Courtesy PR-USA-Net
Ageless Remedies, Alpharetta medical spa, is pleased to announce the launch of a new website – http://www.AgelessRemediessAlpharetta.com. The new, informative website provides a great overview of anti-aging medical skin care services and products offered at Alpharetta medispa.
Ageless Remedies Medical Spa of Alpharetta opened in August 2007 and is still a new concept bridging the gap between a day spa and a plastic surgeon. Ageless Remedies strongly believes in educating clients about advanced skin care services, treatments and procedures. That’s why their new website includes links to educational presentations, before & after photos, and videos to provide in depth information to take away some of the mystery.
Besides explaining treatments for different skin care concerns, the website has pre and post care recommendations, links for additional information, forms to request appointments and ship products as well as Specials of the Month. The visual presentations and links for detailed background material allow clients to have as much information as they would like.
Ageless Remedies offers several lines of prescriptive and medical skin care products. In order for their clients to get the optimum results, they need to be using the key ingredients in the right products. Ageless Remedies combines these products with advanced skincare services.
Their medical teams of professionals are trained and certified to provide clinical treatments for clients regarding dull, tired and sun damaged skin. The Ageless Remedies Medical Spa currently employs three physician assistants and two medical estheticians that perform services ranging from facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasions to laser treatments, Botox and filler injections. Their medical professionals have extensive backgrounds and credentials. Ageless Remedies Alpharetta Medical Spa offers the finest combination of medical expertise in a comfortable setting, blending a doctor’s office and a day spa.
For More information about Ageless Remedies Medical Spa, visit their website www.agelessremediesalpharetta.com.About Ageless Remedies of Alpharetta
Ageless Remedies is a full service Alpharetta medical spa providing anti-aging medical skin care products and services. Ageless Remedies of Alpharetta, is known for laser hair removal, Botox, acne & anti-aging treatments, scar removal & more.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Prospect Park project will continue, developer says
By Rachel Kellogg / Neighbor NewspapersPlans to develop Alpharetta’s Prospect Park will go on, despite the reported bankruptcy of its developer Fourth Quarter Properties XLVII.
According to Stanley Thomas, founder, chairman and CEO of Thomas Enterprises, Prospect Park’s lender attempted to foreclose the property, but the company filed for bankruptcy to reorganize its finances.
“Wachovia was advertising that they were going to [foreclose], but we prevented them from doing that by filing Chapter 11,” he said.
Thomas said he is still “100 percent” in moving forward with plans for the mixed-use development, but he was not able to provide a timeline for when construction might take place.
“We’re in the process of some loans,” he said.
Alpharetta’s Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard said the city attorney is still obtaining a copy of the bankruptcy petition from the bankruptcy court.
“Until we see it, I don’t know how it’s going to affect the city,” he said.
Councilman Doug DeRito said he sees the company filing for bankruptcy as a good opportunity to finally see the project through.
“The city has always been supportive of this project,” he said. “The fact that they are able to file for bankruptcy gives us hope that they may be able get the project moving again.”
DeRito said he gives Thomas credit for trying to save the project, and he said he hopes to see Westside Parkway completed soon.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Free day of dentistry this weekend
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
November 18, 2009 Jones Bridge Dental Care will offer the community one free day of dentistry on Saturday, Nov. 21. For one day only, fillings, extractions, and cleanings will be free. Patients will be taken on a first come first serve basis starting at 7 a.m. (one procedure per person). For the past eight years, Dentistry From The Heart has served more than 10,000 people.Patients must be at least 14 years of age, and accompanied by a parent if under 18.Patients who need ongoing care, or have problems that cannot be fixed in one day, are referred to community clinics where they can receive ongoing treatment at low or no costs.All parking will be at Jones Bridge Professional Center, 11925 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta.
November 18, 2009 Jones Bridge Dental Care will offer the community one free day of dentistry on Saturday, Nov. 21. For one day only, fillings, extractions, and cleanings will be free. Patients will be taken on a first come first serve basis starting at 7 a.m. (one procedure per person). For the past eight years, Dentistry From The Heart has served more than 10,000 people.Patients must be at least 14 years of age, and accompanied by a parent if under 18.Patients who need ongoing care, or have problems that cannot be fixed in one day, are referred to community clinics where they can receive ongoing treatment at low or no costs.All parking will be at Jones Bridge Professional Center, 11925 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Alpharetta Police Explorers take bronze
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
November 11, 2009 Alpharetta — The Alpharetta Police Explorers competed at the Metro Atlanta Championship for Explorers Oct. 17 against 18 other regional Explorer posts from Georgia and earned third place overall, including first place trophies in two of the five events.
Explorers Joey Carrico, Jacob Sanderson, Laurieann Cayel and Brenden Coaloa represented the Alpharetta Post 919 and competed in a myriad of real-life police scenarios, including high-risk warrant service, felony traffic stops and building searches. The team earned top honors in the domestic dispute and crime scene processing events.
Established in 1993 under the direction of Master Police Officer Charles Fannon, the Alpharetta Police Explorers is a non-profit, community-based program offered through the Alpharetta Police Department.
For information on becoming a police explorer, contact MPO Charles Fannon at cfannon@alpharetta.ga.us.
WWII vets honored by historical society
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
November 16, 2009 Alpharetta- The Alpharetta Historical Society and Somerby of Alpharetta will celebrate "America's Greatest Generation" Thursday, Nov.19 at 7 p.m. to commemorate WWII veterans.
The event will begin with registration for military veterans and an opportunity to view exhibits, including a 20 by 9 foot hand-crafted replica of the USS Battleship NC.
Opening ceremonies honoring WWII veterans will take place at 7:30 p.m. Following the ceremonies, Denver Peardon will offer a special presentation.Refreshments and hor' dourves will be served at 8:45 p.m. along with an opportunity to meet, greet, and thank the veterans.
November 16, 2009 Alpharetta- The Alpharetta Historical Society and Somerby of Alpharetta will celebrate "America's Greatest Generation" Thursday, Nov.19 at 7 p.m. to commemorate WWII veterans.
The event will begin with registration for military veterans and an opportunity to view exhibits, including a 20 by 9 foot hand-crafted replica of the USS Battleship NC.
Opening ceremonies honoring WWII veterans will take place at 7:30 p.m. Following the ceremonies, Denver Peardon will offer a special presentation.Refreshments and hor' dourves will be served at 8:45 p.m. along with an opportunity to meet, greet, and thank the veterans.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Off Broadway Children's Theater presents 'Alice in Wonderland, Jr.'
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
Alpharetta – Off Broadway Children's Theater invites the community to its upcoming musical production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
This fast-paced musical features such classic Disney songs as "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "I'm Late."
The cast is comprised of more than 40 area children ages 8 to 18. Space is very limited so reservations must be made in advance by calling 770-664-2410.
PAL to host 'Shop with a Cop' at Walmart
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
Alpharetta – The Alpharetta Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) will host the annual "Shop with a Cop" event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Windward Parkway Walmart.
In the midst of the recent economic downturn, PAL believes this event is more significant now than ever.
This year, PAL aims to help more than 70 children.
Each child, along with their parent, will be accompanied by a police officer, firefighter or public safety volunteer as he or she shops for their desired holiday gifts.
"Throughout the year, representatives of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety come across families who, for whatever reason, face financial challenges," said PAL CEO Jason Cimino.
"These financial challenges often times carry into the holiday season and impact their ability to buy gifts for their children."
With the assistance of Walmart, PAL has chosen to fill the spending gaps experienced by some of our local families and ensure many deserving children are recipients of some holiday cheer.
Each child will be able to spend up to $100. Although this allotment is theirs to spend on items for themselves, often these children elect to spend some of the money on gifts for their parents or siblings. And they are as likely to buy clothing as toys.
This annual police hosted/corporate sponsored event helps local families in need meet the holiday expectations for their children.
At this time, PAL still needs additional sponsors.
Walmart and the Alpharetta Rotary Club have already pledged $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. There have also been $300 in individual pledges.
Alpharetta – The Alpharetta Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) will host the annual "Shop with a Cop" event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Windward Parkway Walmart.
In the midst of the recent economic downturn, PAL believes this event is more significant now than ever.
This year, PAL aims to help more than 70 children.
Each child, along with their parent, will be accompanied by a police officer, firefighter or public safety volunteer as he or she shops for their desired holiday gifts.
"Throughout the year, representatives of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety come across families who, for whatever reason, face financial challenges," said PAL CEO Jason Cimino.
"These financial challenges often times carry into the holiday season and impact their ability to buy gifts for their children."
With the assistance of Walmart, PAL has chosen to fill the spending gaps experienced by some of our local families and ensure many deserving children are recipients of some holiday cheer.
Each child will be able to spend up to $100. Although this allotment is theirs to spend on items for themselves, often these children elect to spend some of the money on gifts for their parents or siblings. And they are as likely to buy clothing as toys.
This annual police hosted/corporate sponsored event helps local families in need meet the holiday expectations for their children.
At this time, PAL still needs additional sponsors.
Walmart and the Alpharetta Rotary Club have already pledged $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. There have also been $300 in individual pledges.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Business owners will try their hands at governing
By Rachel Kellogg; Neighbor NewspapersNow that campaigning and elections are over, Alpharetta will have two new faces when Mike Kennedy and Chris Owens join the city council in January.
Kennedy has lived in Alpharetta for 11 years, and he moved from the Houston, Texas area to Atlanta in 1990 when he was offered a job giving radio traffic updates.
“Flying around in a helicopter doing traffic reports is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “But I tend to stay on the ground more now that I have three young children.”
He and his wife Randi have been married for 12 years, and their children are Tyler, 11, Brandon, 9, and Rachel, 7.
Kennedy owns North Point Financial Advisors, but he was not always interested in investing.
“I started as a TV weatherman and was a news anchor on TV and radio,” he said. “When I moved to Atlanta, I started dabbling in investments and started doing it for other people.”
When Kennedy is not working or spending time at Wills Park, he is involved with the Georgia chapter of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.
“My oldest son has Angelman Syndrome,” he said. “We do things educationally and financially for kids in Georgia who have it.”
When he starts on council, Kennedy said he is most looking forward to learning the ropes.
“You don’t want to be the new guy who acts like he knows everything,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn before you jump in and start proposing new things.”
Kennedy and Owens both said they plan to help maintain and improve the community feeling of Alpharetta once they take office.
“I get a sense of community and a sense of home from this city,” Owens said. “The next natural thing is to try to maintain that feeling.”
Owens, who grew up in northwest Georgia, has called Alpharetta home for four years.
“I took my first job out of college as a city employee for Alpharetta,” the Southern Polytechnic State University graduate said.
Owens worked in the engineering and public works department and now owns Lowe Engineers where he runs the engineering department.
“I enjoy the client service aspect of my job,” he said. “I love to help people solve their problems.”
Owens has been married to his wife Jennifer for 15 years, and they have two children, 10-year-old William, and Lauren who turned 13 last week.
“My family and I, this past summer, just started going to the Greenway,” he said. “I love that we have so many opportunities to do fun things here.”
Owens also enjoys camping with his family and said he loves to go hunting in cooler weather.
“My closet sport that I enjoy is NASCAR,” he said. “I usually go to one or two races a year.”
Owens said he is looking forward to taking office so he can help plan a future for the city where citizens have everything they need.
Tough Questions: Poison In Our Parks?
Wendy Saltzman, CBS Atlanta Investigates
ATLANTA -- An exclusive and in-depth CBS Atlanta investigation uncovered metro Atlanta parks contaminated with arsenic.
CBS Atlanta chief investigative reporter Wendy Saltzman asked tough questions about why lumber treated with this dangerous chemical is still being used in the parks where your kids may picnic or play.
Arsenic used to be a common wood preservative used to kill bugs, in a combination with Chromium and Copper, called CCA. CCA-treated wood was banned voluntarily by the lumber industry, and at the recommendation of the EPA in 2003 because of the potential health effects on humans. LINK: EPA Answers Questions About CCA
But as we uncovered, that doesn't mean that arsenic-treated wood has been removed from playground and picnic areas you use. Any wood still on store shelves or already in use was exempt.
"The public needs to know, and we need to stop it," warned Wayne Dawsey. "I mean it could be fatal."
Dawsey provided us with home video he took at the plant where he worked which used CCA to treat wood.
"It will kill you, it will destroy your life. Look at me. Look at me and see what it has done to me," Dawsey said.
Dawsey, once a healthy runner, is now bound to a wheelchair. He said his multiple sclerosis-like symptoms are a direct result of his exposure to arsenic.
"I am a quadriplegic with brain damage," Dawsey told us. "And it is more dangerous for a child. It is just devastating what it could do to a child.”
CBS Atlanta News wanted to see how much danger your kids are in from the arsenic potentially seeping from this CCA treated wood. So we conducted a series of extensive tests checking for arsenic in wood playgrounds and wood parks across metro Atlanta.
Matthew Parker of ATC Associates helped us test for arsenic using both an x-ray gun to detect arsenic inside the wood, and a wipe test. We found arsenic leeching from picnic tables in 8 of the 9 parks we tested.
Piedmont Park, Central Park, Grant Park, Candler Park, Lucky Shoals, Shorty Howell, Wills and Murphy Candler Park all tested positive for arsenic.
"Arsenic in very large doses can interfere with your heart pumping correctly, it can give you sever digestive problems and ultimately bad diarrhea, and ultimately it can kill you," warned Dr. Robert Geller of Emory University and the Georgia Poison Control Center. "In small doses our biggest concern is does it increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer."
Geller said those effects are likely the result of long term exposure, but cautions parents to still take precautions just in case.
"In general, it is an avoidable exposure, and so I think we should take steps to minimize that exposure," Geller said.
And it only takes one look at Wayne Dawsey to see the very real effect the poison can have on a family.
"If you could live a day, or maybe a week in my shoes, you would understand that it is very dangerous," Heath Dawsey, Wayne's son told us.
And the number one place where we found the highest concentration of arsenic is possibly the place kids are most likely to be susceptible to that exposure. At a playground in Alpharetta called "Wacky World."
"It was good you brought this story forward, because quite honestly we didn't know there was a problem," Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard told CBS Atlanta News.
Both the City of Alpharetta and Gwinnett County Parks responded to our investigation immediately.
"We took those tables out and have them out of service," said David Clark, the Deputy Director of Park Operations for Gwinnett County. Within 24 hours both Clark and Drinkard pulled picnic tables that we exposed were seeping arsenic in their areas.
"If we find any that may test positive then we will take those out of service immediately," Clark continued.
Both Gwinnett County and Alpharetta also told us they are going to start testing for arsenic themselves on all wood picnic tables and playgrounds in their areas.
"We weren't following what was apparently the recommended processes, so we will put those in place, and we will go the extra step of doing the annual wipe test," Drinkard said. "So that we have a comfort level that our parks are as safe as we think they need to be."
Alpharetta will also be sealing all of the wood in "Wacky World" and testing it for arsenic on an annual basis.
"If we can't meet that standard, in fact is we can't beat that standard, then we have to look at taking those structures down and replacing them," Drinkard continued.
And while Alpharetta and Gwinnett are taking steps to protect our kids, it seems the City of Atlanta is not.
Remember, 4 of the 8 poisonous parks we tested were in Atlanta. In a written response Atlanta Parks Commissioner Harnell Cohen says the city "Regularly maintains [their] Picnic tables, including using a sealant that is painted over the wood ."
But our tests found that sealant isn't preventing these tables from leaching arsenic. Atlanta's response: Don't place food directly on the tables, and wash your hands. They didn't want to talk about it, and didn't want to answer our Tough Questions.
And DeKalb County, home to Murphy Candler Park, says they'll start replacing the tables, but they are giving themselves 6 months to pull poisonous structures in their parks. They say they'll seal tables annually, but they need funds to repair or replace those tables.
And do you have an old wood play set or deck in your own backyard? You could also have CCA treated wood at your home. There are several wipe-test kits on the market you can use to test wood in your own home. Healthy Building Network sells one, and the testing company we used was EMSL Analytical.
And if there's a wood playground in your area you think needs to be tested, email me at wendy.saltzman@cbsatlanta.com and we'll check it out.
ATLANTA -- An exclusive and in-depth CBS Atlanta investigation uncovered metro Atlanta parks contaminated with arsenic.
CBS Atlanta chief investigative reporter Wendy Saltzman asked tough questions about why lumber treated with this dangerous chemical is still being used in the parks where your kids may picnic or play.
Arsenic used to be a common wood preservative used to kill bugs, in a combination with Chromium and Copper, called CCA. CCA-treated wood was banned voluntarily by the lumber industry, and at the recommendation of the EPA in 2003 because of the potential health effects on humans. LINK: EPA Answers Questions About CCA
But as we uncovered, that doesn't mean that arsenic-treated wood has been removed from playground and picnic areas you use. Any wood still on store shelves or already in use was exempt.
"The public needs to know, and we need to stop it," warned Wayne Dawsey. "I mean it could be fatal."
Dawsey provided us with home video he took at the plant where he worked which used CCA to treat wood.
"It will kill you, it will destroy your life. Look at me. Look at me and see what it has done to me," Dawsey said.
Dawsey, once a healthy runner, is now bound to a wheelchair. He said his multiple sclerosis-like symptoms are a direct result of his exposure to arsenic.
"I am a quadriplegic with brain damage," Dawsey told us. "And it is more dangerous for a child. It is just devastating what it could do to a child.”
CBS Atlanta News wanted to see how much danger your kids are in from the arsenic potentially seeping from this CCA treated wood. So we conducted a series of extensive tests checking for arsenic in wood playgrounds and wood parks across metro Atlanta.
Matthew Parker of ATC Associates helped us test for arsenic using both an x-ray gun to detect arsenic inside the wood, and a wipe test. We found arsenic leeching from picnic tables in 8 of the 9 parks we tested.
Piedmont Park, Central Park, Grant Park, Candler Park, Lucky Shoals, Shorty Howell, Wills and Murphy Candler Park all tested positive for arsenic.
"Arsenic in very large doses can interfere with your heart pumping correctly, it can give you sever digestive problems and ultimately bad diarrhea, and ultimately it can kill you," warned Dr. Robert Geller of Emory University and the Georgia Poison Control Center. "In small doses our biggest concern is does it increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer."
Geller said those effects are likely the result of long term exposure, but cautions parents to still take precautions just in case.
"In general, it is an avoidable exposure, and so I think we should take steps to minimize that exposure," Geller said.
And it only takes one look at Wayne Dawsey to see the very real effect the poison can have on a family.
"If you could live a day, or maybe a week in my shoes, you would understand that it is very dangerous," Heath Dawsey, Wayne's son told us.
And the number one place where we found the highest concentration of arsenic is possibly the place kids are most likely to be susceptible to that exposure. At a playground in Alpharetta called "Wacky World."
"It was good you brought this story forward, because quite honestly we didn't know there was a problem," Alpharetta Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard told CBS Atlanta News.
Both the City of Alpharetta and Gwinnett County Parks responded to our investigation immediately.
"We took those tables out and have them out of service," said David Clark, the Deputy Director of Park Operations for Gwinnett County. Within 24 hours both Clark and Drinkard pulled picnic tables that we exposed were seeping arsenic in their areas.
"If we find any that may test positive then we will take those out of service immediately," Clark continued.
Both Gwinnett County and Alpharetta also told us they are going to start testing for arsenic themselves on all wood picnic tables and playgrounds in their areas.
"We weren't following what was apparently the recommended processes, so we will put those in place, and we will go the extra step of doing the annual wipe test," Drinkard said. "So that we have a comfort level that our parks are as safe as we think they need to be."
Alpharetta will also be sealing all of the wood in "Wacky World" and testing it for arsenic on an annual basis.
"If we can't meet that standard, in fact is we can't beat that standard, then we have to look at taking those structures down and replacing them," Drinkard continued.
And while Alpharetta and Gwinnett are taking steps to protect our kids, it seems the City of Atlanta is not.
Remember, 4 of the 8 poisonous parks we tested were in Atlanta. In a written response Atlanta Parks Commissioner Harnell Cohen says the city "Regularly maintains [their] Picnic tables, including using a sealant that is painted over the wood ."
But our tests found that sealant isn't preventing these tables from leaching arsenic. Atlanta's response: Don't place food directly on the tables, and wash your hands. They didn't want to talk about it, and didn't want to answer our Tough Questions.
And DeKalb County, home to Murphy Candler Park, says they'll start replacing the tables, but they are giving themselves 6 months to pull poisonous structures in their parks. They say they'll seal tables annually, but they need funds to repair or replace those tables.
And do you have an old wood play set or deck in your own backyard? You could also have CCA treated wood at your home. There are several wipe-test kits on the market you can use to test wood in your own home. Healthy Building Network sells one, and the testing company we used was EMSL Analytical.
And if there's a wood playground in your area you think needs to be tested, email me at wendy.saltzman@cbsatlanta.com and we'll check it out.
Alpharetta/FOTAL Library Monthly Sale
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
Date: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Times: 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 238 Canton St
Held outside the library. Rain or Shine. Proceeds from the sale go directly to the Alpharetta Library.
Date: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Times: 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 238 Canton St
Held outside the library. Rain or Shine. Proceeds from the sale go directly to the Alpharetta Library.
Apago Introduces PDF Shrink 4.5 for Windows
Courtesy Whattheythink.comAlpharetta, GA -- Apago Inc., a software technology company that provides innovative solutions to transform digital documents, today introduces PDF Shrink 4.5 for Windows, bringing the award-winning and popular Mac utility to Windows users. PDF Shrink is a must-have for consumers and small businesses that need to produce PDFs at a quality and file size appropriate for use with smartphones, on the Web, as email attachments, or for onscreen reading. PDF Shrink can reduce most PDF files-including those created by Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other common software-by as much as 90% of their original size. PDF Shrink 4.5 for Windows retails for $35 is available for purchase today at Apago's online store.
"One of the major complaints with PDF is file size," states Dwight Kelly, president of Apago Inc. "PDF Shrink has been extremely well received on the Mac and we've had a demand for a Windows version for some time. We are pleased to respond to the need of many consumers and businesses by delivering an affordable, easy-to-use windows utility for reducing the size of PDF files."
Free PDF Shrink Online Tutorial
Apago will hold a free online tutorial, which will provide valuable tips and tricks for using PDF Shrink 4.5 for Windows. The webinar will be held on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 11 a.m. EDT. To register, send an email to sales@apago.com or visit www.apago.com.
How PDF Shrink Works
"PDFs are often created from documents and applications where PDF is an afterthought. We see a lot of PDFs created by enterprise systems with an inefficient structure, redundant or unneeded elements, and images that are much larger than necessary," explains Barry Bowden, product support manager at Apago. "Even software specifically designed for PDF creation can be a challenge to setup properly without a thorough understanding of all technical options. PDF Shrink is designed to allow everyday users to optimize PDFs created by any application without having to learn new technical jargon."
PDF Shrink provides four common settings and an easy-to-use "wizard" for creating customized settings. The software allows for multiple settings in order to prepare PDFs for different uses, such as one for preparing documents to send to colleagues via email and a higher-quality setting to prepare files for storage in a content management system.
To shrink a PDF, simply drag and drop a single PDF file, or a group of PDFs, onto one of the settings. PDF Shrink analyzes the PDF(s) and identifies elements that can be optimized, often without changing the quality of the images. The software can remove embedded fonts and delete unused elements, including metadata, thumbnails, and duplicate data. Keeping up with the latest release is also easy with PDF Shrink's auto update feature.
Images frequently make up the largest portion of a PDF's size. PDF Shrink provides control over the size and quality of images to meet different requirements. Apago includes support for common compression methods, including the sophisticated JPEG2000. PDF Shrink can also protect PDFs with industry-standard encryption to prevent unauthorized access or to restrict users from changing, printing, or extracting content.
PDF Shrink 4.5 site licenses are available for $875 and an enterprise license covering all locations sells for $3,500. PDF Shrink is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2003 and 2008. Prospective users can download a fully functional, 10-day demo version from the Apago web site at www.apago.com. All Apago products can be purchased online at www.apagostore.com. For more information, visit the Apago Web site or call the company at 770-619-1884.
Flood warning issued for Cobb, Alpharetta
By Megan Matteucci
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Cobb County creek is at its flood stage and an Alpharetta waterway is almost there, the National Weather Service said.
Residents in Cobb, North Fulton and Forsyth Counties should be prepared for possible flooding tonight.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Tuesday evening for Allatoona Creek near Mars Hill Road in Cobb County. As of 5 p.m., the creek had reached its flood stage at 13 feet, meterologist Jessica Fieux said.
Earlier Tuesday, the Weather Service issued a flood warning for Big Creek in Alpharetta.
"We're on the lookout for minor flooding tonight and it should continue to rise near 9.6 feet early Thursday," meteorologist Brian Lynn said.
The flood stage for Big Creek is 7 feet, according to the Weather Service.
The Weather Service recorded 2.23 inches of rain at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport from 7 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday. About 1.85 inches of rain fell at the Peachtree-DeKalb Airport during the same time period.
The rain, brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida, is expected to continue Tuesday night and will begin to diminish Wednesday, forecasters said.
The Weather Service said there is no need for residents to evacuate, but warned homeowners to keep an eye on their basements and back yards.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for north and central Georgia, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, Cherokee, Forsyth and Henry counties. The watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning.
Heavy rain also caused problems on metro area roadways Tuesday afternoon.
The Georgia Department of Transportation urged drivers to be on the lookout for standing water and low visibility.
Police responded to several wrecks on the interstates in metro Atlanta, along with an overturned tractor trailer that forced all lanes on I-75 closed in Bartow County Tuesday afternoon.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Cobb County creek is at its flood stage and an Alpharetta waterway is almost there, the National Weather Service said.
Residents in Cobb, North Fulton and Forsyth Counties should be prepared for possible flooding tonight.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Tuesday evening for Allatoona Creek near Mars Hill Road in Cobb County. As of 5 p.m., the creek had reached its flood stage at 13 feet, meterologist Jessica Fieux said.
Earlier Tuesday, the Weather Service issued a flood warning for Big Creek in Alpharetta.
"We're on the lookout for minor flooding tonight and it should continue to rise near 9.6 feet early Thursday," meteorologist Brian Lynn said.
The flood stage for Big Creek is 7 feet, according to the Weather Service.
The Weather Service recorded 2.23 inches of rain at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport from 7 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday. About 1.85 inches of rain fell at the Peachtree-DeKalb Airport during the same time period.
The rain, brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida, is expected to continue Tuesday night and will begin to diminish Wednesday, forecasters said.
The Weather Service said there is no need for residents to evacuate, but warned homeowners to keep an eye on their basements and back yards.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for north and central Georgia, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, Cherokee, Forsyth and Henry counties. The watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning.
Heavy rain also caused problems on metro area roadways Tuesday afternoon.
The Georgia Department of Transportation urged drivers to be on the lookout for standing water and low visibility.
Police responded to several wrecks on the interstates in metro Atlanta, along with an overturned tractor trailer that forced all lanes on I-75 closed in Bartow County Tuesday afternoon.
Unitiv Announces Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive
Unitiv, a Professional Provider of Enterprise IT Solutions, Is Pleased to Kickoff Its Annual Toy Drive for Toys for Tots
ALPHARETTA, GA--(Marketwire - November 10, 2009) - Unitiv is pleased to announce its annual toy drive for the Toys for Tots Foundation. The primary goal of the Toys for Tots Foundation is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Unitiv is pleased to be a partner in this goal.
To donate any new, unwrapped toy, please drop off at Unitiv's corporate headquarters:
Unitiv Toys for Tots Toy Drop-off
6225 Shiloh Road
Suite D
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Please have all donations in by December 8, 2009.
About Unitiv:
Unitiv, Inc. is a professional provider of enterprise IT solutions. Unitiv delivers its services from its headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, and its regional office in Iselin, New Jersey, USA.
Unitiv provides a strategic approach to its service delivery, focusing on three core components: People, Products, and Process. The People to advise and manage complex technical solutions. The Products to design and build customized IT solutions. The Process to develop and manage post-implementation operations. For more information, please visit www.Unitiv.com.
ALPHARETTA, GA--(Marketwire - November 10, 2009) - Unitiv is pleased to announce its annual toy drive for the Toys for Tots Foundation. The primary goal of the Toys for Tots Foundation is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Unitiv is pleased to be a partner in this goal.
To donate any new, unwrapped toy, please drop off at Unitiv's corporate headquarters:
Unitiv Toys for Tots Toy Drop-off
6225 Shiloh Road
Suite D
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Please have all donations in by December 8, 2009.
About Unitiv:
Unitiv, Inc. is a professional provider of enterprise IT solutions. Unitiv delivers its services from its headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, and its regional office in Iselin, New Jersey, USA.
Unitiv provides a strategic approach to its service delivery, focusing on three core components: People, Products, and Process. The People to advise and manage complex technical solutions. The Products to design and build customized IT solutions. The Process to develop and manage post-implementation operations. For more information, please visit www.Unitiv.com.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Alpharetta Girl Nearly Falls into Well.
Courtesy Fox 5 Atlanta
Edited By: Leigha Baugham myfoxatlanta.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) - An Alpharetta mother discovered a hazard in her own backyard when her little girl nearly fell into an abandoned well.
Vicki Brown said her 4-year-old daughter nearly fell into the well when the dirt gave out beneath her and she fell forward.
Brown said she heard rock and dirt falling into the well below. The Alpharetta woman said the well was nearly 15 feet deep and she had no idea it was there.
The Browns said they are now trying to contact the developer to see if the company knew about the abandoned well.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Five candidates vie for 'open' Alpharetta Council posts
by Bob Pepalis / Appen Newspapers
September 02, 2009
Alpharetta - Two new faces will be on Alpharetta City Council next January, and they will come from the five candidates who qualified for the November election today.
Posts 2 and 3 on City Council drew two and three candidates respectively, as the ease of winning against other challengers seems less daunting than taking on an incumbent. Several potential candidates even stated they were waiting to see if any of the Posts would have opposition, preferring an easy win as sole candidate. But that didn''t happened.
For Post 2, Mike Kennedy and Aubrey Osteen have qualified to fill the vacancy created with the end of Jim Paine's term. Paine has reached his term limit under City Code. John Monson announced he would not seek re-election to his Post 3 seat as he took a job with CH2M Hill.
Three candidates have qualified for that seat: John Keim, Tom Miller and Chris Owens.
Municipal Judge Jim Matoney had yet to see opposition in his bid to retain his seat. And Councilman Doug DeRito's Post 1 seat also seems secure since no opponent has filed against his re-election bid. However, city residents still have two hours to qualify.Alpharetta was the only city with qualifying ending on Wednesday. Other local municipalities allow potential candidates to qualify as late as Friday.
September 02, 2009
Alpharetta - Two new faces will be on Alpharetta City Council next January, and they will come from the five candidates who qualified for the November election today.
Posts 2 and 3 on City Council drew two and three candidates respectively, as the ease of winning against other challengers seems less daunting than taking on an incumbent. Several potential candidates even stated they were waiting to see if any of the Posts would have opposition, preferring an easy win as sole candidate. But that didn''t happened.
For Post 2, Mike Kennedy and Aubrey Osteen have qualified to fill the vacancy created with the end of Jim Paine's term. Paine has reached his term limit under City Code. John Monson announced he would not seek re-election to his Post 3 seat as he took a job with CH2M Hill.
Three candidates have qualified for that seat: John Keim, Tom Miller and Chris Owens.
Municipal Judge Jim Matoney had yet to see opposition in his bid to retain his seat. And Councilman Doug DeRito's Post 1 seat also seems secure since no opponent has filed against his re-election bid. However, city residents still have two hours to qualify.Alpharetta was the only city with qualifying ending on Wednesday. Other local municipalities allow potential candidates to qualify as late as Friday.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Teacher Rescues 4 in Fire
By Jon Lewis / WSB News
(WSB Radio) A teacher is being credited with rescuing four women from a huge fire in Alpharetta.
Officer Jennifer Howard with Alpharetta's Police Department tells WSB a fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a duplex-type home in the Seasons Subdivision on Memories Drive, off Rucker Road. Steve Kehoe, a teacher, arrived in the knick of time.
"The gentleman came home who lives there in the summertime with his mother, who is 80-years-old, and found the house was full of flames. She was in the shower and didn't know. He got her out, and from what I understand, he went next door and helped some other folks out, one of whom was in a wheelchair, and her mother also," said Howard.
Howard says although the building was badly damaged, it could've been a whole lot worse.
"I don't know what the situation was with their smoke detectors; but certainly - if that first unit where the fire started - if she didn't have a working smoke detector and couldn't go alert people, you know, who knows what she would've come out of the shower and found," said Howard.
"I think he could be conceived as a hero, and I hope that anyone would do that too. If you find a situation, I hope you'd help people get out of the building and try as help as many people as you can. I think he I guess, exemplifies what we hope most people are," said Howard.
Besides Alpharetta, firefighters from Milton and Roswell helped put out the blaze.
No one was injured. The cause is still under investigation.
(WSB Radio) A teacher is being credited with rescuing four women from a huge fire in Alpharetta.
Officer Jennifer Howard with Alpharetta's Police Department tells WSB a fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a duplex-type home in the Seasons Subdivision on Memories Drive, off Rucker Road. Steve Kehoe, a teacher, arrived in the knick of time.
"The gentleman came home who lives there in the summertime with his mother, who is 80-years-old, and found the house was full of flames. She was in the shower and didn't know. He got her out, and from what I understand, he went next door and helped some other folks out, one of whom was in a wheelchair, and her mother also," said Howard.
Howard says although the building was badly damaged, it could've been a whole lot worse.
"I don't know what the situation was with their smoke detectors; but certainly - if that first unit where the fire started - if she didn't have a working smoke detector and couldn't go alert people, you know, who knows what she would've come out of the shower and found," said Howard.
"I think he could be conceived as a hero, and I hope that anyone would do that too. If you find a situation, I hope you'd help people get out of the building and try as help as many people as you can. I think he I guess, exemplifies what we hope most people are," said Howard.
Besides Alpharetta, firefighters from Milton and Roswell helped put out the blaze.
No one was injured. The cause is still under investigation.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Roswell, Alpharetta give gardeners beds to plant
by Hatcher Hurd / Appen Newspapers
July 15, 2009 No one knows who, back at the dawn of time, figured out you could grow the food you want to eat by planting some seeds and giving them some water and a little TLC. But it has been popular ever since.Many folks who grew up in a small town take growing some fresh vegetables in a family garden patch for granted — but no longer. In suburbia, with its smaller lots, too much shade, homeowner association covenants, and more townhouses, condos and apartments, there are many people who would like to garden but don't have the space. Now they do.In Roswell and Alpharetta, this spring saw the rise of community gardens – one in Alpharetta's Wills Park and one in the Leita Thompson Park on Ga. 92 in Roswell. A community garden is simply plots of soil leased out to give people a place to grow vegetables or flowers.It has been an immediate hit. Roswell has all 42 of its plots — 32 square feet a piece — at the park spoken for. More than 200 originally inquired.Alpharetta's Wills Park doubled its allocation of plots to 42 and still has a waiting list. Both gardens are on city property, although in Alpharetta it is the non-profit Alpharetta Arboretum which oversees that city's program. North Fulton County Extension Agent Louise Eastabrook and the Fulton Master Gardener Program lend support as well."The popularity of the gardens has been unprecedented," said Eastabrook. Julie Hogg, president of the Alpharetta Arboretum, said her organization is ready to teach classes in community gardening."Anybody can start one – senior communities, churches, schools, homeowner associations. We will help anyone who wants to start," Hogg said. "We brought the idea to the Alpharetta City Council and they bought it right away and let us have the use of some land in Wills Park."Both community gardens also reserve some garden space for donation beds. These beds are maintained by the gardeners, and the bounty raised goes to North Fulton Community Charities and others for distribution to families.Evelyn Dennis, a Roswell community gardener, said the idea appeals on several levels. First, it is a social activity, because you are always meeting the other gardeners. Secondly, it is educational, because the county Cooperative Extension office forbids all herbicides and insecticides except those that are organically acceptable.It is also usually a family activity giving inter-generational contacts a chance to flower as well. The oldest gardener at the Roswell site is 87. For Shirley Colquitt, who grew up on a north Georgia farm, it is a chance for a "country girl" to get some dirt on her hands and some fresh vegetables.Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said community gardening has been so successful, he plans to approach the Recreation Commission and the City Council to sponsor more gardens next year, at least one on the east side of Ga. 400."It is a great way to build communities, and the cost to the city is almost nothing. I think it is a wonderful program, and I'm sure council will agree," he said.For information contact Eastabrook at the North Fulton Exention Office at 404-613-7670 or laesta@uga.edu.
July 15, 2009 No one knows who, back at the dawn of time, figured out you could grow the food you want to eat by planting some seeds and giving them some water and a little TLC. But it has been popular ever since.Many folks who grew up in a small town take growing some fresh vegetables in a family garden patch for granted — but no longer. In suburbia, with its smaller lots, too much shade, homeowner association covenants, and more townhouses, condos and apartments, there are many people who would like to garden but don't have the space. Now they do.In Roswell and Alpharetta, this spring saw the rise of community gardens – one in Alpharetta's Wills Park and one in the Leita Thompson Park on Ga. 92 in Roswell. A community garden is simply plots of soil leased out to give people a place to grow vegetables or flowers.It has been an immediate hit. Roswell has all 42 of its plots — 32 square feet a piece — at the park spoken for. More than 200 originally inquired.Alpharetta's Wills Park doubled its allocation of plots to 42 and still has a waiting list. Both gardens are on city property, although in Alpharetta it is the non-profit Alpharetta Arboretum which oversees that city's program. North Fulton County Extension Agent Louise Eastabrook and the Fulton Master Gardener Program lend support as well."The popularity of the gardens has been unprecedented," said Eastabrook. Julie Hogg, president of the Alpharetta Arboretum, said her organization is ready to teach classes in community gardening."Anybody can start one – senior communities, churches, schools, homeowner associations. We will help anyone who wants to start," Hogg said. "We brought the idea to the Alpharetta City Council and they bought it right away and let us have the use of some land in Wills Park."Both community gardens also reserve some garden space for donation beds. These beds are maintained by the gardeners, and the bounty raised goes to North Fulton Community Charities and others for distribution to families.Evelyn Dennis, a Roswell community gardener, said the idea appeals on several levels. First, it is a social activity, because you are always meeting the other gardeners. Secondly, it is educational, because the county Cooperative Extension office forbids all herbicides and insecticides except those that are organically acceptable.It is also usually a family activity giving inter-generational contacts a chance to flower as well. The oldest gardener at the Roswell site is 87. For Shirley Colquitt, who grew up on a north Georgia farm, it is a chance for a "country girl" to get some dirt on her hands and some fresh vegetables.Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said community gardening has been so successful, he plans to approach the Recreation Commission and the City Council to sponsor more gardens next year, at least one on the east side of Ga. 400."It is a great way to build communities, and the cost to the city is almost nothing. I think it is a wonderful program, and I'm sure council will agree," he said.For information contact Eastabrook at the North Fulton Exention Office at 404-613-7670 or laesta@uga.edu.
Alpharetta makes Money’s high-income list
By LARRY HARTSTEIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta ranks 19th on a list of high-income towns included in Money magazine’s Best Places.
The magazine noted that a “hometown style permeates Alpharetta, but it’s no sleepy Southern town.”
A city of nearly 50,000, Alpharetta “offers seven shopping districts, 150 restaurants, 23 hotels and a burgeoning art scene,” the magazine said, adding praise for the Big Creek Greenway.
Median family income is $117,002, and the median home price is $297,450.
Holmdel, N.J., topped the list with a median family income of $159,633.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta ranks 19th on a list of high-income towns included in Money magazine’s Best Places.
The magazine noted that a “hometown style permeates Alpharetta, but it’s no sleepy Southern town.”
A city of nearly 50,000, Alpharetta “offers seven shopping districts, 150 restaurants, 23 hotels and a burgeoning art scene,” the magazine said, adding praise for the Big Creek Greenway.
Median family income is $117,002, and the median home price is $297,450.
Holmdel, N.J., topped the list with a median family income of $159,633.
Monday, July 13, 2009
CITY OF ALPHARETTA Legal Notice
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on August 6, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, August 24, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. Z-09-05/PH-09-01/Z-09-05 Big Creek Overlook/Mark GilreathConsideration of rezoning an approximately 20.64 acre site from RE to AG. The applicant also seeks to modify a condition of zoning which required the property to remain common area shared by four lots in order to permit the property to be under one ownership. The applicant also seeks a variance from Sections 1.3.3 and 4.4.7 of the Unified Development Code in order to obtain an address for the 20.64 acres. The property is located behind lots on the Big Creek Overlook cul de sac and east of Big Creek and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 46, 47, and 86, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-11 Alpharetta Southcare (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance to the front sign setback. The property is located at 2260 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.c. PH-09-07 Total Wine and More (City Council Only)Consideration of amending a previous condition of zoning that required shopping carts to remain inside the building and not to be stored outside of the building. The property is located at 380 North Point Circle and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 741, 742, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on August 6, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, August 24, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. Z-09-05/PH-09-01/Z-09-05 Big Creek Overlook/Mark GilreathConsideration of rezoning an approximately 20.64 acre site from RE to AG. The applicant also seeks to modify a condition of zoning which required the property to remain common area shared by four lots in order to permit the property to be under one ownership. The applicant also seeks a variance from Sections 1.3.3 and 4.4.7 of the Unified Development Code in order to obtain an address for the 20.64 acres. The property is located behind lots on the Big Creek Overlook cul de sac and east of Big Creek and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 46, 47, and 86, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-11 Alpharetta Southcare (City Council Only)Consideration of a variance to the front sign setback. The property is located at 2260 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 748, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.c. PH-09-07 Total Wine and More (City Council Only)Consideration of amending a previous condition of zoning that required shopping carts to remain inside the building and not to be stored outside of the building. The property is located at 380 North Point Circle and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 741, 742, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
Alpharetta WR Brandon Terry commits to ACC school
by Michael Carvell / The Atlanta Journal
Alpharetta High School is loaded with big-time wide receivers this year. Brandon Terry committed to Wake Forest on Monday, joining his teammate and fellow wide receiver Michael Bennett (committed to UGA) as major-college prospects.
“Brandon visited Wake on Sunday, and did really well at their camp,” Alpharetta coach Jason Dukes told the AJC. “He really likes Wake. That’s the place he wants to be.”
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Terry was also considering offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Tulane, Mississippi State, Purdue and Connecticut, and had generated serious interest from Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Last year as a junior, Terry had around 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
“Brandon is a very long and lean kid, who is good at getting separation [from the defensive backs] while running down the field,” Dukes said. “He has really sure hands, and is can take a lick and keep going.”
“With both he and Michael Bennett, it gives us a lot of options with what teams have to do to defend us all over the field.”
Alpharetta High School is loaded with big-time wide receivers this year. Brandon Terry committed to Wake Forest on Monday, joining his teammate and fellow wide receiver Michael Bennett (committed to UGA) as major-college prospects.
“Brandon visited Wake on Sunday, and did really well at their camp,” Alpharetta coach Jason Dukes told the AJC. “He really likes Wake. That’s the place he wants to be.”
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Terry was also considering offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Tulane, Mississippi State, Purdue and Connecticut, and had generated serious interest from Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Last year as a junior, Terry had around 22 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
“Brandon is a very long and lean kid, who is good at getting separation [from the defensive backs] while running down the field,” Dukes said. “He has really sure hands, and is can take a lick and keep going.”
“With both he and Michael Bennett, it gives us a lot of options with what teams have to do to defend us all over the field.”
Friday, July 10, 2009
Fleeing woman captured while trying to light crack pipe
Arrest follows Sandy Springs car chase
By MIKE MORRIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, July 09, 2009
An Alpharetta woman who led Sandy Springs police on a high-speed chase Wednesday night was allegedly trying to light a crack pipe even as officers broke out a window of the vehicle to arrest her.
The chase began in the 7800 block of Roswell Road after a tag check on a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed that the registered driver’s license had been suspended for driving under the influence, Sandy Springs police Lt. Steve Rose said.
When the officer attempted to stop the Santa Fe, Lisa Beth Solanik, 43, made a U-turn and sped northbound on Roswell Road.
Rose said officers deployed “stop sticks” at Dunwoody Place and Roswell Road, deflating two of the suspect’s tires.
“The car then drove onto Verdun Drive off Roberts Drive, where it struck one of the police vehicles,” Rose said. “The suspect’s car was then cornered and pinned to a stop by two Sandy Springs police vehicles.”
Rose said that as officers were breaking the side window of the Santa Fe to take Solanik into custody, she was “in the process of trying to light what appeared to be a crack pipe.”
Solanik was charged with obstruction of a police officer, fleeing and/or attempting to elude a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of drugs and eight traffic charges. She is in the Fulton County Jail, awaiting an initial court appearance on Friday.
Rose said one Sandy Springs police officer was treated and released for a minor injury sustained during the chase.
By MIKE MORRIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, July 09, 2009
An Alpharetta woman who led Sandy Springs police on a high-speed chase Wednesday night was allegedly trying to light a crack pipe even as officers broke out a window of the vehicle to arrest her.
The chase began in the 7800 block of Roswell Road after a tag check on a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed that the registered driver’s license had been suspended for driving under the influence, Sandy Springs police Lt. Steve Rose said.
When the officer attempted to stop the Santa Fe, Lisa Beth Solanik, 43, made a U-turn and sped northbound on Roswell Road.
Rose said officers deployed “stop sticks” at Dunwoody Place and Roswell Road, deflating two of the suspect’s tires.
“The car then drove onto Verdun Drive off Roberts Drive, where it struck one of the police vehicles,” Rose said. “The suspect’s car was then cornered and pinned to a stop by two Sandy Springs police vehicles.”
Rose said that as officers were breaking the side window of the Santa Fe to take Solanik into custody, she was “in the process of trying to light what appeared to be a crack pipe.”
Solanik was charged with obstruction of a police officer, fleeing and/or attempting to elude a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of drugs and eight traffic charges. She is in the Fulton County Jail, awaiting an initial court appearance on Friday.
Rose said one Sandy Springs police officer was treated and released for a minor injury sustained during the chase.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
State adds $34 to city tax bills
by Bob Pepalis / Appen Newspapers
City Council recently approved the first reading of its millage rate, keeping it at 5.75 mills for the next fiscal year.However, with the state legislature removing an $8,000 homestead exemption, another $34 will be added to every Alpharetta residential property owner's tax bill.
The state had funded the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant. Alpharetta, like most cities and counties, gave every homeowner a credit on his or her tax bill. Later in the year, the state would send a check to the city to cover it."We wait for the state to give us that check. That's about $400,000," said Finance Director Tom Harris.Council members were concerned that city taxpayers would assume Alpharetta raised taxes, when it had nothing to do with this change.
City Council recently approved the first reading of its millage rate, keeping it at 5.75 mills for the next fiscal year.However, with the state legislature removing an $8,000 homestead exemption, another $34 will be added to every Alpharetta residential property owner's tax bill.
The state had funded the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant. Alpharetta, like most cities and counties, gave every homeowner a credit on his or her tax bill. Later in the year, the state would send a check to the city to cover it."We wait for the state to give us that check. That's about $400,000," said Finance Director Tom Harris.Council members were concerned that city taxpayers would assume Alpharetta raised taxes, when it had nothing to do with this change.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Alpharetta bank robber sought
Courtesy Atlanta Journal Constitution
Alpharetta police are investigating a robbery that occurred at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the SunTrust bank branch inside of Publix at 4305 State Bridge Road. The suspect handed a teller a note demanding money and left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was a slender white male in his 20s wearing sunglasses and a dark-colored baseball cap with the number 67 on the front.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety at 678-297-6318.
Alpharetta police are investigating a robbery that occurred at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the SunTrust bank branch inside of Publix at 4305 State Bridge Road. The suspect handed a teller a note demanding money and left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was a slender white male in his 20s wearing sunglasses and a dark-colored baseball cap with the number 67 on the front.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety at 678-297-6318.
Monday, June 29, 2009
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the City Council on Monday, July 20, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. V-09-07 North Point Commons - SignageConsideration of a variance to the Unified Development Code sign setback requirements in order to permit a 2’ setback for two monument signs located within North Point Commons shopping center located at Georgia Lane and North Point Drive. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 754, 796, 797 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-08 The Arbors - ParkingConsideration of a variance to the Unified Development Code parking requirements in order to permit a reduction of required parking in order to accommodate a restaurant use. The property is located at 800 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1111 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the City Council on Monday, July 20, 2009 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia.a. V-09-07 North Point Commons - SignageConsideration of a variance to the Unified Development Code sign setback requirements in order to permit a 2’ setback for two monument signs located within North Point Commons shopping center located at Georgia Lane and North Point Drive. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 754, 796, 797 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.b. V-09-08 The Arbors - ParkingConsideration of a variance to the Unified Development Code parking requirements in order to permit a reduction of required parking in order to accommodate a restaurant use. The property is located at 800 North Main Street and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 1111 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within two (2) years immediately preceding the filing of this request, and who desire to appear at the public hearings in opposition to the application, shall, at least five (5) days prior to the hearing, file a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.
ASO magnificent outdoors
Orchestra’s offering more articulate than forced banter.
By Pierre Ruhe
For the AJC
Monday, June 29, 2009
My car’s dashboard thermometer read 94 degrees on the way to the Atlanta Symphony’s “Magnificent Mozart” concert Saturday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, in the north Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.
A hot evening for a concert, yet Encore Park is favored by what winemakers would call a good terroir: the site’s unique mixture —- artistically and geographically speaking —- of nutrients and cultivation and the slope of the hill. So long as there’s a light breeze and the humidity isn’t too punishing, the terroir allows the 12,000-seat pavilion to overcome all sorts of limitations to a good concert. It’s got an enviable sense of place.
It helps, too, that the ASO musicians don’t slump for these outdoor performances, but play with the same vitality and care that they would for indoor gigs at Symphony Hall.
Saturday’s guest conductor, Grant Llewellyn, is a gray-haired Welshman who leads the North Carolina Symphony and is principal conductor of Boston’s venerable Handel and Haydn Society. For reasons unknown, he introduced himself from the podium, microphone in hand: “You might have guessed I’m not from around here,” he observed helpfully in his Welsh accent, while throwing in a few “y’alls” to prove he’s no Euro-snob.
Is it an ASO marketing strategy to address the audience as inanely as possible at Encore Park? As an intermission feature, ASO program annotator Ken Meltzer, a smart guy who knows music, offers similarly “lite” banter, as if afraid the audience will bolt if the discussion rises above what local TV anchors give between news reports. It felt forced, not organic.(If they want to entertain at intermission, I’d rather hear the evening’s soloist play a Mozart sonata or something.)
Fortunately, the music spoke more eloquently than the professionals. Llewellyn and crew dispatched “The Marriage of Figaro” Overture with pep and crisp lines.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, the sublime D-minor masterpiece, is all about touch and balance, storm and pathos. It is performed frequently but can be interpreted so many ways that it remains fresh.
Bosnian pianist Pedja Muzijevic, an interesting musician, was here making his ASO debut, as was the conductor. Although his touch at the keyboard sounded acidic and tinny —- the fault of microphone placement or audio engineers twisting knobs, most likely —- he crafted an uncommonly compelling role for the piano, as a personality in direct communication with the orchestra.
He ornamented his singsongy phrases neatly, and with Llewellyn’s assistance, brought the middle movement, almost a garden serenade, to a gorgeous, peaceful ending.
In this concerto, most pianists play Beethoven’s cadenzas —- those extended solo passages that offer the soloist a flight of fancy —- since Mozart’s own have been lost.
Muzijevic instead played cadenzas composed by Paul Balascora (in the first movement) and J.N. Hummel (in the third). It was a small point but well taken: Muzijevic is a thinking musician, eager to go his own way.
Mozart is often thought of as an 18th-century urban creature, but Llewellyn found in his last symphony, the Olympian “Jupiter,” a pastoral quality, lifting flute flutters to the stature of birdcalls. The Andante Cantabile slow movement evoked a mood that was fragrant and idyllic —- music that seemed to cool a hot summer evening.
By Pierre Ruhe
For the AJC
Monday, June 29, 2009
My car’s dashboard thermometer read 94 degrees on the way to the Atlanta Symphony’s “Magnificent Mozart” concert Saturday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, in the north Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.
A hot evening for a concert, yet Encore Park is favored by what winemakers would call a good terroir: the site’s unique mixture —- artistically and geographically speaking —- of nutrients and cultivation and the slope of the hill. So long as there’s a light breeze and the humidity isn’t too punishing, the terroir allows the 12,000-seat pavilion to overcome all sorts of limitations to a good concert. It’s got an enviable sense of place.
It helps, too, that the ASO musicians don’t slump for these outdoor performances, but play with the same vitality and care that they would for indoor gigs at Symphony Hall.
Saturday’s guest conductor, Grant Llewellyn, is a gray-haired Welshman who leads the North Carolina Symphony and is principal conductor of Boston’s venerable Handel and Haydn Society. For reasons unknown, he introduced himself from the podium, microphone in hand: “You might have guessed I’m not from around here,” he observed helpfully in his Welsh accent, while throwing in a few “y’alls” to prove he’s no Euro-snob.
Is it an ASO marketing strategy to address the audience as inanely as possible at Encore Park? As an intermission feature, ASO program annotator Ken Meltzer, a smart guy who knows music, offers similarly “lite” banter, as if afraid the audience will bolt if the discussion rises above what local TV anchors give between news reports. It felt forced, not organic.(If they want to entertain at intermission, I’d rather hear the evening’s soloist play a Mozart sonata or something.)
Fortunately, the music spoke more eloquently than the professionals. Llewellyn and crew dispatched “The Marriage of Figaro” Overture with pep and crisp lines.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, the sublime D-minor masterpiece, is all about touch and balance, storm and pathos. It is performed frequently but can be interpreted so many ways that it remains fresh.
Bosnian pianist Pedja Muzijevic, an interesting musician, was here making his ASO debut, as was the conductor. Although his touch at the keyboard sounded acidic and tinny —- the fault of microphone placement or audio engineers twisting knobs, most likely —- he crafted an uncommonly compelling role for the piano, as a personality in direct communication with the orchestra.
He ornamented his singsongy phrases neatly, and with Llewellyn’s assistance, brought the middle movement, almost a garden serenade, to a gorgeous, peaceful ending.
In this concerto, most pianists play Beethoven’s cadenzas —- those extended solo passages that offer the soloist a flight of fancy —- since Mozart’s own have been lost.
Muzijevic instead played cadenzas composed by Paul Balascora (in the first movement) and J.N. Hummel (in the third). It was a small point but well taken: Muzijevic is a thinking musician, eager to go his own way.
Mozart is often thought of as an 18th-century urban creature, but Llewellyn found in his last symphony, the Olympian “Jupiter,” a pastoral quality, lifting flute flutters to the stature of birdcalls. The Andante Cantabile slow movement evoked a mood that was fragrant and idyllic —- music that seemed to cool a hot summer evening.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Alpharetta puts City Center on hold due to economy
By RALPH ELLIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The economy has forced Alpharetta to put a big downtown redevelopment project on hold. The city had a partnership with Solomon Holdings to build the Alpharetta City Center, which would have included a new City Hall, 80,000 square feet of retail and office space, an underground parking garage, a town green and a 5-acre passive park.
Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas said in a statement that the sour economy hurt the project. “While we do believe that Alpharetta City Center will in the future be a viable project … that viability cannot be realized as things now stand,” he said.
Jim Drinkard, the assistant city administrator, said the city staff had been negotiating with Solomon Holdings since April. During that time the economy got worse. “We could not come to a point where Solomon was comfortable, the city was comfortable and it was the right deal for everybody,” he said.
The city planned to use $24 million in bonds to finance the project, which would have been on nine acres bounded by Academy Street, Ga. 9 and Haynes Bridge Road. The city owns the land. The City Council would have had to decide by August to put the bond question on the November referendum.
Al Holbrook of Solomon Holdings said in a statement that his company would be open to working on the project in the future.
Charles Petrakopoulos, whose family owns the Alpha Soda restaurant, said he was disappointed by the news.“We were looking forward to it because we feel that center corridor has been neglected,” he said. “It needs to happen someday.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The economy has forced Alpharetta to put a big downtown redevelopment project on hold. The city had a partnership with Solomon Holdings to build the Alpharetta City Center, which would have included a new City Hall, 80,000 square feet of retail and office space, an underground parking garage, a town green and a 5-acre passive park.
Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas said in a statement that the sour economy hurt the project. “While we do believe that Alpharetta City Center will in the future be a viable project … that viability cannot be realized as things now stand,” he said.
Jim Drinkard, the assistant city administrator, said the city staff had been negotiating with Solomon Holdings since April. During that time the economy got worse. “We could not come to a point where Solomon was comfortable, the city was comfortable and it was the right deal for everybody,” he said.
The city planned to use $24 million in bonds to finance the project, which would have been on nine acres bounded by Academy Street, Ga. 9 and Haynes Bridge Road. The city owns the land. The City Council would have had to decide by August to put the bond question on the November referendum.
Al Holbrook of Solomon Holdings said in a statement that his company would be open to working on the project in the future.
Charles Petrakopoulos, whose family owns the Alpha Soda restaurant, said he was disappointed by the news.“We were looking forward to it because we feel that center corridor has been neglected,” he said. “It needs to happen someday.”
Church collects double-stuffed care packages for troops
By Caroline Gray
cgray@neighbornewspapers.com
A fortuitous meeting on an airplane has led to a church crusade to send some All-American treats to troops abroad.
Thinking he was just flying to a golfing vacation in Scottsdale, Ariz., Alpharetta First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Don Martin discovered he was in for more than just teeing off. Seated next to an Army captain who was just returning home from service in Iraq, Martin quickly struck up a conversation with the young soldier.
Martin learned the captain was trained to use robots to detonate improvised explosion devices before they could hurt soldiers and then use the forensic evidence to find suspects in surrounding villages. He then asked the soldier a usual question, but received an unusual answer.
“I asked him, ‘What’s the one thing you missed most while you were in Iraq?’ And without any hesitation he said, ‘Oreos. Double-stuffed.’ Well, I thought that was so funny I promised to ask the congregation to bring in Double Stuf Oreos to send overseas,” said Martin.
The idea that started out of admiration for a soldier who risks his life to save other soldiers’ lives has caught on like wildfire at the church. Martin said he has already collected 150 packs of Double Stuf Oreos from church members and hopes to collect 1,000 packs to send to Iraq.
“I wish I could take a pack of Oreos to every soldier in the Middle East myself and thank them for their service,” said Martin. “But at least that’s one of the neat things about Oreos – they travel well.”
Sunbelt Office Products has offered to supply all the packing materials, trucks and drivers to deliver the Oreos to be shipped. The receiver and Oreo distributor will be Command Sergeant Major Frank Leota in Diyala, the first province north of Baghdad.
The main collection day for the Oreos will be Sunday at the church’s annual patriotic service. All members have been asked to bring as many packs of Double Stuf Oreos as they can to be donated to the troops.
Martin said he still has hopes that Oreo manufacturer Kraft Nabisco will get in on the action and agree to match the congregation’s donation. And they need not worry that Martin will be tempted to sample the cookies himself.
“One member brought a box of Oreos and said it was just for the office staff, so we’re eating those,” he said. “Besides, I have promised myself not to touch one donated Oreo that is meant for the troops.”
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is at 69 N Main Street.
Information: (770) 475-5576 or
www.afumc.org.
cgray@neighbornewspapers.com
A fortuitous meeting on an airplane has led to a church crusade to send some All-American treats to troops abroad.
Thinking he was just flying to a golfing vacation in Scottsdale, Ariz., Alpharetta First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Don Martin discovered he was in for more than just teeing off. Seated next to an Army captain who was just returning home from service in Iraq, Martin quickly struck up a conversation with the young soldier.
Martin learned the captain was trained to use robots to detonate improvised explosion devices before they could hurt soldiers and then use the forensic evidence to find suspects in surrounding villages. He then asked the soldier a usual question, but received an unusual answer.
“I asked him, ‘What’s the one thing you missed most while you were in Iraq?’ And without any hesitation he said, ‘Oreos. Double-stuffed.’ Well, I thought that was so funny I promised to ask the congregation to bring in Double Stuf Oreos to send overseas,” said Martin.
The idea that started out of admiration for a soldier who risks his life to save other soldiers’ lives has caught on like wildfire at the church. Martin said he has already collected 150 packs of Double Stuf Oreos from church members and hopes to collect 1,000 packs to send to Iraq.
“I wish I could take a pack of Oreos to every soldier in the Middle East myself and thank them for their service,” said Martin. “But at least that’s one of the neat things about Oreos – they travel well.”
Sunbelt Office Products has offered to supply all the packing materials, trucks and drivers to deliver the Oreos to be shipped. The receiver and Oreo distributor will be Command Sergeant Major Frank Leota in Diyala, the first province north of Baghdad.
The main collection day for the Oreos will be Sunday at the church’s annual patriotic service. All members have been asked to bring as many packs of Double Stuf Oreos as they can to be donated to the troops.
Martin said he still has hopes that Oreo manufacturer Kraft Nabisco will get in on the action and agree to match the congregation’s donation. And they need not worry that Martin will be tempted to sample the cookies himself.
“One member brought a box of Oreos and said it was just for the office staff, so we’re eating those,” he said. “Besides, I have promised myself not to touch one donated Oreo that is meant for the troops.”
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is at 69 N Main Street.
Information: (770) 475-5576 or
www.afumc.org.
Meeting set for Alpharetta Elementary addition
By Caroline Gray
cgray@neighbornewspapers.com
Alpharetta Elementary School will be free of portable classrooms following an addition set to be finished August 2010.
The school will hold a public meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. to discuss the 14,000-square-foot addition and renovations to the school. Construction will begin this summer, but will mostly occur during the school year after hours and during school breaks and finish up next summer.
Principal Pat Reed said she is eagerly anticipating the new additions and improvements to the existing building. The school uses twelve portables with two classrooms each.
“At the meeting we’ll show the new architecture and how it blends nicely and the design of the new classrooms,” said Ms. Reed. “We’ll also be going over the new renovations to the school.”
Renovations range from infrastructure improvements like a new heat pump, ceiling tiles and lighting to a new floor and air-conditioning for the school gym. Several renovations are planned for the special education wing, said Ms. Reed. Sports impact flooring will give the special education classroom floors some cushion and new ramps and secure doors will also be installed.
Ms. Reed said a parking study will also be conducted to reconfigure the school’s existing land because parking area is an area of concern for her.
Overall the improvements are an exciting development for the school. “We’re an older school in historic Alpharetta and by adding on we’ll be better than ever,” she said.
The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at Alpharetta Elementary School, 192 Mayfield Road in Alpharetta.
cgray@neighbornewspapers.com
Alpharetta Elementary School will be free of portable classrooms following an addition set to be finished August 2010.
The school will hold a public meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. to discuss the 14,000-square-foot addition and renovations to the school. Construction will begin this summer, but will mostly occur during the school year after hours and during school breaks and finish up next summer.
Principal Pat Reed said she is eagerly anticipating the new additions and improvements to the existing building. The school uses twelve portables with two classrooms each.
“At the meeting we’ll show the new architecture and how it blends nicely and the design of the new classrooms,” said Ms. Reed. “We’ll also be going over the new renovations to the school.”
Renovations range from infrastructure improvements like a new heat pump, ceiling tiles and lighting to a new floor and air-conditioning for the school gym. Several renovations are planned for the special education wing, said Ms. Reed. Sports impact flooring will give the special education classroom floors some cushion and new ramps and secure doors will also be installed.
Ms. Reed said a parking study will also be conducted to reconfigure the school’s existing land because parking area is an area of concern for her.
Overall the improvements are an exciting development for the school. “We’re an older school in historic Alpharetta and by adding on we’ll be better than ever,” she said.
The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at Alpharetta Elementary School, 192 Mayfield Road in Alpharetta.
SADDLE UP: Equestrian remains big draw in north Fulton
By Ryan Peckrpeck@neighbornewspapers.com
Equestrian events and horse show exhibitions receive plenty of support in north Fulton. Matt Casey – Director of Equestrian at Wills Park in Alpharetta – said his park stays booked with shows for much, if not all, of the season.
Equestrian events and horse show exhibitions receive plenty of support in north Fulton. Matt Casey – Director of Equestrian at Wills Park in Alpharetta – said his park stays booked with shows for much, if not all, of the season.
“We pretty much have horse shows, that’s our main staple,” said Casey. “The majority of our horse shows are free, for people to come out and watch. We stay so busy out here. About every one-and-a-half days we have an event.”
Casey added Wills Park caters to about 75,000 spectators on an annual basis, and hosted another horse show just last weekend. Casey said the majority of shows are of the hunter-jumper variety, where contestents are judged based on eloquence over minimal jumps (hunter) and speed and clearance of higher fences (jumper).
“At the end of May we had a jumper show where City League International – [entrants] from all around the world – came to compete,” he said. “Obviously, north Fulton is always known for equestrian activities. That’s still strong.”
Richard Fritzler, who owns and operates The Horseback Riding Barn off Shallowford Road in Roswell, has sent past riders and horses to shows at Wills Park, among other hot spots. His land, while a bit on the smaller side by Fritzler’s account, provides a haven for local youths to learn skills and responsibilities in caring for and riding horses, as well as life skills, in general.
“It’s a place where people can come, who like to be around animals and horses,” said Fritzler, who was raised as a western-style rider in Colorado and has been training riders for 15 years in the north Fulton area.“When on a horse, the natural and logical consequences of their own [the rider’s] actions come right back to them immediately. For people or kids that really need that kind of integrated experience, horseback riding does that. This [location] offers team sport activity, but it really is a lot more personal thing.”
His two daughters, Katherine and Emily – both 22 years of age – “occasionally” compete, according to Fritzler. They continue to contribute on their father’s barn, as well as working towards college degrees.“It’s a wonderful place,” said Mary Flynn, whose granddaughter, Taylor, spends time at The Horseback Riding Barn. “It’s more than just about the riding. It’s about training young people to keep responsibility and have a good time. As a neighbor, this place is a fantastic place for young people.”
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Bicyclist pinned under truck in Alpharetta
By MARCUS K. GARNER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
An Alpharetta man is recovering Wednesday night after a pick-up truck ran him over on his bicycle, police said. Police are still uncertain how the bicyclist, who has not been identified, came to be trapped beneath the truck.
The bicyclist was pinned beneath the truck for 20 minutes after being run over by the vehicle sometime after 6:30 p.m., Alpharetta Police spokesman George Gordon said.
“The bicyclist [was] talkative, responsive and alert,” as emergency crews used a hydraulic lift to rescue him from beneath the truck, Gordon said.
The bicyclist suffered cuts and abrassions, and was taken to North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell where he is being kept for observation, Gordon said.
No charges have been filed against the driver of the truck, police said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
An Alpharetta man is recovering Wednesday night after a pick-up truck ran him over on his bicycle, police said. Police are still uncertain how the bicyclist, who has not been identified, came to be trapped beneath the truck.
The bicyclist was pinned beneath the truck for 20 minutes after being run over by the vehicle sometime after 6:30 p.m., Alpharetta Police spokesman George Gordon said.
“The bicyclist [was] talkative, responsive and alert,” as emergency crews used a hydraulic lift to rescue him from beneath the truck, Gordon said.
The bicyclist suffered cuts and abrassions, and was taken to North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell where he is being kept for observation, Gordon said.
No charges have been filed against the driver of the truck, police said.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Belk store at North Point Mall to close
By Rachel Tobin Ramos
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The Belk store at North Point Mall will close, the company confirmed Wednesday.
Belk got space in the mall after acquiring a Parisians store in 2006. The store later took over a larger space that had been occupied by Lord & Taylor.
Even with the closure, Atlanta will remain Belk’s largest market, with 21 stores.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk opened new stores in Newnan and Winder in March, and has spent more than $32 million on its stores in the area over the last two years.
In company earnings released last week, Belk said sales declined in the first quarter to $760.9 million, from $817.3 million in the first quarter 2008. The company blamed “continued weakness in consumer retail.”
Same-store sales — a metric that measures stores open more than a year — fell 7.7 percent.
The company eked out a profit of $500,000 for the quarter, compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2008.
North Point Mall is managed by General Growth Properties. Other anchor tenants include Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The Belk store at North Point Mall will close, the company confirmed Wednesday.
Belk got space in the mall after acquiring a Parisians store in 2006. The store later took over a larger space that had been occupied by Lord & Taylor.
Even with the closure, Atlanta will remain Belk’s largest market, with 21 stores.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk opened new stores in Newnan and Winder in March, and has spent more than $32 million on its stores in the area over the last two years.
In company earnings released last week, Belk said sales declined in the first quarter to $760.9 million, from $817.3 million in the first quarter 2008. The company blamed “continued weakness in consumer retail.”
Same-store sales — a metric that measures stores open more than a year — fell 7.7 percent.
The company eked out a profit of $500,000 for the quarter, compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2008.
North Point Mall is managed by General Growth Properties. Other anchor tenants include Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Alpharetta police chase ends in ATL
By Kent A. Miles
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Alpharetta Police arrested two home-invasion suspects following a high-speed chase Sunday that ended in Atlanta.
Suspects identified by police as Demarcus Graham, 20, and Demarkus Jamal Grier, 18, were in a stolen Cadillac Escalade that crashed on Old Bankhead Highway and burst into flames.
Graham and Grier were arrested at the scene and charged in connection with the home invasion robbery. They are being held without bond.
A third suspect in the robbery remains at large, police said.
Police received an emergency call just before 7 a.m. Sunday that three masked men entered a Club Court home and robbed a family at gunpoint.
The gunmen stole televisions, jewelry and cash before two of the suspects fled in the homeowner’s Cadillac Escalade, according to police. The third suspect left in another vehicle.
A Milton Police officer saw the Escalade on Ga. 400 near Windward Parkway and alerted authorities. Alpharetta and Milton police chased the Escalade for 25 miles southbound on Ga. 400 at speeds exceeding 100 mph, police said.
The pursuit continued until the driver of the Escalade lost control and crashed in Atlanta.
Investigators believe the suspects stole from another, unoccupied house on Club Court prior to the home invasion.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office records show that Grier was released on bond from the Fulton jail May 9. He had been charged May 7 with receiving stolen property, discharging a firearm and reckless conduct.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Alpharetta Police arrested two home-invasion suspects following a high-speed chase Sunday that ended in Atlanta.
Suspects identified by police as Demarcus Graham, 20, and Demarkus Jamal Grier, 18, were in a stolen Cadillac Escalade that crashed on Old Bankhead Highway and burst into flames.
Graham and Grier were arrested at the scene and charged in connection with the home invasion robbery. They are being held without bond.
A third suspect in the robbery remains at large, police said.
Police received an emergency call just before 7 a.m. Sunday that three masked men entered a Club Court home and robbed a family at gunpoint.
The gunmen stole televisions, jewelry and cash before two of the suspects fled in the homeowner’s Cadillac Escalade, according to police. The third suspect left in another vehicle.
A Milton Police officer saw the Escalade on Ga. 400 near Windward Parkway and alerted authorities. Alpharetta and Milton police chased the Escalade for 25 miles southbound on Ga. 400 at speeds exceeding 100 mph, police said.
The pursuit continued until the driver of the Escalade lost control and crashed in Atlanta.
Investigators believe the suspects stole from another, unoccupied house on Club Court prior to the home invasion.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office records show that Grier was released on bond from the Fulton jail May 9. He had been charged May 7 with receiving stolen property, discharging a firearm and reckless conduct.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Gas Line Break Closes Alpharetta Road
www.cbsatlanta.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- A large gas line break forced the closure of a busy Alpharetta highway Tuesday afternoon.
Old Milton Parkway had to be shut down completely from Haines Bridge back to Westside parkway for a couple of hours.
Old Milton parkway has reopened.
CBS Atlanta Sky Eye flew over the scene where a construction crew hit a gas main.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- A large gas line break forced the closure of a busy Alpharetta highway Tuesday afternoon.
Old Milton Parkway had to be shut down completely from Haines Bridge back to Westside parkway for a couple of hours.
Old Milton parkway has reopened.
CBS Atlanta Sky Eye flew over the scene where a construction crew hit a gas main.
BlackBerry developer to add 200 jobs in Alpharetta
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The company that developed the BlackBerry is planning to expand its Atlanta operation, a move that could bring 200 jobs to Alpharetta, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Research in Motion has apparently identified a 40-acre site near North Point Mall. Plans include high-tech jobs that will earn annual salaries of around $70,000, according to the Chronicle’s report. The Chronicle did not name its source.
RIM, based in Waterloo, Canada, has offices in North America, Europe and Asia, according to the company’s Web site.
The company did not reply to a request for information.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The company that developed the BlackBerry is planning to expand its Atlanta operation, a move that could bring 200 jobs to Alpharetta, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Research in Motion has apparently identified a 40-acre site near North Point Mall. Plans include high-tech jobs that will earn annual salaries of around $70,000, according to the Chronicle’s report. The Chronicle did not name its source.
RIM, based in Waterloo, Canada, has offices in North America, Europe and Asia, according to the company’s Web site.
The company did not reply to a request for information.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Northside Singers perform at Alpharetta Presbyterian May 31
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
May 20, 2009 The Northside Festival Singers, under the direction of Don Brainerd, will present their season finale concert Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta.Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at www.festivalsingers.org or at the door the day of the performance. The Northside Festival Singers is a member group of the William Baker Choral Foundation, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the joy of singing. Visit www.festivalsingers.org for more information.
May 20, 2009 The Northside Festival Singers, under the direction of Don Brainerd, will present their season finale concert Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta.Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at www.festivalsingers.org or at the door the day of the performance. The Northside Festival Singers is a member group of the William Baker Choral Foundation, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the joy of singing. Visit www.festivalsingers.org for more information.
Atlanta man pleads guilty in $25M Ponzi scheme
By BILL RANKIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The head of an Alpharetta firm that claimed hefty profits from trading Japanese and American currencies pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a Ponzi scheme.
James G. Ossie, 48, of Atlanta, defrauded more than 100 people out of more than $25 million in a nine-month period, according to federal prosecutors.
Ossie pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Bill Duffey in Atlanta. He is to be sentenced July 30.
Ossie and his company, CRE Capital, offered investment contracts of at least $100,000 that guaranteed the investor’s deposit plus 10 percent interest within just 30 days.
Instead of making profits, Ossie lost millions of dollars. During the time the currency fund operated between April 2008 and this past January, it lost more than $12 million in its foreign currency trading accounts, prosecutors said.
Ossie only repaid some investors, but the scheme was unsustainable and shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission in January, prosecutors said.
“The damage done by this fraudulent investment scheme is extensive, leaving a trail of victims in its wake,” Gregory Jones, FBI special agent in charge said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The head of an Alpharetta firm that claimed hefty profits from trading Japanese and American currencies pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a Ponzi scheme.
James G. Ossie, 48, of Atlanta, defrauded more than 100 people out of more than $25 million in a nine-month period, according to federal prosecutors.
Ossie pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Bill Duffey in Atlanta. He is to be sentenced July 30.
Ossie and his company, CRE Capital, offered investment contracts of at least $100,000 that guaranteed the investor’s deposit plus 10 percent interest within just 30 days.
Instead of making profits, Ossie lost millions of dollars. During the time the currency fund operated between April 2008 and this past January, it lost more than $12 million in its foreign currency trading accounts, prosecutors said.
Ossie only repaid some investors, but the scheme was unsustainable and shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission in January, prosecutors said.
“The damage done by this fraudulent investment scheme is extensive, leaving a trail of victims in its wake,” Gregory Jones, FBI special agent in charge said.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Flat-screen TV thieves busted, Fulton police say
By MEGAN MATTEUCCI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Police say they have busted a burglary gang that targeted businesses with flat-screen televisions.
Fulton District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. is scheduled to announce a 69-count indictment against “The Old Virginia” burglary ring Thursday morning.
Yvette Brown, Howard’s spokeswoman, said she could not release the indictment, the number of arrests nor identify the suspects until Thursday. A press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday.Brown described the gang as a “small group of criminals targeting businesses with flat-screen electronics.”
The arrests and indictment are the result of a joint investigation between the Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Roswell and DeKalb County Police Departments, Brown said.
DeKalb and Roswell Police said they could not release any information. Alpharetta and Sandy Springs Police did not immediately return phone calls Wednesday.
Police across the metro area have reported a rise in flat-screen television burglaries this year.
In March, a multi-jurisdictional police task force arrested four alleged Clayton County gang members on charges they broke into dozens of businesses throughout metro Atlanta and stole more than 200 flat-screen televisions.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Police say they have busted a burglary gang that targeted businesses with flat-screen televisions.
Fulton District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. is scheduled to announce a 69-count indictment against “The Old Virginia” burglary ring Thursday morning.
Yvette Brown, Howard’s spokeswoman, said she could not release the indictment, the number of arrests nor identify the suspects until Thursday. A press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday.Brown described the gang as a “small group of criminals targeting businesses with flat-screen electronics.”
The arrests and indictment are the result of a joint investigation between the Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Roswell and DeKalb County Police Departments, Brown said.
DeKalb and Roswell Police said they could not release any information. Alpharetta and Sandy Springs Police did not immediately return phone calls Wednesday.
Police across the metro area have reported a rise in flat-screen television burglaries this year.
In March, a multi-jurisdictional police task force arrested four alleged Clayton County gang members on charges they broke into dozens of businesses throughout metro Atlanta and stole more than 200 flat-screen televisions.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Campaigns begin for Alpharetta municipal election
By Caroline Gray /Neighbor Newspapers
Several seats will be in contention in November in the city of Alpharetta.
Alpharetta City Councilmen John Monson and Doug DeRito have announced their intentions to run again but Councilman Jim Paine’s seat will be completely open due to term limits. Alpharetta Municipal Judge Jim Matoney said he plans to seek his seat again. The judge who served before Matoney, Scott Childress, said he does not plan to run again.
Matoney served 12 years on city council and said he still keeps abreast of politics in Alpharetta but refrains from commenting publicly. He said although local politics I can be mired in controversy, when taking his role on the bench his biggest goal was to keep things running smoothly.
“There was a lot of controversy within the court and various departments in the city,” said Matoney. “My intention was to eliminate the controversy and keep Alpharetta out of the news. There was a wonderful staff who wanted to work for the public but things had become an embarrassment.”
Matoney said some improvements he has made include a user-friendly computer system and working with the police department to minimize officers’ time in court.
Although Alpharetta City Council discussed changing to a system of appointing judges, for the time being the judge will still be elected by the public. Matoney said he plans to visit citizens door-to-door and post signs as he ramps up his campaign.
Monson, who serves as the council’s primary liaison to the department of engineering and public works, said transportation remains a top priority.
“In the 2009/2010 fiscal year we will complete over $6 million worth of transportation infrastructure projects. I am very proud that we continue to leverage Alpharetta’s funds for transportation projects at a current rate of 280 percent return on taxpayer dollars,” said Monson.
He also mentioned contributing to the city’s conservative leadership and helping to provide additional homestead tax relief and a balanced budget with reduced revenues among his accomplishments.
Although the economy has caused several of the city’s projects to stall, he said in the meantime the city must do all it can to position to rebound quickly when liquidity returns to the capital markets.
Several seats will be in contention in November in the city of Alpharetta.
Alpharetta City Councilmen John Monson and Doug DeRito have announced their intentions to run again but Councilman Jim Paine’s seat will be completely open due to term limits. Alpharetta Municipal Judge Jim Matoney said he plans to seek his seat again. The judge who served before Matoney, Scott Childress, said he does not plan to run again.
Matoney served 12 years on city council and said he still keeps abreast of politics in Alpharetta but refrains from commenting publicly. He said although local politics I can be mired in controversy, when taking his role on the bench his biggest goal was to keep things running smoothly.
“There was a lot of controversy within the court and various departments in the city,” said Matoney. “My intention was to eliminate the controversy and keep Alpharetta out of the news. There was a wonderful staff who wanted to work for the public but things had become an embarrassment.”
Matoney said some improvements he has made include a user-friendly computer system and working with the police department to minimize officers’ time in court.
Although Alpharetta City Council discussed changing to a system of appointing judges, for the time being the judge will still be elected by the public. Matoney said he plans to visit citizens door-to-door and post signs as he ramps up his campaign.
Monson, who serves as the council’s primary liaison to the department of engineering and public works, said transportation remains a top priority.
“In the 2009/2010 fiscal year we will complete over $6 million worth of transportation infrastructure projects. I am very proud that we continue to leverage Alpharetta’s funds for transportation projects at a current rate of 280 percent return on taxpayer dollars,” said Monson.
He also mentioned contributing to the city’s conservative leadership and helping to provide additional homestead tax relief and a balanced budget with reduced revenues among his accomplishments.
Although the economy has caused several of the city’s projects to stall, he said in the meantime the city must do all it can to position to rebound quickly when liquidity returns to the capital markets.
Alpharetta HS donates patrol car
Courtesy Appen Newspapers
May 14, 2009
Fulton County School Resource officers at Alpharetta High School accepted a donation April 27 from the city of Alpharetta: a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor. Previously used by Alpharetta fire marshals, the vehicle has 84,000 miles and serves as a step up from the 1997 Crown Victoria previously donated to the school by the city in 2006. That vehicle provided the school with about 37,000 miles of service.
With 74 acres of school property to cover at Alpharetta High School, and much of it on a hilltop, resource officers are thankful to get the vehicles."We are extremely grateful," said Fulton County School Resource Officer W.M. Stanley. "It does speak to how well we've worked together over the years."It definitely makes our jobs easier and hopefully it will help Alpharetta officers as well who may need a backup," he added.
May 14, 2009
Fulton County School Resource officers at Alpharetta High School accepted a donation April 27 from the city of Alpharetta: a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor. Previously used by Alpharetta fire marshals, the vehicle has 84,000 miles and serves as a step up from the 1997 Crown Victoria previously donated to the school by the city in 2006. That vehicle provided the school with about 37,000 miles of service.
With 74 acres of school property to cover at Alpharetta High School, and much of it on a hilltop, resource officers are thankful to get the vehicles."We are extremely grateful," said Fulton County School Resource Officer W.M. Stanley. "It does speak to how well we've worked together over the years."It definitely makes our jobs easier and hopefully it will help Alpharetta officers as well who may need a backup," he added.
New Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee
Many thanks to J.D. Easley / House Communications Specialist GA General Assembly for providing this information.
ATLANTA - Representatives Mark Burkhalter (R- Johns Creek) and Jan Jones(R-Milton) announced today an initial Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee. The Committee will assist and advise Representatives Burkhalter and Jones as they proceed forward with historic legislationto allow the re-creation of Milton County.
Rep. Burkhalter first introduced legislation to facilitate Milton County's re-creation over 15 years ago. This January Rep. Jones authored House Resolution 21 to allow the re-creation ofpreviously-merged counties. Rep. Burkhalter and other north Fulton representatives co-sponsored the resolution.
Two counties remain that were merged in the 1930s, Milton County in north Fulton and Campbell County in south Fulton. North Fulton legislators will push to bring HR 21 to the House floor for a vote inthe 2010 Georgia General Assembly session.
"The Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee will evaluate,collaborate with and make recommendations to the north Fulton delegation," said Rep. Jones. "I look forward to working with the Committee to addressing issues identified in the recently-released study performed by the University of Georgia and Georgia State University on the re-creation of Milton County."
The primary areas to be evaluated by the Committee relate to separating the counties' functions, establishing a new school system and addressing judicial services and tax concerns. The Committee will serve through March 2010.
The Committee will consult and engage north Fulton citizens with expertise in specific areas being evaluated. It will also serve as a conduit for information and input with other north Fulton elected officials, including school board members, judges, mayors and city council members. The Committee will be composed of: Tom Campbell, Fulton County Superior Court Judge; former State Representative Randall Johnson, Johns Creek City Council MemberJim Paine, Alpharetta City Council Member, Mayor Pro TemRusty Paul, Sandy Springs City Council Member, Mayor Pro Tem; former State Senator Robert Proctor, Tax Attorney, north Fulton resident Katie Reeves, Fulton County School Board Member Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commissioner Ashley Widener, Fulton County School Board Member Ex Officio Mark Burkhalter, State Representative, Speaker Pro TemEx Officio Jan Jones, State Representative, House Majority Whip.
ATLANTA - Representatives Mark Burkhalter (R- Johns Creek) and Jan Jones(R-Milton) announced today an initial Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee. The Committee will assist and advise Representatives Burkhalter and Jones as they proceed forward with historic legislationto allow the re-creation of Milton County.
Rep. Burkhalter first introduced legislation to facilitate Milton County's re-creation over 15 years ago. This January Rep. Jones authored House Resolution 21 to allow the re-creation ofpreviously-merged counties. Rep. Burkhalter and other north Fulton representatives co-sponsored the resolution.
Two counties remain that were merged in the 1930s, Milton County in north Fulton and Campbell County in south Fulton. North Fulton legislators will push to bring HR 21 to the House floor for a vote inthe 2010 Georgia General Assembly session.
"The Milton County Legislative Advisory Committee will evaluate,collaborate with and make recommendations to the north Fulton delegation," said Rep. Jones. "I look forward to working with the Committee to addressing issues identified in the recently-released study performed by the University of Georgia and Georgia State University on the re-creation of Milton County."
The primary areas to be evaluated by the Committee relate to separating the counties' functions, establishing a new school system and addressing judicial services and tax concerns. The Committee will serve through March 2010.
The Committee will consult and engage north Fulton citizens with expertise in specific areas being evaluated. It will also serve as a conduit for information and input with other north Fulton elected officials, including school board members, judges, mayors and city council members. The Committee will be composed of: Tom Campbell, Fulton County Superior Court Judge; former State Representative Randall Johnson, Johns Creek City Council MemberJim Paine, Alpharetta City Council Member, Mayor Pro TemRusty Paul, Sandy Springs City Council Member, Mayor Pro Tem; former State Senator Robert Proctor, Tax Attorney, north Fulton resident Katie Reeves, Fulton County School Board Member Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commissioner Ashley Widener, Fulton County School Board Member Ex Officio Mark Burkhalter, State Representative, Speaker Pro TemEx Officio Jan Jones, State Representative, House Majority Whip.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Group Holds Public Meeting Supporting GA 9 Library Site
by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers
February 25, 2009 A group of Alpharetta and Milton citizens believe they have the perfect site for the proposed 25,000-square-foot Alpharetta Library slated to replace the existing facility on Canton Street — and to prove it they held a public support meeting Feb. 19 at North Park's Adult Activity Center.
The site, which is 6 acres and sits on Ga. 9 at the corner of Main Street and Winthrope Park Drive, is one of a few being considered for the new library including the proposed City Center and old Milton High School.
Library Director John Szabo also said it has been proposed the collection be housed in the old Ingles building in the Stoneview Commons shopping center, but that is unlikely.Zainab "Zee" Mirzaie, who lives in Winthrope Park subdivision abutting the site, helped organize the meeting with Friends of the Alpharetta Library (FOAL) board member Doug Davisson. She said she decided to get involved after receiving notices in the mail that the county was planning on making a decision on where to put the new site.
She decided to take a grass roots approach, which Alpharetta Councilman Jim Paine, who was in attendance, lauded."The addition of a library at 495 N. Main Street will greatly enhance the positive environmental quality and charm to the surrounding area, and add great pride to the community with the display of an impressive structure for everyone to see on a major thoroughfare," she wrote in an e-mail sent out to surrounding residents."There are other choices," said Davisson, who was acting on his own behalf and not in any official capacity for the FOAL board. "But we believe this is the best site."
At the meeting Szabo and Scott Graham, head of staff for Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, took prepared questions from e-mails and some from the roughly four dozen audience members in attendance.
Szabo said of the eight new libraries planned after the November passing of the library bond referendum, only three have definite sites. All those have been donated, he said, so the system must look at a number of sites for the other facilities. And that means public input."Our ears are wide open," he said. "[At this point] it's not about numbers or votes. The best thing to do is talk about the positive aspects of the site."Szabo said the site should be selected by the fall, and is recommended to the Library system's Board of Trustees, who then make recommendations to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.They vote on the ultimate site.Graham said the best thing for citizens to do is to be vocal — starting at the Board of Trustees meetings."Make your opinions known there, then make your way to each and every Board of Commissioners board member, as they all vote."Szabo concurred."We need to know why this site would be the best for Alpharetta," he said.
That prompted one audience member to speak up."Because I would prefer a library to a mini mall," he said. It got a hearty round of applause.Graham also warned folks to maintain their support and energy, because the wheels of government move slowly."This is a marathon, not a sprint," he said. "This is not going to be a decision that's made in 30 days."
Mirzaie welcomed the challenge and promised the community's support even after the new facility is built."You've got a group of people here who are willing to volunteer and be a part of the new library community," she said.
February 25, 2009 A group of Alpharetta and Milton citizens believe they have the perfect site for the proposed 25,000-square-foot Alpharetta Library slated to replace the existing facility on Canton Street — and to prove it they held a public support meeting Feb. 19 at North Park's Adult Activity Center.
The site, which is 6 acres and sits on Ga. 9 at the corner of Main Street and Winthrope Park Drive, is one of a few being considered for the new library including the proposed City Center and old Milton High School.
Library Director John Szabo also said it has been proposed the collection be housed in the old Ingles building in the Stoneview Commons shopping center, but that is unlikely.Zainab "Zee" Mirzaie, who lives in Winthrope Park subdivision abutting the site, helped organize the meeting with Friends of the Alpharetta Library (FOAL) board member Doug Davisson. She said she decided to get involved after receiving notices in the mail that the county was planning on making a decision on where to put the new site.
She decided to take a grass roots approach, which Alpharetta Councilman Jim Paine, who was in attendance, lauded."The addition of a library at 495 N. Main Street will greatly enhance the positive environmental quality and charm to the surrounding area, and add great pride to the community with the display of an impressive structure for everyone to see on a major thoroughfare," she wrote in an e-mail sent out to surrounding residents."There are other choices," said Davisson, who was acting on his own behalf and not in any official capacity for the FOAL board. "But we believe this is the best site."
At the meeting Szabo and Scott Graham, head of staff for Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, took prepared questions from e-mails and some from the roughly four dozen audience members in attendance.
Szabo said of the eight new libraries planned after the November passing of the library bond referendum, only three have definite sites. All those have been donated, he said, so the system must look at a number of sites for the other facilities. And that means public input."Our ears are wide open," he said. "[At this point] it's not about numbers or votes. The best thing to do is talk about the positive aspects of the site."Szabo said the site should be selected by the fall, and is recommended to the Library system's Board of Trustees, who then make recommendations to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.They vote on the ultimate site.Graham said the best thing for citizens to do is to be vocal — starting at the Board of Trustees meetings."Make your opinions known there, then make your way to each and every Board of Commissioners board member, as they all vote."Szabo concurred."We need to know why this site would be the best for Alpharetta," he said.
That prompted one audience member to speak up."Because I would prefer a library to a mini mall," he said. It got a hearty round of applause.Graham also warned folks to maintain their support and energy, because the wheels of government move slowly."This is a marathon, not a sprint," he said. "This is not going to be a decision that's made in 30 days."
Mirzaie welcomed the challenge and promised the community's support even after the new facility is built."You've got a group of people here who are willing to volunteer and be a part of the new library community," she said.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Party Marks Opening of 911 Center
publication date: Jan 31, 2009By Jonathan Copsey/ STAFF
Something big must have happened Monday night to warrant two fire trucks and police cruisers to come out in force, lights blazing, to the Alpharetta Public Safety Building. Turns out it was a party.Finally, after more than two years of planning and construction, Alpharetta’s Command and Control Center (C3) was officially opened with as much fanfare as could be mustered, with the doors flying open for guided tours of the new center complete with food hot off the grill. The foyer was packed with well-wishers and the curious eager to see the newest addition to Public Safety’s mighty arsenal. Housing all emergency functions for both Alpharetta and Milton, the C3 has the ability to track all police and fire vehicles within north Fulton and all Rural Metro EMS services, have direct video feeds from emergency vehicles and view traffic conditions through cameras at busy intersections. It truly is a one-stop-shop for emergency planning.
The ribbon cutting was attended by most of the Mayor and council, along with Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley and members of the City of Milton’s Public Safety Department. “Everybody said we could not do this for $500 thousand. We did it for less,” said Alpharetta Director of Public Safety Gary George. A proclamation was granted to George and his department by Governor Sonny Perdue, praising him for accomplishing such a feat.
‘Initiated by the City’
Who would have thought that there would be such confusion around four simple words? At last week’s Alpharetta Council meeting, Community Development Director Diana Wheeler presented a change to the Unified Development Code (UDC), the manual of how the city works. Those four words had Council split in the interpretation, leading to the item being tabled for further discussion. The UDC change largely outlined how changes to the code that are initiated by the city can be brought before Council, requiring that in the future, there must be two public hearings with the Planning Commission in attendance. After the two hearings, the Commission may make a recommendation on the change and present it to Council. While Council members all agreed that having at least two public hearings was a good idea, Councilman Doug DeRito raised issue with those four words: what does “initiated by the city” mean? Does it mean the Council? Does it mean the Planning Commission? Does it mean city staff? “
‘The city’ could be anyone in the city,” said DeRito. “I think there’s a real bright line between the policymakers of the city and the management of implementing those policies.”According to DeRito it would be possible for a member of staff – such as in the Community Development Department – to devise a change and present it to the elected officials without having it go through a public vetting process. Not only would that be cause for concern, but the very fact that they had presented a change was overstepping their role in the government. That power is reserved for elected officials. “I don’t want any employee of the city setting policy for the city,” said DeRito. “That’s not their role. That’s not their function.”
The other council members were largely confused by this thinking, arguing that even if a staff member made such a change, it would still have to come before both the Planning Commission and the Council for approval.
“We have to vote on it anyway,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “We hire these people to make recommendations. They can make their recommendation and we don’t have to accept it.”By and large, the other council members sided with the Mayor, although they said they understood DeRito’s concerns. Councilman David Belle Isle said that a change to the UDC was not the place to be having the discussion and made a motion to pass the originally presented change with a few minor modifications. DeRito was still not happy, and he made another motion to table the issue so council can discuss it further. That motion passed with all council members except for Letchas voting in favor. Councilwoman Cheryl Oakes was absent from the meeting.
N. Fulton Joins Nation Wide Homeless Census
publication date: Jan 31, 2009By Jonathan Copsey / STAFF / Beacon Media
The bitterly cold morning of January 23 saw two men walking through woods looking for something that turns out to be very rare in North Fulton. They were looking for the homeless.
As a part of the bi-annual Homeless Census Count, a national survey of the homeless, Alpharetta Police office Terry Joyner and Thomas Capitano, who works for Fulton County Human Services, visited many of the areas Joyner knew the homeless to live. For Capitano, this was his second year taking part in the census; he began helping in 2007 after he read “Homeless for the Holidays,” The Beacon’s article that year detailing the homeless camp near North Point Mall.
“I was floored,” said Capitano. “I honestly had no idea that there were homeless people living in the woods. These individuals are truly homeless. They are living in places not made for human habitation.”
It should perhaps be considered a blessing that the night had only five homeless people documented, although there was evidence of many more. “There was a tunnel where a female was living but no one has seen her in two weeks,” recounted Capitano. “We went to the tunnel and saw cushions and different junk that you could tell someone was living in it.”
Under census guidelines, only people seen by the counters can be counted. Also, unless accompanied – as Capitano was – by an officer no one was allowed out of their cars. It was a purely visual survey. This can create problems with the count, such as people living in areas not visible from the street, or those who are living in their cars. The woman who lived in the tunnel could not be counted because she was not seen. Despite the low numbers and fairly uneventful night, Capitano was pleased to have taken part. “It’s a great experience,” he said. “It really puts things in perspective. There are people here who don’t have the luxuries of life that we take for granted… I’ll definitely be doing it again next time.”
Friday, January 30, 2009
Alpharetta Eyes Eliminating Property Taxes
By DOUG NURSE / Atlanta Journal
Friday, January 30, 2009
The city of Alpharetta is studying a way to eliminate property taxes in the future.
It would take an act of the General Assembly to make it happen, so its prospects are uncertain. But Alpharetta is doing its homework in advance on the so-called municipal option sales tax, or
The sales tax rate would remain the same, so residents would not see any of their taxes increase. But the way the sales tax revenue is allocated would change.
As envisioned, the city would be allowed to opt out of a countywide one-cent sales tax, and keep all the sales tax revenue generated within the city limits.
With North Point Mall and other commercial centers, officials believe a city-based sales tax would surpass what the property tax brings in, about $16.6 million. The city has $56.5 million general fund budget.
The reason Alpharetta wants out of the county sales tax, called a special local option sales tax or SPLOST, is because all sales tax revenue is put in a county pot and distributed by population. City Councilman Doug DeRito, an advocate of a MOST for Alpharetta, said the city is 60 percent commercial but has a small population. He said that means Alpharetta is losing money.
“We’re being penalized for creating a favorable commercial climate,” DeRito said.
However, the city faces an obstacle in the Legislature. A general bill allowing cities to enact their own sales taxes has already been filed, but it requires the cities to apply the proceeds to water and sewer projects. Alpharetta’s water and sewer service is provided by Fulton County.
Currently, only Atlanta has been allowed to enact a MOST, which is dedicated to repairing and upgrading its own water and sewer systems.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The city of Alpharetta is studying a way to eliminate property taxes in the future.
It would take an act of the General Assembly to make it happen, so its prospects are uncertain. But Alpharetta is doing its homework in advance on the so-called municipal option sales tax, or
The sales tax rate would remain the same, so residents would not see any of their taxes increase. But the way the sales tax revenue is allocated would change.
As envisioned, the city would be allowed to opt out of a countywide one-cent sales tax, and keep all the sales tax revenue generated within the city limits.
With North Point Mall and other commercial centers, officials believe a city-based sales tax would surpass what the property tax brings in, about $16.6 million. The city has $56.5 million general fund budget.
The reason Alpharetta wants out of the county sales tax, called a special local option sales tax or SPLOST, is because all sales tax revenue is put in a county pot and distributed by population. City Councilman Doug DeRito, an advocate of a MOST for Alpharetta, said the city is 60 percent commercial but has a small population. He said that means Alpharetta is losing money.
“We’re being penalized for creating a favorable commercial climate,” DeRito said.
However, the city faces an obstacle in the Legislature. A general bill allowing cities to enact their own sales taxes has already been filed, but it requires the cities to apply the proceeds to water and sewer projects. Alpharetta’s water and sewer service is provided by Fulton County.
Currently, only Atlanta has been allowed to enact a MOST, which is dedicated to repairing and upgrading its own water and sewer systems.
Gesher L'Torah celebrates opening in Alpharetta
by Jennifer Chapman / Appen Newspapers
January 29, 2009 You could tell by the smiles on their faces that the members of Congregation Gesher L'Torah were excited. The newly constructed building which houses their sanctuary, preschool and social rooms unlocked its doors for a grand opening celebration Jan. 25.Members gathered at the site on Kimball Bridge Road for the building dedication celebration, followed by remarks from distinguished speakers.
Congregation Gesher L'Torah has about 130 member families, according to Jill Sorkin, vice president of marketing. The construction was made possible through donations from members and other fundraising efforts."Now we're all home...we're just so proud," said Sorkin.
Members previously met for services in trailers at the same location as well as at the North Metro Jewish Community Center.The building also houses a piece of history - a Holocaust Memorial Wall that is located toward the rear of the building. The nine large, interconnected walls have enough space to hold the names of 6,000 Holocaust victims on engraved bricks.Congregation Gesher L'Torah is located at 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta. For more information, call 770-777-4009 or visit www.gltorah.org.
"Smoke On The Mountain" Makes Alpharetta Debut
by Hatcher Hurd / Appen Newspapers
January 29, 2009 The word is out, "Smoke on the Water" is back for two performances in Alpharetta. That means you had probably best get your tickets quickly."Smoke on the Water" first appeared around four years ago at the Cumming Playhouse and hasn't left an empty seat in all of its appearances. Produced by PlayRight Productions, its members combine comedy, gospel and bluegrass to make a two-hour treat that is truly original."Smoke" will be performed Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 32, at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church at 69 N. Main St. as fundraiser for the church's new grand piano that accompanies the choir.
January 29, 2009 The word is out, "Smoke on the Water" is back for two performances in Alpharetta. That means you had probably best get your tickets quickly."Smoke on the Water" first appeared around four years ago at the Cumming Playhouse and hasn't left an empty seat in all of its appearances. Produced by PlayRight Productions, its members combine comedy, gospel and bluegrass to make a two-hour treat that is truly original."Smoke" will be performed Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 32, at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church at 69 N. Main St. as fundraiser for the church's new grand piano that accompanies the choir.
The piano is also to honor the memory of Brandon Roberts who was the church music director for 27 years."He was my mentor and my sounding board," said Barbara Holbrook, the current AFUMC music director and 23 years music director at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church.And what better fundraiser can there be to honor a church music director than a play about church music?
"Smoke" is the story set in 1938 of a small country church that makes a giddy decision to have a church sing on Saturday night. The mythical Sanders Family has been contracted to come and play for the church.And not only is it on a Saturday night – cover the children's ears – they will play the guitar, too, right there in the church. Pretty daring for 1938.
But the cast are not stereotypes drawn from "Green Acres" or "The Dukes of Hazard." Instead, the characters are richly drawn form experiences in real life."It's very clever, very funny. It takes you back in time, and back to all that quirkiness you find in a small church," said Holbrook. "Yet these actors are very good musicians as well. Every voice is good, top-notch. This is great family entertainment."
PlayRight Productions is Christian performing arts company comprised of local performers and showcases " their God-given gifts and talents" to provide quality, family-friendly theater.
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