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

THURSDAY Oct. 30

DRESS UP: Kids up to age 12 can try out their trick-or-treat get-ups a day early and maybe win prizes at Discover Mills Halloween Costume Contest. Free. 5:30 p.m. (registration begins at 4 in the food court). 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 678-847-5000; www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1241

TRUMP TUT: The Boy King and his entourage hit Atlanta next month, and adult tickets are almost $30. But you can see an impressive collection of mummies and other ancient Egyptian relics now at the Michael C. Carlos Museum for just $7 (suggested donation). 571 S Kilgo St. on the Emory University campus. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 404-727-4282; www.carlos.emory.edu

FRIDAY Oct. 31

GO HAUNTING: You know you want some candy. Well, head on over to Glenwood Park’s Halloween Costume Crawl, where children can trick-or-treat at area retailers from 3-5 p.m. then meet in the bocce ball court where a costume winner will be revealed. Adults can party from 7-9 p.m. Free. 3-9 p.m. Glenwood Park, 924 Garrett St. S.E., Suite E, Atlanta. www.glenwoodpark.com

FIND A FEST: There’s sweet stuff to be had at KidsFest in Woodstock City Park, too. There will also be moonwalks, carnival games, pumpkin bowling, apple bobbing, magicians and face painting. 3-7 p.m. Free. Arnold Mill Road at Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-926-8852; www.woodstockga.gov

GET GOODIES: Trick-or-Treat at Mall of Georgia. Participating merchants offer goodies and sweets to costume-clad children ages 12 and younger. Masks not allowed. 5:30-8 p.m. Free. Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. 678-482-8788; www.mallofgeorgia.com

SATURDAY Nov. 1

GET ARTY: If you live in Fulton County, you can visit the High Museum of Art for free today (or any first Saturday of the month). Fulton County residents who show proof of residency may tour current exhibitions and the permanent collection. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-4444; www.high.org

GET SPOOKED: In Mexico, they call it Dia de los Muertos. On the Day of the Dead (which actually takes place over several days), some believe the spirits of the departed are allowed to visit the living. Young Blood Gallery will celebrate the holiday with the opening of a show of decorative miniature coffins by local and national artists. Free. 7-10 p.m. 636 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-254-4127; www.youngbloodgallery.com

GET READY: Guess who’s here already? While the Halloween candy is still rumbling in your belly, Santa’s on his way to the Mall of Georgia’s “Santabration.” St. Nick arrives at 3 p.m. in the Village Pavilion. Activities include live entertainment and holiday festivities culminating in the annual tree lighting at dusk and a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Free. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. 678-482-8788; www.mallofgeorgia.com

Labels: discover mills, glenwood parks halloween costume crawl, Halloween, Kids, kidsfest, trick or treat mall of georgia

Thousands of Fulton County taxpayers are due refunds now that a judge has overturned the county’s efforts to bill taxpayers to correct a series of errors the county made during the past three years.

Whether they get the refunds depends on whether Fulton County accepts Friday’s ruling by Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter or files an appeal. County attorney Larry Ramsey said Monday that hasn’t been determined.

Baxter ruled Friday that homeowners whose exemptions were changed, bills recalculated and required to pay three years’ worth of back taxes should first have been given the chance to appeal. Baxter’s order said “there are substantial issues regarding the legality of retroactive billing.”

The ruling came in response to a class-action suit filed by Sandy Springs lawyer Bob Proctor, who has sued Fulton during the past decade on how Fulton assesses and collects taxes.

“It was the height of arrogance for the tax assessors to change people’s tax liabilities without giving them the chance to appeal,” said Proctor. “The judge agreed with me.”

The ruling and the refunds involve about 12,400 tax bills Fulton sent out in August to fix miscalculations stemming from a state law passed in 2004 that was aimed at slowing property tax increases caused by ever-increasing assessments. The law makes minor yearly increases in the county’s homestead exemption to compensate for the increasing property values.

The bill took effect with the 2005 tax year. However, Fulton made a series of mistakes applying the new rules to a few properties. Officials caught the mistakes in late 2006 but didn’t get them fixed until this year.

So some owners face corrections from 2005 forward.

In all, Fulton re-billed for more than $1.3 million in overdue taxes and also sent out more than $1 million in refunds. Friday’s ruling does not affect the refunds, officials said.

County Manager Zachary Williams said it was too early to know what the refunds might mean to Fulton County operations. The money would cut revenue in fiscal 2008, which ends Dec. 31. And, it would impact what Fulton can do next year. The budget proposal is due out by Nov. 15.

“We will do everything we can to avoid impacts to critical services,” he said.

Labels: Fulton County, fulton county taxes, Tax Refund

Apple Picking Resource Guide - go Apple picking in Milton, Georgia!

Want a unique, fun activity for fall in the Milton, GA area? This is where you can find Milton area apple picking orchards, apple farms, apple festivals for Milton and Fulton County, Georgia.

Here is a list of the best 'pick your own' Georgia apple orchards and apple farms that offer the best apple picking in and around Milton, Georgia!

Northern Region

B.J. Reece Apple House
9131 Hwy 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30536
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 276-3048
Website: www.reeceorchards.com

H & H Orchards
106 Colvin Drive
Locust Grove, GA 30248
Henry County, Georgia
Phone: (678) 432-6555

Hazel Creek Cider, Inc.
227 Smiling Apple Drive
Mount Airy, GA 30563
Habersham County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 754-4899

Hillcrest Orchards
9696 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 273-3838 / (706) 276-114

Hillside Orchard Country Store
18 Sorghum Mill Drive
Lakemont, GA 30576
Rabun County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 782-2776
Website: www.hillsideorchard.com

Jaemor Farm Market
5340 Cornelia Hwy. 365
Alto, GA 30510
Haberhsam County, Georgia
Phone: (770) 869-3999 or (770) 869-0999

Little Bend Orchards
3385 Tails Creek Road
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 635-5898

Mack Aaron Apple House
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 273-3600

Mercier Orchards
P.O. Box 425
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Fannin County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 632-3411
Website: www.mercier-orchards.com

Mountain View Orchards
2984 Mobile Road
McCaysville, GA 30555
Fannin County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 492-7753

Oak Hill Orchards
4986 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 273-3644

Panorama Orchards
P.O. Box 157
East Ellijay, GA 30539
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 276-3813 or 3812, Pick your own: 2

R&A Orchards
5505 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 273-3821 or (706) 273-2639

Red Apple Barn (Little Bend Orchard)
3379 Tallscreek Rd.
Ellijay, GA 30540
Gilmer County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 635-5898 or (706) 635-7674

T L C Orchard
4480 Cannon Bridge Road
Clarkesville, GA 30523
Habersham County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 754-1620

Twin River Orchard
Cannon Bridge Road
Demorest, GA 30535
Habersham County, Georgia

Southern Region

Burton Brooks Orchard Corporation
Barney, GA 31625
Brooks County, Georgia
Phone: (229) 775-2710

L & R Orchards
Sylvester Highway
Moultrie, GA 31768
Colquitt County, Georgia
Phone: (229) 985-8800

Apples are one of the easiest fruits to gather – even for little hands. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your apple picking experience:

- Apples on the outside of the tree tend to ripen first. Because there are so many varieties, color isn’t necessarily an indication of ripeness. If you’re not sure, ask.
- When going to pick your own apple picking farms, choose firm, bruise-free fruit and place it gently in your basket (just throwing them in will make them bruise and go bad more quickly).
- To increase shelf life, keep your apple haul in a cool, dry place, like a basement. Don’t wash them until you use them. Then bring on the apple pies, sauce and cider!

Labels: apple orchards, apple picking, city of milton, Fulton County, Georgia

NORTH FULTON - Fulton County is expecting a heavy voter turnout estimated to be 80 percent to 90 percent of the electorate. Fulton Voter Education Manager Mark Henderson says means for those who wait until Tuesday, Nov. 4 to vote should be ready for the possibility of long lines at their precincts.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Voters can avoid the hassles of Election Day lines by taking advantage of one of several options to vote ahead of time. The state has a plan called early voting. It is the same as absentee voting.

Here's how it works:

EARLY VOTING - Through Oct. 24. This allows voters to come in any convenient business day and vote at one of a few designated places in the county.

In North Fulton the nearest poling place is:

North Service Center, Suite 209
7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

404-730-7072

Fill out the application at the location and present one of the permitted forms of photo ID which include a valid Georgia driver's license, Georgia ID, a city, county or state employee ID or passport. You will then vote on the machine.

VOTE BY MAIL - Just fill out the absentee application. Then, mail it or drop it off to your county registrar's office. To go the Secretary of State's Web site to download a form go to: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/voter_information/absentee.htm

You may also go to the county registrar's office to get a ballot request. Mail-in ballots must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day. Georgia law prohibits anyone other than the voter from personal delivery of a voted mail-in ballot.

ADVANCE VOTE WEEK - Mon., Oct. 27, thru Friday, Oct, 31. Fulton will have multiple voting centers and even extended hours. A photo ID is required to vote in person. Voting hours in this week are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Those sites in North Fulton in addition to the North Fulton Service Center are:

• NE Spruill Oaks Regional Library

(Spruill Road @ Old Ala. Rd.)

9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek

• Hembree Park, Roswell

Hembree Road @ Elkins Road

ELECTION DAY is Tuesday, November 4, and the polls open at 7 a.m. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct and present a photo ID.

According to Henderson, some 20,000 voters have already cast their ballots and Fulton County has received 26,700 requests for absentee ballots.

Labels: early voting, North Fulton, Vote, Voter

ALPHARETTA - A "beverage superstore" planned for the former CompUSA store near North Point Mall gained approval from Alpharetta City Council Monday night in a repeat of a public hearing first heard in June.

A tie vote last summer and a lawsuit brought by the rezoning applicant, Total Wine & More, led to the new hearing. As at least one point under protest appeared to be a problem - the public notice was advertised only 14 days in advance of the summer hearing, rather than the required minimum of 15 days - City Attorney Sam Thomas proposed council hold a new hearing provided the lawsuit was dropped no matter what the result of the new hearing.

Councilwoman Cheryl Oakes provided the deciding vote, having been absent from the summer meeting because of a family medical emergency.

"Times change and uses change. I think we have to be cognizant of that change and forward thinking," she said in support of fellow Councilman David Belle Isle's motion to approve Total Wine & More's application.

At issue was the perception of several council members and city residents that a liquor store has no place so close to North Point Mall. Another point made by Councilmen Doug DeRito, John Monson and Jim Paine was that the North Point Master Plan should not be changed to meet the business needs of an applicant.

"I think the mall master plan over the years has served us well," Paine said.

Councilman D.C. Aiken – and the applicant's attorney, Don Rolader - said the council has amended the plan in the past. Most recently a hair salon within the same area was allowed to add massage therapy to the master plan.

Community Development Director Diana Wheeler told council the application met the six criteria for a conditional use permit.

She said setting a precedent was not an issue as several restaurants up and down North Point Parkway and the Cheesecake Factory, which is just across the mall's ring road, serve alcohol. Planning Commission had recommended approval.

Michele Del Monaco of Mimms Enterprises, which owns the property, said many months were spent to find a long-term tenant of quality for the site. The 20,450 square feet of space is too big for the "mom and pop" retailers which constitute 95 percent Mimms' tenants.

Had its application in Alpharetta failed, company CEO David Trone said the store likely would have leased a site at The Avenue Forsyth several exits north on Ga. 400.

"The Alpharetta location is the spot that we would like to be in the [Ga.] 400 corridor. The demographics in Alpharetta are perfect," Trone said.

Greg Smith of Alpharetta was among the residents speaking in opposition to the application. A lot of talk was made about spirits, as in alcohol, he said.

"What we are talking about is the spirit of Alpharetta," he said in urging council to deny the store.

Belle Isle, in making his motion to approve the master plan amendment and conditional use permit, saw two issues at stake: When is it OK for council to help business, and when is it not OK for council to interfere with business?

Councilman D.C. Aiken backed the motion. Council can't be arbitrary in approving master plan amendments for one business and not others, he said.

"And so I've got to look at alcohol. To me, alcohol is alcohol," he said.

Opponents of the package store draw a distinction between liquor stores and restaurants.

"Any way you look at it, they consumed alcohol and got behind the wheel of a vehicle," Aiken said.

With that line of thinking, drinking and driving was OK, but buying a case of beer or wine and taking it home was not, he said.

At the same time, people who are 21 or older can go to the Publix or Kroger grocery store and buy wine or beer.

"Publix and Kroger are in our neighborhoods, not at the mall," Aiken said.

Labels: Alpharetta, liquor store, North Point, North Point Mall

This Halloween, join Autrey Mill Nature Preserve for a "Spooky Mill Celebration." The fun begins October 30 and continues through November 1, from 6 to 9 pm each evening.

There will be activities for kids of all ages, including trick or treating, the not-so-haunted house, face painting and tattoos, nocturnal hikes and more. For additional details contact Autrey Mill at 678-366-3511

Labels: 2008 georgia apple festival, Alpharetta, Autry mill, city of johns creek, spooky mill celebration

Volunteers from Heron Bay Golf and Country Club and the Hands of Hope Clinic have been diligently making preparations for the fifth annual Goblin Gallop benefiting Henry County’s Hands of Hope Clinic. People of all ages are invited to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes at Heron Bay for an evening of fall family fun. The event, a 6K run, 1mile Run/Walk and Tot Trot, is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2008.

“Our Goblin Gallop volunteers have been excitedly preparing for the event, ordering water, fruit and supplies, registering runners, securing sponsorships and spreading the word about the event,” said Julie Griffin, Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty Traditions, Board Member at Hands of Hope and Goblin Gallop Committee Chairperson. “Our volunteers are so passionate about the Goblin Gallop because it is our largest fundraiser for the Hands of Hope Clinic, which provides medical and dental services to over 30,000 uninsured adults and children in Henry County.”

Established in 2004 as a way to bring the community together while drawing awareness of and raising funds for the Hands of Hope Clinic, the Goblin Gallop has grown in size each year, and has been hosted by Heron Bay Golf and Country Club since 2005. Last year’s Goblin Gallop attracted more than 230 participants and raised more than $20,000 for the clinic.

The Goblin Gallop is an event for every age group with three different races: 6K Run, 1 Mile Run/Walk and the “Tot Trot,” for kids aged five and under. Pre-registration is now being accepted for the race. The cost is as follows: 6K Run - $15, Pre-registration, $20 at the door; 1 Mile Run/Walk - $10 Pre-registration, $15 at the door and “Tot Trot” ages 5 and under, 60 yards – no charge. During the Goblin Gallop, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes. Pre-registration forms are available at www.HeronBayInfo.com. Click on the Goblin Gallop icon to access the form.

Georgia fans need not worry about missing the big University of Georgia versus Louisiana State University game. Heron Bay will broadcast the game on-site during the race on a plasma television, which will be raffled off to a race participant following the event. All 6K participants will receive a raffle ticket upon registering and additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the race, so be sure to bring a few extra dollars.

The Hands of Hope Clinic is a free Christian medical clinic in Henry County. The clinic operates every Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1010 Hospital Drive on the campus of Henry Medical Center. Its commitment is to provide any resident of the county who does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, has no private health insurance and who cannot afford to see a doctor, with basic medical care and free medications as available. Hands of Hope Clinic relies on help from volunteers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, therapists, and other various healthcare personnel and is financially supported through its volunteers and charitable donations. All monies raised during the Goblin Gallop and plasma television raffle will support the clinic.

To visit Heron Bay, take I-75 South to Exit 216. Turn right and proceed five miles to Heron Bay Golf & Country Club.

About Heron Bay Golf & Country Club
Named the “Community of the Year” in 2005 by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association, and awarded the 2006 Grand Award for Outstanding Development by the Georgia Urban Forest Council, Heron Bay Golf & Country Club, developed by Minerva Properties, is a master-planned community that is setting new standards for development in the Atlanta marketplace. Heron Bay includes a variety of neighborhoods designed for every life stage and features a full complement of unparalleled amenities in a resort-like setting in Locust Grove, Ga., just south of Atlanta. For more information, visit www.heronbayinfo.com or call 770-957-5633.

Labels: fifth annual goblin gallop, hands of hope clinic, heron bay golf and county club, october 25

With winter just around the corner, Stone Mountain Park prepares to celebrate the holidays with more than 2 million lights and lots of snow. The Atlanta attraction, commemorating its 50th anniversary, unveils its popular holiday event, Stone Mountain Christmas Nov. 7 to Dec. 30 and opens Atlanta’s first snow park, Snow Mountain Dec. 31. Featuring three football fields of deep snow including a 400 foot tubing hill and a 30,000 square foot play area, Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and continues weekends through March 1.

“For the past seven years, Stone Mountain Christmas has offered Atlantans a spectacle of lights, parades, entertainment, shopping and foods where families delight in the holiday spirit,” said Gerald Rakestraw, vice president and general manager of Stone Mountain Park. “With the addition of Snow Mountain, a first-of-its-kind snow park in Atlanta and the Southeast, Stone Mountain Park stays true to its mission of bringing families together in the great outdoors.”

Stone Mountain Christmas light display illuminates Crossroads® village at the base of Stone Mountain. Guests can board The Polar Express 4D Experience, where the scent of hot chocolate fills the Theatre. Enjoy the many sounds of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols during two musical reviews: A Hometown Holiday and Kickin’ Up Christmas. Each evening, parents and kids can gather to welcome Santa Claus during the nightly parade featuring five lighted floats and favorite holiday characters. End the night with Stone Mountain Christmas’s own Snow Angel. New for 2008, the Snow Angel flies high in the sky over Crossroads waving her magic wand creating snow and fireworks. Additional entertainment includes the holiday favorites, A Crossroads Christmas Carol and the Christmas Story performed during the five-mile train ride around the base of the mountain. An array of unique shopping is also available for guests looking to purchase the perfect gift.

Beginning New Year’s Eve, Atlantans will be able to play in guaranteed, real snow. Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park and allows the young and young at heart to connect with their inner child. Situated on what is commonly known as the “laser lawn,” the family snow park includes 11 tubing runs, special places to make the ultimate snow men and snow angels, a snowball making zone and a play area for younger kids. In addition, the snow park has various sites from which to view the activities including an observation area, a group of warming chalets and bonfires for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

To create the attraction, Stone Mountain Park will use a closed loop system that borrows water from Stone Mountain Lake and will not tap into city water.

“Research indicated our guests enthusiastically welcomed Snow Mountain particularly if it’s created in an environmentally friendly way,” Rakestraw said. “Nearly 40 percent of Atlantans have never experienced snow as a family unit, and nearly 70 percent of Atlanta kids have never seen significant snow. This is a great way for families to take a winter vacation without driving far from home.”

The two winter attractions will round out the holiday season at Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain Christmas is open weekends Nov. 8-Dec. 14 and nightly Dec. 19-Dec. 30 and will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. The holiday attraction will also be open Thanksgiving week beginning Nov. 25. Tickets for Stone Mountain Christmas are $20 (plus tax) for adults and $17 (plus tax) for kids 3-11. For more information on Stone Mountain Christmas, visit stonemountainpark.com.

Snow Mountain tickets go on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. but advanced ticket offers are available by registering at snowmountainpark.com. Tickets are $25 for adults and kids 3 through 11 and are for timed entry. The snow park is open to all ages. To tube, guests must be 42 inches or taller. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and weekends through March 1. For information on the new attraction, visit snowmoutainpark.com.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See…,” Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. To get to the park, take I-285 to Exit 39B, Hwy 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is Exit 8 on Hwy. 78.
www.stonemountainpark.com

Labels: Georgia Stone Mountain Park, snow mountain

Sat, 10/18 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Downtown Acworth
Lemon Street at Senator Russell Avenue
Acworth GA 30101

More than 150 booths featuring businesses and restaurants from the greater Acworth area. Two entertainment stages, children's activities, fashion shows, dog show, live music and demonstrations. At Main Street.

Labels: downtown acworth, Georgia, lemon street, october 18, senator russell avenue, taste of acworth

Taste of Roswell
Saturday, Oct. 18,
Noon to 5:30
Roswell Historic Town Square
Food tickets: $.50 each, 3 ticket max

Roswell's festive fall event for the taste buds is just around the corner this Saturday. Along with the sampling of food from some of Roswell's finest restaurants, there will be banjo plucking and guitar strumming bluegrass music galore.

While you enjoy great food, listen to the sounds of Cajun, Old-Time, Country and Bluegrass music performed by Old Enough to Know Better, Gold Rush, and Hair of the Dog.

Old Enough to Know Better

This group is known for singing a wide variety of styles, all with rich, close harmonies - pop, folk and rock 'n' roll.

Gold Rush

A 5- and sometimes 6-piece baSome traditional Cajun elements drive the music performed by this band. Impassioned vocal delivery and strong Balfa-style fiddling are prominent.

Some Participating Restaurants:

Aqua Blue, Belle's at Doubletree Hotel, Boneheads, Broadway Bagels, Brookwood Grill, Cena, Cookies by Design, Curbside Café, Edible Arrangements, El Pollo Loco, Gourmet Candy Shoppe, Honey Baked Ham, Land of 1000 Hills Coffee, Moe's Southwest Grill, Nirvana Café & Grille, Relish, Fickle Pickle, Shane's Rib Shack, Spiced Right Ribhouse, Sugo, Taco Mac, The Counter.
nd featuring toe-tapping traditional bluegrass music. Their sparkling instrumentals and heartfelt singing have made them a favorite throughout North Georgia.

Hair Of The Dog

Labels: City of Roswell, october 18, roswell historic town square, taste of roswell

There are more house fires and carbon monoxide deaths in cold weather for the simple reason that it is the season we use our fossil-fuel heating equipment. Fall is one of the best times to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before starting up your heating system. If your home does not have smoke detectors, get one or more and install them right away. They are not expensive and could save you or your family’s life! Follow the standards in current building code: there should be a detector in every sleeping room. As to CO detectors, code doesn’t currently require them, but they also are not too expensive, and also should be located in each sleeping room.
Start your test process by cleaning the detectors. Remove the cover, and gently use a vacuum brush attachment to clean the inner workings to remove dust and maybe spider webs. Clean the cover, too. Or you may gently brush the detector innards and cover with a soft paint brush.
Both smoke and CO detectors have test buttons on them. Simply push and briefly hold down the button to test the alarm function. For smoke alarms, it’s a good idea to also light a candle, place it under and near the detector, and then snuff out the flame to produce some smoke. Let the smoke drift into the detector and it should sound off after a brief period. That way, you know the smoke sensor is actually working. After the alarm sounds fan fresh air into the detector to get it to shut off the alarm. Be sure you do not try the smoke test on detectors connected to your central security system because it likely will summon the fire department and you may have to pay for a false alarm call. There’s no practical way for a homeowner to actually produce carbon monoxide to test the CO detector sensor, so you must rely on the button test.
Smoke detectors will usually sound off when there is visible smoke. And if there is smoke in the house, get your family outside and call the fire department! Carbon monoxide on the other hand is odorless and not visible. If a CO detector goes off, trust the alarm even though you cannot see anything. Get the family out of the house and call the fire department! Firemen prefer to respond to your call and see you safe than see you wheeled out of your home in a body bag.
If your smoke or CO detectors have batteries or are 120 volt with battery back-up, it’s a great idea to install fresh batteries with each change to or from daylight savings time.
You and your family can rest easily knowing your detectors are on guard protecting you.

Labels: co detectors, Georgia, test and clean smoke detectors

Schedule
9 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. walk Oct. 18.

Wills Park
11925 Wills Road
Alpharetta GA 30009

A 1K walk within the park. Strollers and wagons welcome. Water and snacks will be available. Also, carnival games, crafts, face painting, costume contest, a raffle and musical entertainment. Benefits the Physical Therapy Department of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Info: 404-785-4954
Cost: $20; $10 ages 12 and younger

Labels: Alpharetta, childrens healthcare of atlanta, national night out at wills park, walk for the love of kids, Wills Road

The Home Show is an exceptional three-day event featuring a wide array of exhibits including kitchen & baths, landscaping & gardening, and an amazing assortment of home remodeling products and services that are certain to inspire and enthuse Atlanta homeowners.

Friday, October 17 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 18 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, October 19 Noon to 6:00 pm

For more information and ticket discount go to www.atlhomeshow.com

Labels: Atlanta, atlanta home show, georgia international convention center

A new look could be in Sandy Springs’ future as the city plans for development and developers improve their properties.

With goals of creating a “town center,” encouraging mixed-use developments and making the Roswell Road corridor more attractive, city officials are pleased with progress being made under a comprehensive land use plan adopted almost a year ago, said Nancy Leathers, director of community development.

Several existing developments have rejuvenated dated facades while some new projects have come to the area, she said.

Roswell Road stakeholders such as Sandy Springs Plaza Associates that owns the Sandy Springs Plaza, and the Simpson Organization, owner of the Hammond Springs shopping center, both based in Atlanta, appreciate the city’s attention to the heavily populated area. Both property owners have updated the look of their shopping complexes. The plaza updated ’50s-era facades with a fresher and brighter look. At Hammond Springs there is new landscaping and even a new shape to the complex as parking was restructured and buildings were added.

“We’re trying to recognize and incorporate some of the city’s planning requirements in what we are doing,” said Chris Hardy, senior vice president of the Simpson Organization. “I think what they’re doing is breaking the sameness of the area with all of the one-story buildings and trying to encourage more pedestrian and local access.”

Jan Saperstein, a managing partner with Sandy Springs Plaza Associates, said he is glad to see other businesses sprucing up properties along the street. A new look could lead to new business, he said.

While many businesses and commercial property owners seem to wholeheartedly support the city’s efforts, some of the neighbors are cautiously optimistic. Trisha Thompson, zoning chairwoman for the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods, said she hopes the city can stick with the intent of the land use plan.

“I’ve seen a project or two that has disappointed me and that makes me wonder, ‘How does this fit in with the vision?’ ” she said. “We’d like to see a design plan, something concrete. We don’t want a disparate jumble of second-rate development.”

Labels: city plans, Georgia, housing and urban development, sandy springs

Scheme involved inflated home prices, unqualified borrowers who pocketed the money

A metro Atlanta real estate agent was sentenced Friday to 14 years in federal prison in a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud scheme.

U.S. District Judge Beverly Martin also ordered Joseph Sterling Jetton, 61, of Woodstock to pay $11.2 million in restitution.

Jetton was convicted in November of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say he orchestrated a scheme in which inflated loans were provided to unqualified straw borrowers, who were paid through shell companies as much as $600,000 per property.

Jetton personally derived more than $1 million in commissions from the scheme, the prosecutors said.

Eleven others have already been sentenced in related cases, with prison terms ranging from 8 months to more than 10 years.

According to U.S. Attorney David Nahmias and information presented in court, from late 2004 through early 2006 Jetton wrote sales contracts that failed to disclose that the sales prices of the residences had been inflated and that hundreds of thousands of dollars from the loan proceeds were going to the buyers and others.

“Using his specialized knowledge of real estate and residential mortgage financing, he orchestrated a mortgage fraud scheme that has caused millions of dollars in losses to lenders and untold damage to neighborhoods,” Nahmias said.

“The long prison sentence handed down today accounts for his leadership role in the scheme and the misuse of his position as a real estate agent to commit the fraud,” he said.

Labels: city of woodstock, Georgia, Mortgage Fraud

Alpharetta's annual Scarecrow Harvest was all about participation by schools and classrooms across the city, and by any measure it was a success.

A record 99 scarecrows were assembled by students and parent helpers.

That participation earned several of the classrooms prizes. The most creative, best constructed, best personality and "SchCOOLest" awards brought with them $100 prizes for each of the classrooms from Colonial Bank, the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association, attorney Bruce T. Leonard & Associates and BB&T Bank.

Harry's Farmers Market also donated a cookie cake to each of the winners, with Chck-Fil-A providing a free meal. And a copy of "Alpharetta, Milton County - The Early Years," a local pictorial history book, also will be donated to the winning school's media centers.

This year's event followed a historical theme in celebration of Alpharetta's Sesquicentennial.

Labels: Alpharetta, awards, prize, scarecrow harvest

The tradition continues as Alpharetta First United Methodist Church hosts the annual FALLfest on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Spreading out over most of the church's downtown Alpharetta campus, FALLfest offers something for everyone. There will be over a dozen children's games – all free – plus arts and crafts from more than 60 exhibitors, live entertainment and plenty of barbeque and othe foods.

Activities include free pony rides, a silent auction, media replay and a country store.

"People tell me that FALLfest is one event that many Alpharettans never miss," said Dr. Don Martin, senior pastor of the church. "It's a wonderful family environment and a great opportunity for us to reach out and serve the entire community."

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is at 69 N. Main Street—one block north of City Hall. For more information, contact the church office at 770-475-5576.

Labels: alpharetta forst united methodist church, alpharetta umc, fallfest at northcrest, october 18

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department's first Artist Harvest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Alpharetta Arts Center at Crabapple located at 12624 Broadwell Road.

Free activities include hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, caricatures, artist demos, games and more. Artwork created by students and staff will also be on display, with some pieces available for purchase.

For information, contact Meryl Manfre, arts coordinator, at 678-297-6165 or arts@alpharetta.ga.us.

Labels: Alpharetta, alpharetta arts center, artist harvest, broadwell road, Crabapple, october 25

Sat, 10/11 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cabbagetown Park
200 Tye St. (at Kirkwood Avenue)
Atlanta GA 30316

A benefit for DREAM (Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness and Mentoring), this event draws hundreds of dachshunds, many of them in costume. There are contests, demonstrations, food, vendors, live music, children's events, a race, on-site heartworm testing and low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Labels: Atlanta, cabbagetown park, dachshund rescue, dreamland, Georgia, howloweenie festival

Halloween can be quite daunting and scary. Ghosts, goblins and witches can cause nightmares, or jitters, at the very least. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a fun and engaging Halloween event in Atlanta geared specifically towards younger children?

Great news! There is just such an event. It is called Halloween Hikes, and it takes place annually at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. Your family-friendly event starts with a guided, well-lit hike through the forest to meet costumed woodland creatures. Each friendly animal tells an entertaining and educational story about his or her life in the woods. Hikers are encouraged to ask questions, and the answers are often hilarious. As you move from station to station, each woodland character tells a more charming story than the prior one. While the event is billed as a Halloween activity, it’s really an animal science lesson in disguise. I took my 10-year old son to Halloween Hikes last year, and he is already asking to go again this year. When learning becomes fun, I’m definitely there!

At the end of the 45-minute hike, your family will be further entertained with an old fashioned, roaring bonfire, arts and crafts, face painting, musical entertainment and games. Nutritious and delicious treats are offered by Harry’s Farmers Market/Whole Foods. It’s good, clean fun for the entire family, and an excellent way to celebrate Halloween. Ticket sales begin each evening at 6:30, and end at 9:30 PM.

Friday and Saturday, October 17, 18, 24 and 25 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center: 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075.

Labels: Atlanta, chattahoochee nature center, for kids, Halloween, halloween hikes, Roswell, willeo road

The Candler Park Fall Fest is an annual festival sponsored by the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization. The Candler Park Fall Festival celebrates the Candler Park community with over a hundred vendors, great local musicians, food, a road race, children's entertainment and a tour of some of Atlanta's most beautiful homes. The Candler Park Fall Fest is a great way to celebrate life in one of Atlanta's favorite in-town neighborhoods.

When and Where
Fall Fest is October 11 - 12, 2008.
Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm • Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Directions
Fall Fest is located inside Candler Park on McLendon Avenue between Little Five Points (Moreland Avenue) and Clifton Road. The best way to find us is to use the map below.

Parking
There is no parking inside the park, but street parking is available on Candler Park Drive and other side streets. Please be courteous and don't block our neighbors' driveways! Because parking is limited, we highly recommend you take MARTA.

Labels: candler park fall fest, chandler park

About the race
Name: Oakhurst 5K

Distance: 5K Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2008, 8 a.m.
Location: Decatur, Ga.
Proceeds to benefit the S.D.C.D.C.

The Oakhurst Arts Run is a 5K held in conjunction with the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival – www.oakhurstartsandmusicfestival.com . Plan to enjoy the festival after the run! Race starts and ends at One Step at a Time running store located in the heart of Oakhurst at 650 E. Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. Proceeds from this event to benefit South Decatur Community Development - S.D.C.D.C

Contact
Ed Williams - 404-327-7738.

Schedule
Saturday, October 11
6:45 a.m. - Race Day Registration
8:00 a.m. - 5K Run/Walk.

Labels: 5k race, decatur georgia, oakhurst arts and music festival, Oakhurst arts run

Step back in time and learn what it was like to live, work and play in Roswell in the mid-1800s. Roswell’s Historic Museum Home, Smith Plantation, is celebrating Fall Farm Days on Saturday Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities and exhibits will be available for the whole family and include living history, blacksmithing, chair caning, weaving, rug hooking and open hearth cooking. You can even learn how to square dance. The Wheels Around Square Dancers, complete with a caller, will perform and offer instruction for anyone who wants to learn.

Kids can play period games, enjoy the Barnyard Friends Petting Zoo, and take a wagon ride. They can even pan for gold! Gold and gem panning will be available for $5 and participants will be able to take their treasures home!

The Roswell Garden Club will also be providing games, crafts and will show visitors how to build a scarecrow.

If you have never attended Fall Farm Days, make it a priority this year! There is something for everyone. You and your family are sure to have a fun and educational experience. Fall Farm Days at Smith Plantation is free to the public.

To learn more about the Smith Plantation, visit www.archibaldsmithplantation.org.

Labels: City of Roswell, fall farm days, roswells historic museum, smith plantation

Bundle up your family in their favorite sweats, grab a reusable grocery bag (for candy catching, of course) and head to Historic Canton Street in Downtown Roswell for the 58th Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade on Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m.

A long-standing tradition in Roswell, Youth Day was started in 1950 by a group of concerned parents and has become one of the most successful events in City history. The City of Roswell celebrates Youth Day annually on the second Saturday of October with a parade and festival. This event gives local youth organizations, such as scout troops, schools, dance and performing arts students, the opportunity to be recognized for their accomplishments. Each year, the event grows with even more floats, marching bands and spectators.

This year’s theme is “Go Green” and promises to showcase some exceptional environmental messages. So come out with your family, bring a blanket and enjoy this truly unique event!

Don’t head home after the parade! Stop at Roswell Area Park football field where children 15 & under may receive a free lunch courtesy of StarTime Entertainment while supplies last. Kids will also enjoy activities including inflatable slides and
moonwalk, pony rides, a climbing wall, entertain-ment and much more.

If you or your group would like to participate in the Youth Day Parade, call the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department at 770.641.3705 for an application.

Labels: 58th annual frances mcgahee youth day parade, City of Roswell, downtown roswell, Georgia, historic canton street, youth day parade

What: Taste of Atlanta – the Southeast’s most anticipated food event featuring tastes, local and national celebrity chef demonstrations, live entertainment, a Wine Experience and more!

When: Saturday, October 11, 2008 & Sunday, October 12, 2008 ; 11 am to 6 pm

Where: Atlantic Station – 17th Street – Midtown Atlanta

Why restaurant hop when you can taste it all in one spot? Savor, sample and stroll this October as Taste of Atlanta returns to the streets of Atlantic Station. As the Southeast’s most anticipated food event celebrates its 7th anniversary, enjoy the food, local and national celebrity chefs on the cooking stage, Wine Experience and live entertainment. You won’t leave hungry!

Taste of Atlanta is a festival experience like no other with samples from Atlanta’s favorite restaurants, from white linen to checkered cloth! Participating restaurants and chefs have included James Beard Award winners; have been featured in such publications as, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Esquire and Gourmet and several have appeared as challengers on Food Network’s Iron Chef and Bravo’s Top Chef.

“I am so proud of the high caliber of restaurants and chefs we’ve featured throughout the years of the event,” said Founder and Event Director Dale DeSena. “Taste of Atlanta 2008 will be our best year yet -we’ve really got some exciting things in the works,” DeSena hinted.

For the kids, Taste of Atlanta 2008 launches its first ever Amica Insurance Kid’s Avenue highlighting several culinary genius kiddos and a corridor with kid friendly food and plenty of activities. In addition to showcasing budding culinary arts talents, Taste of Atlanta is proud to support chefs education programs with Le Cordon Bleu and ProStart student chef assistants. It is also a strong supporter in the farm to table process. Taste of Atlanta’s Country Road devotes an entire street of the festival featuring local and sustainable restaurants, as well as a cooking stage.

For the adults, Taste of Atlanta VIP ticket holders are in for a special treat this year. The Wine Experience will take place in the Twelve Hotel Ballroom from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the Twelve Hotel location, VIP ticket holders will have access to Ten Pin Alley, for Bowling and Brews. Patrons purchasing the limited Georg Riedel VIP ticket will have the opportunity to participate in the exclusive wine tasting class presented by Georg Riedel himself and receive a set of four hand-pulled Vitas crystal tasting glasses. Tickets are now on-sale.

Taste of Atlanta is the Southeast’s most anticipated 2-day food event filled with tastes, live cooking demonstrations and festive entertainment held in the streets of Atlantic Station on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, 2008. Taste of Atlanta has been ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society, earned several Kaleidoscope awards and is recognized as one of the top food festivals in the nation. In addition to more than 70 of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants, the event will feature national and local celebrity chefs, a Wine Experience at TWELVE Hotel and Ten Pin Alley, live performances and more. For more information visit www.tasteofatlanta.com.

Labels: Atlanta, atlantic station, Midtown, taste of atlanta 2008

Montaluce Estates and Vineyard, in Dahlonega, is pleased to announce its first annual fall Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12 from 1 to 9 p.m. each day. Along with an exciting lineup of live music each day highlighted by headliners Georgia Mudcats on Saturday at 5 p.m., and the renowned Norgaard Jones Project on Sunday at 3 p.m., the festival will feature fun for the whole family. Observe winemaking in action, participate in a grape stomping contest, dine on favorite fall specialties and savory BBQ; taste an assortment of wines from North Georgia and as far away as Italy, catch college and pro football on the flat panel TV's and peruse the artist and crafts market. For the children: Face painting, hayrides, cooking with the Chef and pumpkin carving.

At 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Montaluce will host its first annual Fun Run on the beautiful Estate grounds. Registration for the 3K run is $20 per person, and for the 5K run it's $25 per person. All proceeds from the Fun Run benefit Shelterbox, an organization that provides emergency aid for victims of natural and other disasters anywhere in the world. Since 2001, Shelterbox has helped over 600,000 people in more than 45 countries--responding to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, wars, volcanoes. The ShelterBox is a tough, green plastic box containing a ten-person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family of up to 10 people survive for at least six months.

Admittance to the Festival is free and parking is $10 per car. Food and beverage concessions will be available throughout the Estate. No outside food or drink, please. For additional information or to register for the Fun Run, please visit www.montaluce.com.

Montaluce is a new wine country development in the North Georgia Mountains near Dahlonega. Located on 400 rolling acres situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Etowah River, Montaluce is a community based on the Italian ideal of "La Vita Bella," or the beautiful life--centered around community, food, wine and sharing. At the heart of the Estate, and at its highest point, the property boasts a state-of-the-art winery that will yield its first grape harvest in fall 2008.

On the winery's main floor, the handsome tasting room and beautiful restaurant Le Vigne offer a place to unwind and enjoy New- and Old-World Italian dishes alongside a thoughtful wine list that includes selections from the United States as well as Italy. In spring 2009, a 63-room hotel will debut and soon thereafter, The Spa at Montaluce will also open its doors creating a true luxury destination only about an hour from Atlanta. Primary and secondary homes and home sites are now available.

Montaluce Estates and Vineyard is located at 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533. Telephone: 866.991.VINO (8466) or 706. 867.4060. http://www.montaluce.com

Labels: dahlonega, Georgia, montaluce estates and vineyard, montaluche harvest festival

Technically, Atlanta director Tyler Perry had the evening off Saturday night as he introduced thousands of formally attired guests to the new 30-acre Tyler Perry Studios facility in southwest Atlanta.

But from the grand opening fireworks to the strains of “Amazing Grace,” the director’s trademark flourishes were everywhere as Hollywood legends Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett Jr. gathered with Oprah Winfrey, Hank and Billye Aaron, Andrew and Carolyn Young, Will Smith, Barry Bonds and others to celebrate the first major television and movie studio owned and run by an African-American film producer.

“I never dreamed I would witness this in my lifetime,” Tyson, an Oscar nominee for “Sounder”, reflected on the red carpet. “What I’ve been able to achieve in my career is minuscule in comparison to this.”

Posing for pictures on the red carpet with the studio’s owner, Oscar-winner Poitier told the crowd: “I’ve spent 56 years in this business, and tonight is the reward. To see the people who have followed me and to see the success of the extent of this man is a real gift.”

Inside, Perry had a surprise waiting for Poitier, Tyson and Dee. On the movie lot’s Main Street, just past East 34th Street and the Luminesce Light and Lamp Shop, banners unfurled down the fake brownstones to reveal the Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee Stage Three, the Cicely Tyson Stage Two and the Sidney Poitier Stage One.

In front of a cheering crowd, Poitier was overcome with emotion as his likeness unspooled in front of him. He majestically pointed his index finger at the applauding crowd and smashed a bottle of bubbly on the wall to christen it. Champagne sparkled on his black tuxedo jacket as he wiped the tears from his eyes with a handkerchief.

Across the way, a large pond was lit in gold light as a screen appeared in the water to reveal a film hosted by Perry, explaining how he found the abandoned former airline reservations center two years ago.

“I looked at the abandoned buildings and I thought, ‘There’s no way,’ ” Perry said on the film. “Then I saw what I thought was debris on the front gates. I looked closer and realized someone had taped Bible Scriptures on the gate. Then I knew. I jumped in full steam with no fear. Nothing but the grace of God has brought me to this place.”

A singer emerged from a stage on the water to perform “The Impossible Dream” as fireworks blazed overhead.

Tears streamed down the faces of the attendees as waiters quietly offered tissues in red velvet boxes.

Both former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and former Brave and home run king Henry Aaron expressed how thrilled they were that Perry chose an often neglected section of the city for the multi-million dollar facility.

“It’s an absolute blessing for Atlanta,” Young said.

Added Aaron: “It’s wonderful to see him giving back to this neighborhood. Even when the city hosted the Olympics, this area never received this kind of assistance.”

Outside the studios and down the street, though, about a dozen protesters wearing Writers Guild of America T-shirts, were chanting “Tyler Perry has no shame.”

Organizer Teri Brown-Jackson was protesting the alleged firing of four Guild writers who had worked on episodes of Perry’s TBS sitcom of Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” after negotiations for a contract broke down.

“He said he was going to work out details with us. Then, all of a sudden, his executive producers tell us that they don’t like the show and they want to go in a different direction. We’ve written 17 of the 25 episodes this season. And with nine episodes left, they fired all of us,” Brown-Jackson said.

A Perry spokesman previously said four of the show’s seven writers were let go.

The writers were pushing the idea of unionizing writers so they could get health and pension benefits. Brown-Jackson said she worked on the show three years without those benefits.

“Our concern is even if he hires some other Atlanta writers. It’s still going to be a nonunion show. We’re working for the good of all his Atlanta writers from here to come. He’s made over $3 million and we can’t get health care,” Brown-Jackson said.

Labels: Atlanta, Georgia, southwest atlanta, tyler perry studio

The City of Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Division presents the final installment of this year's Northside Forsyth Hospital Movies in the Park on Saturday, October 4 at Newtown Park with a screening of "Space Chimps."

Ride along with Ham III, the grandson of the first chimp astronaut, who blasts off into space with two of his simian peers by an opportunity-seeking senator on a mission to rid a far-away planet of their nefarious leader.

Children's activities are available from 5:30 pm until the movie starts at dusk. Food vendors will also be available. No alcohol please!

Labels: city of johns creek, city of johns creek recreation and parks division, final installment, Georgia, newtown park, northside forsyth hospital movies in the park, space chimps movie

Response to the City of Johns Creek’s first Founders Day celebration marking the anniversary of the City’s incorporation was so overwhelming that organizers are expanding the party to a full week, culminating in the Founders Day Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Several thousand people turned out for last year’s event, a day-long affair that featured the parade down State Bridge Road, a visit with Santa at Newtown Park, and culminating with a music and holiday light extravaganza at City Hall featuring performances by students of Johns Creek’s award-winning schools.

This year, city officials are spreading out the events and adding even more activities to engage and delight residents young and old.

The festivities begin with lighting of the holiday display at City Hall on Monday, December 1. Throughout the week there will be a holiday decoration-making event in conjunction with the Johns Creek Arts Center, the Mayor and City Council will read their favorite holiday tales in local schools, there will be a combination holiday card signing for the troops and Toys for Tots drive at City Hall, and Emory Johns Creek will host a holiday workshop featuring crafts and children’s activities.

Details for several of the events are still being worked out, but it’s not too early to make your plans to participate in the Founders Day parade. The first edition drew some 75 entries ranging from the popular Yaarab Shriners to high school marching bands, Scouts, community floats, classic cars and a special appearance by Santa himself. This year, organizers expect over 100 units to take part. If your neighborhood, school or other organization would like to be among them, fill out a parade application and submit it by Nov. 7 to secure your space.

The route remains the same, travelling down State Bridge starting from West Morton Road and ending at Kimball Bridge Road at Ocee Elementary School. Emmy Award-winning news anchor and Johns Creek resident Karyn Greer from WXIA 11Alive News will once again serve as emcee.

Labels: city of johns creek, founders day, founders day parade, Georgia, johns creek arts center

"COPS Connect" to communicate/solve crimes

In a concerted effort to establish good communications and build mutually trustful and respectful relationships with Johns Creek residents, the Johns Creek Police Department will launch its PACT (Police & Community Together) community policing program this fall. The goal of PACT is for police and residents to work together to solve crimes, identify underlying problems in neighborhoods to prevent future crimes, and clarify any misinformation about alleged criminal incidents.

A PACT officer will be assigned to each residential neighborhood or HOA subdivision as a point of contact, meeting on a regular basis with homeowners to discuss any law enforcement concerns. An email database for representatives of each of the City's 249 subdivisions will be used to distribute monthly "COPS Connect" newsletters and any necessary crime e-alerts. Residents can also sign up to receive "COPS Connect" as one of their City e-communications.

Questions regarding PACT should be addressed to Sgt. Debbie Kalish at 678-474-1587 or Community Services.

Labels: city of johns creek, cops connect, Georgia, johns creek police department

On Tuesday, the new Johns Creek Fire Department takes over from Fulton County firefighters the protection of 65,000 residents and businesses.

It’s a process almost two years in the making, with launch dates pushed back time and again as organizers worked through funding needs, staffing requirements, equipment availability, and contractual obligations with Fulton County.

The latter has provided fire coverage for the city until the municipal Fire Department was ready.

The Johns Creek department plans to do things a little differently from Fulton County. Instead of responding to emergency calls with just pumper trucks, it may send rescue vehicles and pumpers, depending on the severity of the situation. Staffing will be increased for safety and effectiveness, and most of the time, paramedics will ride on each vehicle.

Employee experience ranges from two to 28 years of service. There will be 24 paramedics and 12 Georgia Search and Rescue firefighters, including three instructors.

“I was very happy with that,” said Chief Joey Daniels, a former Fulton County battalion chief who served north Fulton. “We bring a lot to the table. We have a lot of experience and skills, including firefighting, medical care and technical rescue. That’s good for us.”

The department will have newer and more equipment. Each vehicle will have advanced life-support equipment that provides the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care. Each vehicle also has sophisticated heart monitors that can send EKG readings to the hospital so the doctor knows what to expect.

The rescue vehicles will carry special equipment for respiratory emergencies.

Labels: Georgia, johns creek fire department

With the economy on the brink and elections looming, Congress approved an unprecedented $700 billion government bailout of the battered financial industry on Friday and sent it to President Bush for his certain signature.

The final vote, 263-171 in the House, capped two weeks of tumult in Congress and on Wall Street, punctuated by daily warnings that the country confronted the gravest economic crisis since the Great Depression if lawmakers failed to act.

Bush was poised to make a statement on the historic vote.

"We all know that we are in the midst of a financial crisis," House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio, said shortly before casting his vote for government intervention in private capital markets that was unthinkable only a month ago.

"And we know that if we do nothing, this crisis is likely to worsen and to put us into an economic slump like most of us have never seen."

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the bill was needed to "Begin to shape the financial stability of our country and the economic security of our people."

Labels: bailout plan, Congress, oks historic bailout pla, president bush

Transaction worth about $15.1 billion; talks with Citigroup end.

In an abrupt change of course, Wachovia Corp. said Friday it will be acquired by Wells Fargo & Co. in a $15.1 billion all-stock deal, wiping out Wachovia’s previous plan to sell its banking operations to rival suitor Citigroup Inc.

A key difference is that the Wachovia deal will be done without government assistance, while the Citigroup deal would have been done with the help of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The Wachovia-Wells deal, announced Friday, comes in a turbulent time for banks and financial firms as they grapple with the ongoing credit crisis, which led to the recent bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and the failure of Washington Mutual Inc.

Wachovia shareholders will receive 0.1991 shares of Wells Fargo for every share of Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia stock they own, valuing Wachovia at about $7 per share. This is a nearly 80 percent premium over the stock’s Thursday closing price of $3.91. Shares closed at $10 last Friday, the last trading session before the deal with Citigroup was announced.

On Monday, Citigroup had agreed to buy Wachovia’s banking operations for $2.16 billion in a deal orchestrated by the federal government.

That deal, which had been approved by the boards of both companies, was still subject to approval by Wachovia’s shareholders and regulators.

San Francisco-based Wells Fargo will record merger and integration charges of about $10 billion, but says it expects earnings to be boosted within the first year after the acquisition closes. No government assistance is part of the deal terms.

A Wachovia spokeswoman said neither Citigroup nor the FDIC is involved in the Wells Fargo transaction. Citigroup officials did not immediately return calls for comment.

“This deal enables us to keep Wachovia intact and preserve the value of an integrated company, without government support,” said Wachovia President and Chief Executive Robert Steel.

Wachovia’s board approved Wells Fargo’s offer Thursday night.

Labels: buys wachovia, wachovia bank, wells fargo

HISTORIC OAKLAND FOUNDATION
Presents
Sunday In The Park
at
HISTORIC OAKLAND CEMETERY
October 5, 2008
12:00 to 6:00

Suggested Donation: $2.00
(Children 4 and under free)
Join us for our annual Victorian festival, featuring fun for all ages. Live entertainment will be featured at Lion Square and food vendors, including The Varsity and Six Feet Under, will be on hand. Free guided walking tours will be given and horse and carriage tours will also be available.

Local story tellers will tell tales of those who made Atlanta the city it is today. A large Artists' Market will offer beautiful, handcrafted items. Oakland’s traditional Teddy Bear Tea (bring your favorite bear) will be held in our expanded Kids Area, busy with crafts, games and clowning. Visitors will have the opportunity to view artisans presenting living history demonstrations and enjoy antique autos on display.

There will be a variety of live musical entertainment including: Hicks with Picks, Handsome Roy Glenn, Mike Rogers, The Uncle Mike Band, Margie Swint and Henry Frantz. Doug Lothes will be performing Gone With the Wind in Twenty Minutes. In addition, there will be an artists market, caricature artist, scavenger hunts (for kids and adults), living history demonstrations, Irish dancers, author book signings and storytellers (such as Dr. Gil Watson as Joel Chandler Harris, Fran Frantz as Nellie Peters Black and Cathy Kaemmerlen with excerpts from her book The Historic Oakland Cemetery: Speaking Stones.)

Oakland Cemetery would like to thank its Sunday in the Park sponsors: Six Feet Under, The Jane, A.S. Turner & Sons, Oakland Park, Mindpower, Atlanta Intown, Craft Creation & Design, The Stacks and BTB Fitness.

Sat, 10/4 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta GA 30008

More than 35 participating restaurants, local arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, car show, Kids Corner and raffle.
Info: 404-271-7516
Cost: Free admission. Tastes: 50 cents-$4

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Labels: callaway road, cobb food and arts festival, Georgia, kennesaw, marrietta

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Dates: October 3 - 26 (Fridays - Sundays)

Times:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Fridays & Sundays
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM with Lasershow at 8:00 PM on Saturdays

Come out and enjoy some cooler weather at Atlanta's favorite place to celebrate the fall season. Now in it's 6th year, Stone Mountain Park's annual Pumpkin Festival has become a family favorite with kids and parents alike.

Throughout weekends in October enjoy attractions, entertainment, activities and fall decorations that are fun for all ages.

Labels: Atlanta, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, pumpkin festival

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Sat, 10/4 7:00 am
Jocks & Jills — Canton
147 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 6
Canton GA 30114

Mostly flat course for this out-and-back run on the streets of Canton. Long sleeve T-shirt to participants. After the race, food and drinks. Benefits Make A Wish Foundation.

Info: 770-314-2366
Cost: $25; $20 advance

Labels: 5k run for wishes, Canton, Georgia, jocks and jills

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Schedule: 3:30 p.m registration; 4:30 p.m. 5K; 5 p.m. one-mile; 5:15 p.m. tot trot Oct. 4.

Location: Lullwater Park, 1463 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322

A 5K run/walk, one-mile run and fun run. Race number pickup and registration at the park entrance on Clifton Road. Parking is available at the Michael Street parking deck. T-shirt to all participants. Benefits Starlight Children's Foundation helping seriously ill children and their families.

Info: 404-982-0508
Cost: $30; $25 advance; ages 12 and younger free

Labels: Atlanta, clifton road, lullwater park, starlight kids foundation, starlight run for the kids

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Schedule: 8:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. 50-mile ride; 10 a.m. 25-mile ride; 10:30 a.m. 10-mile; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. festival Oct. 4.

Hiram Trail Head-Silver Comet Trail
Seaboard Avenue
Hiram GA 30141

Distances of 10, 25 and 50 miles to accommodate various skill levels. Festival follows with food, games, vendors, entertainment, face painting and inflatables. Benefits City of Hope Cancer Research Hospital, a biomedical research and treatment center dedicated to cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Info: 678-309-7039
Cost: $40; $20 ages 16 and younger. Advance: $35; $15 ages 16 and younger

Labels: cycling, cycling ride, Events, Georgia, hiram, hiram trail head silver comet trail, tour de hope

Schedule: 7:45 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. one-mile; 9:30 a.m. two-mile Oct. 4.

Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive
Atlanta GA 30309

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

One-mile or two-mile run through the park for runners and their dogs. Runners receive a T-shirt and participating dogs receive a bandanna. Water at the halfway point for dogs and at the finish for dogs and humans. Dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination.

Info: 404-292-3281
Cost: $25; $21 advance

Labels: Atlanta, atlanta dog jog, piedmont park

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Gorgeous Home located in the Adam's Landing subdivision in Cumming. 5 Bedrooms, office and Guest room on main, 2 story family room with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances. Full finished basement with second kitchen - perfect for inlaw or teen suite. 3 car garage and level backyard perfect for a pool! This home is priced at $364,900 and is also available for rent at $2195 a month. For information please call (770) 331-1206.

Labels: adams landing, Cumming, Georgia, new listing, rental in cumming

WHEN: October 25, 2008 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mad Italian Restaurant on Windward Parkway
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear your best Halloween costume. Prizes to best dressed big and little "kids." Come even if you do not want to wear a costume though!
WORTHY CAUSE: Host restaurant Mad Italian has agreed to donate 10% of the evening's sales to the Milton Public Safety fund.

Labels: Alpharetta, halloween costume, mad italian restaurant, milton nights, milton public safety fund, windward parkway

Sat, 10/4 7:00 pm
Chukkar Farm and Polo Club
1005 Little River Way
Alpharetta GA 30004

ProfileConcert under a pavilion that overlooks the polo field. Rain or shine.
Info: 678-665-0040
Cost: $15

Labels: Alpharetta, chukkar farm and polo club, Concert, matt blanchard, nashville songwriters

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Just as Atlanta winds down from the fallout of the city’s own Richard Blais making it into last season’s “Top Chef” finals, we get set to gear up for more. “Hell’s Kitchen,” FOX’s sometimes sizzling, sometimes silly look into chef and host Gordon Ramsay’s demented way of running a kitchen (last season he threw up in a trash can after tasting a contestant’s food), is having an open casting call here.

If you’re a chef, cook or otherwise culinary-related professional, you’re eligible to take your chances at the show’s open call at Artistry restaurant in Midtown, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re trying to focus more on established chefs this season,” said Louis A. Caric, “Hell’s Kitchen” casting producer, “but of course we welcome any Cinderella stories out there.” After all, Atlanta-area resident Julia Williams, a Waffle House cook, made it all the way to the top four in season four.

What will it take to feel the heat of Ramsay’s wrath? Show up with “experience and personality,” said Caric, who added that the prize for this year’s winner is “one of the biggest ever.” The open call will consist of an application and verbal interview; those winnowed from these will be asked to callbacks soon after, though Caric would not specify as to when. Artistry is located at 942 Peachtree Street, N.E., in Midtown. For more information, got to www.fox.com/hellskitchen, or call 424-216-2880.

Labels: Atlanta, Casting Call, gordon ramsey, hells kitchen

Department of Energy Approves Request for Release of Crude from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman approved a request Wednesday from Gov. Sonny Perdue for additional releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to refineries in the Gulf Coast region.

"Today the Department approved an additional release of up to 900,000 barrels of crude oil from the SPR for two refiners that have not been able to obtain adequate supplies due to the ongoing disruptions," Secretary Bodman wrote. "With this additional release, the total amount provided from the SPR to refineries will be approximately 5.7 million barrels since Sept. 3, 2008."

Perdue asked for the additional releases on Monday after hearing that refineries may have excess capacity as they restart their operations.

"These crude releases will help ensure that the Southeast continues to receive consistent fuel supplies as we continue to see more stations receive fuel and lines shorten," Perdue said. "I appreciate the administration's quick response and their concern for the fuel shortages we have experienced."

Out-of-state haulers

After Tuesday's announcement that the Department of Revenue will grant temporary waivers for out-of-state haulers to bring in supplies to Georgia, the state has identified new suppliers that are bringing in at least 150,000 additional gallons of fuel per day. That number could grow as additional suppliers are identified in other states that have excess capacity that they can bring to Georgia.
These supplies include both regular fuel and diesel, and will be distributed throughout the state based on identified acute shortages. Diesel will be directed to any first responders and school systems that are seeing low supplies and to the state's major agriculture centers so that farmers continue to have a strong supply available.

The DOR temporary waiver allows out-of-state haulers that do not hold a current Georgia motor fuel license to bring supplies into Georgia as long as they apply for a Georgia license within 72 hours. These haulers would normally have to apply and be granted a license before coming into the state.

DOE Update

The Department of Energy also released an update on the recovery of fuel production in the Gulf Coast.

Power outages – Outages are now down to just 35,000 people without power in Texas. Crews are making rapid progress restoring power – about 154,000 people were reported without power on Monday.

Percent "shut-in" – The U.S. Department of Energy reports 57.1 percent of crude oil production capacity in the Gulf of Mexico is offline. This is a slight improvement from Monday, when 57.4 percent of capacity was out.

Refineries – Only one refinery remains completely shut down, and only three refineries are considered "restarting". This is significant progress as almost all refineries are either back to normal or seeing reduced production.

These figures above come from the Department of Energy's daily situation report. The complete report is available at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/2008_SitRep_21_Ike_100108_12PM.pdf .

Labels: crude oil, Feds, Georgia, governor sonny perdue, strategic petroleum reserve

Homeowners’ hope: Hundreds of thousands could get more affordable loans in government effort aimed at keeping people in their homes.

The government kicked off a program Wednesday that aims to prevent foreclosures by letting an estimated 400,000 troubled homeowners swap their mortgages for more affordable loans.

Lenders, rather than borrowers, will decide whether to participate in the program, which requires them to take a loss on the initial loan. The $300 billion, three-year program is designed to help borrowers who owe more on their loans than their homes are worth.

To qualify, borrowers must be spending more than 31 percent of their income on mortgage payments. Loans made this year are excluded, except for those completed on Jan. 1. Borrowers must have made six months of payments on their loans.

“For homeowners in trouble, this may be the help that they need,” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston said Wednesday. Officials did not have an updated estimate of how many homeowners were likely to qualify, beyond the Congressional Budget Office’s projection from earlier this year that 400,000 borrowers would participate.

The program, dubbed “Hope for Homeowners,” was passed by Congress this summer as part of a massive housing bill. It is one of several government efforts to stem the mortgage crisis.

Critics, however, call the government’s actions sluggish and inadequate. Earlier action to modify loans, they say, might have prevented the need for a $700 billion financial industry bailout now being debated in Washington.

Executives from Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo said they have been hiring extra workers for the new program.

Still, it is unclear whether the industry will embrace the plan fully. One concern is that investors in mortgage securities must take an immediate loss and can’t recoup their lost money if home prices turn upward again.

Investors would rather modify loans in ways that maintain the ability to “share in future appreciation,” JPMorgan Chase executive Marguerite Sheehan said last month.

On Monday, a group of state banking and law enforcement officials released a report that said nearly 80 percent of borrowers with subprime loans were not on track for assistance to avoid foreclosure as of May.

The report by the State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group criticized the lending industry for making only small changes to loan terms and noted that about one in five loans that were modified over the past year became delinquent again.

“While banks and Wall Street firms continue to report record write-downs of mortgage loan portfolios and securities, the losses do not appear to be flowing down to homeowners in the form of sustainable loan modifications,” Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a founder of the state effort, said in a statement.

KEEPING HOMEOWNERS IN THEIR HOUSES

About 400,000 homeowners are eligible for a new program that aims to refinance their troubled mortgages and prevent foreclosure.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The program refinances mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments but can afford a new loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

You’re eligible if:

> The home is your primary residence, and you have no ownership interest in any other residential property.

> Your mortgage was originated on or before Jan. 1, 2008, and you have made at least six payments.

> You cannot pay the existing mortgage without help.

> As of March 2008, your total monthly mortgage payments were more than 31 percent of your gross monthly income.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LENDERS AND BORROWERS

> The maximum loan is $550,440.

> The new mortgage will be no more than 90 percent of the new appraised value.

> The new appraised value includes an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium of 3 percent. Borrowers also pay an Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium of 1.5 percent.

> Standard FHA closing costs apply.

> The borrower must agree to share with FHA both the equity created at the beginning of this new mortgage and any future appreciation in the value of the home.

> The borrower cannot take out a second mortgage for the first five years of the loan, except under certain circumstances for emergency repairs.

> Holders of existing mortgage liens must waive all prepayment penalties and late payment fees. Existing subordinate lenders must release their outstanding mortgage liens.

> The existing first mortgage must accept the proceeds of the new loan as full settlement of all outstanding indebtedness.

Source: Department of Housing and Urban Development

Labels: hope for homeowners, housing and urban development, mortgage swap

Georgia’s fall festivals are in full swing! Our mild climate and crisp autumn air offers plenty of opportunities to discover outdoor adventures, activities and festivals this fall. Oktoberfest celebrations, harvest and arts & crafts festivals can be found all across the state offering Georgians and visitors opportunities for day trips or weekend getaways.

Head to the North Georgia Mountains for the 10-day Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee and enjoy a spectacular line-up of musical acts including the state’s Official Fiddler’s Convention. Experience the arts at the Art in the Square arts festival in Gainesville or the 12th Annual Tybee Festival of the Arts on Tybee Island. Have fun at the Flowery Branch Fall Festival, or explore your artistic side at either the Sequoyah Art and Craft Festival in Summerville, or the Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival in Marietta. Celebrate AutumnFest at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain every weekend in October.

Trek up to “alpine” Helen, where one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Southeast lasts until November 2nd. Relax at a beer-garden, browse the specialty shops, enjoy the beautiful mountain autumn, and then make your way to the Festhalle at night for authentic German bands, food, beer and fun. Enjoy the Fort Gordon Oktoberfest celebration, with all the typical German touches, as well as fairgrounds and a Flea Market that draws tens of thousands. Dig into succulent bratwurst and delicious sauerkraut while enjoying the sounds of Germany at Rock City’s ROCKtoberfest every Saturday and Sunday in October.

Taste Georgia at the 2008 Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, or at the Greek Festival in Augusta. You can also get a palate-full at the CSRA Wine Festival in Martinez, and enjoy the Augusta Rose Show while you’re there. Have fun with the whole family at the Cherry Log Festival; go back in time at the Andersonville Historic Fair in the historic, civil war village of Andersonville; or get your fill at the Rock Shrimp Festival in St. Marys. Pick the perfect pumpkin, spy a laser show, or get lost in a corn maze at the 6th Annual Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain.

Even the state parks catch the autumn festival fever. Check out Laura S. Walker State Park’s Fall Festival, just south of Waycross, Mistletoe State Park’s Family Fall Fest, in Appling, Vogel State Park’s Fall Hoedown, in Blairsville, or the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area’s Fall Celebration, in Helen. You’ll find a combination of hayrides, music, pumpkin scavenger hunts, dancing, campfire stories, apple bobbing, marshmallow roasting, a night hike and even a campsite decorating contest.

Festivals have been a mainstay of American culture for centuries, and Georgia offers something for everyone. Included is just a sample of the many fall events taking place across the state. To learn about these festivals and more, visit www.exploregeorgia.org.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

Labels: 2008 georgia apple festival, csra wine festival, ellijay, fall festivals, Georgia, georgia mountain fall festival, greek festival in augusta, oktoberfest

Schedule
Thu, 10/2 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri, 10/3 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sat, 10/4 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sun, 10/5 12 Noon - 7:00 pm

Greek dinners, food demos, desserts and a food drive-through. Music, dancing, singing, educational lectures, shopping and children's activities. Free parking and shuttle buses from Century Center Office Park on Clairmont Road.

Info: 404-633-7358
Cost: $3; $1 ages 11 and younger; free admission for senior citizens Oct. 2. $2 per food ticket

Labels: atlanta greek festival, century office park, clairmont road

The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, a living natural museum, was unveiled Sept. 27 with a guided tour of the 26 trees that comprise the arboretum.

The arboretum showcases the natural setting and beauty of many native tree species of the southeastern United States and provides an educational perspective on the wide choices of available trees suited for planting in our urban landscape.

Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the arboretum.

"The Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park is a tremendous asset to our city and will provide hours of enjoyment and education, as well as opportunities for research, for visitors and residents alike," Letchas said.

The Mayor, along with members of the Alpharetta City Council, Boy Scout Troop 629, the Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., the City of Alpharetta Tree Commission and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau cut the ribbon to open the Alpharetta Arboretum.

David Cox, member of the Alpharetta Arboretum board of directors, said, "The Alpharetta Arboretum was not a one-person or two-person project, but rather a community effort."

A plaque beneath a Liberty Elm marks the beginning of the Alpharetta Arboretum trail.

Cory Fica of Boyscout Troop 629 worked on the arboretum to fulfill the requirements necessary to become an Eagle Scout.

"There's no question that without the help of many partners, this project would never have happened. I'd like to thank Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Starbucks, Shane's Rib Shack, David Flannery, David Cox and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau for making the arboretum possible," Fica said.

The Alpharetta CVB published a complimentary brochure that guides people through the arboretum. The brochure is available at the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center. The Alpharetta Arboretum is sponsored by the City of Alpharetta's Tree Commission, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., a non-profit organization.

Labels: alpharetta arboretum, Wills Park

Fall Fest offers a complete day of fall carnival fun for the whole family.

Featuring carnival games, delicious barbecue, live music from the Junction Band, giant moonwalk/slide, cotton candy, popcorn, bake sale, kids' activities, a hayride, silent auction, and more! FallFest normally draws hundreds of visitors from all over the surrounding area, so be sure to tell all of your friends! Everyone is invited.

Admission is free! Tickets available on-site for the carnival games and concessions.

FallFest barbecue will be served from noon until 5:00 pm. Dinner tickets are $12 each for your choice of ribs, pulled pork or chicken. All dinners include sides and dessert. Kids’ BBQ sandwich ($6), hamburger ($5) and hotdog ($4) plates include chips, drink, and dessert. Most attendees purchase dinner tickets in advance to ensure that their selections are available. Advance tickets for the barbecue dinner can be purchased online at www.northcrestclub.com, or by phone at (404) 592-3381.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008 from noon til 5pm

WHERE: Northcrest Swim and Tennis Club, 3524 Bowling Green Way, in the Northcrest subdivison — off Northcrest Road between I-85 and Chamblee-Tucker Road). From I-85, exit East onto Northcrest Road. Turn left at the Northcrest entrance sign onto Regalwoods Drive. Follow Regalwoods Drive to Bowling Green Way and turn left. The Club will be ahead on your left. From Chamblee-Tucker Road, turn onto Northcrest Road, then turn right onto Regalwoods Drive. Turn right onto Bowling Green Way, and the Club will be ahead on your left.

For more information, visit www.northcrestclub.com, or call (404) 592-3381.

Labels: bowling green way, carnival, fallfest at northcrest, northcrest subdivision, northcrest swim and tennis club, october 25

Public parks are always packed on October weekends with families anxious to break free from the confines of their homes. Why not pack up an old-fashioned picnic lunch, throw in a blanket, and spend an entire day at one of our beautiful city parks? Of course, Game Boys, DS’s and ipods are NOT allowed! Take along a big ziplock bag, and collect an assortment of leaves to be made into a fall collage later at home. How about skipping stones across a lake, flying a kite, or quietly reading a book under a tree? These are all things we did as kids, long before the electronic age hit and dramatically changed the way kids are entertained. Way back when, we actually knew how to have fun without headphones, buttons and batteries! Fall is the perfect time to show our kids these simple, yet oh-so-treasured and rare pastimes.


For a more elaborate outdoor adventure, load the kids into the mini van or RV, and take advantage of one of our area’s treasured outdoor attractions. My personal favorites are Stone Mountain Park and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, where you and your family can literally spend the entire day in the great outdoors. The possibilities are profound at Stone Mountain Park where you can climb the mountain (and enjoy an extraordinary view of the city), ride the Ducks (amphibious vehicles that travel both on land and in the water!), have a family picnic in one of the many shaded pavilions, climb aboard the scenic railroad or spacious paddlewheel riverboat, explore its quaint village and antebellum plantation, and end the day with an awesome laser show while sitting under the stars on the expansive lawn. The day will be action-packed, with absolutely no complaints of boredom (always a plus!). For more information, go to www.stonemountainpark.com.


To really get back to nature, and to appreciate the splendor of fall, head out to the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, a 127-acre delight with experienced staff to spark the spirit of discovery in children and adults alike. There you’ll discover miles of hiking trails (including a charming river boardwalk), loads of native flora and fauna, beautiful gardens and a charming nature store. The Center offers a host of engaging and educational programs on the weekends, including Animal Encounters where you get to see one of their resident animals up close and personal, guided nature hikes and canoe trips led by a knowledgeable naturalist, family canoe days, and so much more. One of their biggest annual events is called Halloween Hikes, and it’s a fantastic holiday treat, especially for children 10 and under. This non-scary adventure takes you and your child on a well-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland creatures, and hear about their lives. This evening full of fun activities includes arts and crafts, games, face painting, musical entertainment and a traditional bonfire! It’s good, clean fun for the entire family, and an excellent way to celebrate Halloween. For more information, log onto their website at www.chattnaturecenter.com.


Whatever you decide to do this fall, make sure you do it outdoors! October in Atlanta is simply spectacular; so don’t miss your chance to experience its magic. I hate to mention this, but just around the corner is the hectic holiday season. Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it. I think I’ll take a quick break, grab a book and go relax outside before the kids come home from school. Now, that’s what I call a real fall treat!

Labels: fall, Georgia, great things to do with kids, october weekends