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The

Vol. 27 Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc. October 2011

This island nation, in the Indian Oceanformed by a double chain of 26 atolls,435 miles southwest of Sri-Lanka and250 miles from India, offers diving sites

where you can swim with whale sharks, ifyoure lucky enough to find them. Page 9

AARON FINKTAKESUSDIVINGINTHE

MALDIVES

Redistricting is conducted every tenyears following the US Census results,which showed in 2010 that District 8actually has more residents38,063to be exactmore than the averagegoal of 35,000, the desirable number,says councilwoman Yolanda Adrean.This means that the natural boundaries

of the district, those to the south andeast, will have to change. Page 5

Aaron Fink

From the State Legislature, Edward Lindsey, tells us what we need to know

about the factors affecting redistricting in Buckhead. The Redistricting SpecialSession is over and the new maps have been set for the State House, StateSenate, and the Georgia Congressional Delegation. While redistricting willhave regional, state, and even national implications, all politics are still local, soRepresentative Lindsey discusses how redistricting will impact his BuckheadCommunity. Page 4

REDISTRICTING& City Council District 8

On August 16, several members of theMt. Paran-Northside Citizens AssociationBoard of Directors met with new AtlantaPublic Schools Superintendent, ErrollDavis, Jr. Change is underway, but it isnot too late to have a say in what isgoing on. Page 2

MPNCA Board meetsAPS Superintendent

Only 13% of voters in our associationboundaries voted in the Nov. 30runoff election. Brian Kemp, in hison-going effort to raise poll numbersin Georgia, is encouraging voters touse the states new My Voter Page, orMVP, voter education website thatallows voters to: view a sample ballotspecific to them, their early votingand Election Day polling locations,request an absentee ballot and more.MVP also allows Georgias militaryand overseas voters to quickly accessand print their ballot. Page 7

Secretary of StateIntroduces NewMy Voter Website

Page 15

The

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IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

ThePresidents

Corner

The 2011 board year started out with the addition of three newinitiatives to our standing agenda. With the local concerns regardingthe Atlanta Public Schools (APS), the Atlanta Police Department(APD) and the potential formation of Milton County to our

North, your neighborhood association made the decision to formthree task forces to follow the developments in each of theseareas. We were thrilled to have three capable, dedicated andconcerned citizens volunteer to lead our efforts as wereviewe d these areas of concern to our neighborhood:

Atlanta Public Schools Reshama McGovern (assistedby Brenda Smith, Chair of our Political Committee)

Atlanta Police Department John Gordon Milton County Lynn Irvin

On the APS front, we began the review by lookingat a broadarray of issues: the cheating scandal, the new North Atlanta HighSchool location (and the problems of access, traffic, noise, etc),SuttonMiddle School overcrowding, and the potential formation ofconversion charter schools. As the year progressed and some ofthese issues were exposed and more broadly addressed, we focusedon just two of the problems: traffic congestion related to the newhigh school and Sutton overcrowding. We formed a committee,led by Jennifer Moyers, to work with The Georgia Department ofTransportation (GDOT) and the City of Atlanta Department ofPublic Works to address the traffic and congestion issues. Thisgroup will continue to meet quarterly as the traffic related issuesare further defined and addressed. Relative to Sutton overcrowding,our MPNCA task force met with the new Superintendent ofschools, Erroll Davis, to discuss our concerns (the notes from ourAugust 16 meeting are posted on the website: mpnca.org). Weare hopeful that we brought additional awareness of the issuessurrounding our neighborhood schools to the new superintendentand his management team.

The MPNCA APD task force has kept in close contact withMajor Browning,Commander of the Zone 2 Police Precinct, asthe department reorganizes its zones and beats. We have beendiscussing manpower needs, geographic coverage, and responsetimes. Our Neighborhood Beautification Chairman, Al Goodgame,was happy to learn about the creation of the new COPS unit

(Community Oriented Policing Section). Their goal is to assistthe neighborhood in dealing with issues such as illegal signs,vicious dogs, code compliance, abandoned properties, etc. Aland his team identified 14 vacant homes in our neighborhoodthat the COPS unit will be monitoring. We will continue to keepyou informed as our discussions progress.

Last winter, our politically active neighbor, Lynn Irvin, waskeeping the board informed about the potential formation of MiltonCounty. We learned that this issue would not come up in thisyears legislative session but will continue to track this as wemove toward 2012.

I also want to acknowledge and thank the many other boardmembers who continue to work tirelessly to make our neighborhooda better place to live. I am extremely appreciative of their efforts.

The

Presidents

CornerBy ANN OCONNELL

Mt. Paran Road

MPNCA GIFTS FIREFIGHTERS

WITH HOLIDAY DINNERTo feed the threeshifts at Station 27,an abundance ofturkey and ham dinners

with all the trimmingswas dropped off onChristmas Eve. Theon-duty shift washappy to see us andmost appreciative ofthe neighborhoodsthoughtfulness duringthe holiday season. Six months later, one MPNCA board memberran into a fireman from the Christmas Eve shift. He rememberedher and commented how much it meant to the firemen who had towork during the holiday to have the delicious dinners.

If you wo Christmas 2011, please sendan email to

On August 16, severalmembers of the Mt. Paran-

Northside Citizens AssociationBoard of Directors met withnew APS superintendentErroll Davis, Jr., along with

the principal of North AtlantaHigh School, our Board ofEducation representative

Nancy Meister, and othersfrom the school system.

Among the issues discussed was the overcrowding at SuttonMiddle School and how decisions would be made to divide students

between the existing building and the current North Atlanta HighSchool building. Sutton has more feeder schools (6) than anyother middle school in the system, which is the major cause ofovercrowding. According to APS officials, a demographic studyis underway and interested parties can provide input online atwww.atlanta.k12.ga.us The study will be analyzed in Novemberand recommendations will be presented to the Board of Educationfor their consideration.

Plans for the new North Atlanta High School on the 56-acreIBM property at 4111 Northside Parkway are underway. Thearchitectural team, led by Jerry Cooper, includes Cooper Carry/Collins Cooper Carusi/Paul Cheeks. According to the architectAt this point, conceptual and schematic designs are being exploredand reviewed. The Lakeside Building will be renovated toaccommodate four learning academies and will house administrativeareas, cafeteria and media center. The existing Hillside Buildingwill be demolished and this footprint will be utilized to build the

performance theater and support spaces along with a competitionand practice gymnasium.

The existing parking deck will provide ample parking. APS is

C h a n g e s U n d e r w a y f o rSutton Middle School The New North Atlanta High

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FOR GRACE SHEA, on Conway Valley Rd.,it is all about the goal both on the field andin the classroom. This years North AtlantaHigh School Salutatorian has been playingsoccer since she was in pre-school. In additionto being co-captain of the NAHS girls soccerteam, Grace also plays for a nationallyranked club team in Atlanta. Her soccercareer is continuing this year at theUniversity of Wisconsin Madison HonorsProgram. Wisconsins Division 1 soccer

program has been among the best in the country during the past

three years. With a 101.05 GPA, Grace has scored just as manygoals in the classroom as on the field during her high schoolacademic career. In addition to Salutatorian, she is NorthAtlantas 2010 STAR student, the APS 2010 Female ScholarAthlete, and for her artwork, she was awarded the ScholasticGold Key and an honorable mention at the Columbus StateUniversity Art Show. Outside the classroom, Grace served as aclass SGA representative for four years, a member of OutwardBound and a mentor for Jackson Elementary students and GirlTalk. This former Jackson Elementary and Sutton studentcredits her parents and self-motivation for her high schoolsuccess and based on her performance to date, there is everyreason to believe Grace will score many more goals in the future.

Notable Neighbor

3

.

Kudos to Lou GerlandBy CAROL MULDAWER

Randall Ridge Road

Tremendous appreciation andgratitude goes to Lou Gerland

of Randall Ridge Road forcleaning up and getting rid ofall the over growth on andaround the bridge on RandallMill Rd. He spent days cuttingaway kudzu, overgrownweeds and debris hanging

over the bridgegrowing intothe street andspent his ownmoney for a

prof es sion alc h e m i c a l

spray to killkudzu.There are

ways we allcan help keepour neighbor-hood looking its best, and, without spending a lot of money. Justfollow these simple guidelines.

Keep storm sewer drains unclogged by telling your yard peoplenot to throw your yard clippings into the sewer and to quit

blowing your yard debris into the middle of the street or on toyour neighbors side.

Keep your own property clean by cutting weeds along thestreet and picking up trash that someone has thrown out of theircar into your yard. If everyone just takes care of their own property

it will only make our neighborhood more attractive.

Before

After Photos: Paul Muldawer

IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Buckhead Coalition has budgeted grantfunds to partner with the Buckhead CommunityImprovement District (CID) and Atlanta Police

Foundation, to provide incentives forneighborhood police residents, and for officialmonitoring of private surveillance cameras inBuckhead.

The residency program makes $3,000 availableto each uniformed officer who moves intoBuckhead, in addition to whatever rent concessionscan be negotiated. To make it even moreattractive, Chief George Turner has agreed to make a police caravailable to each of said officers to drive home.

Coalition president Sam Massell claims Such presence ofuniformed personnel living in neighborhoods is a dramaticdeterrent to crime, and can result in increased arrest records. *

The camera initiative is an effort to tie privately ownedequipment at retail outlets, office buildings, etc., to a central

monitoring station operated by the Police Foundation.The CID will cover the area within its boundaries, and the

Coalition will be responsible for the balance of the twenty-eightsquare miles of official Buckhead. The Coalition is earmarking$40,000 for the first stage of these new public safety programs.

*Editors note: Sergeant "J.R." Ellis is an active duty veteran of theAtlanta Police Department and has worked part time for the Mt. ParanSecurity Patrol for seven years. He would like to move into theneighborhood and is looking for a garage apartment or similarsituation. Interested parties can contact him by email:ellis@yahoo.com or phone: 404-944-1012.

Buckhead Coalition - CID - ATL Police Foundation

Sam Massell

I walk the neighborhood nearlyeveryday. My dog makes it a necessity.Though I feel blessed to live in a

beautiful area of Atlanta, there is anincreasing amount of trash on everystreet. Between our teenagers, theworkmen, and through traffic, everystreet has trash. Many of us haveyardmen now, and as owners, werarely walk our own yards. All of usneed to police our yard and curb

your mother doesnt live here and no one makes those travelingin our area, or working in our area, pick up after themselves.Our yard people are another problem. Many are good hardworkers but they would rather blow your trash into the woodsor into the many creeks, than bag it. Consequently there is agood deal of non-biodegradable trash cluttering the landscape.

Continued on Page 14

TRASH IN THE 'HOOD

By RITA FINK

Somerset Drive

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the Brookhaven, North Buckhead, Garden Hills, Lenox Park,and Pine Hills neighborhoods. I will also represent centralBuckhead south of West Paces Ferry including the areas aroundHabersham Road, West Wesley, Peachtree Battle, NorthsideDrive, and Atlanta Memorial Park.

House District 52, represented by Republican RepresentativeJoe Wilkinson, will pick up the Chastain Park Tuxedo Road areadown to the Governors mansion on West Paces Road. HouseDistrict 40, represented by Republican Representative Rich Gollick,will pick up the northwestern portion of Buckhead including partsof Mt. Paran and the Lovett School area.

House District 53, represented by Democratic RepresentativeElly Dobbs, will take in the rest of western Buckhead. RepresentativeDobbs is also now in the same district with Democrat RepresentativeSheila Jones. This was necessitated by extreme under populationin the southern portion of her district. Central Southern Buckheadwill now be in House District 55, represented by DemocraticRepresentative Tyrone Brooks.

For an interactive closer examination of the new GeorgiaHouse maps which includes roads and other landmarks visithttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/map-new-state-house-1102669.html

Buckhead in the State SenateAbout 80% of Buckhead will now

be included in Senate District

6. This district also includes theHigh Point area of Sandy Springsand sweeps east/west into theVinings and Smyrna area of eastCobb. Southeastern Buckheadwill continue to be represented byDemocratic Senator Vincent Fort

and Southwestern Buckhead willcontinue to be represented by Democratic Senator Horacena Tate.

For an interactive closer examination of the new Georgia Senatemap which includes roads and other landmarks visithttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/map-new-state-senate-1103236.html

Buckhead in the US Congress

Atlanta will get a secondCongressman representing partof the city. Democratic Congress-man John Lewis will con-tinue representing most ofAtlanta but the 11th Congres-sional District will come in fromCobb County and take in muchof west and north Buckhead. ThisCongressional District is pres-

ently represented by Republican Congressman Phil Gingrey.For an interactive closer examination of the new Georgia

Senate map which includes roads and other landmarks visithttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/map-

proposed-georgia-congressional-1134142.html

Conclusion Redistricting and the Art of the PossibleDoubtless, there are many in Buckhead who will be disappointed

that they are not in the State House, State Senate, or Congressionaldistrict of their choice. I understand and wish I could have mademore residents in Buckhead happy. However, very few got every-thing they asked for in the negotiations. Please keep in mind thatthese districts were not designed by one person but were the resultof a collaborative effort by many different and often competing

parties and interests in the State House, State Senate, Governorsoffice, and Congress.

If you have any questions or comments, please give my legislativeoffice a call at 404-656-5024 or emailEdward.lindsey@house.ga.gov

Factors Affecting Redistricting in BuckheadThe Redistricting Special Session is over

and the new maps have been set for the StateHouse, State Senate, and the GeorgiaCongressional Delegation. While redistrictingwill have regional, state, and even nationalimplications, all politics are still local, so Iwant to discuss how redistricting will impactmy Buckhead Community.

There were several factors that came intoplay in considering redistricting in ourcommunity. They include:U.S. Constitution -- One Person/One Vote

The U.S. Constitution requires that all state and federal legislativedistricts be the same size in population. As a result, there will bea number of changes in the Atlanta region. While the BuckheadCommunity grew in proportion to the Georgias growth over the

past decade, both south and east of our community witnessedsome of the greatest drops in population in the state. For instance,

of the ten State House districts that lost the greatest populationsover the past decade, 8 were located inside the I-285 perimeter inSouth Atlanta and DeKalb County. Many others in this area werealso in the bottom 25 in terms of population. Likewise, theCongressional 4th and 5th Districts were also the smallest in

population in the state according to the 2010 census.The Voting Rights Act ("VRA")

Georgia is subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act whichrequires that either the U.S. Justice Department or a 3 member

panel of federal judges determine that our redistricting plan doesnot contain "retrogression" of minority voting rights. This requiredus to look thoughtfully at how to maintain such rights throughoutthe state and especially in state house, state senate, andcongressional districts in our region that had lost populationover the past decade.

Buckhead as a Community of InterestOver the course of the last several months, I have spoken withcountless residents of Buckhead and have been asked repeatedlyto provide our community with greater representation that reflectsour community. Buckhead is a historically strong Republicancommunity but that has not been reflected in the State House,State Senate, or Congress. Buckhead presently has no Republicanrepresentation in Congress, no Republican representation in theState Senate, and only one Republican (me) in the State Houserepresenting 40% of the community. Buckhead needs greaterrepresentation in each of these legislative chambers for not only

partisan reasons but also for strong policy reasons that benefit allresidents of Atlanta. By having both Democrats and Republicansrepresenting part of Atlanta, our capital city will have a voice atthe table where public policy decisions are made regardless of

who is in the White House or Governors mansion, or whichparty controls the U. S. Congress or the Georgia General Assembly.

Buckhead in the State HouseMy District 54 will see some changes. I no longer will be

representing southeasternSandy Springs or the ChastainPark, Tuxedo Road area downto the Governors mansion onWest Paces Road. My Districtwill now be entirely located inBuckhead. It will continue torepresent the eastern half of ourc o m m u n i t y i n c l u d i n g

By State Representative Edward Lindsey

Georgia House Majority Whip

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The district boundaries and current population of District 8 are

going to change. City Council is about to embark on its 2011redistricting process, which means district boundaries and residentpopulations will shift as new boundaries are drawn to make surethe populations of each council district are balanced andrepresentation on Council is fair. Redistricting is conductedevery ten years following the US Census results, which showedin 2010 that District 8 actually has more residents- 38,063 to beexact- than the average goal of 35,000 being that Atlanta has atotal of 420,003 residents. This means that the natural boundariesof the district, those to the south and east, will have to change inorder to give and lose (for those districts that are too small) someresidents to bordering districts, which include Districts 7, 9 and asmall part of 3.Federal and State Requirements/Guidelines:

Even though Full Council has final say-so over the new district

boundaries, we must follow Federal and State requirements andguidelines when redrawing the lines. As mentioned above, thegoal is to even out the district populations so that each districthas around 35,000 residents. In addition, district lines must becontiguous and follow natural boundaries. Council will alsostrive to keep current voting precincts whole and communities ofinterest intact. A Federal requirement that must be adhered to isthat new boundaries must not in any way improperly dilute theminority vote. This requirement stems from the 1965 VotingRights Act and further means that the City must gain preclearanceof the final, proposed district lines from the US Department ofJustice prior to them being adopted and becoming effective.Citizen Input and Participation:

One of the most crucial components of redistricting is hearingfrom residents since they know their neighborhoods and their

representative needs best. During the year-long redistrictingprocess (the final district lines must be ready by August 25,

By YOLANDA ADREAN

Atlanta City Council Member, District 8

2012 in order for candidates to meet the 2013 General Electionresidency requirements) multiple proposals and maps will becreated and shared with the public for review and comment. Themaps will be made available on-line and in the City Hallatrium. In addition there will be set public hearings which youwill receive notice of through the NPUs as well as the Cityswebsite and my office. I want to make sure that I hear directly frommy constituents regarding the upcoming proposals, which is whyIve gone ahead and included the current redistricting schedule

below. (Please note that the first public information session on

redistricting was held Wednesday, September 14th., but youcan still participate.)2011Redistricting Schedule

Thursday, October 13, 10 a.m., Committee Room #2:Council Redistricting Work Session

Friday, October 14, City Hall Atrium/WebsiteProposed Plans/Maps on Display for Public Review and On-Line

Thursday, October 20, 6 p.m., Council Chambers2011 Redistricting Schedule

Thursday, November 3, 10 a.m.,Committee Room #22nd Council Redistricting Work Session

Friday, November 4, City Hall Atrium/WebsiteProposed Plans/Maps on Display for Public Review and On-Line

Thursday, November 17, 6 p.m., Council Chambers

2nd Public Redistricting HearingMonday, Dcember 5, Proposed Final Adoption of Final

Reconfigured District Boundry Lines by Full CouncilTuesday, December 13, Proposed Approval by Mayor of New

District Boundary LinesTuesday, December 20, Plans Submitted to US Department

of Justice, GA Secretary of State and GA LegislativeReapportionment Office

Saturday, August 25, 2012, Date of Required Residency for2013 GeneralElection Candidates (New District Line MUST be in

place by this date)Remember, I represent you. You can always contact me by email

at yadrean@atlantaga.gov; by office phone at 330-6051; at

home: 404 261-4593. Assistants are Katie Howard and PriyamBhargava Please stay in touch.

REDISTRICTINGANDCITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8

Editors note: Kudos to Yolanda for initiating several improvement projects in District 8. Some significant projects directly benefitingour neighborhood include the paving of both Mt. Paran Road and Northside Drive. Yolanda also placed the paving of West Conway

Drive on the 2011 District 8 priority list, which is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2012. We are grateful to Yolanda for herleadership and the excellent services provided by her office!

The opportunity to serve as your Secretary of State

is both an honor and a privilege. Since day one in office,and certainly during this challenging economic time,my guiding philosophy has been to promote goodgovernment solutions that responsibly benefit allGeorgia taxpayers, small business owners and ourelections processes.

To achieve these goals we have significantly in-creased our commitments to implementing technologyand e-government solutions throughout each agencydivision, and to removing government red tape and regulationsthat inhibit economic recovery and job growth.

I am proud that Georgia continues to be a national model for

election security, integrity and innovation. To ensure the

continued security and fairness of our elections processwe launched a new website called Stop Voter Fraud,where voters can quickly report any suspicious election-related activity. Election and voter fraud undermines thevery foundations of our great state and country, and willnot be tolerated. We also obtained a victory for the protectionof our voter rolls when we filed suit against the U.S.Department of Justice to obtain pre-clearance of Georgias

processes to verify the U.S. citizenship of new voterregistration applicants.

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Continued on Page 7

PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNMENT TO BENEFIT ALL GEORGIANSBy Brian P. Kemp

Georgia Secretary of State

Brian Kemp

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545 VS. 300,000,000 PEOPLE

Politicians are the only people in the world who createp ro b l ems and then campaign agains t them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicansare against deficits, WHY do we have deficits? Have you ever

wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes,WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on

appropriations. The House of Representatives does.You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. You and I

don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don't controlmonetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, andnine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out ofthe 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individuallyresponsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board becausethat problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congressdelegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to afederally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a soundreason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability tocoerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-

picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 milliondollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it.

No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator' sresponsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energyconvincing you that what they did is not their fault. Theycooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is anexcessive amount of gall. No normal human being would havethe gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President

for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. Hecannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives

sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originatingand approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker ofthe House now? He is the leader of the majority party. He andfellow House members, not the President, can approve any

budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it overhis veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 millioncannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by presentfacts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of asingle domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people

6

By CHARLEY REESEJournalist, Orlando Sentinel

exercise the power of the federal government, then it must followthat what exists is what they want to existIf the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the redIf the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's

because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan...If they do notreceive social security but are on an elite retirement plan notavailable to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucratswhom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists,whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whomthey give the power to regulate and from whom they can takethis power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief thatthere exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy,""inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what theytake an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, andthey alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should beheld accountable by the people who are their bosses. Providedthe voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

Origins: Journalist Charley Reese (now deceased) was part of

the Orlando Sentinel's staff for three decades between 1971-2001, during

which time he (among other duties) penned a thrice-weekly column which

was distributed to other newspapers nationwide by King Features Syndicate.

During the 1980s Reese wrote the first version of an editorial opiningthat 545 people (i.e., the President of the United States, plus all the members of

Congress and the Supreme Court) "are directly, legally, morally and

individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this

country," and he has amended, updated, and republished that piece

several times since then. Another version appeared in the 7 March 1995

edition of the Orlando Sentinel, where it ran under the title "Looking for

Someone to Blame? Congress Is a Good Place to Start." This version below

updated 18 April, 2011 (not by Reese) reflects current political situations

like the Iraq and Afghan Wars.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

March 2, 2011Where was Spring?

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7

willing to support any of the26 reform recommendations

proposed by CCGA and theGeorgia Alliance for EthicsReform. The Alliance madequite a splash in nationalheadlines because of thediverse mix of groups withvaried policy positions whodo not normally team up, but

have come together to work on ethics reform. These groupsinclude CCGA, Georgia Watch, the League of Women Votersand the Georgia Tea Party Patriots.

In Atlanta and Fulton County, CCGA has called on MayorReed and the Atlanta City Council, as well as the Fulton CountyCommission to enact pay-to-play reform. For those unfamiliarwith the term, it refers to the perception that in order to getawarded a government contract, you must pay to play by donatingto the campaigns of the elected officials who award the contract.

The reaction by those in Atlanta and Fulton County has beendisappointing, with only two Fulton County Commissionerstaking up the charge so far. Perhaps it should not be expectedas candidates for these elected offices have come to rely on somethingthat can only be considered institutionalized bribery they aredependent on campaign funds from those wishing to do businesswith the city and county. Former Mayor Shirley Franklin

summed it up best she said 70percent of her campaign donationscame from hopeful contractors andtheir business associates andfamilies. She proves our case. We

believe campaign support shouldcome from those living or workingin the city or county, not those

who wish to profit from taxpayerdollars.

So, at a time when citizenengagement and trust in our

government is at an all-time low, what can we do to make ourelected officials more receptive to ethics reform? Let them hearfrom you! I often say bad laws happen when good people arenot paying attention. Georgias tough ethics laws of the pasthave eroded because so many of us have thrown up our hands andsaid to heck with them, all politicians are the same! The bar hasfallen so low, but there is hope. At the end of the last legislativesession, I read in the AJC that a state senator said it only takesthree calls, from voters in his district, to change his mind on anissue. Surely there are more than three people in every citycouncil, county commission, state house and state senate district

willing to make a call, or write an email in support of meaningfulethics reform. If you are one of them, please consider:

Jo in ing Common Cause Georg i a v i s i twww.CommonCause.org/GA/join or call 404-524-4598 - yourmembership starting at just $40 per year allows us to monitorour elected officials at the state and local level.Visit www.GeorgiaEthicsReform.com to learn about state ethicsreform efforts.

Call or email your elected officials and ask them to supportmeaningful ethics reform, if you do not know who they are, findthem at My Voter Page - www.sos.ga.gov/myp

Doing any or all of these things will help us find elected officialswilling to support ethics reform.

Finally, our newMy Voter Page,or MVP, votereducation websiteallows voters toview a sample

ballot specific tothem, their earlyvoting and ElectionDay po l l i nglocations, requestan absentee ballotand more. MVPalso allows Georgiasmilitary and over-seas voters to

quickly access and print their ballot, saving weeks previouslylost to the mail. While other states failed to comply with federalelection law by providing their military and overseas voters thistechnology, Georgians living or stationed in more than 50 countries

printed their ballots through MVP during the November 2010general election. I would like to remind you that 2012 will be animportant election year as we once again hold a presidential

preference primary, in addition to the general primary in Julyand the general election in November. You can play a key role inthe election process in your community by serving as a pollworker. Poll workers are charged with confirming that votersare registered, checking voters identification and makingsure voters receive their proper ballot. Please contact my officeor your county election office for more information.

I encourage you to contact me if we can assist you with anymatter, and to stop by my office the next time you visit the Georgia

Capitol.Web: www.sos.ga.gov Secretary of States Twitter & Facebook pages:GASOSKemp Email: sos@sos.ga.gov Phone: 404-656-2881

http://www.sos.ga.gov click on My Voter Page

Secretary of State IntroducesMY VOTER PAGE

Continued from Page 5

Wanted: Elected Officialsto Support Ethics Reform

By WILLIAM PERRY

Executive Director of Common Cause Georgia

It is hard to believe, but it is tough to findelected officials at either the state or local levelwho are willing to support meaningful ethicsreform. As the fairly new Executive Directorof Common Cause Georgia (CCGA), I amfinding similar challenges that my predecessorfound, and wrote about in previous editions ofThe Citizens Review.

At the state level, House and Senate leadershipignored calls for true ethics reform during the last legislativesession in the wake of a $17,000 trip to Europe for the HouseSpeaker, his wife and two children and his chief of staff and hiswife. The trip was paid for by a lobbyist who was not properlyregistered and did not report the expenses in the timeframerequired by law. Members of the leadership so far have not been

William Perry

Bad Laws Happen when Good Peopleare not Paying Attention

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THE ARTIST AMONG US: LUCINDA WEIL BUNNEN

"When travelling, Iwork with a hand-held camera andhave it in my handall the time. Itb e c o m e s a nex tens i on o f myeye and as I am socurious, especiallyin a foreign country,I am always lookingall the time.

In the 'Mexico'series, Bunnenshows the colorfulexteriors of buildingsand unveils theabstract beauty oftheir surfaces.

Mexican Village

GrillsCuba

Mexico Crying

Girl in ShadowsCuba

LUCINDA W. BUNNENRandall Mill Road

Go to page 13 to see where Lucinda is exhibiting her work.

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THE ARTIST AMONG US: AARON S. FINK

Mantas are the largestray encountered. Thesemajestic creaturesrange up to 22 feet inwidth. They can oftenbe seen at cleaningstations, where theyhover as smaller fishpick off parasites ontheir skin. These mantaswere seen at LankanManta Point in theMaldives.

As many have seen at the Georgia Aquarium, these gentle giantssw im e f fo r t l es s l y i n pursu i t o f k r i l l ( sh r imp- l i k ema ri ne cr us ta ce an s) . These two pictures were taken inNorth Male Atoll in the Maldives. We cruised up and down achannel between islands until they were spotted and we could

jump in to catch a view!

AARON S. FINKConway Valley Court

For information about prints and Aaron Fink go to www.finksphotos.c

The Maldives is well known for large schools of fish. This school of blue-stripped snappers, captured swimming in formation was taken at

Fishhead, a famous Maldivian dive site.

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November 8, 2011

Shall the governing authority of thCity of Atlanta be authorized to permi

and regulate package sales by retailers of malt beverageswine and distilled spirits on Sundays between the hours o12:30 P.M. and 11:30 P.M.?

Atlanta Public Schools seek to continue the special purposone percent local option sales tax (SPLOST) for another 5years. APS proposes to raise $499,962,831 to be used focapital projects (new schools, land, additions, renovationsdebt service and equipment).

Sandy Springs voters will be asked to approve the speciapurpose one percent sales tax for another 5 years for Fulto

County schools. Fulton schools propose to rais$1,412,364,278 to be used for upgrading, adding toreconfiguring, renovating, replace, modifying and equippinexisting support facilities and athletic facilities.

Note: This is the fourth time that school systems have askevoters to approve the one percent sales tax since 1996. SPLOSTfunds were approved in three previous elections with about 5%voter participation. For complete language for the above referendum and a sample ballot, go to the Fulton County website:fultoncountyga.gov/county/elections/

2012No date set for the presidential primary at the time of printingJuly 31 General Primary November 6 General Election

For information on voting, registering, absentee ballot, sampl

ballot, poll locations, etc., check out the following websites:State of Georgia: sos.ga.gov/elections/ MyVoter Page (MVP)Fulton County: fultoncountyga.gov/county/elections/League of Women Voters: lwvaf.orgFulton County Dept. of Registration & Elections: 404-730-7020Secretary of State Elections: 404-656-2871

Your vote is your voice, your right. Contrary to popular belief,

one vote (yours) does make a difference!

All recyclables are placed together in the bin and are separatedfor recycling at the processing facility. Paper: all paper products (NO food contaminated boxes or

paper like pizza boxes, paper towels, or napkins, NO waxcoated cartons)

Shredded paper in a clear plastic bag Glass: all bottles and jars (rinse) (NO Plates, Cups, or Windows) Aluminum cans (rinse) (NO Foil, Trays, Plates) Steel (tin) cans (rinse) (NO metal hangers/wire)

Plastics: all (RINSED) hard plastic food containers andplastic bottles stamped with a number 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 7 insidethe chasing arrows (NOpolystyrene, NO hangers)

Cardboard, broken down or cut to fit in the bin (Keep it Dry)(NO STYROFOAM)

Request a blue 95-gallon rolling recycling cart by calling 404-330-6333 or send an email topublicworks@atlantaga.govMaterials that cannot be recycled curbside can be recycled elsewhere:Batteries at the Northside YMCA on Moores Mill.Styrofoam egg cartons and Styrofoam food trays at the recycling

boxes outside Publix in the West Paces Ferry Shopping Center.Plastic bags at the recycling boxes outside Publix in the WestPaces Ferry Shopping Center.E-scrap (anything electronic) at Walden Middle School, 320 Irwin

Street on 2nd Saturdays monthly.For other material, access www.KeepAtlantaBeautiful.org andwww.Earth911.org send an email to publicworks@atlantaga.govor call 404-330-6333. Reduce Reuse Recycle

By MARY LOU FLOYD

Mt. Paran Road

Recycle Curbside

a) one "for sale" or "for rent" sign on the property that is itselfor sale or rent. The sign cannot be larger than 6 square feet (2' x 3')

b) one contractor sign while a house is under construction orenovation.

c) civic campaign signs during a time-limited civic campaignd) political campaign signs during a campaign.

Limits on signs on commercial property.Before any sign or banner can be placed outside of a building

on commercial property, the owner of the property must obtain sign permit from the City's Bureau of Buildings. Usually, thonly signs that will be allowed are durable permanent signs, withno more than 3 signs allowed per property. The biggest offenderare foam board advertising signs, such as cigarette, alcoholand soft drink ads at gas stations, and advertising banners andfoam board signs at fast food restaurants and strip shopping centers

Continued on Page 15

No signs in the public right of way or otherpublic property.

When it comes to our parks, streets, trafficintersections, and other public property, it'sreally very simple -- the placement of signs anywhere

in the public right of way (a distance generallywithin 6 - 7 feet of the curb) or other public property, other than

by a governmental entity, is illegal at all times. That applies toany signs and posters nailed to telephone poles and to any signs

placed along the road, at highway off-ramps, at intersections, oron traffic islands, such as real estate "directional" signs, politicalcampaign signs, civic campaign signs (such as church and charityfundraiser and event signs), yard sale signs, etc.Limits on signs on residential property.

On residential property, the following signs are allowed with asetback out of the public right of way (generally at least 6-7 feetfrom the street):

City of Atlanta

Sign OrdinanceWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE IN COMPLIANCE

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Do You Worry that a Tree Can Fall On Your HouseBy SHELDON SCHLEGMAN

Mt. Paran RoadChairman, The Tree Next Door

Recent storms have damaged many treesin our neighborhoods, some which had to

be taken down. Perhaps this has made

you a bit wary about the trees in youryard that are still standing. How likely arethey to fall in the next windstorm? youmay be thinking. Should you be takingthem down now before the next storm?

Before cutting any tree, you shouldconsult with an International Society ofArboriculture (ISA) certified arboristwho can advise you on the health andstructural integrity of your trees. A certifiedarborist is one who has passed a qualifyingexam given by the ISA. Because there is nolicense required to perform tree services in Georgia, the ISAcertification is the only way that you can be sure you are dealingwith a competent tree professional.

You should attempt to use a certified arborist that is notaffiliated with a tree cutting service in order to receive an unbiasedopinion about your trees. If your arborist recommends removal,ask for specifics as to why the tree needs to be removed. Some-times trees are removed unnecessarily, particularly if the samecompany that you hired to do the tree inspection does the removal.

If both you and your arborist are convinced that a tree shouldbe removed on your property, make sure that you know the lawbefore you take down the tree. Atlanta has a Tree ProtectionOrdinance (TPO) that provides for the protection of our citystrees. You cannot rely on tree services to inform you about theordinance requirements. The ordinance requires every tree witha diameter at breast height (DBH) 6or greater to have a permitfrom the city Arborist Division prior to being removed, even ifthe tree is dead. If a tree that is protected by the ordinance is

removed on your property without a permit, you, as the owner,can be assessed substantial fines, even if the tree cutter failed toinform you about the permit requirement. Be forewarned: ignoranceof the law is almost never accepted by the City as a legitimateexcuse for taking a tree down without a permit.

The Tree Protection Ordinance can be found on the City ofAtlantas website (see below for more information), but theaverage homeowner will find it a bit cumbersome to read all 31

pages of the ordinance to find out how to legally remove atree. Therefore, the following FAQ list has been created:

Tree Removal FAQ

Is a permit needed to remove a tree on private property?A permit is required to remove any tree of 6 inch or greater

diameter at breast height (DBH) on private property. DBH can

be determined by measuring the circumference of the tree witha tape measure at 4.5 feet above the natural ground at the baseof the tree and dividing by 3.14 (pi).

Is a permit needed to remove a tree on city property?A permit is required to remove, destroy or injure any tree on

city property, regardless of size.

Does one need a permit to remove a dead, dying or hazardoustree (DDH), or a tree that would be better replaced by a hardierspecimen?

Any tree on city property or any tree on private property thatis 6 inches or greater diameter at breast height (DBH) needs a

permit to remove, regardless of species or present condition.Even dead trees require a permit for removal.

What should I do if I apply for a permit tocut dead, dying or hazardous tree (DDH)but the city arborist wont grant me the

permit?You should ask the city arborist for morespecific facts as to why he found the tree(s)to not be DDH, which would automaticallyqualify for a permit. If you disagree withthe city arborists opinion, you can appeato the Tree Conservation Commission. (See

below for more information on how to appeal.)

What should I do if I see a tree being cut buI dont know if the tree is permittedto be cut?

Ask the tree cutter and/or the home-owner to show you the permit. If they are unable to physically

produce the permit, report it immediately. Do not take their wordfor it that they have one.

If I see a tree being removed without a permit being made availablefor my inspection, whom do I contact?If the tree is on city property, contact the Forestry Division o

the Office of Parks at 404-817-6813. The Office of Parks handlespark maintenance requests, trees down in the street, and requestsfor inspection of a City-owned tree. If the tree is on private

property, contact the Arborist Division of the Bureau ofBuildings at 404-330-6836. Both foresters and arborists have

police power to enforce the ordinance. If you are unsure whetheor not the tree is on city or private property, contact the ArborisDivision first. Also, the Atlanta police department may also becalled (911) to halt any tree removal or tree destruction activitieuntil a permit for the removal or destruction is obtained.

Sometimes the police should be called first as they can respondmore quickly. Many trees are cut illegally on weekends when

the city offices are closed; so dont hesitate to call the police ifyou see illegal tree cutting activity on the weekend. (It is writtenin Sec.158-33 of the Tree Protection Ordinance that the policemust respond to calls about illegal tree cutting, so if the policedispatcher does not seem receptive to sending an officer outmake sure that the dispatcher knows that the police are legallyobligated to respond.)

Should I report a tree being cut illegally if its already down bythe time I see it?

Absolutely. Recompense can still be charged for a tree thahas been cut down, which puts money back into the citys tree

planting programs. Take pictures and measurements of the partof the tree that is still remaining, even if it just a stump. If a treehas been removed without a permit, the top diameter of a stumpless than 4.5 feet tall shall be considered the "DBH" of an illegally

destroyed tree for the purpose of calculating recompense.How can I get a permit to remove a dead, dying, or hazardous(DDH) tree?

If the tree is on city property, contact the Forestry Division othe Office of Parks at 404-817-6813. If its on private propertycontact the Arborist Division of the Bureau of Buildings at 404-330-6836. DDH permit applications are approved or denied

based on an individual tree inspection by a city foresteror arborist. Denied DDH applications may be appealed. Approved

permits may not be appealed.

Continued on Page 14

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A genealogy friend of mine heard thatI was planning a trip to Jacksonville,Florida, the place of my birth andwhere I had lived for forty-one years.

She asked if I could do a little researchfor her, during my time in Jacksonville,and I was only too glad to oblige.

My friend had an ancestor namedEdward Buckey. Edward had two

brothers living in Jacksonville, Floridausing the surnames BUCKY and BUCKI.Edward had lived in Jacksonville,

with his brother J.D. Bucky, for a few years after the Civil Warbefore moving elsewhere. J.D., and his brother Louis, remained inJacksonville.

After arrival in Jacksonville, I went to the main library indowntown Jacksonville. Once in the genealogy department of thelibrary, I had to decide what my plan of action would be. I knewthe Federal census records for Jacksonville were there, on micro-

film, but decided against perusing those. My friend could viewthose records right there in Atlanta at the branch of the NationalArchives in Morrow. I then decided to look at the Jacksonvillecity directories and see if I could find anything there. To my surprise,and delight, the directories turned out to contain a goldmine ofinformation. Following, are the conclusions I reached about thelife and times of those families based on the information in theJacksonville City Directories. Generally speaking, city directoriesare one of the most over-looked resources by genealogists eventhough some city directories have been around since the 1700s.In many instances, they can prove to be extremely valuable.

The first mention of Jacob D. Bucky was in the 1870 Webbs CityDirectory. He and a partner by the name of Levi had a firm of somekind on Adams St. In 1871, J.D. Bucky owned a dry goods establishmenton Bay St. and a home on Monroe St. Also in 1871, his brother

Louis Bucki is mentioned for the first time. He, and a partnerDrew, owned a steam saw mill in Ellaville, Florida with an officein Jacksonville.Withlacoochee Steam Saw Mill Co. Drew &Bucki, proprietors, Ellaville, FL.

The next issue of the city directory covered the year 1876.Jacob D. Bucky apparently upgraded his wares as his storechanged from dry goods to clothing and gents furnishings.Louis Bucki was still in the lumber business but now he appearedto be living in New York City instead of in Jacksonville.

The situation for Jacob D. Bucky appeared to be the same upto and including the final issue of Webbs city directory in 1887.However, in 1887, the first issue of Richards City Directory was

published and a major change had occurred in the business life ofJ. D. Bucky. One of his sons, Albert J. Bucky, had become an agentfor rubber stamps and another son, Frederick W. Bucky, was a

cashier. Both worked at their fathers store and lived in his homeat 35 W. Monroe Street. Apparently, the two sons had becomeold enough to become active, in the business, on a full time basis.

In 1882, Louis Bucki appeared to be prospering as he and hispartner, Drew, purchased a steam ship; named it the Louis Bucki,and started a shipping line transporting goods from Jacksonvilleto New York. They still owned the steam saw mill with offices inJacksonville and in New York. In 1887, a major change also occurredin the business life of Louis Bucki. Drew was no longer his partnerand Louis son, Charles, was now running the company. (Later,it was learned that Louis Bucki had died in 1886).

Page 224 AHAVATH CHESED (Lovers of Justice) NewHebrew Congregation. The officers were not elected when this

book went to press. Measures for the immediate building of a

synagogue in this city will at once be taken.1886 - AHAVATH CHESED SYNAGOGUE built in 1882

at a cost of $9,000. Dedicated September 8, 1882. (no Bucki orBucky listed as an officer or trustee).

In 1891, Jacob D. Bucky still owned the clothing establishmenton Bay St. However, he had become the president of AhavathChesed Synagogue and was probably less active in his businesson a daily basis. His son, Albert, had become the manager of thestore, Frederick was still the cashier, and another son, Daniel,had become active in the business as a clerk. From this, one canassume that Albert was either the eldest of the sons or the mostcapable, and a third son, Daniel, had become old enough to workin the business.

Also in 1891, a change occurred in the business of LouisBucki & Son. Louiss son Charles, was living in Ellaville wherethe lumber mill was located, and they had an agent, W. F.Coachman, in Jacksonville. After 1892, Louis Bucki & Son werenot listed in any of the Jacksonville city directories.

In 1892, Jacob Bucky and his sons were no longer living in

the house on Monroe St. but were living instead at TremontHouse, apparently a hotel or boarding house. After that, theyeach lived at various boarding houses and/or hotels.

In 1896, Jacob D. Bucky Clothing was replaced by J.D.Buckys Sons (A.J. and F.W. Bucky), boots & shoes, 7 & 9 E.Bay Street. Apparently, two of the sons had taken over the businessfrom their father. Jacob D. Bucky is listed as being in the lumber

business so possibly; he took over the Jacksonville operation ofhis brother Louiss business or at least worked for him. After1896 no mention is made of Jacob D. Bucky. My friend tells methat later in life; J.D. Bucky remarried, lived in New York, anddied there. This probably explains why he is not listed in theJacksonville directory after 1896.

As you can see, the information contained in the city directoryproved to be invaluable. The life and history of the Bucky and

Bucki families in Jacksonville can be reconstructed and broughtto life. Advertisements in the city directories, by the Bucky andBucki businesses, also enable one to paint a picture of theBucky/Bucki families. In addition, it illustrates the importance ofthe genealogical importance of city directories a resource thatis largely ignored and too little utilized.

Through the magic of modern technology, you can see an1875 photograph of the Bucki Lumber Mill in Ellaville, Florida

by going to the following URL on the internet;http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/florida/photos/industry/lumber/0865.htm

Editors Note:Howard Margol is a Past President of the International Associationof Jewish Genealogical Socie awarded the IAJGS Lifetime

Achievement Award. Email:

By HOWARD MARGOL

Mt. Paran Parkway

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Neighborhood Briefs

More Neighborhood Briefs Next Page

Lucinda Bunnen in Exhibition

I have 3 shows of my Photographsin September and October. September16 is the opening of the Women inFocus show at Mason Murer with 6of my gorgeous Gold fish shotsunder ice. October 13 is the opening

of my shows at Hudgens Centeron Sugarloaf Parkway. Mexico in

one gallery and Fluid Matter in theother gallery. Then on October 21 is the opening at Sandler Hud-son Gallery in Atlanta of my new Cuba work. If any one wouldlike an emai l invite, please send your email address to lbun-nen@gmail.com All of the sh ows will be up until Nov19.

Join Crime Stoppers at the Blue Jean Ball, October 22

The event, promises to be the mostcomfortable gala in Buckhead and is intendedto raise awareness and support for CrimeStopper Greater Atlanta. Denim-clad guestswill enjoy a night of music by Livin Large,food by LowCountry Barbecue and fun with

friends and neighbors to benefit the CrimeStoppers reward fund. Its an opportunityfor citizens to come together and take anactive role in keeping their neighborhoods

safe. Saturday, October 22. Tullie SmithFarm, The Atlanta History Center. 6:30-7:00PM VIP Reception;7:00-10:30PM Party. Tickets available at: 2011BlueJeanBall.com

One Event to Benefit 5 Local Childrens Charities

Mark your calendars forThursday, December 1 -Saturday December 3.

Neighbors Kim P. Chesneyand Debi Lamb are hostinga memorable holiday

event benefitting many of Atlanta's needy children. This event,appropriately named Hope for the Holidays, embraces five localcharities that will join hands this holiday season to help brightenthe eyes of a child. Atlanta Mission Children's Restoration Network Chris Kids Jerusalem House Sheltering Armswill partner with Kim and Debi to help reach a goal of givinghope to over 1,000 Atlanta children aided by shelters. Your giftof $50 will not only invest in a child's smile but give you admissionto a wonderful holiday opening reception filled with great art,wine, food and music.Please join us at: The Art House Gallery, 3193 Paces Ferry PlaceThursday, December 1st from 6-9pm and help us reach our goal!For more information and how to donate please contact Kim

Chesney at k1chesney@aol.com or Debi Lamb atdebi@thearthouseatlanta.com

St. Dunstans Annual Family Events: Oct 2 and Oct 9

Bring your furry, feathered, and finned friends to theannual Blessing of the Animals on October 2 at10:45 a.m. at St. Dunstans Episcopal Church, 4393Garmon Road. All neighborhood animals and their

people are welcome. We ask that animals be on aleash or in a cage.

TheFlying Pig Barbeque That enticing aroma waftingthrough the neighborhood onOctober 9 is calling you to join usat St. Dunstans for our annualFlying Pig Barbeque. Dinner beginsat 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults,$6 for children. Come join us for

good food, good music, and good times.

The Fabulous Pace Academy Fall Fair: October 15

The Pace Academy Fall Fair, to beheld October 15, promises to be great

fun for everyone!Parking will be easy with the Fall

Fair shuttles that run all day, 10 AMto 4 PM Simply park at The Churchof the Apostles, 3585 Northside Pkwy.

NW and catch the next shuttle, whichwill drop you off at the front gates to

Pace and the Fall Fair.Don't miss out on this great event! Tickets go on sale in the

fall. We will update this web site with pertinent information asnecessary. Regular ticket sales will begin on Oct. 5. For moreinformation about the Fair, go to www.paceacademy.org/fallfair

The Sandy Springs Historic PreservationsSocietys founding President, ClarkeOtten, is presenting a series of 4 lectureson the History of Sandy Springs incooperation with the City of Sandy

Springs and Heritage Sandy Springs. Eachlecture on Oct 3, 10, 17, and 24 begins at6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm in the city

hall chambers, 7840 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350.The first topic on October 3 will cover significant momentsin the founding of Sandy Springs to the Civil War Battle ofAtlanta; On Oct 10, Prehistoric Native Americans to the SettlerFarmers; October 17 Post Civil War to the bedroom communityand the institutions that brought it about such as the church campmeetings; the Roswell Railroad; and the Morgan Falls dam; October24 will focus on remaining cultural resources still existing inSandy Springs today and we will go on an arm chair tour of theRoberts House, Glenridge Hall; the Tiller Mitchell house, andthe Coach Stop House, among others.

Trip Through Time at the Sandy Springs History Center

Dont miss the Mt. Paran-Northside CitizensAssociation neighborhood celebration,Sunday , October 9, 5:30-7:30PM at thehome of Brenda & Dick Smith, 4271Garmon Road. $25 a person for Buffetand Wine catered by Atlanta Ala Carte.If you havent reserved your place,

emailMarcia_Vincent@hotmail.com to see if you still can jointhe party and pay at the door. Remember, youll need a babysit-ter, its adults only!

Twelfth Annual Neighborhood Social

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City of Sandy Springs Celebrates Veterans Day First Annual Elegant Elf Marketplace in time for Holidays

The Sandy Springs Society, a non-profit,organization that raises funds to support thecommunity needs in Sandy Springs, will beholding its first Elegant Elf Marketplace eventat the Hitson Center, 86 Mt.Vernon Highway

November 11-12, 9:00AM - 7:00PM and

Breakfast with the Elves Nov 12, 8 -10 AMfor the children. Cost is $5.00 for the ElegantElf Marketplace featuring gifts from upscale vendors in perfecttime for the holidays.

Gabbys happy because shes in the Book theMt. Paran Pet Registry book, of course. AndGabby knows that if she EVER got lost or wanderedaway, an email blast will immediately be sent toover 900 neighbors, with her picture anddescription, to help reunite he

because her family had emailedjwith a digital photo (or mailed a photo that could

be scanned) with a full description. Please makesure your pets are in the Book! Posting Lost & Found signs onstreet light and telephone poles can result in illegal sign citationsand fines. Emails produce results and are totally legal!

Why is Gabby so Happy?

The Second Annual City of Sandy SpringsVeterans Day Event is Friday, November 11,10-11:30AM, 200 Morgan Falls Road, atthe Morgan Falls Overlook Park Pavilion;Featuring dignitaries from the community,the 116th Army Band, Georgia Army Reserve

Keynote Speaker, Lt General Ron Helmly (ret).The program highlights area veterans; The Marine and ArmyWounded Warrior Program; Shepherd Centers SHARE Programfor brain injured veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; theWest Point Class of 1947-48. And 8 area Veteran Service organizationwill have booths including the Council of Georgia USO and theAtlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, among others. Lunchfor purchase will be available following the ceremony. Shuttle

parking will be provided; No charge for the event.

A Weekly Womens Bible Study Group

Join us every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00pmfor a Christ-centered, non-denominationalWomen's Bible Study! Come and enjoyGod's Word with a great group of about 10-15 ladies that live in our neighborhood! Weare currently studying the Book of Romans

and would love for you to join us! We meet every Wednesday invarious members' homes and enjoy the Bible discussion andfellowship that develops in a small group of Christian women.Please contact me at r.t.adventures@mindspring.com or 404-754-2316 if you would like further information.

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

an arborist by city or zip code. Verify a Certification underCertification and Credentials in the menu bar.

To learn more about Atlantas Tree Protection Ordinancevisit The Tree Next Door website, treenextdoor.orgThe Tree Next Door is an Atlanta advocacy group that educatesthe community about their rights and responsibilities under the

law and advocates for Atlantas Tree Protection and arboriculturalstandards to be enforced as written.

To obtain a permit to remove a tree.contact the ArboristDivision at 404.330.6836. If the tree you want removed is on

public property, contact the Office of Parks at 404.817.6813.To appeal a decision by the city arborist.contact the Tree

Conservation Commission at 404.330.6235.

Can a healthy tree ever be taken down without recompense beingrequired?

Yes, a tree within 5 feet of the foundation of a single-familyresidence or a duplex is usually approved for a permit as aDDH tree if it meets several additional criteria. See TPO Sec158-101(i).

Additionally, a permit to remove certain healthy trees of undesirablespecies Mimosa, Ailanthus, White mulberry, Paper mulberry,Chinaberry, Paulownia, Cherry laurel, Bradford pear and Leylandcypress may be granted without recompense if the tree in questionis less than 12 inches DBH and meets certain other criteria.

Can someone be forced to take down a tree on his or her ownproperty that is DDH?

Yes, a DDH tree on private property may be declared a nuisance

tree and its removal forced if it threatens public streets or publicproperty. Call the Arborist Division at 404-330-6836 if you feelthat there is a nuisance tree that should be removed.

What requirements must be met to legally remove a healthy tree?All requirements of the ordinance must be met; a tree replacement

plan must be approved; and, in the case of building permits, thetree must be located within the buildable area of the lot. Theonly exception is if the tree is in the setback or required yardareas that must be used for driveways or utilities that cannot beaccomplished through any other means.

Tree Information Resources

To find a certified arborist.visit the International Societyof Arborists (ISA) website, isa-arbor.com You can search for

If you have a great corner lot, then you have a little morecurb to check. If picking up someone elses trash bothers you,

put on some gloves and take a sack with you. It doesnt have tobe done everyday, it just requires some observation.

Another problem with trash is the free newspaper in our area the Buckhead Reporter. It is not delivered through the mail asthe Northside Neighbor is but thrown out at your driveway.This is particularly bad when the house is vacant, but Ive seenmany papers slowly rot in driveways where someone lives. Ifyou dont want to read it, throw it out, but it is certainlyunattractive. I think many think this plastic bagged paper is anadvertisement. It isnt and you may find it worth a read.

Keeping our 'Hood Trash Free

Continued from Page 3

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Continued from Page 11

What to DO about a Tree

More Neighborhood Briefs

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Last year, Chip Elliott (in photo at left) trappeeight coyotes, including a mother and her cub

Despite our efforts of a year ago, other coyotes will move in duringthe winter-spring and repopulate vacant areas. That is why this ia recurring problem. If we dont catch the coyotes each year, they

will only become more comfortable and more brazen in their attacks. In the spirit of full disclosure, I want you to know the coyotes are euthanized. By law, they must be when they are trappedChip holds them for three days to insure their availability for ra

bies investigators if there are any reports of bites.Because he uses blunt leg traps that hold an animal in place

Chip's leg traps do not injure the animals. In fact, last year a largeLabrador Retriever was trapped in a location where four coyotewere taken. He checks his traps daily and we were able to return thdog to his grateful owner who was unaware of the coyote threat.

Well, they're back. Like clockwork, Labor Day means the activseason for coyotes in our neighborhood. Neighbors have reportednumerous sightings, injuries resulting from coyotes attacking thei

pets, and several sudden missing pets never to be seen again...apoints to active coyote activity. You may have noticed the yellow

signs on telephone poles warning that we have begun settingtraps. Chip has found evidence of significant coyote activity inthe Randall Mill and Harris Trail areas, and homeownerhave allowed Chip to set traps on their properties.

It is imperative that all of us spread the word. If you have petsespecially small ones, please do not allow them to roam. As thParan Trail owners of Spike the Westie discovered, coyotes arfierce predators. There is no one further up the food chain to controthem in urban environments where hunting is banned.

We plan to trap for at least four weeks, we will still be at ithrough mid-October. If necessary, we can extend on a week-toweek basis. So, please contact me if you spot a coyote, suspect coyote has been on your property, or your pet has been the victimof a coyote attack. For information contactjayrsmth@aol.com

Editors note: In the 1st week of trapping, 3 coyotes were caught includina 40lb male, on Harris Trail, and a 30lb female and a cub both caught adifferent times on the same Randall Mill property. Following week, 30lb

female on Harris Trail, older male and 25lb female caught separately fromRandall Mill area. All appeared healthy and well fed.

The New North Atlanta HighContinued from Page 2

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working in partnership with Trinity School on traffic and shared roads.In addition, The MPNCA board has formed a committee,under the leadership of Jennifer Moyers, who has begunworking with the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Departmentof Transportation, and neighbors, on traffic issuesrelated to the neighborhood.

APS will provide information on the constructionschedule on their website and hold public meetings forinterested parties. The school is expected to open in August 2013.

Theyre Back!By Jay R Smith

Harris Trail

The end of a journeySomeone said that if experience was so important, wed never have

had anyone walk on the moon! Although moon walking (celestial or musical)didnt bring us together, a desire to continue and expand what began in1985 as the Citizens Review neighborhood newsletter, did.

A decade ago, two neighbors met for the first time and began a 10-yearjourney to co-edit and publish the Citizens Review. Along the way, wecharted new territory that resulted in expanding and growing the original4-page publication to more than 20 pages.

They say that if you can laugh together you can work together. Alwayslooking for ways to improve and new ideas, we laughed (and cried) evenwhen the inevitable glitches occurred.

We are grateful to a loyal membership that has allowed us to growthe newsletter and, hopefully, provide something of interest for everyoneAlong the way, neighborhoods (ours and others), guest writers, artists,reporters and other readers have expressed appreciation for the Citizens

Review as a source of interest and information. We are humbled andappreciative to those who took the time to contact us over the years.

For our team, its been a fascinating and fulfilling learning experienceHowever, our long journey ends with this publication. Every new beginningcomes from some other beginnings end. We wish the next newsletterteam every success as they begin a new journey!

Lynne Moscow (1985) Jo Ann Rau (2002)

PLEASE TELLUS ABOUT:YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS

We need your help to keep upwith new neighbors so tell uswhenever you sell your house

or see new neighbors movingin. Our hospitality committeehas developed a welcome

package for new residents thatincludes helpful information andsome surprises. Please contact

Ruth McGehee with the information and she will makesure that a Mt. Paran-Northside Association welcome bag isdelivered:

Penalties.Placement of an illegal sign is a criminal misdemeanor,

punishable by fines up to $1000 per sign per day and/or jailtime up to 6 months.* With limited enforcement staff, the Citywas awarded over $40,000 in fines for illegal signs by theMunicipal Court during just one recent 6 month period. The

City has now ramped up its enforcement staffing, so we expecteven larger fines until compliance improves.How can you help?

1) If it is on public right of way or other public property, takea photo and email it with the date and the nearest street address

or intersection to eandrews@atlantaga.gov.Or just email the name and location of anillegal sign or a particularly bad stretch ofroad or intersection and ask the City to sendits sign enforcement squad to that area. TheCity should then remove the sign(s) and issuea citation to the violator to appear in court.

2) Help educate people about the sign ordinance. For moreinformation and to download this flyer, visitwww.keepatlantabeautiful.org.

3) Neighborhood organizations can designate one or morepeople to be sign monitors to report illegal signs to the City.*Editors Note: This summer, Discount Paintn received a courtcitation and fine for its illegal signs.

Continued from Page 10

The Citizens Review is online and in color tell everyone!

go to www.mpnca.org click on Citizens Review

J. Moyers

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

OFFICERSPresident/Ann OConnellVice President/Communications/Jo Ann RauSecretary/Marilyn MidyetteTreasurer/John Gordon

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandra Adair, John Adams, Hillary Baker, Pat Daly, Rita Fink,Debra Fowler, Al Goodgame, John Gordon, Lynn Irvin, Ruth McGehee,Reshama McGovern, Jennifer Moyers, Paul Muldawer,

EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS)

Marci Vincent, 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 RauDesign & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau

WEB SITE

www.mpnca.org

Return Service Requested

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

HELP WANTED!

Our hum an resources (neighbors) are t hel i f eb lood of t he Mt . Paran-Nor t hs ide

Associat ion. You can help to keep the associat ionviable and engaged by volunteering for a commit tee.Please let us know how you would like to part icipateby contact ing annoconnell1@bellsouth.net orj ohn@jdp.com Also let us know any interest sthat m ay not be covered in t he commit t ee list .

We are w aiting t o hear from you!

Membership, Newsletter, Directory, Website,Pol i t ica l , Ci t y Serv i ces/ Code Enf orcement ,Secur i t y, Atlant a Public Schools, Welcoming

New Neighbors, Social and Beauti fi cation.

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

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

October 2011

Security Patrol ActivityDuring the months of January through August, 2011Officers Doug Cole, George Robertson and Sergeant Ellis

Security Patrol Information

The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is aneighborhood funded patrol staffedby retired and active duty Atlantapolice officers. Officer Doug Coleand Officer George Robertsonwork full time8 hours a dayand Sgt. Ellis (J.R.) works part-time3 evenings a week and someweekends as necessary. To datethere are 522 patrol members.

The patrol monitors the Atlantapolice radio and responds to alarmsin the area. The patrol checks doorsand windows daily while you are outof town and picks up newspapers.The fee to join the patrol is $250 ayear and covers the time periodfrom January 1 to December 31.The fee for new residents will bepro-rated. Subscribers receive

Membership in the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association,neighborhood Directory, a mailboxSecurity decal, telephone stickersand access to the security hotline aswell as daily surveillance of yourhouse and property.

For information on joining, or tomeet the patrol officers, call(404)310-7361. Be sure to leave amessage during off-duty hoursand one of the patrol officers willcall you back.

January:No notable incidents.

February: Eggs thrown during the night at house in 700 block ofWest Conway Dr.

March: A black male knocked out a glass panel in the front door andentered a house in the 3900 block of The Highlands. A cleaning ladyconfronted the man and he left without taking anything. Within anhour a male fitting the same description broke into a house on PeachtreeBattle and was arrested. He is believed to be the same person.Homeowner in the 1500 block of Mt. Paran Rd. came home and

discovered 4 trays of assorted plants missing.

April: Worker on a house under construction in the 4000 block ofWickersham Dr. reported several items taken from vehicles parkedon the street. Lawn mower and yard blower taken from a carport inthe 3800 block of Randall Ridge Rd. during the night. Tools missingfrom a garage in the 3800 block of Randall Ridge Rd. Garage doorwas not shut.

May: Raccoon bit employee in the 1200 block of West Garmon Dr.Worker reported several items missing from his unlocked car in the4100 block of Paran Pines Dr. Homeowner on Randall Ct. reportedseveral items thrown into pool during the night.

Note: There have been several reports of suspicious vehicles in thearea. The Security Patrol believes these people are looking for things

to take and homes to break into. Several tag numbers have beengiven to an APD detective. Security tracks all suspicious cars andpeople, so please report this information when you see it.

June: Security found broken water pipe while checking a home inthe 1500 block of Mt. Paran Rd. Plumber contacted for homeownerswho were out of the country. Workers gas power saw taken fromsidewalk in front of home in 1100 block of Regency Rd. Entrancemade to side door of house in the 900 block of Buckingham Circlewhile homeowner was out of town. Several items were taken. Rockmailbox destroyed in the 4200 block of Garmon Rd.

The Crime Report

Logged 17,349 miles patrolling our neighborhood Made 2,790 house checks for traveling subscribers Responded to 77 alarm calls Investigated 82 suspicious persons or autos

Investigated 2 incidents of vandalism Investigated 8 incident of larceny from vehicle Investigated 3break-ins

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Continued from Page C1

More Crime News: Pro-active prevention tips

July: Lady walking her dog on Randall Mill Rd. reported twoblack males in a silver car slowing down trying to engage her in

conversation. While the family was asleep in the 4300 block ofNorthside Dr., someone removed the lower glass portion of aFrench door and entered the house. The alarm was not activated;several pieces of silverware were taken. Items removed from avehicle parked in a church lot on Northside Dr. during the day.Security received several calls about solicitors in the area duringlate evenings.

August: Neighbor on Paran Trail reported a coyote attacked familydog and husband ran the coyote off. Swathmore Dr. neighborreported two men in a red SUV tried to offer her a tree. WhitewaterCreek neighbors reported a black male in a dark SUV (GA 2925APB) pulled in the driveway while they were outside. Whenconfronted the man, he said he was just doing his job and droveoff. Homeowner in the 4200 block of Sentinel Post Rd. reported

a white male on a bicycle stopped at their mailbox. He rode offafter the homeowner spoke to him. Homeowner on Swims ValleyDr. saw a small light in her carport at 5:30 a.m. She turned onthe lights and saw a black male running away. Nothing was takenfrom the carport. Someone took a flat screen TV from a poolhouse on Garmon Dr. The TV was installed two weeks prior andhad a black bag over it. Jewelry that was in a drawer was takenfrom a house in the 4300 block of Northside Dr. while the home-owners were away

Security Patrol Activity

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Crime DefinedBurglary is typically defined as theunlawful entry into almost any structure(not just a home or business) with theintent to commit any crime inside (not

just theft/larceny). No physical breakingand entering is required; the offender maysimply trespass through an open door. Unlike robbery, whichinvolves use of force or fear to obtain another person's property,there is usually no victim present during a burglary.For example, Dan enters Victor's boathouse through an openwindow, intending to steal Victor's boat. Finding the boat isgone, Dan returns home. Though he took nothing, Dan hascommitted burglary.Robbery is theft through the use of physical force or fear

against a victim. Where a deadly weapon such as a gun isused or the victim suffers injury, the robbery may be chargedas armed or aggravated. Unlike burglary, the crime ofrobbery almost always requires the presence of a victim whosuffers actual injury, or is threatened with harm.Theft/Larceny: The wrongful taking of the personal goods ofanother with the intent to convert them to the takers own use.Vandalism: The willful or malicious destruction or defacementof public or private property.

FACEBOOKSAFETY

Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedInand other Social Networking are greatways to stay in touch with family,friends and co-workers. The problem isthat crooks are constantly scanning thesesites for social security numbers, dates

of births, addresses and anything else that can be used to find outmore about you and your family. Something as innocent as

posting when your familys going on vacation leaves you vulnerable.Yet, every day Facebook and other social network users publish

personal information that could put them at riskwithout thinking twice. "An awful lot of peoplethink when they get online and communicate

with their friends that they are invincible," says Adam Levin,chairman of Identity Theft 911. A seemingly benign post or piece

of information could make you a target of identity thieves andtraditional crooks. To protect yourself, here are five things youshould avoid posting online.

1. Date of birth. Almost 60% of social networkers post theirdate of birth, according to a survey by IdentityTheft 911. After all, most of us like to be wisheda happy birthday. But resist the urge to post your complete birthdate -- including the year -- on your Facebook profile just to geta lot of messages on your big day. This is valuable informationfor identity thieves. I know you're thinking only your friends seewhat you post. But if a stranger does a search for your name,hell also see your birth date if it's listed in your profile.

2. Child's date of birth. When you post"Happy Birthday to my sweet Susie, who turns

5 today," you're giving identity thieves valuable information about

your child. When it comes to your kids, resist the urge to postany information about them.

3.Travel plans. Surely you've seen Facebook posts like this:"We're going to the beach next week. Can't wait." In fact, youmay be guilty of it yourself -- 18% of social network users post traveltimes, according to the Identity Theft 911 survey. Guess what?You've just extended an invitation for people to burglarize yourhome. Three men in New Hampshire burglarized more than 18homes by checking Facebook status updates to see when peoplewouldn't be home.

4. Address. If your address is on yourprofile AND you let people know when you're going out oftown, well, you know where I'm going with this. Nonetheless,21% of social network users post their address, according to theIdentity Theft 911 Survey.5. Mother's maiden name. It may seem like common sense not to

post your mother's maiden name on a social networking site, butabout 11% of the people who responded to the Identity Theft911 survey said they did. Identity thieves hit the jackpot if youreveal this information online.

Not only should you avoid posting any of this informationbut also you should fix your Facebook settings to control whosees what on your page. Use different passwords for social mediasites than you use for financial sites, such as your bank or creditcard site. Be careful about clicking on links on Facebook or similarsites because they could contain viruses that will secretly track your

passwords, account numbers and other things.

By LARRY JACOBSSenior Officer/Crime Prevention/

Community Affairs

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More Crime News: See something, say something!

SANDY SPRINGS

CRIME

REPORT

By SCOTT JAMESONSouth District Commander

North Metro SWAT Team Commander

I hope that you had a great summer and are adjusting well to thenew school year and back to the routine.

I wanted to take a minute and address the burglary at 45 StewartDrive and all of the emails that I have received about it, includingthe car break-ins. Over all, crime in the South District (and theCity of Sandy Springs) is down for 2011 by about 27% from lastyear. This includes residential burglaries and violent crimes. Lastsummer, we experienced a spike in residential burglaries in a

very short period of time that alarmed everyone (including me).There was a crew of burglars that were cruising around theNorth Atlanta area committing these burglaries and they oftencame into the Sandy Springs area. They were arrested in Atlanta

and are being prosecuted for numerous burglaries toinclude several here in our city. Since their arrests,residential burglaries have fallen sharply, further indicatinthat they were the ones responsible for most, if not all, othe burglary wave that plagued us last summer. Sincethen, residential burglaries have remained low. The burglar

on Stewart Drive is unfortunate, but I assure you that itrepresents an incident and not another crime wave.Our detectives are actively and aggressively working toidentify, and arrest, those responsible.The car break-ins are a completely different story. Ther

were 162 car break-ins last month alone. These crimes are occurringboth night and day, residential and commercial areas andpredominately Monday thru Friday. We have made severalarrests over the last few months, but we still have to fight this

problem. Without question, the most significant factor are itemsleft in plain view for the thieves to see (purses, cameras, GPSiPods, briefcases, cell phones, lap tops, etc.) and cars that are

being left unlocked. These vermin are criminals of opportunityIf they look into a car and see nothing to take, they move on. Iencourage everyone to take responsibility to ensure that your

personal items are secure and that your car is locked.As things develop, I will let you know.Stay safe.Scott

The question may seem senseless, but the call takers arethere to get the best help available to you without delay.

Stay on the line until the 911 call taker advises you that thhave all the information they need.

After the completion of the call, its transferred to the dispatchewho assigns the call to an APD or AFD unit ASAP.

When DO you call 911

When there is a life threatening emergency.

When the potential for bodily harm or property loss exists

When you believe a crime is about to be committed or progress.

To report traffic accidents, traffic hazards or other traffrelated problems.

To report suspicious people, vehicles or activity at the timyou see it

If there is a fire explosion.

Anytime you need help and are not sure of whom else call.

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Everything You Need to Know

About the 911 Call Process

Police rely on youto be the eyes and ears

of a safe city

See SomethingSay Something

CALL 911

When calling 911, DO NOT HANG UP even if you miss dialed,a 911 call taker will call back to verify

If you hang up and re-dial your call goes back to the back ofthe line.

When your call comes in to the Center it automatically goes tothe next available call taker, they do not have a switch, theconnection is automatic.

After 12 seconds on hold you will hear a recording not tohang up, AGAIN STAY ON THE LINE AND DO NOTHANG UP.

All 911 la