Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: March 2009

Spring is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing in Atlanta: the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back! The Dogwoods will be in full bloom, and hundreds of artists from around the country will set up their tents for the 73rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival.

An Atlanta staple for more than 70 years, there is something for everyone at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Virtually every kind of art imaginable is represented at the festival, with a nationally renowned-juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more.

In addition to the fine art for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts and face painting for all ages, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rock-climbing wall.

Sponsor booths are located throughout the Festival that will have everything from live radio remotes to great prizes and interactive games. No pet dogs are allowed at large outdoor events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, according to City of Atlanta ordinance.

Music has become an essential feature of the weekend’s festivities, and this year will be no different! A wide array of diverse musical offerings will fill the springtime air throughout the weekend! The full schedule of music and entertainment will be announced later. And when you get hungry, follow the delicious smells, of funnel cakes, gyros, crab cakes, onion rings, kettle corn and much, much more!

April 17, 18, 19, 2009 in Piedmont Park
Festival Hours
Friday 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Labels: atlanta dogwood festival, piedmont park

Counties might be forced to raise taxes because so many homes have lost value

Property owners rushed to county tax offices around metro Atlanta on Monday to file paperwork showing the foreclosure crisis has cost them so much value that their taxes should be reduced.

The push to lower taxes with property tax returns threatens in coming months to reduce tax collections for already cash-strapped local governments across the state — or force local officials to raise property taxes during a deepening recession.

Officials in Clayton and Fulton reported lines of filers crowding offices Monday ahead of the April 1 deadline, contending their properties had lost value during what many folks are calling a real estate depression. The deadline for Gwinnett and DeKalb counties passed March 2.

Property owners in most Georgia counties have until the close of business Wednesday to file their returns. They will also be accepted with an April 1 postmark.

How to file

April 1 is the final day to file a property tax return and lower tax values for 2009. The deadline for 2009 has already passed for properties in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.

Here’s who to contact or where you can go in Clayton, Cobb and Fulton:


Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors

Chief Appraiser: Rodney McDaniel

P.K. Dixon Annex 2

Second Floor

121 S. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236

Office (770) 477-3285 Fax (770) 477-4566

www.co.clayton.ga.us/tax_assessor/index.htm


Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors

Phillip Y. Hogsed, Sr.

736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 200

Marietta, GA 30064

Office(770)528-3100 Fax (770) 528-3118

e-mail: cobbtaxassessor@cobbcounty.org

www.cobbassessor.org/Main/Home.aspx


Fulton County Board of Assessors

Burt Manning, Chief Appraiser

141 Pryor Street, Suite 2052

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 612-6440 phone / (404) 224-0417 fax

www.fultonassessor.org/Main/home.aspx

Labels: assessments, Fulton County, Homeowners, Property Taxes

Cherokee County commissioners are buying 102 acres of foreclosed property.

They’re purchasing 25 acres that already have some developed walking and jogging trails, as part of their plan to expand parkland in the county. They’re also buying 77-plus acres for a business-commerce park, said County Manager Jerry Cooper.

Both sites are adjacent to Technology Park and the Park Village subdivision, Cooper said. He said the county is paying $20,000 or less an acre for the two properties. The purchase price is $500,000 for the park property and $1,427,400 for the business park site, Cooper said.

Labels: 102 acres, Cherokee COunty, foreclosed land, Foreclosures

The drought is over in metro Atlanta — three years after it began and more than a year after a dwindling Lake Lanier made national news.

State climatologist David Stooksbury made the declaration Monday.
But keep those rusty sprinklers in the garage. Outdoor watering restrictions will remain indefinitely because Lanier is still recovering and still stands more than 9 feet below full. The lake is the water source for more than 3 million metro Atlantans.

“Soil moisture is near normal, stream flows are near normal. Small and medium-sized reservoirs are full,” Stooksbury said. “But there is still the 500-pound gorilla sitting in the room and that’s Lanier.”

Atlanta is still more than an inch below normal rainfall this year. But this is the first time the drought has loosened the vise-like grip that reignited the water war with Alabama and Florida.

According to state rules, it takes four months of improved conditions to end outdoor watering restrictions, though they have been eased. March counts as the first month, Stooksbury said.

State Environmental Protection Division Director Carol Couch, who makes the call on watering restrictions, said Monday it will take a lot more rain to pull Lanier out of the hole. She doesn’t expect that to happen this year and may ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates Lanier, to release only a minimum amount through the summer.

Labels: Atlanta, Drought, Georgia, Lake Lanier, Water Restrictions

Local chefs are creating new tasty menus for the upcoming 19th Annual Taste of Alpharetta. The City of Alpharetta eagerly prepares for restaurants to set their tables along Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park on Thursday, May 14 from 5 to10pm.

To provide enough delicious samples for over 60,000 attendees, restaurants prepare over 360,000 “Taste of” delicacies. Menus will include BBQ pork sliders, crabmeat cheese rolls, basil chicken salad, chocolate covered strawberries and much more!

From its beginning 19 years ago with only four restaurants in Milton Square Park across from Alpharetta City Hall, the event has become the largest “Taste of” festival in the South. Now an annual tradition for 60,000 families, foodies and festival-goers, Taste of Alpharetta showcases over 60 local restaurants ranging from 5 Seasons North, to Wildflour, to Schakolad Chocolate Factory.

Participating restaurants serve up an amazing array of appetizers, entrees and desserts from their menus for just $.50- 3 per sample. Tickets may be purchased on-site the evening of the Taste or pre-purchased at Alpharetta City Hall.

“The Taste of Alpharetta is one of our city’s most anticipated events,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “Each year our committee invites new restaurants and seeks entertainment for the entire community to enjoy.”

Please save gas and use our free shuttle system. Park and ride shuttle options will be available at Alpharetta City Hall (on South Main Street), Publix Super Market (on Old Milton Parkway at Haynes Bridge), and Milton Center (the old Milton High School at Milton Avenue).

Admission, shuttle and parking for the 19th Annual Taste of Alpharetta is FREE. Park and walk options available at the Wills Park Equestrian Center (on Wills Road) and Alpharetta Community Center (on Roswell Street).

The Culinary Arts and Music Stage will feature chef competitions from 5 to 7 pm following with live music from 7 to 10 pm. Come and spread your blanket for a full night of entertainment in Wills Park.

Top chefs pair against one another in contests for Best Appetizer/Salad, Best Fast Casual Entree, Best Fine Dining Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation. Judges will be Atlanta Cuisine editor, Tom Maicon; freelance restaurant writer who contributes to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WGST, Helen Cauley; director of Salud! Cooking & Lifestyle School at Whole Foods Market, Ashley Brooke; and food writer, cooking show host, and food editor for North Fulton Living Magazine, Hans Rueffert.

Attendees can vote for their favorite restaurant at the Culinary Arts and Music Stage, designating only one restaurant as the Taste of Alpharetta People’s Choice recipient. Additional judges will walk restaurant row to award the Best Booth presentation.

After dining at all of their favorite restaurants in one night, Taste of Alpharetta families can look forward to playing at Wacky World and on the dozens of fun inflatable activities, Guitar Hero, rock climbing, trains and more in the Fun Zone. By the Lion’s Club pavilion at Wacky World, the Reptile Wrangler will feature educational reptile shows all evening plus exhibits. Children can also enjoy wacky hair, face painting, balloon art, and a full farmyard with pony carousal. Metro Atlanta radio stations will add to the evening’s entertainment.

The 19th Annual Taste of Alpharetta is proud to have City of Alpharetta, Comcast, Publix Super Market Charities, Inc., as our Premier Sponsors; AT&T Real Yellow Pages and Revue & News of APPEN Newspapers as our Platinum Sponsors; ADP, Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau, DeVry University/Georgia, Georgia Power Company, and Sprint as our Gold Sponsors; Costco, Eisen Family Chiropractic, Everyday Waterproofing, Flagstar Bank, Taylor Construction Company, and The New York Times and Vantage Card Service, Inc. as our Silver Sponsors.

For more information, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us or phone (678) 297-6000 ext. 1006. Photos, event map, and additional information available upon request (678) 297-6078.

Labels: 2009, city of alpharetta, may 14, milton square city park, old milton parkway, Taste of Alpharetta, Wills Park

The Milton Clydesdales, a 10-member team of Milton firefighters, will be participating in Climb Atlanta, an event benefiting the American Lung Association. The team's goal is to raise $2,500.

During the event, which will be hosted at 191 Peachtree Tower on April 18 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Milton team will climb 50 floors (1,150 steps) in full bunker gear, which includes helmet, coat, pants, boots, gloves and liner.

Captain Clydesdale, Christopher Seay, is back for his third year and uses the climb to encourage fitness within the department.

Climb Atlanta has a special category for firefighters and other first responders who can use this challenge as a training exercise or to encourage fitness among their department. Different teams of firefighters compete for special awards and ascend the stairs after all other climbers.

Labels: american lung association, city of milton, climb atlanta 2009, milton clydesdales, milton firefighters

If you're a Milton High School student then we have something for you. For the past two years, we have designed the logo and T-shirts for our annual Milton Roundup. This year, you're the artist.

The winning entry will be featured as the 2009 Milton Roundup logo and will be placed on all the posters and advertisements prior to the October celebration as well as on all T-shirts at the event. The deadline for the contest is May 1.

The student whose design is selected will win a $100 cash prize and will have their signature on the design. Be creative and have fun with it. Remember, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character.

Entries may be hand drawn or electronically designed.

E-mail all entries to linda.blow@cityofmiltonga.us or deliver them to City Hall.

If you have questions, call Milton City Hall at 678.242.2500.

Labels: city of milton, High School, logo contest, Milton Roundup

The White House says neither GM nor Chrysler submitted acceptable plans to receive more bailout money, setting the stage for a crisis in Detroit and putting in motion what could be the final two months of two American auto giants.

The Obama administration, however, has decided not to require the automakers to immediately repay government loan money they previously received, since that would force both companies into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Obama was set to make the announcement at 11 a.m. Monday in the White House's foyer.

Instead, the administration has decided to give Chrysler 30 days to work out a deal with Fiat and GM 60 days to come up with a new restructuring plan. Both companies will be provided with "some working capital" during those time periods.

A senior official said, "bankruptcy is not the goal," although there may be a "role for a court supervised process to effect the restructuring... different from Chapter 11."

Two additional parts of the plan include the government standing behind both car companies' warranties during the restructuring periods and the White House naming a Labor Department official to minimize the impact of restructuring on communities where auto plants are located, by coordinating support for workers and their families.

GM and Chrysler, which employ about 140,000 workers in the U.S., face a Tuesday deadline to submit completed restructuring plans, but neither company is expected to finish its work.

GM owes roughly $28 billion to bondholders. Chrysler owes about $7 billion in first- and second-term debt, mainly to banks. GM owes about $20 billion to its retiree health care trust, while Chrysler owes $10.6 billion.

Officials say GM and Chrysler were treated differently because of differences in the companies.

Neither company is viable now, but Chrysler is an almost purely domestic company that has passed through several ownership changes and is not viable as a standalone company. It was "never in position to pay down its debt." GM is a global company with "a more substantial collection of assets and brands," and its cars received a higher ranking from Consumer Reports.

Officials say they are "confident GM can survive and thrive as a company... but it will take more significant restructuring."

No decision has yet been made about how much working capital the government will provide GM during the restructuring period.

Chrysler's potential deal with Fiat has a couple of requirements: Fiat's ownership must initially be less than the 35% US Government stake in the company, and it's not to rise above 49% until the new loan money is fully repaid. Chrysler will be provided up to $6 billion in additional working capital during the restructuring period.

In his comments tomorrow, Obama "will be clear that greater sacrifices are required from all stakeholders," officials said.

His aides had substantial criticism of bondholders, saying not only did GM's bondholders fail to meet the targets for reducing the company's liability under the loan agreement, the loan agreement's target weren't adequate for the current market environment.

Officials confirmed GM CEO Rick Wagoner was asked to leave, but denied it was a condition for receiving more government aid. The official said "we wanted to start GM with a clean sheet of paper. We felt the change in leadership would assist that."

Labels: Barack Obama, chrysler, gm, halts detroit bailout

The economy is tanking, grocery bills are climbing and food safety scares are on the rise. For the 43 million Americans planning a vegetable garden this spring, growing your own is a matter of dollars and sense.

Food gardening will jump 19 percent this year over last year, according to a new survey by the National Gardening Association (NGA). Homeowners with shrinking household budgets are looking for help in their own backyards. Can planting a veggie patch really save you money? Government agencies and gardening organizations say yes.

Every $100 spent on vegetable gardening yields $1,000 to $1,700 worth of produce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. That’s a serious hedge against skyrocketing food prices, expected to jump another 5 percent this year.

You’ll get a half-pound of edibles from every square foot of ground devoted to backyard crops, NGA experts say. Even a modest garden (15-by-15-feet) can produce more than 100 pounds of garden-fresh tomatoes, salad greens, vegetables and herbs. Better flavor and bragging rights come with the harvest.

Planting a vegetable plot and keeping it productive isn’t that hard if you start small, keep the basics in mind and plant reliable varieties. Take it step-by-step:

Lead with Location – A sunny, well-drained spot close to a water spigot is ideal. Leafy greens tolerate some shade, but other crops want eight hours of sun daily.

Suitable soil – Adding organic material is the key to an easy-care garden. It loosens stiff soil, helps retain moisture and nourishes important soil organisms. Good “ingredients” include manure, humus and chopped-up leaves. Spread a 4-inch layer of amendments on your plot and till into the top 9 to 12 inches.

Fertilize Faithfully– All edible plants remove some nutrients from the soil, and can quickly exhaust the soil without the help of a fertilizer. Always follow the rates given on the label when deciding how much to use.

Water wisely – One inch of water weekly is adequate for most vegetables. Soaker hoses or drip systems deliver water efficiently and keep foliage dry, fending off leaf diseases.

Patrol for pests – Monitor insect damage but try to keep your crops pesticide-free. Let natural predators fight your battles, hand-pick pests or dislodge them with a jet of water. If you must spray, do it late in the day when beneficial insects are less active.

Pick the right plants – Flower gardeners gravitate to the newest, showiest varieties, but smart food gardeners appreciate the tried-and-true. Bonnie Plants, available coast to coast, are time-tested varieties selected to suit regional conditions. For best results you’ll need to choose veggie and herb varieties suitable to your geographical location. Because Bonnie’s varieties are distributed regionally, you will automatically have suitable varieties available to you at retail in your area.

Look for Bonnie Plants in eco-friendly biodegradable pots that not only save tons of plastic pots from ending up in landfills, they also reduce transplant shock. Just tear off the bottom, set the pot in the ground and water.

If you’re ready to try your hand at creating your own backyard grocery garden, here are 10 easy crops to plant:

Basil – Perfect with tomatoes. Choose sweet basil or the compact ”Spicy Globe.”

Beans -- Bush beans like “Bush Blue Lake’”are easier to pick, but tall “pole” beans have higher yields.

Bell peppers -- Harvest green or red, when vitamin levels are higher. Try “Bonnie Bell” or the new, hot bell pepper “Mexibell.”

Chard – This leafy green tolerates cool temperatures well. Varieties like “Bright Lights” have brilliantly colored stems.

Cucumber -- Plant after the weather warms. Choose the mild Japanese cucumber or the old favorite “Burpless Bush Hybrid.”

Eggplant -- A much-loved favorite, eggplant thrives in hot weather. Try “Black Beauty” or the white-skinned “Cloud Nine.”

Lettuce -- Go for easy “leaf” lettuces like “Buttercrunch” “Red Sails,” or Romaine .

Parsley – Pick curly types or flat Italian parsley. This herb is rich in vitamins and a breath-sweetener, too.

Summer squash – Squash are very productive plants and easy to grow. Try zucchini “Black Beauty” or yellow crook-necked squash.

Tomatoes – These crimson favorites are the most popular backyard vegetable. Choose disease-resistant “Better Boy,” “Bonnie Original” or the extra-easy cherry tomato “Sweet 100.”

For gardening tips and more herb and vegetable varieties, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Labels: Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, vegetable garden, Woodstock

Being a HUGE Food Network Fan this is surely one event I will not pass up -

The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show is the premiere consumer event in the nation for cooking and entertaining enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The event features more than 150 exhibitors, live cooking demonstrations by Atlanta's hottest chefs, tasting and entertaining workshops, and presentations from Food Network celebrities Paula Deen, Tyler Florence, Guy Fieri, and the Neelys.

This is a one-of-a kind event for anyone who loves to cook or entertain!

www.metrocooking.com

Saturday and Sunday April 18 - 19
Cobb Galleria
Atlanta, GA

Labels: Atlanta, cobb galleria, food network, Georgia, guy fieri, metroplitan cooking and entertaining show, paula deen

In the morning sun, herds of elementary school students file clumsily off yellow buses and spring from family cars by the dozens.

Ranks close as the scattered masses press through traffic cones positioned to drive 1,750 youngsters to class without a stampede. A band of Jackson Elementary School faculty stands by ready to round up stragglers, to slow the rush of latecomers, to keep the peewees in the pack from getting shoved along or falling underfoot.

Moving multitudes is part of the day’s work at Gwinnett County Public Schools, the state’s largest school district, with more than 157,200 students. While some of the nation’s largest school systems watch their enrollment shrink, Gwinnett’s district is growing. It is ranked as the country’s 15th-largest and is expected to grow by 1,700 students next fall. By 2017, school officials are expecting 200,000. Meanwhile, some metro Atlanta school systems are seeing only slight growth.

Gwinnett is so big that it would take Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks five months to visit every campus if he traveled to one each school day. Some city populations more than double, even quadruple, when kids are in school. The system’s 2009 fiscal year budget is $1.9 billion, larger than Charlotte’s $1.8 billion.

As enrollment soars, some parents are growing concerned that Gwinnett may be getting too large to maintain its academic strength. They point to overcrowded campuses, a dip in average SAT scores, a spike in poverty, a blossoming population of international students still learning English, nagging student discipline incidents and crime.

“There are just too many students,” said Lindy Barrett-Grove of Snellville, who withdrew her daughters because she thought Gwinnett schools got too big. “When you get 3,000 kids in one small space, there is going to be trouble. I want my kids to excel. A smaller school is more conducive for learning.”

Accreditation officials with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools gave Gwinnett “exemplary” ratings during its five-year review. Quality inspectors, however, recommended that in order to keep improving, Gwinnett should continue to focus on its greatest “challenges,” including how growth affects the district and the achievement gap.

Size presents challenges. Big districts must find ways to house growing populations, recruit a steady supply of qualified teachers, educate masses while still meeting individual student needs and deliver timely feedback to demanding parents.

Take Mill Creek High, the state’s largest school, with 4,074 students and a lunch schedule that begins when most people are downing their second cup of coffee. Each school day, teens meet in small group advisement sessions to chat with a teacher or get help with work.

“We are big — a big family,” principal Jim Markham said. “We have high expectations for every kid.”

Nationally, many large urban districts are opening small schools because they’re credited with helping to improve test scores and decrease dropouts. Gwinnett, on the other hand, beats state and national test benchmarks for large schools despite changing demographics. The “majority minority” system of diverse students had a 4.2 percent jump in kids qualifying for discounted meals this school year. Thousands are served by classes for limited English speakers.

“We have experienced periods of exceptional growth. … We have effectively managed with large successful schools,” Wilbanks said in an e-mail. “There is no definitive data that favors small schools in terms of student achievement. … The real connection between teachers, students and student achievement happens in the classroom, no matter the size of the school.”

About 96 percent of Gwinnett schools met student adequate yearly progress goals in 2007-08. The graduation rate climbed from 74 percent in 2005-06 to 79 percent last school year, with fewer college students needing remedial support. The average SAT score, however, slipped from 1,524 to 1,521, but that was higher than national and state averages.

On the Georgia Criterioned-Referenced Competency Test, Gwinnett’s black, Asian and Hispanic students showed some gains but still lagged behind whites in some areas.

“The achievement gap is a gigantic problem just about everywhere,” said Paul Hill, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education.

Next fall, Gwinnett will take bold steps to help students.

The district will open 10 new schools — including one that’s a replacement — to reduce overcrowding. It uses the Special Local Option Sales Tax and general obligation bonds to fund schools so construction can continue in lean times.

In August, it will aggressively target the achievement gap. Principals now have freedom over their budgets to do what they will to improve performance. Gwinnett is the first in Georgia to receive flexibility from state mandates in exchange for greater accountability.

At Jackson, principal Ruth Markham plans to expand the gifted program and provide services for those just shy of qualifying. Though her elementary school is the county’s largest, Markham dons costumes to build excitement about reading and hosts festivals to build community relationships.

Disciplinary issues also can be a distraction. Last year, some 31,500 students received in-school suspension and 20,600 were suspended outside of school. Serious offenders faced 1,910 discipline hearings.

Dealing with discipline takes time away from kids who work hard, said Amy Tjoe, a first-grade teacher at Winn Holt.

“If a child is performing well and is on grade level, by design, they get less attention because you have to focus on the children … making less progress in academics and behavior to catch them up.”

Labels: Growth, Gwinnett COunty, gwinnett schools, schools

Local chefs are creating new tasty menus for the upcoming 19th Annual Taste of Alpharetta. The City of Alpharetta eagerly prepares for restaurants to set their tables along Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park on Thursday, May 14 from 5 to10pm.

To provide enough delicious samples for over 60,000 attendees, restaurants prepare
over 360,000 “Taste of” delicacies. Menus will include BBQ pork sliders, crabmeat
cheese rolls, basil chicken salad, chocolate covered strawberries and much more!
From its beginning 19 years ago with only four restaurants in Milton Square Park across from Alpharetta City Hall, the event has become the largest “Taste of” festival in the South. Now an annual tradition for 60,000 families, foodies and festival-goers, Taste of Alpharetta showcases over 60 local restaurants ranging from 5 Seasons North, to Wildflour, to Schakolad Chocolate Factory.

Participating restaurants serve up an amazing array of appetizers, entrees and desserts from their menus for just $.50- 3 per sample. Tickets may be purchased on-site the evening of the Taste or pre-purchased at Alpharetta City Hall.
“The Taste of Alpharetta is one of our city’s most anticipated events,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “Each year our committee invites new restaurants and seeks entertainment for the entire community to enjoy.”

Please save gas and use our free shuttle system. Park and ride shuttle options will be available at Alpharetta City Hall (on South Main Street), Publix Super Market (on Old Milton Parkway at Haynes Bridge), and Milton Center (the old Milton High School at Milton Avenue).

Admission, shuttle and parking for the 19th Annual Taste of Alpharetta is FREE. Park
and walk options available at the Wills Park Equestrian Center (on Wills Road) and
Alpharetta Community Center (on Roswell Street).

Labels: alpharetta community center, old milton parkway, Taste of Alpharetta, Wills Park

We can help you with your Short Sales-we will work with the bank to sell your home so you avoid foreclosure. Call (770) 331-1206 today!

Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them? Don't ignore the letters from your lender, contact your lender immediately, contact a HUD-approved HousingCounseling Agency, Toll FREE (800) 569-4287, if you can't make your mortgage payment:

1. Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options... Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights. Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options. Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at www.fha.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm.

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organizeyour finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287

7. Prioritize your spending. After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending. Look for optional expenses-cable TV,memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets. Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don'tsignificantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. You don't need topay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead...For info and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor can provide it for free.

10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams! If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney or a trusted real estate professional.

WE CAN WORK WITH YOUR LENDER AND HELP YOU!!

Labels: avoid foreclosure, Forsyth, Georgia, hud, North Fulton, short sales

Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit?
It’s still preliminary, but the state of Georgia is working on a homebuyer tax credit in addition to the $8,000 tax credit passed by the federal government last month.

Georgia residents who buy a home would get a three-year tax credit under legislation that easily passed the House today.

Under the bill, home purchasers would receive income tax credits of up to $3,600, up to $1,200 for each of three years. In order to qualify, homeowners would have to apply for the credit within six months of the date the governor signs the bill.

The measure now moves on to the Senate. The goal is to help revitalize Georgia’s residential real estate market.

Georgia’s housing issues are not nearly as bad as many parts of the country, but it’s great to the Georgia leaders understand the importance of kick-starting home sales as this will have a direct impact on a multitude of industries and the overall economy.

The legislation would apply to new and previously occupied homes as well as residences that have been foreclosed.

The credit could be used either for houses and condominiums and either on primary or second residences.

We’ll keep you posted on as this bill moves forward. For some homebuyers, this could mean a total of $11,600 in tax credits for the purchase of their new home and for others who didn’t qualify for the federal $8,000 credit, it would mean a $3,600 tax credit. Either way, it’s a great incentive to take advantage of this great buying opportunity in the Metro Atlanta Real Estate market.

Labels: First Time Home Buyers, georgia homebuyer tax credit

There's a nice windfall for some homebuyers in the economic stimulus bill signed into law this week by President Obama. First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 - or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less - on their 2008 or 2009 taxes.
A big plus is that the credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of witholding they paid during the year plus anything extra they had to pony up when they filed their returns - was less than that amount. But there has been a lot of confusion over this provision. Adam Billings of Knoxville, Tenn. wrote to CNNMoney.com asking:

"I will qualify as a first-time home buyer, and I am currently set to get a small tax refund for 2008. Does that mean if I purchased now that I would get an extra $8,000 added on top of my current refund?"
The short answer? Yes, Billings would get back the $8,000 plus what he'd overpaid. The long answer? It depends. Here are three scenarios:
Scenario 1: Your final tax liability is normally $6,000. You've had taxes withheld from every paycheck and at the end of the year you've paid Uncle Sam $6,000. Since you've already paid him all you owe, you get the entire $8,000 tax credit as a refund check.
Scenario 2: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've overpaid by $1,000 through your payroll witholding. Normally you would get a $1,000 refund check. In this scenario, you get $9,000, the $8,000 credit plus the $1,000 you overpaid.
Scenario 3: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll witholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund.

To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit.

We are your Georgia real estate experts for buying or selling real estate in any of the following cities. Acworth, Atlanta, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Canton, Cumming,Dallas, Douglasville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Mableton, Marietta, Milton, Norcross, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna,Snellville, Suwanee, Woodstock, and Vinings. I can also help you find real estate for sale in other cities in Cherokee County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Douglas County, Forsyth County,Fulton County, North Fulton County, and Gwinnett County.

Labels: $8000 tax incentive, first time home buyer tax credit, First Time Home Buyers

Schedule
Dusk April 4-11, 18, and 25; 9:30 p.m. May 2, 9, 16, 23-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug. 1-9, 15, 22, and 29; dusk Sept. 5-7, 12, 19, and 26; 8 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 3-24.

Atlanta tradition is digitally remastered with new displays of laser lights, graphics, characters and fireworks choreographed to popular music favorites.

Labels: Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Laser Show

The City of Roswell, Keep Roswell Beautiful (KRB) and the City of Alpharetta will hold Bulky Trash Amnesty Day on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Public Works facility at 11810 Hembree Road. The event is free for residents and proof of residency will be required (utility bills or window decals are acceptable.)

Items accepted include: tables, sofas, chairs, refrigerators, washers/dryers, computers, televisions, deactivated cell phones, other appliances, toys and tires (limit of four per vehicle, automotive tires only, must be off the rims.)

Items not accepted include: any and all liquids including paint, constructions and demolition materials, household batteries, yard waste, motor oil, anti-freeze and any hazardous waste.

For proper disposal of the items not accepted please contact one of the following:

Roswell Recycling Center - 770.442.8822 (motor oil, anti-freeze)
The Pollution Prevention Assistance Division - www.p2ad.org/hhwguide.html
Chadwick Landfill - 770.475.9868 (construction and demolition materials)
Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please note that the line will be cut off at 2 p.m.

For more information on the event please contact one of the following:

Roswell residents should contact Janet Liberman at 770.641.3715 or jliberman@roswellgov.com. Alpharetta and Milton residents should contact Terry Porter at 678.297.6200 or tporter@alpharetta.ga.us.

*Residents of Johns Creek and Sandy Springs should contact Keep North Fulton Beautiful at 770.551.7766 for information on an event in your area.

For more information please check the City of Roswell website at www.roswellgov.com, KRB’s website at www.keeproswellbeautiful.org and The City of Alpharetta website at www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Labels: bulky trash amnesty day, city of alpharetta, City of Roswell, public works, saturday april 18

Newtown Park's annual Spring Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 4, free and open to children ages 1-10.

Thousands of filled eggs will be "hidden" on the Park's main soccer field at 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek (directly across the street from Johns Creek Fire Station No. 3).

The Hunt begins promptly at 11 a.m., but pre-hunt activities (face painting, moonwalk) start at 10 a.m., including having your picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

During the Hunt, there will be separate areas designated for different age groups and special prize eggs will be hidden in each age group area. Parents/adults must remain out of the hunt area, except for the younger age groups.

Please bring your own basket to collect your eggs. Contact Johns Creek Recreation & Parks at 678-512-3200 for more information.

Labels: april 4, childrens easter egg hunt, city of johns creek, newton park

All residents and businesses in Alpharetta are being asked to turn off the lights at home and at work for one hour on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The city has made the request to help raise awareness of the need to conserve energy.

Alpharetta is joining more than 930 cities in 80 countries to promote Earth Hour, a global campaign to raise environmental awareness. Earth Hour is a global campaign coordinated by the World Wildlife Fund that began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. Worldwide participation increased to more than 50 million people in 2008. The campaign, which hopes to reach out to more than one billion people in 1,000 cities around the world in 2009, asks individuals, businesses and governments to switch off lights for one hour to create a platform of support for action on climate change.

"No matter your personal views on climate change or environmental issues, I think that everyone recognizes the benefits of conserving energy," states Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas. "By asking our citizens and businesses to turn off their lights for one hour on March 28 we hope to remind everyone of how easy it can be to conserve energy, help to make our community a bit 'greener,' and save a little money along the way."

Only non-essential lighting will be affected, so Earth Hour in Alpharetta will not be a blackout. The target is indoor overhead lights in homes and office buildings. Since the City of Alpharetta and many area office-based businesses already power down the lights in their buildings at the end of each workday, the main effect will be in area homes.

"Even though we are just asking people to turn off their lights, Earth Hour also is a good time to turn off other electronics like computers and televisions," Letchas said. "After the lights go out we hope that families will talk about and pursue small changes in their daily lives to be more energy efficient. We encourage simple but effective energy-saving measures such as installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, which are more efficient and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, choosing energy efficient appliances, making sure their car tires are properly inflated and unplugging electronics when they are not in use."

Labels: Alpharetta, earth hour, Georgia, saturday march 28, turn off lights

Rates on 30-year mortgages plunged this week to the lowest level since January, and are poised to fall further after the Federal Reserve launched a new effort to prop up the flailing housing market.

Mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac said Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.98 percent this week.

That was down from 5.03 percent last week. It was the lowest since the week of Jan. 15, when it was at 4.96 percent.

The rate quotes included in Freddie Mac's survey were taken before the Fed said Wednesday it will pump $1.2 trillion into the economy in an effort to lower rates on mortgages and other and loosen credit. That is expected to drive mortgage rates down further.

Labels: 30 year mortgages, Alpharetta, falling, Fulton County, Georgia, Mortgage Rates, Roswell

Throughout the year, Northside Hospital offers mammogram screenings and breast health education through ScreenAtlanta, Northside's mobile mammography van, at Kroger stores across North Atlanta.

Participants must meet American Cancer Society and Northside Hospital screening guidelines to qualify and appointments are required. Insurance can be filed. For more information, to schedule an appointment or for additional locations, call ScreenAtlanta at 404-851-6070.

Upcoming dates and locations include:

Alpharetta

Kroger, Hwy 9

at Windward Pkwy

April 7, May 12

Kroger, 5665 Ga. Hwy 9

at Frances Rd.

April 16

Kroger, 10945

State Bridge Rd

April 27

Kroger, 12460 Crabapple Rd

May 8

Cumming

Kroger, 540 Lakeland Plaza

April 1, May 4

Kroger, 2655 Freedom

Pkwy at Hwy 306

April 6, May 14

Kroger, 2325 Bethelview Rd at Hwy 20

April 10, May 26

Kroger, 1595 Peachtree Pkwy at Sharon Rd.

April 24

Labels: Alpharetta, american cancer society, city of johns creek, mammogram screenings, north atlanta, northside hospital, screenatlanta

The Milton Milers was established in 2009 by Miltonians Tina D'Aversa and Tim & Ginger Enloe. Tina has been an active jogger and walker for many years. While in shape in their past lives, Tim & Ginger knew they had to get back on the wagon. Thus, the "Milton Milers" came to be.

Among the benefits of the Milers are weight loss, endurance, and friendly companionship.

To Promote Health and Wellness
The Milton Milers was founded on the idea that health and wellness can be achieved through a planned walking program. The health benefits of walking are well-documented. As the number of individuals who run competitively has peaked, the number of walkers has steadily risen. A major reason for this increase is the awareness that walking is easier on the skeletal joints than is running. The cardiovascular benefits of walking can equal those of running. And the mental and emotional benefits of walking such as the reduction of stress and the positive feelings are a bonus.

To Encourage a Supportive Environment
With an increasing number of people participating in everything from recreational walking to competitive walking events, there needs to be a common ground for sharing ideas about workouts, equipment, training, and much more. Running clubs have been around for many years. Now walkers have the same opportunity to get together and share ideas with other walkers. The Milton Milers was founded to bring walkers together.

Through the activities of the Milton Milers Club, the many aspects of walking-related issues can be addressed in an organized fashion resulting in a supporting and nurturing environment for the Milton, Georgia walking community.

Join city council member, Tina D'Aversa, and many other members of the Milton team for the Milton Miler Walk around Milton.

Contact Tina D'Aversa at 678-457-0677,
tinadaversa@bellsouth.net or
tdaversa@bellsouth.net

Labels: milton milers, walking club

The Fulton County Board of Education is reviewing its planned construction projects in light of updated enrollment figures and declining SPLOST revenues. One of the projects that directly impacts neighborhoods zoned for Milton High School is the construction of the new high school at the corner of Bethany and Cogburn Roads, originally scheduled to open in 2013/2014. A vote by the BOE to delay construction of the new high school could result in overcrowding at Milton. According to statistics provided it would place it among the ranks of "mega-schools" with approximately 2,823 students (873 over capacity of 1,950) by the year 2013 / 2014.

Many Milton residents are asking that the current construction schedule remain intact because of the overcrowding issues that would result at Milton High School if the schedule were delayed. Community input on this issue is important. Emails noting your opinions will provide valuable input to this process.

The Board of Education meets Thursday, March 19, 2009, to prioritize projects.

Contact information for the BOE members:

Julia C. Bernath bernath@fultonschools.org
Linda P. Bryant bryantlp@fultonschools.org
Gail J. Dean deang@fultonschools.org
Catherine E. Maddox maddoxc@fultonschools.org
Katie C. Reeves reevesk@fultonschools.org
Linda G. Schultz schultzl@fultonschools.org
Ashley Widener widenera@fultonschools.org

Fulton County Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Loe at loec@fultonschools.org

Labels: building schedule, city milton, fulton county board of education, milton, New High School

April 17-19, 2009 - Lenox Square - Buckhead Atlanta Georgia

Heralding the return to springtime in the South... the 73rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will be held at Lenox Square.

2008's Dogwood celebration featured fun activities for the entire family; including a Dog Frisbee Competition... Kid's Village... Rock-Climbing Wall and much, much more. The Dogwood Festival's famous Artist's Market featured over 240 exhibitors.

2009 Dogwood Festival Hours are Friday, Noon - 10:30 PM; Saturday, 10 AM - 8 PM; Sunday, Noon - 8 PM

Labels: 2009, Atlanta, atlanta dogwood festival, buckhead, Georgia, lenox square

High school track and field athletes from all over Georgia will be converging on Roswell High School this weekend for the annual Roswell Rotary Relays.

With them will come hordes of family members, coaches and spectators.

“You get to see some quality athletes up close and personal,” said Rotarian Elwyn Gaissert. “Colleges come to do recruiting. It’s a well-known event throughout the state.”

The Relays are “one of the biggest track meets in the state, “Roswell High School Principal Ed Spurka “We have an eight-lane track and that really brings in top-notch kids.”

Staging and managing an event this size is a significant undertaking. For more than a decade, volunteers from Roswell Rotary have been meeting that challenge.

“[The Relays] really began in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s when the Roswell Jaycees held it,” said Gaissert, who grew up in Roswell and ran track at Roswell High. “When the Jaycees disbanded, it fell by the wayside. Then 13 years ago someone from the school came to the Rotary Club and said if we could have some involvement, they thought they could get the event going again.”

For nine of those 13 years, until this year when he became the club’s president elect, Gaissert coordinated volunteers or headed the event committee. This year, although he will still be one of the volunteers, he turned the reins over to Rotarian Bruce Smith.

Volunteer Amateur Athletic Union officials run the events, but Roswell High service club volunteers and Rotarians assist. Roswell High track and field coach Andy Schultz said the Relays have an excellent reputation because of the volunteers’ contributions.

“Overall, it’s a quality meet because of how well it’s been run over the past years,” Schultz said.

It takes 75 to 80 volunteers to manage the event, Gaissert said. “We do announcements, monitor lane changes and baton changes, help run the broad jump, high jump and triple jump, discus and all other field events, and provide water for the athletes,” Gaissert said.

Around a dozen volunteers also man the hospitality suite for coaches, AAU officials and volunteers. Food and drink is provided by Rotarians with connections to restaurants and food and beverage suppliers.

“If you asked some of the coaches, I wouldn’t be surprised if the hospitality suite didn’t help us draw teams because the coaches really like it,” Spurka said with a chuckle.

Rotarians provide the sweat equity needed to hold the meet, but Roswell High School gets the net proceeds from gate receipts and refreshment sales. “The money collected goes back into scholarship dollars for seniors and for some of the projects sponsored by the track and football programs,” Spurka said.

Last year the school realized between $8,000 and $10,000 from the event, the principal said.

Labels: relays, roswell high school, roswell rotary

Children 17 and younger cannot hang out in public places between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days, according to a new city ordinance.

There are exceptions for children going to or from school, participating in school activities, or those who have written consent from a legal guardian. Home schooled children also are exempted from the curfew.

The state of Georgia has a nightime curfew for children 17 and under, but there is no statewide curfew for school hours. Minors must be in by 11 p.m. on weekdays and by midnight on weekends.

Kennesaw passed the ordinance Monday to support the schools, said Mayor Mark Mathews.

For years, the Cobb County school system has increased efforts to reduce truancy.

When students are frequently absent, it’s Paul Pursell’s job to figure out why. As the truancy court coordinator for Cobb schools, Pursell works with school social workers to get them back in school.

“Truancy is a predictor of delinquent behavior,” Pursell said. “If your child is truant, they may be doing something you don’t know about.”

School social worker Steve Fletcher splits his time among three Kennesaw schools. He believes the new law will help.

“I routinely see students I know wandering around the streets,” Fletcher said. “I just don’t have the authority, legally, to stop a child and confront them and try to get them back in school.”

Powder Springs passed a similar ordinance in 2006. Parents also can be cited. The first offense brings a warning, and subsequent offenses include fines up to $1,000.

In February, Pursell said he presented Mathews with a plan for a daytime curfew. He said he hopes other cities and the county will consider daytime curfews.

Labels: daytime curfew, kennesaw, school age kids, schools

Fulton County, home of Georgia’s capital and its biggest city, continued to grow last year along with other metro counties despite the economic downturn, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.

Fulton County tipped past the one-million person mark — the first county in the state to reach that milestone. Several of the metro area’s outlying counties had the fastest growth rates in the country, the census bureau reported, citing the latest numbers available. The new census figures reflect population growth measured from July 1, 2007, to July 1, 2008. Fulton’s population was recorded as 1,014,932 residents as of last summer, up from 992, 472 the year before.

But economists say metro Atlanta population growth has likely slowed somewhat since last summer, due to the severe economic downturn. Even so, they don’t expect the area to lose any ground population wise, and predict it will continue to outpace growth nationally.

“What happened in September (2008) was a game-changer,” said University of Georgia economic forecaster Jeff Humphreys. “It will have an impact on the state’s rate of growth, but it will not result in negative growth.”

One indication of the economic decline was a dramatic dip in residential building permits. Metro Atlanta saw a 56 percent drop in residential building permits in the first 11 months of 2008, compared with the number in the same period in 2007, said Mike Alexander, Research Division Chief of the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Even with the big slowdown, metro Atlanta is still fourth in the United States in total residential building permits issued in 2008, Alexander said.

Lynne Riley, a Fulton County Commissioner representing Alpharetta, Johns Creek and other northern cities, said the numbers show Fulton “is a thriving and robust community.”

Forsyth County, with 168,060 residents, was once again ranked as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation — it was fifth — with a percentage growth rate of 6.3 percent. Six of the 50 fastest-growing counties in the nation — Forsyth, Barrow, Paulding, Jackson, Bryan and Coweta — were in Georgia. The state had 14 of the top 100 fastest-growing counties.

The Atlanta metro area, which consists of 28 counties, is now the eighth largest in the nation with 5,376,285 people. Atlanta ranks just behind the Miami metro area and just ahead of the Washington D.C. area.

The census bureau said the Atlanta metro area was number four in the nation in terms of numeric growth, adding 114, 989 people last year.

Labels: economy, Forsyth County, Fulton County, Georgia, Growth

In the wild, parakeets whose coloring stray from the predominant green are easy prey for predators.

But at Zoo Atlanta’s new aviary, having yellow, blue, white and mauve feathers isn’t a detriment — it’s a celebration for the eyes.

The Grant Park attraction will open its new parakeet exhibit April 3 with 500 birds in what officials said will be one of the biggest aviaries in the country.

And one of the most interactive. The zoo will encourage visitors to use feed sticks to encourage the birds to eat while clinging to a guest’s arm or sitting on his shoulder. The birds’ food includes basic bird seed, spray millet and various fruits and vegetables such as apples, broccoli and kale.

“What’s cool about these birds is they are so active,” James Ballance, the zoo’s curator of birds, said during a recent tour of the 2,200-square-foot aviary. “They are so acrobatic. They are so fun to watch.”

The aviary will open at a time when attractions across the country are looking for more ways to lure guests, whose discretionary income has been severely reduced by the recession. Some attractions have cut entry fees, while others are joining discount programs like CityPass, which gets visitors into the zoo, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and other destinations.

“We’re expecting a very big day,” Ballance said.

Swooping from limb to limb, hanging upside down in a show of skill and creating rainbows of quick movement, the zoo’s parakeets squawked in a continuous, loud chatter. Weighing only 1.5 ounces and just 7 inches in length, the parakeets will be hard to ignore.

“They are never silent,” Ballance said. “They are very social birds. Their chattering is simply interactions.”

Hailing from central Australia, the parakeets can be found in flocks of up to 10,000 birds, he said. They follow the rains in search of food in grassy areas.

They are generally green but have been bred in America to offer more variety.

The zoo’s aviary will include trees (placed strategically to avoid bird droppings on visitors) on which the birds can perch, a waterfall, a babbling brook running through its center and small grassy areas. All will be under a 20-foot-high net enclosure.

Visitors can walk throughout the aviary, which has generous concrete walk areas. The entire area is made of material that is easy to scrub down daily given the high volume of birds, Ballance said.

“This is built from scratch,” he said. “This is designed for that 25 years from now it should be in great shape.”

Labels: Atlanta, aviary, Georgia, grant park, zoo atlanta

Is your dog destined for stardom? Maybe Fido or Fifi can get a head start on Friday, March 20: That’s when Walt Disney Home Entertainment will be in Centennial Park in Downtown Atlanta hosting a casting call to find one lucky dog for a role in an upcoming Disney buddies film like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “Bolt” and “Space Buddies.”

Audition slots are limited with sign-up beginning at 11:30 a.m. and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Disney will be looking for all types of dogs — action stars and superheroes full of talent and tricks! And make sure they look their best — there’s a red carpet, too. Organizers suggest participants arrive “camera ready” in the style of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,”and that means outrageous outfits and doggy bling!

Auditions are taking place in six other cities too. “Chloe” from “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” will also make an appearance at Centennial Park. Click here for more information on the casting call.

Labels: Casting Call, centennial olympic park, dog, march 20, walt disney home entertainment

Construction on the Johns Creek Greenway – a continuous network of trails throughout the City – is scheduled to begin Monday, March 23.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Segment 1 of the Greenway (along Medlock Bridge Road from Old Alabama Road to Findley Road) is scheduled for 2:30 pm that afternoon at the start of Segment 1 on the grounds of Perimeter Church.

Mayor Mike Bodker and City Council members will join Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, community members of the Fulton County Johns Creek Greenway Master Plan Technical Advisory Committee and representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation, Fulton County Public Works, TSD Engineers, Inc., American Contractor, Inc. and Johns Creek Public Works to launch this important phase of the six-year long project.

Greenway discussions began in 2002 with volunteer citizens on the former Johns Creek Greenway Technical Advisory Committee, initiated by the late Fulton County Commissioner Bob Fulton. In November 2008, the City adopted the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which includes details of the future network of trails and sidewalks in the City.

The Segment 1 project will connect existing walkways, which have been built by local developers and entities, such as Perimeter Church, as part of a public/private approach to overall development of the Greenway.

Anna Shmukler of TSD Engineers designed the Greenway, American Contractor serves as the contractor and the Georgia Department of Transportation will manage the project.

The Greenway Project is funded through Federal Highway Administration funding of 80% of project cost. Johns Creek provides the matching 20% through local tax dollars for the construction phase. The total project costs are $2.4M.

Future plans call for the Johns Creek Greenway to connect all current and future City parks, trails in the National Park Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and greenways and parks of adjacent jurisdictions (city of Alpharetta and Forsyth and Gwinnett counties).

Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Road/Ga. 141
Enter parking lot from Ga. 141 and look for white tent in northeast corner.

Labels: city of johns creek, greenway project, march 23, medlock bridge, Old Alabama, perimeter church

The Georgia Department of Transportation will sequentially activate 2 additional meters on SR 400 entrance ramps at Old Milton Parkway. The first meter will be turned on Thursday morning, March 19. The second will be activated during evening rush hour Thursday, March 19.

Ramp meters are turned on just before heavy rush hour traffic begins, and stay on until traffic begins to subside at the end of the peak period. They resemble standard traffic lights, and are installed approximately two-thirds of the way down the entrance ramps. Every 3-5 seconds the meter cycles from red to green, allowing one vehicle at a time to merge onto the freeway. On two-lane ramps, the left and right lanes have alternating green lights, so the left lane goes while the right is stopped, and vice versa.

“Although motorists will spend a little extra time on the ramp, they should see a decrease in overall travel time,” Georgia DOT Operations Director Steve Henry said. “We’ll monitor these new ramp meters very carefully. If traffic starts to back up on the ramp, sensors will speed up the meters to allow more vehicles to move through. If our cameras show traffic spilling out onto the surface streets, we can turn them off completely.”

One hundred-forty ramp meters currently operate in metro Atlanta:

24 on I-75 between Midtown and Chastain Road
8 on I-75 (south side)
15 on I-75/85 (Downtown Connector)
14 on I-285 (north side)
9 on I-285 (northwest)
8 on I-285 (southwest)
11 on I-285 (east side)
11 on I-85 (northeast)
8 on I-575
27 on I-20 inside I-285
5 on GA 400 north of I-285
They have collectively reduced average rush-hour commute times in these corridors by significant margins. Georgia DOT engineers have been measuring the before and after conditions on the freeways where ramp meters have been activated. These early studies show between 14 and 39 percent faster trip time averages. Other benefits include reductions in merging accidents and vehicle emissions. The Department will release a complete ramp meter study later this year.

“There will be a short learning curve period in the first few days as the public adjusts,” Georgia DOT Atlanta Regional Media Coordinator Mark McKinnon said. “We realize that we may need to tweak specific meters. Please bear with us, and keep in mind that there is no one ‘silver bullet’ solution to eliminate congestion. Ramp meters are just one of several tools that can help fight it.”

Ramp meters have been used for over 20 years in more than 20 cities across the country. They are placed on entrance ramps to help control the flow of traffic from the surface streets onto the freeway. Without metering, vehicles push their way all at once onto the interstate in a disorderly and potentially dangerous manner. Once these vehicles reach the merge point, they force their way into the travel lanes, causing additional congestion due to stop-and-go merging activity on the freeway. When this happens on already traffic-heavy freeways, there is a total breakdown of free-flow near the on-ramps, which has a ripple effect on traffic for many miles. Even with no stalls or accidents, heavy on-ramp traffic causes congestion that both extends and continues throughout the rush-hour.

The new ramps that will be operational Thursday, March 19 are:

Thursday morning: Old Milton Parkway to GA 400 southbound
Thursday afternoon: Old Milton Parkway to GA 400 northbound
The Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

Labels: Ga 400, georgia department of transportation, old milton parkway, ramp meters

Facts about St. Patrick's Day Holiday

St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.

Many cities have a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has a huge St. Patrick’s Day festival from March 15-19, that features a parade, family carnivals, treasure hunt, dance, theatre and more. In North American, parades are often held on the Sunday before March 17. Some paint the yellow street lines green for the day! In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed green with a special dye that only lasts a few hours. There has been a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston, Massachusetts since 1737. Montreal is home to Canada’s longest running St. Patrick’s Day parade, which began in 1824.

Facts about Saint Patrick

St. Patrick was born in 385 AD somewhere along the west coast of Britain, possibly in the Welsh town of Banwen. At age 16, he was captured and sold into slavery to a sheep farmer. He escaped when he was 22 and spent the next 12 years in a monastery. In his 30s he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. He died at Saul in 461 AD and is buried at Downpatrick.

Facts about the Irish

34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, according to the 2003 US Census. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Some American towns have “Irish” names. You could visit: Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio.

The harp is the symbol of Ireland. The color green is also commonly associated with Ireland, also known as “the Emerald Isle.”

The Irish flag is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange, the people of the north. White represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.

The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which means “shoemaker.”

Facts about Clovers

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!

One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.

Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Labels: Alpharetta, Cumming, Fulton County, fun facts, Georgia, Roswell, st patricks day

Undersized and older bridges in Johns Creek are forcing the Fire Department to reroute trucks, adding distance and increasing response times.

“A fire can really get going in a minute or two, which puts everyone at risk, citizens and firefighters,” said Fire Chief Joey Daniels. “When we respond to a fire, there’s a lot of things we need to do in a hurry.”

Four bridges have been identified as potential problems, all on key routes: two on Medlock Bridge Road; one on Parsons Road; and one on Bell Road. Daniels couldn’t say how much longer it takes to reach particular areas. The Fire Department is tracking response times, he said.

The new policy was enacted about a week ago after Daniels and the city Public Works Department queried the state Department of Transportation.

“I had concerns about the safety of our trucks traveling over these bridges,” Daniels said.

“You don’t want to take a heavy apparatus over a bridge and have it collapse.”

The bridges can handle between 15 tons and 30 tons. A fire engine weighs 17.5 tons, and a ladder truck weighs 40 tons.

Bolstering and repairing each bridge would cost $2 million to $3 million each, and Johns Creek doesn’t have the cash, said Public Works Director Ken Hildebrandt. He said the city could try for some federal stimulus money.

Fire officials in Gwinnett, DeKalb and Cobb counties said their bridges can support their vehicles.

“That’s one advantage to being a newly developing county,” said Gwinnett Fire Chief Steve Rolader.

Labels: bridges, city of johns creek, fire trucks, Georgia

The foreclosure problem in metro Atlanta appears to be worsening. More than 10,000 lender-owned properties are scheduled to be sold on courthouse steps next month, according to EquityDepot.net, which tracks foreclosures.

The 10,138 figure for 13 counties shatters the previous record of 8,425 properties scheduled for sale in February, Equity Depot.net says.

“The economic situation we’ve got is causing more and more people to have difficulty making their house payments,” said Steve Bridges, president and CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia. “It’s not that surprising given the state of the economy and the number of jobs that have been lost.”

The jobless rate in metro Atlanta is 8.7 percent, the highest rate reported since the measurement was standardized in 1976, the Georgia Labor Department said. The local unemployment rate is up 65 percent in the past 12 months.

Foreclosures are a big reason why Atlanta is the third emptiest metro area in America, according to a Forbes.com analysis of Census data.

In the new foreclosure numbers, Fulton leads with 2,181 properties scheduled for sale, followed by Gwinnett, DeKalb and Cobb counties.

“Until we see some bottoming out, I think we can expect to see numbers like this,” said Joe Brannen, president of the Georgia Bankers Association.

Foreclosure sales are held on courthouse steps the first Tuesday of each month. Many properties end up not selling because of settlements and bankruptcy filings. When properties generate little bidder interest, lenders end up taking them back for sale later.

Labels: april, Atlanta, community bankers association of georgia, foreclosed properties

Theme is "Making Your Home New Again." Features exhibits from over 300 local home improvement companies and seminars on a variety of home remodeling topics.

Info: 770-998-9800
Cost: $10 (one day only); ages 65 and older and 12 and younger free

Schedule
Fri, 3/20 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat, 3/21 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun, 3/22 12 Noon - 6:00 pm

Location
Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway N.W.
Atlanta GA 30339

Labels: Atlanta, cobb galleria, Georgia, making your home new again, spring atlanta home show

Saturday, March 21, 2009 10:00am - Sunday, March 22, 2009 6:00pm
Saturday, March 21, 2009 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, March 22, 2009 12:30pm - 6:00pm
The Winegrowers Association of Georgia is sponsoring its fourth annual Wine Highway Weekend on Saturday, March 21st, and Sunday, March 22nd, 2009. This is a great way to see and experience the views and wonderful wines of Northeast Georgia. Our wineries offer great wines that are grown and produced here in Georgia, many of which have won local, regional, national and international awards.

There will be a $20.00 fee for each participant which will be collected at the first winery visited. Travelers will receive a “Wine Highway Weekend” collectors’ glass which will give them admission to ALL participating wineries at no additional charge. Normal tasting fees will not be charged to anyone participating in traveling the Wine Highway.

Member wineries and Affiliate Members will each provide their own unique open-house format, with many offering food and wine pairings, music, barrel and library wine tastings, discounts, drawings and other special attractions.

Hours vary from location to location and travelers should check individual websites for current hours and directions.

THE WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA REMINDS EVERYONE TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND TO USE DESIGNATED DRIVERS WHILE TRAVELING THE WINE HIGHWAY. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR DESIGNATED DRIVERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY SPECIAL EVENTS.

Labels: march 21, northeast georgia, wine highway weekend, winegrowers association of georgia

Enjoy an early spring weekend at the park as a variety of artists will be featured selling their work in the artist market and gallery at the second annual Sawnee Arts Festival.

The Sawnee Arts Festival will be held Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Central Park Recreation Center located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road in Cumming. Admission is free.

In addition to enjoying the artist market and gallery, festival goers of all ages will have the opportunity to discover their inner artist at the “A Touch of the Arts” interactive art area. Artists will be demonstrating pottery, weaving, painting, wood turning, children’s art and more throughout the day.

The festival will feature family-friendly performances in music, theater, dance and literary arts by the Forsyth Central High School Maskers, Sawnee Ballet, Second Wave Band, High Cotton Band, Forsyth County Public Library and more. Attendees can also tempt their taste buds at the Junior Service League of Forsyth County’s Chili Cook-Off.

“We are really excited to welcome the Sawnee Arts Festival back to Central Park,” Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry Kinsey said. “Last year’s event was a great success and we are looking forward to another wonderful festival this year.”

The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department will host the Sawnee Arts Festival in partnership with the Sawnee Artists Association, Sawnee Woman’s Club and the Cumming-Forsyth Arts Council.

The Sawnee Arts Festival is funded in part by the Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) which is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly and administered by The Arts Council, Inc., Gainesville – Region 8 Grassroots Agency.

To receive exhibitor information and application forms, call Laura Pate or Paula Chambers at 678.455.8540 or email lbpate@forsythco.com or pwchambers@forsythco.com.

Labels: central park location, Cumming, keith bridge road, sawnee arts festival

The City of Conyers is proud to present the 28th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival on March 28 and 29, 2009 at the Georgia International Horse Park. The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival was named a prestigious "Top 20" event by the Southeast Tourism Society for March 2009.

The Cherry Blossom Festival originated as a way to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts. The festival offers multiple stages for continuous entertainment, over 300 booths consisting of arts and crafts vendors, various children's activities and civic and nonprofit organizations. The hours of the festival are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. There is a $5.00 charge for parking for one day parking or an $8.00 parking pass is an option to attend both days of the festival. There is no admission fee. No pets please!

Georgia International Horse Park
1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway
Conyers GA 30013

http://www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com/
Schedule
Sat, 3/28 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun, 3/29 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hot-air balloons, parades, street parties, car and bike show, sea lion splash, pet events, historic tours, kids events and food tastings. Also, concerts by artists of every musical genre and military bands, all under a canopy of thousands of blooming Yoshino cherry trees.

Location
Cherry Blossom Festival Headquarters — Macon
794 Cherry St.
Macon GA 31201

Schedule
Fri, 3/20
Sat, 3/21
Sun, 3/22
Mon, 3/23
Tue, 3/24
Wed, 3/25
Thu, 3/26
Fri, 3/27
Sat, 3/28
Sun, 3/29

Labels: Georgia, macon, macon cherry blossom festival

North Fulton residents will have to wait another year to find out if Milton County has a chance at recreation. HR 21 did not move out of the House Rules committee, where it sat for nearly a month. The resolution will revert back to the House State Planning and Community Affairs committee for the 2010 session.

The vote in the House would have been close and the votes in the Senate were probably not there, said District 46 State Rep. and Majority Whip Jan Jones (R-Milton.) The author of the resolution, Ms. Jones said the decision to not move Milton County forward was made at 6 p.m. on Day 30 of the session, the last day for bills to pass one chamber and move to the other.

Ms. Jones said a possible lack of votes was not the only reason for holding the resolution.

"It's protocol not to put constitutional amendments on [the House floor] the first year they are introduced," said Ms. Jones. "Also, we already had a couple constitutional amendments this year and you don't want to overload the ballot."

As a constitutional amendment, the Milton County resolution would go on the ballot in 2010 for a statewide referendum if it were passed by the legislature.

Although she was part of the decision to not put the resolution on the floor, Ms. Jones said she was still disappointed with the outcome.

"The consensus of the chairman and the leadership was to wait but I was ready. I was excited to give my speech and fight," said Ms. Jones.

Ms. Jones said she and District 50 State Rep. and Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) are committed to bringing Milton County to the floor early next year and get it passed and moved on to the senate before such a late date in the session.

Labels: Georgia, house rules committee, house state planning and community affairs, HR 21, milton county, on hold

On March 21, 2009, the American Diabetes Association will once again host Diabetes EXPO Atlanta, an annual, one-day event showcasing the latest products and services for people with diabetes. This highly interactive event includes activities for people of all ages - including a fun Kids Corner with exciting activities and information for children with diabetes and their families. The Diabetes EXPO also provides the public with a unique opportunity to talk with health care experts and obtain important medical and nutrition information. "If you or someone you love has diabetes, Diabetes EXPO is an opportunity to learn all about the important aspects of prevention and management of diabetes and its potentially serious complications in a fun, relaxed environment," said Mike Gault, Senior Executive Director, American Diabetes Association. ”Diabetes EXPO is for everyone affected by diabetes, as well as anyone else who is interested in healthy eating and active living.”

Diabetes is the nation's seventh deadliest disease and it has no cure. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to manage the disease and lower the risk of complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical. Unfortunately, many people living with diabetes do not even know it. More than 60 exhibitors are participating in this year’s Diabetes EXPO, which will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at The Georgia World Congress Center.

Admission is free.

A special section, ADA Experience, includes an opportunity to participate in interactive cooking and exercise demonstrations and find out how the American Diabetes Association is helping people with diabetes and their families in the community. Diabetes Expo Atlanta is presented by Walmart/Sam’s Club. World sponsors include Humana and Tenet Healthcare Foundation. Other sponsors include: Foot Solutions, Novo Nordisk, Sciele Pharma, Inc,. WAGA FOX5, Univision, 105.3 El Patron, 105.7 Viva, Kiss 104.1 Atlanta Tribune Magazine and fitATLANTA, and Modern Senior Living are media sponsors.

For more information about Diabetes EXPO, call 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383) x 3166, or visit diabetes.org/AtlantaEXPO.

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 hundreds of communities.

Labels: American Diabetes Association, Atlanta, diabetes expo, Georgia, march 21

North Georgia’s mountain music pickers and singers flock to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site every Saturday, April 18 through November 7. Listeners and musicians alike enjoy the acoustic bluegrass and old time string music on the Public Square.

Visitors enjoy an afternoon and evening (even a few days) of fun with downtown Dahlonega’s extensive dining opportunities and linger for some great shopping at the 50 retail stores in the downtown area.

As the name implies, the Appalachian Jam gives traditional mountain music players the chance to get together and celebrate the kind of music that has been performed in the Appalachian Mountains for generations. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and gather on the historic Public Square to jam with the scheduled musicians. Everyone else should come on down and listen or dance. Bring a chair or stool and stay awhile.

Dahlonega’s “Appalachian Jam” is produced by Dahlonega’s Downtown Development Authority and Better Hometown Program. The events are made possible with support from the Georgia Council for the Arts’ Grassroots Program, the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival Committee, the Appalachian Studies Center at North Georgia College & State University, the Wiggins Group for Traditional Music, and the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. The events are hosted by the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and are presented in cooperation with the Dahlonega Merchants Association.

This Grassroots Arts Program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Council is a partner agency with The National Endowment for the Arts. The Grassroots Arts Program for Region 8 is administered by The Arts Council, Inc., Gainesville, Georgia – Region 8 Grassroots Agency.

For information, contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau

at 706-864-3513, or Joel Cordle at 706- 864-6133.

Labels: appalachian jam, bluegrass, dahlonega, dahlonega gold museum state historic site

Learn what Georgia Law says about Self Defense in regard to:

1. Using Force in Self Defense
2. Assault
3. Battery
4. Stalking
5. Robbery
6. Concealed Weapon
7. Weapons in Public
8. Kidnapping
9. and much more……

April classes start on 4/6/09 from 7:00 pm till 9:00pm.

Plus: Learn how to defend yourself from all of the above in 4 classes.

Please go online for more information and register for class at www.operation21.com

or call the office at 678-947-1521.

Labels: operation 21, operation self defense program

Lake Windward Elementary School in Alpharetta, will host an open house for children starting kindergarten in the fall and their parents. The open house will be held Wednesday March 25, 2009 from 5:30to 7:00 p.m. The open house will include registration materials, video and slide presentations, curriculum exhibits, classroom visits, refreshments, and a school bus for the children to tour. Inorder for parents to be able to register their child for the fall they should bring:

• Parent’s Valid driver’s license

• Two proofs of residency

• Student’s certified bright certificate (original – no copies)

• Student’s social security card (original – no copies)

• GA 3231 certificate if immunization

• GA 3300 certificate of eye, ear & dental

Labels: Alpharetta, lake windward elementary, open house

Imagine being greeted each day with animation and enthusiasm. Whether it’s a lick on the face or a wagging tail, pets have a way of brightening our days. Unfortunately not every pet is lucky enough to have a home. Many pets are abandoned, abused, or otherwise surrendered by the families that can no longer care for them. Rescue organizations strive to find new, loving homes for these pets so they can once again become a member of a caring family.

Horse Rescue, Relief and Retirement Fund, Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue and Blue Horse Art are hosting ARF2009 on March 29, 2009 from noon to 5 pm at Wills Park Equestrian Center in Alpharetta, GA, to raise funds and awareness for pet rescue and help local homeless dogs, cats and other pets find permanent homes, as well as educate the public on pet care and resources available to all.

“ARF2009, our 9th Annual Rescue Fair, so far has proven itself to be the largest ever,” said Michele Williams, assistant coordinator of ARF2009. “As well as promoting pet adoptions and education, our additional goal this year is to make the public aware of the many resources available to help keep their pets during these trying economic times. There is help available.” Events like this enable us to continue to make a difference and save thousands of pets.

Pet rescue organizations help place nearly half a million dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, potbellied pigs and other pets in homes each year, and represent nearly 45% of all pet adoption agencies. However they are often overlooked by potential donors due to more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities.

Labels: animal rescue fair, arf 2009, march 29, wills park equestrian center

The City of Milton's Public Safety Department is raising money and awareness for this year's Special Olympics Georgia. For the first time, the department is selling T-shirts, caps and koozies from which all proceeds will go to the Special Olympics. The department also has hopes of participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest annual fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics. Each public safety official interested in running must raise $100 for the event.

The Torch Run culminates at the State Summer Games as officers enter the Opening Ceremony with the Olympic Torch - the Flame of Hope. The Torch is passed to a Special Olympics athlete who lights the Olympic cauldron signifying "Let the games begin!"

To donate money or to buy a T-shirt, cap or koozie, visit Milton City Hall at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, GA 30004.

• Learn more at the Special Olympics Georgia site

Labels: city of milton, law enforcement torch run, public safety department, special olympics

Come spend an evening with Milton High School's renowned Indoor Drumline and Winter Guard 7 p.m. Friday, March 13. This rare performance will take place in the MHS gymnasium. There also will be an inaugural Chili Cook-off following the performance.

For advance ticket purchases or to enter your chili into the competition, e-mail mhsdrumlinewinterguardtix@yahoo.com. Please include your name, number of tickets desired and phone number. There will be first-, second- and third-place prizes awarded for the best chili and we will have a special guest judge in attendance. Admission price of $5 includes a chili dinner.

Labels: chili cook off, dinner with drumline, Milton High School, winter guard

Channel 2 Will Air a Career Special, March 11

Channel 2 WSB-TV partners with the Georgia Department of Labor to help local job seekers take charge of their careers. The Career Expo takes place on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center. Then, at 8 p.m. Channel 2 will televise a prime time special, Path 2 Recovery. The “live” program will broadcast from the floor of the World Congress Center. WSB-TV’s Family 2 Family project and its partners, Northside Hospital, Scana Energy, AirTran Airways and Kroger, sponsor the special.

Career Expo & Job Fair
The Georgia Department of Labor has organized a Career Expo and Job Fair featuring more than 75 employers hiring to fill current job openings. In addition, other employers will be discussing career opportunities with their companies. Job seekers should bring information on their work history, up-dated resumes, be prepared to fill out company applications, and dress appropriately to interview for current job openings.

Job seekers will have access to more than 100 computers that can be used for online job search and resume preparation. Those needing a new resume will be able to consult one-on-one with certified resume advisors and print copies of the resume. A series of workshops will be presented throughout the event on such topics as how to make informed career decisions and how to better handle personal finances after a job loss. Several two-and-four-year public and private educational institutions and technical college representatives will provide information about education and training opportunities.

Assistive technology will be provided and extensive information will be available from certified vocational counselors to help people with disabilities succeed in the workplace.

Prime Time Program
Beginning at 8 p.m., Channel 2 Action News anchors Monica Pearson, John Pruitt, and Jovita Moore will host the special, Path 2 Recovery. The program includes stories about Georgians coping with job loss and career transition, resources available to everyone, and will shadow attendees going through the Expo. Career-savvy expert Tory Johnson, contributor to ABC’s Good Morning America, brings her expertise to the coverage, joining John, Monica and Jovita in the special.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said, “We are pleased to partner with WSB-TV to inform job seekers and employers about resources available to assist them during these difficult times. This event will help lay the foundation for a return to economic growth and prosperity in our state.”

“Our role in the partnership is to use the power of Channel 2 to get the word out to the community. There are things you can do to navigate through this new economy,” said Bill Hoffman, vice president and general manager for Channel 2 and wsbtv.com. “The prime time program delivers that information to people who were unable to attend the Expo.

Special Phone Bank
Channel 2 will open its phone bank between 4-9 p.m. Experts will answer caller’s career and finance questions. The call-in number is: 404-897-2222.

OTHER INFORMATION:
WSBTV.COM
Details on the career workshop, directions, reduced rate parking information

A complete list of employers participating at the workshop
Links to useful job resources, financial aid, and unemployment benefits
Log on to www.wsbtv.com for extended coverage and to watch the hour special on demand
Career Workshop, 4-9 p.m.
WHO: WSB-TV, Channel 2 and the Georgia Department of Labor
WHAT: Career Workshop
WHEN: March 11, 2009
TIME: 4-9 p.m.

Live Special, Path 2 Recovery at 8 p.m.
WHO: Monica Pearson, John Pruitt, and Jovita Moore
WHAT: “Path 2 Recovery” a Family 2 Family special
WHEN: March 11, 2009
TIME: 8-9 p.m.

Labels: Atlanta, career expo, Georgia, georgia department of labor, job fair, path 2 recovery