Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: May 2008

If you're like most first-time home buyers, you've probably listened to friends', family's and coworkers' advice, many of whom are encouraging you to buy a home. However, you may still wonder if buying a home is the right thing to do. Relax. Having reservations is normal. The more you know about why you should buy a home, the less scary the entire process will appear to you. Here are eight good reasons why you should buy a home.

Pride of Ownership
Pride of ownership is the number one reason why people yearn to own their home. It means you can paint the walls any color you desire, turn up the volume on your CD player, attach permanent fixtures and decorate your home according to your own taste. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It's making an investment in your future.

Appreciation
Although real estate moves in cycles, sometimes up, sometimes down, over the years, real estate has consistently appreciated. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight tracks the movements of single family home values across the country. Its House Price Index breaks down the changes by region and metropolitan area. Many people view their home investment as a hedge against inflation.

Mortgage Interest Deductions
Home ownership is a superb tax shelter and our tax rates favor homeowners. As long as your mortgage balance is smaller than the price of your home, mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return. Interest is the largest component of your mortgage payment.

Property Tax Deductions
IRS Publication 530 contains tax information for first-time home buyers. Real estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax purposes. In California, the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 established the amount of assessed value after property changes hands and limited property tax increases to 2% per year or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

Capital Gain Exclusion
As long as you have lived in your home for two of the past five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple of profit from capital gains. You do not have to buy a replacement home or move up. There is no age restriction, and the "over-55" rule does not apply. You can exclude the above thresholds from taxes every 24 months, which means you could sell every two years and pocket your profit--subject to limitation--free from taxation.

Preferential Tax Treatment
If you receive more profit than the allowable exclusion upon sale of your home, that profit will be considered a capital asset as long as you owned your home for more than one year. Capital assets receive preferential tax treatment.

Morgage Reduction Builds Equity
Each month, part of your monthly payment is applied to the principal balance of your loan, which reduces your obligation. The way amortization works, the principal portion of your principal and interest payment increases slightly every month. It is lowest on your first payment and highest on your last payment. On average, each $100,000 of a mortgage will reduce in balance the first year by about $500 in principal, bringing that balance at the end of your first 12 months to $99,500.

Equity Loans
Consumers who carry credit card balances cannot deduct the interest paid, which can cost as much as 18% to 22%. Equity loan interest is often much less and it is deductible. For many home owners, it makes sense to pay off this kind of debt with a home equity loan. Consumers can borrow against a home's equity for a variety of reasons such as home improvement, college, medical or starting a new business. Some state laws restrict home equity loans.

Labels: Alpharetta, buying a home, City of Roswell, Cumming, eight reason, Flags Over Johns Creek, Georgia

1. Education & Experience - You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. The trick is to find the right person. For Buyers - it doesn't cost you a thing to have representation. Why not hire a person with more education and experience than you? We're all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time.

2. Agents are Buffers
Agents take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you're a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder's agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels. If you're a seller, your agent will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere from lookie loos and try to induce serious buyers to immediately write an offer.

3. Neighborhood Knowledge
Agents either possess intimate knowledge or they know where to find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow.

4. Price Guidance
Contrary to what some people believe, agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, an agent will help to guide clients to make the right choices for themselves. If a listing is at 7%, for example, an agent has a 7% vested interest in the sale, but the client has a 93% interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.

5. Market Conditions Information
Real estate agents can disclose market conditions, which will govern your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.

6. Professional Networking
Real estate agents network with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many agents will hesitate to recommend a certain individual or company over another, but they do know which vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency and competitive pricing. Agents can, however, give you a list of references with whom they have worked and provide background information to help you make a wise selection.

7. Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled. It's part of their job description. Good agents are not messengers, delivering buyer's offers to sellers and vice versa. They are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.

8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork
One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today's purchase agreements run 10 pages or more. That does not include the federal- and state-mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files average thicknesses from one to three inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands. In some states, lawyers handle the disclosures, thank goodness!

9. Answer Questions After Closing
Even the smoothest transactions that close without complications can come back to haunt. For example, taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices, but one call to your agent can straighten out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. Good agents stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don't leave you in the dust to fend for yourself.

10. Develop Relationships for Future Business
The basis for an agent's success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if their livelihood was dependent on consistently drumming up new business. This emphasis gives agents strong incentives to make certain clients are happy and satisfied. It also means that an agent who stays in the business will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again. Many will periodically mail market updates to you to keep you informed and to stay in touch.

Labels: hire a real estate agent, hire a realtor

In contrast to the visible progress on Johns Creek HS, is Birmingham Elementary School. You can’t tell by looking at the land - because no disturbance has been done at all - that in a little over a year there will be a new elementary school at Wood Road and Birmingham Highway, in Milton. The School Board is completely committed to this school, the plans are selected and the Board says construction should start soon. It takes about nine months to build an elementary school, they say. Looks like they are going to take it down to the wire.

Planning sessions with the community will begin this fall to discuss the new attendance zone.

Labels: 2009, august, birmingham elementary, city of milton, Georgia

The crumbling bricks scattered along the trail are a clue. So is the remnant of a wall, rising up two stories in the woods above Vickery Creek.

Buried in the underbrush of a Roswell park, underneath 50-year-old trees and a jungle of wild vines, are the remnants of a three-story brick building as historic as any antebellum home in town.
The city's origins as a mill town soon will be uncovered. By June, a contractor is expected to begin clearing brush and debris from the ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Co. mill.

The city recently approved a $330,000 contract to make the ruins more stable, and accessible to the public.

Michael Hitt, a Roswell historian, is pleased. "The city owes its existence to this," he said. "If it wasn't for this industry, the town wouldn't be here."

The ruins that will be protected date to 1853, when the Roswell mill company expanded its operations to a second site on Vickery Creek, slightly east of its original mill. Within a few years, looms in the second mill produced 2,500 pounds of yarn daily.

During the Civil War, the two mills supplied yarn and cotton cloth for the Confederates, making the Roswell industry a target. The mills were burned in July 1864 by federal troops advancing on Atlanta.

After the war, the company reopened the second mill building, Hitt said. Production at the site continued until 1926, when a fire sparked by lightning destroyed the mill. The company left the remains and moved its business to another site.

Today, what's left of the second mill is obscured by trees and plants. Remnants from the final fire are visible, including a scorched utility pole. More history has been carried off over the years, Hitt said.

The only machinery that remains is the stuff too heavy to lift — including the massive turbine that powered the mill and an extensive iron flume, installed in 1888, that carried water from a dam on Vickery Creek to the turbine.

The rusting remains are visible only to people who have the stamina to make it up and down a rickety set of wooden stairs. The city plans to install boardwalks that will make the entire area accessible, including for people with disabilities, said Jeff Pruitt, a Roswell Parks administrator.

"What we're trying to do is get people safely down there," he said. The improved access should include a walkway past the still-standing, two-story machine shop building, which was built in 1854 to serve all the mills.

Overseeing the project is the city's consultant on history, the Jaeger Co. of Athens.

Scott Douglas, project manager, said the first phase will include removing the vines, trees and other undergrowth from the visible ruins. An archaeologist will be on site during the work.

The project is expected to take four to six months once it begins.

The effort should reveal a historic site that many people are unaware of, said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood. Eventually, the city plans to laminate old photographs of the mill buildings and display them on the site.

"When I show people around Roswell, it's one of the places I take people to," Wood said. "It's integral to our history. Most folks in Roswell don't know what's down there."

Labels: Historic Mill, Roswell, roswell park

Despite a slowing economy, a Baltimore company plans to spend $120 million to build a designer outlet mall at Holly Springs in Cherokee County.

Local officials say the planned Prime Outlets Holly Springs will boost property tax collections and attract more business that usually locate around such centers.
economy for outlets.

"We find, historically, in times of difficult economic situations, the outlet sector performs extremely well because consumers are looking to get the most for their dollar. But they still want the brands they know and love." Fluharty said Wednesday.

The 450,000-square-foot outlet center will be on 85 acres at I-575 and Sixes Road, about 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta.

An outlet center on I-75 in Calhoun, about 45 miles away, is the closet direct competitor to the one planned for Holly Springs. Town Center at Cobb, a conventional regional shopping center and not an outlet mall, is in Kennesaw about 10 miles away.

"They figure people will commute 55 miles to come here," said Holly Springs City Manager Robbie Rokovitz. "They've determined there is plenty of clientele that will be attracted to this development. It will provide jobs. And from a sales tax standpoint, it will provide revenue to fund the improvements for the residential population."

The 6 percent sales tax collected in Holly Springs includes a penny for a special local option sales tax and another penny for education.

Labels: Cherokee COunty, holly springs, outlet mall

Forsyth County Schools ranked near the top in numerous categories in the 2008 Report Card for Parents, a searchable database of statistics on Georgia's public schools. The latest list is now available and posted on the Web site of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation at www.gppf.org.

Superintendent Buster Evans said the Foundation has done an "excellent job" tracking the successes of Georgia schools.

"We're thrilled to have our schools rank so high on this year's report card for parents," he said. "We're particularly pleased with South Forsyth High School's rank of seventh out of 380 high schools. We encourage parents to take a look at this wonderful resource, not only to see the successes of our schools, but also the areas where we can improve."

The Report Card, which has been produced and published by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation since 1996, provides valuable information for discussions that will help parents make informed decisions about the quality of public education in Georgia.

"With the increase in charter schools, parents have more schools than ever from which to choose and it becomes more important than ever for parents to have quality information about academic performance," said the Foundation's executive vice president, Kelly McCutchen.

"For the vast majority of parents, assessing the quality of a school can be a daunting task with unfamiliar terms and voluminous data. This report card offers parents the simple facts to aid in the assessment of their children's education, whether they're in a district or relocating."

The 2008 Report Card for Parents numerically ranks 1,190 public elementary schools, 486 middle schools and 380 high schools in the state by an achievement score based on the percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards. Because there is a strong link between poverty and test scores (the higher the poverty rate, the lower the test scores), the report includes two other criteria for information purposes only. The first is the poverty rate - the percentage of students in each school who qualify for the federal free/reduced-price lunch program. The second is a poverty index that measures how well a school is performing relative to its poverty rate.

"The Foundation's efforts to ensure that the data can be transparent and easily understood will help raise the involvement level of those who want to influence Georgia's most important conversation - the one about the future of education," said Rogers Wade, president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.

The data were provided by the Governor's Office of Student Achievement and the Georgia Department of Education.

The Georgia Public Policy Foundation, a think tank formed in 1991, is a nonpartisan, member-supported research and education foundation that promotes free markets, limited government and individual responsibility.

Labels: 2008 report card for parents, Forsyth County Schools, georgia public poilcy foundation

A certified 10K course for the Peachtree 2008/09. Run a flat, fast course along the beautiful Chattahoochee River. Race starts & ends at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, with all proceeds benefitting the operations for the Center. Mile splits called, new t-shirts/gift bags given to all runners. Bottled water, bagels & fruit provided by Whole Foods Market. Register in person at Big Peach Running Co. stores, or by credit card at ACTIVE.com, or mail in check with downloadable form from website: www.chattnaturecenter.com. $22 in advance for 10K, starts at 7:30 am; $15 for 1-mile Fun Run, starts at 7:00 am. $25 registration day of race in Chattahoochee Nature Center gym. For additional information & parking instructions, see website: www.chattnaturecenter.com, or call 770-992-2055 ext. 234.

Labels: 10K road race, Big peach running co, Chattahoochee, possum trot

Sat, 5/31 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Food samples from area restaurants, live music, a beer garden and kids activities. Also, silent auction to benefit Special Olympics Georgia and Garden tour benefiting Chamblee Community Wildlife Habitat programs.

Chamblee City Hall
5468 Peachtree Road
Chamblee GA 30341

Labels: chamblee city hall, chamblee community wildlife habitat program, taste of chamblee

1-10 p.m. May 31
Bringing together chicken wing restaurants and classic rock tribute bands for an afternoon festival. Kid zone with extreme slide, monster Jeep inflatable and adventure course. Performances by Planet Rock School of Music, Dr. Bombay (classic rock covers), My Friend Ian's Band (classic rock covers), Rock Fight (Led Zeppelin and Who covers) and Midnight Riders (Allman Brothers tribute). Also, a wing-eating contest. Rain or shine.
Marietta Square
4 N. Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

Labels: 97.1 the river, marietta square, wing and rock fest

Sat, 5/31 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Brew lovers can sample more than 120 beers not commonly found. Live music by Entropy and Hair of the Dog. Must be 21 to enter. Backpacks and pets not permitted.

East Atlanta Village
Flat Shoals and Glenwood avenues
Atlanta GA 30316

Labels: east atlanta beer festival, east atlanta village, flat shoals, glenwood avenue

Donna Governor, who teaches science for gifted students at Liberty Middle School in Forsyth County, has been named a 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher.

Along with the honor comes a $10,000 educational grant that can be used over three years.

Governor, an educator with 24 years of experience, has taught at Liberty for five years. She serves as the school's gifted department chair and lead teacher in the science department. She sponsored the school's first Family Science Night, a program now being expanded to other schools.

Governor's students consider her class to be the most difficult class in eighth grade. A former student describes her as an understanding mentor, a creative educator, and a beloved teacher worthy of great respect.

She motivates students to strive for excellence and seeks external audiences for students to showcase their learning. Once, Governor brought in a musician who writes science songs to help her students remember the concepts. She also relies on student assessment outcome data to help her adjust her teaching, and has helped fellow teachers to do the same.

In addition to this national award, Governor was Liberty's 2008 Teacher of the Year, was a regional finalist for the Georgia Science Teacher of the Year Award (Middle School Level).

Labels: 2007 presidential award for excellence, donna governor, liberty middle, mathematics, science, teacher of the year, top science teachers

Three public hearings give citizens opportunity to express opinions. The City of Johns Creek is currently in the process of establishing its 2008 millage rate. Because the City was not incorporated until December 1, 2006, it cannot publish a five-year history of its tax digest, property tax revenues, and millage rate as is normally required. However the City has published the information that is available for 2007 and 2008.

Each year, the Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the County. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the County indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment.

As a result of reassessment, the total amount of property tax collected by the City under the current millage rate is expected to increase by 4.74 percent. This increase does not include additional tax revenue generated by new construction and improvements to property.

Before the City of Johns Creek sets the final millage rate for 2008, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this tax increase. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and participate in the public hearings which will be held at Johns Creek City Hall, Council Chambers, located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300, at the following dates and times:

First Public Hearing Monday, June 2, 7 pm
Second Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 11:30am
Third Public Hearing Monday, June 16, 6 pm
Action to adopt the final millage rate for 2008 is scheduled to take place at the Council Meeting on Monday, June 16, which begins at 7pm or as close thereafter as possible following the third public hearing.

For more information, visit the City of Johns Creek Web site at www.JohnsCreekGA.gov.

Labels: Johns Creek, property tax millage

With an August start date fast approaching, the city is taking steps to ensure the Johns Creek Fire Department is geared up with equipment and fiscally on target.

Recruiting will begin at the end of month to hire a total of 79 firefighters and personnel. Fire Chief Joseph Daniels was named earlier this year.

"There has been a lot of interest so far [in fire department recruitment]," said City Manager John Kachmar.

City Council discussed salary options for the fire department at its May 19 meeting. A fire battalion chief will be paid a minimum of $68,000 per year and a Class One firefighter will be paid a minimum of $32,400 per year, respectively. Other positions will be paid between $37,500 per year and $72,000. The fire chief will be paid a minimum of $105,000 per year.

"We're in a comfortable, competitive range with other county and city fire departments," said Kachmar. "We'll be able to attract very good, quality candidates."

He added that phones have been "ringing off the hook" with inquiries about the fire department recruitment.

City Council also discussed purchasing two rescue transport vehicles for more than $223,000 and dozens of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus [SCBA] for more than $253,000. The SCBA includes 48 Scott Air Pak 75, 85 face pieces, 123 cylinders and individual fit testing.

The two rescue vehicles will be available at the end of the month. City officials will travel to Wisconsin in the coming weeks to inspect purchased vehicles.

Kachmar said when the city budgeted for the fire department last year, it was a "lump sum" because it was work in progress.

The city is within budget for the fire department salary and will have enough funds for the fiscal year 2008-2009, according to Kachmar.

Kachmar estimated that the city is currently around $43,000 under budget for the fire department. He said the numbers are close to the budget because some items were more expensive than earlier estimated and others were less expensive.

"We have the money necessary to start a very good fire department, which will have expanded coverage than what we have now," said Kachmar.

Daniels said there is a maximum of 16 personnel on staff with the Fulton County Fire Department. With the Johns Creek Police Department, the maximum will be 24 on staff at any given time.

"If we raise staffing numbers we won't have to send the entire staff out [to respond to a fire]," said Daniels.

Mayor Mike Bodker said while the numbers may be close to the budget, it's the fact that the city still comes under budget that is important.

"We're going to end up with a world class fire department," said Bodker.

Labels: city manager john kachmar, johns creek fire department

Southern Outdoor Cinema will launch its second season of Georgia Movies in the Park series in Johns Creek, a series of outdoor family-friendly festivals held in the city's parks that conclude with a blockbuster movie being shown huge inflatable movie screen. The event which are free to the public.

The first event will be held May 24 at 7 p.m. at Newtown Park and the featured film will be "Bee Movie". Another "Movies in the Park" event will be held June 28 at Ocee Park and the featured film will be "The Spiderwick Chronicles."

Each event starts a 7 p.m. with the movie beginning at dusk. Come out early to enjoy food and pre-movie activities such as NoJoe's Clown Circus show, face painting, give-a-ways, children's activities and many large inflatables including moonwalks and slide. A complete list of activities, movie titles and directions to the events can be found at www.gamoviesinthepark.com.

A 70-foot Airscreen inflatable movie screen, which is the largest screen in the South, is used to present the movies. "Our movie screen is wider than an entire tractor trailer and taller than most buildings", says Murray. "Southern Outdoor Cinema uses only the best quality audio and video equipment available on the market to provide crystal clear sound and a super-bright picture".

New this year to the series will be Guitar Hero video game competitions. Contestants will be taking gaming to the next level by competing on a large screen.

Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and enjoy concessions.

Labels: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, movies in the park, newton park, ocee park, southern outdoor cinema

Like most Americans, many Atlantans will be grilling burgers, watching fireworks and finding other ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend. But as our troops continue to fight in the Middle East and elsewhere, some may choose a more solemn and respectful way to observe this patriotic holiday.

Regardless of the approach you choose, there are plenty of ways to observe the holiday around town this year. Here's a look at some options, both ceremonial and celebratory, for spending this holiday weekend.

Roswell Remembers
Billed as the largest Memorial Day ceremony in Georgia, this respectful tribute to those who have died in battle attracts more than 6,000 attendees each year. Centered around the Faces of War bronze memorial, the event includes a presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and a speech by highly decorated war veteran Lt. Col. Robert Ledee. It concludes with a 21-gun salute and "Taps." Following the ceremony, there will be a picnic featuring Slope's BBQ with a performance by Banks & Shane.

• THE 411: Free. 10 a.m. May 26. Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-640-3253, www.roswellmemorialday.com.

City of Smyrna Memorial Day Ceremony
Taking place at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial in the heart of Smyrna, this service begins with a flyover by a C130 jet, a presentation of colors and the national anthem. There will be remarks by World War II veteran Col. Gene Sidwell, a pilot for the U.S. Army and Air Force; Capt. Maurice Middleton, a Marine and graduate of nearby Campbell High School; Sgt. Michael Hardy, who has done three tours in Iraq with the Marines; and Sgt. Valerie Jelley, a Marine who has served in helicopter squadrons in both Iraq and Afghanistan. American Legion Post 160 will play host to a barbecue following the ceremony.

• THE 411: Free. Seating starts at 9 a.m.; program starts at 10 a.m. May 26. 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770-434-6600, www.smyrnacity.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Salute to the Troops
Offering three days of patriotic activities, this annual tribute honors those who have fought for our freedom with celebratory concerts and displays. A performance by the Gainesville State College Brass Ensemble will be featured May 24, and the Atlanta Concert Band performs May 26 (both shows at 7 p.m.). The main attraction is May 25 as Loose Cannon, Ft. McPherson's U.S. Army Forces Rock Band, performs at 5:30 p.m.followed by country star Lee Greenwood. Concerts will be followed by fireworks and the 25th Anniversary Laser Show Spectacular. The SkyHike, a treetop rope course, also makes its debut on May 24.

• THE 411: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. (U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8), Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Marietta National Cemetery
This formal and dignified ceremony begins at 8 a.m. May 24 when local Boy and Girl Scouts place flags at each of the 15,000-plus graves of veterans for the Avenue of Flags event. On May 26, park off-site and walk or pick up a shuttle into the main Greek Revival dais for an address by David Titus, former Commander in Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars, introduction of VIPs, which includes state and local politicians and generals from Fort McPherson, and wreath presentations by 60 historical and military organizations assisted by JROTC cadets. The programs also features patriotic music by the Roswell New Horizons Band and the Marietta Men's Chorale.

• THE 411: Free. Noon. May 26. 500 Washington Ave., Marietta. 770-587-2051, www.nmdaga.org.


Blues, Brews & BBQs
For those who'd rather forgo the solemn patriotism and just kick off the summer season in fun fashion, this inaugural event features all the traditional fixins. And the name pretty much says it all as there will be live blues played by Danny "Mudcat" Dudek, Francine Reed with Java Monkey and headliner Delta Moon. The festivities also will include southern barbecue and locally brewed SweetWater beer.

•THE 411: $15; $10 advance. 2 p.m. May 25. Park Tavern, 500 Tenth St. N.E., Midtown. 404-249-0001, www.rockbbbfest.com.

Atlanta Jazz Festival
Relocating from Piedmont Park to Woodruff Park, this Memorial Day weekend tradition continues with food vendors, art and, of course, performances by some of the top names in jazz. The opening day features performances by Rua 6 and Serenata Band, May 25 features Joe Jennings and Howard Nicholson's Lifeforce and the Ojedda Penn Experience, and it wraps up May 26 with Ron James and the Truth, Jaspects and Mike Phillips. Local contest winners open the festivities each day.

• THE 411: Free. 2 p.m. May 24-26. Woodruff Park, 84 Peachtree St., Fairlie-Poplar District. 404-817-6820, www.atlantafestivals.com.


Brew at the Zoo
Beer is a big part of many Memorial Day celebrations, but Zoo Atlanta puts a different twist on enjoying a cold one. Once you obtain your tasting mug, you'll get to sample brews around the park, including SweetWater's summer brew Road Trip. Aside from viewing the zoo's assortment of wildlife, you'll also be treated to cover bands and acoustic performers. To wrap things up, you can watch the gorillas receive a bedtime snack, say good night to the pandas and have close encounters with other critters at the end of the day.

• THE 411: $45; $40 in advance; $35 for members. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. May 24. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Grant Park. 404-624-5600, www.zooatlanta.org.


Decatur Arts Festival
This 20th annual event kicks off with an ArtWalk around Decatur on May 23. The Festival itself takes place May 24-25 with an art market, musical performances throughout each day, a film festival, literary art performances and other attractions. There's also a Children's Arts Festival featuring a parade, storytelling, balloon artists and hands-on activities.

• THE 411: Free. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 24-25. Downtown Decatur Square. 404-371-9583, www.decaturartsfestival.com.


Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament
For the 49th year, this Memorial Day weekend tournament brings some of the top male and female names in water sports to Callaway Gardens to compete for a portion of the $160,000 in prize money. Aside from the intense competition on Robin Lake, spectators can also enjoy a beachside merchandise plaza and other festivities.

• THE 411: $15 per day; $10 per day for children ages 6-12; free for children ages 5 and younger; $35 per day for pavilion pass each day; $95 for three-day pavilion pass. 9 a.m. May 23; 8 a.m. May 24-25. Callaway Gardens, 17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281, www.callawaygardens.com.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
Also celebrating its 20th anniversary, this annual cultural experience offers all the colorful flavors of island culture. A parade beginning at the Civic Center and featuring Caribbean bands and elaborate costumes kicks things off. But the festival actually takes place on Auburn Avenue with food vendors, arts and crafts, children's activities and live music.

• THE 411: $15; $10 in advance (parade is free). Noon-10 p.m. May 24. Auburn Avenue (between Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Hilliard Street), Sweet Auburn District. 404-587-5195, www.atlantacarnival.org.

Labels: Atlanta Jazz festival, brew at the zoo, City of Roswell, Decatur Arts Festival, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Memorial Day Weekend, smryna

Family to move to 150-acre estate near Athens

Kenny Rogers, Atlanta's restless Renaissance man, is on the move again.

The busy singer/actor/photographer/businessman/designer has put the Buckhead home he has lived in with his family for the past 17 months on the market for $7.95 million. Heather Steiner, an agent with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty, is handling the sale.

Rogers is planning to move with wife Wanda and their twin four-year-old boys to a 150-acre estate now under construction in Nicholson, Ga., near Athens.

Now on the market, Rogers' six-bedroom, six-and-a-half bath home perched atop a gated rise at 10 Valley Road is a product of his "high-end eclectic" tastes and energetic creativity.

"Every wall, every ceiling, every floor is different" from when Rogers bought the house in 2006, he said. "I touched every inch of this house."

The 9,000 square feet of the home showcase Rogers' preferences for earth tones and the influences of his many world travels.

"I love Chinese. I love Italian. And in almost every house I've had, I have an African room," Rogers said.

The home is offered for sale fully furnished. And it has an African-themed guest room upstairs, complete with zebra-skin rug and framed photos of Africa that Rogers shot himself.

Now — when he's not working on his new CD, another book of photographs or a possible furniture line — Rogers is guiding the development of the new home he is building to accommodate the needs of his young family.

He describes the estate as "kind of like Disneyland with animals."

In addition to the home now under construction, the fenced 150 acres will include a seven-acre lake stocked with fish and five miles of groomed trails for walking or biking.

Rogers said the project is absorbing the bulk of his energy at the moment, so much so that he passed on writing songs for his new musical project. Instead, he is carefully selecting contributions from other talented songwriters, such as Lionel Richie.

"If I'm fractured, trying to write songs and trying to do all my landscaping and I'm trying to decorate and I'm trying to build a house, I don't do anything well," he said. "If I stay focused, I think I'm good at a lot of things, but I can only do them one at a time."

Rogers, 69, hopes to have his new estate ready for occupancy this fall and is looking forward to spending less time on the road and more time with his family in Georgia.

"When it was just Wanda and me, we didn't care where we were," Rogers said. "Now that the boys are here, she has to stay here and I have to go on the road by myself. And it's a totally different feeling out there without her. You can't pull the boys around the world.... You have to prioritize and I'd much rather be with my family."

Labels: atlanta fine homes, buckhead home, kenny rogers

Everything is on schedule to open the new Lake Forest Elementary School (official name approved this month) in Sandy Springs and the replacement Westlake High School in southwest Atlanta. While construction is still ongoing, the summer months are ideal for finishing major aspects of the projects. Both schools open in August.


Several other schools have building additions under construction, many to be completed this summer or late fall.

Labels: Lake forest elementary, sandy springs, southwest atlanta, westlake high

Newsweek Magazine has named seven Fulton County schools in its annual list of 1,300 top-ranking public high schools in the United States.

Centennial (No. 272), Riverwood (No. 301), Milton (No. 325), Northview (No. 347), Roswell (No. 529), Chattahoochee (No. 530) and Alpharetta (No. 1129) high schools made the list. You can view the report on Newsweek's web site.

Newsweek ranked the schools according to a ratio that takes the total number of 2007 Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate tests divided by the number of graduating seniors.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380/?s=alpharetta

Labels: Alpharetta, centennial, Chattahoochee, City of Roswell, milton, newsweek, Northview, riverwood, top high schools

Lake Lanier is gearing up for a busy summer despite its low water level, and here are some things recreational users can expect: deep drop-offs along beaches, underwater hazards and limited parking.

Those boating, fishing or swimming at Lanier are urged to take extra safety precautions this season, say officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"The abnormally dry conditions have produced lower than usual water levels and Lake Lanier is a different lake, and we just want to remind the recreating public to be cautious," said E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer, Mobile District.

"The cool lake water looks inviting to swimmers; however, it is much riskier to swim because designated swim areas are high and dry," Robbins said. "The swim beaches are groomed to have a gently sloping surface. There are now sudden, deep drop-offs or submerged obstacles, often much closer to the water's edge than usual." Swimmers are advised to wear life jackets.

Only 12 boat ramps are expected to remain open for the season, which means parking will be at a premium. Boaters and their friends are asked to carpool, or make other arrangements when meeting at the lake.

Boaters can continue to enjoy the lake, but should exercise caution when

boating near the shoreline, and they should also be sure to wear their life jackets.

"Wearing a life jacket can save your life," Robbins said. "It is an extra precaution boaters should take whenever they are enjoying the lake."

Underwater hazards such as shoals, tree stumps, and old road beds are closer to the surface and pose greater danger to boaters and swimmers.

For questions concerning water levels or to report a serious hazard, contact

the Lake Lanier Project Management Office at 770-945-9531or visit the Lake

Lanier Project website at http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/

Labels: Lake Lanier, water levels

A new professional equestrian Show Jumping League has been organized and teams will compete May 29 through June 1 at Wills Park, with Alpharetta fielding its own team, The Intimidators.

The League is conducting a series of regular season competitions throughout the Southeast in 2008, before the play-offs reduce the teams to the six for the finals in Orlando in December. Alpharetta is the second stop on the tour with teams competing for $400,000 in prize money.

Tickets for the finals of Thursday and Friday's competitions can be purchased at the door for $5. All start times are 7 p.m.

Labels: Alpharetta, show jumpers, the intimidators, Wills Park

The city of Milton is busy working on two Fall events and would appreciate some help from anyone who may be interested.

First, the Milton Roundup is scheduled for September 13, 2008 at the Birmingham United Methodist Church.

The Milton Roundup Committee had it’s second meeting last week and is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, May 27th 6:00 p.m. at Milton City Hall, Entrance Suite 107G. We welcome new committee members at any time. The Roundup was a great success last year and we are planning on expanding it and making it bigger and better. You are always invited to come and listen to see what is being planned if you would like. I look forward to meeting all of you at one time or another.

Second, the Crabapple Antique & Arts Festival is scheduled for October 4, 2008 at the Crabapple Crossroads:

It is already being planned and they also need your help. This a City sponsored event along with the business owners at Crabapple Crossroads. If you have any interest in antiques or live in the area and want to help make it even more of a success than last year, please contact Sally Rich-Kolb at kolbt@bellsouth.net or 770-448-3860 for details and meeting schedules.

Thanks to all of you for your offer of support for the City of Milton..
Linda M. Blow
Project Coordinator
City of Milton, Georgia
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Building 100
Suite 107B
Milton, Georgia 30004
678-242-2489 Direct
www.cityofmiltonga.us

Labels: city of milton, crabapple antique and arts festival, Milton Roundup, volunteer opportunities

A local developer broke ground on the first residential-retail mixed use development featuring the city's Historic Downtown overlay. Alpharetta Lofts will be a mixed-used residential and retail project near the corner of Milton Avenue and Canton Street.

Real Development plans 36 residential lofts in the top three stories of the planned building, with the ground floor devoted to retail. All of the lofts and the retail condo space is offered for sale through Power Realty Partners. Several units already were under contract even before the recent groundbreaking.

The project is near Milton Center (Old Milton High) and its historic log cabin.

Rob Forrest said it took him three years to bring the project from a concept to the groundbreaking. He worked with Alpharetta's Community Development staff to make his project meet the requirements of the Historic Downtown zoning designation and his potential buyers.

He said this project is the first mixed-use development in downtown Alpharetta. It containes 36 residential lofts and plans for four retail condos on the ground floor.

The building is a rectangle with a three-story open-air atrium. That allows Alpharetta Lofts to have ground floor, gated, covered parking. The atrium's floor – at the second story of the building – will include landscaping and a clubhouse. An elevator and stairs provide access to the upper stories.

Private balconies are available in many of the residential units. Other features include hardwood floors, sound abatement insulation, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

Labels: alpharetta lofts, canton street, Downtown Alpharetta, lofts, milton center, mitlon avenue, real development

The 23rd annual Magnolia Ball, Bulloch Hall's major annual fund-raiser, will be held at the Atlanta Country Club June 14.

The black tie event will be chaired by former Roswell City Councilman Ed Tate, and will feature silent and live auctions, dining and dancing to the music of "Grapevine."

Malon D. Mimms Company is the presenting sponsor, along with other local sponsors Lincoln Capitol Advisors, Bob Hagan and Healthcare Service.

This year's theme is 'The Roaring Twenties'. The decorations, favors and entertainment will reflect the extravagance and glamour of the early '20s and participants are encouraged to dress accordingly.

Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations call Pam Billingsley at 770-992-1731, ext. 223.

Funds raised by this year's Ball are earmarked for two projects: the Children's Museum room and restoration of the original open-hearth fireplace in the Bulloch Hall kitchen.

Bulloch Hall in historic Roswell is the 1840 childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, President Theodore Roosevelt's mother, and is open for tours daily.

Labels: atlanta country club, bulloch hall, Historic Roswell, magnolia ball

Alpharetta High School
May 24, 11 a.m.
Verizon Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta

Centennial High School
May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Chattahoochee High School
May 24, 10 a.m.
Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

Connected Academy
May 23, 7 p.m.
Milton Center auditorium

Milton High School
May 23, 8 p.m.
Milton High School stadium

North Springs High School
May 23, 3 p.m.
Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Northview High School
May 25, 3 p.m.
Georgia Dome

Roswell High School
May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Roswell High School stadium
Senior Celebrations:

Independence High School
May 22, 1 p.m.
Milton Center Auditorium

Labels: alpharetta high, centennial high, chattahoochee high, graduation ceremonies, Milton High School, North Fulton, north springs high, roswell high

What do you want Milton to look like in 2030?

Mayor Joe Lockwood and the Milton City Council invite you to participate in the Milton Comprehensive Plan Community Visioning Meeting.

Thursday May 29th, 2008 at 6:00pm
or
Saturday May 31st at 9:00am
*These are identical agendas

As part of the meeting's agenda, the comprehensive plan consultants BRPH, Inc. will guide participants through a series of interactive exercises. This third phase of the City of Milton's Comprehensive Plan process utilizes resident input to identify scenarios for how the city may develop in the future.

Be an integral part of Milton's future. Help the city determine:
- Which natural and cultural resources should be protected?
- What unique opportunities exist?
- How should threats be addressed?
- Where should different land uses be placed?
- How can infrastructure be provided?
- Who from the public and private realms should be responsible?

For more information, contact:
Mike Tucker, City of Milton
678-242-2538 or mike.tuller@cityofmiltonga.us

Labels: BRPH, city of milton, comprehensive plan, Inc., mayor joe lockwood

A tentative budget and millage rate for the next fiscal year have been adopted by the Fulton County School Board.

The $857.3 million general fund budget provides funding for an anticipated 2,500 additional students and the teachers and support staff needed to accommodate the growth.

The budget also includes: a 5.3-percent raise for most employees; two major school construction projects; and student and staffing needs for the new Lake Forest Elementary School in Sandy Springs and the replacement Westlake High School opening in August in South Fulton County.

The capital construction and improvement projects, totaling $27 million, will require the board to enact less than a full rollback of the millage rate, and, effectively, raise property taxes.

An indirect tax increase can occur when the fair market value of property increases and assessed values rise, but the millage rate is not reduced.

The bond millage rate will be completely rolled back, but the maintenance and operations rate will not.

Fulton County millage consists of two combined millage rates, a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) rate and a debt service, or bond rate. Since a full rollback is not provided on both millage rates, three public hearings must be held.

Millage Rate Hearings

6 p.m., June 26

Fulton County Schools Administrative Center, 786 Cleveland Avenue SW, Atlanta

10 a.m., July 10

Fulton County Schools Administrative Center

6 p.m., July 10

Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School, 8100 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs

The millage rates will be adopted following the July 10 public hearing at Dunwoody Springs Charter.

Labels: Budget, fulton county schools

Could a 475,000 square-foot apartment complex be built in Technology Park?

Officials from Tech Park and Newport Development brought forth a rezoning application to the Johns Creek Community Association [JCCA] meeting May 8.

The application is a request to rezone the nearly 39 acre area adjacent to CIBA Vision World Headquarters from M-1A (Industrial Park Conditional) to A (Medium Density Apartment) Conditional. The site-plan specific, 475,000 square-foot project would include 399 apartment units.

The proposed gated complex, named The Woodlands at Johns Creek, would include 14 buildings, ranging from three to four stories, complete with a clubhouse and fitness center.

"The primary objective…in Tech Park is to bring jobs," said Jim Warren, vice president of Tech Park. "So predominately, we're in the business of building office buildings but we also have an obligation to bring those accessory uses to the employees need – shopping, etcetera. Our policy has always been transitional zoning."

Tech Park is home to several office buildings, medical offices, assisted living center, churches and townhomes.

"Without suitable places for our workers to live, we're shortchanging our office park," said Warren.

He added that 11,000 people work in Tech Park and there is a need to accommodate those workers.

According to a letter from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the ARC determined that the proposed apartment complex does not increase the size of Tech Park by 10 percent or more and therefore does not need to be reviewed as a Development of Regional Impact.

"There's another threshold of 400 units. We've made a conscious decision to stay below that number," said Warren.

One resident at the meeting asked since the development is one unit short of undergoing a Development of Regional Impact review at 399 units, why not just increase the units to 400 and ask for a review as a "good faith" effort.

"We can ask for it, but they won't review it," said Lauren Hansford, an attorney representing the applicant. "The whole Tech Park project was approved [by the ARC] up to 11 million square feet and since Tech Park is well under that, they're not requiring a review."

Bob Strauss of Newport Development said that once it's actually planned, the development will probably have around 386 units.

Residents' main concerns at the meeting involved how the project will affect traffic, school enrollment and density.

Traffic

Residents voiced concerns about an increase in traffic.

Warren said the Tech Park campus has interconnectivity and sidewalks, which improve the pedestrian experience in the area.

"The [apartment] housing is closer to where the jobs are," said Strauss.

According to report by Street Smarts provided by the developers, "apartments generate less vehicle trips per day than office buildings, significantly less during peak hours." The report states approximately 32 percent more daily trips would be generated by the offices compared with the apartments.

Comp Plan

A resident at the meeting said he was concerned about the low percentage of office-industrial space compared to the high percentage of residential communities in Johns Creek, noting that the city's land use plan calls for more commercial development.

He added that city officials have encouraged residents to think about whether or not they would like to see more commercial developments in the city, in an effort to balance the tax digest.

Hansford said there are a lot of policies in the preliminary Johns Creek Comprehensive Plan that would make the proposed apartment complex appropriate.

"The interim Comprehensive Plan specifically notes the need and demand for rental housing," said Hansford. "In this case, these apartments would be geared toward young professionals."

According to documents disbursed by Tech Park officials, the campus currently has approximately 600,000 square feet of non-residential ongoing construction.

Schools

Hansford said since several residents are concerned with overcrowding of schools, Williams Management Company conducted a study on how many school age children are predicted to live in the apartment development.

According to the Williams Management Company report, 48 school age children are predicted to live in the apartment complex.

Strauss said The Woodlands of Johns Creek holds a Class A profile, which doesn't typically have highly concentrated numbers of children. A Class A description relates to rent rates, according to Strauss.

Rent rates will range from around $900 a month for a one-bedroom unit to more than $1,500 a month for two and three bedroom units, according to Strauss. He added that 86 percent of the units will be one and two bedrooms and 14 percent will be three bedroom units.

Density

Sean Coughlin, president of Tech Park, said there are no plans to develop any more residential within Tech Park.

The proposed complex will hold 10 units per acre, compared to Johns Creek Walk, which has 22 units per acre.

Environment

Buffers will be included around the site and there is plans to preserve some of the trees. Warren said about 70 percent of the proposed site will be pervious surfaces.

A resident asked about the upkeep of apartment units, stating that some complexes are subject to degradation over periods of time.

Warren said all properties in Tech Park are subject to "strong" covenants, which are strictly enforced.

"Where the jobs are, is where the covenants can protect," said Warren. "The demand is there. Let's set the standards."

Strauss said that if approved, construction would begin in the fall and completed in nearly two years.

The developers will present the application to the Planning Commission in June.

Labels: Alpharetta, apartments, Flags Over Johns Creek, Georgia, technology park

The City of Roswell will be mirroring the State of Georgia and Fulton County watering restrictions beginning immediately.

Under the revised restrictions all residents and businesses will be allowed to hand water with one hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle for 25 minutes a day on an odd/even watering schedule. Residents or businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between the hours of midnight and 10 a.m., and those with even-numbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from midnight-10 a.m. No one is allowed to use water outdoors on Friday.

New landscape installations may be watered for a period of 10 weeks following installation on the same odd/even schedule. However, before watering is allowed, the customer must enroll and successfully complete the Urban Agriculture Council’s Registration program. The program is available at www.urbanagcouncil.com or by contacting the Fulton County Extension Service at 404-612-7000. Once completed this certificate along with the City of Roswell’s new landscape form (obtained at www.roswellgov.com) and a purchase receipt must be prominently displayed on the property.

Any person or entity failing to comply with these restrictions is subject to fines and or termination of services:

1st Offense- $100 fine

2nd Offense- $500 fine

3rd Offense- may result in the termination of water services with additional fines and reconnection charges.

According to the Clean Water Campaign, we do not have an unlimited supply of water. Efficiently using water, by making small changes in the way you use water everyday, will not only save you money but also save the water supply and protect the environment. The Clean Water Campaign and the City of Roswell recommend the following as ways to conserve water:

· Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveways and sidewalks.

· Use a commercial carwash instead of washing your car at home.

· Your lawn only needs an inch of water a week– use a tuna can for measuring so you can turn off the sprinkler when the can is full.

· Consider planting drought resistant plants. Your local nurseries can help with your plant selection.

Be sure to check restrictions regularly, as guidelines change both locally and at the state level. Visit www.roswellgov.com for the most current information, or contact Public Works/Environmental at 770.641.3715.

Labels: City of Roswell, clean water campaign, Fulton County, Georgia, spring watering restrictions

Twilight Special Monday and Tuesday!

We have a great deal for all you afternoon golfers this Monday and Tuesday the 18th and 19th. Come and enjoy the afternoon at Bradshaw Farm for $25 after 3 o'clock! Simply print this email and present it to the pro-shop when you check in.

The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm
3030 Bradshaw Club Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188
770.592.2222 bradshawfarm.americangolf.com

Labels: bradshaw farms, Georgia, golf special, Woodstock

Federal officials say a Chicago-based company is recalling beef products distributed in 11 states because of possible E. coli contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Saturday that no illnesses have reported from the meat, produced by JSM Meat Holdings Co. The agency was uncertain how much meat is being recalled.

The meat being recalled is used in ground beef products. Included are 30-pound and 60-pound boxes and 47-gallon barrels of "MORREALE MEAT" beef products. The products have the number "EST. 6872" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The products have 15 different labels including, "Boneless Chucks," "Boneless Clods," "Flat Rounds," "Gooseneck Rounds" and "Knuckle."

A message left for a company spokesman after business hours wasn't immediately returned.

The states affected are Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

E. coli, a potentially deadly bacteria, can cause diarrhea, dehydration and kidney failure.

Labels: Chicago company, e. coli concerns, Georgia, meat

Sautee Nacoochee volunteer firefighters cook pork, chicken and Brunswick stew. Activities include music, face painting, and a dunk tank.

Sat, 5/24 12 Noon - 6:00 pm

Sautee Nacoochee volunteer firefighters cook pork, chicken and Brunswick stew. Activities include music, face painting, and a dunk tank.

Sautee Nacoochee Center
283 Ga. 255 N.
Sautee Nacoochee GA 30571

Labels: annual pig-out, Firefighters, Georgia, sautee nacoochee center

An open-air market showcasing local artists and their works. At 17th Street and District Avenue.

5-10 p.m. first and fourth Fridays of each month through Aug. 1. Also, 5-10 p.m. Aug. 29.

Atlantic Station
171 17th St. N.W.
Atlanta GA 30363

Labels: Atlanta, atlantic station, friday night art market 2008, Georgia, open-air market

Wool makes the transition from sheep and alpacas to felt, then roving, then yarn after it's placed on the spinning wheel. Final products such as sweaters, caps and socks on display. In addition, families can pan for gold and arrowheads in Tanglewood's Wild West Town, take pony and hay rides and see more than 100 miniature farm animals.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through May 31.

Tanglewood Farm
171 Tanglewood Drive
Canton GA 30115

Labels: Canton, Georgia, pioneer days, tanglewood farm, to do, weekend activities

Locally grown produce, plus jams, jellies, honey, dried flowers and garden seeds.

Upcoming dates:
Tue, 5/20 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat, 5/24 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tue, 5/27 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat, 5/31 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tue, 6/3 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Through - Sat 11/1

Hancock Park
North Park Street at Warwick Street
Dahlonega GA 30533

Labels: dahlonega farmers market, georgia mountains, hancock park, north park street, to do, weekend activities

One of broadcast journalism's pioneering women, Walters appears in an onstage interview with Jovita Moore of WSB-TV. Walters is to sign copies her new memoir, "Audition," in advance, so to get an autograph the book must be purchased at the event. In Presser Hall.

Mon, 5/19 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Agnes Scott College
141 E. College Ave.
Decatur GA 30030

Labels: agnes scott college, Auditions, Barbara walters, Book Signing, Decatur Arts Festival, jovita moore, wsb-tv

While test results posted by Fulton County 11th graders have improved overall, the lowest scores seem to be on the science portion of the exam, according to results released to schools Tuesday.

The percentage of juniors who passed the science section of the state graduation test ranged from 97 percent at Northview High to 56 percent at McClarin High. The district average was 88 percent, but cannot be compared to last year's scores because the grading scale has changed.

Fulton County students exceeded the statewide average on all sections of the state graduation test, except math. Ninty-three percent of state and Fulton students passed the math portion. When compared to the state, 83 percent of students passed on their first try, a 5 percent increase over last year. Statewide, 79 percent of high school juniors passed on their first try.

Labels: 11th grade, fulton county schools, graduation tests

30yr fixed conventional 5.875%

15yr fixed conventional 5.375%

30yr fixed FHA 5.875%

5yr FHA ARM 4.875%

The FHA Nehemiah Program represents the only 100% option available today with loan amounts up to $346,250.00.

Labels: 30 year fixed rates, Alpharetta, city of milton, City of Roswell, conventional, fha, Georgia, mortgage market

U.S. court sides with Alabama, Florida on use of Lake Lanier water

A federal appeals court has denied Georgia's request to reconsider a recent ruling that denied metro Atlanta more water from Lake Lanier.

A three-judge panel of U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington denied the request without comment in a ruling issued Thursday. The court's earlier ruling invalidated a 2003 settlement among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates Lanier, federal hydropower customers, who buy electricity produced at the dam, Georgia, and metro Atlanta governments.

As part of the settlement, cities and counties that depend on Lanier for drinking water agreed to pay the Corps $2.5 million a year to offset the costs of operating the dam in exchange for laying claim to 65 percent more water from the lake for up to 20 years. Alabama and Florida strongly opposed the agreement.

In February, the appeals court ruled the amount of water metro Atlanta wanted — about 14 percent of Lanier's water — constituted a major operational change that would require congressional approval.

At the time, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said the court foiled Georgia's "massive water grab." Georgia had argued it has a right to the water.

Labels: Florida, Georgia, lake lanier water, water ruling

An unprecedented four maps have been drawn up showing proposed attendance lines for two high schools in North Fulton that will shift with the opening of the new high school in Johns Creek in August 2009.

In past redistricting, staff brought three proposals back to the community before settling on a final proposal. The complexity of setting zones in a densely populated area, along with many large subdivisions and neighborhood alliances, made a fourth map a necessity, noted school officials. This could make the process of getting down to one map a challenge for staff members

"We usually have three maps, but we wanted to get all the ideas and options out there [for community review]," noted Patrick Burke, chief facilities officer for Fulton Schools, during a community meeting last week.

At the May 5 meeting at Autrey Mill Middle School, more than 300 area residents turned out to see the first batch of proposed attendance lines for Chattahoochee, Northview and the new Johns Creek high school for the 2008-2009 school year.

The maps were drawn up following the comments received by residents at the first meeting in April. Burke said every comment and suggestion received was considered – taking up more than 11 pages of notes - although not every one was incorporated.

"We tried to use input we gathered, but as you can see we haven't met all the [suggestions]," said Burke, who has been the chief planner for Fulton Schools for a decade. "Staff has to balance all things."

During last week's meeting, residents again broke into small working groups to discuss the pros and cons of each of the four proposals.
Burke said the school system staff is now in the process of taking those new comments and suggestions as they work towards one map to be presented to the Fulton County Board of Education for final approval. The community will have a final chance to present comments to the staff at the third community meeting on May 20.

"After May 20, staff participation on the attendance lines will be done and [the map] will go to the school board for further action," explained Burke. "It's scheduled to be considered by the board in June, with final action in September."

That schedule gives the community the entire summer to lobby for further changes to the attendance lines, although historically, board members have made only minor modifications to the staff recommendations.

New attendance lines are only affecting Northview, Chattahoochee and the Johns Creek site in the current redistricting. The other high schools in North Fulton will undergo redistricting in three years when the high school on Freemanville Road in Milton opens in 2012.

"We are leaving some overcrowding in some area high schools in anticipation of 2012, when it will be addressed," said Burke, who said redistricting for the Freemanville high school will begin in the spring of 2011.

The new high school site in Johns Creek opens 2009 August on a 70-acre site at the corner of State Bridge Road and Medlock Bridge. Its location, just a few miles from Chattahoochee and Northview high schools, presents difficult decisions in setting the school boundaries.

In many instances school boundaries must be to the north and west of the school location to draw in students, as opposed to being at the center of the attendance zone.

In determining boundaries, staff works from a set of criteria established by the Fulton School Board. There are primary criteria for attendance lines, then secondary criteria if needed.

The main consideration is geographic proximity to the school. However, in the current circumstance, that would put fewer than 1,000 students at the new school, said Burke.

"We can't just send the closest kids to the [new high school]; we've got to go further north to make the numbers work."

So tough decisions must be made to maintain an attendance balance at the three schools.

For instance, sprawling St. Ives Country Club subdivision is zoned for the new school on two proposals, even though it borders Northview High along one entrance to the subdivision. This is the case at several neighborhoods, including subdivisions along Kimball Bridge Road and Parsons Road, meaning a vast number of kids may attend a high school that is actually further away from their closest high school.

The four proposed maps and the list of criteria are available at fultonschools.org/redistricting. Residents unable to attend either of the first two community meetings are encouraged to send their comments to Burke via e-mail.

Labels: fulton county schools, Johns Creek, New High School, Redistricting

Be it indoors or out, summer movies fests are getting ready for their close-ups.
COCA-COLA SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL

Seeing a movie at the Fox Theatre is more event than screening. For an extra $3, guests 21 and older can come early for a wine tasting. Before each film, the audience can join in a singalong as Larry Douglas Embury plays the Mighty Mo organ. And just before the feature presentation, the crowd gets a classic cartoon on the mammoth screen. The first seven films have been announced, including the Rolling Stones concert flick "Shine a Light" (7:30 p.m., June 5), "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" (2 p.m. June 8), "Atonement" (7 p.m. June 8), "Casablanca" (7:30 p.m., June 17), "No Country for Old Men" (7:30 p.m. June 18), "Enchanted" (2 p.m. July 13) and "Ben-Hur" (7 p.m. July 13). An additional seven films will be announced soon. Packages are available for $60, which includes 12 tickets that can be used for any film.

• $7-$10. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.

SUMMER CAMP

With its Summer Camp series, the Plaza Theatre in Midtown hosts a mini-festival of campy classics. The series features "Barbarella" (May 20), "Some Like It Hot" (June 17) and "Xanadu" (July 22). Female impersonator Ruby Redd hosts the festivities. Other continuing film series at the Plaza include Art Opening and a Movie ("Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," June 3), Splatter Cinema ("Return of the Living Dead," June 10) and the Silver Scream Spookshow ("Forbidden Planet," June 28). A special "Grease" singalong event takes place June 6-7.

• $6-$10. The Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-873-1939, www.plazaatlanta.com.

SCREEN ON THE GREEN

Due to complications from the drought, the free outdoor movie festival Screen on the Green is moving from Piedmont Park to Centennial Olympic Park. It takes place on five consecutive Thursdays, beginning May 29 with "Jaws." The other films in order are "Big Momma's House," "Chicago," "E.T." (right) and "Footloose." The latter topped other films in a poll held by sponsor Peachtree TV. Picnic baskets and food are allowed, but glass containers, alcohol and grills are not. For better visibility, organizers suggest leaving high-backed chairs at home. Movies begin at dusk, about 9 p.m.

• Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. West N.W., Atlanta. 404-222-7275, www.peachtreetv.com/specials/screenonthegreen

Labels: Atlanta, film festival, fox theater, olympic park, screen on the green, summer movies

Don't plan on seeing high rises overlooking the neighborhoods that dot Ga. 9 in Milton anytime soon.

After deferring the decision since October, City Council voted 5-1 (Councilman Bill Lusk had to leave early) to restrict the heights of buildings along Ga. 9 south of Webb Road to two stories and 30 feet. In addition, a new set of more stringent buffer restrictions -- which ensure single structures can't be built right next to each other -- were also passed.

Originally Milton's council passed a set of design guidelines for the Ga. 9 corridor in October, a major victory for area residents sick of seeing the piecemeal fashion in which construction has taken place along the important road. But they chose to defer the height and buffer restriction portions for fear setting limits to the area could interfere with future tax revenues and Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority funding.

That cash could be used to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown area in the future. In short, Ga. 9 has been identified by ARC as a "mega corridor" for future growth. That means multi-story buildings and sustainable living/working communities.The plan was to conduct tax and revenue modeling as part of the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, but such modeling is still two to three months away.Community Development Director Tom Wilson, who did not support the approval, said he wasn't exactly sure the consequences of restricting heights on a major commercial corridor."I can't say [it would affect revenues], but I suspect it might. Is that gray enough for you?" he asked.

Wilson also said cities are not told why grant monies don't come through in the end."It's quite likely we may never know if this may cost us or not."The important parts of the approval are twofold, said Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa. One is that the Ga. 9 guidelines exclude Deerfield Parkway and Morris Road, which are zoned for high-rise office buildings."I think we've got ample opportunities for these buildings,' said D'Aversa.

Another is that nothing binds council from allowing a taller building to come in on Ga. 9 if they want it.This point was important to Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey, a staunch opponent of tall buildings on Ga. 9."We're not restricted to just this height [barrier]," she said.

Mayor Joe Lockwood, who generally is centrist in his approach to city matters, seemed to be in the middle on the argument."I certainly don't want to see three-story buildings near neighborhoods," he said. "But I don't just want to see a flat line, either. Sometimes we can go up and see greenspace."Eventually, though, he was won over by the idea that council could go back and fix any unintended consequences.

The one dissenting vote was cast by Councilwoman Karen Thurman. An accountant by trade, she said she wasn't comfortable making any decisions that could cost the city in the long run."I need to know the financial consequences of decisions." she said.

In other business, council

•Deferred one rezoning on Webb Road and one zoning modification on Ga. 9 until more information could be provided about Milton's current sewer situation in the area. Among the points of contention was the revelation by City Attorney Angie Davis that she believes Fulton County's intergovernmental agreement on sewer with Milton does not cover the entire city – which could be a lynchpin of future zoning and rezoning cases."To do this justice we have to secure this information," said Councilman Bill Lusk.
•Approved a resolution to establish the citizens' participation group for the revision of the Milton Tree Preservation Ordinance.
•Approved a lease agreement for the continued use of the Hickory Flat fire station at Birmingham Crossroads.

Labels: city of milton, GA. 9, height restrictions, high rises, Webb Road

SweetWater Brewery will be donating a portion of all beer sales in the metro Atlanta area from Memorial Day through July 4 to Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR) as part of the third annual Save the Hooch campaign (www.savethehooch.com). Last year’s campaign raised $28,000—this year’s goal is to raise $42,000 to support UCR’s river patrol and water quality monitoring programs.

“SweetWater truly understands how dependent we are on the Chattahoochee,” says Sally Bethea, Executive Director and Riverkeeper for UCR. “Through this effort they are not only being great partners in protecting our water resources during this crucial time, but they are also raising awareness about the river and the threats it faces.”

The campaign kick-off celebration will be Thursday, May 15, as part of UCR’s 12th Annual River Revival at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park. This sold out event will feature an acoustic set from Ed Roland, Will Turpin and Joel Kosche of Collective Soul.

As part of the Save the Hooch campaign, participating local bars and taverns (such as Taco Mac and Six Feet Under) will be selling paper fish to their clientele for $1 and $5. SweetWater will also be selling fish at River Revival and purchasers will be entered into a raffle (prizes TBA).

In addition, Whole Foods Market is donating five percent of the sales on June 18 at all seven metro Atlanta Whole Foods Market and Harry’s Farmers Market Stores to the Save the Hooch campaign. Honda Marine, REI, and High Country Outfitters are also providing support through the donation of promotional items.

“SweetWater began this campaign in 2005 as a way to help those who protect the most important ingredient in our beer,” says Steve Farace, Marketing Director for SweetWater. “Working with UCR is a fantastic way to make sure that Atlanta and our access to clean water will continue to thrive.”

Promotional materials for the campaign will emphasize that the Chattahoochee River is threatened by overuse, pollution and waste and will offer five things individuals can do to protect our water supply. SweetWater will also be offering incentives for participating retailers to encourage their fundraising efforts

UCR’s mission is to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and tributaries for the people, fish and wildlife that depend upon it. The Chattahoochee is considered the most used water resource in Georgia and is one of the most threatened rivers in the United States.

Labels: annual river revival, piedmont park, Save the Hooch, sweetwater brewery, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

New School Superintendent Cindy Loe's first foray into the ongoing "math wars" in North Fulton seemed to win over parents skeptical about Fulton Schools' math curriculum.

For nearly two hours, Loe spelled out the coming changes to math instruction for Fulton Schools in front of a packed house of parents who gathered April 21 at Milton High School to hear the new superintendent.

Judging by the few questions asked, and the round of applause at the end, parents went away pleased by the changes that will bring traditional math back into the classroom.

"From the comments I've received from parents, the consensus is the school board did a very good job [in selecting Loe]," said Alpharetta school board member Katie Reeves. "[During the math meeting] people were stunned that she could get up there, without notes, and talk about curriculum and answer questions so thoroughly,"

Loe was sworn in as superintendent for Fulton County just days prior to the math meeting at Milton High.

In contrast to a math meeting held at Milton several months ago, which quickly broke down into frustrated, angry parents and defensive administrators, the April event was a tea party.

"There is general agreement from principals to parents that Dr. Loe is the right person at the right time for Fulton County," Reeves said.
Loe explained the system's new "blended approach" for math beginning next year will return to a more traditional math instruction, yet still adhere to the principals of integrated math (see sidebar), which is currently the primary instruction.

Loe unveiled a progression chart that shows how a child will advance through math, from those on grade level to those working a year or more ahead. The complete chart is available at the Fulton Schools website, www.fultonschools.org.

Gone are the ambiguous Math 1 through Math 4 classes that were to replace math courses in high school next year under the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) – the new curriculum. In its place are amped up versions of the existing high school curriculum – from Integrated Algebra to Integrated Trigonometry – along with higher level math courses. The Integrated courses will still meet the state requirements, while aligning more with traditional math.

Students now in high school, and those taking ninth grade math in eighth grade this year, will continue under Georgia's former curriculum and not be affected by changes. Students in grade kindergarten through nine, will fall under GPS math.

Loe's grasp of curriculum issues is deep, as evidenced by her presentation at Milton, but it is to be expected. Until her selection to head Fulton Schools, Loe served as associate superintendent for Gwinnett Schools, where she was responsible for curriculum.

Loe has a doctorate in educational leadership from Georgia State University.

In addition, Loe is very familiar with the blended approach to math. Fulton's repackaging of its math curriculum is based on the model in place in Gwinnett schools.

The issue with Fulton's math curriculum came to a head early in the year after having been in place for two years. The revised curriculum, based on the new state standards, replaced traditional teaching with the integrated approach that relied heavily on inquiry, team approach and investigation.

Parents railed against an approach that did not focus on proven formulas, and its "touchy-feely" way of getting kids to think about math in a more Language Arts approach. But after three years of the new math, a dip in math test scores and angry parents, Fulton was forced to do an about face for the coming year.

Fulton Schools recently completed a math audit and incorporated many of those findings into the changes set to go into place in August.

Labels: Alpharetta, fulton county schools, math curriculum, Milton High School

The City of Johns Creek is encouraging residents and business owners to show their patriotism by displaying an American flag starting on Flag Day, June 14 and continuing through the Fourth of July.

The initiative, dubbed "Flags Over Johns Creek," is designed to encourage patriotism, inspire citizens to think about the meaning of the American flag, and serve as a symbol of support for troops abroad, said Council Member Liz Hausmann, who suggested the program.

"I don’t think we can do enough as individuals or as a community to encourage knowledge of and respect for this symbol of freedom and democracy," Hausmann said. "Likewise, we can never do enough to express our appreciation for the men and women serving in our armed forces. I think it would be an awe-inspiring sight to see a flag flying at every home and business in Johns Creek."

City officials are planning a formal announcement ceremony for the initiative on

Thursday, May 15 at 4:30 pm at City Hall. More details and additional activities will be described at that time.

Labels: Flag Day, Flags, Flags Over Johns Creek, Johns Creek, Patriotism

Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law the 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 1100), new legislation designed to encourage entertainment industry productions in Georgia. The signing ceremony took place at the studios of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), where the Governor was joined by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of TBS, Inc., and over 100 attendees including legislators, industry leaders and members of the entertainment industry.

“We know that our excellent talent base and outstanding locations make Georgia a very desirable place to film,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This legislation puts in place the economic cornerstone that will encourage producers to convert that desire into action.”

The 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act reinforces and strengthens Georgia’s position within the entertainment industry. The new, more competitive incentives replace those currently in use by offering a 20 percent tax credit for qualified productions, which are then eligible for an additional 10 percent tax credit if they include an animated Georgia promotional logo within the finished product.

The incentives apply not only to qualified films, TV series, commercials and music videos, but also to video game productions. The economic impact of all these entertainment segments in Georgia was $413 million in 2007.

“We’re proud of this legislation; alot of the credit goes to Governor Perdue for setting up the film commission,” said Rep. Butch Parrish, a sponsor of the legislation. “I think this bill will jump start the Georgia film industry.”

“This new incentive allows Georgia to once again compete for an industry we used to be famous for,” said Sen. Mitch Seabaugh. “It will be a catalyst that will spur immediate economic investment and create jobs. Georgia will once again be on center stage where it belongs.”

“The new incentives will put Georgia among the top five states in the U.S. in terms of financial competitiveness for entertainment projects,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). “We expect to see an increase in the number of industry jobs and overall economic impact for the state in the coming years.”

The state has seen success in the past with competitive incentives. The 2005 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 539), signed by Governor Perdue in 2005, led to a record-setting economic impact in 2006 when film, television and video game companies contributed $475 million to Georgia’s economy, up from $124 million in 2004. The total economic impact of entertainment productions from 2005 through 2007 has been over $1.17 billion, due in large part to Georgia’s entertainment incentives. Since then, however, film activity in the state has decreased as other states, regions and nations boosted their competitive packages.

“The 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 1100) will return Georgia to its rightful place of prominence in all major entertainment industry segments,” stated Bill Thompson, deputy commissioner of the Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, a division of GDEcD. “We expect a significant increase in film and television projects, and Georgia will be the most competitive state in the country for video game productions.

Georgia is one of the few states whose entertainment incentives support the video game industry.”

Governor Perdue was joined at the event by Sen.Greg Goggans, who carried the legislation in the Senate, Rep. Ron Stephens, and Rep. Rich Golick.

“House Bill 1100 is a key piece to the puzzle in sustaining Georgia's entertainment industry for the long haul,” said Ric Reitz, an actor and producer from Atlanta. “It will provide many new jobs for Georgians, improve the state's entertainment infrastructure, and grow Georgia's indigenous companies.”

The Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, formerly known as the Film, Video and Music Office, conducts extensive business development, sales, marketing and promotional activities in order to attract entertainment projects and businesses to the state. The office also assists the local, national and international entertainment industries with information, expertise and resources. The staff points movie production companies to Georgia’s highly-trained crews, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse locations. Georgia’s temperate climate and easy access afforded by Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are also factors that attract the industry’s interest.

Georgia has been investing in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. Since the inception of the Georgia Film Commission in 1973, more than 575 major motion pictures, independent films, television series and pilots, and TV movies have filmed on location in the state. As a result, over $5 billion has been generated for the state’s economy. Georgia’s music industry continues to thrive with an economic impact of $1.97 billion in 2007. Movies were first produced in Georgia as early as 1912, and have continued without interruption during every decade since then.

Labels: Atlanta, Entertainment Industry, Entertainment Industry Investment Act, Georgia

Six local authors will gather May 17 to sign their books and meet the public.

The public is invited to attend a Book Signing with Local Authors Saturday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the Roswell Visitors Center - 617 Atlanta St., Roswell.

Meet the authors, discuss their works with them and get your book signed.

Participating will be:

Dianna Avena - "Roswell History, Haunts & Legends"

Julie Brechtbill - "Point Blank"

Michael Hitt - "Charged With Treason; The Chattahoochee River Crossings," and a series of historical maps

Morgan Rodgers - "On Line Management" - Always be prepared to say the right thing at the right time.

Connie Treloar - "The Civil War in Roswell, GA and the Ghosts It Left Behind"

Vi Patton - Books, Poems and Cards.

From History, to poetry, from ghost stories to inspirational quotes, a surprising amount of talent is represented by these authors. Refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase. Call 770-640-3253 for information.

Labels: Book Signing, City of Roswell, Dianna Avena, Local Authors, Roswell Visitors Center

Fulton County eased its outdoor watering rules so property owners now can hand water for 25 minutes per day three days a week. Since Alpharetta voted to peg its rules to Fulton County's regulations, city residents also can water more often.

The new guidelines took effect May 9.

Property owners can hand water for 25 minutes between midnight and 10 a.m. on the odd/even watering schedule. Under this schedule, even and unnumbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Hand watering is defined as one person using one hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.

The exemption for new landscape installations has also been eased. New landscape installations may now be watered three days per week between midnight and 10 a.m.a on the odd/even schedule for a period of 10 weeks following installation. Under this schedule, even and unnumbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Irrigation systems may be used to water newly-installed landscaping, but only between the hours of midnight and 10 a.m.

To qualify for the new landscape exemption, the customer must enroll and successfully complete the Urban Agriculture Council's registration program. The program is available online at www.urbanagcouncil.com or by contacting the Fulton County Extension Service at 404-612-7000. Forms obtained from the course along with a Fulton County Landscape Exemption form and a purchase receipt for the landscaping must be prominently displayed at the property.

Newly installed landscape refers to turf, ornamentals, annuals and containerized plants installed within the last 30 days.

A complete copy of the updated outdoor water use restrictions is available at www.alpharetta.ga.us, by selecting the Level 4 Drought link.

Labels: Alpharetta, Fulton County, Water Restrictions

Don't touch the Elvis "Trilogy." Or "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Or the Confederate figures riding off the mountain carving. Heck, for that matter, don't mess with anything.

When it came time to revamp the Stone Mountain Laser Show — the most popular attraction at the state's most popular park — there was much that could not be revamped, lest the public outcry reverberate louder than the 65,000-watt sound system. "We were very conscious of the sacred cows," said Stan Morrell, the show's creative director.

Change is tricky for the Laser Show, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year (the park itself has its 50th anniversary). Saturday night marks the debut of a new — and yes, changed — show, the first of about 100 that will run through October.

The show's custodians want to keep it fresh and give audiences new surprises, but they know they run the risk of alienating regulars if they depart too far from familiarity — plenty of patriotism, Southern pride, Ray Charles singing "Georgia on My Mind" and a big finale of fireworks.

"We're very cautious of what we put on the rock," said Gerald Rakestraw, the park's general manager and an Atlanta native who saw his first Laser Show when he was in high school.

Park officials estimate 20 million people have seen the Laser Show in its 25 years, and it's more closely identified with the state park than anything else it does.

"It's appealing to a certain audience, and they're sticking with that audience," said Cliff Kuhn, a history professor at Georgia State University. "I can understand why they wouldn't want to try something a little edgy."

On summer nights, anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 people gather on the huge grassy lawn that slopes toward the Confederate carving on the mountain. Towers of speakers — new this year, with better sound — play pre-show pop and country tunes while families spread out blankets and set up folding chairs, oil up with insect repellent and wait for dusk to edge into dark.

The Laser Show is best-known for its "American Trilogy" section: Elvis Presley singing a medley of "Dixie," the African-American spiritual "All My Trials" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" while the lasers and image projectors show aspects of the Civil War on the mountain's side. The lasers trace the outlines of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, animating them and making them appear to ride their horses.

"Trilogy" has been in the show every year since it debuted in 1983. The park briefly considered dropping it during the mid-'90s run-up to the Atlanta Olympics because of controversy over the use of "Dixie" and an image of the Confederate battle flag. But hundreds of outraged phone calls swept that notion off the table quickly.

"It's never gonna be 100 percent popular across all the races," said creative director Morrell. "But it is what it is."

"I can understand that no matter what kind of changing political sensibilities there might be, why they would be loathe to change too much," Kuhn said.

"Trilogy" is staying, but the show's biggest switch is dropping its long-standing finale, Lee Greenwood's version of "God Bless the U.S.A.," which has been the finale since the '80s.

"I expect some e-mails — 'oh, it was so good, put it back in the show,'" Morrell said. "I don't want to offend anyone, but how can you argue? I replaced it with the National Anthem," which had not previously been part of the show. The new finale, sung by gospel star Sandi Patty, becomes an extravaganza of patriotism and pyrotechnics.

Other changes that will be officially debuted Saturday night:

• A new overture starts the show — the pounding tympanis and dramatic horn fanfare of "Also Sprach Zarathustra," better known as the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey."

• The regional section has several new country songs like "Loud" by Big & Rich, which means "Georgia On My Mind" has been shortened.

• Songs from Disney's "High School Musical" have been added for kid appeal.

• The show is a little shorter: 36 minutes, down from 40 last year. It has expanded and contracted slightly through the years as songs were added and eliminated.

• "We've tripled the pyro," said Morrell, referring to the fireworks and the flame cannons at the base of the mountain.

Labels: 25th Anniversary, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Laser Show

It's Alive After Five in Roswell!!!

Every third Thursday April through October, Canton Street in Beautfiul Historic Roswell celebrates Alive Aftrer Five from 5:00 PM till 9:00 PM, You will find storefront merchants and street vendors with specials for the evening, restaurants ready to serve your favorite meal, galleries with fabulous art and craft and nonprofit organizations to inform and educate!

Balloons decorate the street lights and there is fantastic live music in strategic locations throughout the area for your enjoyment! Come on Out!

Visit: www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com

Labels: Alive after five, canton street, Historic Roswell

May 16,17,18th 2008
Where: Menlo Georgia Tillitson Field HWY 48
Benefit: Menlo Recreation Department /Chatooga County Tourism Board
Hours: 9AM to Close
Cost: FREE! $5 Parking per car
Events: Balloon Festival, Carnival Rides & games, BAr B Q Cookoff, Craft Show & Venders, Inflatables, Softball Tournament.
The event will include 10 hot-air balloons, a carnival, inflatables for smaller children, craft booths and a tethered balloon offering rides on a first-come, first-served basis. Near Lookout Mountain.

Labels: Chatooga county, Lookout Mountain, Northwest Georgia Festival of Balloons

On Mother’s Day Weekend, fine arts, original handmade crafts, great food, musical entertainment, performing arts and children’s activities will fill the historic town square as artists from throughout the Southeastern U.S. gather to display their creations and offer them for sale.

Town Square provides a picturesque setting for art exhibits under the elegant branches of the southern trees. Crowds browse down sidewalks that provide an easy path to each exhibit. Green lawns accent the areas where the performing arts, musical entertainment and children’s activities are enjoyed.

This year the Colors Festival of Arts will kick off National Tourism Week in Historic Roswell.

Held annually, National Tourism Week is a nation-wide celebration in recognition of the value and scope of the nation’s $740 billion travel and tourism industry.

The Colors Festival of Arts exhilarates the true flair of southern hospitality, drawing large crowds of attendees. Many will come for the day while others will expand their visit to include the festival as well as options from Roswell’s unique blend of historic plantations, fine arts, antique stores, theatrical performances, nature trails, ghost walks and an array of shopping and dining opportunities.

Colors Festival of Arts – Entertainment Schedule will include performances by Jenkins Fiddlers, Pickin On the Beatles, Gene Kunkle, Justin Fisher, The Smokin’ Strings, Louis Robinson & Friends, Songwriters in the Round, the Jeff Silver Band, Uncle Everett, Jackson County Line, Mary Williams storyteller, Clark King, Kathy Reed & Lonesome Redwing, and performances provided by Ragamuffin Music.

For additional information, please contact Dotty Etris at 770-640-3253

Labels: City of Roswell, Colors Festival, Historic Roswell, Mother's Day Weekend, Town Square

Wild Bill's is Atlanta Best Country Bar/Music Club, but Marketing Director Tom Siliven says that Wild Bill's is much more. According to Siliven, Wild Bill's is not just America's Largest Country Dance Club, it is also a Concert Hall catering to all different music genres, as well as hosting comedy acts, sports fights, wrestling and more. The venue even hosts charitable events, and Friday, May 9, it hosts the kick-off party for the American Diabetes Association's Ride to Live, where rock bands Skid Row, Rockets to Ruin and The Luchagors perform.

The event features full sets by Skid Row and Rockets to Ruin, a VIP Party for Ride to Live top donors, a sign up sheet for the Ride and a "pass the bucket" fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association. Though Wild Bill's has hosted almost every major country music star, the venue is no stranger to rock acts. Styx and Kansas both played there recently, but perhaps Skid Row is an even better fit for the club best known for its country concerts. Skid Row's latest rock album, Revolutions Per Minute, features two arguably country-inspired songs -- "You Lie" and "White Trash" -- and Carrie Underwood, American Idol's favorite country star, covered Skid Row's smash hit ballad "I Remember You" live.

With Atlanta's Rockets to Ruin (two members of Skid Row reside in Atlanta as well) bumping up the rock quotient for the evening, May 9 promises to be an exciting diversion from Wild Bill's (previously) typical night. Prices for the event range from $14 in advance, $20 at the door for general admission tickets to $25 to $100 for VIP reserved seating. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and Skid Row hits the stage at 11 p.m. For more information call 678-473-1000, or visit www.wildbillsatlanta.com. To order tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon Brian Jordan serves as the Grand Marshal of the Ride to Live, an annual motorcycle ride that raises money for research for a cure for diabetes, the nation's fifth leading cause of death by disease. Nearly one thousand riders from across Georgia participate in the event, held on May 10. The ride begins at Hooters of Gwinnett in Duluth with sign-in beginning at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and kicks off a police-escorted ride through Gwinnett County. After the ride, there will be a cook-out, live music, a bike show, a motorcycle raffle and more! Ride to Live raises funds through registration fees and pledges collected by the riders. To register or learn more, call toll free 1 888-DIABETES, or visit www.diabetes.org/ridetolive.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to more than 800 communities.

Labels: American Diabetes Association, Ride to Live, Rockets to Ruin, Skid Row, Wild Bill's