01-08-2016 Brookhaven Reporter

Inside

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

BrookhavenReporter

www.ReporterNewspapers.net

SEE LAWMAKERS, PAGE 7

SEE SKYLAND, PAGE 2

BY JOHN RUCHjohnruch@reporternewspapers,net

New Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst made his fi rst big political move before even taking offi ce, playing a key role in the City Council’s surprise killing of the Skyland Center purchase deal on Dec. 23.

Meanwhile, it appears the building may be slipping from the city’s reach to become a new DeKalb County school.

Before Ernst was sworn in as mayor on Jan. 4, the council met in a hastily called ses-sion and pulled the plug on a $3.3 million bond issuance for the 2600 Skyland Drive building.

Th e council reversed its earlier position with a 3-1 re-vote, a dramatic turnaround from its unanimous approval of the deal just eight days earlier. A key factor was Ernst privately telling council members and for-mer Mayor Rebecca Chase Williams that he would vote down the fi nal bond contract when he took offi ce, Williams said.

“I had made some of my feelings known,” Ernst said in a recent interview. “My feel-

The plan manHow to ease traffi c woes

COMMENTARY 12

‘Afraid to death’Students talk desegregation

COMMUNITY 13

PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Above, from left, Judge Mike Jacobs swears in the new mayor of Brookhaven, John Ernst, right, with an assist from wife Monica Ernst, center. Right, Monica Ernst watches over the proceedings with son Evan,

3, on her lap, accompanied by son Jack, 5, far right, and family friend Avery Clockadale, 7, center.

Ernst helps kill Skyland bonds; DeKalb school

system may buy building

My dad’s the new mayor!

For this winter edition of our semi-annual Education Guide, Reporter

Newspapers introduces its fi rst “20 Under 20,” a special feature

adapted from our sister publication Atlanta INtown. Meet this group of extraordinary young people

who are working to improve their communities.

The section begins on page 15.

BY JOE [email protected]

Rep. Scott Holcomb says it’s simple. With a presidential primary scheduled for Georgia in March, “there’s likely to be a lot of nonsense” during the coming session of the state General Assembly, the DeKalb Democrat says.

Political posturing is “already out there,” Holcomb said. His prediction for the 2016 Legislature? “I think it’s going to be a year not terribly impressive in terms of legislative accomplishment,” he said. “Th e shadow of the presidential primary is going to weigh heavily on the Gold Dome. You’re just going to see a lot of nonsense.”

Still, state lawmakers are bound to do something during the 40 days they meet and debate the state’s business, even if it’s only to approve a state budget. And as legislators pre-pared for the start of the 2016 Georgia General Assembly,

set to start Jan. 11, there was plenty of new legislation be-ing talked up.

Local lawmakers said they expect to spend much of the session arguing over hot-button statewide issues such as gambling, the state budget, funding for education and mer-it pay for teachers. “I think it’s going to make for an inter-esting year,” Rep. Beth Beskin (R-Buckhead) said. “I really think education is going to be one of the big ones this year.”

Th e proposal to allow casino gambling in Georgia “will be taken seriously,” Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) said, but he and several other local lawmakers seemed un-willing to predict that it would pass this year. “I don’t see that happening in this session, particularly in an election

Expect political ‘nonsense’ in 2016 Legislature

All aboard?

COMMUNITY 5

C O M M U N I T Y

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

ing was we should have a plan for this building…[and] that people thought it was a back-room deal one way or another…It would have brought more distrust.”

Ernst said he was open to purchasing the state-owned offi ce building through a diff erent bond process.

But Williams and oth-ers say the DeKalb Coun-ty School District is mov-ing toward a purchase. DeKalb Schools spokes-man Quinn Hudson de-clined to answer questions in a brief statement indi-cating a purchase may be in the works.

“Since this is a pending real estate matter, we will not respond to questions until the process is completed,” Hudson said.

Th e council’s re-vote was triggered by ethics concerns raised by City At-torney Chris Balch about Councilman Joe Gebbia’s service on the board of the Brookhaven Innovation Academy,

a potential tenant of the Skyland Drive building if the city’s Development Au-thority purchased it.

Gebbia resigned from the BIA board to assure there was no appearance of confl ict, but the re-vote gave council members a chance to rethink other le-gal and moral questions, including some raised by Ernst.

Ernst said he was not involved in the

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Skyland building purchase denied after 3-1 council re-vote

PHIL MOSIER

At left, Judge Mike Jacobs swears in City Councilman Bates Mattison, right, on Jan. 4 at Brookhaven City Hall as Stephanie Mattison, center, looks on.

BK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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PHIL MOSIER

New Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst says key areas he wants to immediately

focus on are zoning, infrastructure issues

surrounding stormwater drainage and paving.

PHIL MOSIER

Judge Mike Jacobs, left, and City Councilwoman Linley Jones, right, raise their hands during her swearing-

in ceremony at Brookhaven City Hall on Jan. 4.

Editors note: Shortly before John Ernst was sworn in as Brookhaven’s new mayor, the Brookhaven Reporter asked him a few ques-tions about changes he expects to see at City Hall. Here are his answers.

Q. What is a new and different poli-cy or practice you will bring to city gov-ernment?

A. I’ll bring more av-enues for resident input, starting with monthly town hall meetings.

Q. What is some-thing about city gov-ernment you want to keep the same?

A. Brookhaven’s po-lice force. One of the goals of the city’s cre-ation was to increase a public safety presence. Chief of Police Gary Yandura, his leader-ship team and the entire force have done an out-standing job of enhanc-ing our quality of life in Brookhaven. In a few short years, they have built trust and coopera-tion within the commu-nity, launched innova-tive pilot programs and provided professional, efficient services.

Q. What do you see as the key issues you will immediately have to deal with as mayor?

A. Zoning and infrastructure issues sur-rounding stormwater drainage and paving are time-sensitive issues that will require

my immediate attention. Zoning was a major topic during the

campaign as residents saw higher-density developments encroach on our lives with increased traffic, infrastructure problems, lack of green space and the potential for overpopulation of our schools.

I plan to call for a six-month moratori-um on rezoning applications that increase

density during the first quarter of 2016. Then we need to create a cit-izen-led committee to revise the city’s compre-hensive zoning plan to reflect the spirit of each neighborhood, and from these plans, re-write the city zoning or-dinance to preserve our quality of life.

As we witnessed dur-ing last month’s rain-storms, we need to deal with potential infra-structure issues caused by our recent develop-ment surge. I will direct the city manager to in-vestigate vulnerable in-frastructure issues, such as stormwater and run-off issues, and take im-mediate action on any ticking time bombs. Without proper atten-

tion today, taxpayers will be saddled with huge bills to mitigate larger problems in the future.

Furthermore, while preparing to take office, it came to my attention that the paving project has hit some roadblocks, and the city may need to invest more re-

New mayor seeks resident’s input, zoning moratorium

question about Gebbia’s BIA service and that Williams asked for his opinion. He spoke with Councilman John Park as well. Ernst’s thoughts were influential. Williams—who cast the deciding vote against the bonds—referred to him in her comments immediately before the decision.

“In my mind, there’s a number of conundrums,” Williams said. “I’ve had enough conversations with our mayor-elect to know if I don’t vote ‘no’ today, he’s going to vote ‘no’ in January.”

A key concern was the bond-issuance and purchasing method. Another was that the city’s intended purchase of the Skyland Center was essentially specula-tive, with no particular tenant in mind. One option was to make it the city’s first permanent City Hall.

The city’s Development Authority would make the purchase and lease the property. However, a 1983 Georgia Su-preme Court case ruled that it is uncon-stitutional for development authorities to purchase and rent property directly to the municipality. Earle Taylor III, the city’s bond attorney, said that a common

way around that prohibition is to get an independent nonprofit organization to serve as the tenant, then sublease to the city or private tenants.

Ernst said he was concerned there was no “clear pathway through the courts” if that move was challenged in a lawsuit. That was influential on city offi-cials. Williams, in an interview after the meeting, said Balch wrote a memo say-ing the Supreme Court case created a “bright line” that could make the Sky-land deal illegal.

Councilwoman Linley Jones cast the only vote to approve the bonds. “This is a good deal,” she said, adding that she is comfortable with the quality of Taylor’s legal advice.

Councilman John Park noted he had expressed concerns during the previous vote “about being left holding the bag on this [bond] debt.” The re-vote gave him more time to think about those concerns.

Gebbia also voted against the deal af-ter questioning the financial details and saying he agreed with Williams’ con-cerns. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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sources in completing the project in a timely manner.

Q. Tell us more about the regular town hall meetings you plan to hold. How will they work and what do you hope to accomplish with them?

My goal for town hall meetings is to provide an alternative forum for resident input outside of council meetings. When we foster dialogue between city leaders and community members, council and staff can make better and more informed decisions. It is my hope that through in-creased outreach, we will see more resi-dent-driven projects and policies.

I’m currently discussing with city staff and residents to determine the most effec-tive format, but I do know that meetings will occur outside of City Hall. Stay tuned to the city’s website for the announcement of the first town hall meeting.

Town hall meetings are just one way to foster community engagement. I’m open to and looking into other ways to keep residents actively interested in city issues. Only when we fully engage our citizenry will we have a responsive city.

Q. Finding a permanent City Hall location has been a big topic, and in-

fluenced the Skyland Center deal and MARTA-proposed Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station redevelopment. Is a City Hall building a priority for you? Do you a preferred location in mind?

A. A City Hall building is not a current priority for me. However, I will review op-tions as they present themselves.

Q. The previous mayor devoted time and sometimes funding to creating the Cherry Blossom Festival and helping to promote the concept of the Flowerland park. Do you foresee the Cherry Blos-som Festival continuing with city fund-ing? Do you have any opinion about Flowerland and how it might move for-ward?

A. Generally, I want to foster a vibrant culture of festivals and neighborhood parks throughout Brookhaven. The 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival has already been funded by the city and will occur in 2016. All festivals should be independently run and apply for city sponsorship funds, like other local festivals such as the Brookhav-en Arts Festival, the Brookhaven Chili Cook-off and Soccerfest.

I’d like to hear more community input regarding Flowerland park. If there is sub-stantial public support for it, then it would be prudent for the city to evaluate options.

New mayor seeks resident input


BK

C O M M U N I T Y


BY JOHN [email protected]

Monorail systems recently proposed by city officials in Brookhaven and San-dy Springs aren’t the first time some-one local has pitched alternative, elevat-ed trains. In 2011, a Marietta company presented plans for a “maglev” train con-necting Cobb County and Perimeter Mall—and the firm’s president says he’d like to bid on any new Brookhaven and Sandy Springs systems.

“We’d be very interested in both those projects,” said Tony Morris, pres-ident and CEO of American Mag-lev Technology. “Anyone who has been around Perimeter Mall for 30 years at 5 p.m. knows something has to be do-ne…I’d love to see something happen, whether it’s us or somebody else.”

AMT built one of the world’s few maglev test tracks in Powder Springs in 2006 and is planning an Orlando mag-lev line, but it has yet to build a full sys-tem after several unsuccessful projects, some of which cost millions of public and private dollars.

The company’s false starts include the Perimeter Center plan and a proposed maglev line between MARTA’s Georgia State station and Turner Field. Only a few maglev trains—which slightly levi-tate on a powerful magnetic field rather than riding on wheels—are in commer-cial operation, all in East Asia.

Such lack of success has made mono-rails and maglevs the butt of jokes—most famously in a 1993 episode of the TV comedy “The Simpsons,” where a con man sells a used monorail to Hom-er Simpson’s home town by claim-ing there’s interest from a rival city. Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst joking-ly quoted a line from that show when asked about a local monorail: “Maybe it’s more of a Shelbyville thing.”

“I look forward to reading what the $10,000 got us,” Ernst said of City Councilman Joe Gebbia’s discretionary fund expenditure for a monorail-ori-ented transportation study. “We’ll take a look at what it says and all the costs…and see what happens.”

Morris said that monorail-pitching

officials deserve praise rather than jokes. “I want to give great credit to people who even have the guts” to propose al-ternative train systems, he said. “This is a very complicated subject. It’s emotion-al. It’s controversial.”

Elevated monorails and maglevs are both pitched by advocates as less expen-sive alternatives to normal rail-based mass transit. They can be built on public

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‘Maglev’ train once an ideafor Perimeter Center

SPECIAL

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

studying monorails and other forms of elevated transportation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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right of way atop pillars; may have lower maintenance costs; and some may operate auto-matically without drivers.

AMT’s 2011 proposal called for a 21.5-mile elevat-ed maglev train between Ken-nesaw State University and the Dunwoody MARTA station. It would have run alongside I-75 and I-285, and includ-ed proposed stations in Sandy Springs on Roswell Road and at the King and Queen build-ings at the Concourse offi ce park.

“From our standpoint, that was a very logical project,” Morris said. “It’s even gotten better now that the Braves have absconded to Cobb County.”

Construction costs were estimated at $430 million to $645 million. AMT said that was much less expensive than standard MARTA costs. However, Cobb County offi cials were not convinced the math added up and declined to get aboard the plan.

Fifteen years ago, AMT was unable to complete a monorail on the campus of Virginia’s Old Dominion Universi-ty amid technology problems and fed-eral funding that didn’t come through.

About $7 million in state funding was spent, according to media re-ports.

AMT now plans its maglev construction projects entire-ly with private funding, Mor-ris said. But, he added, operat-ing costs remain a challenge for any commuter-focused train system that has to keep fares af-fordable. AMT’s Cobb/Perime-ter train was to have a $4 fare that included a free transfer to MARTA. But that requires some type of subsidy, he said,

adding, “Th at’s going to be the big co-nundrum for [Brookhaven and Sandy Springs’ monorail ideas].”

Morris said among AMT’s ideas are tax incentive districts around train sta-tions. Another possibility is selling ad-vertising on the trains. “We were going to turn our vehicles into giant Coke bot-tles or beer bottles or hot dogs,” he said of AMT’s proposed Turner Field train.

Morris acknowledged there isn’t a simple calculation for building alterna-tive trains, but said that’s why conversa-tions about the Brookhaven and Sandy Springs monorail are important. Mass transit, he said, “is our destiny. It’s just not clear what [form] it’s going to be.”

‘Maglev’ train previously pitched for Perimeter Center

Tony Morris, AMT president

and CEO


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year,” said Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dun-woody). “I know a lot of legislators are looking at it, but I don’t think this will happen during this [session],” said Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody). “I think there’s still a lot of the religious right out there that’s still opposed.”

Some said they expect the “Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act” to produce a lot of debate, but not to pass. “I think it’ll be something we’ll hear about,” said Rep. Taylor Bennett (D-Brookhaven), who has been a vocal op-ponent of the bill and said he expected he would continue to be in the thick of the argument.

There are plenty of other ideas float-ing around: Sen. John Albers (R-Ro-swell) said he is proposing safeguards against identity theft. Millar propos-es allowing special accounts for people with disabilities. And Wilkinson said he plans to push legislation to make “the adoptable dog” the official state dog.

Several legislators plan to propose lo-cal changes.

Holcomb plans to introduce legisla-tion calling for a referendum to change the form of government in DeKalb County to eliminate the position of CEO. Instead, he wants to give voters a chance to create a county government with nine commissioners, including a commission chairman who’s elect-ed countywide and a county manager, he said. That would replace the current system, which has seven commissioners and an elected CEO, who has much of the authority of a mayor and a county manager combined.

Holcomb says he wants to hold the referendum this year because the presi-dential election in November should at-tract a relatively large number of voters. He argues the proposal deserves a lot of debate and a lot of voters. “If it passes, great. If it fails, great,” he said. “Let the voters have that decision.”

Taylor plans to again promote his proposal calling for a constitution-al amendment allowing cities to start their own school systems. The number of school systems in Georgia is limit-ed by the state Constitution, but Taylor wants a statewide vote on whether to al-low more systems so cities could break away from large county districts and start smaller, local school systems. The limit on the number of districts was set in 1945, Taylor said, and is outdated. “I don’t think that in ’45, they envisioned school districts of 100,000, like DeKalb, or 175,000, like Gwinnett,” he said.

Meanwhile, MARTA is asking law-makers to designate half of a proposed 1-cent transportation sales tax in coun-ties where the transit system operates to pay for future expansion of MARTA train lines. MARTA officials say the tax, which would last for 42 years, is the only way they can raise the billions of dollars needed to extend the lines into north-

ern Fulton County and south DeKalb County.

But some lawmakers aren’t so keen on the new tax. Millar says most local Republican lawmakers oppose the idea. Millar and Taylor argue the state should pay part of the cost of MARTA’s expan-sion and not rely only on taxpayers in counties MARTA serves directly. “I’m all in for this expansion. It depends on who pays for it,” said Taylor, who chairs the legislative MARTA oversight committee called MARTOC. “It’s a state asset,” he said. “Let’s have the state get some skin in the game.”

Millar agreed: “In DeKalb and Ful-ton, a lot of us think we’ve done more than our fair share,” he said. “[MARTA’s] not just for people living in DeKalb and Fulton. ... The state needs to get into the game.”

One thing several legislators agreed on was that 2016 will bring a relative-ly short legislative session. While the March 1 presidential primary may draw a lot of attention, party primaries are scheduled for May 24 this year and law-makers will want to get back to their own campaigns as quickly as they can, they argue.

“It’s going to be a fast session because it’s an election year,” Wilkinson said. “It’ll be a much faster-paced session. A lot of people will be anxious to get out and to start campaigning.”

So you can ignore the legislative non-sense. It’ll be over soon.

Lawmakers: Expect some ‘nonsense’ in the 2016 session


Here are some of the local issues law-makers in Reporter Newspapers com-munities say they expect will be debat-ed in the state Legislature this year. The 2016 session of the General Assembly begins Jan. 11.

MARTA taxMARTA is asking that half of a

planned 1-cent transportation tax in Fulton and DeKalb counties be desig-nated for expansion of the transit sys-tem’s rail lines into north Fulton and south DeKalb. The agency is asking that the tax be extended for 42 years so it can borrow money on the expected reve-nues and start work soon.

Referendum to get rid of the DeKalb CEO

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

City school districtsRep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) is

again promoting a call for a state con-stitutional amendment to allow more school districts in Georgia so cities can start new schools.

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Library Leader TrainingSaturday, Jan. 16, 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. –Does your child have a love for books? Do they dream of one day working in a library? If so, then this is the class for you. In this 30-minute train-ing session, children will have the opportunity to learn basic catalog searching skills, locate books in the library from the catalog, and learn about the maintenance that it takes to keep a library run-ning and tidy. Free and open to the fi rst fi ve par-ticipants. Advance registration is required. Suit-able for kids aged six to 12 years old. Dunwoody Branch Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more information and to register, go online to dekalblibrary.org or call 770- 512-4640.

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

portunity to learn fi rst hand by playing a game and dissecting owl pellets. Students can also take home the small bones they fi nd as part of the experience. Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, 30342. For addition-al details, go online to bhnp.org or call 404-345-1008.

Teen Volunteer FairSaturday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Is giving back one of your New Year’s resolutions? Th is informational session provides volunteer op-portunities for kids in middle and high school that introduces them to the inner workings of possible future careers. Representatives from sev-eral nonprofi ts will be on site to discuss teen vol-unteerism and assist with applications. Free and open to the public. Register by emailing [email protected]. Buckhead Branch Li-brary, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30305. To learn more, visit afpls.org or call 404-814-3500.

Storms A BrewinMonday, Jan. 25, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. –Presented in partnership with Imagine It: Chil-dren’s Museum, this interactive musical perfor-mance teaches children about the weather and how to stay safe when bad weather arrives. Free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Suitable for kids aged 4 and up. For more information and to regis-ter, email [email protected], call 404-303-6130, or visit afpls.org. Sandy Springs Branch Library, 395 Mount Vernon Hwy., San-dy Springs, 30328.

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Free Admission DayMonday, Jan. 18, all day – In honor of Mar-tin Luther King Jr. Day, the Atlanta History Cen-ter opens their doors for a day of free admission. Visitors will gain all-inclusive access to the Mar-garet Mitchell House, exhibitions in the muse-um, Meet the Past experiences at the 1928 Swan House and the 1860 Smith Family Farm, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum and the Goizueta Gardens. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, At-lanta, 30305. For addition-al details, go to atlantahistory-center.com or call 404-814-4000.

Mini Book SaleWednesday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. – On the third Wednesday of every month, the Friends of the Brookhaven Library present a mini book sale. Time to stock up on reading materials for an aff ord-

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

‘A Lucky Child’Sunday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. – Am Yisra-el Chai, a holocaust education and awareness non-profi t in Atlanta, holds an event featuring Th omas Buergenthal, one of the youngest child survivors of Auschwitz. Buergenthal is an international and hu-man rights lawyer as well as judge at the Internation-al Court of Justice. Th e event takes place on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and includes a lecture, book signing and coff ee. Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel, 7 Concourse Pkwy., Sandy Springs, 30328. To fi nd out more and to pre-order a signed copy of Buergenthal’s book, “A Lucky Child,” email [email protected]. Free to participate, registration is required. Go to courag-eandcompassion.eventbrite.com to register.

L I F E T I M E O F L E A R N I N G

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

DivorceCareWednesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. – Going through a separation or divorce? Don’t go it alone. DivorceCare is a group of caring people who gath-er to learn about and discuss information on topics such as depression, loneliness, faith, fi nances, anger and more. DivorceCare for Kids is a 13-week pro-gram to help children as they weather the grieving

process of their parents’ divorce. Th ese two classes run concurrently through April 27 every Wednes-day evening except Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10) and DeKalb County Spring Break (April 6). Cost for participation is $15. Dunwoody United Method-ist Church, Room 240, 1548 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more information and to register, go online to dc4k.org or contact Cathy Wright, DivorceCare Leader, by calling 770-394-0675.

Journaling witha Purpose

� ursday, Jan. 21, 6 - 7:45 p.m. – Th is course is designed for the person already comfort-able with journaling but seeks to set an intention and create a daily habit. Th e benefi ts to daily journaling include opportunities for self-refl ection and better relationships with others. Th e workshop explores how to use your writing to achieve a higher purpose in your life. Free and open to the public. Registra-tion suggested. Suitable for college-aged kids, adults and elders. Questions? To learn more and to register, go online to afpls.org, email [email protected], or call 404-814-3500. Buckhead Branch Li-brary, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30305.

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BY COLLIN KELLEYAlfredo’s Italian Restaurant, a

landmark on Cheshire Bridge Road for more than 40 years, will close lat-er this year after its building was sold for redevelopment. Along with the Al-fredo’s property, the land where Enat Ethiopia Restaurant, Ghezai Auto Repair and a Georgia De-partment of Trans-portation Mainte-nance facility were also sold to make way for a mixed-use de-velopment. A closing date for Alfredo’s has not been announced.

Jamba Juice has opened fi ve new stores in the Atlan-ta market, including two franchises owned by former professional football line-backer Julian Peterson and his wife, Aimee. Th e Atlanta location is at 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 201 and the De-catur location is at 2052-B North De-catur Road.

If you’re craving a Five Guys burger

and fries while shopping, the chain has opened its sixth location inside Lenox Square in Buckhead. Th e new loca-tion is also off ering Five Guys Milk-shakes, featuring 10 diff erent mix-ins to the vanilla shake base including ba-con, chocolate, Oreos, banana, coff ee and salted caramel.

Mark your calendars for Taste of Dunwoody on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Westin Perimeter Hotel. Th e an-

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

lent auction, a cash bar and live mu-sic performed by Band X. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at giving.choa.org/tod.

Newk’s Eatery has opened new lo-cations at Th e Forum on Peachtree Parkway and in Dunwoody adja-cent to Perimeter Mall. Th e fast-casu-al sandwich, pizza and salad shop also has other locations around metro At-lanta, including Brookhaven.

Piccadilly Cafeteria closed its lo-cation on North Druid Hills Road on Jan. 3. Th e cafeteria, originally a Mor-rison’s, had been at the spot since the 1960s, according to Tomorrow’s News Today. Children’s Healthcare of Atlan-ta will expand into the property.

QuickBites: News You Can Eat

SPECIAL

Newk’s Eatery, a fast-casual sandwich, pizza and salad shop, has opened in

Dunwoody, near Perimeter Mall.


BY MEGAN VOLPERTThere is so much good food at Ponce

City Market and I want to tell you all about how to approach that delightful challenge, but first, I feel a moral obliga-tion to warn you about the parking.

Huge urban lifestyle complexes like this often get a rocky start, so I let this market breathe for a full month before checking it out. You can pay for parking in one of two ways, either use the machine

or an app. Well, it’s chilly out and I don’t want to stand around messing with my smartphone, so the machine wins – which means I lose a full five minutes repeatedly force-feeding my credit cards into an un-sympathetic box to no avail.

We marched inside in a huff, joining a lingering crew of complainers similarly be-wildered by parking mishaps. A very nice, very stressed-out young gentleman carry-ing a clipboard asked if he could be of ser-vice. He had suggestions, took notes, tried to remember to smile. Ten minutes later, we were officially off the hook for paying.

A dozen friends of mine have been to PCM, at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, and all report similar situa-tions – except for this one smug millenni-al I know who just said he hadn’t noticed parking problems because he’d always ei-ther walked there from the BeltLine or cy-cled his way to the rooftop bike valet.

Anyway, on to the eats. Let us begin by declaring a clear winner of the epic bat-tle of cuisine taking place at Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall. I’m speaking of course of Linton Hopkins versus Lin-ton Hopkins: amazing fried chicken sand-wiches versus the classic diner burger. If you can only get one or the other, go to Hop’s Chicken instead of H&F Burger. The chicken on a biscuit was divine and the chicken on a bun was almost as great.

I’ve eaten the Holeman & Finch burg-er many times: when it was offered in lim-ited edition on the late night menu, when it was offered in an unlimited supply at brunch, when it was offered on a mas-sive scale at Turner Field, and now this. I

have to say, the more that burger proliferates, the less I like it somehow. But any way you like it, Linton Hopkins is certainly the current champion of fast-casual dining in Atlanta.

Amongst the artisans in the Food Hall there are two gems: Simply Seoul Kitchen and 18.21 Bit-ters. Eat at the former and drink at the latter. The so-called “Kimchi Queen” of

Atlanta, Hannah Chung, is responsible for Simply Seoul and she makes a mean mushroom bun. 18.21 Bitters is not actu-ally a bar, but I found myself engaged in an impromptu tasting of tinctures and bit-ters that included a half dozen of the best tastes I had at PCM. Took home three small bottles of magic and can’t wait to serve my smug millennial friend.

One of the best things about PCM is the overabundance of beverage options: cold-pressed juices at Lucky Lotus, whis-keys at Brezza Cucina, coffees at Dancing Goats, shakes and floats at H&F Burg-er, tequilas at Minero, flavored seltzers at W.H. Stiles Fish Camp and even popsi-cles at King of Pops. Whatever your mood at whatever time of day, you have great choices. If wandering through the cavern-ous West Elm store for hours is your idea of a good time, you could go from coffee to smoothie to cocktail quite easily.

I went to Ponce City Market with four other people. Each of us ran off in a dif-ferent direction and we reconvened a half hour later to assemble a giant potluck of basically everything in the Central Food Hall. All of it was delicious, most of it was reasonably priced, and everyone had a blast picking at the cornucopia.

We really got to know each other bet-ter by the food we brought back, what we tried and what we liked. My personal highlight was Fish Camp’s crab beignets.

Megan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in Roswell and writes books about popular cul-ture. Send feedback to [email protected]. For more on Ponce City Market: poncecitymarket.com.

D I N I N G O U T

Ultimately, it’s your experience that matters.

650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GAwww.ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com • 404.381.1743

In depen den t & A ssist ed Li v ing

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

Ask about our Assisted Living services.Supportive services are available at The Piedmont. See how a little help can give you so much peace of mind.

Ponce City Market offers plenty of good food selections

Res ta u r a n t R e v i ew

SPECIAL PHOTOS

Top right, food and drinks from Simple Seoul Kitchen and Lucky Lotus at Ponce

City Market. Above, the view of the Central Food Hall from the market’s mezzanine.

C O M M E N T A R Y


Atlanta Region’s Plan provides 25-year road map to move our region forward

Th e Atlanta region is one of the largest, most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country. What will it take to ensure that we remain competitive in the coming de-cades, with a high quality of life?

Th e Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and its community partners have been working for more than a year to ad-dress this question. Th e result is the Atlan-ta Region’s Plan, a long-range blueprint that incorporates all of ARC’s planning areas – transportation, community devel-opment, water resources, aging and health services, and workforce development.

Th e 25-year plan focuses on three key areas: providing world-class infrastruc-ture, building a competitive economy and ensuring the region is comprised of healthy, livable communities.

Th ese are ambitious goals, to be sure – even more so when you consider that we’ll be adding 2.5 million people by 2040, the equivalent of metro Charlotte. But we must aim high if we are to ensure our fu-ture success.

Th is means fos-tering vibrant, walk-able communities and improved hous-ing options, including the ability for older adults to age in place. It means developing a highly educated and skilled workforce that is able to meet the needs of 21st centu-ry employers. And it means making care-fully targeted invest-ments to maintain and expand our trans-portation system.

Th e Atlanta Re-gion’s Plan includes $86 billion in trans-portation spending through 2040. About two-thirds is needed to maintain our exist-ing system. Of the rest, the plan commits: $10 billion to widen roads and improve highway interchanges by 2020; $6.5 bil-lion to build a network of managed toll lanes, promising a reliable, free-fl owing ride to commuters willing to carpool, ride a bus or pay a toll; and $12 billion for transit expansion projects.

We all know that the north Atlan-ta communities of Sandy Springs, Buck-head, Dunwoody and Brookhaven are home to some of the region’s worst traffi c. New businesses, apartment towers and other development fl ocking to the area promise to bring even more vehicles to

already crowded thorough-fares.

Th e Atlanta Region’s Plan includes a number of im-portant transportation proj-ects that are planned in and around the Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Dunwoody and Brookhaven areas.

In what will be one of the biggest road projects in state history, the Georgia Department of Transporta-tion will soon begin recon-struction of the interchange at Ga. 400 and I-285. Th e enhancements will improve safety and traffi c fl ow in this highly congested area. Flyover ramps will eliminate unsafe and ineffi cient left-hand merges, and new collector-distribu-tor lanes will separate through traffi c from vehicles that are entering and exiting via ramps on both I-285 and Ga. 400.

Looking a bit further down the road, the state DOT plans to build managed toll lanes along the Ga. 400 and I-285 “top end” perimeter corridors. Th e Ga. 400 project will build two managed lanes in each direction (four total) between I-285 and Holcomb Bridge Road, and one managed lane in each direction (two total) between Holcomb Bridge and Mc-Farland Parkway in Forsyth County. Th e confi guration for the I-285 project is still being evaluated.

Th ese projects are programmed for the latter portion of the 25-year plan, at a combined cost of $2.4 billion.

Another key project will remake a one-mile stretch of Roswell Road just north of the Chattahoochee Riv-er. Th e existing reversible lane system will be removed in favor of a median-divid-ed, four-lane roadway with a multi-use path on both sides of the thoroughfare. An ad-ditional northbound turn lane will be built at the Ga. 120 intersection.

Construction on the $22.9 million project, ex-pected to begin by 2024, was identifi ed through ARC’s highly acclaimed Livable

Centers Initiative program.Meanwhile, MARTA is planning an

extension of the Red Line along Ga. 400. An initial phase would extend the line north to Holcomb Bridge Road with sta-tions at Northridge and Holcomb Bridge

roads. A second phase would extend to Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Unless additional funding is secured, construction will not begin on the fi rst phase until the latter years of the 25-year plan.

It’s important to note that there’s no way we can build our way out of conges-tion. Traffi c is an inev-itable part of a healthy, growing economy. Th at doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to improve mo-bility – only that the long-term solution must include a robust, truly regional transit network to give com-muters new ways of

bypassing the gridlock.Th ese are just some of the highlights of

our new long-range plan. To learn more, I encourage you to visit www.atlantare-gionsplan.com.

Please let us know what you think. ARC is accepting public comment about the plan through Jan. 15. You can send us an email at [email protected] and take an online survey at atlantar-egionsplan.metroquest.com.

John Orr is the manager of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s transportation and mobility division.

JOHNORR

GUEST COLUMN

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Associate Editor: John Ruch

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Staff Writer: Dyana Bagby

Copy Editor: Diane L. Wynocker

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Creative Director: Rico Figliolini

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GDOT

The planned reconstruction of the I-285 and Ga. 400 interchange will be one of the biggest road projects in the state’s history.

C O M M U N I T Y


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Sandy Springs 5252 Roswell Road, Suite 202 | Atlanta, GA 30342 404.252.4908The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 11146_ATL_08/15 Administered by American Home Shield

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1002 Garden Court - $219,000Cynthia Wallace 678-488-7771

Immaculate end unit & largest floorplan in The Gardens. 2 sty entry foyer opens to vaulted fireside great rm. Eat-in

kitchen w/custom cabinetry, SS appliances, breakfast bay & pantry. Master suite w/renovated spa bath & custom walk-in closet. Separate storage rm. Private

oversized deck. New hi-efficiency AC and water heater.

625 Mount Vernon Highway - $1,875,000Debbie Sonenshine 404-250-5311

Spitzmiller & Norris Architect, Robert Fields premier builder, Alec Michaelides top landscape designer at

LandPlus and Kay Van Doren designed interior. Custom moldings, heart pine floors & beams, custom solid

doors, extra insulation, cabinetry by Charles Reinike.

1866 Olde Village Run - $639,900Karyn Feinberg 404-309-9018

Dunwoody’s top schools in Village Mill. Over $200K on new mstr wing w/2 walk-in closets, fp, sitting area, oversized

bedroom, glam bath w/dbl vanities, stone shower & heated flrs. Kit w/all the bells & whistles. Kit open to family rm that opens to screened porch. Backyard is fenced, flat, grassy & even has a bridge! All baths recently renov!

2260 Gracehaven Way - $725,000Michelle Irastorza 678-522-4448

John Wieland custom home w/hardwood floors, custom built-ins & high-end finishes. Master suite offers his & hers dual master baths & closets, soaking tub & owners retreat complete w/morning kitchen. Owner added over $80K in upgrades, including custom plantation shutters, irrigation

system, Prof. landscaping & terrace lvl paver patio & walkway.

10301 Papillon Trace - $655,000 Cindy Wallace 678-488-7771

Private .97 acre lot. Eat-in kit, vaulted fireside great rm w/exposed wood beams. Gorgeous landscap-ing & gunite pool w/hot tub. Main floor master w/

fireplace, spa bath & his/hers walk-in closets. Sep study & banquet size dining rm. Finished terrace lvl, hdwd flrs, trim details & plantation shutters.

2990 Coles Way - $599,500Debbie Sonenshine 404-250-5311

One of the best lots in the area, private, level play area, huge deck, stone patio on quiet cul-de-sac street. Huge kitchen. Office/study, banquet size dining room, great room & sun room on main. Big bedrooms up w/

hardwood floors & built-in custom closets. Terrace level offers playroom, gym/bedroom, full bath & fireplace.

10 Quarry Lake Court - $995,000Michele Hirsh 404-277-9886

Karen Tompkins 404-273-66072 sty foyer w/marble floors. Banquet size dining rm, 2 sty living

rm w/frpl. Kit w/tons of cabinets, granite counter tops, SS appliances & lge walk-in pantry. Kit overlooks breakfast area & fireside keeping rm. Master suite on main w/frpl & pvt deck, bath w/His & Hers walk-in closets. 4 BR up, daylight finished

terrace lvl. Brick patio w/gunite pool, fenced backyard.

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

Coffered ceiling in great rm, bookshelves & opens to a very large kit w/HUGE island. Mud rm in laundry rm just off the kit. Hardwood flrs & 10 inch trim on main lvl. Formal living rm & dining rm, & study completes the main level. Upper level w/beautiful master suite, 3 additional BR, 3 BA, den/media/playroom. Large porch next to “Flagstone Patio”.

Additional patio between side of house & 3rd car garage.

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MLK Day event to honor students of desegregation era

BY JOHN [email protected]

Some of the first Af-rican-Ameri-can students to attend the formerly all-white Cross Keys High School in the 1960s will be honored Jan. 18 at the city of Brookhav-en’s first Mar-tin Luther King Jr. Day event.

“It is, to my mind, long overdue,” said City Council-woman Lin-ley Jones, who is joining with residents to organize the event at Lynwood Park Communi-ty Center—the former elementary and high school in Brookhaven’s historic Af-rican-American community that the students attended before desegregation.

Jones said the dinner program hon-oring “our integrators” will feature two former students speaking, an informal panel discussion and a city proclama-tion honoring the students “for their role in the Civil Rights movement in Brookhaven.”

That role at Cross Keys—which be-came infamous for a massive brawl be-tween black and white students in 1968—could be terrifying and danger-ous. Barbara Shaw, one of the first 17 Lynwood Park students to attend for-merly all-white DeKalb County schools, said she was “afraid to death” when her father, Peter Scott Sr., decided she would attend Cross Keys for a better education.

“Every day, it was a fight, a racial-type fight,” recalled Shaw, who still lives in Lynwood Park and will speak at the MLK Day event.

DeKalb school desegregation began in 1967 under a “freedom of choice” plan that allowed students of any race to choose to attend any school. In practice, that meant some black students attend-ing white schools, which often had bet-ter funding and facilities. Shaw was 15 years old when she entered Cross Keys as an eighth grader.

“It was the time [activists] were say-ing ‘black power’ and ‘white power’ and all that craziness,” Shaw said.

She recalled white students threat-ening her and her friends one day as they congregated around a hallway pay phone that was a popular hang-out spot. “Some Caucasian guys came up and said, ‘You guys are talking about black

power. We’ll show you white pow-er.’… They had sticks. They came to-ward us.”

As for the education, “it all depends on who the teachers were,” Shaw said, adding that she and some other students believe they were some-times unfair-ly flunked in their best sub-jects. “We all think it was racial,” she said.

Jones said that every time she speaks with Shaw and her classmates, “I hear another story that’s just bone-chilling.”

Shaw witnessed the May 1968 brawl at Cross Keys, which led several Afri-can-American parents to sue the school district. DeKalb fully desegregated its schools the following year and the Lyn-wood Park school was closed.

Shaw laments the school’s closure as a loss to Lynwood Park, a historic Af-rican-American community dating to the 1930s. Her family moved there in 1954, when she was 2. She remembers it as a small neighborhood with a sense of community, and parents who worked at places like the Peachtree Golf Club or the GM plant in Doraville.

Some of that community is fading, and Shaw is among the residents work-ing to get a historical marker placed in the neighborhood. But Lynwood Park is still vibrant, Shaw said, noting the an-nual community reunion held in May.

She’d like the wider past—and pres-ent—of Lynwood Park to be part of the MLK Day discussion. She has invit-ed some famous former residents to the event, including Steve Wallace, a former NFL star for San Francisco’s Super Bowl teams of the 1980s; his brother, the co-median George Wallace; and Mel Pend-er, a runner who won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics.

“My pet peeve is, a lot of people who have moved out…they always say, ‘Lyn-wood Park is gone,’” Shaw said. “I say, ‘It’s not gone.’”

The MLK Day event will be held at 5 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Lynwood Com-munity Center, 3360 Osborne Road. Tickets are $10 and are available at the community center. For more informa-tion, call 404-637-0534.

SPECIAL

Barbara Shaw was one of the first 17 Lynwood Park students to

attend formerly all-white Cross Keys High School in the 1960s.

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Isakson talks VA care with Vietnam vetsBY DYANA BAGBY

[email protected]

The ongoing overhaul of the Veterans Administration means service is becoming better, but there is still much work to be

done, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson said dur-ing a stop in Dunwoody to speak to Viet-nam vets.

Isakson, chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, told the group gath-ered for the Jan. 5 Atlanta Vietnam Vet-erans Business Association lunch meeting that significant strides have been made in fixing the system plagued with scandal, in-cluding a veteran committing suicide in-side the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

“I’m proud of what we’re doing with the VA. We’re doing better and better ev-ery day,” Isakson told the more than 100 people attending the meeting at Dun-woody United Methodist Church.

But a few of the veterans attending said they are not seeing improvements. One told Isakson he had a claim take three years before he finally wrote letters to Isak-son and U.S. Sen. David Perdue, and then got immediate help.

“What I was told is because I got Con-gressional input, my claim was moved to the top. I got my claim taken care of in less than 15 days, after taking more than three years,” he said.

Isakson said Congressional interven-tion should not be needed, “But if that’s necessary, make sure to call.”

Another vet said he had been to sever-al VA hospitals across the country and “by far Atlanta is the worst.”

“I was there for six weeks last year after surgery. From a vet’s perspective, it’s not a better system,” he said. “I don’t know how you say it is better.”

The Atlanta VA Medical Center, locat-ed in DeKalb County, “is a mess,” Isakson acknowledged. “But it is better. We are im-proving. We have a long way to go. And I welcome criticism.”

In 2013, an audit by the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Inspector General found that three deaths occurred at the At-lanta VA Medical Center after officials did not keep track of mental health patients.

Months-long waiting lists for vets seek-ing medical care and mismanagement led to a serious overhaul of the VA over the past several years. In 2014, President Obama brought in Robert McDonald to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and try to turn the agency around, a decision Isakson called a “good one.”

Isakson also discussed the war against ISIL. He explained that the name “ISIL” – not “ISIS” – is used now because the war was first against the Islamic State of Syria, but now is against the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, which includes Syria, Leba-non, Palestine, Israel and Jordan.

“We have a strategy. I think it’s lousy. And it’s to wait it out,” he said. Isak-son said if he was president, his response would be to “kill them first.”

“They are fanatics of a hijacked reli-gion,” he told the crowd to a roar of ap-plause. “We have got to kill every one of them as fast as we can. You can’t negotiate with them.”

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Winter 2016 Education Guide

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leadersimpact-ready

Growing up with dogs, Hal-ey has always loved ani-

mals. When she was 9, Haley decided she want-ed to help homeless pets, so she created the King-swood Fun Run to benefi t the Atlanta Humane Soci-ety (AHS). With the sup-port of her parents, Tim and Christy Hooper, the sixth an-nual run was held last August and raised $15,000. She has raised more than $25,000 for AHS since starting the run. When she went to turn in the 2015 event’s donations, she was honored by the AHS staff and told that her contributions had saved 70 dogs from a puppy

mill earlier that same week. “Making a diff erence in an animal’s life is such a rewarding experience,” Haley said. “I knew, along with my parents, that all the hard work and participation of dozens of people, was paying off to help improve the lives of hundreds of sweet animals. I cannot wait to start planning for next year’s race on Au-gust 13, 2016!”

Haley Hooper, 15The Lovett School

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Editor’s note: In this issue, Reporter Newspapers presents its fi rst “20 Under 20,” a special feature adapted from our sister publication

Atlanta INtown. We asked leaders of local public and private schools to recommend students who have gone above and beyond the norm to

improve their communities. We received an impressive list of nominees and selected the 20 profi led on the following pages, young

people who strive to make their world a better place.


E D U C A T I O N G U I D E

Vajraang Kamat, 18North Atlanta High School

Natalie Peek, 17Riverwood International

Charter School

During the past four years, Vajraang, the son of Samir Ka-mat and Bindu Bal-

akrishnan, has volunteered more than 2,000 hours in lo-cal, national and internation-al projects for Embracing the World, a United Nations-rec-ognized international human-itarian organization. Locally, he volunteers in the Atlanta chapter, par-ticipating in park cleanups, shelter kitch-ens and fundraisers. He’s also the coordina-tor of the Southeast chapter of Ayudh, the youth wing of Embracing the World. Nationally, Vajraang tours the U.S. every summer and Th anksgiving break, trav-eling to 14 cities to participate in various humanitarian activities and fundrais-ers. Internationally, he shadows Ammachi labs in south India, which focuses on technological humanitarian projects. As chief designer for the North Atlan-ta Robotics Team, he merged his work in Ayudh with robotics to design and

build a tree-planting robot. Vajraange and his team-mates shut down their laptops to help clear Stand-ing Peachtree Park along the Chattahoochee Riv-er. “Once our robots are built, we hope to bring them to the park and put them to good use here,” he said. “Th ough what we do is small, we plan to keep it alive. We hope to keep working on and main-taining this park, and, with the help of our robots, show how technology and service can go hand in hand for the betterment of society.” w w

In March, Natalie Peek or-ganized a group of her fellow students to trav-el to Selma, Ala., to

mark the 50th anniversa-ry of “Bloody Sunday,” a day student Civil Rights ac-tivists were beaten by state troopers and police during an attempted march across the Ed-mund Pettus Bridge. Th at confron-tation was part of the campaign that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Natalie put together a program that included a visit to the Center for Civil and Human Rights in At-lanta, a screening of the movie “Selma,” and the trip to Alabama to take part in the anniversary march across the Pettus bridge. She says she plans to return this year to join the 2016 commemoration. “Th e combination of learning, watching and then experiencing civ-il rights in action was truly amazing,” Natalie said. “To walk with 100,000

other people, 32 out of the multitude from Riverwood, for the same hope of marching closer to equality, em-powered the students on the trip.”Natalie now is raising money to buy works by Rep. John Lewis (D-Atlanta), who led the 1965 march, for ninth grade English classes. Natalie is the daugh-ter of Tim Peek and Helen Ingebritsen.

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A community of 1,375 students, ages 3-years-old through 12th Grade.

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Evan Mercer, 18The Lovett School

Evan has single-handedly run Lovett’s six-week Habitat for Hu-

manity build for the past two years - volunteering himself and getting his peers involved. Evan be-came interested in Habi-tat for Humanity after go-ing on a Lovett service trip to New Orleans, where he worked on housing restoration projects. “Habitat has opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Evan said. “I have been able to work with families and help them attain one of the basic necessities of life while gaining exposure to the technicalities of home construction. I have also been able to experience the communities I live around,

which has familiarized me with the socioeconomic and racial divisions in Atlanta.” Evan, the son of Claire and Todd Mercer, said the biggest reward is the dedication of the home. “At the end of each build, Habitat for Human-ity dedicates the house, and it’s great to see how appre-ciative the homeowner and his or her family are. It feels good to see our impact and the result of our hard work.”

Saachi Datta, 16The Galloway School

Saachi was chosen as a Giving Point Institute member this year because

of her work creating an organization called Manāna, which col-lects donations to throw birthday parties for un-derprivileged kids. When asked about her most memorable moment giv-ing back, Saachi said, “It is hard to choose just one mem-orable moment because the last two years with Manāna have been unforgettable. However, there was one event, the memory of which I will always cherish. Walking into the Agape Center to set up for our second celebration, the volunteers and I were excited to surprise the children who did not know that we were returning. When they realized that we had come back, their shrieks of de-

light were piercing and their enthusiasm was infectious. A little girl, barely 5 years old, came fl ying up to me, nearly knock-ing me over, and gave me the tightest hug she could. ‘I remember you! I’m so happy! I just turned fi ve!’ she said. Th at one large smile on her face went straight to my heart. It made me appreciate that we do have the power to aff ect others, whether it be one smile or many smiles. I realized then that Manāna’s mission – to celebrate children’s lives – had come to

fruition, and my commitment to the cause was sealed.” Saahi is the daughter of Jaydip Datta and Sarita Kansal.

Enrolling NOW for Fall 2016!

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Call or email to schedule your personalized tour! 404.603.5759 [email protected]

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Which Test: SAT or ACT? As founder of Applerouth Tutoring, I help parents navigate the complicated world of college admissions testing. Parents know the ACT is an alternative to the SAT, but they often do not know how to help their student choose between the two tests. Recently instituted changes to both tests contribute to the uncertainty.

Students tend to feel more comfortable with one test format over the other. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve seen time and again how that extra comfort can translate into a significantly higher score. It’s important to make as informed a decision as possible about your student’s test preparation. Making an Informed DecisionStudents became familiar with the New SAT format when they took the redesigned PSAT in October, but not all students have taken the ACT equivalent, the Aspire. Parents often ask how they can use just a PSAT score to make this important decision.

The easiest way to make this decision is to have your student take a mock ACT so that you can compare the ACT result with its PSAT counterpart, once scores are released January 2016. Compare your student’s percentile rankings on the two tests, and then put your energy into the test your student feels most comfortable with and excels most naturally at.

A lot of benefit is derived from using meaningful data to inform your decision. When students find out early which test is a best fit, they avoid unnecessary stress and frustration. Junior year is often the most demanding year of high school. There is a way to make at least the standardized testing experience more productive and manageable.

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

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

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Ti� any Wills, 17Marist School

A wide range of volunteer work decorates Tiff any Wills’ re-sume. She’s volunteered at Marist, at Feldwood Elemen-

tary school, at a senior citizens’ com-munity, with Kiwanis International K-Kids, Hands on Atlanta and Habitat for Humanity. As a Girl Scout, she focused her eff orts on helping younger girls feel bet-ter about themselves and succeed in life. As part of a year-long scout project she called “Looking Past Society’s Image,” she worked with a group of fi fth graders to discuss the impact of society’s views on their self-images. “One of the most memorable moments was when I had the girls go home and talk to fe-male role models about self-image and self-esteem,” Tiff any said. “When they re-turned, I could see the impact of our discussion and the work they created to help themselves the next day. I was truly empowering these girls, and I could see that I was making a positive change in their lives.” Tiff any is the daughter of Teresa Dallas-Wills.

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Will Epperson, 17Holy Innocents’

Episcopal School

A Type 1 dia-betic, Will has not let that defi ne

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

5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30327www.templesinaiatlanta.org

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For more information or to schedule a tour of the preschool, please call 404.255.6200.

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

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more about themselves and the world around them.

BK


E D U C A T I O N G U I D EConnecting learning to life at every level.

paceacademy.org/icgl

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

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Sofi a Bro� man, 18Atlanta Girls’ School

Julie Street, 15The Westminster Schools

Sofi a Broff man began raising funds in 2014 for the Fistu-la Foundation, after learning more about the long-term ef-

fects of obstetric fi stula, a birth in-jury that affl icts women who do not have access to maternal healthcare. Fis-tula occurs in the world’s most desti-tute countries and causes permanent in-continence. Fistula surgery is not glamorous, but it can save a young woman from a life-time of shame. Sofi a, the daughter of Neal Broff -man and Elisa Gambino, has raised enough money for eight repair surgeries. Last summer, Sofi a interned at the nonprofi t, youthSpark, and developed a national art com-petition called stART 2 END, in an eff ort to inform her peers and address the issue of child sex traffi cking. “I have come to realize the injustices that are the hardest to talk about often refl ect where the need is greatest,” she says. “I will continue this work be-cause needed change does not evolve from silence.”

In seventh grade, Julie found the perfect outlet for her love of serv-ing in the National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter service

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

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Zack Leitz, 19University of Georgia

Haley Todd, 18Mount Vernon

Presbyterian School

Disturbed by the homeless-ness he saw in Athens and Atlanta, Zack, a recent Dunwoody High School

graduate and the son of Jane and Bar-ry Leitz, founded a Georgia nonprof-it called Th e Backpack Project. People working with the project fi ll backpacks with over 40 items of food, clothes and toiletries, and then deliver the backpacks to homeless people, “establishing a person-al connection in the process,” he says. So far, he says, the project has delivered more than 350 back-packs. “Every person we meet has a diff erent story to tell, but I will share one that has impacted me the most,” Zack said. “A man named Tony, homeless on the streets of Ath-ens, was the second of many to receive a backpack from us.... As we walked back to the car to pick up another load, we passed by Tony again. By this time, he had had sever-al minutes to look through the backpack and its contents. Tony stopped us, and with tears in his eyes, he thanked us and explained that everything he owned had been stolen from him the previous night. He shared with us that the backpack we gave him replaced almost everything that was taken from him. Th at experience, along with many others since then, makes me confi dent about the work that I do with Th e Backpack Project.”

At Mount Vernon, Haley Todd plans each of the Up-per School’s chapels and oversees spiritual organiza-

tions such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. As president of the Creative Writing Club, she led a letter-writing initiative for healthcare workers in impoverished nations. Out-side school, Haley volunteers frequently with Families of Children Under Stress (FO-CUS), where she works with children who have special needs. “A really cool opportunity I had recently was at a middle school church re-treat. Another small-group leader announced that his group had a boy in a wheelchair, and he was seeking advice. Because I also volunteer with children with disabilities, I of-fered suggestions about the best way to navigate hills and about being comfortable lift-ing people out of their wheelchairs.” Haley is the daughter of Amy and Russell Todd.



RSVP by January 18 to Rise Arkin, Director of Admissions · 404-917-2500 ext. 117 · [email protected]

Words can’t describe it. A visit will.Join us Wednesday, January 27 from

8:30 - 10:00 am for our Parent Open House!

RSVP by January 18 to Rise Arkin, Director of Admissions · 404-917-2500 ext. 117 · [email protected]

Tour in Small Groups. Attend Classes. Meet our Faculty.

Casey Gentry, 16North Atlanta

High School

Casey has volunteered for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, cleaned cages for FurKids, prepared and served meals at

Ronald McDonald House, made para-cord bracelets for military members for Operation Gratitude as well as volun-teered at Children’s Healthcare of At-lanta, Chastain Th erapeutic Riding Pro-gram, City of Refuge and Northside Shepherd Senior Center. Casey also re-ceived the President’s Volunteer Ser-vice award for National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter service or-

ganization. Th e daughter of Kathy and Boyd Gentry, Casey said one of her cher-ished memories was one night when she volunteering at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where she met a young patient who spoke no English and whose fam-ily had returned to Mexico. “I stayed with him for the rest of the night, learn-ing about how his family went back to their home in Mexico and wouldn’t see him for another month,” she said. “Th is experience opened my eyes to my aff ect on others and made me feel more use-ful than many other days in my life. Vol-unteering has shaped who I am and giv-en me my identity that today I can be proud of.”



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Swift School300 Grimes Bridge RoadRoswell, GA 30075678.205.4988www.theswiftschool.org

JAN. 23

Open House

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

ROLLING ADMISSION

JULY 5 - 22

Summer Explorations

[email protected]

A WORLD OF WONDER

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The Westminster Schools

Take a

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Samantha Daly, 16Dunwoody High School

Prashanth Kumar, 16Pace Academy

One of Saman-tha Daly’s passions is reading, her mother says, and when Saman-

tha found out Covenant House, a residence for troubled youth in At-lanta had no library, she decided to pitch in. She created a lending library by renovating and furnishing a room to house it, and collecting and cataloging 1,753 donated books to fi ll it. Samantha, daughter of Donna and Jack Daly, has been involved in other charity works – donating her hair to Locks of Love, volunteering to serve meals at a homeless shelter, rais-ing money for Haitian hurricane victims – but says “this was my most memorable mo-ment of volunteerism because having the ability to see fi rst-hand the impact that I made on the young adults’ lives was overwhelmingly rewarding. “I was able to speak to the youth and staff , and hear them talk about how excited they were about the library. It made all of my hard work worthwhile,” she said. “Th e pur-pose of volunteering is to better other peoples’ lives, and being able to see that you have made a signifi cant diff erence is truly a life-changing experience.”

For the past four years, Prashan-th has traveled to Tirunelve-li, India, to volunteer at Gal-axy Hospital and Kidney

Care Center, where he translates for doctors during procedures and helps comfort patients. Th is work also led to hosting blood drives in the small town and other places in India. He also teaches at a local Tamil school every Sunday, teach-ing the Tamil language to children and serves as a peer tutor for Pace’s Academic Resource Cen-ter. Prashanth, the son of Krishnan Kumar and Sun-dari Ganesan, is also a counselor for the Middle School MathCounts program and Low-er School chess team. He said that his trips to India each summer have inspired his career path. “Going to volunteer in India solidifi ed my aspiration to be a doctor, as it is clearly a job that would immensely change the lives of any community,” he said. “[Th e trips] nour-ish my internal drive to help make the world one in which all people, irrespective of what country they are in, have the same chance to thrive.”

Madeleine, daughter of Dean and Janice Howell, takes action against human traf-

fi cking. As co-leader of AIS Against Human Traffi cking, she’s put to-gether a panel discussion on the is-sue, helped organize a fashion show that raised $2,000 for the cause, and spoken at an international conference. “Th e most memorable moment I’ve had during my time volunteering with Atlanta International School Against Human Traf-fi cking (AISAHT), was when a few of my fellow members and I were invited to speak at a Global Issues Network conference in San Francisco this past fall,” she said. “We presented on human traffi cking, the measures that we’ve taken to combat it, and how we’ve helped victims and people at risk of being traffi cked. Any time I make a presentation on the issue, it’s always amazing to know that I’m spreading awareness on such an important issue. What made this even more special was pre-senting to a group of individuals who seemed to be so aff ected by what we were say-ing and were inspired to join our eff orts in fi ghting human traffi cking.”

Madeleine Howell, 17 Atlanta International School



James Pastan, 18The Westminster

Schools

Morgan Robinson, 17Riverwood Intl

Charter School

James is the founder of Trading Smiles, a nonprofi t or-ganization that

seeks to spread hap-piness and a sense of comfort to homeless kids through trading cards. He collects old trading cards, either from donations from other kids or by buying them in bulk online, and repackages the cards and do-nates them to the Atlanta Chil-dren’s Shelter (ACS). Since the in-ception of Trading Smiles, James has donated more than 4,000 cards to homeless children in Atlanta. Th e organiza-tion was presented at a Yale Young Global Scholars information session in Viet-nam as an example of what Yale Young Global Scholars do in their communities. Since then, he has received emails from students in Vietnam who are interested in getting involved. James, the son of Stephen and Elizabeth Pastan, hopes to reach 10,000 cards donated before he graduates in May. He is working to establish a relationship with a trading card manufacturer or sports team in order to always have a consistent supply of cards and to expand the organization national and in-ternationally. James said meeting and playing with the kids at ACS is a reminder of why he started the nonprofi t. “Every time I drop off a donation at the ACS, I look at the playground and remember why running Trading Smiles is so reward-ing: every card is an invitation to play.”

Morgan has al-ways given of her time to her com-

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

NEW CARD!

Information regarding company, school, or university issued cards will be provided at a later date by your company or school.

Effective January 9, 2016 MARTA converts to a more secure Breeze Card

and the Breeze Ticket returns.

The cost of new silver Breeze Card will be $2 and will be valid for 3 years.

SILVER CARDS will be available for FREE with card registration at the RideStores January 2016!* (Mon. the 11th – Fri. the 29th, weekdays only)

Breeze Card Changes for Regular Fare Customers

*BLUE CARDS will no longer be usable after July 9th, 2017*Breeze Tickets Return! The cost of the Breeze Ticket will be $1

Questions? Visit www.itsmarta.com or 404-848-5000.


E D U C A T I O N G U I D E SEIGAKUIN ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Japanese-English Bilingual School

Japanese students are world-renowned for their high test scores, discipline, and level of academic achieve-ment. At Seigakuin, your child will learn more than just a second language. They will be educated according to the curriculum set forth by the Japanese Ministry of Education—the very same curriculum that has led Ja-pan to the top of the world in academic success.

3 year olds—6th Grade Absolutely no prior knowledge of Japanese needed for

children 5 and under Christian Values After School available until 6:00 PM

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

At Saint Luke’s Little Saints Preschool we honor the individuality of the child as we

prepare each student for elementary school.

■ Fully accredited through AdvancED■ Award winning Creative Curriculum for Preschool■ Classes for 12 months old through Pre-K■ Christian environment

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

770-393-1424, ext. 240.

Anna Kibler, 18Atlanta Girls’ School

Anna has or-ganized and raised more than $6,000

since 2013 for causes such as AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House. Her eff orts have in-cluded email cam-paigns to friends and family, as well as on-cam-pus recruitment of AGS community members. Anna was also selected to be the ser-vice club leader at AGS, where she organizes and plans service proj-ects for the school’s student community. “I chose to volunteer and raise funds for Jerusa-lem House in the AIDS Walk over the last three years,” she said. “Jerusalem House is the oldest and largest organization providing permanent housing and supportive

services for low income and homeless individuals liv-ing with HIV/AIDS. I am passionate about supporting people living with HIV/AIDS because my family has lost dear friends to this horrifi c disease. ... In addition to raising money, I have chosen to expand awareness through my school’s community through participation in the annual AIDS Walk and through a neighborhood dining-out benefi t to raise additional funds. It gives me immense satisfaction that I am able to help others in need in my community.” Anna is the daughter of Ja-net Kibler.

Josie Barton, 17Holy Innocents’

Episcopal School

Ever since she was a young girl, Josie has been a volun-teer at Children’s

Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2012, Josie became part of girlFriends, a volun-teer group of ninth-to-12th-grade girls dedicated to fundraising through-out the school year for Chil-dren’s. She is now co-presi-dent of girlFriends, which raised more than $30,600 last school year. Josie, the daughter of Jim and Diane Barton, also creates cards for sick children through Holy Innocents’ Send-a-Smile Club, tutors at-risk students at Sandy Springs Mission, and serves as an acolyte and vacation Bible school counselor for St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. “One of my most memorable moments was a few years ago while I was volunteering at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart to Heart Christmas party,” she said. “I was running the Build a Bear station, help-ing the heart patients stuff their animals. Th ere was a little girl and her grand-mother having trouble, but none of the other volunteers could help them. None

of the other volunteers could help because the girl and her grandmother only spoke Spanish. I was nervous at fi rst, but once I began speaking to them in their native language I could see a wave of relief wash over them. As I helped the little girl stuff her bear, I spoke to them and learned she had received a heart transplant as an infant and had had multiple surgeries since. I was so grateful I was able to use my Spanish to help her, especially after everything she had been through.”



Max Rubenstein, 15The Galloway School

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

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

A proud partner of:

Be Amazed.By How We Are Different.

But don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself!

Join us for a Parent Information Session. Register online at davisacademy.org/events.

General Parent Information Session January 14, 2016 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Mechina: Kindergarten Prep Parent Information Session January 26, 2016 | 11:45 am – 1:15 pm

To schedule a private tour, call 678-527-3300.

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

COMEVISIT

Preschool Open House January 31K-6th Grade Open House February 87th-12th Grade Open House January 31Campus tours Weekly

COME VISITJanuary 31 Preschool Open House

Grades 7-12 Open HouseFebruary 8 Grades K-6 Open HouseWeekly Campus toursFrequently Shadow days

As well as being ac-tive at school – including creating a men-

torship program, work-ing on an anti-bullying campaign and working as a teaching assistant in the elementary school music program – Max also serves on the 21st Century Lead-ership Youth Council and created a charity called Game Givers that delivers video games to sick children at hospitals through-out Georgia. He also mentors youth to host gaming tournaments to raise funds and awareness. In addition, Max is a board member for E.P.I.C Kids Foundation, a nonprofi t that provides children

with opportunities for personal development. He also served on the Teen Jam board for the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, leading and implementing community service proj-ects around the city. Th e son of Ali and Da-vid Rubenstein, Max said a special memory is meeting a patient named Davis who had spent 21 months at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as part of Game Givers. “After spending some time with him, I was able to really understand the impact that my charity had,” Max said. “Davis and I will be getting together soon at one of my upcoming charity video game tour-

naments, and I look forward to getting to know him better. Th ere are many days I feel grateful that I started Game Givers, but on that day I know I truly lived my mission: helping sick kids in the hospital.”

Marist brings back adult classes Marist School brings back “Th e Marist Eve-

ning Series,” a program of adult education taught by Marist faculty and staff . Courses include reli-gion and spirituality; photography; computer ap-plications; history and culture; college planning; music appreciation; and genealogy.

Courses are to be off ered at the school, 3790 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Early registra-tion ends Jan. 15. Course tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration. Learn more at marist.com/eveningseries.

Fulton opens hardship transfer applications

Applications now are available online for parents who wish to apply for 2016-2017 hardship transfers to move their children to another Fulton elementary, middle or high school or to renew a current hardship transfer. Hardship transfer requests re-late to medical reasons, curriculum diff erences, childcare situations or for employees’ children. Th e deadline for submitting requests is Feb. 15. For more information, call 470-254-5550 or visit fultonschools.org.

Schenck School names new HeadJoshua J. Clark will become Head of School at Th e Schenck School beginning

July 1, the school announced. Clark heads the Bodine School, an independent school in Memphis, Tenn., that specializes in teaching students with dyslexia, the Schenck School said.

“Th e Schenck School has been educating children with dyslexia for over 55 years in Atlanta,” said David P. Higgins, chairman of the school’s board of trustees. “Mr. Clark brings to Th e Schenck School successful experience in growth, development and community outreach. We are fortunate to have Mr. Clark continue our direct, singular approach of accelerated, dyslexia remediation in the years to come.”

EDUCATIONBRIEFS

Send your education news to

[email protected]



3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319404.228.0709 | stmartinschool.org

discover the possibilities at St. Martin’s Episcopal School

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

Extended-day program available

Preparation for Atlanta’s top high schools

Welcoming Christian atmosphere

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

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

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

Students aim to create a ‘destination’ treehouse

BY ELLEN [email protected]

Learn by doing. Th at’s the aim of a project through which a group of fi fth graders are working to bring a new tree-house to the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Not just any treehouse. Th is one will be special, a destination. Architect Bill Edwards, who is working with the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School students on the project, wants “to stretch their thinking beyond the traditional tree-house.”

“I wanted them to consider the unique site for the project and the fact that this is not necessarily just a tree-house and building for kids, but may well be used and experienced by people of all ages and abilities,” he said.

School offi cials describe the tree-house project as one dedicated to real-world problem solving while combin-ing science, technology, engineering, art and math.

And the overall project isn’t just about the treehouse itself, HIES Low-er School writing specialist Jim Barton said. “Th e ultimate purpose of the tree-house will be to promote environmen-tal conservation and education along the Chattahoochee River and through-out the region,” Barton said. “Knowing the animals it is designed to protect is a crucial step in being able to credibly advocate for its construction and solicit contributions.”

Th e project started after Barton found out that the nature center, locat-ed on the Chattahoochee River in Ro-swell, wanted to repair its 40-year-old boardwalk and build a “destination” treehouse.

Barton thought he had a perfect team for the project in his writing stu-dents. Everything kind of grew from

there.“We could write the proposals, de-

sign the treehouse, work on the strate-gic plan and actually present it to the people who would fund it,” Barton said.

“So the idea is, this writing program − which has now spread to science, en-gineering, math and every discipline − is going to be the proposal that is taken to the funding corporations. I hope to see some of these kids actually present-ing to corporations around the area.”

Th e project touches just about every class the students study. In math class, students learned the skills required to calculate spaces. Science teachers talk-ed about the eff ects of pollution and how the nature center can help promote health and preservation, Barton said. In art class, students work on illustrations. In faith studies, they examine myths as-sociated with the environment and spir-itual ideas Native American tribes con-nected to the Chattahoochee River.

Th e students are “set loose” to work on the diff erent aspects of the proj-ects in diff erent classes, fi fth-grade stu-dent Chris McDonald said. “Every sin-gle class is a diff erent level,” McDonald said.

Th e class fi rst visited the nature cen-ter in October. Th ey started the proj-ect by conducting “extensive research on the animals and vegetation” in and around the nature center, Barton said.

Th e students spoke in November with naturalists from the nature cen-ter and with Edwards, the architect, who visited the school. Edwards talk-ed to students about design, engineer-ing, style, materials and construction of a treehouse. He said the students im-pressed him. “I feel the students were

DEBBIE REAMS

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

We’re looking formore student interns!

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

school students. Interns write our “Standout Student” profi les, work on

various editorial assignments and possibly assist in other areas of our

publications such as sales. Ideal candidates will be editors or writers

with a school publication, have excellent written, verbal and computer

skills, be profi cient in social media and have their own transportation;

juniors and seniors preferred. If you qualify, or know someone who does,

please e-mail [email protected].



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Treehouse helps students learn

engaged and interested in the pro-cess,” Edwards said.

Edwards said he focused his pre-sentation on the experience, so that the project and its goals would be memorable to the students.

“I also wanted them to begin the project with goals or a program in mind – not just start drawing and see what happens, but to have a plan,” Edwards said.

He said he asked them if they wanted a “fun place,” a “contem-plative place” or a little of both, and he asked if the designs would blend into the natural environ-ment or “make a statement.”

“All of these are intentional de-cisions in design,” Edwards said.

By early December, students started working on a website at hi-estreehouseproject.com that fea-tures the story, photos and video of the project.

The video will be used to pres-ent the project to Treehouse Mas-ters, a TV show on the Animal Planet network that showcas-es construction of elaborate tree-house s.

“Also, each student will have his or her own webpage, which will feature a summary of his or her proposal, a sketch of the pro-posed treehouse, a research sum-mary and a video pitch intended for potential donors, corporations and the Treehouse Masters pro-duction company,” Barton said.

“I think it’s kind of cool that we’re building a treehouse and trying to work with the Treehouse Masters,” fifth-grader Beth Gil-creast said.


Architect Bill Edwards challenged the students to “stretch their thinking”

beyond a traditional treehouse.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE REAMS

From left, Alex Aartigue, Beth Gilcreast and Chris McDonald are part of the

team working on the project.


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Brookhaven Police Blotter

Brookhaven police blotter: Dec. 19 to Dec. 31

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curate.

ROBBERY 1700 block of Briarwood Road—On

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3700 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 19, robbery in the street with a gun was reported.

BURGLARY 1500 block of West Nancy Creek

Drive—On Dec. 20, a burglary attempt was reported.

100 block of Town Boulevard—On Dec. 23, burglary was reported.

3000 block of Clairmont Road—On Dec. 23, bur-glary was reported at a residence.

AUTO THEFT 800 block of Lin-

coln Court Ave-nue—On Dec. 23, theft by taking auto was reported.

2400 block of East Club Drive—On Dec. 24, theft by taking auto was report-ed.

ASSAULT 1500 block of Briarwood Road—

On Dec. 21, simple battery was reported.

3500 block of Buford High-way—On Dec. 21, simple bat-tery was reported and an arrest was made.

1300 block of Becket Drive—On Dec. 22, battery was reported and an arrest was made.

2000 block of Johnson Ferry Road—On Dec. 22, aggravat-ed assault with a weapon was re-ported.

3500 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 23, terroristic threats and intimida-tion were reported.

200 block of Windmont Drive—On

Dec. 24, simple assault was reported.

3200 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 25, an arrest was made for simple battery.

4100 block of Fischer Way—On Dec. 27, simple assault was reported.

3300 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 28, an arrest was made for cruelty to children.

FRAUD 2600 block of Buford Highway—On

Dec. 21, fraudulent activity was reported.

2500 block of Wawona Drive—On Dec. 24, fraudulent activity was reported.

THEFT/LAR-CENY

2400 block of Briarcliff Road—On Dec. 19, shoplift-ing was reported; On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for shop-lifting; On Dec. 23, theft was reported.

2200 block of North Druid Hills Road—On Dec. 19, theft of articles from a vehicle was report-ed.

1900 block of North Druid Hills Road—On Dec. 19, entering auto was re-ported and theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

2900 block of Clairmont Road—On Dec. 20, theft by taking was reported.

500 block of Brookhaven Ave-nue—On Dec. 20, theft was re-ported.

3900 block of Fernway Court—On Dec. 21, theft was

reported.

2700 block of Skyland Drive—On Dec. 22, theft was reported.

1000 block of Lenox Park Boulevard—On Dec. 22, theft of parts from a vehicle was reported.

1000 block of Farm-ington Lane—On Dec. 23, theft of

articles from a vehicle was reported.

3000 block of Clairmont Road—On Dec. 23, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

1300 block of Becket Drive—On

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3100 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 24, entering auto was reported; On Dec. 25, theft was reported.

100 block of Town Boulevard—On Dec. 24, theft was reported.

2000 block of Drew Valley Road—On Dec. 24, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

1500 block of Lake Hearn Drive—On Dec. 24, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

2200 block of Drew Valley Road—On Dec. 25, theft of articles from a vehicle was report-ed.

1300 block of Dresden Drive—On Dec. 25, theft of articles from a vehicle was reported.

ARRESTS 2600 block of Buford Highway—On

Dec. 22 and 26, arrests were made for fail-ure to appear.

2700 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 19, an arrest was made for theft by receiving stolen property; On Dec. 27, an arrest was made for DUI.

2800 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 19, an arrest was made for driving on a suspended or revoked license.

2900 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for failure to appear; On Dec. 25, an arrest was made for driving without a license.

3000 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 23, a wanted person was located and arrested.

3300 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for DUI.


3500 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 28, an ar-rest was made for failure to appear.

3700 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 28, an arrest was made for disorder-ly conduct.

3800 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 23, arrests were made for possession of marijuana with intent to sell.


1100 block of Town Boulevard—On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for public in-

toxication.

3900 block of Peachtree Road—On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for failure to appear; On Dec. 21, an ar-rest was made for drug paraphernalia.

4000 block of Peachtree Road—On Dec. 21, an arrest was made for

driving on a suspended or revoked li-cense.

3700 block of Ashford Creek Avenue—On Dec. 22, an arrest was made for pos-session of marijuana.

2000 block of Burton Plaza Lane—On Dec. 25, an arrest was made for disorder-ly conduct.

1800 block of Corporate Boulevard—On Dec. 26, an arrest was made for disor-derly conduct; On Dec. 28, an arrest was made for possession of marijuana.

1600 block of North Cliff Valley Way—On Dec. 26, an arrest was made for DUI.

1800 block of Briarwood Road—On Dec. 27, an arrest was made for DUI.

1700 block of Briarwood Road—On Dec. 30, an arrest was made for public in-toxication.

2000 block of North Druid Hills Road—On Dec. 31, an arrest was made for public intoxication, and a wanted per-son was located and arrested.

OTHER 2000 block of Curtis Drive—On Dec.

21, damage to private property was report-ed.

100 block of Lenox Park Circle—On Dec. 22, damage to private property was

reported.

1500 block of Lake Hearn Drive—On Dec. 22, damage to pri-vate property was

reported.

3000 block of Buford Highway—On Dec. 25, damage to public property was reported.

2000 block of Drew Valley Road—On Dec. 24, theft of articles from a vehicle was

1500 block of Lake Hearn Drive—On Dec. 24, theft of articles from a vehicle was

2200 block of Drew

1100 block of Town Boulevard—On Dec. 20, an arrest was made for public in-

toxication.

On Dec. 21, an arrest was made for driving on a suspended or revoked li-

cense.

3700 block of Ashford Creek Avenue—

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Documents

01-08-2016 Brookhaven Reporter