The

CITIZENS REVIEW
February 2004

Vol. 21

Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc.

City on Track to Ensure Better Quality of Life and Cleaner Water

By CLAIR MULLER Atlanta City Council Member, 8th District

On January 5, 2004 the Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to approve a water/sewer rate structure for the next five years that will ensure that the City of Atlanta will be able to meet the federal mandates on the city and its water/sewer system. The vote provides adequate funding for the operation and maintenance costs of the system needed to demonstrate to the federal court that we intend to comply with the consent decrees and provides adequate debt coverage to demonstrate to the bond rating agencies that Atlanta will be on sounder financial ground. Repairing our sewers and ceasing the pollution of our streams and rivers is an issue I have worked on for over 10 years. But even before I served on the Atlanta City Council, others who served before me say that funding our underground infrastructure was not a popular cause. Atlanta's water/sewer system has served the city and other parts of the region for 125 years. But for many decades the maintenance of the system was deferred to the point that the system was polluting our streams and rivers. Then we received a federal mandate and specific timelines for the repair of our sewers. With this Council vote, we are on track to ensure a better quality of life and cleaner water, affirming our commitment to protecting public health as responsible stewards of our environment. The programs we are funding are massive and many, and the costs are high. Federal monitoring is inherent in both Consent Decrees, and in addition, the City will receive monitoring from the state agency that will be lending money to Atlanta. Also, each project within the program will continue to receive value engineering scrutiny as we seek cost savings and continue to seek grants to defray some of the costs, as other cities have done. We appreciate Govenor Perdue's and Senator Johnson's offers to sponsor state assistance in the General Assembly. Senator Johnson's offer to support a Municipal Options Sales Tax (MOST) will be very helpful. (Please note that since the 1960s, cities in Georgia have not been authorized to place a sales tax referendum on the ballot without permission from their county.) If Atlanta voters approve a referendum for a MOST, the rate increase can be drastically reduced in the second year. And, it is estimated that 40% of the revenues from any future sales tax (if approved) would come from out of town visitors. In the legislation approving the recent rate increase, the City Council also included language committing the City to decreasing the water/sewer rate when alternative funds are found. If the City can gain the approval of a MOST, this would provide just such an alternative source of funds for the City. While it was difficult to achieve, the fact that this vote was unanimous gives Atlanta increased credibility with other government entities as we seek new funding which will allow the City to roll back some of the rate increases in the future. Throughout the debate, there was a great deal of discussion regarding future development and the role of new development in the funding equation. This past December, I introduced legislation that would increase the fees for new water/sewer connections. My goal with this legislation is to bring the City's connection fees up to levels similar to other major cities while also bringing in increased revenues from new development in the City. This legislation was passed in the January 20 City Council meeting. I will keep you updated regarding future similar legislation, and how it might affect you. The approved rate structure is designed to promote and encourage conservation by users. The graduated schedule, also called a tiered schedule, will charge ratepayers based on their level of usage. For each tier, a different rate is charged per hundred cubic feet of water, known as ccf. One hundred cubic feet, or 1 ccf, is the equivalent of 750 gallons. The first tier is 0-3 ccfs, which is $1.93 for In-City ratepayers and $2.33 for Outside-City ratepayers in 2004. The second tier is 4-6 ccfs. This means for the next hundred cubic feet over 3, the ratepayers will be billed a higher rate for water used between 4 and 6 ccf. The third tier rate is applied when the ratepayer uses more than 6 ccfs. Please note that ratepayers, regardless of usage will be billed for a minimum amount of 3 ccfs, which is 2250 gallons. In addition, ratepayers will be charged a $0.15 surcharge per ccf.
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Answering Calls for Help from Atlantas Citizens for 154 Years

Atlanta Firefighters Now Seek Citizens Help

such as Fulton County and Cobb County pay their firefighters, on the average, 20% more than Atlanta. Even if a recruit were willing to take the lower pay, they will see Atlantas deficient firefighter pension system. In the 2000 budget, the pension for Atlantas police officers was improved to a retroactive 3% multiplier. But, Atlantas firefighters were short-changed, and not given the 3% retroactive as the police were. This could total as much as $10,000 to $20,000 in annual salary. Atlanta firefighters contribute 7% into their pension, while their counterparts in DeKalb County only contribute %. Atlantas firefighters are asking that Atlantas citizens support a plan that will return a fully effective staff to our fire stations, create an incentive for qualified firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics to come to Atlanta and give our firefighters who have been serving us a fair pension. These people have been answering your calls for help, now the firefighters are asking you to make the call for help on their behalf. Ask your City Council Member to support Atlantas Firefighter Four-Year Staffing, Pay and Pension Plan. Atlanta City Council: 404-330-6030.

Fire department officers are going citywide to promote a plan that will increase citizen and firefighter safety in our city. Capt. Tom Doyle and Capt. Keith Schumacher spoke at the NPU-A (Neighborhood Planning Unit-A) Board of Directors meeting on December 30 and the NPU Public Meeting on January 6. Many Atlanta citizens do not realize that while the city has been growing tremendously over the past 25 years, the fire department has been reduced by 20% the result of years of budget cuts and attrition that were never compensated for. According to the National Fire Protection Association in their Standard #1710, fire companies should operate with five members in high hazard urban areas and four members in other areas. But, each day the Atlanta Fire Department operates 38 members short of achieving the four-member goal. All of the citys thirteen truck (ladder) companies and thirteen of the citys engine companies are running with only three members. While 100 new police officers have been added to the 2004 budget, only 25 firefighters are being replaced from previous cuts. Currently the Atlanta Fire Department is about 200 members short of being capable of providing 100% service. National studies have shown that a fire companys effectiveness depends on the number of firefighters assigned to the company. A fire company with five members is 100% effective, four members 65% and three members - 38%. The A.F.D. is currently dispatching additional companies from other areas of the city to cover for the inadequacies leaving wide areas with decreased fire protection each time there is a fire. These efficiency ratings also relate to emergency medical responses. National firefighter safety standards call for what is known as the two-in two-out rule. This states that before firefighters can enter a burning building they must 1) have a team of at least two members, and 2) have a rescue team of at least two members to rescue them. This means that a fire crew of three members cannot initiate an interior fire attack until additional help arrives. Station #27 is assigned four members per shift, but quite often one of those members is pulled to another station to cover for sick leave, injuries, etc. Station #26 on Howell Mill Road never has more than three members on each rig. If the Atlanta Fire Department opened the doors today and tried to hire firefighters, it would be difficult to find quality recruits due to Atlantas low firefighter pay. Surrounding communities

Fire Side Chat

By CAPTAIN KEITH SCHUMACHER

Greetings from the little house on the corner. As you know, Engine Company #27 silently stands guard over your community. But there is a lot more than that going on at The 27s. We provide a blood pressure screening point, smoke detectors, and now we offer Child Safety Seat Inspections by appointment. Did you know that studies have shown that 80% of all child restraints are installed improperly? Atlanta firefighters are required to train 120 hours per year. (Police officers are only required 20 hours of in-service training per year.) A majority of Atlantas firefighters are certified as Intermediate Emergency Medical Technicians. These firefighters are required an additional 24 hours of training, while Paramedics attend 40 additional hours every two years. Our drivers are required to know the shortest route to any address in their first alarm territory. We strive to know every street in this neighborhood, and some major driveways. Each month, we are required to familiarize ourselves with 30 businesses in the territory. Each of three shifts complete 10 familiarizations each. Obviously, there are not that many businesses in Company #27s territory, so we work on the fringe areas such as Roswell Road and West Paces Ferry Road. Three crews of four members staff station #27. Each crew works 56 hours per week as compared to other city employees who only work 40 hours. We work 24-hour shifts from 7AM until the following 7AM, so you may see us at the local grocery store buying the evening dinner. And its true; we have some pretty good cooks. Our trips to the grocery store usually provide us with some good community interaction as well, to answer your questions, give directions, or just give the kids a thrill by climbing on the fire truck.

February 2004

The Crime Report

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

Security Patrol Activity

During the months of June through December, Officers Doug Cole and Jim Hendrix

Security Patrol Information

The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is a neighborhood-funded patrol staffed by retired Atlanta police officers. The officers patrol our neighborhood and the Randall Mill Civic Association neighborhood Monday through Friday and additional weekend hours as crime patterns dictate. The patrol checks doors and windows daily while you are out of town and picks up newspapers. The fee to join the patrol is $150 a year and covers the time period from January 1 to December 31. The fee for new residents will be pro-rated. Subscribers receive a mailbox decal, telephone stickers and access to the security hotline as well as daily surveillance of your house and property. For information on joining, or to meet the patrol officers, call 40 1. Be sure to leave a message during off-duty hours and either Officer Cole or Officer Hendrix will call you back.

Logged 9989 miles patrolling our neighborhood Made 3098 house checks for traveling subscribers Responded to 73 alarm calls Investigated 61 suspicious persons or autos Investigated 13 incidents of vandalism Investigated 5 incidents of larceny Found 1 open door

June: Mailbox damaged on Beechwood Drive. Someone tried to use a screwdriver to force open a window in a French door on Randall Ridge. Suspect ran when homeowner came home and nothing was taken. A homeowner on N. Harris Ridge caught a teenage male pulling up her flowers and called his mother. A front window was broken out on a Northside Drive house and a purse was taken from the table. July: Homeowner left his vehicle parked on the street over the weekend on Sentinel Post. Someone broke out a window but nothing was missing. A cell phone was taken from a vehicle left in a driveway on Randall Mill. Items were removed from a garage on Randall Hall. August: Door-to-door sales people reported throughout the area. Homeowner found suspicious vehicle in her E. Beechwood driveway. Suspects left before tag number could be obtained. Fulton County police officer had a suspect believed to be part of a flim flam operation escape from him on Garmon Road. Officer Cole stopped illegal cutting of trees (no permit) on Mt. Paran Road. September: Mailbox damaged on Harris Trail. October: Mailboxes damaged on several streets, but only one was reported on East Beechwood. Between the hours of 10 PM-4 AM on Halloween night, Officer Cole: found four college age males in a vehicle at the Country Store. They were attempting to steal pumpkins to be used to damage mailboxes. They were released to their parents, who live just outside of the neighborhood. He also
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Security Patrol Activity:

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Teenage Vandalism Has to Stop

Mailbox bashing continues to be a problem in our neighborhood. Teens have been seen congregating, especially on dead end and cul-de-sac streets on weekend nights. Replacing mailboxes is time consuming and costly. Some neighbors have suggested that we publish the names of these teenage vandals. Teens need to find another outlet and stop destroying property! Parents need to be aware of what their teenagers are doing during unsupervised hours and remind them that vandalism is not a prank. Depending on the degree, vandalism carries penalties of either a misdemeanor or a felony. In case you missed it in the July 2003 Crime Report issue, parents and their teens should be aware of the following law. Georgia Criminal Code 16-7-23. Criminal Damage to property in the second degree: a) A person commits the offense of criminal damage to property in the second degree when he: (1) Intentionally damages any property of another person without his consent and the damage thereto exceeds $500; (2) Recklessly or intentionally by means of fire or explosives damages property of another person; or (3) With the intent to damage, starts a fire on the land of another without his consent. b) A person convicted of the offense of criminal damage to property in the second degree will be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

found three teenage males parked on Buckingham Circle and released them to their parents. They also live just outside of our boundaries. November: Mailboxes reported damaged on Garmon Road and Paran Pines Drive. Mail stolen from mailbox on Garmon Road and a check was subsequently cashed using the homeowners signature. Car rode through a yard on Northside Drive, Fulton County police made the report. A female teen who lives on Buckingham Circle was followed home from the West Paces Ferry Shopping Center. She did not go home but rode around until the suspicious truck left the area. She waited two days to call police. Between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM on Saturday, November 15th, Officer Cole reported that other than a party that was broken up by Fulton County police on West Garmon, all was quiet. Between the same hours on Saturday, November 22nd, Officer Hendrix found a car wreck at Mt. Paran Road and Mt. Paran Parkway, and teenagers parked on streets throughout the neighborhood. There were three false alarms on Paran Walk during that time period. December: Mailbox damaged on Garmon Road. Security stopped suspect going door-to-door on Whitewater Creek and called Atlanta police who removed suspect from the neighborhood. Christmas reindeer taken from yard on Sentinel View. Two reports of a suspicious male in a tan truck asking residents who

Identity Theft & Camera Cell Phones

Be aware of people standing near you at retail stores, restaurants and grocery stores, who have a cell phone in their hand. With the new camera cell phones, scam artists are able to take a picture of your credit card, which gives them your name, number and expiration date. Its no secret, Identify Theft is one of the fastest growing scams today, and this is just another example of crime made easier with technology. So be aware of your surroundings. Everywhere. Always.

Things to Always Remember

Stop Helping the Criminals

Do not give cash or checks to anyone who stops you, or comes to your home that you do not know. Never open your door to solicitors. Call 911 and the Security Patrol, 4 immediately! Dont leave anything in your car that someone will want to steal. If you think you might be a victim of identity theft, call: Equifax1-800-525-628 Experian1-888-397-3742 TransUnion1-800-680-7289

Warning: 2004 is not off to a Good Start

In fact, 2004 started off with a bang. So far there have been three reported incidents of objects (water balloons) thrown from moving vehicles at neighbors who are walking. These actions can cause serious bodily injury and parents need to remind their teens about the consequences of such a dangerous prank.

Neighbors Celebrate Being Together

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association held our fourth annual neighborhood social on September 21 at the spectacular Harris Trail home of Debbie and Stephen Goot. The weather was perfect for some 160 neighbors to enjoy the fabulous food amid the fauna and flora in the gorgeous gardens. Elected officials mingled with older neighbors who were meeting and welcoming new neighbors. Once again, we want to thank Marci and Jerry Vincent for chairing another successful social event. Some have said this one was the best event ever. We look forward to seeing even more neighbors at the fifth annual neighborhood social this fall!

Photographs by Bill Rau and Sheldon Schlegman

Neighborhood Briefs
City of Atlanta Expands Recycling Program
Beginning February 1, 2004, residents who have City of Atlanta Recycling bins can add mixed paper to their curbside bin. Mixed paper includes old magazines, old telephone directories, junk mail and boxboard, such as cereal boxes. The program also accepts old newspapers, aluminum (tin) cans, plastic #1 and #2 bottles (i.e., milk, soda and detergent bottles) glass bottles and jars. If your recycle bin is full or overflowing you can put your newspapers in a brown paper bag next to the recycle bin and it will be picked up by the recycling company. You can also recycle corrugated cardboard at two new City drop-off locations: Lakewood Substation 128 Claire Drive, SE; and Liddell Substation 1540 Northside Drive. The marked drop-off containers are visible from the street. Call ( f you have questions.

Robert Spano to Speak at The Galloway School

Neighbors are invited to join The Galloway Schools Community of Learners in welcoming Robert Spano, music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, to Galloways award-winning Chaddick Center for the Arts on Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30pm. Mr. Spano will be speaking about music and meaning. There is no charge for the event, but reservations are requested. For questions, call extension 107. For reservations, Nancie Smith

email

Dont Miss the February Ladies Luncheon

Our winter ladies luncheon will be at the beautiful home of Ida Wooldridge, 1101 Garmon Drive, Tuesday, February 10 from 12:00 to 1:30PM. Ida and caterer Bill Hewett are planning the menu. Bills food is always great! Northside neighbor Paula Hill Mary Ann Kaplan has arranged for entainment. Baritone Dan Britt will sing for us. Please make your luncheon check for $15 payable to Judi Schindler and mail it to Brenda Smith, 4271 Garmon Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. RSVP by Saturday, February 7. Your check is your reservation.
Editors Note: Dan will be performing in The Mikado, a musical by Gilbert and Sullivan, at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center for the Arts on Feb 20, 21, 22. Call (404)894-9600 for tickets.

Help Jackson School Turn Box Tops into Cash

As on-going school projects, Warren T. Jackson Elementary students collect Box Tops for Education. These box tops are cut off of many common products, we use every day, from the grocery store. The school earns ten cents per top cut out and turned in. There is a collection box just inside the front door of the school. Also, the School asks for tab tops removed from aluminum cans. These benefit the families at the Ronald McDonald house. There is a big can for these in the school front lobby. For information, call Jackson Elementary (404)842-3100.

Jackson School Expansion Project

This spring, Jackson and the Atlanta Public Schools are hoping to break ground on an addition to their building. Jim Cooke, President of the Mt. Jo Ann Rau Paran Parkway Neighborhood Association, has looked at the big picture plan, and says it looks to be an excellent and attractive way to add classrooms. The new structure will be built where the covered concrete play area (Dome) is between the parking lot and the school. Jackson will be submitting their tree removal plan to the City. The only trees to be removed will be on the property around the Dome area. There will be a review by the City Arborist and signage will be placed on Mt. Paran Road informing us of the tree plan. All questions about the schools plan, should be directed to Dr. Reich, Principal, or Terri Cooke (

Country Store Beds Dressed for Seasonal Show

Since last year, the Country Store has undergone a miraculous transformation. Most visible are the two landscaped beds that define curbing and display seasonal beauty. Thanks to landscaping donated by Garmon Road Mary Louise Floyd neighbor Kenny Rogers, the store boasted a summer symphony of red and white begonia and cooling, perennial hosta. Now the beds defy winter with their evergreen blending into a crescendo of bright yellow pansies. Its as if the long-neglected store is singing to Kenny: You decorated my life by planting your flowers in my empty space ... And you brought out the colors and changed my face. For years I existed like an unfinished song Like a store with no beauty, until you came along. Mary Louise Floyd

Barking Dogs Violate Fulton County Ordinances

Its OK for dogs to bark at strangers or other dogs, but some dogs, perhaps because of boredom or separation anxiety, become canine boomboxes. Some neighbors put their dogs into their yards and leave them to bark for hours. This is not only inconsiderate, but against the law! And letting your dog wander off without a leash is not good for your dog or your neighbors. Neighbors front lawns are not your pets bathroom.

Mt. Paran-Northside Association Membership

This is a reminder to send in your 2004 dues by the new extended deadline of Feb. 14th. If you wait until after the directory goes to the printer, your name wont be recognized as a current member. When you send your $25 check payable to Mt. ParanNorthside Citizens Association, you will receive a useful neighborhood directory along with helping to support the Associations efforts to keep neighbors informed of issues important to our quality of life and upcoming events. Please fill out the form sent in early January and mail it along with your $25 check to Debbie Goot, 4380 Harris Trail, Atlanta, GA 30327.

More Neighborhood Briefs

Fire Department Looking for Houses to Train In
Engine Company #27 is looking for houses in the Mount Paran - Northside community that are in the process of being razed. A house that is about to be torn down can be a valuable training resource. Unfortunately, firefighters are no longer able to burn down houses for training purposes. However, they can use a house for training in forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue, building construction, and other disciplines. If you know of any building that can be used for training purposes please call Captain Schumacher at

Chastain Horse Park Needs Jump Sponsor

This non-profit, equestrian facility offering therapeutic riding programs for students with mental or physical disabilities, programs for children-at-risk and inner-city children, boarding services and regular riding lessons, is asking for your help. You can help insure the continuation of these programs by featuring your companys logo and name on a jump in the main arena. This is an effective way to establish sponsor participation in our community. Riders and spectators alike will recognize your presence and the impact you will be making on those who need your help. $5,000/one year. Contact: Lydia McCarroll: extension 21. Kathy Farrington

New Home for the Southeastern Flower Show

The Southeastern Flower will be held February 18 to 22 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Each year, this show, a benefit for the Atlanta Botanical Garden, involves many neighbors, including members from the Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club. The Shows website at www.flowershow.org lists the great speakers and special features. Some of the special events which may interest you: The Opening Night Party, the premier black tie event for the show and, the Flower Power Party, always of interest to the 25 to 40 age group. To get there, you just drive down Northside Drive to the World Congress Center. The event is in the brand new convention hall, on Northside Drive. Parking is right there. It couldnt be easier! Support the Flower Show, and don't let it go the way of so many local events by low attendance. The Flower Show features local landscape companies and nurseries, and depends on local support. Help keep this part of Atlanta for us! Sandy Turbidy

North Metro Program Now at Margaret Mitchell

The North Metro Program, formerly housed in the Tuxedo School, has moved to the Margaret Mitchell School at 2845 Margaret Mitchell Drive. The Neighborhood Parent Teacher Organization (NPTO), formed to support the program and its students, has also moved with the program and is continuing its various programs and fund raisers. We still need the support of the neighborhood! Our next big event is our annual Flea Market which will be held March 19-20, 2004 at the new location on Margaret Mitchell Drive. If you are interested in volunteering or have some donations please email Yolanda Adrean at yadrean@earthlink.net and she will be sure to put you in touch with the right person. This is an excellent time to rid your closets of gently used clothing or gently used household items which are clean and in working order. Yolanda Adrean
Editors note: special thanks to all the contributors in this issue. Email with ideas, events, tips and photos for the next issue of The Citizens Review.

Fulton County Citizen SWAT Team Formed

Tax Matters
By Yolanda Adrean

If you are passionate about government spending and the size of your tax bill, water bills and sanitation bills, please read on. As citizens and voters in the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, we can no longer skip reading the paper, going to the polls or writing to our elected representatives! Though we were able to make plenty of noise over the sewer rate increase, the fact is, the Mayor was largely successful in raising our rates substantially. And, I am not convinced that the important questions of oversight and hefty consultant fees were addressed at all by the administration or the Atlanta City Council. There are only 440,000 ratepayers in the City of Atlanta which has a 23% poverty rate. That means that there will be continuing pressure to raise taxes to pay for all kinds of services. But the news is not all bad. There is still room to cut wasteful practices and programs but it wont happen voluntarily. We need to keep our voices heard.

Karen Handel, newly elected Chairman of the Fulton County Commission, has appointed a Citizen SWAT team to pour over the budgets and make recommendations for savings. After two meetings, members have come up with some concrete areas of potential savings including cash management, procurement practices, benefit packages, outsourcing, consolidation and privatization. Once Karen begins to recommend changes for the 2005 budget, some of these initiatives will require votes by the Commission members. That is where you come in. Without your voice, the Commission may be compelled to operate with the business as usual attitude. You can make a difference. By the way, the Atlanta Public School has hired Deloitte and Touche to do a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures. The results are due very soon. I am predicting that the results of this review will be in the headlines and cause much discussion. Our neighborhood directory includes a complete listing of City, Atlanta Public School, County, State and Federal representatives along with their contact information. Use this freely and often to express your views. It does matter.
Editors note: Conway Glen neighbor Yolanda Adrean has been appointed to serve on the Fulton County Citizen Swat team.

Cheryl Espy Hosts November Ladies Luncheon

Neighbors attending the luncheon at the white-columned Davis Drive Espy home not only celebrated being together, but also Cheryls birthday! Catered by Beth Harshaw, the event included touring the beautiful home and the Espys exciting museum quality collection of sports and celebrity memorabilia, as well as catching up with friends and meeting new neighbors. It was great fun!

Photographs by Jo Ann Rau

February Gardening Tips

By PIKE FAMILY NURSERIES

Cold Weather Comfort Food

Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground or freshly grated 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, a couple pinches 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked 8 minutes or to al dente with a little bite to it Salt Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about 3 minutes. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne. Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Put it back under a hot broiler and brown the cheddar cheese on top. Yield: 4 Entre servings, 8 side servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes

Temperatures and weather patterns are unpredictable this time of year. Although we can't depend on the whims of Mother Nature, the plants in our landscapes always seem to know what season it is. To prepare for the upcoming growing season, there are several gardening activities that should be undertaken this month. Time to give your houseplants a makeover. Remove discolored and dead leaves, repot overgrown plants, and remove dust from leaves with a damp cloth or sponge. Apply a pre-emergent weed control (crabgrass preventer) to all types of turf grass between mid-February and mid-March. Don't wait too late. Once the crabgrass sprouts, crabgrass preventers will do not good. If you plan to sow Fescue seed this spring, do not apply a crabgrass preventer. It will prevent both the crabgrass and the fescue seed from germinating. Apply a post-emergent weed killer to control cool season weeds (henbit, chickweed, dandelions) that have already sprouted in dormant Bermuda and Zoysia lawns. Check the label to make sure that the chemicals in the product are safe to use on your particular type of grass. February is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and ground covers. Planting now enables the root system to become established, before the plant actively grows. Now is the time to do any major pruning jobs. Pruning initiates and modifies plant growth. Wait to prune spring flowering plants and trees until they finish blooming. Prune roses in late February or early March when the "eyes" on the canes start to swell and turn red. Climbing roses bloom on older wood so prune them sparingly. If the weather is warm, spring flowering bulbs may start peeking through the soil ahead of schedule. Protect buds and blooms, cover them with a thin layer of pine straw or newspaper when freezing temperatures are predicted. Put down the first application of fertilizer on Fescue lawns at the end of the month. Wait to fertilize Bermuda and Zoysia lawns until they are at least 50% green. Trim Liriope (Monkey Grass) back to just above ground level. Use your lawn mower or weed eater for quick results. Ornamental Grasses, like Pampas Grass, can also be cut back to make room for the new growth.

Tummy-Yum Bread Pudding

1 1/2 loaves white or wheat bread (day-old bread works great) 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 eggs, beaten 16-ounce can fruit cocktail 8 1/4-ounce can crushed pineapple 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup dark raisins Preheat 350 degrees F. Tear each slice of bread into about 5 or 6 pieces and place in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, place the milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggs. Mix well, until the sugar dissolves. Add the fruit cocktail, pineapple, pecans, and raisins, and then gently fold in the torn bread, making sure it soaks up the liquid ingredients. Pour equal amounts of the mixture into 2 greased 9 by 13-inch baking pans. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring once after 15 or 20 minutes. Stirring helps rich bread pudding bake evenly. Serve cold or hot, depending on the season and your mood. Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes.

Moving Trees Requires a Permit

Tree cutters, you hire, are not responsible for obtaining tree removal permits. It is the Homeowner who is responsible. Failure to obtain a permit results in an expensive fine.

Return Service Requested

MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31139 OFFICERS President/Brenda Smith Vice President/Communications/Jo Ann Rau Vice President/Membership/Debbie Goot Vice President/Security/Angelia Evert Secretary/Jean Smith Treasurer/Jim Carter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandra Adair, Yolanda Adrean, Sharon Giles, Al Goodgame, Greg Lyles, Dick Perkins, Alan Leet, Pamela Tremayne, Claus Halle, Dana Scavo, Glenn Sturm, Karen Swim, Marci Vincent, Richard Wilson. EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS) Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Robert Hurst, Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. Clay Moore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau WEB SITE

Pre-Sorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3207

www.neighborhoodlink.com/atlanta/mountparan

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

machines (8.7%), showers (6.8%), faucets (6.3%), baths (0.7%), dishwashers (0.6%), and other household uses (0.9%). While we can all take steps to conserve water, I think it's definitely time we all check our own homes for leaks. A great website that provides an interactive look at ways to conserve water in your home is put together by the California Urban Water Conservation Council at: http://www.h2ouse.org/ Since outdoor watering can make up over 60% of household water consumption, irrigation meters can save real dollars. Many of you likely have irrigation systems for the yards and landscaping at your homes. Some of you have probably already installed a separate water meter for your irrigation. Others of you have probably considered installing one at your own home.

New Rates Promote Water Conservation

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Log on to www.cleanwateratlanta.org to learn more about the Clean Water Atlanta Plan. In the coming weeks, this website will provide you the opportunity to enter your bimonthly ccf usage and calculate what your new bill would be. In the meantime, you can use these figures to calculate your 04 water/sewer bill: 0-3ccf $20.94; 4-6ccf $7.97/ccf; 7ccf and over $9.14/ccf (All figures include the security surcharge.)

The more water you use, the higher your rate will be. As a part of efforts to assist residents in conserving water, the City If you would like information regarding how you can have one also provides personnel to visit senior citizens' facilities, of these new meters installed, contact Evelyn Conyers with the neighborhood groups, churches and other such gatherings to Department of Watershed Management at help explain the benefits of conservation, and provides consumI hope this information helps provide you with ers with water-saving kits for indoor and outdoor plumbing. a better understanding of how this new rate will be implemented, and how it will affect It is in your interest to conserve water wherever possible. The your bill. I also hope this information helps American Water Works Association, a trade organization foyou in your own efforts to conserve water and cused on drinking water issues, says that the vast amount save money at home. If you have any ques(around 65%) of water use in the average home can be attribtions, please feel free to contact my office by Clair uted to outdoor watering and leaks. Inside the house, typical phone ( water usage includes the following: toilets (10.8%), washing