes in the area; however, a needed replacement was once again left out of the 2005 budget. A new unit with a pump and additional firefighting equipment would cost approximately $150,000 to $200,000. Atlanta Fire-Rescue hopes to maintain and improve providing the highest quality professional emergency services to the citizens of Atlanta. We will do this to the best of our ability with the  personnel and resources that are provided to us.

E-MAIL IS YOUR WINDOW TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD  Over the years your Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association has discovered the value of getting important information to the neighborhood in the quickest most efficient manner. Email is timely, cost effective, and enables our members to efficiently affect outcomes on issues, which impact our community. Your email address is never broadcast to others on our list and will remain confidential. If you did not include your email address in the annual membership dues statement, please email it to at Be sure to include this t his address in your on-line address book so that you’re sure to receive these important emails when they’re sent.

 

Neighborhood Briefs  English Gardens at Southeast Flower Show

Jackson Students Help Tsunami Victims 

March 2-6 the World Congress Center hosts the annual Southeastern Flower Show, themed English Gardens for Southern Lifestyles. Visitors will enjoy landscaped gardens, lectures, exhibits of exotic plants and flowers, a tea room, floral decorating ideas, and a

The idea grew out of a discussion in a third grade class at Warren T. Jackson Elementary with their teacher Ms. Traci Safer West. How can we help survivors of the devastating tsunamis? The discussion was side tracked as students com pared their prized silicone bracelets that come in different colors to support different causes. Suddenly that’s it: design bracelets to support survivors of the tsunamis! The students agreed the bracelets should be red, white and  blue to represent the United States. ‘Tsupport Tsurvivors’  is the slogan designed by the students and chosen because of its uniqueness. Students hope it will be a catalyst for conversation. The funds that are raised will be used to purchase school sup plies to send to a school in i n a hard hit hi t area later this spring. Our  principal, Dr. Lorraine Reich, and the teachers wanted the students to be involved in this relief effort in a meaningful way. So, in order to make this a real “hands on” experience, the Jackson students (not just their moms and dads) will be involved in packing the boxes to ship overseas. Jackson has invited two other  public elementary schools, Sarah Smith and Morris Brandon, to  join in selling the bracelets. They are selling for $3 a piece or two for $5. The first order of 1000 bracelets sold out in 2 days!! The next batch is to be delivered soon. For information on buying the tsunami relief bracelets or to make a donation to this great cause, please contact Cathy Barshay, Jackson PTA CoPresident, at

flower-lovers’ For tickets, show hours, Mary detailsLou of events and exhibits: market. .  www.flowershow.org Floyd

Flea Market Benefit to be March 18-19 The seventh annual North Metro Program Flea Market Benefit, sponsored by the  Neighborhood Parent Teacher Organization (NPTO), will be held March 18-19. The Flea Market is the largest fund raiser for the  North Metro Program. Funds raised are used to enhance the educational and thera peutic experiences for these students with special needs. The Program is now located at the former Margaret Mitchell Elementary School on Margaret Mitchell Drive. With the support of this neighborhood and others, the NPTO has raised nearly $150,000 since 1998 and has provided the Program with resources not otherwise funded by APS or the state...classroom computers, library books, playground and sports equipment and uniforms, curriculum materials, art programs, and paid for a music therapist’s salary since 2001. Donate gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry, household items, furniture, art, linens, books, toys, sports and baby equipment to be sold at the Flea Market. All donations are tax deducti ble and pick ups are free. Please contact me at ( or email to arrange your donation. Also needed: volunteers to help set up the Market and work the days of the event. If you have a student student who needs community service hours, this is a great opportunity! We need help daily from March March 11 to March 19, 2005. Please call Chrissie W a yt ( for details. Yolanda Adrean

Chastain Horse Park Makes Miracles Happen Chastain Horse Park holds events throughout the year that range from annual community participation days like the on-site May 7th daytime family event Spring Pony-Up Party  and   “Chastain Chase” (sponsor levels start at $5,000; admission is free); to  Miracles Happen V, a black tie, blue  jeans evening affair on March 19th (sponsor levels  begin at $5,000; tickets are ($250 each); to The Cates Memorial Horse Show, April 9th, featuring their therapeutic program riders. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, call (404)893-5738, or go to www. chastainhorsepark.org Kathy Farrington

Add the NEW Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association Website to Your Favorite Places

www.mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org

Artists’ Market Benefits Adults with Disabilities More than 70 local artists will showcase their works at the fourth annual  “Arts for Independence,” sponsored  by Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). The artists’ artists’ market will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2005, from 11AM – 5PM at The Marcus Institute located at 1920 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta. It will also feature working demonstrations, musical entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the non-sectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of JF&CS, which supports adults with disabilities. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (770)677-9329, or visit www.artsforindependence.org. Ann Alperin

Save the Dates for Mouth-Watering Events Mark your calendars for two of Atlanta’s top culinary fundraisers. The March of Dimes May 20th “Dining Out” event is a fun evening featuring 30 restaurants you can choose from, and a dessert and dance party afterwards at The Four Seasons Hotel. Prices are reasonable and vary depending on the restaurant you select. Also save October 14th for the annual “Evening in France” featuring only U.S. based French master chefs. This  black-tie gala event, at The Four Seasons, will include dinner, dancing, and lots of goodies in a wonderful silent auction. www.marchofdimes.com/georgia   Debbi Scarborough

 

 

February 2005 

The Crime Report The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association  produces this public safety report for the benefit of our neighborhood. If you see suspicious activity, activity, or are the victim of a crime, call 911 and then report the d deetails for this newsletter to our Security Patrol (404)310-7361 or Jo Ann Rau (

Security Patrol Patrol Activity During the months of September through December, Officers Doug Cole and Jim Hendrix  

• • • • • • • • •

Logged 5872 miles patrolling our neighborhood   Made 1720 house checks for traveling subscribers  Responded to 52 alarm calls Investigated 42 suspicious persons or autos  Investigated 4 incident of larceny  Investigated 2 incidents of vandalism  Investigated 2  break-insthat were entered 3 vehicles Investigated Found 4 open doors

September: Lawn service truck stolen from front yard of 1100 block of Mt. Paran Rd. The keys had been left in the truck. Lawn service truck stolen from house in the 1800  block of Mt. Paran Rd. Keys were left in the vehicle. Two  black males were seen driving away. Credit cards were taken from a car on Broadland Rd. Mailbox damaged by truck on Randall Mill Rd. A tree fell on a house on Garmon Rd. while owners were out of the country. Security patrol contacted someone on the emergency list who made arrangements for roof repair. An alert neighbor spotted someone putting up illegal signs on neighborhood poles and called 911. Lt. Fuller of the Atlanta Police called the number on the sign and asked the suspect to meet him at a certain address on Maple Drive. The suspect was placed under arrest and taken to jail shortly after arriving at the Zone 2 police precinct. Clever thinking on the part of Lt. Fuller!

October: Lawn service truck stolen from front yard in 4000  block of Randall Mill Rd. Keys were in the truck. Two mail boxes were vandalized on Northside Dr. by pumpkins that had been thrown. Jewelry was taken resulting from a breakin on Harris Trail. Jewelry and other items were taken resultingsome fromkind a break-in W. Garmon. Reports pets  killed  by of wild on animal on Harris Trail on and of W.two Garmon. Continued on Page 2Crime Report  

Security Patrol Information The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is a neighborhood-funded patrol staffed by retired Atlanta police officers. In 2004 there were 448  patrol members of which 38 live in the Randall Mill Civic Association area. The patrol monitors the Atlanta  police radio and responds to alarms in the area. The patrol checks doors and windows daily while you are out of town and  picks up newspapers. The fee to  join the patrol is $150 a year and covers the time period from January 1 to December 31. The fee for new residents will be pro-rated. Subscribers receive a mailbox decal, telephone stickers and access to the security hotline as well as daily surveillance of your house and property.

For information on joining, or to meet the patrol officers, call (404)310-7361. Be sure to leave a message during off-duty hours and one of the patrol officers will call you back.

 

More Crime News: Don’t be a Victim Security Patrol Activity 

Meet Sergeant Ellis (a.k.a. J.R.)

Continued from Page 1 Crime Report

Through the years he has worked in the criminal investigation division and was assigned to the sex crimes unit and narcotics.

November: Items taken from car port on Mt. Paran Parkway. Burglary on East Beechwood between 9AM and Noon. Several TVs and a silver service were taken. Door to door sales people reported on Beechwood Dr., Harris Trail and Mt. Paran Rd. Security caught three of these suspicious people and they were removed from the neighborhood. House on Garmon Drive rolled with toilet paper .

We are pleased to welcome a new part time addition to the Mt. Paran Security Patrol. Sgt. Ellis has over 20 years experience with the Atlanta Police Department and is currently working with the Special Operations Section (SOS) motorcycle squad.

December:  Door to door sales  people reported on Harris Trail on different days. Generous neighbors kept them coming back! Suspicious  person tried to convince homeowner on Paran Pines to let him  pave the driveway. Homeowner called 911 and the security patrol  but suspect was gone when security arrived. Two vehicles were entered on Randall Mill Rd. but nothing was taken from either vehicle.

If You You Are a Victim of Identity Theft Call: Equifax—1-800-525-6285 Experian—1-888-397-3742 Trans Union—1-800-680-7289   

Fastest Growing Crime Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. When you give a check to a stranger who comes to your door with a good “story” but doesn’t have a legitimate permit to solicit, you’re taking a big chance with your bank account number and signature. Neighbors on Harris Trail did just that in December when approached by a female scam artist. Some wrote checks to a woman wearing a University of Georgia shirt claiming to raise money for a trip to Europe. Some neighbors did not write checks; however no one reported this suspicious activity to

Sgt. Ellis will be patrolling the neighborhood on a motorcycle, weather permitting. His hours will  be determined d etermined by criminal activity and neighborhood concerns. Phone calls to the security hotline will be picked up by Sgt. Ellis when he is working in our neighborhood. Be sure to wave next time you see a patrolman on a motorcycle. More than likely it will be J.R.! ( J. R., like in Dallas.)

Be Vigilant at Gas Pumps A woman stopped at a pay-at-the pump gas station . After she filled her gas tank and paid at the pump, she started to leave, the voice of the attendant inside came over the speaker. He told her that something happened with her card and that she needed to come inside to pay. The lady was confused because the transaction showed complete and approved. She told him that and was getting ready to

leave but in thetoattendant, was insistent 911 or our secushe come pay or there'd be trourity patrol.  ble. She went inside and started arguOur security ing with the attendant. He told her to wants to know when calm down and listen carefully: strangers are going He said that while she was pumping gas, a guy slipped into the back door-to-door to solicit your money. Atlanta Police want seat of her car. The attendant had alto know whenever there is crimi- ready called the police. She looked out in time to see her nal activity or suspicious people roaming the neighborhood so they car door open and the guy slip out. The report is that the new gang initiaknow where to concentrate retion thing is to bring back a woman sources. Let’s all work together and/or her car. They crawl under to rid our neighborhood of cars while they're pumping criminals. Call 911 and the Mt. women's gas or at grocery stores at night; they Paran Security Patrol (404-310- slip into unattended cars and kidnap 7361) at the first sign of suspi- the women. Be extra careful going to and from your car at night alone. cious activity.

 

 

Neighbors Celebrate Being Together The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association held our fifth annual neighborhood social on September 26 at the fabulous Monte Carlo Dr. home of Crissy and Chris Klaus. Over 225 neighbors enjoy perfect weather and fabulous food– from crab cakes and tenderloin  –to heavenly chocolates by caterer, Beth Harshaw. Elected officials and other invited guests mingled with longtime neighbors who were meeting and welcoming new neighbors. Beginning and ending with the golf cart shuttle everyone had a grand time! Many thanks to our gracious hosts and all the volunteers who helped Marci and Jerry Vincent plan and put on another memorable neighborhood social event! We hope to see even more neighbors at the next one this coming fall!

 

 

Beautiful Home in the W Woods oods Over 60 neighbors and friends attended the Ladies Luncheon at Suzanne Godfrey’s home on Harris Trail. The home, where the recent Robert Redford movie, The Clearing, was filmed was filled with laughter, conversation and great food. Beth Harshaw catered the lunch, serving pork tenderloin, rice, salad, butternut squash and three desserts. It was great! Guy Alert! The next event on the calendar is the evening Winter Party on March 31 … men included, so make your reservations early.

 

More Crime News: Be Responsible for Your Actions

TEEN CURFEWS 

Vanda andalis lism m— There’s Nothing Petty About It To the Editor:

mailbox today for the second time

OCGA 15-11-2 states that no child will wander or loiter about the streets of

In the past few weeks I have noticed instances of petty vandalism in the neighborhood and wanted to alert everyone. We live on Flintlock Road which is the dead end cul-de-sac off of Musket Ridge. The circle at the end of the street has been a popular gathering spot for teenagers since I was in High School 25 years ago. I routinely encounter kids hanging out on the weekends after basketball games, etc. They ha have ve never bothered me and I have never bothered them –

in as many weeks and it is getting old. While tthese hese situations situations are far from life threatening, they show a fundamental lack of respect for other peoples’ property. I suspect the culprits are teenagers with access to an SUV (shimmying up a street pole and removing the sign is hard unless you have something to stand on). If you or your neighbors have children who fit this profile, please be aware that the police have been notified and they are going to in-

any city, or in or about any highway or any public place, between 12:00 Midnight and 5:00AM. Some cities and counties do have their own curfews. In the City of Atlanta you may not be out between 11:00PM and 6:00AM the next morning, everyday, and 12:00 Midnight until 6:00AM the next morning on Friday or Saturday nights. (Atlanta Code of Ordinances §106227. §106-228 makes it illegal for a parent to allow a child under the

until recently. In the past two weeks, I have noticed that several yards have been “trenched”; the street sign at Sentinel Post and Musket Ridge was stolen; and a number of mailboxes have been abused. I had to fix our

crease patrols on the weekends from 10PM on, and I am going to make a point of making sure that kids just hanging out on our street at night have something a little more constructive to do with their time – like fixing mailboxes. MAXWELL PAYNE

age of 16 to be out past the curfew.)

 Notice to all Neighbors: Neighbors: As a result of teens reportedly committing acts of vandalism, the Mt. Paran Security Patrol has in-

Georgia Criminal Code 16-7-23. Criminal Damage to property in the second degree:

creased hours inofanproperty. attempt to stop patrol destruction Teens need to understand that vandalism is not a prank; it can result in very serious and costly offenses. Parents need to be aware of where their teen drivers are during unsu pervised hours and remind them of the responsibilities that go along with driving including respect for  property. It is important to note that once the line is crossed from vandalism to second degree criminal damage

(a) A persondamage commits offense of criminal to the property in the second degree when he: (1) Intentionally damages any property of another person without his consent and the damage thereto exceeds $500; (2) Recklessly or intentionally by means of fire or explosives damages property of another person; or (3) With the intent to damage, starts a fire on the land of another without his consent. (b) A person convicted of criminal

to property, a felony change will result in a permanent, lifetime record. Parents and their teens should  be aware of the following law:

damage to property in the second degree will be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

 

Special Rules: Teenage Drivers Holders of the Class D Driver's License (all drivers between 16- and 18-years old) must abide by the following laws: After obtaining your Class D license, for the first six months you cannot have any passengers other than members of your immediate family in your car. After six months, until you are 18, you can have no more than 3 passengers who are not members of your immediate family in your car. You cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 Midnight and 6:00AM for any reason. •

•

•

REPORT CRIME TO 911 THEN CALL Mt. PARAN SECURTY 404 310-7361

 

 

Community Partnership in Safety & Quality of Life: Illegal Signage  Major Spillane: Thank you for your conscientious and committed enforcement of law for our area. Please thank Lt. Fuller for his September 14 apprehension of Discount

NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS NETWORK  As new families move into the neighborhood many are interested in meeting families with children of similar age. You can help to welcome newcomers (and meet some playmates for your children) by filling out the form below. The information will only be given out upon request to new families or to neighbors with children. Name of Child

Age

Grade

School

Your Name/Address/Telephone/Email: Name/Address/Telephone/Email:

B BYSITTING NETWORK Teens interested in babysitting may fill out the form below. Names will only be given to neighbors upon request.

Name:

Age:

Name:

Age:

Name:

Age:

Address: Phone: Email:  Please mail this form to Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens  Association, PO Box 724153, Atlanta, GA31139. You  may also email this information information to Michelle Michelle Ventulett at  If you have questions, call  Michelle Ventulett at

Paint’n as they were illegally posting their advertising signs on utility poles posted on Harris on Mt. Paran Road. Last week the signs Sign Trail for over a year were posted again. I am on the Board of Keep Atlanta Beautiful representing City Council District 8. I live in the Mt. Paran Northside community of NPU-A. I would like to initiate a  partnership between my community and the Zone 2 Precinct that would facilitate enforcement of City Code 13813 prohibiting illegal signs in the right of way. If this partnership were successful, it could serve as a model citywide. Meanwhile, I am concerned specifically with the Mt.Paran-Northside community including Northside Parkway between West Paces Ferry and the Chattahoochee. As you know, Ordinance 138-13 was amended this summer by legislation (04-0-0785) which declares “the  person or entity whose name and/or address and telephone appear on illegally posted signs to be the responsible  party.” The penalties are clear. The Ordinance, moreover, states under Section 138-13 (d) Enforcement: The department of police shall enforce the provisions of this section. How can our community and Keep Atlanta Beautiful  partner with you to enforce this ordinance? Here are some ideas I have had: 1. We could could remove the signs signs and deliver them to your designated officer in the Zone 2 Precinct weekly. 2. We could could photograph photograph the signs signs where where they are posted posted and send you the photos by letter or email. Are there other ways we could be of help? Our newly rejuvenated KAB Board of Directors wants to accomplish systemic solutions to the visible pollution that blights our city. Illegal signage is particularly offensive because it advertises the polluter. After this polluter is informed of the law, he becomes a law-breaker when he commits the act again. Aside from ignoring the law with impunity, illegal signage is a safety and quality of life issue. Please engage our help in abating this pollution advertising advertising itself. How may I work with you to implement a model sustainable solution to illegal signage in my community? I eagerly await your reply. I am willing to come to your office in person if you think a meeting would be more ex peditious. Thank you. you. MARY LOUISE FLOYD  Author’s note: This email was sent to Major Spillane at  Atlanta Police Department‘s Zone 2 Precinct on January 11, 2005 at his secretary’s request.

 

More Neighborhood Briefs Neighborhood Winter Party — March 31

Make a Big Splash and Change a Child’s Life

Be a part of an exciting charitable We’re trying something new for our winter party... a Wine event, The Big Splash. Hosted by Tasting and Hors d’oeuvres  party for guys and gals! This The FunDraisers, a group of Atdoesn’t mean we are forgetting the ladies luncheons forever, but lanta women who do good deeds, we wanted to include the men for a change. Robin Howell (who this black-tie party is  scheduled to suggested the idea) and Beau Hudson are hosting the party at their home on Conway Valley Court on March 31, from 7PM to  be the   opening gala at the new Georgia Aquarium, and will take  place in i n llate ate 2005 or early 2006. The beneficiary of this “once9PM. in-a-lifetime” event is The Marcus Institute, a diagnosis and Here’s how it works … you bring a bottle of wine (a value of treatment facility for children with severe behavior disorders, $10-$15) to share. The idea is to bring a bottle per couple, or if feeding disorders, autism, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol synyou’re single, bring a bottle and we’ll help you drink it. If you drome, learning and other disabilities. Sponsor, Patron or Host drink beer or scotch, bring that. We’ll W e’ll have some sodas and extra Opportunities are available now. Our Patron Party is being wine. Chef Bill Hewett will prepare the hors d’oeuvres. The hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nardelli. Contact London Andes food cost is $15. Your check is your reservation , so make it for more details, (404)846-0016 or email [email protected].  out to Judi Schindler, include $15 per person, and mail it before March 24th to: Brenda Smith, 4271 Garmon Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. Come as a couple or come by yourself! It’s very casual   and a great chance to meet your neighbors and feel connected to  Editor’s note: special thanks thanks to all the contributors in this issue. Email this great community. community. Alumni are invited too! with ideas, events, tips and photos for the next issue of The Citizen’s Review.

Tsunami Devastation Witnessed by Mt. Paran Neighbors  By PALITHA VIDANAGAMA Dear Friends, My wife, Anne, and I are physicians from Sri Lanka living in Atlanta. We have been part of the Mount Paran-Norhside Community for the past 25 years, and live on Conway Valley. We were on our way to Sri Lanka when the tsunam tsunamii struck December 26th. We landed in Colombo December 29th. The devastation is too horrible, beyond comprehension and description. Just the numbers: over 39,000 dead—  1/3 are children; over 800,000 homeless; over 150,000 homes destroyed; the destruction of 40-50 fishing boats; and the full extent of the mental health disaster and post trauma is not clear. Most of the refugees are at churches and temples. Few have been taken in by relatives. We visited and worked at several camps as physicians, as well as caring humans. As a psychiatrist, I was able to attend to some rudimentary psychological needs of a few people. There is a remarkable resilience and determination by the victims to "get back on with their lives”. Walking through the damaged areas was heart-rending. All we saw were destroyed houses, possessions such as furniture, clothing, pots and pans,  books, photos—totally unsalvageable and ready for garbage. We saw many, including children and old people, rummaging through the garbage, looking for some remnants of their lives.

Sri Lankans has relieved the immediate crisis of food, clothing and medical needs. Assessment and providing the psychological needs for traumatized victims, especially children, remain an enormous challenge. In terms of reconstruction, absolutely essential needs are:  permanent basic housing units, reconstruction of the fishing fleet by providing boats, ongoing assessment and treatment of  psychological needs. We have listened to many remarkable tales of horror, sorrow, pain and loss, as well as courage. If I were to write it down, it would extend to 1000 pages. But, we will be glad to meet anyone with any group to share our experiences. During our absence, my daughter, Shamila Vidanagama has circulated a letter to our friends. Our wonderful friend and neighbor, Albert Maslia, on Conway Valley Road has spearheaded a fund drive. This has generated truly generous responses. Money collected will be deposited in a special savings account: "SRI LANKAN TSUNAMI REFLIEF FUND". My research in Sri Lanka indicates that we can build a basic housing unit, approximately 800 square feet for about $1,2001,500; a fiberglass fishing boat will cost about $2,000-2,500 (including fishing gear). This letter is not only a description of our experiences, but an appeal for funds. If you wish to contribute, you can do so to "SRI LANKAN TSUNAMI REFIEF FUND" in care of Dr. B.

We felt really worthwhile being there. Though we wanted to stay and help, our deep commitment to our work and our responsibilities have made us come back to our Atlanta home. In our own way we were able to help a few. Wonderful and overwhelming response by the World Community and native

P. Vidanagama, 4210 Conway Valley Rd, Atlanta, GA 30327. Once the funds are collected, we will personally select a suitable local company and select the recipients, making sure the money will be maximally used for the most deserving. Thank you very much.

 

 

Your Friend Fr iend and N Neighbo eighborr...

The Atlanta Speech School  By PAULA FORD Director of Communications, Atlanta Speech School

In early October Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club planted hundreds of winter color pansies and spring-blooming bulbs in our three neighborhood neighborhood parks. By mid-November the pa pansies nsies in the West Conway Park were gone—stolen! I don’t know if I’m

Did you know that one of the southeast's oldest therapeutic, educational centers for children and adults with speech, hearing, language, or learning disabilities is a nearby neighbor? The Atlanta Speech School at 3160 Northside Parkway was established in 1938 and settled at that address in 1967. We are adding onto our "home" with the addition of a new, 42,000 square foot wing that is currently under construction. We have four clinical programs that serve both adults and children throughout the community. Our Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Clinic provides diagnostic testing and therapy, and dispenses hearing aids. Many of our senior neighbors who use hearing aids visit us for programming and service. We recently introduced services for adults who are having difficulty communicating through reading, writing, listening, and speaking due to stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other disorders.

more disgusted with the pettiness of this theft or with the utter, unabashed bravado of stealing from such a public space. The consequences of this act are evident: no winter color for West Conway’s Park. We all suffer. But hope springs eternal, and spring renews hope. Ah, ha, as if to defy this theft, hiding under the pansies were hundreds of bulbs saying “catch me if you can.” The thieves didn’t, and from these bulbs’ defiance will be an incredible display this spring. At the Country Store Park loo look k for the blooming of 250 Hageri Splendens perennial tulips; 1000 Narcissi Hawera; and 1000 Muscari, a mix of Aucheri Blue Magic, Botryoides Al bum, Dark Eyes, and Mount Hood. This fall the Garden Club donated $500 to the Chastain Park Conservancy. In addition, the Club annually supports three gardening therapy programs and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

The School's professional development institute, the Rollins Center for Language & Learning, also serves the metro Atlanta community. Its mission is to empower educators and parents parents by sharing the research-based methods of language and reading instruction utilized by the Speech School, as well as its expertise in other areas. areas. The Rollins Center is hosting the Montag Family Community Lecture Series, which will feature Dr. Gordon Sherman, an internationally renowned expert in the field of developmental dyslexia and brain research. Entitled All Brains Are  Not the Same, the lecture will focus on the implications of neuroscience research for teaching and learning. Dr. Sherman will discuss the brain differences of children with and without learning disabilities. How are they different? Why are they different? Are the differences beneficial or detrimental? We invite all of our neighbors to attend the event, which will be held on March

At a club cost of more and than maintains $6000 annually, our neighborhood garden designs the three parks in our neighborhood: at Cave Road and Mt. Paran, Northside and Mt. Paran, and Broadland and West Conway. This community service organization is a nonprofit group with forty active mem bers who meet monthly in members’ homes. Membership requires donations of time, labor and money. If you are interested, contact membership chairman Sally Hanna at We thank Angi Evert and Ann Woodruff, Garden Club Landscape Chairmen, for their leadership, talent, and commitment to the beautification of our area. Please notify neighborhood security, the Atlanta police or garden club members if you witness anything suspicious at any of the three pocket parks.

30 7:00PM SpeechatSchool. Tickets are $10 per person.atPlease call at Iristhe Goodson to reserve a seat. We are not the neighbor to ask when you need to borrow a cup of sugar or have your mail picked up while you are on vacation. But if you or your family could benefit ffrom, rom, or would like to learn more about our services, we would be delighted to  provide you with information about any of our programs.

Ann Woodruff, Krist Voyles, Louise McDermott, Mary Lou Floyd

Thief Steals Pansies By Mary Louise Floyd Public Relations, Mt. Paran Garden Club  

RECYCLE  MORE...In addition to glass bottles and jars, aluminum beverage cans, tin cans, plastic soda bottles and milk  jugs, and newspapers, you can place these paper items iin n your recycling bin: Telephone Books, Magazines, Catalogues, Junk Mail, Office Paper, Envelopes, Cereal and Shoe Boxes. For more information call: (404)792-1212.

Protect our Trees. It’s the Law. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to obtain a permit before directly or indirectly removing or destroying any tree, dead or alive, having a diameter at breast height of six inches or more. It is the homeowner who is liable, not the tree cutter nor the contractors. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a maximum fine of $1000 and six months in jail, per tree. It’s the law. 

 

Get Ready for Spring Gardening Tips By PIKE FAMILY NURSERIES

Temperatures and weather patterns are unpredictable at this time of year. Although we can't depend on the whims of Mother Nature, the plants in our landscapes always seem to know what season it is. To prepare for the upcoming growing season, there are several gardening activities that should be undertaken now. Time to give your houseplants a makeover. Remove discolored and dead leaves, repot overgrown plants, and remove dust from leaves with a damp cloth or sponge. Apply a pre-emergent weed control  (crab-grass preventer) to all types of turf grass between mid-February and mid-March. Don't wait too late. Once the crabgrass sprouts, crabgrass preventers will do no good. If you plan to sow Fescue seed this spring, do not apply a crabgrass  preventer. It will prevent both the crabgrass and the fescue seed from germinating. To control cool season weeds (henbit, chickweed, dandelions) that have already sprouted in dormant Bermuda and Zoysia lawns, apply a post-emergent weed killer. Check the label to make sure that the chemicals in the product are safe to use on your particular type of grass. February is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and ground covers. Planting now enables the root system to become established before the plants start to actively grow again. Now is the time to do any major pruning jobs. Pruning initiates and modifies  plant growth. Wait to prune spring flowering  plants and trees until they finish blooming. Prune roses in late February or early March when the "eyes" on the canes start to swell and turn red. Climbing roses bloom on older wood so prune them sparingly. If the weather is warm, spring flowering bulbs may start  peeking through the soil ahead of schedule. To protect the buds and blooms, cover the "early risers" with a thin layer of pine straw or newspaper when freezing temperatures are predicted. Put down the first application of fertilizer on Fescue lawns at the end of the month. Wait to fertilize Bermuda and Zoysia lawns until they are at least 50% green. Trim Liriope (Monkey Grass) back to just above ground level. Use your lawn mower or weed eater for for quick re results. sults. Ornamental Grasses, like Pampas Grass, can also be cut back to make room for the new growth. Join us for "English Gardens for Southern Lifestyles" March 2-6, 2005 in Hall A of the Georgia World Congress Center. Discount advance tickets are on sale sale at all Pike Pike Re-

tail Locations. The Southeastern Flower Show is presented by Pike Family Nurseries and benefits the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For information, email: www.flowershow.org  or www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE...

Join and Receive a Directory At press time, there are over 455 paid members who will receive the 2005 Association’s membership directory, currently  being updated. If you have not joined yet, you can do so by sending a $25 check to the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, c/o Debbie Goot, 4380 Harris Trial, Atlanta, GA 30327. Be sure to include the form below. The Association maintains a large email list so our members can be informed immediately of important issues and alerts.  Email addresses are protected and will will not be shared .

Check one: __Address Correction or __Annual Dues($25) Please email form information to or send to Debbie Goot, Atlanta, GA 30327 Last Name_________________First Name(s)_____________ Address___________________________________________ Telephone _________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________

Learning Service at Galloway By NANCIE SMITH

  When the Tsunami hit, the Galloway community was moved to action. Teachers, students and parents planned many ways to help. On Saturday, January 15, the school came together for Scoring Relief, and the proceeds are being sent to the Red Cross Tsunami Relief Efforts. Contributors pledged an amount for every point the Galloway Varsity basketball teams scored, and there were half-time shoot-outs during the JV Boys' games. The JV Girls’ team helped coordinate the Scoring Relief effort. Over $5000 has been raised with more money coming in. Serving the needs of others at home and abroad is not a new idea at Galloway. Service is woven into the curriculum at Galloway. The following are just a few examples: On December 17, about 500 members of the Galloway community (all Middle and Upper students, teachers and some parents) spent the morning composing email messages for soldiers overseas; making cards for sick children; decorating lunch bags for Project Open Hand;  packing lunches for the Salvation Army; and cleaning up, raking and bagging leaves in Chastain Park along Pool Drive • Elementary students held a bake sale, raising enough to buy several goats for Haitian families through the Heifer Project • • ML students made over 900 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Trinity Soup Kitchen. • The UL Textile Club knitted afghans, mittens, socks and hats to send to the needy in Afghanistan. • EL students collected aluminum soda can tabs for Ronald McDonald House—and donated 40 pounds of tabs in last six years. Students learn to knit; make blankets for Warm Up America.• During entire year, EL students are collecting canned food and other  perishables for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. non- perishables

 

 

Return Service Requested MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GE GEORGIA ORGIA 31139 OFFICERS  President/Yolanda Adrean Vice President/Communications/Jo Ann Rau Vice President/Membership/Debbie Goot Vice President/Security/Angelia Evert Secretary/Jean Smith Treasurer/Jim Carter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandra Adair, Pat Daly, John Feeley, Sharon Giles, Al Goodgame, Alan Leet, Dana Scavo, Karen Swim, Pamela Tremayne, Marci Vincent, Richard Wilson, Alan Yates

Pre-Sorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3207

EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS) Brenda Smith, Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Robert Hurst (d), Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. Clay Moore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau

WEB SITE 

www.mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside Chastain Park Conservancy: Creating A World-Class Park P ark BY MARY DODSON Chastain Park Conservancy, Membership and Fundraising Chair

The Chastain Park Conservancy mission is to restore, enhance, maintain and preserve the Park. Established in 2004, we seek to serve as a forum for all Park stakeKirk Oppenlander holders and patrons. Highlights of what has been accomplished in 2004: • Received our 501(c)(3) in January. • Developed a forum for the stakeholders of the park’s venues (amphitheatre, arts center, ball fields, Galloway school, golf course, gym, horse park, PATH, pool and tennis center). • Commissioned a security study conducted in coordination with park stakeholders and users. • Located AEDs at several park venues and provided first aid and CPR training. • Initiated our membership campaign and signed up 750 members. • Organized volunteer events totaling 4,792 hours representing a gift of $71,880 to the park. • Aerated and seeded the meadow between the play-

ground and West Wieuca. • Increased maintenance programs to include the playground, pond and grill areas • Reclaimed much of the park’s northern grill area through clearing overgrowth. • Partnered with Trees Atlanta to plant 44 trees between the golf course and PATH to protect patrons from  being struck by stray golf golf balls • Worked with the Chastain Park Civic Association, City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and City of Atlanta Bureau of Traffic and Transportation to improve pedestrian safety and park access by installing cross walks, signage, and cement ramps and entrances at intersecting streets along Lake Forrest and Powers Ferry. As we look forward to 2005, we hope to build on this momentum and need your support to continue the efforts to make Chastain Park greener, safer and cleaner. For more information about becoming a member; making a tax deductible contribution, or volunteering yourself, family, school or your organization for "First Saturday Workdays" go to: www.chastainparkconservancy.org or  please call (404)237-2177. (404)237-2177.