TheCITIZEN’S REVIEW

Vol. 26 Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc. March 2010

FORBES MAGAZINE FULTON COUNTY NAMES ATLANTA 3RD TAX ASSESSORS NEWS EMPTIEST CITY IN U.S. Fulton County homeowners will From the State Legislature, Edward receive a $25,000 homestead exemption that is applied to the value of their Lindsey reports that Georgia faces property in the calculation of property tax some of the toughest challenges of his year 2010, and by 2011 the basic home- lifetime: 10% unemployment and stead exemption will increase to growing; the state ranks FIRST in the Bruce Morton $30,000. Page 16 nation in bank failures; and FIFTH in Yolanda Adrean, left, sworn in to her first term

mortgage foreclosures. Here in as our 8th District City Council Representative Buckhead, many of our newer along with Felicia Moore, District 9. Page 4 buildings sit largely empty and Forbes City of Sandy Springs: magazine named Atlanta the THIRD Financially Strong emptiest city in the country due to the EFFORT TO CHANGE extreme surplus of vacant residential ETHICS LAWS Mayor Galambos is sworn in for another and commercial properties. W h a t ’ s DRIVEN BY SCANDEL term, and the City continues in its important is what it means to the bottom sound financial condition, with a property line and how that affects you. Page 6 Bill Bozarth speaks for all Georgians tax rate of 4.731 mills, which is among who believe we have the right to demand the lowest in the metro area. Although the highest standards from those who serve reduction in some revenue sources has in public office. Page 7 hit Sandy Springs as in other local governments, the City of Sandy Springs has a sufficient cushion to absorb Vandalism – the cuts and maintain the high level of services of the past four years. Nothing Petty About It Page 6 For several months, yards throughout the neighborhood have been intentionally J Rau driven over and damaged. This fundamental THROUGH THE EYES OF Two of the four nearly vacant Buckhead office lack of respect for other people’s property AARON FINK buildings that have business leaders talking the has got to stop. Page C2 most: Alliance Two and Phipps Tower. My wife and I had occasion to visit the famous elephant seal rookery, which is just north of Cambria on the California FINDING A HOLOCAUST coast (near Hearst’s castle). Thought to be extinct, they’ve SURVIVOR AFTER 63 YEARS made a remarkable comeback. J Rau Page 14 In 1941, Dovid and Taiba Base Konvoij lived in Kaunas, Lithuania together with their six children – Zelda, Moishe, Zelman Councilwoman Clair Muller (Jerry), Jeshua, Reize, and Yehuda. and the Atlanta City Council The parents, along with the two youngest children Reize and Yehuda, Honored the Fire Station 27 did not survive the Kovno ghetto. Jerry, Moishe, and Jeshua ended up in Task Force for its Efforts in Dachau and Zelda in Stuthoff. While in the Renovation of the Station Dachau, Jeshua disappeared one day, was never seen again, and was assumed with a City Proclamation. killed. Page 8 Page 2 Aaron Fink

IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

CLAIR MULLER & CITY COUNCIL

The HONOR TASK FORCE WITH PROCLAMATION President’s Corner

By Marci Vincent Harris Trail

I am thrilled to have been elected President of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association for 2010. Our former President, Yolanda Adrean, ran a successful campaign for Atlanta City Council and was elected to serve District 8 for the next four years. We thank Yolanda for her years of service Photos: Bruce Morton to our neighborhood and wish her success in her new position. From Left: Cleta Winslow, Carla Smith, Anne Fauver, John Feeley, Clair Needless to say, I have large shoes to fill for our community. Muller, Ann Warsham, Yolanda Adrean, Marci Vincent, Howard Shook, Although 2009 was a very difficult year for many, it was Lynne Moscow, Ivory Young, Ceasar Mitchell, President Lisa Borders, a year of major successes for our Neighborhood Association. Felicia Moore, Jim Maddox, Joyce Sheperd, Mary Norwood We celebrated our 25th anniversary at our annual meeting on October 13th. The program featured a Candidate Forum Presented November 16, 2009, The Proclamation Reads: that was informative for the nearly 200 neighbors who attended. Whereas, The “Fire Station 27 Task Force” (The Task Force) was In early October, we enjoyed our Annual Neighborhood organized in 2008 by concerned and dedicated volunteer members Party at the lovely home of Brenda and Dick Smith. A great of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association whose mission is time was had by all who attended! Our Web Site to improve the living and working conditions for the men and women (www.mpnca.org) has broken the 500-member mark and who serve Atlanta Fire Rescue at Fire Station 27, located at 4260 continues to offer outstanding information about our community. Northside Dr.; and Our Treasurer, Cameron Adair, reports that we ended Whereas, After discovering unacceptable living conditions at the the year with a balanced budget, despite the recession. 80% 55-year old fire station, The Task Force estimated it would need of our operating budget is for the Security Patrol, which the $250,000 to renovate, Association contracts to provide coverage for the neighborhood furnish and improve the fire station’s interior within our boundaries. Our Security patrol is not a substitute and exterior; and for your own security system, but provides a service and Whereas, The Task acts as an additional deterrent to crime. Force volunteers worked The remaining 20% of our budget covers the Citizen’s tirelessly to obtain Review Newsletters, the Membership Directory and permits and agreements Photo Detail Neighborhood Events. I might add that your Board Members with the city, draw up dedicate endless hours of volunteer time to our community. architectural plans and hire contractors. After raising the necessary This includes maintaining the membership database, website funds, plus in-kind donations from surrounding neighbors, and pet registry, and facilitating neighborhood blast alerts the fire station has been completely renovated and refurnished, for crime and lost pets. including the addition of a second fully equipped handicap accessible bathroom; and Our Membership Drive is in full swing and I hope that Whereas, The Fire Station 27 Task Force is further commended you will join both the Association and the Security Patrol. for their humanitarian example to inspire other communities to And, all dues paying members will receive the Association’s pay it forward; and invaluable Membership Directory, printed in the spring. Whereas, The Atlanta City Council wishes to thank the Fire Now that the Task Force to Renovate Fire Station #27 Station 27 Task Force members Yolanda Adrean, London Andes, has wrapped up the completion of the building, task force John Feeley, Albert Goodgame, Lynne Moscow, Paul Muldawer, member, Al Goodgame, is focused on the final exterior Marci Vincent, and Ann Warsham for their dedication and landscaping, that should be completed in the coming commitment to enhance the work environment for the city’s brave months. Look for a Pancake Breakfast “Open House,” to men and women who protect our families, our homes and businesses. observe the final results of this large project. We are grateful Now Therefore Be It Resolved that, We, the members of the Atlanta City Council and on behalf of the citizens of Atlanta, to all of our generous donors. With their help, Fire Station hereby extend the City’s heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the #27 now provides decent housing for our first responders. members of the Fire Station 27 Task Force for taking time to care That’s an accomplishment we can all be proud of! so that our firefighters and our city will benefit for generations to I look forward to serving you in 2010. “There is no limit come! to getting better.” 2 25TH ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CANDIDATE FORUM ...

as held on October 13, 2009. After electing new District 8, three At-Large Posts and the Atlanta officers and board members for 2010, a candidate Board of Education answered questions from forum was held, sponsored by our civic association neighborhood association representatives, like Elizabeth and four others: Paces Civic Association, Peachtree Pritchard and Henry Wyche in photo at left, and the Battle Alliance, South Tuxedo audience. After taking questions about taxes, ethics, Park, Tuxedo Park Civic fiscal responsibility, public safety and getting the Association and Wildwood services we pay for, the candidates complimented the Civic Association. The assembly civic association on a well run forum, moderated by past hall at Northwest Presbyterian president, Brenda Smith. Many attendees expressed the Church was filled to standing belief that they were better prepared to vote as a result of room only with over 200 the opportunity to meet and listen to so many candidates. attendees. Thirteen candidates The civic association provided a sample copy of the for Atlanta City Council, including Council President, November 3 ballot along with other helpful information.

Candidate Photos: John Schaffner, Reporter Newspapers

3 our city. Our daytime population is over 1 million while our night GREETINGS time population is about 560,000 residents. While the news is bleak, the silver lining is that it forces us as FROM DISTRICT 8! a community, region and state, to come to the table to find efficiencies, focus on core values and learn to be adaptive in the delivery of services. It is easy to manage during good economic By YOLANDA ADREAN times. During times like these, we all need to do our homework Atlanta City Council Member, District 8 and make the best decisions possible on behalf of beleaguered taxpayers. These are some of the challenges! The elections this fall will In an effort to keep you abreast of happenings here at City matter and could affect Atlanta profoundly. Hall, I will be sending you periodic emails with information My contact information is as follows: and calendar items that may be of interest to you. I will also be • Email: [email protected] attending your meetings at least quarterly. • Phone: Home: I am serving on three Committees: Finance/Executive (Chair), • Staff: Katie Howard and Priyam Bhargava Public Safety and City Utilities. Each committee meets bi-monthly Please stay in touch and let me know what we can do to help. and these meetings are open to the public. You are more than For example, we can fill potholes right away. Send those in! welcome to come to City Hall to observe the proceedings at committee meetings and Council meetings. Full Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month beginning at 1 PM. Citizens are welcome to sign in to make public comments or you can tune into Channel 26 where meetings are aired live. City Utilities works on the following matters: sanitation, sewage Call For Action: and waste disposal, clean streets, safe bridges and sidewalks, Department of Watershed Management, Department of Public Works and matters pertaining to cable television. Don’t Let Yourself Be Over-Taxed! Public Safety has responsibilities for police, fire, corrections, office of emergency management and courts. By LYNNE RILEY Finance/Executive is responsible for matters pertaining to the Fulton County Commissioner - District 3 budget, taxing and public revenues, department of finance, purchasing, contract compliance licenses, department of personnel It’s everywhere in the news today—the and intergovernmental relations and more. recession continues, the unemployment rate There is no doubt that there will be challenges as we try to is high, and real property values have budget for top priorities during a period when every type of lowered over the past year. Local governments revenue is down. The City is not alone with these challenges. collect taxes from property owners based on Here are some of the things that make our challenges more value. Property taxation is based on the difficult: concept that persons should share the cost • We are the 44th in the country for federal dollars. of government according to their ability to • We also lag in support from the state. pay. In the property tax system, ability to • Our share of the stimulus dollars affecting the general fund pay is measured by the value of property. A amounts to about $30 million for roads and $11 million quick review of your property tax bill will indicate the amounts for funding more policemen. you pay to your City, County and School Board for the services Do you know where your sales tax dollars go? they provide. • 4 pennies for the state The County Board of Assessors determines the fair market value • 1 penny for Marta of all real and personal property in the county. The Board of • 1 penny for the schools Assessors determines the estimate of property value, and sets the • 1 penny for consent decrees for improvements to water/ "Appraised Value" of property. The board then applies the sewer statutory 40% to that appraisal to generate the "Assessed Value" • 1 penny is shared with Fulton county and the City of Atlanta on which taxes are based. (the city’s share is .42) With the recent property value decline, it is more important Last year City Council began working on a Five Year Plan than ever to review the value of your home or other real prop- which will help guide decisions and priorities over the next few erty. If you believe your value is too high, now is the time to act. years. While there has been much discussion about cutting Real Estate property owners in Georgia may request an expenses, finding efficiencies and privatization, the truth is without adjustment of the 2009 assessed value of their property from a solution to reducing annual pension obligations and developing January 1 to April 1, 2010. The property owner must file a return a future plan that is sustainable, it will be very difficult to deliver of value with their County Board of Assessors. In Fulton County, services and make the types of investments in our infrastructure the form for filing a return is available at the Board of Assessors that are required over the next 5 years. The combination of site: www.fultonassessor.org Useful information about your enhancements to the pension plan, changes in accounting property value and those of comparable value in your rules and a devastating recession have provided the perfect community are also available at the Fulton County Board of storm for a dramatic financial blow to the City. Assessors website. The Atlanta Public School system has used a SPLOST If the Board of Assessors does not adjust the assessment, the (Special Public Local Option Sales Tax) to fund its capital needs property owner may then file an appeal. Most of these appeals over the last 11 years and will have raised over a billion dollars are heard by the Boards of Equalization. However, other when the SPLOST expires in 2012. I would argue that it is arbitration options may be viewed on the Board of Assessors Atlanta’s turn to use a penny to fund its infrastructure needs. Rather than placing the entire burden on property owners, a sales tax would spread the burden on all who work, live, play and visit Continued on Page 16 4 Neighbors Gather … Fun Follows

n a pleasant October evening, over 100 neighbors, elected officials, candidates and other guests gathered at the Garmon Road home of Brenda and Dick Smith for the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizen’s Association annual neighborhood social event. Neighbors and guests mingled outside where they were treated to Hors d’oeuvres surrounded by festive and unique Halloween decorations. There were more decorations inside where guests were served a delicious buffet prepared by Atlanta Ala Carte.

Thank you, Brenda and Dick for your warm hospitality and creative ambiance. The event was truly a fun-filled evening for all who attended!

Photos: William Rau

he Association’s annual Christmas lunch at Fire Station 27 was Joe Hussey on the harmonica and his band sidekick, Ron Levine, a festive event thanks to some great food and special on the guitar. After lunch, a DVD of the before and after of the entertainment. On December 21, the B-Shift firemen, MPNCA recent fire station renovation was shown to an appreciative board members, and invited guests were treated to homemade audience. If you would like to see the DVD, be sure to stop by barbeque with all the trimmings. For the first time, participants the station and ask one of the firemen to run it for you. were entertained with live music provided by A-Shift Captain

Photos: John Feeley 5 CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS: LOOKING FORWARD

By EVA GALAMBOS Mayor City of Sandy Springs

The City of Sandy Springs began its fifth The problem of water rate penalties on Sandy Springs year of existence with the swearing in of residents is constantly on my mind. There is no justification why the Council and Mayor on January 5, the same water should cost 21% more on the Sandy Springs side 2010. Two new Councilmen took their of a street than it does on the opposite Atlanta side. The issue seats: William “Chip” Collins, and John was on the way to adjudication in State Court, under a State law, Paulson, both long time Sandy Springs when a Federal District Court ruled that the matter will be residents. decided in that Court. That decision is under appeal. The City continues in its sound financial Even a cursory review of the prospectuses by the City of condition, with a property tax rate of Atlanta for its sewer bond issues shows that water revenue is 4.731 mills, which is among the lowest in being commingled to pay for the sewer improvements. That the metro area. Although reduction in means Sandy Springs water users are forced to pay for two sewer some revenue sources has hit Sandy Springs as in other local systems—the Fulton County one that serves most of Sandy governments, the City of Sandy Springs has a sufficient cushion Springs, and the Atlanta one that does not serve any property in to absorb the cuts and maintain the high level of services of the Sandy Springs. Many residents in the 30327 area of Sandy past four years. Springs are on septic tanks, so of course they too derive no benefit There are different issues on the front burner from time to from the Atlanta sewer system. time. Currently the widening of the Roswell Road bridge over The regional transportation sales tax proposal under current I-285 is a major focus. This is a terribly congested area, and the discussion might result in Fulton and DeKalb citizens paying lane that now must accommodate left turners in both north and both the MARTA 1 penny tax and the new regional sales tax. south directions is causing much of the back-ups. Therefore an My own feeling, which is shared by local government officials in addition of one lane to afford dedicated left turn lanes in both these two counties, is that Fulton and DeKalb taxpayers should directions will relieve the frequent gridlocks. This general area not have to pay 2 cents. It is high time the other counties in suffers an average of one traffic accident daily! the Atlanta region step up to the plate to pay for MARTA.

As a result, state revenue has been hit hard.

Two years ago we passed a state budget of UNDER THE GOLD $21.2 billion. By contrast, our state expenditures for Fiscal Year 2010 will DOME likely fall to $17.4 billion and the forecast for FY 2011 is likely to be the same. The bottom line is that we will work to By EDWARD LINDSEY preserve vital services even in these though State Representative, District 54 times. However, we cannot show that we have our constituents’ back in this economy by reaching deeper into their wallets. The 2010 Legislative Session began with new leadership in Ethics. the House and arguably some of the toughest challenges faced by th any General Assembly in Georgia in my lifetime. Here are a few According to one watchdog group, Georgia has the 6 strongest ethics laws in the country. However, the recent revelations highlights: expose our need to do even better. The Joint House Senate New Session. New Leadership Team. New Job Duties. The Republican House Caucus faced a tough challenge in Ethics Committee will be holding hearings to come up with proposals to further strengthen our accountability and December after new reports broke alleging serious misconduct by former Speaker Glenn Richardson. While the allegations were transparency requirements. troubling, I was pleased by the swiftness of the resolution. Within The bottom line is that the members in the General Assembly must take steps to insure that we reflect the mores of the four days of the news report, Speaker Richardson had resigned. Two weeks later, our Caucus voted for sweeping leadership communities that elect us. changes. Community, Neighborhood, Church, PTA and Civic Meetings. One great advantage of representing Buckhead and Sandy Representative David Ralston of Blue Ridge was elected Speaker. Jan Jones of Alpharetta was elected Speaker Pro Tem, Springs in the legislature is that I get to sleep in my own bed at and I was elected Majority Whip. night. The other is that I am available to groups and individuals in my district to discuss issues that they are concerned about The Budget -- The Budget – The Budget. We are in the grips of the most serious economic downturn since while the General Assembly is in session. If you have community, the Great Depression. Georgia’s unemployment is over 10% and neighborhood, church, PTA, NPU, or Civic group meetings during the session and would like an update on what is happening expected to peak at 11% by summer. Our state ranks number 1 in the nation in bank failures and we rank in the top 5 in under the Gold Dome, please give me a call and I’ll attend. mortgage foreclosures. Here in Buckhead, many of our newer The above issues are only a small sampling of the several hundred bills that will be addressed by the legislature this session. For buildings sit largely empty and Forbes magazine named Atlanta the third emptiest city in the country due to the extreme surplus more information, visit http://legis.state.ga.us You can contact of vacant residential and commercial properties. me via email at [email protected] or 404-656-5024.

6 Relying on Experience in the Challenges Ahead OPPORTUNITY Georgia’s New Secretary of State FOR CHANGE By Brian P. Kemp IN ETHICS LAWS Georgia Secretary of State I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as DRIVEN BY your Secretary of State. Among the office’s SCANDAL wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and By Bill Bozarth secure elections, the registration of corporations, Director of Common Cause Georgia and the regulation of securities and professional For almost eight years I have had the privilege of speaking for license holders. The office also oversees the the members of Common Cause Georgia on behalf of all Georgia Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum. I citizens who believe we have the right to demand the highest standards would like to share with you a couple of my ideas for how to from those who serve in public office. continue to advance this already successful agency. The average citizen only has so much bandwidth to absorb and Since taking office, I’ve called upon my years of experience as a process information on who their elected leaders are, and how small business owner and state Senator to develop agency-wide they conduct themselves once elected. Most Americans engage plans that will achieve good government through sound budget at the highest level, and a majority vote for president every four principles, budget transparency, and accountability to Georgia years, and follow national issues at some level. A smaller number taxpayers. may know about and engage with their Congressmen and I am keenly aware of the challenges involved with operating and Senators in Washington, but for the average citizen, their growing a business, in good economic times and bad. As Georgia’s awareness and attention falls off sharply after that. Many Secretary of State, I am committed to helping businesses remove otherwise informed, alert people couldn’t tell you who represents the red-tape roadblocks that impede business growth and job them in their local and state governments, what they do, and how creation. In fact, we are already developing and implementing they are held accountable. tools that will save Georgia businesses countless hours of time The sad fact about American democracy is that at the levels previously spent on paperwork and bureaucratic compliance. where it matters most, where decisions by public officials, For example, all businesses registered with our Corporations elected, and non-elected, affect our daily lives much more than Division can pay their annual renewal fee online, and elect to what goes on in Washington, we are not tuned in. We leave it to receive renewal notices and other important information via the news media to let us know what happens in local government, email. This tool will also prevent corporate identity theft and and alert us when the system breaks down. fraud. Individuals can also form new businesses online. But just as you shouldn’t wait till your car stops running Additionally, more than 35 license applications in our before you perform maintenance, you shouldn’t wait until the Professional Licensing Boards Division are now available online, political system screams for reform before you take steps to and we are adding more each week. shore it up. But that’s often the way it works. Georgia’s elections are among the most secure in the nation. In At Common Cause, we work every day, year in and year out, an effort to ensure the continued integrity, security and fairness of to remind our elected leaders that they work for us, and that they our elections process, we will soon launch a new website and owe us a government that is open, transparent and ethical, and hotline so Georgians can quickly report any suspicious election- that it is not OK with us if they use public office for private gain. related activity. Election and voter fraud undermines the very Human frailty insures that some in public office will abuse their foundations of our great state and country, and will not be tolerated. positions, so we have rules that try and define what is and isn’t Please let me know if my office can ever be of assistance to kosher. Those rules need improvement from time to time, but it’s you. (404-656-2881, [email protected]) always a struggle. Elected officials rightfully claim that tight rules provide opportunity for their opponents to practice “gotcha’ politics.” So they always resist enacting the very laws that would discourage bad behavior. Let’s start with the corrupting influence of money in the 2010 Election Events political process. Most of us agree that it’s reasonable to allow There will be a General Primary on July 20th and a General candidates to raise money from sources who support their Election on November 2nd. The ballot will include offices for: policies, to get their message out, to have spirited debate at election U.S. Senator, Fifth Congressional District U.S. House of time and let voters make their choice based on who has convinced Representatives, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State them they can do the best job. But that’s not the way it works. At Senators, State Representatives, Secretary of State, State School the state level, most incumbents in the Georgia General Assembly Superintendent, Attorney General, Commissioners of Agriculture, don’t have opponents—either in the primary or the general election. Insurance and Labor, Public Service Commissioners, District The more powerful their position, the less likely there will be a Attorneys, Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Fulton contested race. Ironically, these same “top-tier” legislators get County Board of Education (Sandy Springs voters). the largest contributions for the races they never have to run. So Nonpartisan offices to be filled on November 2nd include Justices it’s not unusual for leaders in the House and Senate to amass war for the Georgia Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior chests reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is then Courts and Atlanta Judicial Circuit. re-distributed to other candidates, to political parties, to political For new residents and teens who will be 18 by the July Primary, action committees and to a variety of uses that have nothing to the deadline to register to vote is June 21st. The deadline to do with the expenses of running for office or serving in office. register for the November General Election is October 4th. To That should be reined in. register or to learn more about the upcoming elections, log on to The other most-often-discussed piece of political dirty laundry the following websites: www.sos.ga.gov/election/ or www.fultoncoga.gov/county/elections/ Continued on Page 15 7 FINDING A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AFTER 63 YEARS

By HOWARD MARGOL Mt. Paran Parkway

In 1941, Dovid and Taiba Base Konvoij “Alte”. Jerry decided that was not correct lived in Kaunas, Lithuania together with because his father’s name was Dovid. their six children – Zelda, Moishe, Zelman But wait!! (Jerry), Jeshua, Reize, and Yehuda. Jerry remembered that when they were The parents, along with the two small children, his father became very ill. youngest children Reize and Yehuda, did To fool the Angel of Death, Dovid’s not survive the Kovno ghetto. Jerry, name was changed to “Alte”. Josef was a Moishe, and Jeshua ended up in Dachau small child at the time so it was possible and Zelda in Stuthoff. While in Dachau, he remembered his father’s name as Alte Jeshua disappeared one day, was never rather than as Dovid. seen again, and was assumed killed. Question: What was Josef’s mother’s name? Josef did not know. When the family LIBERATION members were separated, Josef was After liberation from Dachau on April eleven years old. At that age, he would 29, 1945, Jerry, together with his brother not have necessarily known his mother’s Moishe ended up in Italy. (As a soldier in name. He most likely would have the 42nd Rainbow Division of the United referred to her as “mother” rather than States Army, I was at the liberation of by her first name. So, the question of Dachau so I felt a connection to them.) any family connection between Josef After liberation, Zelda returned to Kaunas, and Jerry remained very uncertain and got married, and in 1971 immigrated to unknown. Israel. Jerry and Moishe, after time spent Question: Describe the house where in Italy, ended up in Montreal, Canada. you were born and grew up. Josef described the house and said it was near a river. He also stated there were six children in the MEETING THE CONVOY’S family including him. He also remembered that his father was a In the early part of 2004, I met Jerry and Roslyn Convoy tailor. This information was correct. This was the first real from Montreal, Canada. They were visiting their daughter and indication that Josef was, indeed, the missing brother. More her family here in Atlanta, Georgia where I live. During their family information Josef could not offer. Due to what he had visit, I showed them several issues of the “Jerusalem of Lithuania” gone through during the war, almost all of Josef’s memory of newspaper published in Vilnius, Lithuania. Jerry informed me his childhood was completely blocked from his memory. that his brother, Moishe, had recently died. At Jerry’s request, Next, Josef said that he had been taken from Dachau to I placed the following notice in the April-June, 2004 issue of the Auschwitz, and sent Jerry the number on his arm, as well as his "Jerusalem of Lithuania" newspaper. Russian identity papers and pictures. At that point, Jerry and his “Died in Canada on Feb. 21 MOISHE KONVOJ. Born in Kaunas sister Zelda decided that Josef could not be their missing on Oct. 13, 1929. Kaunas Ghetto prisoner from 1941-1943, brother. The pictures bore no family resemblance and, as far as taken from there to Dachau. Liberated in 1945”. they knew, no Jews had ever been transported from Dachau to The editor of the newspaper added the following to the obituary Auschwitz. It did not seem likely that Josef was even related. notice; Submitted by Howard Margol. After all, he knew no Yiddish which would have been his native Rachel Kostanian, Vice-Director of the Jewish Museum in language, and was Catholic and not Jewish. Vilnius, Lithuania saw the obituary notice in the Jewish newspaper. To offer further proof, Josef obtained a copy of his birth record A Josef Konvoj, living in Vilnius, had previously worked with from the Lithuanian archive. He sent a copy of his birth record Rachel’s husband for a number of years. But that Josef was from to the surviving sister in Israel and to Jerry in Montreal. Czechoslavakia and was Catholic, not Jewish. Still, Konvoj was Jeshua [Jesua], son of the tailor Dovid[as] Konvojas and not a common name so Rachel called Josef and told him about Taiba-Base nee Zinger[yte], was born in Kaunas on the 31 of the obituary notice. December 1929. Circumcision was done on the 8 of January Shortly thereafter, I received an email message from Rachel 1930. The family lived in Kaunas on Malunu Street #6. The telling me about a Joseph Konvoj in Vilnius. Could he be a parents were Jews and residents of Lithuania. Holocaust survivor and a missing relative of Moishe Konvoj or, Initially, this appeared to be pretty good proof that Josef was it just a coincidence in a similar surname? I gave Rachel the could be their missing brother. However, anyone could have email address for Jerry and Roslyn Convoy in Montreal and obtained this birth record from the archive. Also, the birth dates suggested she tell them about Josef. did not add up. Moishe was born October 13, 1929 and this birth After hearing from Rachel, Jerry Convoy tried to temper his record says that Josef was born December 31, 1929. It would excitement. Could this Josef Konvoj be his brother Jeshua, have been physically impossible for their mother to give birth thought to be killed in Dachau? Or, by some miracle, could twice in such a short period of time. Once again, Jerry and Jeshua have survived? On the other hand, perhaps this Joseph in Zelda’s hope that they had found their missing brother was dashed. Vilnius was not related at all. In the meantime, I had obtained birth records from the Historical Archive in Vilnius for Moishe, Zelman (Jerry), TRYING TO PROVE OR DISPROVE Jeshua, and Reize. Lo and behold, Moishe was not born in 1929. The next step was to prove whether Josef Convoi in Vilnius His original birth record showed that he was born on May 13, was really the missing brother or just a coincidence in surnames. 1925 and Jeshua was born in 1929, so no conflict existed as far Correspondence was initiated and questions were asked. as dates of birth were concerned.

Question: What was Josef’s father’s name? Josef responded Continued on Page 13 8 WHAT NEIGHBORS ARE DOING: IN-AND-OUT OF THE HOOD

They Are Traveling… Getting Out the Vote... Celebrating a 60th Being Sworn In… Anniversary...

The efforts of Lynne Moscow, Elizabeth Yolanda and Lee Adrean with Cleta Pritchard, Brenda Smith, Yolanda Winslow, District 4 Adrean helped make our neighborhood the highest voting district last Fall! Friends celebrate the 60th anniversary of Northside Drive neighbors Susie and Morris Habif

Suzanne & Brooks Bollman hiking Attending a Grounding Breaking for a Tennis Center... in the cloudlands rainforest of north- central Costa Rica Consistent with the 2008 Master Plan’s emphasis on sustainability, the City has applied for certification of the tennis center as an Earthcraft building meaning it reaches Reporting Hazardous certain criteria as a green, energy efficient Utility Wires… building and is similar to a LEED certification. Photo reprinted from CPCA website SouthFace will conduct periodic inspections Yolanda, and Chastain Park Civic Association during construction to be able to grant the President Jim King, attend the ceremony Earthcraft certification to the City on WIRES ENDANGER WALKERS with shovels in hand completion. The Conservancy will assist the replanting of new trees to replace those The City of Atlanta and Chastain Park Conservancy held the groundbreaking ceremony damaged or removed due to construction. for the start of construction of the new The Chastain Park Conservancy and the PATH foundation will coordinate the slight Chastain Park Tennis Center on Thursday, Win Prizes for Reporting rerouting of the PATH at the corner of Powers Hazardous Utility Wires January 28. The mayor, Mr. Kasim Reed, members of the City Council, and Board members Ferry and Wieuca Road to ensure safety during construction. If you are coming to in March! of the Conservancy were invited to attend, and members of the community as well. Chastain Park to walk or play tennis, the The new Chastain Tennis Center is one of Conservancy would like to encourage you to Have you seen utility wires, park in the Red Lot (corner of Powers Ferry the first of the major capital improvements set telephone lines or metal cables and Stella at the amphitheatre) and walk on the sidewalks in your forth in the 2008 Master Plan approved by the City Council during the Franklin administration. down to the courts to keep as much traffic neighborhood or near your place out of the intersection as possible. Please use The Astra Group will serve as contractor, and of work? Loose wires in the caution and look for new signs directing pedestrian path can trip people construction is projected to be complete in July 2010. The center’s tennis courts will be pedestrians in this area. For more information, up and cause serious injury. please contact the Executive Director of the You could win a prize by reporting resurfaced but will remain open during construction and temporary offices will be Chastain Park Conservancy, Gip Johnston at wire hazards in March. 404-237-2177. established on site. PEDS, metro Atlanta’s pedestrian advocacy organization, invites all Joining Others to Honor a Man with a Message... metro Atlanta The Atlanta City Council proclaimed Feb. 15, 2010 as neighbors (that’s you) to report "General Larry Platt Day"...primarily for his civil rights activities wire hazards online at peds.org and decades of advocacy for the poor and downtrodden. during the month of March. The In January, "General" Larry Platt sang before the American more hazardous wires you Idol judges when they were in Atlanta. He wrote "Pants on report in March, the more the Ground" to bring attention to the negative image young chances you have to win. Learn people portray with their low-riding pants. Although the how you can participate at judges appreciated the message, they disqualified the 62-year- peds.org old veteran because he was over the 28-year age limit. The Left: Council members Winslow and Wan, Mr Platt, Council members Adrean and Hall Atlanta City Council recognized Larry Platt for his efforts to spread his positive message. You can listen to the performance by googling "Pants on the Ground" or on YouTube. 9 Neighborhood Briefs

Two Brushstrokes Art Events The Whitewater Creek Women’s Bible Study Group Brushstrokes Art Group is an organization Now has 17 members. Please join us for a of professional Atlanta artists committed community Bible Study for neighbors and to the creation of original fine art. This friends. All are welcome and may join at creative ensemble of 17 works in oils, any time! Our group meets on Wednesdays acrylics and pastels. Their works are displayed in various locales, at 4:00 PM. We are currently studying galleries and showrooms and can be viewed on their website: “The General Epistles”–James through www.brushstrokesartgroup.com. Jude. We hope to see you for coffee, fellow- Act3 Productions at 6285R Roswell Road is exhibiting ship, and study! Feel free to bring a friend. Hosted by Marie Brushstrokes original art in the atrium. Call Suzanne Engel at Stephens and Jennifer Wagoner at 4105 Whitewater Creek Road. for an appointment. For more info or to RSVP contact: Jennifer: 404-848-9143, email at The third annual Bank of North Georgia Art Show will be st [email protected] or Marie: 404-261-5310, email at held on May 1 from 11 AM to 4 PM at 280 Sandy Springs [email protected] Circle. Enjoy free hot dogs, ice cream and drinks on the front lawn while shopping for original fine art paintings by Brushstrokes Art Group. G-Capp Launches World Fitness Day: Georgia Dome, May 1

North Atlanta High School Pine Straw Promotion Actress, philanthropist, fitness guru Jane Fonda will introduce a Please pitch in and help bale us out at The unique event to Atlanta when NAHS Pine Straw Purchase Promotion, a she launches World Fitness Day, Wrestling fundraiser. Pine Straw day is Saturday May 1 at the Georgia March 27th. Pick up at NAHS is $4.00 per Dome. Fonda, and a host of bale. Delivery by Pine Straw Depot is entertainers and celebrity trainers, $25.00 (over 25 bales inside the Perimeter.) will fuel the event as more than Professional installation by Pine Straw Depot 3,000 people come together to is $6.00 per bale (over 35 bales, includes workout for a common cause— straw and delivery). Order by March 23rd. the Georgia Campaign for Additional questions contact [email protected] or leave mes- Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, sage at 404-418-1015. PayPal coming soon. Visit the nonprofit founded and chaired by Fonda. Stephanie and Arthur www.northatlantahigh.org. Blank and Ginny and Charles Brewer are co-chairs of the event. Slated to participate are celebrity trainers, Denise Austin, Billy Blanks, Richard Simmons, and actress Marisa Tomei. The Your Recipe for a Fabulous Night on the Town Pointer Sisters and Donna Summer also will perform in a live Annual March of Dimes Dining Out concert of their greatest hits. Individual tickets are $100; student Mixes Fine Food and Fun, All for the tickets $20. Festivities will also include an exclusive, Sake of Healthy Babies, on May 14th star-studded cocktail party and auction on Friday, April 30. To What: The 26th Annual March of purchase tickets, form a team, or become a sponsor, Dimes Dining Out visit www.gcapp.org or call 404-475-6042. When: Friday, May 14, 2010, 7PM Where: Dinner at participating restaurants Stepping Out” After-party at The Buckhead Theatre, 9PM - 12AM Looking Back…Moving Forward Who: Chair – Philanthropist Cecilia Wright. Honorary chair – Owner/chef of U Restaurants Riccardo Ullio. The pair has joined 2010 is Northwest Presbyterian Church’s 50th forces to help raise $100,000 for the March of Dimes Georgia Anniversary, and the church at 4300 Northside Chapter. Drive invites the neighboring community to join Price: $1,000 or $1,500 for a table of ten, depending on the in events marking the milestone throughout the restaurant selection year as it celebrates 50 years in our community. Nearly 60 restaurants – some classic favorites and newcomers One highlight is a series of retrospective luncheons to the culinary scene – will join the March of Dimes in this year’s looking back at each decade of Northwest’s life event, including: ONE Midtown Kitchen, Serpas, The Capital in relationship to this community and Atlanta at Grille, The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, and many more. Check large. Next up is a fun and informative look back www.marchofdimes.com/georgia for a full, continually-updated list. at the 1970s on March 21st immediately following Reserve early for your favorite restaurant as tables go quickly. the 11 a m. worship service. Check www.nwpcaatlanta.org or For information on hosting a table or purchasing after party call 404-237-5539 for details or to make a reservation tickets, visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia or contact Margaux Espy at 404.720.5308. After-party tickets are included with the table purchase, but individual tickets to the after-party may be Got Pets? Get ’em in the Book! released to the public; check the web site for updates. ...in the Mt. Paran-Northside Pet Registry along with Tinkerbelle, Lucky, Rexy and Buddy whose Swathmore Drive Mom Editors’ note: special thanks to all the contributors in this issue. sent in this photo. We help unite & return Email your articles, ideas, events, tips an he little gu es and homes. next issue of The Citizen’s Review to Email with photos and descriptions. It’s that easy. Do it now. 10

MARCH 2010 The Crime Report

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association produces this public safety report for the benefit of our neighborhood. If you see suspicious activity, or are the victim of a crime, call 911 and then report the details for this newsletter to our Security Patrol (404)310-7361 or Jo Ann Rau (

Security Patrol Activity Security Patrol Information

During the months of September 2009 through January 2010 The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is a neighborhood funded patrol staffed Officers Doug Cole, George Robertson and Sergeant Ellis by retired and active duty Atlanta police officers. Officer Doug Cole ● Logged 11,623 miles patrolling our neighborhood and Officer George Robertson ● Made 1746 house checks for traveling subscribers work full time—8 hours a day— ● Responded to 77 alarm calls and Sgt. Ellis (J.R.) works part- ● Investigated 71 suspicious persons or autos time—3 evenings a week and some ● Investigated 11 incidents of vandalism weekends as necessary. To date ● Investigated 9 break-ins there are 383 patrol members of ● Investigated 1 incident of larceny from vehicle which 34 live in the Randall Mill ● Found 1 open door Civic Association area.

September: Mail taken from mailbox in the 1500 block of Mt. Paran Rd. The patrol monitors the Atlanta Suspect has been identified and an arrest warrant issued. Burglary 3700 block of Randall Mill Rd. No forced entry, alarm not activated, front door police radio and responds to alarms not secure. Burglary 1600 block of Mt. Paran Road, no forced entry, in the area. The patrol checks doors alarm not activated. Homeowner thinks it was a fired workman who had a and windows daily while you are out key. Car break-in 4400 block of Northside Drive. Lookout for a white of town and picks up newspapers. male, sandy hair, driving an older faded blue Honda. Homeowner The fee to join the patrol is $250 a reported FedEx package taken in the 1000 block of Regency Road. year and covers the time period Officer Cole discovered sprinklers running for over 4 hours at the pocket from January 1 to December 31. park on West Conway and Broadland Rd. He called a member of the Mt. The fee for new residents will be Paran Woods Garden Club to have them turned off. Tree reported down pro-rated. Subscribers receive on East Beechwood. Membership in the Mt. Paran- Northside Citizen’s Association, October: Workmen tools and equipment were taken from house under neighborhood Directory, a mailbox construction in the 1700 block of Mt. Paran Rd. In the 4300 block of Mt. Paran Parkway, the door panel was kicked out of the kitchen door. TV Security decal, telephone stickers and jewelry were taken. A workman at a house under construction in the and access to the security hotline as 1300 block of Swims Valley Dr. found a black male wearing an orange well as daily surveillance of your vest in his construction trailer. The suspect got into a light blue 4-door house and property. square back Honda with a black male driver wearing an orange vest. Police were not called. Mt. Paran Security was made aware of the incident several For information on joining, or to days later. Neighbor found three purses around Garmon Rd. and Northside meet the patrol officers, call Dr. She called one of the people whose ID was left in a purse and learned (404)310-7361. Be sure to leave a that three women left their purses in the car while attending an event. A message during off-duty hours Northside Dr. homeowner reported to Security and Sandy Springs police and one of the patrol officers will that he received a threatening note saying his property would be damaged around Halloween. call you back.

November: Break-in on Paran Pines Drive. Homeowner watched as two black males in a white vehicle drove slowly down the dead-end street and turned around as she was leaving her driveway. While she was gone, someone entered her house by breaking a rear window and exiting through the kitchen door and garage. Officer Cole contacted a nearby neighbor with a security camera and obtained a video of the white vehicle. The video has been turned over to an Atlanta police detective.

Continued on Page C2 C1

More Crime News: Be an Active Crime Fighter

Security Patrol Activity Vandalism—

Continued from Page C1 There’s Nothing December: Several lawns and mailboxes were damaged over two different weekends. Kitchen fire reported on Davis Drive. A Petty About It neighbor on Flintlock Rd. reported two black males entered the basement where several young people were congregating. One of For several months, yards throughout the neighborhood the suspects pulled a pistol and took money from everyone but have been intentionally driven over and damaged. Residents on the female. Homeowner’s son thinks it was an inside job. Break-in Garmon Road, Mt. Paran, West Conway, Broadland, Regency via the front door on Irma Court at 12:30 AM. Alarm did not go Road, Randall Mill, Sentinel Post, Whitewater Creek and Harris off. Homeowner locked herself in the bedroom closet. Several Trail have had their yards trenched. In one instance, a homeowner items were taken including a vehicle that was recovered shortly thereafter. Officer Cole recovered a stolen vehicle on Paran Pines had just installed new sod only to wake up the next morning to Drive around 6:30 AM. The front tire was blown out and Officer find it had been ridden over and decimated. Cole believes the stolen vehicle may be related to the break-in on Irma Court. Notice to Parents January 2010: Two yards on Sentinel Post reported damaged. While checking a house for out of town homeowner’s on West Past history points to these acts of vandalism being committed Garmon, Officer Cole found broken water pipes. He contacted by teens. In an attempt to stop the destruction of property, the Mt. the homeowners and the water was turned off. Homeowner on Paran Security Patrol has increased patrol hours and the Atlanta Swims Valley reported being attacked, along with his dog, by a Police are increasing surveillance of the area. Teen drivers need neighbor’s dog. Citations were issued to the neighbor with the to understand that vandalism is not a prank; it can result in very vicious dog. A River Rill homeowner reported her home, which serious and costly offenses. Parents need to be aware of where is being renovated, was entered while she was away. The alarm their teen drivers are during unsupervised hours and remind them was not activated and several shot guns were taken. Copper pipes of the responsibilities that go along with driving, including respect and electric wire was removed from a vacant house in the 1200 for property. block of West Conway. The back door was unlocked. A North It is important to note that once the line is crossed from vandalism Harris Ridge homeowner reported that her identity was stolen. to second degree criminal damage to property, a felony charge Someone used her name to open a charge card at Lowe’s with the will result in a permanent, lifetime record. Parents and their teens address of a vacant house in another neighborhood. should be aware of the following law: Georgia Criminal Code 16-7-23. Criminal Damage to property in the second degree: (a) A person commits the offense of criminal damage to property in the second degree when he: (1) Intentionally damages any Teach Your Kids: property of another person without his consent and the damage How to Stay Safe on Social Networks thereto exceeds $500; (2) Recklessly or intentionally by means of fire or explosives damages property of another person; or (3) With the intent to damage, starts a fire on the land of another By The Better Business Bureau without his consent. The popularity of social networking continues to grow among (b) A person convicted of criminal damage to property in the kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to second degree will be punished by imprisonment for not less connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of nefarious purposes. Better Business Bureau recommends than one nor more than five years. parents take specific steps to keep their kids safe online. Kids of all ages are getting into social networking. According to iStrategy Labs the number of users on Facebook that are Special Rules: Teenage Drivers between the ages of 13 and 18 grew by 88 percent in 2009 to 10.7 Holders of the Class D Driver's License (all drivers between 16- million. While Facebook and MySpace require all users to be at and 18-years old) must abide by the following laws: least 13 years old, some sites are geared for children even younger. • After obtaining your Class D license, for the first six months you cannot have any passengers other than members of your “For some parents, their kids know more about computers and immediate family in your car. the Internet than they do, however, it’s important to remember that kids aren’t old enough to understand all of the various threats • After six months, until you are 18, you can have no more than 3 passengers who are not members of your immediate family in that lurk online,” said Fred T. Elsberry, Jr., President & CEO of your car. the BBB Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Geor- gia. “Even if they’re intimidated by technology, parents need to • You cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 Midnight and 6:00AM for any reason. supervise their child’s computer use in the house as well as edu- cate their kids on how to play it safe online.”

BBB offers the following tips for parents who want to help REPORT CRIME TO 911 THEN CALL

Continued on Page C4 MT. PARAN SECURITY 404 310-7361 C2

More Crime News: Be Aware, Be Alert, Be Vigilant

Sandy Springs and John’s Creek public safety func- tions are now dispatched from the ChatComm 911 center. SANDY SPRINGS The communications center opened in late 2009 and is considered state of the art. CRIME As we move from 2009 on into the New Year, we will work towards strengthening community ties and partner- REPORT ships. Officers designated as “community coordinators” will work within the two districts to allow closer commu- nication with the residential neighborhoods. By STEVE ROSE Lieutenant/Public Information Officer The Mt. Paran Community is located in the Sandy Community Affaira Unit Springs south district. Your district commander is Lt. Scott Jamison. [email protected] As Sandy Springs Police moves towards its Your community coordinator sergeant is Sergeant Scott Levy. four-year anniversary in July, we are happy to [email protected] report our overall Part 1 crimes dropped 5.9% Your community coordinators are: Officer Tim Burell in 2009 compared to 2008. [email protected] and Officer Elizardo Rodriguez Violent crimes reduced by 17.4 percent; [email protected] property crime were down 12.6 percent. I urge you to utilize these new resources with community Rape assaults dropped 18 percent while aggravated concerns ranging from crime issues to flooded yards. Their goal assault fell eight percent. Robbery and theft is to solve community problems. incidents fell by 24% and 9% respectively. The organization and communications resources you have in Sandy Springs Police, as of January 1, 2010, the Mt. Paran Community are a vital link between the residents is working at full capacity with all sworn officer and the members of the Atlanta and Sandy Springs Police positions filled. In 2009 Sandy Springs PD, along with Dunwoody Departments. As we move forward into the New Year, I am Police and John’s Creek Police, formed the North Metro Swat hoping that we will continue this close communication and build Team, tapping into the resources of all three departments for timely on it. Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch and other and efficient response in all three cities. community–based programs are always available. Also this past year, Sandy Springs Police renewed the H.E.A.T. The community affairs unit offers a variety of programs including Grant through the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant an 11-week citizen’s police academy, self defense training for supplements our traffic enforcement program targeting impaired women and a gun safety course all offered at police headquarters. and aggressive driving violators. The coordinator is Officer Larry Jacobs. Email him at Other federally assisted programs in full swing are the Safe-Streets [email protected] and he will be program, targeting gang activity and Innocent Images, targeting happy to provide further information on these and other sexual predators including Internet predators. Both programs are in programs offered by SSPD. conjunction with metro area departments and the F.B.I. Sandy Please remember that you are the eyes and ears out there and Springs PD is also participating in the Fulton County Burglary Task any success that we enjoy is because of our partnerships with Force, started in late November of last year. you in the community so we applaud you for a successful 2009 Deputy Chief Kenneth DeSimone was selected as the department’s and look forward to more success in 2010. first deputy chief of police. He came to Sandy Springs after a long career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC police.

Sellers Takes Buckhead in Blue Direction BY VALERIE ROSE SELLERS Many of us remember James Blue direction (in the fight against crime). And, although Buckhead Sellers as the commander of Blue is new to the area, the Blue concept is not new; it’s fashioned Zone 2 Precinct in Buckhead, from the successful Midtown version, headed by Colonel Wayne where he led Atlanta’s Finest in Mock and sponsored by the Midtown Alliance. Similar to Midtown fighting and reducing crime Blue, Buckhead Blue is sponsored by the Buckhead Alliance, from 2005 until his retirement which has partnered with Accion to ensure a safer environment in February of 2009. You may in the business and residential neighborhoods of Buckhead. wonder, what Sellers is doing “During my years as police commander in Buckhead, I these days? Well, he is still in gained a great deal of respect for civic and political leaders Buckhead and he is still a crime whose observations and concerns influenced actions, which, fighter. Known best for his approachable demeanor, his willingness when combined with police efforts made the entire community to address community concerns, and solve problems, Sellers has safer. I intend to combine the same concepts to make Buckhead not changed much. But, it’s not surprising to those who know him safer and Blue successful.” best that Sellers has continued his efforts to focus on reduction of In fact, Sellers reveals, his respect and admiration for the crime and preserve the quality of safety in the community he loves neighbors’ dedication to their community is what influenced him and calls his own. In fact he has started Accion Security Consulting, to purchase a home and locate his business in Buckhead. Yet, LLC and launched Buckhead Blue, a specialized security patrol in Buckhead. You could say that Sellers is taking Buckhead in a C3 Continued on Page C4

stranger online can seem harmless, the relationship can evolve Keeping Kids Safe On-Line and grow until the stranger has earned your child’s trust—and can then exploit it. Continued from Page 2C Set strict privacy settings—Social networking sites let users determine who they want to share information with. Talk to your keep their kids safe online: child about restricting access to his or her profile to only friends Explain the Difference Between or users in safe networks such as their school, clubs or church groups. Sharing and Oversharing – Keep the channels of communication open – Let your kids know While social networking is that you are always ready to talk if they are ever threatened, about sharing photos, thoughts bullied or feel uncomfortable about an experience they had online. and experiences, explain to Join them online - If you haven’t already, set up your own account your kids that they should in the same social networks. This will help you better understand never share personal information what social networking is all about. You can also then “Friend” such as phone numbers, your child and keep an unobtrusive eye on what they are doing. address, bank account numbers, Federal law requires sites collecting identifying information from passwords or their Social children under 13 to get a parent’s consent first. Report concerns Security numbers. Also talk about data collection from children under 13 to the Children’s about what constitutes Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business inappropriate photos or Bureaus at www.caru.org/complaint language and stress the fact that—while you may be able to delete You can learn more about how to keep your kids safe online at them—you can never fully take them back. http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/net-cetera.aspx “Never talk to strangers” applies online too – One of the first rules Parents can also learn how to keep themselves safe from ID we teach our kids is to never talk to strangers; remind them that thieves and hackers online at www.bbb.org the rule holds true when online. Even though chatting with a

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU Sellers: Motivated to Deter Crime in Buckhead 1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning

your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. Continued from Page 3C 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. Sellers is aware that like many other Atlanta communities, Buckhead 3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And is changing, especially as neighborhood charm expands to include taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your additional services to accommodate growing and emerging kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming lifestyles. And, with added conveniences aimed at making life system they have. easier, often the result is increased vulnerability to crime and 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. compromise to safety. Sellers intends for small businesses like And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how Accion, with Buckhead Blue to be a solution to combating any long it takes you to remove it. such change, by encouraging multi-layered strategies, opening up 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create dialog between private security and public safety, and engaging car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway civic leaders who want a safer environment for businesses and are a dead giveaway. neighborhoods. “This is what I love doing and where my focus is, 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let and now I have more attention to devote to it,” says Sellers. your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's Sellers feels that maybe last year’s retirement should have been set. That makes it too easy. the end of all of police work, but acknowledges, instead that it 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. was an opportunity for a new beginning. Just as when he was a And the windows on the second floor, which often access the law enforcement officer, Sellers’ value and concern for, and his master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion commitment to, a safer community has not diminished. detectors up there too. “As I fondly reflect on a police career that began in 1986 as a 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you paddy wagon driver that helped develop my passion for helping forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I others, I credit the experiences and knowledge gained at Atlanta don't take a day off because of bad weather. Police Department for making me a good listener and giving me a 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions deeper understanding of community, and skills to resolve complex somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) issues.” 10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I In fact, as a private citizen Sellers seems more motivated than always check dresser drawers, bedside tables, the medicine cabinet. ever to deter crime, improve security, and heighten awareness in 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. any way possible and he believes Blue patrols helps him 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that accomplish that. safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, Sellers’ also maintains a great commitment and respect for his I'll take it with me. former APD officers, who he calls, “the real men and women in 13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best blue,” with whom he says he shares an unbreakable bond. “My alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're dedication to officers is greater than ever; retirement can never out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and change that. I still have so much pride and gratitude for the simulates the flickering glow of a real television. Find it at faketv.com officers and the obstacles they prevail over each day, and I am grateful to maintain an ongoing professional relationship with Editor’s Note Sources Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com many of them.” To learn more about Accion and Buckhead Blue, and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of contact James Sellers at [email protected] Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job. C4 Fire Rescue needs the tools, training, and equipment to provide the Fire Station 27 best emergency response. Budgetary constraints have made it increasingly difficult to secure the funding necessary to meet the public safety needs and expectations of Atlanta’s citizens and visitors. Not Just for Fighting Fires The Foundation provides a tax-deductible avenue for businesses and citizens to financially and materially support the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. To learn more, the following is a list of the individual programs By Rita Fink and contact information: Somerset Drive CFA - Citizen’s Fire Academy Thankfully most of us never have direct contact or need for a Captain Richard Chamlee fireman, but did you know the Fire Department has other programs 404-546-7060 [email protected] that can benefit you and your family? ACERT – Atlanta Citizen’s Emergency Response Team It late January I had the opportunity to visit our local fire station Battalion Chief Bernard Coxton with the Voters Guild (a non-partisan educational group). We 404-546-706 [email protected] made arrangements with the station directly and offered to bring a ASAP – Atlanta Smoke Alarm Program, 404-865-2727 potluck lunch for all. Need I add that the last part was well received? Reducing Falls in the Elderly Community, 404-546-7000 Our Interim Fire Chief, Joel G. Baker, was the speaker. His Atlanta Fire Foundation, 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 2001 entire work career has been serving others. He was a Marine for 3 Atlanta, GA 30308 www.atlantafirefoundation.org years and then joined the Naval Reserve as a corpsman, then went to Iraq in 2003 for 8 months. We’re fortunate to have people like Chief Baker not only willing to educate us but assisting in the growth and development of the Department. All of the programs Great Things are Happening he discussed come under the purview of Atlanta Fire Rescue. There is a Citizen’s Fire Academy (CFA) which is the newest in our Schools training program offered by Atlanta Fire Rescue. This program is designed for community leaders and others who have a genuine By Nancy Meister desire to reduce the number of lives lost and the amount of property Atlanta Board of Education damage in our city. This program covers departmental policies, It is a true pleasure to serve you on the procedures, staffing and the “why’s” of Fire Department operations. Atlanta Board of Education. Many great This eight day program provides knowledge in fire prevention, things are happening in our schools and rescue, communication, hazardous material ID, fire extinguisher it is my hope that over the next four training, basic first aid, and CPR. Citizens will be allowed to years—initiatives, reforms and a community participate in practical drills, both fire-fighting and emergency based commitment will continue to grow. medical exercises. Participants who complete this course are more The Atlanta Public School system conscious of their environment and more safety oriented. was recently awarded a $10M grant by Citizen’s Fire Academy goals and objectives are: the Gates Foundation to recruit and train 1. To assist the participant in developing an awareness of the top teachers. The foundation is the charitable foundation of Fire Department’s organizational structure, operational Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates. This procedures and its general mission. particular grant will fund APS’s “Effective Teacher in Every 2. To strengthen community support for the Department. Classroom” initiative, which has a stated goal of recruiting, 3. To develop a commitment between community leaders, preparing, placing and supporting effective instructors in every administration, and departmental staff members to district classroom. The latest grant comes on the heels of $13.6M decrease the loss of life and property through training and of support that the Gates Foundation has provided to Atlanta high education. schools in the past to implement the high school transformation The next program is Atlanta Citizen’s Emergency Response initiative. Team (ACERT). This training prepares you to help yourself, your As I am sure you have heard by now, APS is proposing, due to family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. As an our increased capacity in the northern cluster of schools, a short ACERT member, you can respond to emergencies, participate in term and a long term plan to relieve over capacity. These plans are drills and exercises, and take additional training. being introduced simultaneously so that a seamless transition will Who should take ACERT training? Anyone interested in taking occur for our students. The system has identified land in the an active role in community awareness and preparedness: district and is working to secure this property. We have received Neighborhood Associations … Businesses … Communities of Faith many email suggestions regarding the middle schools and high … Parents … Students ...Teachers … and Administrators … school. I encourage you to send me an email if you would like to Members of Clubs and Civic Organizations have some input. Did you know that our Fire Rescue has a smoke alarm program? Here are some facts about our current high school. North Dubbed ASAP for Atlanta Smoke Alarm Program, it is a free Atlanta High School (NAHS) currently has 1114 students enrolled. program that will provide you with a smoke alarm, check any you There is only one middle school (Sutton) that feeds into NAHS. have or provide you with a carbon monoxide detector. In 2009 There are on average 23 students in each class, 31 International over 6000 smoke alarms were installed. It was suggested that you Baccalaureate Diploma classes and 12 advanced placement change your batteries twice a year coinciding with the change in classes. 23 sports teams, 9 Partners in Education and 31 school- time to help you remember. based Student Exchange opportunities. Most impressive is that in A surprising program was one about reducing falls in the elderly. the graduating class of 2009 there were 202 graduates, 198 of The brochure for this program basically says it all. It has multiple which enrolled in 102 different colleges. There were 135 Hope educational web resources as well as specifics that you can do in Scholars and a total of $18M received in scholarships. The all areas of your home to make it safe. 2009 Valedictorian is currently enrolled at Harvard University! Lastly, there is the Atlanta Fire Foundation. As with all foundations Please feel free to contact me either by cell or its purpose is to raise money. To protect life and property, the Atlanta email [email protected] or 11 Boy Scout Troop 232 Illuminates its Rappelling and Climbing Tower

By RICHARD EVERETT, JR. Cave Road

The Committee that oversaw Boy Scout Troop 232 during the service. The grand finale of the late 70’s felt their Scouting program, even as outbound and demonstration had three scouts adventurous as it was, could use a new “hook” to prevent enrollment rappelling off the fifty-foot level decline. Boys were being bombarded with alternative activities, simultaneously, Australian- influences and distractions. Some good. Some not. Kind of like style—upside-down, head first! today. Lots of boys viewed Scouting as pale and somewhat rigid The tower has an even more in comparison. Troop leaders knew their current and future interesting history. It has with- Scouts would rise to a reasonable challenge. So the concept was stood a tornado, which came born for a rappelling and climbing tower. It was constructed in roaring through the area many 1978, behind the Scout Hut at Northwest Presbyterian Church years ago within two hundred (near our recently renovated feet. It twisted and downed oak Left Sam Miller (Scoutmaster), trees more than two feet in Terry Watts (Troop Committee neighborhood fire station). Chairman), Pastor, Reverend Tim The tower was modeled after diameter. The tower survived! Boggess, Doug Cook (Church member those at Ft. Benning and Auburn Early on, an Atlanta FBI SWAT and past Scoutmaster), and David University using four, sixty-five- Team Commander, who also had Bock (Assistant Scoutmaster). foot treated pine poles sunken ten a son in the Troop, asked for feet in the ground and with bolted, permission to use the tower to train a new team. Before the key to heavy cross-beam bracing. It was the secured tower was procured, he had taken his team to the site built to withstand one hundred and found it padlocked. Not to worry, those SWAT guys just mile-per-hour winds resulting in a picked the lock. massive and well-constructed structure. Leadership at Northwest Presbyterian Church (NWPC) and Two high voltage linemen were Troop 232 dedicated the tower effective September 9, 2000, as employed to construct the tower “The Doug Cook Rappelling & Climbing Tower” in appreciation with the full-time help of three of Doug’s many years of cheerful membership services to each Troop 232 fifty-foot rappelling Scoutmasters. It could not have NWPC and the Troop. Doug still loves to share many fond memories been done without of his volunteer stewardship and leadership roles. He and climbing tower at Northwest Presbyterian Church. the use of a line-truck remains active in both organizations today. generously lent by The Troop is further indebted to Bruce Whitmer, Turner Outdoor Advertising. (Ted Turner, at the a former Army Ranger and Explorer Advisor, who time, had two sons active in the Troop.) R. S. along with his son Mark, an Eagle Scout, Georgia Armstrong & Sons also donated usage of a sixty- Tech graduate, and Assistant Scoutmaster, have for five-foot high lift. It was built in less than ten years headed up the tower program. They devoted days. significant effort to renovate the tower in 2007, An experienced rappeller was enlisted to begin replacing decking and safety hardware. an intensive, rigorous training program for the Another recent renovation resulted in a first- young Scout Safety Tower Officers who would ever, comprehensive lighting grid for evening run the program under the direct supervision of usage. New high-tech equipment was also purchased adult Scouters. Thus began an immensely (adjustable helmets and harnesses, figure-8’s, etc.) successful program. This was the first officially and new perimeter benches were constructed for sanctioned tower in the country by the Boy on-lookers waiting their turns. The tower will be Scouts of America (BSA) that was situated off used on a regular monthly basis for evening and BSA property. daytime enjoyment. One of the Troop’s Assistant Scoutmasters, Photos: courtesy of Troop 232 Many thanks are in order to Assistant Scoutmasters Jonathan Simmons, is a BSA “C.O.P.E.” Certified Mark Whitmer, Fritz Neumeister, David Linder, Instructor. (C.O.P.E. stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Jonathan Simmons, Richard Everett and David Bock for their Experience.) efforts to complete the revitalization and lighting of the tower for Project C.O.P.E. encompasses a series of inter-related outdoor future generations of Scouts. events that challenge both at individual and group levels. It has Boy Scout Troop 232 is Atlanta's High Adventure Scout seven objectives: Teamwork, Self-Confidence, Trust, Leadership, Troop. Sponsored by Northwest Presbyterian Church since 1964, Communication, Decision-Making, and Problem-Solving. the Troop offers an award winning Scouting program that emphasizes Mr. Simmons was certified at one of BSA’s flagship venues, outdoor adventure, teamwork, and leadership. With more than 50 Woodruff Scout Reservation (during Summer Camp), which Scouts ages 11 to 18 years old and more than a dozen trained maintains its own tower program, high and low rope courses, and adult leaders, the Troop offers an active, fun-filled, year-round an incredible zip-line. Mastering the art of rappelling and climbing program. The Troop welcomes boys from all backgrounds and gives a Scout (and the instructors) a healthy dose of self- faiths. It meets Monday nights, at 7:30 P.M. For more confidence and a keen sense of accomplishment. It happens to be information, please contact Scoutmaster Sam Miller (whose a ton of fun, as well. father founded the Troop), or Terry Watts, Troop Committee Troop 232 held its first demonstration in 1978, for the Chairman, or Pastor, Reverend Timothy Boggess, or visit the congregation of Northwest Presbyterian Church (the sponsoring, Troop’s web site at: Troop232Atl.com Chartered Organization for the Troop) following a Sunday 12 FINDING A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AFTER 63 YEARS

Continued from Page 8

THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE After four years, Josef’s adopted parents felt he was now old enough to see if, by some miracle, he could find family members Abe Beker, living in Toronto, Canada and born in Josvainiai, or relatives. Josef agreed and he went to Kaunas. His sister was Lithuania, was a very close friend of Moishe, Jerry, and Jeshua in living in Kaunas at the time, had married and changed her name, the Kovno ghetto and also in Dachau. The Convoy’s in Montreal and Josef was unable to find her or any other relatives. kept Abe informed of their correspondence with Josef in Vilnius. In the process, since Josef had come there from Czechoslovakia Abe’s wife, Simmie, went on the internet to a website containing and was asking questions about people, the KGB felt he could be information about Auschwitz. She keyed in the number from a spy from the West. Josef was arrested and sent to Siberia. After Josef’s arm and amazingly, the name of Jeshua Konvoj from spending two years in Siberia, and after the death of Josef Stalin, Kaunas, came up! This was the final piece of the puzzle and Josef was released. He decided to not go back to Kaunas because there was no doubt that Josef, in Vilnius, was the missing brother that was where he had been arrested. Instead, he made the decision who was finally found after 63 years. to live in Vilnius. All of his Jewish up- Even though further proof was not needed, DNA testing bringing, as well as his ability to speak conclusively proved that Jerry and Josef were indeed, brothers. Yiddish, had long since been blocked Arrangements were quickly made, and on April 14, 2005, Jerry, from his memory. That is why Rachel Josef, and Zelda had a family reunion in Israel. Needless to say, Kostanian knew him as a Catholic from it was a very emotional gathering but a very heart-warming one. Czechoslovakia. YAD LAYELED MUSEUM EPILOGUE While in Israel, Jerry and his wife Roslyn, went to the Yad Layeled Museum. As a result of the obituary notice in There, they received another shock; the "Jerusalem of Lithuania" newspaper, they learned what happened to Jeshua the surviving members of the family after he suddenly disappeared in were, once again, reunited. It is amazing Dachau. In late May, 1943 in the that they have found each other after 63 middle of the night, 131 very young years but sad that they did not reunite years earlier. For 27 years, Josef’s sister children were taken to Auschwitz. Josef as he looks today Jeshua was among them and they all Zelda lived in Kaunas, Josef lived in were subjected to medical experiments by Vilnius, 62 miles away and their existence was unknown to each the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele. other. Under the Soviets, many roadblocks stood in the way of Thirty of the children survived and their finding one another. twenty-three are living in Israel. In the In July, 2005 I had the pleasure of meeting Josef and his wife Museum is a large plaque listing the and family in Vilnius. Even though Josef and I are not related, I H. Margol looking at records felt the existence of a certain type of kinship. in the archive of Nazi Dachau names of the group of 131 including inmate records in Bad Arolsen, those who survived and those who A truly amazing story and I am proud to have played a small Germany which included the died. Josef’s name was among those part in it. name of Josef Konvoij. who had died in Auschwitz. Let this serve as a message to others – never give up hope of finding missing family members, relatives, or friends. You have JOSEF’S LIBERATION to keep trying. Even an obituary notice can bring results.

In January, 1945, with the Russian army approaching, Jeshua Editor’s Note: The photo on page 8 is Josef after World War II, in (Josef) was among those taken on a death march toward the West Czechoslovakia, at the age of 16 or 17. by the Nazis. He was liberated by an advance unit of the American army. He does not know why but he was sent to Czechoslovakia Both of the author’s, Howard Margol’s, parents were born in Lithuania and with a group of Catholic children. A Catholic couple took a liking Howard has researched his family back to 1747. Howard is a past to Josef and wanted to adopt him. Being 14 years old, and thinking president of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS). In 2008, he received the IAJGS Lifetime Achievement he had lost all of his family, Josef was receptive to having parents. th He agreed to be adopted on one condition – he insisted on keeping Award. He is presently organizing his 17 annual group trip to Lithuania his name. It was the only thing he had left in the world and he this June. Mr. Margol and his wife, Esther, have also been invited to a would not change his name. The couple agreed and, for four two-day, all expense paid, observance at the Holocaust Museum, years, Josef was their adopted son. honoring camp liberators in Washington, DC in April.

EASY WAY TO TRACK A TRAVELING LOVED ONE

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13 Elephant Seals: Through the Lens of Aaron Fink

Elephant seals come ashore and form colonies for only a few months of each year to give birth, breed, and molt. They spend the rest of the year swimming thousands of miles alone at great depths. More info: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/elephant-seals.html or http://www.beachcalifornia.com/piedras.html

Baby elephant seal getting instructions The rookery For the Love and Care of Feral Cats: With the Advent of Spring

By Barbara White cost spay/neuter services for feral cats, and the Trap-Neuter- Andover Drive Return program. Most of the providers charged about $60 for spay and $40 for neuter, including rabies vaccination. Much With the advent of spring, also higher fees applied for a female cat in heat or pregnant. These arrives the spring breeding season fees were less than local for-profit animal clinics that I called. for our furry feral friends. When I also learned that Georgia state laws prohibit the removal of I returned to my Andover Drive feral cats to other locations, which is certainly an understandable home in spring of 2004 after safeguard against proliferation of cat populations living several years in Asia, the Exploratory phone calls narrowed my search to Lifeline significant number of cats roam- Spay and Neuter Clinic, a low cost, high quality, high volume HMK King Tut: one of two feral cats to ing through my yard surprised spay and neuter clinic in Avondale. Low cost services are adopt the author on Andover Drive me. By 2006, it became evident available for all cats and dogs, but the fee for feral cats is $15, that many were feral. A lovely regardless of gender. Their philosophy is to promote non-lethal calico brought her four adorable, assorted-mix kittens to reside population control without costing a well-meaning citizen more under the thick azaleas in my secluded back yard. As I have no for the sex differential. For Fulton County residents who pets to interfere with her parenting, this was, no doubt, a safe haven. trapped and brought in the cats, the $15 fee would be covered I left cat food for them, and the kittens safely grew under care by Fulton County. Rabies vaccination is only $5 for feral cats. of the hardest-working mother cat I have ever seen. The mother I chose this clinic because it was open Monday through Saturday and two kitties disappeared; two remained. As they matured, I and because the fees were so reasonable that I was able to provide realized I might have a yard full of kittens in the spring if I didn’t not only the neuter and rabies services, but all the other vaccinations take action. I called Fulton County Animal Control for advice. I was told that “cats are free to roam” and that they did not pick up Continued on Page 17 feral cats. Web research uncovered numerous pet rescue and low 14 clearly the driving factor in contributing. Some contributions ETHICS LAWS DRIVEN BY came in bundles. Members of the family of Alpharetta businessman SCANDAL Rod Aycox contributed more than double the entire amount Richardson raised from his home district. (23,000 dollars). Another bundle came from members of the Donald Leebern family Continued from Page 7 (Georgia Crown Distributors and the Georgia Board of Regents). They gave a total of $13,800 to Richardson’s campaign. Smaller bundled contributions made up more of the total, but is the role of the lobbyist. There’s nothing inherently corrupt over $200,000 came from various Political Action Committees. about lobbying. I myself am a lobbyist. Like the other lobbyists, I Candidates love to move money from account to account. engage on behalf of my issues and seek to gain support by Richardson received over $8,000 from other candidates, appealing to their sense of what is best for Georgians. including fellow legislators Paul Battles, Ideas, not money should carry the day. I hardly Charlice Byrd, Tom Dickson, Bobby Reese, ever report any money spent on “gifts” to David Ralston, Mark Hamilton, Larry O’Neal, legislators. However, in some circles, that’s totally and Jim Cole. Why they chose to give him their the name of the game. money when he already had so much is unknown. There is no limit on what a registered lobbyist Lots of money went out of Richardson’s campaign gives an office holder in the way of meals, trips, to other candidates. His largest single gift was tickets to events, or any other type of gift. The $6,100 to Nathan Deal’s campaign for governor, three top leaders in the Georgia House each received but he gave over $80,000 to help fund other people’s around fifty thousand dollars in these gifts since campaigns in 2008 and 2009. Richardson made they came to power in 2005. We have some three contributions to the Georgia Republican protection, in that the gifts must be reported, and Party totaling $185,000 from August to December if things get too outrageous, it becomes a news of 2008. His final coup de grâce was a donation story, and the office holder is embarrassed, but of $219,915 to his own Political Action Committee seldom to the point of endangering their re-election. on December 31, 2009, his last day in office. Many states have limits on lobbyist gifts, often That has been challenged because Richardson didn’t register the allowing for a reasonable meal or the like, but prohibiting the big PAC properly, but is otherwise allowed, because of the vagueness ticket items. Georgia should have reasonable limits on what of the statute. lobbyists can give, and also determine ways in which to disclose If all of this appalls you, then you need to ask your State gifts by non-lobbyists who have a stake in legislation. Representative and your State Senator to get behind significant Another ethics reform item before the General Assembly this ethics reform in 2010, and join the fight to create a more ethical year comes in the form of a proposal to grant an independent body climate under the gold dome. This is the year when it can happen, jurisdiction to investigate conflict-of-interest charges. That will but they need to hear it from the people, not just the press and be discussed, but it will be a tough sell. Legislators are Common Cause. The key piece of legislation is House Bill 920. notoriously suspicious of anybody outside their circle having Make that call today. such power over them. Editor’s note: Common Cause Georgia, is a non-partisan good government All of these reforms seem reasonable, and they have enjoyed advocacy group. You can follow their activity and find out how you can good bi-partisan support among the rank-and-file in the General get involved by going to their website: commoncause.org/ga Assembly for many years. But it takes more than common sense to overcome the inertia and reluctance on the part of leaders who know they’ve got a good thing going. Momentum for reform needs a tipping point. Notable Neighbor In late November, 2009, that opportunity came. A ten minute Now that the City of Atlanta elections are over television interview with the ex-wife of Georgia House Speaker and the results are all in (some of which did not Glen Richardson accomplished what years of embarrassing news please some of our citizens whereas some of stories could not. Revelations of bizarre behavior by the Speaker the results did please others) I want to say how and confirmation of an affair with an Atlanta Gas Light lobbyist much we are all so grateful to Brenda Smith. while he was supporting a bill favoring the utility were enough to She worked tirelessly promoting, first and force the Speaker’s resignation, and send a message that it was foremost, all of the issues that are so important time to revisit ethics reform. So 2010 will not go by without some to our neighborhood. She then promoted those overdue changes. Just how much remains to be seen. We are candidates who would do the best job in taking cautiously optimistic. on all of these issues. A day or a week did not pass that we did not The press has focused on demanding change in laws affecting receive an e-mail advising us of the issues in the election. lobbyists and their ability to influence policy through personal and She made it her business to keep all of us informed and she did social relationships. It’s important to deal with that, but that may it with such objectivity which gave us all time to think and be be secondary to the huge amounts of money flowing through the better informed as we went to the ballot box. campaign system. As I have mentioned before if our Association had a program Former Speaker Richardson is by no means the only office in which we selected annually “A Person of the Year” – then there holder who could be used to show the following pattern, but is no doubt that honor would definitely go to Brenda Smith. because of his extraordinary power, his ability to use money to Brenda, on behalf of many our members who have spoken to extend influence is truly astounding. me, I want to thank you for all that you did for us during the Richardson collected around $765 thousand in campaign election – which in the end made us all better informed citizens. contributions from the beginning of 2007 through the end of We can also take great pride in the work that you did in working 2009. During that time, he never had an opponent to run against. with Yolanda Adrean, who won by a very large margin and Only around $12 thousand of the total came from his district in was appointed Chairperson of the very important Finance- Paulding County. The remainder came from a variety of sources executive Committee. (Not bad for a first time councilperson)! inside and outside of Georgia for whom access to power was Brenda, Thank you – thank you and thank you. Albert D. Maslia, Conway Valley 15

Fulton County Commission Adopts 2010 Budgets By LYNNE RILEY Fulton County Commissioner - District 3

Once again, my colleagues on the Fulton County Board of and I fear similar results in 2010. The 2009 budget over- Commissioners have engaged in deficit spending practices by promised and under-delivered services to the citizens of Fulton adopting un-balanced budgets at our meeting on January 20th. County. The adoption of the 2010 budgets may be a case of Not only that, but the proposals presented to us at this meeting history repeating itself. had been revised without notice or communication to the taxpayers The value of residential, office and commercial property we represent. My colleagues also added spending items during remains unstable. We can expect another large volume of property the meeting: the net result is that $27 million more is to be spent value appeals to be filed this year. When the 2010 property tax than will be collected in 2010. This action further erodes our digest is presented in a few months, the Board of Commissioners reserve funds, and provides for little to no capital investment in may be faced with an un-pleasant decision: make drastic spending our crumbling buildings and infrastructure. I can not and will cuts or raise taxes to provide funds for promised service delivery. not support deficit spending. Nor will I support the lack of full I will provide updated information on revenue and spending public disclosure of proposals presented to the Commission for trends and projections during the next months. I urge the taxpayers consideration. A copy of the final 2010 General Fund Budget is to stay engaged in this process, as it will directly affect your posted at www.LynneRiley.com. service delivery, or your wallet. Citizens in un-incorporated South Fulton will no longer be provided with enhanced ambulance services due to last minute changes in the budget. This action may result in increased response times to emergencies. This amendment to the South Fulton budget should have been fully disclosed to residents well before action was taken. Funds from other county budgets were DON’T BE OVER-TAXED! transferred to the South Fulton Special Services District to provide for service delivery in 2010. Accordingly, I voted against approval of deficit spending in this fund. Continued from Page 4 I remain skeptical of the revenue projections for 2010, just as I questioned revenue projections last year. It turned out that website. revenues came in over $60 million less than projected in 2009, Information about Fulton County property tax bills, including historical city, county and school taxes, millage Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors rates and exemptions can be found at the website of the Fulton News County Tax Commissioner Www.fultoncountytaxes.org By LYNNE RILEY There are a variety of property Fulton County Commissioner - District 3 tax exemptions available to Fulton County homeowners will receive a $25,000 homestead qualifying homeowners, and exemption that is applied to the value of their property in the cal- these exemptions vary from city culation of property tax year 2010, and by 2011 the basic home- to city, and from county to county. Homestead exemptions, a stead exemption will increase to $30,000. For those homeowners “circuit breaker” credit, assessment freezes, senior exemptions currently receiving a homestead exemption, no further action is and low income exemptions are examples of the many tax relief op- required to get the increased exemption. You may need to act if portunities. Please contact your county Board of Assessors, or there was an ownership change or if you become eligible for an visit their website, and take advantage of any and all property additional exemption. First time Fulton County homeowners or exemptions available to you. In most cases, you must apply for those applying for an additional exemption have until April 1, the exemption, and deadlines must be met to receive the exemption 2010 to file. in the current tax year. In addition to the April 1st deadline to apply for a homestead My office stands ready to assist Fulton County property owners exemption, property owners have until April 1st to file a Taxpayer with questions on property values and property taxation. Please Return of Value (TPA) with the Board of Assessors. If you feel call us at 404-612-8213—we are here to help. that your home or business real estate is appraised too high in value you may submit a TPA to indicate what you believe is the correct value. To learn more about all of Fulton County property Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. tax exemptions, the Taxpayer Return of Value, and homestead office locations, please visit the Fulton County Board of -Oscar Wilde Assessors website http://www.fultonassessor.org. 16 When a Feral Cat Adopts You Association Membership & Security Patrol:

NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN Continued from Page 14 And Receive a 2010 and all kinds of treatments for a nominal fee. I returned the cats to Directory my yard as part of this program. I did not expect them to stay, especially after I had frightened them with the requisite trapping and recovery caging procedures over a period of several days. Annual membership and security patrol Surprise, they adopted me. One loves to be indoors to visit, statements were mailed in January along with the other prefers outdoors with occasional overnights inside. self-addressed return envelopes. At press They have become quite time, there were 482 paid members who will sociable with me and are receive the 2010 membership directory easily handled on their in the spring. If you did not receive a return visits to the veteri- statement, please contact membership narians. They still avoid Vice President, Carla Sklenka: other people, including You can my neighbors who also print the form from our website at www.mpnca.org Once you lovingly feed them while sign in, click the membership tab on the left. Mail your check and I am out of town. form to MPNCA, P. O. Box 724153, Atlanta, GA 31139. Kool Breeze also adopted the author, named When their annual The cost for both membership and the security patrol is because she comes and goes like the breeze shots were due, I took them $250. For reasons we don’t understand, some neighbors continue to the local animal clinic to write checks for $300. Our treasurer sends a $50 refund to which caringly welcomed these feral cats. They received full neighbors who overpay. The cost for membership without the examinations, tests for diseases and shots. I walked out with very security patrol is $50. The cost for membership with the security healthy feline reports and a $525 invoice. While this sum was patrol is $250. If you would like more information on the Mt. understandable to care for nature’s kitties, it was another surprise for Paran Security Patrol or to meet the security officers, you can one who has never had pets. In 2008, WellPet Humane contact them by email: [email protected] or phone: 404-310-7361. (associated with Project CatSnip, see below) opened in Whether you serve on the Board of Directors, a committee or Chamblee. They enthusiastically welcome feral cats and just want to support the neighborhood with your dues, we hope encourage your bringing them in for treatment by offering you will join our MPNCA “family” of neighbors! reduced fees for feral cats. I estimated about a 40% reduction from the fees I had paid previously. They also provide reduced fees for seniors. I took both cats there for their shots in 2009 and again, later, for bite wound treatments. They do not perform major surgery or services for catastrophic events. The lower fees were PLEASE TELL US ABOUT: much appreciated. Conversations with neighbors have uncovered similar stories to YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS mine. A couple of Northside Drive neighbors experienced multiple We need your help to keep up litters in 2007 and 2008. They, too, used Lifeline, which provided trapper assistance to trap the litters. That is a big aide, as the trapping with new neighbors so tell us experience was a difficult one for me to do emotionally. They whenever you sell your house or trapped nine cats over a period of time. Another stray is being see new neighbors moving in. taken in this month. About five of the original nine remain in their Our hospitality committee has yards and gladly accept food and water. Two adopted their care- developed a welcome package takers and like to be petted and cuddled. The others have remained for new residents that includes aloof but appreciative. Other neighbors on Northside Close, East helpful information and some Conway and Conway Glen have adopted strays as household pets surprises. Please contact Ann or trapped kitties for no-kill neuter programs. O’Connell with the information and she will personally There are a lot more details to the Trap-Neuter-Return programs deliver a Mt. Paran-Northside Association welcome bag: and the many pet rescue resources. A search on the web will provide more information than I can provide in this article, but I am happy to talk with anyone who may be presented with unexpected feral kitties this spring. Below is contact information for several services that I know: STOP THE PRESSES… Lifeline Spay and Neuter Clinic: www.Atlantapets.org; 404- 292-8800 ext 24. It also provides Kitty Motel, a cage-free half- way house for homeless cats with additional rehabilitation for THIS JUST IN: CRIME ALERT those needing extra care to become adoptable. Project CatSnip – a mobile low cost spay & neuter service for If you are driving at night and eggs are thrown at your cats. See www.atlantaanimalalliance.com 770-455-7077 windshield, do not operate the wiper or spray any water WellPetHumane veterinary clinic. 770-455-1011; because eggs mixed with water become milky and block [email protected] Good Mews: www.goodmews.org 770-499-2287. It provides your vision up to 92.5% so you are forced to stop at the cage-free haven for homeless, abused or abandoned cats until roadside and become a victim of robbers. This is a new placing them in permanent homes. technique used by thieves. Please inform your friends and relatives. This also happens on interstates near exits. For more feral cat photos see back page. 17 First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Return Service Requested Marietta, GA MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. Permit No. 7 P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31139 OFFICERS President/Marci Vincent Vice President/Communications/Jo Ann Rau Vice President/Membership/Carla Sklenka Secretary/Marilyn Midyette Treasurer/Cameron Adair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandra Adair, London Andes, Pat Daly, John Feeley, Peter Fleming, Rita Fink, Debra Fowler, Al Goodgame, John Gordon, Lynn Irvin, Paul Muldawer, Ann O’Connell

EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS) Yolanda Adrean, Brenda Smith, Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Robert Hurst (d), Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. Clay Moore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy

Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau

WEB SITE www.mpnca.org Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

E-Mail is Your Window Feral Cat Beauties To The Neighborhood Photos: Barbara White Over the years your Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association has discovered the value of getting important information to the neighborhood in the fastest, most efficient manner. Email is timely, cost effective, and enables our members to effectively affect outcomes on issues which impact our community. Your email address is never broadcast to others on our list and will remain confidential. If you did not include your email address on the annual membership statem has changed—please email it to Kitty adopted a council member’s Tiger, Bandit and Prissy feeding at And, be sure to include this address in your on-line family on Conway Glen their Northside Dr. home address book so that you’ll be certain to receive these important emails when they’re sent.

The Citizen’s Review Online This edition of our neighborhood newsletter is available online...in color! Tell your friends about our website: www.mpnca.org On The Home Page, click on the Gracie with Prissy at home on Northside Dr. Citizen’s Reviews, for this issue and archived editions. From there, let the website be your window to the world! See related article—Page 00