the official newsletter of the north briarcliff civic ... briarcliff... · beth nathan ... june 23,...

NBCA Board 2011-2012Donna McPherson, President ....................................... [email protected]@[email protected] Bulbin ............................................................... [email protected] Vick ............................................................... [email protected] Sedlack ......................................................... [email protected] Carl ................................................................. [email protected] Foster ............................................................... [email protected] Gross ............................................................ [email protected] Hollingsworth .................................................. 404-228-0868Wanda Walton ........................................................... 404-451-4317Betty Phillips ............................................................. 404-634-6498

Off BoardJune Buechner ..........................................gardens@northbriarcliff.org ........................................... [email protected] Dahlke ..........................................database@northbriarcliff.orgBob Keaton ................................................. [email protected] Sherrod ..................................... [email protected] Johnson ............................................................. [email protected]

Port Wilson ............................................................... [email protected]

Beth Nathan .............................................................. [email protected]@northbriarcliff.org

Neighborhood Watch Team CoordinatorsSherry Treco-Jones, Michael Gross, Gayle Yeager ....................................................nwatch@northbriarcliff.org

June-August 2012

PReSiDeNT'SMeSSAGe Dear Neighbors,

Whenever I am out in the neighborhood, I almost always encounter questions from you all concerning the overall “picture” of our Community. Thru these conversations, you always offer up new areas of concern that, I believe, can lead to new opportunities.

From these interactions, I see that people are concerned about their neighbors and their neighborhoods. Community involvement, volunteerism and the public’s involvement in making and shaping our North Briarcliff Civic Association region is critical. Residents want to help their communities. In fact, some people feel it is their “duty” to help.

Statistically speaking, in the past year, two-thirds of Metro Atlantans donated money to causes that were important to them. An amazing 50% of local residents donated their time and 36% participated in political activities. This shows that these people care deeply about their neighborhoods. This “grass roots” engagement leads to a strong, diverse and successful community.

Your NBCA works to build community leadership and bring people together thru community meetings, events and social activities. We are always thinking about how we can have a greater impact. Please mark your calendar for NBCA’s Ice Cream Social event, Saturday afternoon, June 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Hawthorne Elementary School. Walk, bike or ride over and get to know your neighbors. And enjoy a complimentary ice cream treat from the old fashioned ice cream truck. Compliments of NBCA!

One of our most important tools in our arsenal is Nwatch. We work together with the Neighborhood Watch Coordinators and Captains to gather local data and inform our members on important happenings. Most recently, NBCA co-sponsored the Seminar on Crime Prevention with Briarcliff Woods East Neighborhood Association and Breckenridge Civic Association. We do this work to help you and others in your efforts to effect positive change in our community.

The Official Newsletter of theNorth Briarcliff Civic Association

continued on page 3

Donna McPherson

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North BriarcliffPresident's Message

PReSiDeNT'S MeSSAGecontinued from cover

It is a new day and time for NBCA. We know it is imperative to stay on top of issues and trends impacting the quality of life in our area. We invite you to become a member, a volunteer and yes, a Board member. We need you. We want you. Your community needs you!

Our promise as NBCA volunteers is to remain on the pulse of the community, partnering with others where we can to achieve the greater good. And we will continue to keep you informed of those issues and most importantly, how we can work together to respond and resolve.

This June, we proudly present our first issue of the new and improved NBCA newsletter. We hope you will enjoy this expanded four-color magazine. Best of all, along with the new style and new format, we are saving money on production costs! We are proud to offer such a quality publication to everyone in the NBCA area for free. And don’t forget, anyone can be involved in this newsletter. You can submit an article of your own for publication, and you can place an ad for your business, too.

Please support our advertisers. Their advertising makes this magazine possible. And since they are your neighbors, you know they would value your patronage. You can inquire about advertising availability thru Rusty Oliver, KDA Communications, at 404-379-6138. His email is [email protected].

Thanks for reading about YOUR neighborhood civic association.

Enjoy,

Donna McPhersonNBCA PresidentThe North Briarcliff Newsletter is a publication of KDA Communications. Subject

matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in this publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of KDA Communications.

The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members of the North Briarcliff Community as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood of such opinions, information, goods or services.

Contact us today for more information!678.905.4842 • [email protected]

Inside This Issue...NBCA Contact Information ......... Front Cover

President's Message .................. Front Cover

Current Events ................................Page 4

Membership Form .........................Page 11

InstitutionsSchools & Parks .............................Page 8Peachtree DeKalb Airport ...............Page 10

CommunitySecurity ......................................Page 12Gardens ......................................Page 15Calendar .....................................Page 17Announcements ...........................Page 18

4 www.northbriarcliff.org June-August 2012

North Briarcliff Current Events

On Saturday, June 23, please join your neighbors for NBCA’s Second Annual Summer Ice Cream Social! Walk, bike or drive over to Hawthorne Elementary School’s parking lot between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to enjoy some sweet frozen treats and a chance to meet your neighbors. The NBCA will provide an old-fashioned ice cream truck with a variety of frozen treats for purchase at a greatly reduced cost. We encourage you to enjoy a great summer afternoon and make some new friends.

Many residents talk about building a sense of community. We all have busy lives and many commitments, but we can’t

build a community (or even spell the word) without “YOU” (or ”U”) in the middle! So reach out to a neighbor and bring them along! The NBCA will subsidize

the ice cream costs and provide light refreshments and paper goods. Bring yourself and the family for an old-fashioned afternoon of good conversation and good times. Your NBCA Board will be there to answer questions and solicit volunteers. Let

your voice be heard and tell us what you think!

Please watch for pedestrians and bike riders near the school’s grounds. We thank Hawthorne Elementary School for allowing us to use their campus for this

event, because it is truly our community’s center point. Note that the school building will NOT be open. Volunteer to help out by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing YOU on Saturday, June 23, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Hawthorne Elementary School.

On Sunday, April 29, the Civic Association Network (CAN) received a 2012 CEO Community Hero Award from DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis in the category of “Neighborhood Empowerment.” Our NBCA is one of the civic associations participating in CAN, which is a group of central DeKalb civic association leaders that meets regularly to discuss new developments and share resources. Former NBCA President Beth Nathan attended the event and plays an active role in CAN’s organization, which benefits the NBCA.

Since 2003, CAN has served local civic and neighborhood associations in central DeKalb as a communications resource. Approximately 15,000 households are represented by CAN’s participating organizations, whose leadership regularly works together on common issues. CAN sponsors joint advocacy campaigns on timely issues and joint events, including election year non-partisan “Candidates Fairs” such as the General Primary Election Candidates Fair planned for the evening of July 9 at the Greek Cathedral on Clairmont Road. This popular event gives voters a chance to meet and talk with candidates for a number of our area’s elected positions before the July 31 General Primary Election. For more information about the Candidates Fair, consult the CAN website at www.can-dk.org.

NBCA’S SeCOND ANNuAL SuMMeR iCe CReAM SOCiALSATuRDAY, JuNe 23, 2012

NBCA CONGRATuLATeS THe CiViC ASSOCiATiON NeTWORK (CAN)

(Left) Civic association leaders attending the 2012 Community Hero Awards included NBCA’s former President Beth Nathan; Sagamore Hills’ former President Nancy Love; DECA’s current President Nikki VanDerGrinten; and Leafmore’s former President Ted Daniel.(Above-right) CAN’s Community Hero Award.


North BriarcliffCurrent Events

You may see new names on your Primary and General Election ballots this year. Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census is complete, voting district lines are redrawn to equalize the population represented by any single elected official at the federal, state and local levels. Thus, you may no longer be in the same voting district with the same incumbents you’ve gotten to know in the past 10 years.

FYI: A voting PRECINCT (like Hawthorne Precinct) is the basic unit in re-districting. A precinct is where an assigned number of residents vote. Multiple contiguous precincts form voting DISTRICTS (like the 6th U.S. Congressional District.) A district is represented by a single elected official.

Precincts are often named after the building where voters vote on election day. Thus, they are often school or church names. Example: Our Hawthorne PRECINCT is the public school where many of our residents vote. This PRECINCT is assigned into several voting DISTRICTS for different elective offices such as State Representative and Senator or Federal Representative and Senator. Different elected officials represent different population areas or Districts.

In May or June, registered voters will receive a new voter registration card listing their new Districts and assigned voting Precinct from the DeKalb Registration & Elections Office. Their website is http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/default.html.

Your personal sample ballot will also be available there.

The next major election is the General Primary Election on July 31; Early Voting begins July 9. This election includes Partisan Primaries for candidates running for office at the federal, state and local level. The winners will appear on the November General Election ballot. The July 31 ballot also includes the Non-Partisan election of DeKalb County judges and School Board members, as well as, other questions and referenda such as the the Transportation Investment Act penny tax question. A chart of our political districts is below.

On Monday evening, July 9, CAN will sponsor a Candidates Fair at the Clairmont Road Greek Orthodox Cathedral. This non-partisan event is free and open to the public. Many of the candidates running in our precincts and districts will be there to meet and speak with individuals and groups before the July 31 Primary Election. The NBCA is one of the civic associations sponsoring this program. Don’t be left out of this interesting event!

Incumbents living in these newly redrawn Districts include the following: U.S. Congress – Tom Price (06); State House – Scott Holcomb & Elena Parent (81); Mary Margaret Oliver (82); and Michele Henson (86); State Senate – Fran Millar (40) and Jason Carter (42). County Commission – Elaine Boyer (01), Jeff Rader (02), Kathie Gannon (06) and Stan Watson (07).

Precinct uS House GA House GA Senate Co. Comm'n Co. BOeHawthorne Elem.(east of I-85)

06 82 42 02 + 06 Super 04

Henderson MS 06 81 40 01 + 07 Super 04

Heritage Ed 06 82 42 02 + 06 Super 04

Lakeside HS 06 86 42 02 + 06 Super 04

eLeCTiON uPDATe:POLiTiCAL Re-DiSTRiCTiNG = eLeCTiON YeAR CHANGeS

CANDiDATeS FAiR SPONSOReD BYCiViC ASSOCiATiON NeTWORK (CAN)


North Briarcliff Current Events

Proposed “City of Ashford”or “City of Brookhaven”

A group has formed which wants to create a new city composed of all the inside-the-Perimeter area north of and including I-85 itself, with the exception of the Dresden East Civic Association (DECA) area (which is located west of us across I-85) and a few small pockets around Doraville. The area generally includes parts of Brookhaven and Ashford Park. A group named “Citizens for North DeKalb” formed to raise funds to pay for a feasibility study, which is required as part of the city-creating process. See www.citizensfornorthdekalb.org. The bill proposing this city was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. A “Yes/No” vote is scheduled only for citizens living within the proposed city’s boundaries in the July 31 General Primary election. The NBCA’s neighborhoods are NOT within this area. As this article is being written, opposition groups are coming together includingwww.ashfordneighbors.org and www.NoCityBrookhaven.com.

Proposed move of DECA into the City of Chamblee

The Dresden East Civic Association (DECA) was not included in the proposed City of Ashford/Brookhaven boundaries. A bill was introduced to modify Chamblee’s borders to include DECA and the adjacent segment of I-85, but this does not include properties along the access road within the NBCA’s area. If the legislation passes and is signed by the Governor, this issue could also be scheduled for a vote by citizens living within the proposed boundaries as early as the July 31 election.

Proposed “City of DeKalb”Another bill was introduced proposing

cityhood for the unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Rumors abound about what all of this may mean to those of us left in unincorporated DeKalb County. Civic association leaders, working through the Civic Association Network (CAN) are gathering facts, planning to survey central DeKalb residents about their opinions and researching the central DeKalb County tax digest to determine the feasibility of such an undertaking.

FYI: Groups proposing new cities are required to show the financial feasibility of such new cities. Studies costing over $20,000.00 by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia must be completed before legislation is drafted.. Legislation proposing a new city must currently be introduced in the first year of the two-year session of the Georgia Legislature, and cannot be voted upon before the second year of the session. Another option allows unincorporated areas to annex themselves into existing cities through a legislative process that does not require a group-funded feasibility study or the legislative waiting time. This is an area of great interest in our community, and your NBCA will keep you updated on further developments.

MORe MuNiCiPALiTieS?A TALe OF NeW CiTieS


North BriarcliffCurrent Events

Civic Association Network’s Candidates Fair information

....................................................................... www.can-dk.org

DeKalb County Commissioner

Kathie Gannon .............................. [email protected]

DeKalb County Commissioner

Jeff Rader .........................................jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov

DeKalb County Voter Registration & election

.......................... http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/default.html

Mary Scott Nature Park events & volunteer opportunities

............................................................... www.maryscottnp.org

information about “Friends of Mary Scott” organization

........................................................ [email protected]

NBCA - General neighborhood information

.............................................................. www.northbriarcliff.org

NBCA – entry Landscaping Grant program information

.............................. northbriarcliff.org/news/99-landscaping-grant

NBCA – Submit articles or photos for the newsletter

...........................................................editor@northbriarcliff.org

NBCA newsletter advertising rate information

.................................................rusty@kda-communications.com

Neighborhood Watch crime prevention tips

............................................... http://northbriarcliff.org/nwatch

PDK – File a complaint about aircraft noise

.................................................... [email protected]

PDK Watch – File a copy of an aircraft noise complaint

.......................................................... [email protected]

WeBSiTeS OF iNTeReST TO NBCA ReSiDeNTS

CHeCK OuTOuR FORuMS!To register for our website

forums, go to:northbriarcliff.org/register.


North Briarcliff Institutions: Schools & Parks

As the observant driver on Briarcliff Road may have noticed, many great changes have occurred at Lakeside High School’s campus in the last two years. This massive construction project is now in its fourth and final phase.

Phase I began in the summer of 2010. It included a complete renovation of the administrative offices and all school bathrooms and “refreshment” of the existing building. Exterior work included the addition of temporary classrooms and site preparation for the new buildings to follow.

Phase II included the construction of a Fine Arts Building (with a new auditorium and new band, chorus, orchestra and art classrooms), replacement of some parking lots and re-routing driveway entrances, preparation work for the lower ball fields and exterior site improvements outside of the cafeteria.

During Phase III the new two-story classroom wing was completed. While it is parallel to the front wing facing Briarcliff Road, it is only visible from the parking lots. Also, the conversion of the former

fine art classrooms to girls’ and boys’ locker rooms began.

The completion of Phase IV, the final projects, is scheduled in August 2012. The former locker rooms will be converted to classrooms, parking lots will be repaved and finished, tennis courts will be completed and classroom trailers will be removed from the ball fields, which will then be restored to their sports use.

From personal experience and observation, the students appreciate the new bathrooms; the administrators greatly admire their new offices; and the Fine Arts Building is a huge success. It has already hosted its first musical production, “The Music Man”, its first band concerts (for all five bands), its first choral concerts (for all four choruses), its first orchestra concert and its first Honors Program.

Please refer to the NBCA’s new Community Calendar for upcoming events at Lakeside and learn what a spectacular school plant now exists. Finally, we have a physical plant that matches the accomplishments of our students, teachers and administrators!

Please note that Lakeside High School, Henderson Middle School and Hawthorne Elementary School have their own websites and parent communication systems in place, to provide students and their families with the most current information about all planned events in the coming school year.

Ralph Carl, NBCA Board Member

LAKeSiDe HiGH SCHOOL uPDATe

NBCA WeBSiTe uSeRS SAVe OuR PReCiNCT!THANKS TO ALL OF YOU who responded quickly to the initial proposal to move the Hawthorne Elementary precinct out of Commission District 2. The Committee Chair held up a stack of email printouts at the first meeting, saying that Hawthorne precinct voters clearly wanted the proposed map changed, and it was. Other voters who asked later for changes for other precincts were not as successful. Always check www.northbriarcliff.org.

HeLP YOuR NeiGHBORS!

Report law enforcement incidents in our

community to the Neighborhood Watch.

Go to www.northbriarcliff.org/nwatch, then click on

“Report an incident.”


North BriarcliffInstitutions: Schools & Parks

Mary Scott Nature Park, located at 4150 Briarcliff Road, continues to provide programs of interest to residents. Please check the NBCA’s Community Calendar in this newsletter, as well as MSNP’s website located at http://www.maryscottnp.org. It includes a history of the park’s development, information about upcoming Guided Tours (held the last Saturday morning of each month) and the open meeting of the Friends of Mary Scott Nature Park (held the third Wednesday of the month) at 7 pm at the Chocolatte Coffee Shop in the Publix shopping center on Shallowford Road. You may also check their website at [email protected].

Volunteer opportunities abound to help with the park’s maintenance and landscaping projects. Current active projects include control of invasive plants, an entryway landscaping project, ongoing maintenance projects, signage development, creating additional seating areas, and many other plans. MSNP is truly a work in progress and a source of pride to our community. Learn more about this unique park, and join your neighbors as we work together to build on a solid foundation. Both websites will direct you to opportunities, events and donation options. See you at Mary Scott!

MARY SCOTT NATuRe PARK uPDATe


North Briarcliff Institutions: Peachtree DeKalb Airport

Many neighbors report an increase in excessively loud and/or low-flying aircraft from Peachtree Dekalb Airport (PDK). Make your concerns known by following the suggestions below to identify these aircraft and file a complaint. PDK Airport, our Commissioners and others need to know of your concerns.

Any person can now request information about loud and/or low overflights under the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA). Send your request for information about any aircraft noise or flight events that have disturbed you to Mr. John Carroll, the PDK Airport Noise & Environmental Technician by e-mail: [email protected] A sample request letter follows.

Dear Mr. Carroll:

Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), I request a noise report on a [low-flying] [very loud] jet over my home [give address] on [date] at [time]. In your report to me, please include the aircraft type, the noise generated by the aircraft, its altitude and flight track, and the aircraft’s “N” number.

Sincerely,

[Your name] (You should include a valid e-mail address to receive a timely response.)

Under Georgia law, a GORA request must be answered within three business days of receipt. Once you get the aircraft’s “N” number (the aircraft equivalent of a car tag), you can easily identify the actual owner of the aircraft by going to http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_inquiry.asp. Type in the aircraft’s “N” number and hit “Go.” This will identify the owner of the aircraft which disturbed you.

Next, contact the person or company directly to express your concerns. Please send an e-mail copy of this follow-up letter to John Carroll at PDK [email protected]; to Commissioner Jeff Rader at [email protected]; to Commissioner Kathie Gannon at [email protected]; and to PDK Watch, Inc.’s records to [email protected]. If you encounter any difficulties contact Larry Foster. PDK Watch, Inc. is a citizen advocacy group which follows airport issues for our community.

A GORA request is the most effective way to document your concern and let PDK Airport AND your Commissioners (who are supposed to exercise oversight over PDK Airport) about the aircraft disruptions you experience. Please follow this procedure the next time you are disturbed by aircraft overflights. It is much more reliable and better-documented than simply calling the PDK Airport Noise Hotline at 770-936-5442.

Larry Foster, Communications Director, PDK Watch & NBCA Board Member

HOW TO FiLe A COMPLAiNT ABOuT NOiSYPDK AiRCRAFT iN OuR NeiGHBORHOOD

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North BriarcliffNBCA Membership Form

Your North Briarcliff Civic Association needs your membership. Send check and form to:

North Briarcliff Civic Association – 2566 Shallowford Road, Suite 104, PMB 132 – Atlanta, GA 30345

enclosed is my check for $25.00 covering 2012 Annual Dues and a donation of $ _______________.

Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Phone & E-Mail(s): _________________________________________________________________

I/We can help with: _________________________________________________________________

Membership in the North Briarcliff Civic Association, Inc. may include all residents and owners of property within the Hawthorne Elementary School district and such other residents on bordering streets as may request inclusion. Dues and donations are NOT tax deductible.

YOU are the North Briarcliff Civic Association. Your Board members are volunteer leaders with the same demands on their time as any other resident. Board members develop areas of expertise which support issues considered important to OUR community. The Board can take no action on an issue about which it has no information, insufficient volunteer strength or inadequate funding. The Board may respond to requests with the goal of increasing the involvement of the individuals concerned. If there is an area which you believe needs more attention, you may know more about that issue than the Board does. We invite you to follow these issues as they progress and encourage you to become active in the NBCA, as a Board member or a volunteer.

To join with a credit card or via PayPal, go to www.northbriarcliff.org/membership

Get connected and receive NBCA e-mails about general news and/or Neighborhood Watch alerts. Go to www.northbriarcliff.org, click on the “starburst” & fill in the

requested information. Unsubscribe the same way.

For address changes, notify [email protected]. Delivery to “Current Resident” ensures delivery to EVERY house and condominium in the NBCA area,

member or not, as a service to our community’s residents.

Signed articles or letters in this newsletter do NOT necessarily reflect the views of the North Briarcliff Civic Ass’n.


North Briarcliff Community: Security

The NBCA Neighborhood Watch program works because our neighbors watch out for each other, and call 911 if they see anything suspicious. The more familiar we are with our immediate neighbors and their habits, the safer our area will be. We have great support from the DeKalb County Police Department’s North and Center Precincts, and from our Fire Department and Fire & Rescue Units. How can you become part of the NBCA’s Neighborhood Watch (NW) program?

JOIN THE NW LISTSERVEFor crime prevention tips and timely information on area incidents and special NW events, go to http://northbriarcliff.org/nwatch. Please go to this page to report an incident so that we can share the information with the community.

GET NW TIPS TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILYLearn how to landscape and light your yard, how to protect your home and car, how to be a good witness, and much more, by reading the information posted on http://northbriarcliff.org/nwatch.

CHECK CRIMEMAPPING.COMType in an address and the date to see what types of incidents are occurring in our community. Remember, we shop, eat and meet friends all over the Northlake and Toco Hills areas. If you want to know what’s happening, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ga/dekalbcounty.

BECOME AN NW BLOCK CAPTAINTo learn more about helping 6-8 of your closest neighbors stay safe and secure, without a lot of time investment, e-mail Sherry Treco-Jones and/or Michael Gross at [email protected].

HELP WITH NW EVENTSThe NBCA’s NW coordinates at least two events annually.

National Night Out occurs in the first week of August. It’s our local version of a national event which helps neighbors fight crime by getting to know each other and their police personnel. This will be our fourth year, and we’ll socialize and spend time with local police while sharing some fun and great food! Details to come soon!

In December, we host Holiday Luncheons for our North and Center Precinct officers, and we always have a great time! It’s our turn to show appreciation for all they do for us. There are many opportunities to help with this event which don’t require a lot of time.

LEARN ABOUT COUNTY-WIDE EVENTSThe DeKalb County Police Department conducts several community workshops about crime each year. You should check the Neighborhood Watch website for updated information on events and programs, as well as the NBCA newsletter’s Community Calendar. Go to www.northbriarcliff.org/nwatch.

JOIN THE POLICE V.I.P.SThe VIPS progam works hand-in-hand with our NW program for more complete coverage of our NBCA area. Become part of our Volunteers In Patrol (VIP) Program, which is a non-confrontational patrol program in partnership with the DeKalb County Police Department. Go to http://web.com.dekalb.ga.us/DK_Police/pol-volunteers.html.

TAKiNG CARe OF OuR NeiGHBORS


North BriarcliffCommunity: Security

Neighborhood Watch leaders Sherry Treco-Jones and Gayle Yeager attended DeKalb County’s first Court Watch program Saturday, May 5, 2012. Approximately 85 people attended the event held at the Courthouse in Decatur. Attendees learned how to assist with neighborhood law enforcement issues that may require community involvement or pressure and learned how the court system functioned, as well as, how to track a case as it moves through the criminal justice system.

NeiGHBORHOOD WATCH LeADeRS ATTeND DeKALB’S FiRST COuRT WATCH PROGRAM

Sherry Treco-Jones (left) and Gayle Yeager (center) with another attendee at the Court Watch Program.

Safety TipsStop Carjackings and Unwelcome Approaches in Public AreasAlways have a clear plan of where you are going as you walk to and from your car. If you believe you are being followed, walk back toward other people or into a store and ask for help. Just because you’ve shopped safely at a place for years does NOT mean you can ignore your surroundings or the suspicious behavior of others around you. DO NOT sit in your car for any length of time when you’ve parked. NEVER leave your car doors unlocked. If larger vehicles are parked around you, check to be sure no one is lurking under those vehicles or watching you from inside those vehicles. Call 911 immediately if you see any suspicious behavior.

Foiling Car ThievesALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR, EVEN AT HOME! Your driveway and garage are NOT off-limits to would-be thieves. Keep all packages, electronics, personal items and other things out of sight by securely locking them in your trunk or leaving them in your locked home.

If your car is more than 12 years old (a 2000 model or older), Georgia law does NOT require that a scrap metal yard obtain a title before crushing a car and selling it for scrap metal. Many of us remember the advertisements in the 1990’s for a product called “The Club”, which is an automobile steering wheel locking device. It is still available on Amazon, and can be a deterrent to car theft, since most thieves want quick and easy access into a car. Using “The Club” or a similar item will slow that entry process and might make a thief choose a simpler target.

Foiling Identity ThievesNEVER leave letters with checks, tax forms, bank statements or other items with confidential information in your mailbox for pickup by your mail carrier. Instead, deposit them directly into a U.S. Post Box, or deposit them inside a Post Office. Similarly, if you receive this type of mail at your home, empty your mailbox promptly or consider renting a post office box from the Post Office or a private company.

When ordering new checks or other blank financial documents, have them mailed to an office (i.e., your bank or broker’s office) instead of to your home, where they can be stolen from your mail box. Finally, if your mailbox door does not close securely or if it has fallen off, replace your mailbox immediately. An open mailbox is an invitation to thieves cruising for opportunities.

FOR YOuR iNFORMATiONSunday alcohol sales in DeKalb County began

May 8, 2012.


North Briarcliff Community: Security

Provided by the Crime Awareness Unit of the DeKalb County Police Department

“Burglary” Defined:Unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a felony theft

In the spring and summer, there is a seasonal increase in the number of burglaries reported. The DeKalb Police Department wants to increase your awareness and decrease the possibility of you being a victim.

If you are not home during the day, ask trusted neighbors to keep a watchful eye open for unwanted activity, and a listening ear for out of place noises (auto or home alarms, glass breaking, thumps, etc.)

Carports:Do NOT leave valuable equipment or other items in an unsecured area like an open carport. Relocate items to a locked shed or place in a locked basement.

Sheds:Replace old or rusted hinges, and secure doors with a sturdy case-hardened padlock device.

Crawl spaces:Secure or reinforce crawl space doors to avoid HVAC copper thefts.

Research and select appropriate door reinforcement products and anti-breakage window products.

Use ALL the security mechanisms and systems installed in your home, including deadbolt locks, alarm systems and their door chimes, lighting and sound timers, etc.

Review the security measures currently in your home and on your property. Upgrade them if needed.

Maintain your property by trimming the shrubs and lawn regularly to prevent the creation of a hiding place around or near your home. Install motion detection lights outside for use at night.

Remove objects that could help a criminal enter your home (i.e., ladders, tools, projectile objects, etc.)

Talk to your neighbors about any suspicious activity you have seen. ALWAYS CALL 911 if you see any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Remember – if you don’t inform the police, the police won’t know what’s happening in your neighborhood.

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North BriarcliffCommunity: Gardens

The North Briarcliff Civic Association‘s Board is pleased to announce that its Entry Landscaping Grant Program will continue for a second year. The Board previously determined that our community’s “public face”, i.e., its street corners on Briarcliff and Shallowford Roads, needed sprucing up. The grant program was designed to provide matching funds up to $500.00 per application to assist viable area garden clubs or neighborhood groups in the beautification and maintenance of the street corners that are the major conduits into and out of our community. Deadline for submission of applications is August 31, 2012. Work on approved areas should be completed no later than August 31, 2013.

In 2011, an application from the Flair Forest Garden Club was approved for

work to be done on five Shallowford Road corners. Under the direction of Jill McCarey of the FFGC, re-design, planting and maintenance of these areas was completed. The Board believes that continued work at these major street corners in our community will benefit all residents, and urges interested groups to review the application at the NBCA’s website, located at northbriarcliff.org/news/99-landscaping-grant. The Board hopes that maintenance of any approved site will be an on-going commitment of any group applying for a grant.

Groups interested in pursuing the application process are encouraged to focus on drought-tolerant, low maintenance and native plants to establish an easily maintained “base” planting which can be supplemented during the year with

additional plantings and/or seasonal color. If an application is approved, matching funds of up to $500.00 will be paid upon the satisfactory completion of a project AND the submission of all receipts. The Board urges interested residents to continue this work on their own streets to underscore the natural beauty and positive features of our entire neighborhood.

For further information, please contact Board Member Michael Gross at [email protected]. To qualify for consideration, applications MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2012. Please mail 3 copies of the completed forms and photographs to NBCA, 2535 Flair Knoll Court, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30345. Let’s get growing together!

Our neighborhood’s early spring gardens performed well, much to everyone’s surprise. Now, we are looking forward to the hydrangeas coming into full bloom as we move into summer. We have already seen some gorgeous displays! Anyone with a hydrangea or other summer garden who would like to share it with their neighbors is invited to e-mail June Buechner at [email protected] or [email protected].

We would love to work with you to plan an Open Garden Saturday. It can be arranged quickly at the beginning of any week you choose. The NBCA will provide signs for your front yard as well as guidelines; we will work

with you to make your day an enjoyable one. An Open Garden Saturday is a wonderful way to meet neighbors and gardening enthusiasts, as well as, share ideas about what does and does not work for you and others.

We invite residents to check the NBCA website regularly to learn of planned Open Garden Saturdays and other garden-related events.

Remember, your garden is always a work in progress! Residents are encouraged to hold an Open Garden Saturday, and we look forward to working with many of our green-thumbed neighbors!

eNTRY LANDSCAPiNG GRANT PROGRAM ReTuRNS!

VOLuNTeeR FOR A SuMMeR OPeN GARDeNSATuRDAY WiTH THe NBCA!


Gardening in any sized

spaceBelieve you need an acre of prop-erty to start gardening? Think again. Individuals can grow their own patch of greenery in just about any space they have on hand.

When it comes time to getting your hands dirty, it doesn’t matter if there are rolling hills or a single container filled with soil on which to plant. Although many gardening profes-sionals present plans for larger-scale gardens, it’s possible to create smaller-scale options that require a great deal less maintenance and upkeep.

To get started, homeowners or apart-ment dwellers need to first look at the space they have. Perhaps this is a few flower pots or a small square of exposed dirt in an otherwise concrete jungle. Others may have an expan-sive backyard in which to toil in the soil. Either way, knowing what you have to work with can help home gardeners map out a more successful plan of action.

Next, it’s important to consider the climate and the soil conditions. Soil can be amended to a point, but plants that require a lot of water may not do well in an area plagued by drought.

Color is another thing to consider. Gardeners with smaller spaces may want to think about keeping gardens mainly monochromatic, which will look more cohesive. Cool-colored flowers and plants will help make a garden look larger. Warm-colored flowers will add impact and could create a cozier feel.

Hanging baskets and raised contain-ers can add height and free up more floor space for gardens. They’re par-ticularly helpful when space is at a premium. Keep in mind that baskets and containers tend to dry out easily, so using peat moss, vermiculite and other products that tend to hold onto water will help keep the soil moist. These containers also may need to be watered more frequently.

Containers also can be used to plant small trees or shrubs. Use them for vegetable plants as well. The advan-tage to containers is they can be moved elsewhere if a plant is not thriving in a particular area.

People who have an extremely small space with which to work may be limited to a few flower pots in the window, but they can easily grow herbs or annual flowers.

Those who have a large space may want to consider breaking the land-scape down into smaller quadrants; otherwise, the garden can seem unruly. Use hardscape materials, such as mulch, rocks, boulders, and slate to break up the greenery (and also cut down on items that need pruning and watering).

Individuals who don’t know where to start can page through gardening magazines for ideas. Alternatively, they can consult with an area land-scaper to find out which plants will do well.

Filler content provided by KDA Editorial Services.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can be done on a small or large scale.


North BriarcliffCommunity: Calendar

*We try to provide the best data available at our deadline. Please contact the entity by phone or web to receive further information about any particular event. **See “Announcements” or newsletter article.

JUNESun. 6/3 Shallowford Presbyterian Church 3:00 pm – SPC Sanctuary Chapel Youth Choir Pre-Tour Concert

Tue. 6/5 Briarmoor Manor Recreation Club Swim Team Meet @Home 4:30 pm – BMRC Swimming Pool

Wed. 6/6 North Briarcliff Civic Ass’n Board Meeting – Location TBA 7:45 pm – Shall. Pres. Church

Sat. 6/9 **Greenwood Acres Civic Association Multi-Family Yard Sale 9 am – 2 pm @ Greenbrook Trail & Document shredder available @ $7.00/box 9 am – 12 pm @ 2963 Greenbrook Way

Mon. 6/11 - Thu. 6/14 **Lakeside High School Viking Football Camp for players ages 6-14 Henderson Middle School 8:30 am – 12 pm


Fri. 6/15 St. Pius X preliminary class schedules mailed to students

Sun. 6/17 Shallowford Presbyterian Church 7 pm – SPC Sanctuary Chapel Youth Choir Homecoming Concert


Wed. 6/20 *Friends of Mary Scott Nature Park meeting – Chocolatte Coffee Shop at 7 p.m. – Publix Shopping Center

Sat. 6/23 **North Briarcliff Civic Ass’n Summer Ice Cream Social 1 – 3 pm – Hawthorne Elementary

Tue. 6/26 *Briarmoor Manor Recreation Club Swim Team Meet Away 5:15 pm – Decatur Pool

Sat. 6/30 *BMRC – Swim Team County Preliminaries Emory Campus (Indoor)

Sat. 6/30 Mary Scott Nature Park Guided Heritage Walk 9 am - MSNP Entrance with Art Armstrong, who grew up on the park site

JULYSun. 7/1 *BMRC - Swim Team County Preliminaries & Finals Emory Campus (Indoor)

Wed. 7/4 Annual 4th of July Neighborhood Celebrations – Check neighborhood signs and notices

Mon. 7/9 *Civic Association Network Candidates Affair – Time TBA Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Wed. 7/11 North Briarcliff Civic Ass’n Board Meeting – Location TBA 7:45 pm – Shall. Pres. Chuch

Wed. 7/18 St. Pius X final class schedules posted


Sat. 7/28 Mary Scott Nature Park Meditative Walk 9 am - MSNP Entrance with Dr. Jeff Pendergrast

Tue. 7/31 General Primary Election Hawthorne Elementary Precinct

AUGUST*National Night Out – Check NBCA and Neighborhood Watch websites for events


Wed. 8/8 *Registration at DeKalb Co. schools – Check local school for updated information due to construction relocation issues (Hawthorne Elementary, Henderson Middle & Lakeside High)

Wed. 8/8 St. Pius X Freshman (8 am) & Senior (12 pm) Orientation SPX Campus

Thu. 8/9 St. Pius X Sophomore (8 am) & Junior (12 pm) Orientation SPX Campus

Fri. 8/10 St. Pius X classes begin 8 am – SPX Campus

Sat. 8/11 *St.Pius X Camp Golden Lion Kickoff 4:30 – 8:30 pm

Mon. 8/13 DeKalb County schools open


Fri. 8/24 St. Pius X Field Day 8:40 am – 12 pm

Sat. 8/25 *Mary Scott Nature Park – “For the Kids” (Tentative) 9 am – MSNP Entrance

SEPTEMBERMon. 9/3 Labor Day Holiday – No public or private schools in session

Tue. 9/4 St. Pius X – No classes in session – Teacher In-Service Day

Wed. 9/5 St. Pius X classes resume


Fri. 9/14 *”Hornet Hustle” Fundraising event Hawthorne Elementary

NBCA COMMuNiTY CALeNDARJuNe 1, 2012 THROuGH SePTeMBeR 15, 2012


North Briarcliff Community: Announcements

Multi-Family Yard Sale – Saturday, June 9, 2012

Good times and bargains abound, as Greenwood Acres Civic Association announces a multi-family Community Yard Sale, planned for Saturday morning, June 9, 2012. All community residents are invited. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various sites on Greenbrook Trail. For those interested in shredding documents, a shredder will be available at 2963 Greenbrook Way from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The charge is $7.00 per box of documents (i.e. a “banker’s box” size.)

Please follow the signs to the sale sites. The Greenwood Acres subdivision is located off of Briarlake Road, between Briarcliff and LaVista Roads. Homes will be listed by streets and maps will be available the day of the sale. For more information, contact [email protected]. See you there!

Lakeside High School Vikings Football Camp – Monday, June 11 through Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Lakeside High School Vikings football team announces a new summer football camp for players aged 6-14 years of age. The camp will run for four days, Monday, June 11 through Thursday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Henderson Middle School.

Players will learn the fundamentals of football for each position. Coaches will include Lakeside High School’s coaching staff and former players, as well as, current college and NFL players. The camp’s goal is to provide each attendee with an enjoyable and rewarding learning

experience. Campers will be divided into teaching groups based on size, age and ability in order to address individual needs and to build each camper’s self-confidence. The cost is $60.00 per camper. For more information, contact Lakeside High School.

Annunciation Day School 2012 – 2013 Registration Information

Due to an increase in school enrollment, the Annunciation Day School has added classes for its Parents Morning Out Program and its Pre-School and Elementary School programs. Annunciation Day School offers a solid foundation for your child’s education in a caring faith-based environment, and features low student to teacher ratios, high scholastic standards and parental involvement. Please call 404-633-5870 to schedule your school tour and learn more about its offerings. Visit their website at annunciationdayschool.org The Annunciation Day School is located at 2500 Clairmont Road between Briarcliff and LaVista Roads.

Volunteers Wanted – Positions Available Immediately!

Community Calendar Coordinator – Help NBCA residents stay informed about upcoming community events! Contact all area schools, churches, interest groups and institutions quarterly. Prepare Calendar for publication in NBCA’s newsletter. Should take 2-4 hours maximum every 90 days.

Social Events Committee – Where’s the party?! Assist in planning and running block and area gatherings of neighbors during the year. Serve on an event

committee (attend several short meetings) and help out at the events. Should take 6-8 hours annually.

Writers & Photographers – Calling all Lois Lanes and Jimmy Olsons! Provide articles for the quarterly NBCA newsletter, including interviews and stories or photos of neighborhood events under the direction of our Editor. Hours vary, depending upon interest and assignments.

Signage Committee – Start spreading the news! Help distribute and remove NBCA announcement signs on assigned street corners. Should take 2-4 hours annually. Signs are normally posted only 2-3 times yearly for major events and removed the day after the event concludes.

Schools Committee – Keep our residents informed about programs and developments of interest in our area schools, including Hawthorne Elementary, Henderson Middle, Lakeside High and St. Pius X High Schools. Should take 2-4 hours annually to prepare brief newsletter articles quarterly.

Gardens Committee & Garden Tours Committees – Got a green thumb? Want to show off your garden? Looking for a fun activity for the family? Help out with our I-85 Interchange Garden’s maintenance, assist with planning seasonal garden tours or volunteer to help with entry street landscaping projects. There are numerous ways to serve, with only a small time commitment.

Interested? Got questions? Contact NBCA Vice-President Laura Bulbin at [email protected].

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