Greater Atlanta Hadassah is sponsoring a fundraising event at which Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Mike Luckovich will speak about his life, work and the recent presidential election.
Signed 9-by-12 inch cartoon sketches will be auctioned, and a Luckovich caricature will be raffled off.
The event is Feb. 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atlanta-Perimeter NW, 6345 Powers Ferry Rd. Tickets are $30, and each includes one free ticket for the drawing.
Contact the Greater Atlanta Hadassah office at 678-443-2961, or visit the web site at www.atlanta.hadassah.org.
- www.northfulton.com
Showing posts with label atlanta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atlanta. Show all posts
Friday, January 16, 2009
Mike Luckovich to Speak at Atlanta fundraiser
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Computer fraud ring in Atlanta
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, is requesting the public's assistance in identifying two members of a suspected computer fraud ring. The FBI believes these men, along with their associates, used stolen and cloned payroll debit cards and open-loop (reloadable) gift cards to make numerous unauthorized withdrawals from Atlanta-area automatic teller machines (ATMs).
Approximately 100 of these cards, issued by Royal (RBS) WorldPay, were compromised. In order to perpetrate the fraud, members of the criminal organization accessed RBS WorldPay's computer system, working in concert with "cashers" who took the actual cards to ATMs and withdrew money in timed, coordinated attacks. Once the intrusion was detected, appropriate steps were taken by RBS WorldPay to secure their system and prevent a recurrence of the situation.
At least two of the "cashers" made ATM withdrawals in the Atlanta area, and in so doing, their images were recorded either on ATM security cameras or the security cameras in use at the businesses which contained the ATMs in question. The public is asked to carefully review the attached photographs, and report any information to the FBI at (404) 679-9000. Tips can also be made via email, at atlantafbi@bellsouth.net.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival stops by Johns Creek
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) today announced its film selections and schedule for the ninth annual celebration of Jewish life and culture through film. The festival, running from Jan. 14-25, features 48 visually-stunning and evocative Jewish films that would otherwise not be available on the big screen in Atlanta. The films represent 20 nations and deliver the broad human relations mission of the American Jewish Committee, presenter of the AJFF.
This year's featured films include "Hello Goodbye," a French romantic comedy co-starring Fanny Ardant and Gérard Depardieu about a married Jewish couple living in Paris who flee to Israel during a midlife crisis, screening on opening night. And, "Strangers," the Young Professionals Night film selection, a narrative feature that traces the unlikely romance between an Israeli kibbutznik and a Palestinian woman who meet serendipitously on their way to the World Cup finals in Berlin.
"This year's lineup touches on a wide array of subject matter, from thought-provoking to heart-wrenching to just plain funny," said Executive Director Kenny Blank. "The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival features something for every kind of movie-lover, Jewish or non-Jewish."
Tickets and a full film schedule for the 2009 festival are available on www.ajff.org. Films in the 2009 festival will be screened at Lefont Sandy Springs, Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16 and at the Regal Medlock Crossing Stadium 18, the festival's North Metro venue in Johns Creek.
Founded in 2000, the AJFF has quickly grown in size and reputation, with an estimated attendance in 2009 expected to top 18,000 moviegoers. Screenings are supplemented by guest speakers, providing a dynamic forum for audience dialogue with actors, filmmakers, academics, authors and other expert panelists.
The Ninth Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival will be held Jan. 14-25. Tickets are currently on sale. For more information, go to www.ajff.org or call 404-806-9913.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Blank makes bid for MLS expansion team in Atlanta
AJC.com is reporting:
Falcons owner Arthur Blank announced late Tuesday afternoon that he will seek a Major League Soccer franchise for Atlanta.
The AMB Group, Blank's management and investment company, submitted a bid to the nation's premier men's soccer league. Blank and league officials wouldn't comment on possible sites, although Cobb and, to a lesser extent, Gwinnett counties are considered front-runners.
Blank, who also owns the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League, would have to come up with an estimated $40 million for a franchise.
"Filing this application represents an important next step as we continue to explore the possibility of bringing Major League Soccer to fans throughout metro Atlanta," AMB spokesman Brian Farley said in a statement. "We're also looking at how best to create a sports-and-entertainment center that can not only serve as a premier soccer destination, but also a community resource for soccer enthusiasts at various levels of play throughout the region."
A 20,000-seat stadium, along with land and other amenities, could add an additional $80 million to the package. Public money would likely become part of any financing mix. Naming rights could help defray the overall cost.
Cobb and Gwinnett counties, with burgeoning soccer enthusiasts of all ages and large Hispanic populations, are considered the likeliest locations for a soccer stadium. Sam Olens, chairman of the Cobb County Commission, said Tuesday that a proposed site near Kennesaw State would be ideal.
"The ability to link a soccer franchise with KSU is a very exciting opportunity from the county's perspective," said Olens who cautioned that financing remains a hurdle.
MLS officials had earlier labeled Atlanta a "tremendous" potential market for a franchise. A half-dozen other cities, though, including Las Vegas, Ottawa, Portland and Vancouver, have also expressed interest in a franchise. Atlantans could be watching major league soccer in 2012.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Par for Paws at the Atlanta Golf club
Enjoy a day on the links on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Olde Atlanta Golf Club with Par for Paws, a golf tournament benefiting the Humane Society of Forsyth County No-Kill Shelter's feral cat program.
Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., boxed lunches are served at 1p.m. followed by a shot-gun start at 2 p.m. The format is a four-person team scramble.
The $100 per player fee also includes a cocktail party following play. Those not wishing to play can attend the party for $25 per person.
Hole sponsorships are $250. Prizes will be awarded for Best Team Score, Longest Drive, and Closet to the Pin – and there will be raffles for other prizes. Tournament sponsor is Canongate Golf Clubs.
The golf club is at 5750 Olde Atlanta Parkway, Suwanee.
The cat program assists ferel and stray cat colony caregivers by providing humane traps, spay/neuter vouchers, rabies vaccinations and medical care, feeding stations and food. The Feral Cat Program has responded to 822 calls for help with stray cats and has spayed or neutered over 506 cats.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra responds to gas shortage
Patrons of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its venues in Alpharetta and Atlanta can link up to share rides and save fuel more easily, as the ASO teamed up with eRideShare.com to encourage the practice.
The ASO and eRideShare.com are encouraging alternative means of travel to and from concerts and events at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park and Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Concertgoers may visit asorideshare.erideshare.com, and enter the group name "ASOPatron." By using these provided online message boards, patrons will be able to link to other concertgoers in their neighborhood for carpool opportunities.
In addition, the ASO's website will include a link to MARTA, where concertgoers will be able to find the rail station nearest to their homes for rail travel to Art Center Station, which is directly across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center on Art Center Way.
"The power of music is more important than ever in these troubling times," said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. "Our first step is to reassure concertgoers that there are cost-saving alternatives available to get to concerts and events at both Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park and Atlanta Symphony Hall. By providing the vital information and tools our patrons need, we are able to remain committed to sharing music with as many people as possible throughout the current fuel crisis."
- www.northfulton.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Security Bank Corp.'s president resigns
Security Bank Corp. (Nasdaq: SBKC) announced that effective Tuesday, Sept. 16, H. Averett "Rett" Walker resigned as president and CEO of Security Bank Corp. He also resigned his position as director of Security Bank Corp. and its affiliate, Security Bank of Bibb County.
Tony E. Collins, executive vice president and Regional Executive – Atlanta, has assumed the functions of president and CEO on an interim basis. Collins has more than 30 years of banking industry experience, including 3 years most recently with Security Bank Corp.
Security Bank of North Fulton located in Alpharetta is one of the corporation's affiliates.
Al Bridges, chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "Rett Walker has served our institution with loyalty and dedication. We wish him success in his future pursuits."
Bridges said Collins' significant industry experience suits him well to lead Security Bank during this interim period.
"The board of directors will conduct a careful search for a permanent president and CEO," he said.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Former Georgia lawmaker gets prison term for fraud
A former state representative got more than five years in federal prison on money laundering and wire fraud charges.
Walter Ronnie "Ron" Sailer Jr., 33, of Norcross, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Jack T. Camp on charges of money laundering and wire fraud to 5 years, 3 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He also was ordered to perform 240 hours of community service. The judge required Sailor to forfeit all of the property involved and traceable to his crimes, at least $181,802.24.
U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said, "Today's sentencing of former State Representative Ron Sailor ends a sordid chapter in the life of someone who appeared to offer much promise for his constituents and his congregation. Instead of using his important state office and his position within his church to improve his community, Sailor violated the trust of his constituents and his congregation by trying to enrich himself by laundering drug money and defrauding his church."
According to Nahmias and the information presented in court: Sailor was convicted on wire fraud charges in connection with a fraudulently obtained loan, as well as laundering and attempting to launder what he believed to be $375,000 in drug proceeds.
After Sailor's initial guilty plea to money laundering charges on March 18, the government learned that Sailor had secretly obtained a $250,000 loan utilizing as collateral property belonging to the church that he pastored. Sailor served as the representative of District 93 (parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties) in the Georgia General Assembly until he resigned after his initial guilty plea. Sailor pleaded guilty to the additional charges on June 17.
On March 18, Sailor entered a guilty plea in federal court to one count of laundering drug proceeds. This guilty plea was the result of a series of meetings between Sailor and an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a drug dealer who was seeking to launder proceeds generated from the sale and distribution of cocaine. Prior to the meetings, Sailor had indicated that he was looking for a drug dealer who had the ability to provide him with $300,000 in drug proceeds to launder in return for a fee.
As a result of his interest in laundering money, the FBI arranged an introduction to an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a drug dealer with drug proceeds that he was seeking to have laundered.
Between Nov. 10, 2007, and Dec. 19, 2007, Sailor met three times with "Jay," the undercover officer. On each occasion, Jay provided Sailor with what was represented to be drug proceeds. On November 10, 2007, and November 30, 2007, Sailor met with Jay and was provided with $25,000 and $50,000 in cash, respectively.
Several days after each of these transactions, Sailor returned the purported drug proceeds to Jay, less his fee for laundering the funds, in the form of either a cashier's check or checks drawn on business accounts and signed by a third-party. These checks falsely purported to be payment for contracting work done at a church or for business loans.
On Dec. 19, 2007, Jay and Sailor met again, and Jay provided Sailor with $300,000 cash in purported drug proceeds to be laundered. After receiving the $300,000, Sailor was detained by the FBI.
Sailor admitted to the agents that he had laundered the $25,000 and the $50,000 in what he believed was drug proceeds, and that he had intended to launder the $300,000 that was given to him by Jay.
Sailor soon agreed to cooperate with the government in an unrelated investigation. However, unbeknownst to them, in January 2008, while cooperating with the government, Sailor devised a scheme to obtain a $250,000 loan for his personal use. He offered as collateral property belonging to the church he pastored, the Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church, on Campbellton Road in Southwest Atlanta.
At that time, there were no encumbrances on the property, and Sailor did not have permission from the church to use the property as collateral. Nevertheless, in January or February 2008, he began the process of obtaining a $250,000 loan from the Georgia Business Capital Bank, using the church's property as collateral.
Sailor took a number of steps to make it appear as if he were authorized to encumber the church's property and to obtain the loan. On Feb. 1, Sailor caused the Church's Corporation Annual Registration to be changed to reflect that he was the church's Chief Executive Officer. He then caused the Corporation Annual Registration to be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. On Feb. 6, Sailor signed a document entitled "Resolution of the Board of Directors," which purported to be a duly enacted resolution by the church authorizing the church to borrow money against the property and authorizing Sailor to bind the church to such a loan. In addition to signing his own name, Sailor also forged the signature of the church's secretary on the document. That same day, Sailor caused false church bylaws to be created, forged the signature of the church's secretary on those false bylaws, and caused the bylaws to be embossed with a fraudulent church seal. The next day, Sailor caused the fraudulent bylaws and the fraudulent resolution to be presented to Georgia Business Capital Bank to obtain the loan.
On March 11, the bank lent Sailor $250,000 using the church's property as collateral. After closing costs of $32,415.52 were deducted, Sailor received $217,584.48 in proceeds from the loan. That same day, he opened an account at the Capitol City Bank & Trust, in the name of Greater New Light Baptist Church, to access the loan proceeds and distribute them to pay personal expenses. After the account was opened, $217,584.48 in loan proceeds were wired into the Capitol City account.
Between March 12, 2008, and March 27, Sailor used $141,386.72 from this account to pay various personal expenses. The remaining funds, $76,197.76, went unspent and were ultimately returned to the lender by Sailor after his scheme was uncovered.
The government learned of the fraudulent loan shortly after Sailor pleaded guilty to the money laundering charge on March 18. He had not disclosed this conduct to the government, despite his pre-plea proffer agreement to cooperate fully and truthfully.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Thomas and Elizabeth M. Hathaway prosecuted the case.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Right to Hike announces Ella's 5K and Fun Run
Right to Hike Inc. is a local non-profit dedicated to continuing the life passions of Meredith Emerson, the 24 year old woman whose life was taken earlier this year in North Georgia, while hiking with her black lab, Ella.
Ella's Run will take place on Oct. 25 at The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center in Buford, GA. Meredith and Ella often hiked the same trails that will host the 5k and 1 mile Fun Run. "We would like to encourage participants to bring their dogs for both events, it is something that makes this event different from all of the other races out there. Meredith and Ella would have efinitely been among the first to register for something like this," says Julia Karrenbauer, Vice-President of Right to Hike Inc. and Emerson's roommate.
The 5k will consist of both scenic forest paths and paved trails. The fun run is entirely paved and is a wonderful way to get the whole family involved.
Each participant will receive the first annual Ella's Run t-shirt and those who raise $100 and over will receive a commemorative medal for their contributions. Right to Hike, Inc. will pay a special tribute to each dog that completes a portion of Ella's Run because animals were such a large part of Meredith's life.
Chris Hendley, President of Right to Hike Inc. hopes that, "this event becomes a symbol of everyone's right to hike, run or walk with their family and friends without fear. This is an opportunity for avid runners, beginners and those who would like to show their support to come together for a special cause."
The Gwinnett Humane Society will be on hand to microchip dogs for a reduced rate and will also bring many of their adoptable animals who will need participants to help them walk around the fun run. SPOT pager systems will be out before and after the event to demonstrate how the GPS location devices function. Part of the funds raised by Right to Hike, Inc. will go toward the purchase of the pagers that will be placed at trail heads for rental by future hikers. Their implementation will hopefully continue to make our trials safe and enjoyable.
Ella's Run is currently accepting inquiries for sponsorships. For more information and to sign up for the event, visit www.righttohikeinc.com. If you would like to contribute to Right to Hike Inc. and their goals, donations are now accepted through the website. Meredith's friends and family would like to thank the community for their support as Right to Hike Inc. continues to strive to make a positive difference that Meredith would have.
- www.northfulton.com
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Collective Soul to wind down tour in Atlanta
One of the area's steadiest national touring rock bands will find its way home this Sunday as Collective Soul finishes up their six week summer tour at Chastain Amphitheatre. A triple bill with fellow 90s heavyweights Live and Blues Traveler, Collective Soul will get the chance to be the closer that night as they play for their hometown fans.
This time, the boys from Stockbridge are here to promote their latest effort, "Afterwords," which features the band continuing on their mellow, more pop rock oriented trail they've been on over much of this decade. Lead singer Ed Roland, the band's chief songwriter has said that the theme of the record is love, which while a very general concept, is also one of the most complex emotions humans go through.
"The title of the album is definitely a play on words," said bassist Will Turpin, a childhood friend of several other members in the band. "It stems from the fact that when we write music the lyrics are the final piece."
Released in 2007, it is only available at Target stores or on iTunes. This is a unique move, but not entirely unprecedented. Recently artists like Bryan Adams, The Eagles and Garth Brooks have looked to Wal-Mart as being the exclusive retailer for their latest albums.
This may or may not be the future of music, Turpin said he isn't sure, but he said it's something they could consider in the future, although it likely wouldn't be with Target.
"This gives us the chance to make a little more money by doing it this way, but then it's a big gamble to not have your record at places like Best Buy and Wal-Mart," he said. "And not everyone has a Target in their town or access to iTunes and an iPod."
The new album bares the hit "Hollywood," which is the perfect tune for the summer: laid back and makes you want to enjoy being outside. But the band hasn't forgotten that what got them to where they are today is a hard rock sound, and Turpin said that's why the opening track, "New Vibration," is probably his favorite on the disc.
And the band is still itching to go back to the studio and cut a rock record. Turpin mentioned that the band is never looking backwards, but they recognize at the same time that after a few slower albums, it's time to pick up the speed and sound a bit.
"I don't think we'll use some of the loops and other production elements like we did on the last few albums – this will be more of a raw rock sound," he said.
Indeed, fans probably recognize the band best from their slew of hits during the 90s including "December," "Heavy," "Run" and their breakthrough single "Shine," which was featured on their debut, 1994's "Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid." Back then the rock world was in the midst of the downswing of the grunge movement and the entry into post-grunge where bands like Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and the Smashing Pumpkins thrived.
Collective Soul was there at the right place and the right time.
Growing up south of Atlanta, Turpin knew Roland because he was an engineer at his father's studio. Roland would go on to become the lead singer and brought his younger brother, Dean along to serve as one of the guitarists. Along with former members Shane Evans (drums) and Ed Childress (guitar), the five formed the band, which took its name from an Ayn Rand book.
"We really liked the name, because above all else the chemistry is the most important thing in the band," Turpin said. "It was much better than some of the other names we were throwing around, like Brothers and Brides and some geometric term I can't even remember right now."
When it came to needing a bassist, they turned to Turpin, even though he had never played it before. He has always had a musical background, first as a piano player then with percussion as a music major in college, dealing mainly with percussion.
"I have a rhythm background, so it wasn't hard to pick up," he said. "I went to some of my favorite bands and looked at their bassists. Guys like Adam Clayton from U2, Paul McCartney and Sting – I really love the way he plays.
"It's very melodic which is what I am, too."
This tour has been special for the band because it gives them the chance to play with two of the bands they've played with a lot over the years. He said they all first met during Woodstock 94 when they all played on the same night together. Now, it's a rotating tour with each band taking turns in the three slots on the bill. The opener gets about 65 minutes while the other two get 75.
Although Collective Soul has a large catalogue, Turpin views a shorter set as a time to play things that the fans know and came to here. He said there are a lot of deeper cuts they want to play, but feel it would be a disservice to deprive them of the hits and newer material.
"We couldn't even fit all of our hits into the set if that's all we played," he said.
After the show is over, the band will disperse to take a little vacation – some well-needed time off from the road before hitting the studio again. Turpin himself will spend some time at his McDonough home.
Where they go to record, however, is still up in the air. The bassist said it depends on what's convenient for the band – Ed Roland has a studio near Clemson, S.C., while Turpin has one at home.
Until then, though the band still has a handful of gigs to play before hitting the Chastain stage where they will play the last notes of their tour to a crowd that is always good to its hometown heroes.
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Collective Soul, Live, Blues Traveler
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Friday Aug. 15 6:30 p.m.
Tickets $38-$68
www.ticketmaster.com
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- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Former Home Depot employee guilty of tax evasion
A former Home Depot employee pleaded guilty to tax evasion in a $2.5 million scheme to defraud the company. Anthony M. Tesvich, 42, of Atlanta pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of tax evasion. According to U.S. Attorney David Nahmias and information presented in court: From October 2002 through October 2007, Tesvich participated in a conspiracy to defraud Home Depot by taking kickbacks from vendors seeking to do business with Home Depot, paying kickbacks to fellow employees to further that scheme while he worked for Home Depot and continuing to pay kickbacks to his former colleagues when he left Home Depot to further the interests of those vendors. He took the payoffs from foreign suppliers/vendors to insure those vendors' products were chosen for inclusion in Home Depot stores throughout the country.
After Tesvich left the company, he gave substantial cash payments - which he called "french fries" and "milk shakes"- to co-conspirator employees at Home Depot. One co-conspirator also received a luxury SUV from Tesvich. According to the plea agreement, this scheme involved payoffs totaling more than $2.5 million.
Tesvich also pleaded guilty to evading federal taxes on his corrupt income for tax years 2003 ($212,937 in unpaid taxes); 2004 ($821,981in unpaid taxes); and 2005 ($386,997 in unpaid taxes).
He could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on the tax evasion charges. Fines could be up to $250,000 on each count. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2 before U.S. Judge Richard Story in Atlanta.
"This defendant has now admitted to taking millions of dollars in secret payoffs from Home Depot's vendors and not reporting or paying taxes on that corrupt income," Nahmias said.
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Reginael D. McDaniel said, "A criminal tax investigation is often a key component in the successful prosecution of a corporate fraud case because it targets the individuals who benefit financially from the scheme"
Anyone with information on such corporate kickbacks and fraud is asked to call the FBI at 404-679-9000.
This case is being investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Home Depot has cooperated in the federal investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by John R. Fitzpatrick, Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, Atlanta Field Office; Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Phillips, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally Molloy.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Win tickets to see My Little Pony Live!
Got kids? Enter our new online contest for your chance to win 4 ticket vouchers to see the upcoming My Little Pony Live! - The World's Biggest Tea Party beginning April 11 and running through April 13 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.
Click here to enter
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