Annual Meeting - St. Ives Country Club HOA

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
lly
a
i
d
r
o
c
e
s ar
t
n
e
d
i
s
e
the
All r
d
n
e
t
t
oa
invited t
A
O
H
C
C
s
e
v
St I
g
n
i
t
e
e
M
l
a
u
n
An
ursday,
Th
t
s
1
2
h
c
r
Ma
7:00 pm
Club
y
r
t
n
u
o
St Ives C
Ballroom
The St Ives Community
Monthly News Magazine
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 12 | MARCH 2013
For all your
skin care needs
s$IAGNOSIS4REATMENTOF3KIN#ANCER
s4REATMENTOF3KIN(AIR,OSS.AIL
$ISEASES!CNE7ARTS-OLES0SORIASIS
%CZEMAETC
s6BEAM6ASCULAR,ASERFOR2OSACEAAND
4REATMENTOF,EGAND&ACIAL6EINS
s,ASER(AIR2EMOVAL!LL3KIN4YPES
s3CLEROTHERAPYFOR&INE,EG6EINS
s"OTOX$YSPORT,ATISSE2ESTYLANE
2ADIESSE*UVEDERM#HEMICAL0EELS
Gabrielle M. Sabini, M.D.
Charles J. Douchy, M.D.
Matthew J. Reschly, M.D.
A. Damian Dhar, M.D.
Anjana M. Patel, PA-C
Sara A. Barr, PA-C
Tracy Friedman, PA-C
Stacey Olivier, PA-C
Scarlett Melton, PA-C
$OO%RDUG&HUWLÀHG
North Atlanta
DERMATOLOGY
Adult & Pediatric Dermatology
www.northatlantaderm.com
WE WELCOME
Scarlett Melton, PA-C
to our practice.
770.814.8222
3OHDVDQW+LOO5G
'XOXWK*$
(Between Peachtree Industrial
%XIRUG+LJKZD\
2
6610 McGinnis Ferry Rd.
6XLWH‡-RKQV&UHHN*$
(Behind Panera Bread
DQG&RPPXQLW\%DQN
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
+DPLOWRQ0LOO5G
6XLWH‡%XIRUG*$
$FURVVIURPWKH
.URJHU6KRSSLQJ&HQWHU
Features
4 | Letter From the Editor
4 | Covenant Corner
5 | From the President
6 | From the Property Manager
7 | HOA Board Members
8 | Locate the Logo Contest
8 | Health & Beauty
8 | Puzzle Solutions
9 | Design Matters
9 | Fulton County School Calendar
10 | Around Town
12 | Charity Guild News
14 | Local Talent
15 | My Book Review
16 | Food Trends & Recipes
17 | Restaurant Review
18 | Persian New Year
18 | Real Estate Update
20 | Fun & Games
22 | Home Maintenance
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
MAGAZINE
Joyous Easter!
Happy Spring!
March Contributors
Linda Caminiti
Cool Change, Inc.
Roz Grady & Darlene Hamrock
Claire Elise Mandryky
Katy Purwin & Christine Roberts
Dr. Gabrielle Sabini
Mojdeh Sourmeh
Kathy Starks
Suzanne Willet
Rhonda Ziegler
My Book Review
Home Maintenance
Real Estate Update
Charity Guild
Photography
Food Trends & Recipes
Health & Beauty
Persian New Year
Real Estate Update
Design Matters
Restaurant Review
Layout/Design: Think Tank Communications
Printing: LDI
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
3
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
Hard to believe it’s already March and time to start thinking spring!
This month’s Food Trends & Recipes features some great home gardening tips
from the ladies at Squash Blossom Kitchens.
If you’re really serious about doing a garden this year, check out Around Town
for details on reserving garden space at Newtown Park Community Garden
on Old Alabama Road.
Also in this issue is an informative article submitted by St Ives resident
Modjeh Sourmeh about Persian New Year or Norooz, that’s always celebrated
on the first day of spring.
In Home Maintenance, we’ve listed a few simple tips to help get your humble
abode in shape for the warm months ahead.
Wishing all of you a happy St Paddy’s Day, a joyous Easter and Norooz mobarak,
Bill Shirk
Editor
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
COVENANT CORNER
GARBAGE CANS, WOOD PILES, SOLID WASTE AND UTILITY BOXES.
All garbage cans, wood
piles, gas and electric
meters, air conditioning
equipment and other
similar items shall be
located or screened so as
to be concealed from the
view of neighboring Lots
and the Common Area.
Any such visual barrier
may consist of either
fencing, landscaping or
planting as may be approved by the Board or
the ASC with accordance
4
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
with Section 6 in the Declaration of Covenants. All rubbish,
trash and garbage shall be regularly removed from the Lot
and shall not be allowed to accumulate thereon. Trash,
garbage or other rubbish shall be kept in sanitary containers
constructed of metal, plastic or masonry materials with
sanitary covers of lids. All such sanitary containers shall
be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and returned to
their normal storage area by evening of the pick-up day.
ASC Committee
LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
In February, we asked all eligible resi
dents if they had an
interest in running for four positio
ns on the St Ives Homeowners (HO
A)
Board. In the month of March we
hold our elections.
On February 21st, we began casting
our ballots and the balloting will
conclude on March 8th. The results
of our election will be announced
at
the annual meeting that will be hel
d at the St Ives Country Club
on March 21st.
In the past we have had some con
cerns about residents completing
their ballots and sending in their
proxies. We must have a quorum
of 25% which represents 188 househ
olds within the neighborhood
in order for the election to be vali
d.
To run an election takes time and
money and if we fail in receiving
a quorum we have to start the pro
cess all over again.
So I encourage everyone, please, whe
n you receive your information ma
ke
your selection and return your bal
lots and proxies as soon as possibl
e.
I know that some of you have goo
d intentions and put it to the side
and think I have time for that and
it gets misplaced. Help us by turn
ing
in your selections and some of you
who have not participated in the
past we encouraged you to partici
pate in this year’s election.
In closing I think of March as the
month that welcomes spring and
warmer weather. For basketball fan
s it’s March Madness and this
year Easter falls on March 31st.
We hope you all will mark your cale
ndars and join us on
March 21st for our annual meeting.
Happy spring and Easter!
Merv Brown
President, HOA Board of Director
s
mervtbrown@bellsouth.net
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
5
PROPERTY MANAGER
FROM THE DESK OF JAN PITTMAN
ST IVES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
January 17, 2013 – Present: Merv Brown, John Remiszewski,
Bill Shirk, Bill White, John Buckett, Ash Thourani,and Jan
Pittman. Absent: Ray Evans
Merv opened the meeting at 6:00 PM. John Remiszewski made
a motion to approve the November Meeting minutes, John
Buckett seconded. All approved.
The signs at both the gates are in need of rehab and updating.
At the request of the Board Jan presented sign options from
Sign Quik. After discussion the Board chose the design option
they preferred and Jan will meet with Sign Quik to discuss the
signs wanted and get pricing and options.
Merv Brown for Ray Evans – Architectural/Landscape
In Ray’s absence Merv gave the update on the Kilarney project.
Three sets of home plans have been approved and construction
has begun on those three homes. The small house on Lot 11
has been demolished and Traton Homes is preparing the area
to bring in their sales trailer. Jan now has a contact for Sales
should questions come into the HOA office.
Jan gave the update on the ASC Zone Activity report (Issues
and Violations List).All the homeowners on the list have been
notified by the Property Manager and she is working with
them to resolve the problems. The number on the list has been
reduced considerably over the past year.
Article discussing the River Corridor will be in the February
newsletter so Jan can distribute the maps in the newsletter.
Jan reviewed the homes for sale/pending and sold list. The list
reflects the homes sold in the past two months.
John Remiszewski – Finance
John gave the overview of the December reconciliation and gave
a line by line detail of the Income and Expense statement and
the Balance sheet. This also reflects the year-end total comparison from Budget to Actual. A report is being prepared for the
homeowners that will be published in the April newsletter. The
Board discussed the Aged Receivables still outstanding.
Bill Shirk – Communications
Bill advised the Board that although he has advertised for the
ad sales position in the newsletter, he has been unable to find
a person willing to sell advertising for the newsletter. Bill will
prepare an ad for the position and Jan will send out an email
blast. Bill has been successful in getting some long-term
advertisers.
Ash Thourani – External Affairs
Ash reported on a possible new development coming on the
corner of Medlock and Bell Road. It is a 300 acres tract and 200
acres may be used for a gated community. This will be directly
opposite Johns Creek Walk so many factors including traffic
6
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
impact have yet to be taken into consideration. The other 100
acres will remain green space with possible future development.
A planned Marriott Hotel in the Johns Creek Walk is now going
to be a 120 suite, 4 story retirement home.
Some construction projects will be underway in 2013. A
394,000.00 beautification project to the median from Kimble
Bridge Rd to Medlock Bridge is one and also the construction of
a roundabout near the Bell Road area.
A new water main drain will be installed on McGinnis Ferry and
this project could take 8 months.
The Public Safety radios are antiquated and in need of
updating. Fulton County has been slow to move forward with
this update so the cities decided to go and get systems of their
own. This has not been fruitful and costly. The city is considering staying with Fulton County as Fulton County has now started
moving forward on a system update. The impact could affect
taxes for North Fulton.
A new Johns Creek Advantage group has been formed and will
join the city and Chamber of Commerce to work at getting new
business and development for Johns Creek, They have a five year
economic development in place.
April 1st is the deadline for new homeowners to apply for the
Homestead Exemption.
The Veterans Association, Johns Creek Leadership and the
Business Association are partnering to install a Veterans
Memorial in Newton Park It’s a 300,00.00 project is slated to
open November 2014.
The new legislation session is trying to get North Fulton a bigger
role in Government.
John Buckett– Infrastructure
John has looked at the street under review for repair and or resurfacing in 2013. Atlanta Paving has been consulting and given
a proposal on these streets. John is also looking at a different
option called Top Coat and Seal, which is a cheaper material
and not so long lasting (approx. 3 years). John will identify a
test area for this product to see if it should be considered for
all streets. The budget will determine how many streets will
be done. There is a 250,000.00 capital budget for 2013 which
include all capital expenses, the streets being one. A motion was
made by John Buckett to proceed with getting comparable bids
on the streets identified. Bill Shirk seconded. All approved.
A storm drain at Vintage Club Drive has sink hole on one side
that has washed away under the foot path. Bill Shirk made
a motion to move forward with this repair. John Remiszewski
seconded. All approved.
The additional speed roll will be installed on Southern Hill.
Bill White Security
Bill discussed the options for snow removal should the area
experience another bad winter storm. Plowing the snow and
salting the parkway is one option, then allowing parking along
the parkway for those in the side streets that will need to come
and go from the community during this time. A plan is going to
be set in place for future use. A pallet of salt will be purchased
and stored. Any contract for plowing the snow will be done on
an as needed basis.
The gatehouses are having the wiring upgraded to make sure
everything is to code and not a fire hazard.
Bill has done a survey of all citations issued in 2012. Several
homes have multiple unpaid citations and a letter will be sent
to these homeowners, with copies of the citations, and invoiced
for the amount.
The new satellite telephone system for the officers to use is in
place and awaiting the program installation by PatrolLive.
Bill discussed complaints he had gotten from homeowners
concerning the ASC process. This will be discussed by Merv, Ray
and Jan at a future date.
Jan Pittman – Property Management Report
An issue with an electric fence was discussed as landscapers
have cut it but the fence is in a community easement flower
bed. More information is needed.
Jan presented ideas for updated signage for both entrances. The
Board chose their preference and Jan will meet with Sign Kwik
for pricing.
The date of March 21st has been assigned for the St Ives Annual
Meeting. Jan will proceed with the necessary materials to the
homeowners.
The Board then went into Administrative Session
The next meeting will be held February 20th.
The meeting was adjourned.
Jan Pittman
St Ives Property Manager
ST IVES HOA BOARD
2012 ADMINISTRATORS
Merv Brown President
mervtbrown@bellsouth.net
770.476.7657
Ash Thourani External Affairs
Ash.Thourani@gmail.com
678.357.2325
Ray Evans VP/Architectural Standards John Remiszewski Treasurer
johnremis@yahoo.com
678.878.9618
770.813.9743
John Buckett Infrastructure
johnbuckett@comcast.net
770.497.8284
Bill White Security
wtw@clearstar.net
678.910.9460
Bill Shirk Communications
bill@thinktankcomm.com
Newsletter e-mail:
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
678.473.9055
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Jan Pittman Property Manager
stivescc@aol.com
Jane Schaive Assistant Property Manager
dschaive@aol.com
770.497.0482 • Fax: 770.497.4947
SECURITY
Security Office
Front Guard Gatehouse: 770.497.8292
Front Guard Gatehouse Fax: 770.497.8570
Back Guard Gatehouse: 770.476.8596
Mario Barjon Security Manager
lbarjonn@aol.com
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
7
LOCATE THE
LOGO CONTEST
FUN&GAMES
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Crossword
1
2
3
19
A R
In each issue, the St Ives logo crest will be hidden
somewhere in the newsletter (It’s not the cover logo).
The first person who contacts the editor with the
correct location of the logo for that month will
receive a St Ives license plate.
Good Luck! Please contact:
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
Our February winner, Stephen
Mohr, was the first person to
email us that he’d found the
logo in the vintage Valentine heart on page 11.
Congrats, Stephen! We had many other readers who
replied to this one. Our sincere thanks to all of you.
Keep playing – you just might be our next winner!
4
5
L O S S
23
M E
20
L O
A
A
L
24
L
27
6
H E
S K
7
8
I
28
31
M A
B
44
L
35
L
36
A N K
A D
L
D E
T
64
Z O
68
X
I
T
89
R
R
I
I
C H
I
90
99
H E R S H E
109
A
113
L
117
L
I
T A
I
B
S
S
E
T
T
L
Y
101
102
Y S X
E
A N T
L M A
T
E
92
115
F O E
A W F
U
L
104
E
119
L
Sudoku
SCREENING FOR SKIN CANCER
Q: How often should I have a skin screening to test for melanoma?
A: You should have a skin exam yearly or at the least have any skin lesion
that is changing, growing, bleeding or itching examined. Getting a screening can save more lives.
A yearly skin exam is simple and like any other screening exam can be the
key to early detection and treatment.
I recommend a skin exam yearly and I encourage all patients to look at
their skin monthly.
Educate your relatives and friends on the importance of early detection and malignant melanoma.
May is melanoma month; celebrate by scheduling your screening today.
Dr Gabrielle Sabini
North Atlanta Dermatology
www.naderm.com • 770.814.8222
Offices in Johns Creek, Duluth & Buford
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
A
L
Y
O N E
S
T
72
73
E R S
77
E
78
O U R
83
D U N E
K E
E N E
A T N
I
K
E
105
S O U
HEALTH & BEAUTY
8
L
L
106
107
108
X C A G O C U B S
111
114
118
I
E
A Y
110
D A
M O W
87
93
N E
96
103
49
V
82
S E
S
S
43
S E R X
53
K A R M A
A H O Y S
E
42
G U R U
71
76
E
41
S
T
J
E O N
100
S
57
62
95
U G H
98
91
E S
S
X H U N
86
S E R
S
66
N
70
81
A D
94
97
I
A
S P U R N
N A
P A
48
K O E
75
80
85
R U E
88
S K E
A Q U
E
M O A T
O A K
A M E N
69
18
E B
S
S N O R T
65
17
26
40
61
X
L
P U R P O S
U M A
P E
16
O B E
52
S
15
C E
22
33
47
S
56
63
84
X
G R A D S
P
14
30
39
46
60
N N S
T
A T
B O E R
A N O D E
I
X
59
E B O N Y
79
C A D E
29
O B O E
W R A
O R
T
38
N E W Y O R K
67
13
O D E
45
74
12
25
55
L
58
11
B E R
32
37
51
E D D Y
54
E
I
P
L
E
50
10
C A R P E
21
S O
P O W E R S O F
34
9
A T
L
E
K
L
E
S S
112
T R O T
116
E
120
S
A U
D A R N
DESIGN MATTERS
TAMING THE HOMEWORK MONSTER
•
•
•
•
Homework. I know, I can hear your screams
of frustration from here. Even with the
brightest kids, keeping track of homework
can be a challenge.
Here are 6 tips that have made all the
difference in our household.
Routine. Find one that works and stick to it. For us,
it’s get home, have a quick snack, then hit the homework. I’ve found that the longer you wait to start,
the harder it is.
Wherever your child does her homework, make sure
that she is well supplied. Colored pencils, protractor,
extra loose-leaf paper, pencil sharpener, etc. I’ve seen
kids waste over 30 minutes looking for the item they
need to complete an assignment.
• Some kids do better working in silence, some
actually focus better with a little background noise.
Figure out which works for your kids.
Keep track of bigger projects and teach your child
to budget a little bit of time over several days to
complete the project, instead of cramming it in the
night before it’s due. This is a hugely important skill
that will serve them well into adulthood.
Keep that backpack at its best! Most elementary
schools send home all graded work on Fridays. Make it
a habit of spending 10 - 15 minutes each Friday after
school to go through this work with your child, while
clearing out any papers that no longer need to be kept
in the backpack.
• Many schools systems have started kids on using
agendas/planners, which I think is fantastic.
Remember, this is a tool for you, too! Use it to track
assignments as well as communicate with teachers.
Suzanne Willett
Clutterninja, LLC • 770.927.7497
suzanne@theclutterninja.com
www.theclutterninja.com
http://www.twitter.com/suzannewillett
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOL CALENDAR
SPRING 2013
Friday, March 15
Monday, April 1 – Friday, April 5
Saturday, April 13
Thursday, May 23
Teacher Workday (no school)
Spring Break
Johns Creek HS Prom
Last Day of School
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
9
AROUND TOWN
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
March 2nd “Pup-a-Palooza” at
Newtown Park Offers Music, Food,
Treats – and Wags!
Carry your canine on down to the first-ever
“Pup-a-Palooza” a party for pooches and their two-legged
friends on Saturday, March 2, at Newtown Dream Dog
Park in Johns Creek.
The two-hour event will feature live
music, caricature sketches of people
with their furry BFFs, and trained-dog
demonstrations.
There will be contests on which dog has
the best trick, and which dog is the best
dressed. (Pre-registration required.)
For people, there will be hotdogs,
chips and water, plus giveaways
while they last. Pets can splurge
on doggie treats. Vendors will be
on hand to promote pet care products and to educate
dog owners about pet care.
“Pup-a-Palooza” at Newtown Dream Dog Park
Saturday, March 2 • 10 AM to 12 Noon
Newtown Park • 3150 Old Alabama Road
(directly across the street from Fire Station #63)
Johns Creek Kicks Off Landscaping
Effort on Two Main Roads.
Cruising Johns Creek is becoming a little easier on the
eyes as the City continues to landscape medians on some
of its most heavily traveled roads.
The City plans to install
landscaping in medians
on McGinnis Ferry Road
from the Chattahoochee
River to Tech Circle, where
it will tie in to landscaping being installed
by Technology Park, Johns Creek. The beautification on
McGinnis Ferry dovetails with similar projects on State
Bridge Road from Medlock Bridge to Kimball Bridge Roads.
“Beautification has several benefits,” said Public Works
Director Tom Black. “It creates what we call ‘curb appeal.’
Everyone appreciates beauty. It makes local drives a little
more pleasant and it conveys that Johns Creek is an attractive place to live and work.”
10
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
Landscaping on McGinnis Ferry Road is a 14-phase,
multi-year project focusing on a median at a time.
McGinnis Ferry, more than other roads, has many short
medians. The first phase, located west of Bell Road, was
finished in December. The second phase, west of Kemp
Road, will be planted in February.
The plantings will be similar so as to give Johns Creek a
consistent look, Black said.
The landscaping consists of a variety of shrubs, tall
grasses, flowers, cherry trees, and crepe myrtles in
the median.
The plants were selected based on their hardiness and
low-maintenance character, their ability to resist drought,
and because they flower at different time of the year,
ensuring colorful displays year-round.
Sign-up for Newtown Park
Community Garden until March 15
Aspiring farmers and planters can register through
March 15 for a plot at Johns Creek’s Newtown Park
Community Garden.
The garden, located on the north
side of Newtown Park, features 40
raised beds that measure 4 feet by
8 feet by 12 inches high. Beds 36
inches high are available for older gardeners.
Participants provide their own seeds or seedlings. Johns
Creek provides water.
Applicants must be members of the Johns Creek Garden
Club, which costs $10 a year. Each raised bed costs $60 a
year. Citizens 65 years or older can pay $25 a year.
Anyone may apply for a garden plot; however, priority
will be given to Johns Creek residents.
Newtown Community Garden
3150 Old Alabama Road
(directly across the street from Fire Station #63)
For more information and application please visit the
Johns Creek Garden Association website:
https://sites.google.com/site/johnscreekgardenassociation/
or email: JohnsCreekGardenA@gmail.com
AROUND TOWN
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Johns Creek Updating Playgrounds,
Adding New Fun Features
New Trails and Sidewalks Add
Pedestrian Options in Johns Creek
Kids get ready! Johns Creek is taking down two older
wooden playgrounds at Newtown Park and is going to
replace them with new playgrounds with all kinds of
cool features.
The new playgrounds, which are separate but adjacent,
will be age-specific, with one intended for children up to
8 years old and the other for children 9 to 14 years old.
Installation is tentatively set for April.
The current playground areas will be off-limits for about
10 days while the new play systems are built.
“The existing playground equipment is getting old and
rather than undertake a lot of maintenance issues, we
decided to take
advantage of newer
technologies and
innovations for the
children of Johns
Creek,” said Public
Works Director Tom
Black. “We think
kids are going to
love it.”
The younger playground will be designed with a castle
theme, and will include old-time favorites, such as swings,
rockers, a horse see-saw, and a structure with interconnected platforms, ladders, steps, and a slide.
The playground for older kids offers several energy-burning
features, such as a play structure with a climbing wall,
several ladders, a variety of sliding and climbing elements,
and linked platforms. The supporting posts have handholds for climbing as well.
It also will include a popular spider-web-like apparatus
that has ropes strung around a supporting pole. Other
features include various spinning devices that kids can
stand on or sit in and move themselves.
Apparatus on both playgrounds will be made of steel and
coated with weather-resistant, heat-resistant plastic.
The City also is installing a shade structure over the
equipment. For safety, the ground will be covered with
specially engineered wood fibers to cushion falls.
Johns Creek Public Works contractors are adding trails
and sidewalks to various parts of the City in an effort to
give casual users and exercise enthusiasts more choices
to get around.
A sidewalk project on Douglas Road connects with a
similar project by Alpharetta to give residents of both
cities new venues for walking and running. A new multipurpose trail on Findley Road will tie Sargent Road in with
the Johns Creek Greenway on Medlock Bridge Road. And
two more sidewalks planned or under construction will fill
in gaps to provide residents with a continuous, safe and
stable walking surface.
“Sidewalks and trails
provide connectivity
between neighborhoods
and destination points,
which enhances a city’s
sense of community,”
said Public Works Director Tom Black. “They also play a
crucial role in people’s lives as more and more people
get out of their cars and pursue a healthier lifestyle by
walking and jogging.”
Trail and sidewalk projects include:
Findley Road: A 4,000-foot-long, 8-foot-wide trail on
the south side of Findley Road will connect to existing
sidewalks and trails to provide a continuous paved surface
from Medlock Bridge to Sargent roads. The Findley Road
trail segment will run past Johns Creek City Hall, several
subdivisions and Findley Oaks Elementary School. Project
is underway with completion scheduled for mid-April.
Douglas Road: A 450-foot-long, 5-foot-wide sidewalk from
the Kroger driveway to the City limits with Alpharetta.
Construction begins in mid-January; completion scheduled
for mid-April.
Haynes Bridge Road: A 250-foot-long, 5-foot wide
sidewalk south of Alvin Road on the eastern side of
Haynes Bridge Road. Construction to begin in midJanuary; completion scheduled for mid-April.
Lakefield Drive: A 1,100-foot-long, 5-foot-wide sidewalk
between the north and south intersections of horseshoeshaped Johns Creek Parkway. Under construction.
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
11
CG NEWS
CHARITY GUILD OF ST IVES UPDATE
PLEASE HELP US BRIGHTEN
A CHILD’S DAY!
EASTER
BASKETS
FOR STAR HOUSE CHILDREN
TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH • 10 AM
Following our regular business meeting, we will once again assemble
EASTER BASKETS for the children who attend STAR House after school
programs at Mimosa Elementary and Ester Jackson Elementary in Roswell.
One of Charity Guild SI’s charities-of-choice, STAR House Foundation is
a non-profit organization in Roswell, GA that makes a difference in kids’
lives by providing an after school tutoring and mentoring program for
at-risk children. They currently serve over 250 children through four
Roswell school programs and often have a waiting list. STAR House
enriches our community by promoting academic success and
empowering lifelong achievement in these at-risk children.
We need enough items for 53 girls and 67 boys Easter Baskets.
ITEMS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGE
BOYS & GIRLS EASTER BASKETS:
• Baskets • Easter Grass • Crayons or Markers • Coloring Books • Small Games or Puzzles
• Card Games, such as UNO • Pencils and Note Pads • Small Stuffed Animals/Bunnies
• Small Toys or Craft Kits • Healthy Snacks • Plastic Eggs – No chocolate or nuts, please.
For more info, contact Lori Baum 678.641.2849 or Mary Dunker 770.664.8999
See you at 10 AM on the 12th, St Ives Country Club Ballroom!
Interested in becoming a STAR House Volunteer?
Please call Rosemary White 770.476.0245 or email her
rowhite1020@bellsouth.net for details.
Or visit: http://starhousefoundation.org/volunteer/
SAVE THE DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 22ND:
2013 WELLSPRING LIVING GOLF CLASSIC
ST IVES COUNTRY CLUB • 11 AM CHECK-IN • 1 PM SHOTGUN
Get your foursome together for an afternoon of golf, prizes and a lot of fun to benefit Wellspring Living!
Open to men & women. To register and learn more go to: wellspringliving.org/events/2013-golf-classic
12
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
CG NEWS
CHARITY GUILD OF ST IVES UPDATE
UPCOMING PROJECT:
TUESDAY,APRIL 9th • 10 AM
PURSES FOR MARY
HALL FREEDOM HOUSE
CG will be assembling purses “graduation gifts” for the
women who are completing their recovery program at
Mary Hall Freedom House at our regular meeting Tuesday,
April 9th,10 AM in the St Ives Country Club Ballroom.
This year, we need enough items to fill 60 purses!
• Notepads • Datebooks • Pens and Pencils
• Calculators • Kleenex Packs • Hand Sanitizers
• Hand Lotion • New Hair Brushes & Combs
• Lip Balm & Lip Gloss • Lipstick Cases • Key Rings
• Breath Mints & Gum • Dental Floss • Makeup Bags
• Nail Polish • Mini Lint Rollers • Compact/Mirrors
• Coin Purses • Wallets • Toothbrush/Paste Toothpaste
No mouthwash or razors, please.
For more info, please contact Lori Baum 678.641.2849
2013 TEXAS HOLD’EM
ANOTHER SUCCESS!
In its 20th year of charitable support, the Charity Guild
of St Ives held its 4th annual Texas Hold’em Tournament &
Silent Auction at St Ives Country
Club the evening of Saturday,
January 26th.
Well over 100 players tried their
luck at the tables to win the
$2,000 grand prize VISA gift card.
With live entertainment provided by
acoustic guitarist Fred Muccino, guests
and players alike placed their bids on
the vast array of silent auction items
featuring fine art, golf packages, vacation getaways,
vintage furs, jewelry and beautiful gift baskets, while
watching the excitement build.
The overall winner this year was
St Ives’ own Chris York.
The Charity Guild would like to
thank all of the
event participants
for making the
evening a huge
success.
CG SHARES THE LOVE!
Not only did Charity Guild present Paul Bowley of
Wellspring Living with a check at February’s meeting, the
CG membership also surprised him with 30 Lots of Love
Bags filled with items to pamper the women in the
Wellspring program. The LOL Bags also contained
handmade heart-shaped pins and Valentine cards
assembled with love by the CG Juniors under the direction
of Mistie Howie. Thanks to everyone who contributed their
time and talents – and shared some CG love!
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
13
LOCAL TALENT
JOHNS CREEK ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY
Spring Classes
Begin March 18th
Spring is the optimal time to
renew and refresh than your own
creative spirit. Join us at the Johns Creek Arts Center
by becoming a member and taking full advantage of our
many opportunities for fun and cultural enrichment.
Registration for our spring classes for both children and
adults is happening now. Classes will begin the week of
March 18.
Whether your interest is visual arts, ceramics, photography, mosaics, or jewelry making, the Johns Creek Arts Center has a class for you. We have a number of new classes
this spring including an iPhone photography class for the
technologically inclined.
We are also offering a new course in Beginning Beading
and Jewelry Design. Learn how to incorporate your old
tired pieces into new and exciting statement jewelry. A
master designer will be available to guide you every step
of the way.
Youth art education is always a priority at the JCAC and
we are pleased that our children’s department is offering several new classes. For the tween and teens we are
introducing Multi-Media and Collage for Teens. Each week
the students will learn a new collage technique. The final
product will be suitable for framing and a unique expression of your child’s creativity.
As a nod to the drama queen or king in your family, we are
introducing a basic acting and improvisation class. Acting
helps to build self-confidence, public speaking skills and
imagination.
“Art in Bloom” Gala
Thursday, March 21st • 7 PM - 10 PM
Gallery Events, 10700 State Bridge Rd
Usher spring in high style by attending the
third annual Art in Bloom Gala, an elegant
fun filled cocktail reception benefitting the
Johns Creek Art Center. Art in Bloom is a fabulous concept
that has been adopted by art museums around the county.
Selected artworks are interpreted in floral arrangements by
premier floral artists. The results are highly unique and very
beautiful. Art in Bloom will be held at Gallery Events, 10700
State Bridge Road on March 21 from 7 until 10 PM. Highlights
of the evening include heavy hor d’oeuvres, live music, a
silent auction and a cash bar.
14
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
Art in Bloom 2012 - Massimo Meda “Landscape”
Tickets for the event are $75.00 and can be purchased from
the Johns Creek Art Center website at www.johnscreekarts.
org. You may also purchase tickets in person at the arts center or by telephone.
Youth Spring & Summer Camps
At the JCAC we are always looking ahead. Stay tuned for more
information about our spring break camp which will take
place April 1 through April 5. This year’s theme is “Beach
Party”. It will be an exciting week of art making and tropical
fun. Students will create beach themed drawing, painting and
ceramic projects using a variety of materials and techniques.
We are also in the process of planning for our summer camp.
This year’s theme is “Art Rocks” and will focus on the integral
relationship between music and the visual arts. Hope to see
you there!
Registration for summer camps will begin in early March. You
may register online, in person or by telephone.
For additional information about JCAC spring classes, spring
break camp, Art in Bloom or summer camp, visit our website
at www.johnscreekarts.org or phone 770.623.8448.
The Dancing Goat Theatre:
Pinocchio 3.5
Saturdays, March 16th, 23rd & 30th
11 AM & 1 PM • All seats: $15.00
10700 State Bridge Rd
Summer Acting Camps
Registering Now!
Performing Arts North at
The Dancing Goat Theatre
To find out more, call 770.772.0672
or visit www.perfomringartsnorth.org
MY BOOK REVIEW
THE DOUBLE LIFE OF PI
The wonderful novel, Life of Pi, by Yann
Martel is once again in the spotlight. The
novel won the 2001 Mann Booker Prize for
best fiction written in English by a citizen
of the Commonwealth of Nations. Now it is
a fabulous movie by Ang Lee. As you might
surmise from the above comments, I am
a big fan of Life of Pi. I led my book club
discussion on the book and have defended
it against many of its detractors. It seems
you either really love this book or really
hate it. I asked the usher at the theater how
people were reacting to the movie and he
said about 50/50. So, I guess if you didn’t
like the book, you’re not going to like the
movie. I went with someone who didn’t
have a clue about the plot and she loved the
movie. Even if you are not a fan of the book,
the movie is visually stunning and it may
just change your mind about the book. I
saw it in 3D and it was spectacular. So, after
12 years I’m once again thinking about the
double Life of Pi. I think that what confuses
people the most is: WHAT IS THE TRUTH?!
Which story told by Pi is the real story?
In the movie the stories are being told by Pi
to a writer many years after the shipwreck.
Which to believe . . .
grace. He even tells of a mysterious island
floating in the Pacific ocean that helps
save he and Richard Parker’s lives. After 227
days, Pi reaches Mexico and he and Richard
Parker survive. But as soon as they reach
land, Richard Parker never looks back at
Pi. Never turns his head. After all they’ve
been through . . . Pi believes that he’s alive
because of his taking on the challenge of
their survival. And all Richard Parker does
is simply walk into the
jungle never to be seen
again.
Story Two: Pi is in the
hospital being interviewed by the freight
company’s investigators. He has told them
story one. They are very
dubious and say they
can’t go back and tell their superiors what
he has just told them. So Pi then tells this
story . . . he survives the sinking of the ship
in a life boat but this time with a sailor who
has an injured leg, his mother, and a mean
cook (played in the movie by a very heavy
Gerard Depardieu). The wounded sailor is
very ill and most likely will die. In the night,
Let’s start with the two stories. Story One:
the cook kills the sailor and tells Pi and his
Pi and his family are moving from India to mother that he will use the flesh as bait. But
Canada and selling their zoo animals to zoos he doesn’t. He resorts to cannibalism which
mostly in the United States. They board
causes Pi’s mother to fight with the cook.
a freighter with the animals. Somewhere
She implores Pi to get in the small raft they
outside of Manila, the boat hits a storm and have been pulling. The cook kills his mother
the boat sinks (mysteriously). Pi survives
and in retaliation, Pi kills the cook. (I’ve sort
in a life boat but so does a wounded zebra, of paraphrased all of this.)
an orangutan, a hyena, and a 450 pound
In the movie, the writer to whom Pi is
Bengal tiger named by the family, Richard
telling his story then looks at Pi and says,
Parker. A reason is given for the tiger’s name so, metaphorically, in the second story the
but I’ll discuss later where the name Richard wounded sailor is the zebra, your mother is
Parker really comes from. Of course, things the orangutan, the cook is the hyena and
get out of hand. Before you know it, the
that you, Pi, are Richard Parker. I wrote
chain of Darwinism kicks in and the only liv- earlier that I would tell you more about
ing creatures on the boat are Pi and Richard Richard Parker. According to Wikipedia there
Parker. It’s a story of survival and a story of are several Richard Parker’s in seafaring hisfaith . . . faith in life, faith in humanity and tory. In an Edgar Allen Poe story, a Richard
faith in “A” God. I say “A” God because Pi
Parker gets eaten by survivors from a ship
believes that no matter what path you take wreck. Another real Richard Parker, in 1846,
to believe in God, it is your path and no one was a drowning victim of a ship wreck, and
else’s. Pi invokes his God many times during yet another Richard Parker, in 1884, was
the journey and seeks his survival by God’s killed by the survivors and cannibalized.
So Martel thought that would be a great
name for his tiger. Now is when we get
all philosophical. At the beginning of the
novel/movie, Pi’s father is getting fed up
with Pi’s dabbling in religions. He tells
him the only way to the truth is to use
reasoning and logic. That is the only way
to the truth. The tag line for the movie is
“Believe in the unbelievable.” That is the
exact opposite of what Pi’s father has told
him. If I go by reason and logic, Pi’s second story is the real one. I believe just
as the writer did that Pi merged the two
stories together. That when he “became”
Richard Parker, the killer, is was like a
second psyche. And when he survives on
the beach and he “sees” Richard Parker
walking away and never looking back,
well, that is what Pi does. He lets that
part of himself go and begins to “believe
in the unbelievable”. When he asks the
writer which story he believes, the writer
says the one with the tiger. And Pi says,
“thank you. And so it goes with God.”
You must suspend reason and logic and
believe in the unbelievable . . . There is
much debate on the internet about the
book jacket’s claim, as well as Pi’s statement within the novel, that the story will
make you believe in God. I’m not going to
debate that point. For me, like the writer
and the Japanese investigators, I prefer
the Richard Parker and Pi story. It is one of
survival and heroics not one of the reality
of murder and cannibalism.
The movie sticks fairly closely to the narrative in the novel. They take license by taking some characters’ dialog and for narrative reasons, give that dialog to someone
else. I would consider Life of Pi to be in
my top five favorite books and I read a lot
. . . Some of you are now scratching your
heads and saying, “she’s nuts”.
Linda Caminiti
ironcheflinda@gmail.com
Check out my blog at
satisfyingmycuriousity.blogspot.com
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
15
FOOD TRENDS & RECIPES
YOUR GUIDE TO GREEN THUMBS!
Vegetable gardening can be a rewarding and fun family
activity that pays delicious dividends. While it may seem
early to begin thinking about the growing season ahead,
many plants require seeding in the early months of the year.
The first step in planning a garden is to determine the last
spring frost date. According to almanac.com, Alpharetta has
a 50% probability of being frost free after April 4, 2013.
Following the directions on your seed packets, work
backwards from this date to determine when seeds should
be started, paying attention to such factors as planting
depth, spacing requirements, and whether seeds should
be directly sown into the garden or started indoors.
Two excellent online resources for purchasing organic and
heirloom seeds are cooksgarden.com and rareseeds.com.
Starting seeds indoors need not be complicated nor does
it require specialized equipment. Seeds can be sown in
anything from turnkey plastic greenhouses (check Home
Depot or Pike’s) to recycled containers (poke a few drainage
holes in the bottom,) homemade newspaper pots, and even
empty toilet paper rolls! Purchase a high quality, nutrientrich seed starting mix or peat pellets to provide necessary
nutrients in a sterile medium.
Container gardening on a patio is be an excellent way to
grow crops without sacrificing yard space. Herbs are great
choices for container gardens, as are leafy vegetables,
tomatoes, beans, and root veggies.
16
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
Set your plants up for success by selecting containers that
are deep enough to support their respective root systems.
Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail (available on Amazon.com)
is an excellent read for those interested in organic and/or
container gardening.
While gardening centers abound with fertilizing options,
there are many ways to feed plants with household items
that are natural and inexpensive. Ground eggshells, used
coffee grounds, Epsom salts, banana peels, and even grass
clippings can all provide vital nutrients to plants. Composting is another great way to turn trash into garden gold –
there are even options for composting indoors!
No matter what plants you decide to grow, be sure to get
the entire family involved in this fun hobby.
With a bit of patience and some trial and error, delicious
homegrown produce can be yours!
Katy Purwin and Christine Roberts
Owners of Squash Blossom Kitchens,
an Atlanta-based boutique caterer specializing in corporate
and in-home events.
Both are home gardeners.
Learn more at www.squashblossomkitchens.com.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
THE VELVET NOTE ACOUSTIC LIVING ROOM
The Velvet Note provides an exceptional evening of entertainment and fine food which takes you on an incredible journey
you would not expect in Alpharetta!
The Velvet Note is an acoustic “Living Room” where you can
enjoy nationally-recognized and acclaimed artists as well as the
best musicians in Atlanta. The sound is amazing because the
“living room” was designed by musicians to provide the purest
vocal and instrumental reception available to a live audience.
Fridays feature acoustic artists
showcasing rock, folk, country
and independent music. Saturdays you will enjoy sensational styles of Jazz and Blues,
both vocal and instrumental.
The Velvet Note feels like an intimate private living room which
features comfy, cozy sofas and chairs so you can be up close
and personal with the artists, I was actually able to chat with
the lead singer and piano player before the performance. The
dining tables are also close and personal so definitely plan on
making new friends! We were lucky enough to be joined by
Karla Harris who is a very lovely person and will be performing
at The Velvet Note in March.
Fridays and Saturdays feature a 7:00 PM performance and a
9:00 PM performance and both are sold out weeks before so
make sure you make your reservations early.
As you are captivated by the talented artists you can enjoy
from a select list of wines and ales throughout the evening.
You may also choose to add a wonderful dinner to enjoy
throughout the show. The menu changes weekly and the chef
specializes in creating the perfect bite – the most flavorful,
intense mouthful of your favorite seasonal creations. Their
objective is to serve a perfect blend of fun and food to enhance
your total evening experience.
If you want something light
and refreshing I would suggest the “Meat and Cheese
Tasting Plate”. We started with
assorted Artisinal cheeses
from around the world and
which featured Goat cheese,
sharp white cheddar and a
wonderful Buffalo mozzarella. It was accompanied by shaved
honey ham, prosciutto and accented with sun dried tomatoes,
grapes, blackberries, & strawberries.
The “Spinach and Spring Salad” was chopped for easy eating
and was topped with goat cheese with red onions, spiced
walnuts, pine nuts and a very light raspberry vinaigrette
dressing. I really enjoyed the flavors.
The Velvet Note only offers 4 entrées each evening so the
chef can focus on providing outstanding cuisine in a short
amount of time.
First we sampled the “Beef Short Ribs” The slow-braised beef
short ribs were very tender & fell apart with my fork however
the best part about this dish was the corn pudding. The
Poblano Southern Corn Pudding was definitely the best I have
ever tasted. I loved the accents of jalapeno and bacon which
gave it a mild yet spicy flavor.
“Salmon” is my favorite food and their Asian-marinated salmon
filet was pan seared to perfection in a wonderful light Asian
sauce. Again, the side dish stole the show. The Edamame
Coconut Rice was vegetable-infused with boiled green soybeans, peas and corn with just a hint of the coconut flavor.
It was a wonderful combination.
I am also a big fan of “Crab Cakes” and I was not disappointed.
They serve two Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes prepared Marylandstyle with just a tiny bit of breading to keep the presentation
together. The taste was wonderful! They were served with an
arugula micro green salad tossed with fried corn and accompanied with a lovely lemon aioli sauce. The crab cakes are a house
favorite and definitely a dish I will order again.
Enjoy an evening of exceptional music while enjoying a
cocktail, meeting new friends, and with fine dining all at
The Velvet Note!
The Velvet Note Acoustic Living Room
4075 Old Milton Parkway • Alpharetta • 855.583.5838
www.thevelvetnote.com
Rhonda Ziegler
r.ziegler@comcast.net
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
17
PERSIAN NEW YEAR
CELEBRATING NATURE’S REBIRTH
In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New year
celebration, or Norooz (meaning New Day) always starts the
year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of the
spring on the first day of spring, March 20th of each year.
Norooz with its uniquely Iranian characteristics has been
celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the
rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian.
A major part of New Year ritual is setting
the “Haft Seen” with seven specific items
symbolizing spring, whose Persian namesakes
begin with the letter S or “seen”. These seven
things usually are:
• Sabzeh: Wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in
a dish – symbolizing rebirth
• Samanu: Sweet pudding made from wheat germ –
symbolizing affluence
• Senjed: Dried fruit of the oleaster or lotus tree –
symbolizing love
• Sir: Garlic – symbolizing medicine
• Sib: Apples – symbolizing beauty and health
• Somaq: Sumac berries – symbolizing the color
of the sunrise
• Serkeh: Vinegar – symbolizing age and patience
Other items on the table
may include:
• Sonbol: Hyacinth
(plant)
• Sekkeh: Coins –
representative of
wealth
Some of the activities during Norooz are Spring cleaning,
buying new clothes, a family reunion, giving presents, visiting
neighbors and friends and celebrating by having a picnic on
the 13th day of Spring.
Mojdeh Sourmeh
mojdehsou@yahoo.com
If you would like to share your family’s unique cultural or
holiday traditions, we would love to hear from you!
Please submit your stories to bill@stivesnewsmagazine.com
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
A LITTLE O’ THE GREEN
Hi and Happy St. Patty’s Day!
I’m ready for a little o’ the green: lawns,
buds, prosperity? As of February 16th, there
are only 12 active listings in the neighborhood. Seven homes have already sold in
2013 at an average price of $762,857. Two of
those were million-dollar sales that Darlene
and I closed – let’s bring up that average!
I thought it might be interesting to compare St Ives’ 2012
statistics with those of the other gated golf neighborhoods
(according to FMLS):
As you can see, 2012 sale prices are either close-to-even or
up over 2011. St Ives has two very large homes listed for
18
3+Million and 5+Million, which raises our average asking
price a bit, but notice that this year’s average sale price is
already considerably higher than that of 2012! Our supply
is so limited that we are constantly asked by buyers and
agents what we might know about that is not yet on the
market. If you’d be interested in our showing your house
“unlisted,” please contact us. We can also find good agents
for anyone you know moving in other areas.
Enjoy this lovely spring weather,
Roz Grady and Darlene Hamrock
roz.grady@harrynorman.com
darlene.hamrock@harrynorman.com
# ACTIVE
LISTINGS
AVG LIST
PRICE
# HOMES SOLD
2012
AVG SALE PRICE
2012
# HOMES SOLD
2011
AVG SALE PRICE
2011
St Ives
12
$1,381,567
25
$622,447
41
$574,160
CCOS
41
$1,745,615
39
$919,112
35
$904,804
St Marlo
28
$813,435
65
$628,051
61
$653,242
Sugarloaf
38
$1,355,992
56
$844,324
51
$846,249
Laurel Springs
7
$662,914
27
$604,433
32
$549,593
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
MARCH 2013 MARKET UPDATES
The national housing market continues to recover, indicated
by consistent increases in both home sales and prices.
Inventories in much of the United States are primarily
balanced, which favors neither sellers nor buyers.
However, large pockets of the country are experiencing
inventory shortages, which puts pressure on prices. Many of
the hardest-hit areas during the downturn now have some
of the tightest inventories. The return of price appreciation
and a stronger market, particularly in those locations, is a
welcome signal of returning market health.
“Some buyers are frustrated with mortgage availability.
If most of the financially qualified buyers could obtain
financing, sales would be about 10 - 15% stronger, and
the related economic activity would create several hundred
thousand jobs over the period of a year,” states NAR
President Moe Veissi.
Despite difficult mortgage qualifying conditions sidelining
some buyers, others are still taking advantage of excellent
housing affordability conditions, which is evident of notable
stored-up housing demand that accumulated since 2007.
With the housing market coming close to a full recovery
and mortgage rates hitting new record low, the time to
buy is now.
2% of August sales, down for 25% of sales last month and
31% of sales last year. Although the amount of distressed
properties is decreasing from month to month, they are still
high by historic standards.
Home prices continue to rise due to shrinking inventory
and an increase in demand. The current median home price
is $187,400 up 9.5% from a year ago and down just 0.2%
from last month. This has been the sixth consecutive month
of year-to-date rise since 2005.
Housing inventory rose to 2.47 million homes available
for sale – a 6.1 month supply, up 2.9% from last month and
down 18.2% from last year’s 8.2 month supply.
This marks the 9th consecutive month of inventory at a
6-month supply, a clear indicator of a balanced market and
full-scale housing market recovery. Robust improvement in
employment is the primary concern remaining, and as that
improves the housing market recovery will be firmer footing
for the future.
Kathy Starks,
Keller Williams Realty
678.775.2638
678.221.4193
kathystarks@kw.com
Kathy.Starks.kwrealty.com
INTEREST RATES
TYPE
RATE
30-Year Fixed
3.49%
15-Year Fixed
2.77%
5/1 ARM
2.76%
Historical Average
8.90%
Mortgage rates this month at or around 3.49% are back
at record lows. The decline in the 30-year fixed rates is
partially due to a result of a Federal Reserve’s announcement of “QE3”.
“QE3” is a new bond purchase plan which should help
stimulate the ongoing housing recovery. Home buyer affordability remains high for home buyers who buy now while
rates are low.
Home sales this month rose 7.8% from last month to a
seasonally adjusted rate or 4.82 million units, a 9.3%
increase from last year.
Distressed homes (which include short sales and
foreclosures that traditionally sell for 15% to 20$ less on
average compared to non-distressed homes) accounted for
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
19
FUN&GAMES
SUDOKU, ETC.
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and
each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
By using logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
If you really get stuck, use the solution on page 8.
Spring Has Sprung
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
UNIQUE DAYS IN MARCH
1st: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
2nd: Old Stuff Day
3rd: I Want You To Be Happy Day
6th: National Frozen Food Day
9th: Panic Day
12th: Girl Scouts Day – eat a Thin Mint cookie!
13th: Jewel Day
15th: Dumbstruck Day
16th: Everything You Do Is Right Day
17th: St. Patrick’s Day
18th: Supreme Sacrifice Day
19th: Poultry Day
20th: First Day of Spring
23rd: National Chip & Dip Day
26th: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
28th: Something On A Stick Day
29th: Smoke and Mirrors Day
31st: Easter Sunday
20
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
What season is it when you are on a trampoline?
Spring-time!
When do monkeys fall from the sky?
During Ape-ril showers!
Can February March?
No, but April May!
What’s the best day of the year to monkey around
with your friends?
A. Ape-ril Fool’s Day, of course.
Q. What spring flowers can be found on people’s faces?
A. Two lips (tulips).
Q. Why is spring a great season to start
a gardening business?
A. Because it’s the season when you can
really “rake” in the cash!
Q. How is the letter A like a spring flower?
A. Both of them are followed by bees (B’s)!
Q. What is a spring chick after it is five months old?
A. Six months old.
Q. What did the big flower say to the small flower?
A. What’s up Bud?
Q. How can you tune into the sun?
A. Use a sundial.
Q. How do rabbits keep their fur neat?
A. They use a harebrush (hairbrush).
Q. How do you know that bees are happy?
A. Because they hum while they work.
Q. What did one toad say to the other toad?
A. “One more game of leapfrog and I’ll croak.”
Q. What do you get when you cross a
four leaf clover and poison ivy?
A. A rash of good luck
Q. What did the dirt say to the rain?
A. If this keeps up, my name will be mud.
FUN&GAMES
CROSSWORD
X MARKS THE SPOT by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon
1
ACROSS
1. Bad day at the
park
5. LeBron and
crew
9. "__ diem"
14. Starry sort
19. Singer about
Alice
20. What's more
21. "Escales"
composer
22. Portly, and then
some
23. Fast breaker
24. Don't go to
25. Army trainee
26. Castle ringers
27. Jumps in
magnitude
29. Working in
opposition
31. "__ de mer"
32. Praise in verse
33. Wine cask wood
34. Picnic spread
38. Mortarboard
donners
40. One just
happening
along
44. Soup kitchen
item
45. Kin of bassoons
47. Amherst campus
49. Shorten some
blades
50. Mini-maelstrom
51. Some
sandwiches
52. Bullish retort
53. TV handyman
Bob
54. Rockers __
Amitri
55. Transvaal settler
56. Tea type
57. Brit's boob tube
58. Big-city paper
61. "You said it"
62. Sharp craving
63. Granular pasta
64. Ball of yarn
66. Spiritual guide
67. Lustrous black
69. Greenish blue
70. Seekers of "the
spot"
74. Battery terminal
75. Reject with
scorn
76. Starting stake
77. Wilder's "__
Town"
79. Sojourners'
stops
80. Brook nymph
81. Fateful force
83. Wind-piled sand
84. Feel regret for
85. Tread
companion
86. Marge's toon
sis
87. Pumpkin Fest
town
88. Find gold, say
90. Lauder of
fashion
92. Slob's opposite
94. "Gross!"
95. Long, long time
96. "Yes, Captain"
97. Smacks of
chocolate?
103. Wrigley nine
109. "He's making
__"
110. Nautical calls
111. Aretha's music
112. Unrushed gait
113. Smear in print
114. "Spider-Man"
actor
115. Sommer of
cinema
116. Isaac's eldest
117. Worth a "Yum!"
118. Dismal
119. Minus
120. Printable oath
DOWN
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
"Aladdin" prop
Classic cookie
Diner side
Without
cracking a smile
Minor
botheration
Nevada town
"In your
dreams!"
List of faves or
hits
Shrill bugs
Waned
Group devoted
to healing
Make ready
"__, Brute?"
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
31
34
35
37
44
45
50
38
58
46
47
60
64
68
74
66
70
81
94
98
99
71
72
76
77
82
101
91
92
93
96
102
103
104
105
106
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
14. Orienteering aid
15. Kindle
downloads
16. Grazing fields
17. Ferrara family
18. Gershwin
heroine
28. Libertine
30. Mocking tribute
32. Dug-up
valuables
34. Ran in the wash
35. Encumbered
36. Discombobulate
37. Figure often
caped
38. Elephant org.
39. Chest on the
sea floor
40. Whittle down
41. Hirsch of "Milk"
42. Bakery buys
43. Side road
46. Reply to
"Speak!"
48. Where Neil
walked
51. A bit dazed
52. Pre-final match
53. Show's locale
55. David of the
Talking Heads
56. Praising song
57. Rich cake
59. Clubs in a bag
60. Crowded New
Year's Eve spot
62. Coup group
65. Kirkuk native
66. Guy packing
67. Listless feeling
68. A TV Huxtable
69. "... baked in __"
71. "No __, no foul"
72. City on the
Seine
78
87
95
100
73
83
86
90
43
62
65
80
89
42
53
75
88
41
49
61
85
18
57
69
84
48
56
59
79
40
52
63
67
97
39
55
17
33
51
54
16
30
32
36
15
73.
74.
75.
78.
80.
81.
82.
83.
85.
86.
87.
89.
91.
93.
97.
Branch of Islam
Bombing raid
Robe closer
Give off a stink
Specialty
With hot
enthusiasm
Harpoon
Brewery choice
Did a
gumshoe's job
In a fitting
manner
Fox Business
show
Deck in a bout
Apple often
rough-skinned
"Hasta la vista!"
"Lyin' Eyes"
band
Put a stop to
107
108
98. Director Kazan
99. Barbecue-pit
specialty
100. When repeated,
et cetera
101. Player of Quint
in "Jaws"
102. Dismiss with a
mock smooch
103. Sculptor's tool
104. 3-Down
preceder
105. Razor-billed
divers
106. Bear up?
107. Male swine
108. Knock loopy
Solution on page 8
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
21
HOME MAINTENANCE
SPRING CHECK LIST – INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
General Cleaning Spring is a good time to clean
areas of the house that often go neglected. Dust or
vacuum chair rails, window casings, tops of wall-mounted
cabinets and ceiling fans. Launder or dry-clean fabric
draperies and use a damp cloth to clean wood and vinyl
blinds. Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses and
consider renting a carpet cleaner – anything you can do to
remove settled dust, mites, and allergens will make for a
cleaner, and healthier, home.
If you detect grease residue in the kitchen, consider
|washing cabinets, backsplashes and walls with warm water and mild detergent. The same is true in the bathroom,
where soap residue and fluctuations in heat and humidity
combine to create the perfect breeding ground for mold
and mildew. While you’re cleaning tile, look for areas of
worn or missing grout, as these may lead to more serious
water damage if not repaired.
Air Conditioning Just as you readied your furnace
for fall, now is the time to make sure that air conditioning units are in good working order for the warmer months
ahead. Change the filter, check hose connections for leaks,
and make sure the drain pans are draining freely.
In addition, vacuum any dust that has settled on the unit
and connections; over time it can impact the air conditioner’s effectiveness. If you suspected problems with the
efficiency or performance of the unit last summer, now is
the time to call in a professional to check it out.
Basements The basement – prone to dampness
and insects – must be part of any thorough seasonal
maintenance effort. Dampness suggests higher than
normal relative humidity, inadequate ventilation and the
need for a dehumidifier. Check the base of poured-concrete
walls. Cracks start from the bottom up, not from the top
down. If there’s water penetration, it will show at the
bottom of the cracks Be sure to use a flashlight to
examine any exposed framing. If you see even a quarterinch tunneling on the wood,
call your pest control
company immediately.”
Leaks Spring is a good
time to check for leaky
faucets, clogged drains and
sweaty pipes. Check under
the kitchen and bathroom sink to make sure connections
on pipes and hoses are properly sealed, and look for any
wetness around the dishwasher that could signal an existing or potential problem. The same is true of your laundry
room; check washer machine hoses for cracks, bulges or
dampness. The same is true for hot water heaters, which
may show sign of corrosion and leaks
HOME MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE YOUR AC SYSTEM TUNE-UP
Attics Search for signs that indicate insects and critters
have colonized. Also, search aggressively for mold, which
often takes the form of gray or black blotches that look
like staining. Proper insulation and good ventilation will
deter mold growth in the attic, so take action now to
prevent the problem from developing in the warmer
months ahead.
22
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
As you all well know, our winter will soon be coming to an
end. The warmer weather is approaching us fast, and it will
soon be time to start up your AC system.
We recommend having your cooling system serviced to ensure
that it will operate properly, and at optimum efficiency.
A tune up can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 10%!
Regular maintenance can protect your system from breakdowns and prevent unforeseen repair bills. We offer Planned
Maintenance Agreements to ensure your HVAC system is
inspected twice a year for proper operations.
If you haven’t had your cooling system serviced recently,
please contact us today to schedule an appointment at
770.682.5278.
Cool Change, Inc
coolchange_ac@yahoo.com
www.coolchangehvac.com
Sales . Service . Installation
770-682-5278
Warm weather is on its way
DON’T let this happen to you!
Call Cool Change TODAY!
*FREE In-Home Estimates*
$25
OFF
Your Next
Service Repair
Expires 7/31/13
$500 OFF
FREE
Full System
Replacement
Air Purification
System & 1 Year
Planned Maintenance
Agreement
with complete system
replacement
Expires 7/31/13
Expires 7/31/13
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
23
ANDY
ONCALL
Your Premier Handyman Service Company
Experienced Quality Craftsmen
Changing
your
accountant
might be a
brilliant
deduction.
If you’re not absolutely,
positively certain that
you are paying the lowest
amount of tax possible,
take us up on this offer.
Under strict confidence,
let Wilson Lewis review
your last year’s return.
When completed, one of
two things will happen.
Either we will show you
that you can, in fact,
lower your tax liability.
Or, we’ll tell you that
your accountant is doing
a terrific job for you.
So give us a call. You have
nothing to lose. And you
might just save a bundle.
Brilliant deduction, right?
1720 Peachtree Street, Suite 629 | Atlanta, Georgia 30309 | 404.881.1229
6650 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Suite 900 | Duluth, Georgia 30097 | 770.476 .1004
wilsonlewis.com
24
®
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | MARCH 2013
Carpentry
Painting
Plumbing
Ceramic Tile
Electrical
Small Jobs
Drywall
Big Jobs
New Light Fixtures
Bathroom/Kitchen Remodeling
Finished Basements
Ceiling Fans
Fencing
Wood Rot Repair
Commode Repair/Replacement
Flooring
Interior/Exterior Doors
And Much More
Call Today
To Schedule Your FREE ESTIMATE
We Can Usually Start Your Job Immediately!
Fully Insured - One Year Warranty on Labor
WWW.AndyONCall.com
Email
ATLANTA400@ANDYONCALL.COM
CALL 770-640-6050
Serving Dekalb, Fulton, Forsyth & Gwinnett Counties