8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

1/14

The

CITIZENS REVIEWVol. 21 Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc. February 2005

This years interim budget, approvedin December, had seen a lot of debate pri-marily because of the disparity in the levelof raises between police and firefightersand other city employees. What we eventu-ally came up withincluding changes Iintroduced for a millage roll backmay be

a satisfactory solution to the debate.As background, you should know that the Charter re-

quires that the Mayors proposed budget be submitted toCouncil by early December the preceding year and thenapproved by the end of February for the year of thebudget. By law, appropriations for the general fund cannotexceed 98% of the prior years revenue. While I have at-tempted to change the timing of the fiscal year to addressthe structural problem of approving a budget two monthsafter the budget year has begun, the process employed bythis Administration is to approve an interim budget in De-cember based on 96% of the prior years revenue which isre-debated and finalized in February based on the actualrevenues of the prior year. Because of the methodologyused in the past three years, there has been asurplus (more prior year revenue than projected) overthe forecast that was approved in December.

Budget Raises Salaries and Lowers Property Tax Millage Rate

salary survey was performed to compare various depart-ments to other similar departments in other jurisdictions.Any raises that might be given would be data-driven andretroactive to January 1. A second amendment (by Mul-ler) called for one half of any remaining surplus afterthe initial $5 Million to be used to roll back the city mil-lage rate for property taxpayers. I wrote the amendmentin that way because extra public safety personnel stillneed to be hired and the remaining dollars could be put

Rolling back property tax millage rateis priority for budget surplus funds

BY CLAIR MULLERAtlanta City Council Member, District 8

Budget talks: a fight for parity forCity firefighters

The proposed budget for 2005 was debated in Novem-ber and December and amended by Council with severalamendments, some of which were vetoed by Mayor Frank-

lin. The major emotional issue was that the Mayorsbudget proposed a 1% cost of living increase for all em-ployees and an extra 3% raise for police pursuant to astudy that showed that Atlanta police were not on a equalbasis with other police departments to which Atlanta com-pares itself. The firefighters complained and many demon-strations were held to promote equalizing the pay increasesamong all employees.

On the floor of Council, one amendment (by Starnes)called for the first $5 Million of any surplus that mightmaterialize by the end of December be used to give raisesto other employees who had not gotten a raise AFTER a

At this point (February 2005) we know that the un-appropriated surplus after close-out in December 2004is over $18 Million, and so the first amendment whichcalls for spending $5 Million to fund raises for firefight-ers and other city personnel pursuant to a salary survey(just completed) will be accomplished. I believe all CityCouncil Members were really of the same opinion. Weall wanted our firefighters and other employees to receiveraises as well as our police. But I believe we must know

how much money is available and we must give market-based raises.In addition to the first $5 Million for raises, the end of

the year close out provides over $13 Million, one half ofwhich will be used to roll back property tax millage for2005 according to the Muller amendment. This amountsto .45 millage roll back, not very big, amounting to $7.65for every $100,000 of house valuation but at least its astep in the right direction. The Council has now begunthe debate over the final 2005 budget, in effect debatingthe $18 Million surplus. Lets hope the Council retainsthe property tax roll back.

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

2/14

ThePresidents

Corner

This opening 2005 Association Board meeting took placeJanuary 20. Our first order of business was the unveiling of ournew website: mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org whichhas been under construction since this fall. Our volunteer web-master, Beechwood neighbor Mike Elrod, Lynne Moscow, JoAnn Rau and I have been hard at work creating this wonderfulresource for our neighborhood. We hope you find the websiteinformative and easy to use. Please peruse the site and commu-nicate questions and suggestions by clicking on the webmas-ters address, and save the website in your favorite places!

There are a few features I would like to highlight beginningwith the home page. You

will first notice a bannerwhich will change reflect-ing current events in ourneighborhood. Beneath it,are three tool bars with pulldown menus to connectyou to our neighborhoodsites and those for localgovernment offices and

other neighborhood links. This will enable you to locate electedofficials and email them simply by clicking on their address. Iwill caution you that some of the links are still under construc-tion and others are only as up to date as the governments

pages, which we learned are often out of date.You can access crime reports, the neighborhood calendar,lost and found pets and the garden club directly from the homepage by clicking on the pictures. The website is read onlywith the exception of the link for lost and found pets where youenter information on forms found on the lost and found link.

If you wish to make referrals for services providers, clickon the drop down menu for the Neighborhood where you willfind the Referral bar. Email recommendations to our webmas-ter.

Well continue emailing crime alerts, lost and found petsand urgent matters affecting the Neighborhood using our emailnetwork and publishing this newsletter. The website is an addi-tional resource. Look at it and let us know what you think!

I cant thank Mike Elrod enough for his genius and enor-mous time commitment. A busydad, husband, Fulton CountySheriff and businessman, he hassomehow found time to donatehis services, and without him, wecould not have launched the web-site as quickly as we have. So onbehalf of all of us, thank you

Mike for giving us a powerful tool to keep us linked as a com-munity and as civic-minded voters.

By YOLANDA ADREAN

Every year since December 1999, our Neighborhood Asso-ciation provides Christmas lunch to the dedicated firemen atStation 27 on the corner of Northside Drive and West Conway.In keeping with that tradition this year, MP-NCA board memberLynne Moscow dished up lunch and some holiday cheer to thefiremen and Mt. Paran Security Patrol Officer, Jim Hendrix.

Annual Firemans Appreciation Christmas Lunch

From left: Jim Hendrix, Firefighter Willy Blankenship, Lynne, Fire

Apparatus Operator Scott Seely, Fire Captain George Coleman.

20th Annual Meeting a SuccessOn October 20, 2004, more than 60 neighbors attending the

associations annual meeting were treated to special presenta-tions and refreshments celebrating our20th anniversary. Outgoing president,Brenda Smith, was presented with abeautiful crystal flame sculpture hand-crafted by master glassblower, DonLillie, in honor of her four years of ser-

vice as president of the Association.Lynne Moscow was presented with amagnificent gold bracelet for 20 yearsof dedicated service to the Association she helped form in 1984.

Following the presentations, recently elected Atlanta CityCouncil President, Lisa Borders, and 8th District Council-woman, Clair Muller spoke. Ms. Borders updated us on the stateof the city and Ms. Muller announced the expected reduction inwater/sewer bills resulting from the additional one cent sales taxthat took effect on October 1, 2004.

The meeting concluded with a forum featuring the candi-dates for Fulton County Sheriff. Both Myron Freeman andDanny Stephens spoke of their qualifications and plans to im-prove the chaotic sheriffs office. The question and answer pe-riod led to a lively discussion for the benefit of all who attended.

Brenda Smith by Shel Schlegman

Shel Schlegman

IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Webmaster Mike Elrod

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

3/14

Budget Talks OverCounty Debates Incorporation

By KAREN HANDEL

Chairman of the Fulton County Commission

The County passed its final

2005 budget a few weeks ago,and for the second year in arow, it is a budget with NO taxincrease! We also held a reservein the General Fund of about9%slightly more than theminimum requirement of8.33%. Additionally, fundingwas increased for libraries toensure that adequate operatingfunds were budgeted for thenew libraries that will open in2005. The road capital budget

was also increased, as was thearts budget. Despite funding increases in a number of areas, therewere also over $25 million in targeted reductions. This let usknow to slow the rate of increase in our expenses. There was agreat deal of give and take and good discussion about program-ming, and in the end, I think that this is a fair and reasonablebudget. If you want to know more about the final budget, youcan visit my website at karenhandel.com.

Over the next few months, there will be much debate over thepotential incorporation of Sandy Springs. The Board of Commis-sioners voted recently to oppose all legislation that would allowincorporation. That vote was 4-2 (voting FOR: Pitts, Darnell,Boxill, Edwards; AGAINST: Handel, Riley; ABSENT:Lowe). I see my role over the next 60 days as ensuring that if

legislation is moving forward that it is fair and equitable to ALLcitizens in our county. The people of Sandy Springs have a rightto determine their form of government, but it must be done in away that does not unfairly or inequitably impact the rest of ourcitizens.

There is also growing interest in the overall idea of incorpo-ration and whether an entirely incorporated county makessense. I don't know the answer, but I think we need to get theanswer, so that citizens can be informed about the pros andcons. To that end, I am initiating through the private sector an independent study to explore various organizational structureswith one goal in mind: the best, most efficient service deliverypossible for our citizens. I'll continue to keep you updated as this

project moves forward.Finally, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to

share their thoughts with me. I value your input on the manyissues facing our county. Thanks!

Karen Handel at Association event

Fire Side ChatBy CAPTAIN KEITH SCHUMACHER

FIRE STATION #23 B-SHIFT

As many of you know, I am no longer assigned to Station #27on Northside Drive at West Conway. Captain Jeff Miller hastaken my place. Hes a 24 year veteran of the AFD and brings a

wealth of experience to the Mt. Paran Community. I am justdown the road at Station #23 on Howell Mill Road near the Wa-ter Works. It is my pleasure to continue to keep you informed ofthe happenings around Station #27 and the Atlanta Fire-RescueDepartment. Of course I am not the official spokesman of theAFD. I am just relating my personal experience that affects thecitizens which I have sworn to protect.

There has been interest in the activity that occurred duringHurricane Ivan. After a little research, thanks to Captain GeorgeColeman and Communications Supervisor Marie Farrell, I cangive you a few numbers. Hurricane Ivan made his way throughAtlanta on September 16. has It has been said that September 16was the busiest day in recent fire department history. AtlantaFire-Rescue responded to a total of 609 requests for emergencyservices that day. That breaks down to 464 fire and 145 emer-gency medical calls. This is over six times the normal volume ofalarms. On September 17, our Communications Section transmit-ted 388 alarms. This was 292 fire, and 96 EMS alarms. This wasstill three times the volume of a normal day. Due to the tremen-dous number of calls and several additional units were put intoservice with the use of overtime personnel.

During that period, Atlanta Fire-Rescue units began monitor-ing the creeks in their territory for the threat of flooding. Whenunits had the opportunity, they would go to the bridges in theirterritory. If the water began to be a threat, the plan was to evacu-ate the areas that might be in danger. This has become known asCreekwatch and became an invaluable service.

At the end of the year, Atlantas firefighters had responded to49,527 calls for emergency assistance. This includes fire andemergency medical calls.

As I have mentioned previously, a unit called a Hose Tenderis equipped to respond to larger homes and other buildings thatsit a considerable distance from the road that may not be accessi-ble to the larger fire engines. It carries 1500 feet of supply hoseand 400 feet of attack hose. Currently, this unit is a 1987 pick uptruck that may, or may not start. It is assigned to Station #27 dueto the large number of mansion style homes in the area; however,a needed replacement was once again left out of the 2005 budget.A new unit with a pump and additional firefighting equipmentwould cost approximately $150,000 to $200,000.

Atlanta Fire-Rescue hopes to maintain and improve providingthe highest quality professional emergency services to the citi-zens of Atlanta. We will do this to the best of our ability with thepersonnel and resources that are provided to us.

E-MAILIS YOUR WINDOWTOOUR NEIGHBORHOODOver the years your Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association has discovered the value of getting important information to theneighborhood in the quickest most efficient manner. Email is timely, cost effective, and enables our members to efficiently affectoutcomes on issues, which impact our community. Your email address is never broadcast to others on our list and will remain confi-dential. If you did not include your email address in the annual membership dues statement, please email it to atBe sure to include this address in your on-line address book so that youre sure to receive these important emails when theyre sent.

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

4/14

Neighborhood Briefs

The idea grew out of a discussionin a third grade class at Warren T.Jackson Elementary with theirteacher Ms. Traci Safer West. Howcan we help survivors of the devas-tating tsunamis? The discussionwas side tracked as students com-pared their prized silicone brace-lets that come in different colors to

support different causes. Suddenly thats it: design bracelets tosupport survivors of the tsunamis!

The students agreed the bracelets should be red, white andblue to represent the United States. Tsupport Tsurvivors isthe slogan designed by the students and chosen because of itsuniqueness. Students hope it will be a catalyst for conversation.

The funds that are raised will be used to purchase school sup-plies to send to a school in a hard hit area later this spring. Ourprincipal, Dr. Lorraine Reich, and the teachers wanted the stu-

dents to be involved in this relief effort in a meaningful way. So,in order to make this a real hands on experience, the Jacksonstudents (not just their moms and dads) will be involved in pack-ing the boxes to ship overseas. Jackson has invited two otherpublic elementary schools, Sarah Smith and Morris Brandon, tojoin in selling the bracelets. They are selling for $3 a piece ortwo for $5. The first order of 1000 bracelets sold out in 2 days!!The next batch is to be delivered soon. For information on buy-ing the tsunami relief bracelets or to make a donation to thisgreat cause, please contact Cathy Barshay, Jackson PTA Co-President, at

Jackson Students Help Tsunami Victims

Save the Dates for Mouth-Watering Events

Mark your calendars for two of Atlantas top culinary fundrais-ers. The March of Dimes May 20th Dining Out event is afun evening featuring 30 restaurants you can choose from, and adessert and dance party afterwards at The Four Seasons Hotel.Prices are reasonable and vary depending on the restaurant youselect. Also save October 14th for the annual Evening inFrance featuring only U.S. based French master chefs. Thisblack-tie gala event, at The Four Seasons, will include dinner,dancing, and lots of goodies in a wonderful silent auction.www.marchofdimes.com/georgia Debbi Scarborough

Artists Market Benefits Adults with Disabilities

More than 70 local artists will show-case their works at the fourth annualArts for Independence, sponsoredby Jewish Family & Career Services(JF&CS). The artists market will beheld on Sunday, April 17, 2005, from11AM 5PM at The Marcus Institutelocated at 1920 Briarcliff Road in At-

lanta. It will also feature working demonstrations, musical enter-tainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the non-sectarianZimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program of JF&CS,which supports adults with disabilities. For more information orto purchase tickets, call (770)677-9329, or visit

www.artsforindependence.org. Ann Alperin

The seventh annual North Metro ProgramFlea Market Benefit, sponsored by theNeighborhood Parent Teacher Organization(NPTO), will be held March 18-19. TheFlea Market is the largest fund raiser for theNorth Metro Program. Funds raised areused to enhance the educational and thera-peutic experiences for these students with

special needs. The Program is now located at the former Marga-ret Mitchell Elementary School on Margaret Mitchell Drive.

With the support of this neighborhood and others, the NPTOhas raised nearly $150,000 since 1998 and has provided the Pro-gram with resources not otherwise funded by APS or thestate...classroom computers, library books, playground andsports equipment and uniforms, curriculum materials, art pro-grams, and paid for a music therapists salary since 2001.

Donate gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry, householditems, furniture, art, linens, books, toys, sports and baby equip-ment to be sold at the Flea Market. All donations are tax deducti-ble and pick ups are free. Please contact me at ( oremail to arrange your donation.

Also needed: volunteers to help set up the Market and workthe days of the event. If you have a student who needs commu-nity service hours, this is a great opportunity! We need helpdaily from March 11 to March 19, 2005. Please call ChrissieWayt ( for details. Yolanda Adrean

Flea Market Benefit to be March 18-19

Chastain Horse Park holds events throughout theyear that range from annual community participa-tion days like the on-site May 7th daytime familyevent Spring Pony-Up Party and ChastainChase (sponsor levels start at $5,000; admissionis free); to Miracles Happen V, a black tie, bluejeans evening affair on March 19th (sponsor levelsbegin at $5,000; tickets are ($250 each); to TheCates Memorial Horse Show, April 9th, featuring

their therapeutic program riders. Sponsorship opportunities areavailable. For information, call (404)893-5738, or go to www.chastainhorsepark.org Kathy Farrington

Chastain Horse Park Makes Miracles Happen

English Gardens at Southeast Flower Show

March 2-6 the World CongressCenter hosts the annual Southeast-ern Flower Show, themed EnglishGardens for Southern Lifestyles.

Visitors will enjoy landscaped gardens, lectures, exhibits of ex-otic plants and flowers, a tea room, floral decorating ideas, and aflower-lovers market. For tickets, show hours, details of eventsand exhibits: www.flowershow.org. Mary Lou Floyd

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

www.mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

5/14

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association produces this public safety report for the benefit of

our neighborhood. If you see suspicious activity, or are the victim of a crime, call 911 and then reportthe details for this newsletter to our Security Patrol (404)310-7361 or Jo Ann Rau (

February 2005

Security Patrol ActivityDuring the months of September through December,Officers Doug Cole and Jim Hendrix Security Patrol Information

The Mt. Paran Security Patrol isa neighborhood-funded patrolstaffed by retired Atlanta policeofficers. In 2004 there were 448patrol members of which 38 livein the Randall Mill Civic Associa-tion area.The patrol monitors the Atlantapolice radio and responds toalarms in the area. The patrolchecks doors and windows dailywhile you are out of town andpicks up newspapers. The fee tojoin the patrol is $150 a year andcovers the time period from Janu-ary 1 to December 31. The fee fornew residents will be pro-rated.Subscribers receive a mailbox de-cal, telephone stickers and accessto the security hotline as well asdaily surveillance of your houseand property.

For information on joining, orto meet the patrol officers, call(404)310-7361. Be sure to leave

a message during off-duty hoursand one of the patrol officerswill call you back.

September: Lawn service truck stolen from front yard of1100 block of Mt. Paran Rd. The keys had been left in thetruck. Lawn service truck stolen from house in the 1800block of Mt. Paran Rd. Keys were left in the vehicle. Two

black males were seen driving away. Credit cards were takenfrom a car on Broadland Rd. Mailbox damaged by truck onRandall Mill Rd. A tree fell on a house on Garmon Rd. whileowners were out of the country. Security patrol contactedsomeone on the emergency list who made arrangements forroof repair. An alert neighbor spotted someone putting upillegal signs on neighborhood poles and called 911. Lt. Fullerof the Atlanta Police called the number on the sign and askedthe suspect to meet him at a certain address on Maple Drive.The suspect was placed under arrest and taken to jail shortlyafter arriving at the Zone 2 police precinct. Clever thinking

on the part of Lt. Fuller!October: Lawn service truck stolen from front yard in 4000block of Randall Mill Rd. Keys were in the truck. Two mail-boxes were vandalized on Northside Dr. by pumpkins thathad been thrown. Jewelry was taken resulting from a break-in on Harris Trail. Jewelry and other items were taken result-ing from a break-in on W. Garmon. Reports of two pets killedby some kind of wild animal on Harris Trail and W. Garmon.

The Crime Report

Continued on Page 2Crime Report

Logged 5872 miles patrolling our neighborhood Made 1720 house checks for traveling subscribers Responded to 52 alarm calls

Investigated 42 suspicious persons or autos Investigated 4 incident of larceny Investigated 2 incidents of vandalism Investigated 3 break-ins Investigated 2 vehicles that were entered Found 4 open doors

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

6/14

More Crime News: Dont be a Victim

If You Are a Victimof Identity TheftCall:

Equifax1-800-525-6285Experian1-888-397-3742

Trans Union1-800-680-7289

Continued from Page 1 Crime Report

Security Patrol Activity

November: Items taken from car-

port on Mt. Paran Parkway. Bur-glary on East Beechwood between9AM and Noon. Several TVs and asilver service were taken. Door todoor sales people reported onBeechwood Dr., Harris Trail andMt. Paran Rd. Security caught threeof these suspicious people and theywere removed from the neighbor-hood. House on Garmon Driverolled with toilet paper.

December: Door to door salespeople reported on Harris Trail ondifferent days. Generous neighborskept them coming back! Suspiciousperson tried to convince home-owner on Paran Pines to let himpave the driveway. Homeownercalled 911 and the security patrolbut suspect was gone when securityarrived. Two vehicles were enteredon Randall Mill Rd. but nothing

was taken from either vehicle.

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

We are pleased to welcome anew part time addition to the Mt.Paran Security Patrol. Sgt. Ellishas over 20 years experience withthe Atlanta Police Department and

is currently working with the Spe-cial Operations Section (SOS)motorcycle squad.

Through the years he hasworked in the criminal investiga-

tion division and was assigned tothe sex crimes unit and narcotics.Sgt. Ellis will be patrolling the

neighborhood on a motorcycle,weather permitting. His hours willbe determined by criminal activityand neighborhood concerns.Phone calls to the security hotlinewill be picked up by Sgt. Elliswhen he is working in ourneighborhood. Be sure to wave

next time you see a patrolman ona motorcycle. More than likely itwill be J.R.! (J. R., like in Dallas.)

Fastest Growing CrimeIdentity theft is the fastest

growing crime in the country.When you give a check to astranger who comes to your doorwith a good story but doesnthave a legitimate permit to solicit,

youre taking a big chance withyour bank account number and sig-nature. Neighbors on Harris Traildid just that in December whenapproached by a female scam art-ist. Some wrote checks to a womanwearing a University of Georgiashirt claiming to raise money for atrip to Europe. Some neighbors didnot write checks; however no onereported this suspicious activity to

911 or our secu-rity patrol.

Our secur i tywants to know whenstrangers are goingdoor-to-door to solicit

your money. Atlanta Police wantto know whenever there is crimi-nal activity or suspicious peopleroaming the neighborhood so theyknow where to concentrate re-sources. Lets all work togetherto rid our neighborhood ofcriminals. Call 911 and the Mt.Paran Security Patrol (404-310-7361) at the first sign of suspi-cious activity.

Be Vigilant at Gas PumpsA woman stopped at a pay-at-the-

pump gas station . After she filled hergas tank and paid at the pump, shestarted to leave, the voice of the at-tendant inside came over the speaker.He told her that something happened

with her card and that she needed tocome inside to pay. The lady wasconfused because the transactionshowed complete and approved. Shetold him that and was getting ready toleave but the attendant, was insistentshe come in to pay or there'd be trou-ble. She went inside and started argu-ing with the attendant. He told her tocalm down and listen carefully:

He said that while she was pump-ing gas, a guy slipped into the back

seat of her car. The attendant had al-ready called the police.

She looked out in time to see hercar door open and the guy slip out.The report is that the new gang initia-tion thing is to bring back a womanand/or her car. They crawl underwomen's cars while they're pumpinggas or at grocery stores at night; theyslip into unattended cars and kidnapthe women. Be extra careful going toand from your car at night alone.

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

7/14

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citi-zens Association held our fifthannual neighborhood social onSeptember 26 at the fabulousMonte Carlo Dr. home ofCrissy and Chris Klaus. Over225 neighbors enjoy perfectweather and fabulous foodfrom crab cakes and tenderlointo heavenly chocolates bycaterer, Beth Harshaw. Electedofficials and other invited

guests mingled with longtimeneighbors who were meetingand welcoming new neighbors.Beginning and ending with thegolf cart shuttle everyone had agrand time! Many thanks to ourgracious hosts and all the vol-unteers who helped Marci andJerry Vincent plan and put onanother memorable neighbor-hood social event! We hope tosee even more neighbors at thenext one this coming fall!

NeighborsCelebrate

Being Together

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

8/14

Over 60 neighbors and friends attended the LadiesLuncheon at Suzanne Godfreys home on Harris Trail.The home, where the recent Robert Redford movie, TheClearing, was filmed was filled with laughter, conversa-tion and great food. Beth Harshaw catered the lunch,serving pork tenderloin, rice, salad, butternut squash andthree desserts. It was great! Guy Alert! The next event onthe calendar is the evening Winter Party on March 31 men included, so make your reservations early.

Beautiful Home in the Woods

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

9/14

More Crime News: Be Responsible for Your Actions

To the Editor:In the past few weeks I have

noticed instances of petty vandal-ism in the neighborhood andwanted to alert everyone. We liveon Flintlock Road which is the deadend cul-de-sac off of Musket Ridge.The circle at the end of the streethas been a popular gathering spotfor teenagers since I was in HighSchool 25 years ago. I routinelyencounter kids hanging out on theweekends after basketball games,etc. They have never bothered meand I have never bothered them until recently.

In the past two weeks, I havenoticed that several yards have beentrenched; the street sign at Senti-nel Post and Musket Ridge was sto-len; and a number of mailboxeshave been abused. I had to fix our

mailbox today for the second timein as many weeks and it is gettingold. While these situations are farfrom life threatening, they show afundamental lack of respect forother peoples property.

I suspect the culprits are teen-agers with access to an SUV(shimmying up a street pole andremoving the sign is hard unlessyou have something to stand on).If you or your neighbors have chil-dren who fit this profile, please beaware that the police have beennotified and they are going to in-crease patrols on the weekendsfrom 10PM on, and I am going tomake a point of making sure thatkids just hanging out on our streetat night have something a littlemore constructive to do with theirtime like fixing mailboxes.

MAXWELL PAYNE

Vandalism Theres Nothing Petty About It

Georgia Criminal Code 16-7-23.Criminal Damage to property inthe second degree:(a) A person commits the offenseof criminal damage to property inthe second degree when he: (1)Intentionally damages any prop-erty of another person without hisconsent and the damage theretoexceeds $500; (2) Recklessly or

intentionally by means of fire orexplosives damages property ofanother person; or (3) With theintent to damage, starts a fire onthe land of another without hisconsent.(b) A person convicted of criminaldamage to property in the seconddegree will be punished by impris-onment for not less than one normore than five years.

Notice to all Neighbors:As a result of teens reportedly

committing acts of vandalism, theMt. Paran Security Patrol has in-creased patrol hours in an attemptto stop destruction of property.Teens need to understand that van-dalism is not a prank; it can resultin very serious and costly offenses.Parents need to be aware of wheretheir teen drivers are during unsu-

pervised hours and remind them ofthe responsibilities that go alongwith driving including respect forproperty.

It is important to note that oncethe line is crossed from vandalismto second degree criminal damageto property, a felony change willresult in a permanent, lifetime re-cord. Parents and their teens shouldbe aware of the following law:

OCGA 15-11-2 states thatno child will wander orloiter about the streets ofany city, or in or aboutany highway or any pub-

lic place, between 12:00 Midnightand 5:00AM. Some cities and coun-ties do have their own curfews. In theCity of Atlanta you may not beout between 11:00PM and 6:00AMthe next morning, everyday, and12:00 Midnight until 6:00AM the nextmorning on Friday or Saturday nights.

(Atlanta Code of Ordinances 106-227. 106-228 makes it illegal fora parent to allow a child under theage of 16 to be out past the curfew.)

TEEN CURFEWS

Special Rules:Teenage Drivers

Holders of the Class D Driver'sLicense (all drivers between 16- and18-years old) must abide by the fol-lowing laws:

After obtaining your Class D li-cense, for the first six months youcannot have any passengers other thanmembers of your immediate family inyour car.

After six months, until you are 18,you can have no more than 3 passen-

gers who are not members of yourimmediate family in your car.

You cannot drive between thehours of 12:00 Midnight and 6:00AMfor any reason.

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

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

10/14

Community Partnership in Safety& Quality of Life: Illegal Signage

Major Spillane:Thank you for your conscientious

and committed enforcement of law forour area.

Please thank Lt. Fuller for his Sep-tember 14 apprehension of DiscountPaintn as they were illegally postingtheir advertising signs on utility poleson Mt. Paran Road. Last week the signswere posted again.

I am on the Board of Keep Atlanta Beautiful represent-ing City Council District 8. I live in the Mt. Paran-Northside community of NPU-A. I would like to initiate apartnership between my community and the Zone 2 Pre-cinct that would facilitate enforcement of City Code 138-13 prohibiting illegal signs in the right of way. If this part-

nership were successful, it could serve as a model city-wide. Meanwhile, I am concerned specifically with theMt.Paran-Northside community including Northside Park-way between West Paces Ferry and the Chattahoochee.

As you know, Ordinance 138-13 was amended thissummer by legislation (04-0-0785) which declares theperson or entity whose name and/or address and telephoneappear on illegally posted signs to be the responsibleparty. The penalties are clear. The Ordinance, moreover,states under Section 138-13 (d) Enforcement: The depart-ment of police shall enforce the provisions of this section.

How can our community and Keep Atlanta Beautifulpartner with you to enforce this ordinance? Here are someideas I have had:1. We could remove the signs and deliver them to your

designated officer in the Zone 2 Precinct weekly.2. We could photograph the signs where they are posted

and send you the photos by letter or email.Are there other ways we could be of help? Our newly

rejuvenated KAB Board of Directors wants to accomplishsystemic solutions to the visible pollution that blights ourcity. Illegal signage is particularly offensive because itadvertises the polluter. After this polluter is informed ofthe law, he becomes a law-breaker when he commits theact again. Aside from ignoring the law with impunity, ille-gal signage is a safety and quality of life issue. Please en-gage our help in abating this pollution advertising itself.

How may I work with you to implement a model sus-tainable solution to illegal signage in my community?

I eagerly await your reply. I am willing to come to youroffice in person if you think a meeting would be more ex-peditious. Thank you.

MARY LOUISE FLOYD

Authors note: This email was sent to Major Spillane at

Atlanta Police Departments Zone 2 Precinct on January

11, 2005 at his secretarys request.

Sign posted on HarrisTrail for over a year

NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS NETWORKAs new families move into the neighborhood many areinterested in meeting families with children of similarage. You can help to welcome newcomers (and meetsome playmates for your children) by filling out theform below. The information will only be given outupon request to new families or to neighbors with chil-dren.

Your Name/Address/Telephone/Email:

Name of Child Age Grade School

Teens interested in babysitting may fill out theform below. Names will only be given toneighbors upon request.

Name: Age:

Name: Age:

Name: Age:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Please mail this form to Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens

Association, PO Box 724153, Atlanta, GA31139. You

may also email this information to Michelle Ventulett at

If you have questions, call

Michelle Ventulett at

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

11/14

More Neighborhood Briefs

Editors note: special thanks to all the contributors in this issue. Email

with ideas, events, tips and photos for the next issue

of The Citizens Review.

Were trying something new for our winter party...a WineTasting and Hors doeuvres party for guys and gals! Thisdoesnt mean we are forgetting the ladies luncheons forever, butwe wanted to include the men for a change. Robin Howell (whosuggested the idea) and Beau Hudson are hosting the party at

their home on Conway Valley Court on March 31, from 7PM to9PM.

Heres how it works you bring a bottle of wine (a value of$10-$15) to share. The idea is to bring a bottle per couple, or ifyoure single, bring a bottle and well help you drink it. If youdrink beer or scotch, bring that. Well have some sodas and extrawine. Chef Bill Hewett will prepare the hors doeuvres. Thefood cost is $15. Your check is your reservation, so make itout to Judi Schindler, include $15 per person, and mail it beforeMarch 24th to: Brenda Smith, 4271 Garmon Road, Atlanta, GA30327. Come as a couple or come by yourself! Its very casualand a great chance to meet your neighbors and feel connected tothis great community. Alumni are invited too!

Neighborhood Winter Party March 31 Make a Big Splash and Change a Childs Life

Be a part of an exciting charitableevent, The Big Splash. Hosted byThe FunDraisers, a group of At-lanta women who do good deeds,this black-tie party isscheduled to

be theopening gala at the new Georgia Aquarium, and will takeplace in late 2005 or early 2006. The beneficiary of this once-in-a-lifetime event is The Marcus Institute, a diagnosis andtreatment facility for children with severe behavior disorders,feeding disorders, autism, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syn-drome, learning and other disabilities. Sponsor, Patron or HostOpportunities are available now. Our Patron Party is beinghosted by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nardelli. Contact London Andesfor more details, (404)846-0016 or email landes00@yahoo.com.

Dear Friends,My wife, Anne, and I are physicians from Sri Lanka living

in Atlanta. We have been part of the Mount Paran-NorhsideCommunity for the past 25 years, and live on Conway Valley.We were on our way to Sri Lanka when the tsunami struck De-

cember 26th. We landed in Colombo December 29th. The dev-astation is too horrible, beyond comprehension and description.Just the numbers: over 39,000 dead1/3 are children; over 800,000 home-less; over 150,000 homes destroyed; thedestruction of 40-50 fishing boats; andthe full extent of the mental health dis-aster and post trauma is not clear.

Most of the refugees are at churchesand temples. Few have been taken in byrelatives. We visited and worked at sev-eral camps as physicians, as well ascaring humans. As a psychiatrist, I was able to attend to some

rudimentary psychological needs of a few people.There is a remarkable resilience and determination by the

victims to "get back on with their lives. Walking through thedamaged areas was heart-rending. All we saw were destroyedhouses, possessions such as furniture, clothing, pots and pans,books, photostotally unsalvageable and ready for garbage.We saw many, including children and old people, rummagingthrough the garbage, looking for some remnants of their lives.

We felt really worthwhile being there. Though we wanted tostay and help, our deep commitment to our work and our re-sponsibilities have made us come back to our Atlanta home.

In our own way we were able to help a few. Wonderful andoverwhelming response by the World Community and native

Sri Lankans has relieved the immediate crisis of food, clothingand medical needs. Assessment and providing the psychologicalneeds for traumatized victims, especially children, remain anenormous challenge.

In terms of reconstruction, absolutely essential needs are:permanent basic housing units, reconstruction of the fishingfleet by providing boats, ongoing assessment and treatment ofpsychological needs.

We have listened to many remarkable tales of horror, sor-row, pain and loss, as well as courage. If I were to write itdown, it would extend to 1000 pages. But, we will be glad tomeet anyone with any group to share our experiences.

During our absence, my daughter, Shamila Vidanagama hascirculated a letter to our friends. Our wonderful friend andneighbor, Albert Maslia, on Conway Valley Road has spear-headed a fund drive. This has generated truly generous re-sponses. Money collected will be deposited in a special savings

account: "SRI LANKAN TSUNAMI REFLIEF FUND".My research in Sri Lanka indicates that we can build a basic

housing unit, approximately 800 square feet for about $1,200-1,500; a fiberglass fishing boat will cost about $2,000-2,500(including fishing gear).

This letter is not only a description of our experiences, butan appeal for funds. If you wish to contribute, you can do so to"SRI LANKAN TSUNAMI REFIEF FUND" in care of Dr. B.P. Vidanagama, 4210 Conway Valley Rd, Atlanta, GA 30327.

Once the funds are collected, we will personally select asuitable local company and select the recipients, making surethe money will be maximally used for the most deserving.

Thank you very much.

Tsunami Devastation Witnessed by Mt. Paran Neighbors

By PALITHA VIDANAGAMA

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

12/14

In early October Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club plantedhundreds of winter color pansies and spring-blooming bulbs inour three neighborhood parks. By mid-November the pansies inthe West Conway Park were gonestolen! I dont know if Immore disgusted with the pettiness of this theft or with the utter,unabashed bravado of stealing from such a public space. Theconsequences of this act are evident: no winter color for WestConways Park. We all suffer.

But hope springs eternal, and spring renews hope. Ah, ha,as if to defy this theft, hiding under the pansies were hundredsof bulbs saying catch me if you can. The thieves didnt, andfrom these bulbs defiance will be an incredible display thisspring. At the Country Store Park look for the blooming of 250Hageri Splendens perennial tulips; 1000 Narcissi Hawera; and1000 Muscari, a mix of Aucheri Blue Magic, Botryoides Al-bum, Dark Eyes, and Mount Hood.

This fall the Garden Club donated $500 to the Chastain ParkConservancy. In addition, the Club annually supports three gar-dening therapy programs and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

At a cost of more than $6000 annually, our neighborhoodgarden club designs and maintains the three parks in ourneighborhood: at Cave Road and Mt. Paran, Northside and Mt.Paran, and Broadland and West Conway. This community ser-vice organization is a nonprofit group with forty active mem-bers who meet monthly in members homes. Membership re-quires donations of time, labor and money. If you are interested,contact membership chairman Sally Hanna at

We thank Angi Evert and Ann Woodruff, Garden ClubLandscape Chairmen, for their leadership, talent, and commit-ment to the beautification of our area. Please notify neighbor-hood security, the Atlanta police or garden club members if youwitness anything suspicious at any of the three pocket parks.

By Mary Louise FloydPublic Relations, Mt. Paran Garden Club

Thief Steals Pansies

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

RECYCLE MORE...In addition to glass bottles and jars,aluminum beverage cans, tin cans, plastic soda bottles and milkjugs, and newspapers, you can place these paper items in yourrecycling bin: Telephone Books, Magazines, Catalogues,Junk Mail, Office Paper, Envelopes, Cereal and ShoeBoxes. For more information call: (404)792-1212.

Did you know that one of the southeast's oldest therapeutic,educational centers for children and adults with speech, hearing,

language, or learning disabilitiesis a nearby neighbor? The AtlantaSpeech School at 3160 Northside Park-way was established in 1938 and set-tled at that address in 1967. We areadding onto our "home" with the addi-tion of a new, 42,000 square foot wingthat is currently under construction.

We have four clinical programsthat serve both adults and childrenthroughout the community. Our Speech-Language Pathology &Audiology Clinic provides diagnostic testing and therapy, anddispenses hearing aids. Many of our senior neighbors who use

hearing aids visit us for programming and service. We recentlyintroduced services for adults who are having difficulty commu-nicating through reading, writing, listening, and speaking due tostroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other disorders.

The School's professional development institute, the RollinsCenter for Language & Learning, also serves the metro Atlantacommunity. Its mission is to empower educators and parents bysharing the research-based methods of language and readinginstruction utilized by the Speech School, as well as its expertisein other areas. The Rollins Center is hosting the Montag FamilyCommunity Lecture Series, which will feature Dr. GordonSherman, an internationally renowned expert in the field of de-velopmental dyslexia and brain research. EntitledAll Brains AreNot the Same, the lecture will focus on the implications of neu-roscience research for teaching and learning. Dr. Sherman willdiscuss the brain differences of children with and without learn-ing disabilities. How are they different? Why are they different?Are the differences beneficial or detrimental? We invite all ofour neighbors to attend the event, which will be held on March30 at 7:00PM at the Speech School. Tickets are $10 per per-son. Please call Iris Goodson at to reserve a seat.

We are not the neighbor to ask when you need to borrow acup of sugar or have your mail picked up while you are on vaca-tion. But if you or your family could benefit from, or wouldlike to learn more about our services, we would be delighted toprovide you with information about any of our programs.

Your Friend and Neighbor...

The Atlanta Speech SchoolBy PAULA FORD

Director of Communications, Atlanta Speech School

It is the homeowners responsibility to obtain apermit before directly or indirectly removing ordestroying any tree, dead or alive, having a diame-ter at breast height of six inches or more. It is thehomeowner who is liable, not the tree cutter northe contractors. Failure to obtain a permit mayresult in a maximum fine of $1000 and six monthsin jail, per tree. Its the law.

Protect our Trees. Its the Law.

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

13/14

When the Tsunami hit, the Galloway community was movedto action. Teachers, students and parents planned many ways tohelp. On Saturday, January 15, the school came together for

Scoring Relief, and the proceeds are being sent to the Red CrossTsunami Relief Efforts.

Contributors pledged an amount for every point the Gallo-way Varsity basketball teams scored, and there were half-timeshoot-outs during the JV Boys' games. The JV Girls teamhelped coordinate the Scoring Relief effort. Over $5000 has beenraised with more money coming in.

Serving the needs of others at home and abroad is not a newidea at Galloway. Service is woven into the curriculum at Gallo-way. The following are just a few examples: On December 17,about 500 members of the Galloway community (all Middle andUpper students, teachers and some parents) spent the morningcomposing email messages for soldiers overseas; making cards

for sick children; decorating lunch bags for Project Open Hand;packing lunches for the Salvation Army; and cleaning up, rakingand bagging leaves in Chastain Park along Pool Drive Elemen-tary students held a bake sale, raising enough to buy severalgoats for Haitian families through the Heifer Project ML stu-dents made over 900 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Trin-ity Soup Kitchen. The UL Textile Club knitted afghans, mit-tens, socks and hats to send to the needy in Afghanistan. ELstudents collected aluminum soda can tabs for Ronald McDonaldHouseand donated 40 pounds of tabs in last six years. Studentslearn to knit; make blankets for Warm Up America. Duringentire year, EL students are collecting canned food and othernon-perishables for the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

At press time, there are over 455 paid members who will re-ceive the 2005 Associations membership directory, currentlybeing updated. If you have not joined yet, you can do so bysending a $25 check to the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens As-sociation, c/o Debbie Goot, 4380 Harris Trial, Atlanta, GA

30327. Be sure to include the form below. The Associationmaintains a large email list so our members can be informedimmediately of important issues and alerts.

Email addresses are protected and will not be shared.

ITS NOTTOO LATE...

Join and Receive a Directory

Check one: __Address Correction or __Annual Dues($25)

Please email form information to or send toDebbie Goot, Atlanta, GA 30327

Last Name_________________First Name(s)_____________

Address___________________________________________

Telephone _________________________________________

Email_____________________________________________

Learning Service at Galloway

By NANCIE SMITH

Temperatures and weather patterns are unpredictable at this timeof year. Although we can't depend on the whims of Mother Na-ture, the plants in our landscapes always seem to know what

season it is. To prepare for the upcoming growing season,there are several gardening activities that should be un-

dertaken now.Time to give your houseplants a makeover.Remove discolored and dead leaves, repotovergrown plants, and remove dust fromleaves with a damp cloth or sponge.Apply a pre-emergent

weed control (crab-grass preventer) to alltypes of turf grass between mid-Februaryand mid-March. Don't wait too late. Oncethe crabgrass sprouts, crabgrass preventers will do no good. Ifyou plan to sow Fescue seed this spring, do not apply a crabgrass

preventer. It will prevent both the crabgrass and the fescue seedfrom germinating.

To control cool season weeds (henbit, chickweed, dandeli-ons) that have already sprouted in dormant Bermuda and Zoysialawns, apply a post-emergent weed killer. Check the label tomake sure that the chemicals in the product are safe to use onyour particular type of grass.

February is an excellent time to plant trees,shrubs and ground covers. Planting now en-ables the root system to become established be-fore the plants start to actively grow again.

Now is the time to do any majorpruning jobs. Pruning initiates and modifies

plant growth. Wait to prune spring floweringplants and trees until they finish blooming.Prune roses in late February or early March whenthe "eyes" on the canes start to swell and turn red.

Climbing roses bloom on older wood so prune them sparingly.If the weather is warm, spring flowering bulbs may start

peeking through the soil ahead of schedule. To protect the budsand blooms, cover the "early risers" with a thin layer of pinestraw or newspaper when freezing temperatures are predicted.

Put down the first application of fertilizer onFescue lawns at the end of the month. Wait to fer-tilize Bermuda and Zoysia lawns until they are atleast 50% green.

Trim Liriope (Monkey Grass) back to justabove ground level. Use your lawn mower orweed eater for quick results. Ornamental Grasses,like Pampas Grass, can also be cut back to make room for thenew growth.

Join us for "English Gardens for Southern Lifestyles"March 2-6, 2005 in Hall A of the Georgia World CongressCenter. Discount advance tickets are on sale at all Pike Re-tail Locations. The Southeastern Flower Show is presentedby Pike Family Nurseries and benefits the Atlanta BotanicalGarden. For information, email: www.flowershow.org orwww.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Get Ready for SpringGardening Tips

By PIKE FAMILY NURSERIES

8/2/2019 2005 - February - Vol 21

14/14

MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31139

OFFICERSPresident/Yolanda AdreanVice President/Communications/Jo Ann RauVice President/Membership/Debbie GootVice President/Security/Angelia EvertSecretary/Jean SmithTreasurer/Jim Carter

BOARD OF DIRECTORSSandra Adair, Pat Daly, John Feeley, Sharon Giles, Al Goodgame,Alan Leet, Dana Scavo, Karen Swim, Pamela Tremayne, MarciVincent, Richard Wilson, Alan Yates

EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS)Brenda Smith, Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, RobertHurst (d), Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. ClayMoore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy

Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau

Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau

WEB SITE

www.mtparannorthsidecitizensassociation.org

Pre-SortedFirst Class Mail

U.S. PostagePAID

Atlanta, GAPermit No. 3207

Return Service Requested

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

Chastain Park Conservancy: Creating A World-Class Park

ground and West Wieuca. Increased maintenance programs to include the play-

ground, pond and grill areas Reclaimed much of the parks northern grill area

through clearing overgrowth. Partnered with Trees Atlanta to plant 44 trees be-

tween the golf course and PATH to protect patrons frombeing struck by stray golf balls

Worked with the Chastain Park Civic Association,City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cul-tural Affairs, and City of Atlanta Bureau of Traffic andTransportation to improve pedestrian safety and park ac-

cess by installing cross walks, signage, and cement rampsand entrances at intersecting streets along Lake Forrestand Powers Ferry.

As we look forward to 2005, we hope to build on thismomentum and need your support to continue the effortsto make Chastain Park greener, safer and cleaner. Formore information about becoming a member; making atax deductible contribution, or volunteering yourself,family, school or your organization for "First SaturdayWorkdays" go to: www.chastainparkconservancy.org orplease call (404)237-2177.

BY MARY DODSON

Chastain Park Conservancy, Membership and Fundraising Chair

The Chastain Park Conser-vancy mission is to restore,enhance, maintain and pre-serve the Park. Established in2004, we seek to serve as aforum for all Park stake-holders and patrons. High-

lights of what has been accomplished in 2004: Received our 501(c)(3) in January. Developed a forum for the stakeholders of the parks

venues (amphitheatre, arts center, ball fields, Gallowayschool, golf course, gym, horse park, PATH, pool andtennis center).

Commissioned a security study conducted in coordi-nation with park stakeholders and users.

Located AEDs at several park venues and providedfirst aid and CPR training.

Initiated our membership campaign and signed up750 members.

Organized volunteer events totaling 4,792 hours rep-resenting a gift of $71,880 to the park.

Aerated and seeded the meadow between the play-

Kirk Oppenlander