Sally English, www.ENGLISHTEAM.com; GRI CRS

Amelia Island Plantation Files for Bancruptcy

Atlantans love to head to Amelia Islandjust south of the Georgia/Florida line on the Florida coast for vacations and getaways. Apparently the economy has kept many of us at home as a sharp decline in revenues has forced resort operator Amelia Island Company to file for Federal Bankruptcy protection.

Interim Financing for Amelia Island Provided by Wealthy Residents

"The company said it would not have sufficient cash to meet its Nov. 20 payroll without access to a debtor-in-possession loan facility. It employs more than 825, down 275 positions from its staffing level prior to the recession.

Amelia Island Co. said it had signed an agreement with a group of of wealthy investors who own homes at the Plantation to provide it with $18 million to $20 million debtor-in-possession financing. The Red Leaf Investors, led by long-time resident Robert C. Smith, will provide funding as well as long-term strategic and asset management services in an effort to enhance operations and improve financial performance.

"This debt restructuring will pave the way to the profitable operation of our resort," Jack Healan, president of Amelia Island Plantation, said in a release. "They are providing immediate interim financing with the intent of becoming long-term equity partners in the Company, which we welcome." Atlanta Business Chronicle

RESORT PROPERTIES UNDER ECONOMIC PRESSURE

Sea Island, another luxury resort operator on the Georgia Coast, had previously succumbed to economic pressure and made many changes as lenders stepped in to take a hand in the operation of the resort. Sales in Kiawah Island have also slowed during the present recession. Amelia Island held out longer than most and anticipates sales to rebound in 2011.

Brokerage Revenue Down Sharply

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports revenues are down from 75 million in 2007 to an estimated 57 million in 2009, A loss in profits is predicted for the year.

"AIC (Ameilia Island Company) anticipates that the severe decline in business meeting, vacation travel and the real estate brokerage business is not permanent and that its business will recover by 2011," Court Documents

Time Is Ripe to Purchase High End Resort Property

Given the economic realities high end resorts are operating under, the time may be ripe for purchasing luxury resort property along the Georgia and Florida coast.

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL DETAILED INFORMATION

Tucker High School in DeKalb County Georgia has a rich history. And construction is well underway on completely new facitilites on the Tucker High School campus.

Principal: James Jackson

Grades: 9th - 12th
Current Enrollment: 1450
PTSA Co-Presidents: Charles Marvil and Paul Pansini
Board Members: H. Paul Womack, Jr. Dr. Pam Speaks

Business Partners: BB & T Bank, Bruster's Real Ice Cream, Chick-fil-a at Tucker Station, Kroger at Cofer Crossing, Parkridge Wellness Center, RIta's Italian Ice, Suntrust Bank, Tucker First Baptist Church, Tucker First United Methodist Church, and Tucker Wal-Mart

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL FEEDER Elementary Schools

Brockett Elementary
Idlewood Elementary
Livsey Elementary
Midvale Elementary
Smoke Rise Elementary

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL FEEDER Middle School
Tucker Middle School

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL OVERVIEW

In 1918, Tucker High School graduated its first class, thus beginning a rich history of educational excellence. Located in Tucker, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, the school now serves over 1400 students. Throughout its long history, Tucker's faculty and students have carried on a tradition of excellence in both scholarship and athletics.

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL GOALS

Tucker High School bases its philosophy on the firm conviction that every individual has worth and dignity. We believe that if students are to reach their potentials, they, their parents, the community, and the school must share this conviction. We seek to assist the students in becoming mature adults, prepared to continue their formal education and equip them to meet the challenges and problems created by a changing and complex society

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL UNIQUE ASSETS

Tucker High School has seen many changes in its 90+ year history. It has grown from a three-room rural schoolhouse to an urban school with more than 35 ethnic groups represented in its student body. True to our philosophy, Tucker offers a challenging curriculum that addresses the needs of all its students through self-contained classes, visually impaired classes, regular education, and advanced placement. Throughout its history, Tucker has enjoyed excellent faculties and boasts that four Superintendents of Education throughout Georgia were members of Tucker's faculty at one time. Among the various programs offered at Tucker are:

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is a challenging two-year academic program for students in grade 11 and 12

A+ Certification Program offered through the Technology Education department

Business Industry Certification

Advanced Placement (18 different courses offered)

Art department staffed by three art teachers

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Over its long history Tucker High School has achieved excellence in many areas. Recently its faculty and students have been named:

DeKalb Star Student and Teacher

DeKalb Teacher of the Year

DeKalb Counselor of the Year

Georgia Gymnastics Coach of the Year

International Media Festival Winner

AAAA State Basketball Champions

AAA Track Champions

AAAA State Football Champions

Tucker's Habitat for Humanity Chapter has been recognized as one of the top high school chapters in the nation. The chapter has raised over $100,000 since 2002 and has partnered with other groups to build 4 homes in the metro area. Chapter members have also attended Collegiate Challenge Builds in Taos and Miami during spring break.

Tucker's students are consistently selected to attend the Governor's Honors program and to be National Merit Scholarship Finalists. The school's music program has maintained superior ratings throughout the years. Over 90% of seniors attend postgraduate schools

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS

Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training

Anchor club

Art club and National Art Society

Collage Literary Magazine

Conexion Latin CLub

Drama CLub

Ecology club

Family, Career and COmmunity Leaders of America

Future Engineers at Tucker

French Club

German Club

Habitat for Humanity

International CLub

Key Club

Legal Explorers

National Beta Club

National Honor Society

Newspaper: Tiger Tales

SADD Students against Detructive Decisions

Spanish CLub

Student Council

Technology Student Association

Yearbook

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Cheerleading:
Coaches: Football: Annette Gibson and Nakhia Miller
Contact for Information: Annette Gibson 678.874.3788

Cross Country:
Coach: TBA
Contact for Information: 678.874.3702

Football:
Varsity Head Coach: Franklin Stephens
Varsity Assistant Coaches: Brian Lamar, Todrick Malone, Jon Rich, Sonny Spurlock, Robby Gilbert, Bud King
Contact for Information: Franklin Stephens 678.874.3742

Rifle:
Coaches: Sr. MSgt. Carlton Ross and Col. James Williams
Contact for Information: Col. James Williams 678.874.3835

Fast Pitch Softball:
Coaches:
Varsity: Tracy Rojo
Assistant Coaches: Nicole Komisarow, Christy Wahl, Brad Cole
Contact for Information: Tracy Rojo

Volleyball:
Coaches:
Varsity: Robin Potter
Junior Varsity: Becky Caldwell
Contact for Information: Robin Potter 678.874.3787

Boys Basketball:
Coaches:
Varsity: James Hartry
Junior Varsity: Pervis Cooper
Contact for Information: James Hartry 678.874.3787

Girls Basketball:
Coaches:
Varsity: Robin Potter
Junior Varsity: TBA
Contact for Information: Robin Potter 678.874.3787

Cheerleading:
Coach: Varsity Basketball: Crystal Eaddy
Junior Varsity Basketball: Stacy Hamilton
Contact for Information: Crystal Eaddy 678.874.3770

Swimming:
Coaches: Kelly Voss, Becky Caldwell
Contact for Information: Kelly Voss 678.874.3828

Wrestling:
Coaches:
Varsity: Mark Adams
Contact for Information: Mark Adams

Baseball:
Coaches:
Varsity: Bobby Gonzales
Junior Varsity: Michael Harwell

Golf:
Coach: TBA
Contact for Information:

Gymnastics:
Coach: Nicole Komisarow
Contact for Information: Nicole Komisarow 678.874.3776

Boys Soccer:
Coaches:
Varsity: Tim Newmeyer
Junior Varsity: David Dacosta
Contact for Information: Tim Newmeyer

Girls Soccer:
Coaches:
Varsity: Jamie Owen
Junior Varsity: Walter Gutzke
Contact for Information: Jaime Owen

Tennis:
Coach: James Hartry
Contact for Information: James Hartry 678.874.3787

Track:
Coach: TBA
Assistant Coach: Toderick Malone, Brian Lamar
Contact for Information: TBA

TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The new Tucker High School continues to move towards completion of Phase I which will welcome our students back from the December holiday break. At present, Turner Construction is on schedule to turn-over Phase I buildings "A" and "B" shortly after the holidays. There is an incredible amount of activity happening at the Tucker High School construction site as the project team pushes forwards towards completion.

As many of you have probably already seen, the exterior construction of Buildings "A"and "B" are nearly complete -with the last of the stone and brick work rapidly moving towards completion. The cedar wood structure that is designed to be a "signature" element for the campus entry has been installed. Not only does it serve as an aesthetic design element but it also serves as a sun shade for the Media Center. The bridge connecting "A" and "B" buildings is rapidly moving towards completion, which once complete, will allow for work to begin in the courtyard area. The final exterior components of Phase I will be comprised of roadwork, landscape, plantings, etc.

The interior fit-up for both Buildings "A" and "B" are shaping up nicely and the interior work is progressing at a rapid pace, as well. The four-color tile patterns, science casework, interior painting, and locker installation is on-going. Milton Pate Architects, Inc. has worked very closely with the DeKalb County School System to coordinate and purchase all of the new furniture, desks, chairs, library shelving, and equipment - all of which will be delivered to the site and set up prior to the Phase I opening date in January.

While all of this has been happening, we have also developed and completed the complete permit drawing set for the second phase of work that will commence in January of this coming year. Phase II spaces will include the new William Venable Gymnasium, a 600-seat Auditorium, Technical Education Labs, Locker Rooms, Health Labs, a new Kitchen, and completely renovated Cafeteria. The final work to be accomplished will be the renovation of the athletic fields.

Milton E. Pate, Jr.
MILTON PATE ARCHITECTS, INC.

July 01, 2009

HISTORY OF TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL

Tucker High School orginally opened it's doors in 1918 as a three-room schoolhouse in rural Tucker, Georgia. Now it is an urban school with over 35 different ethnic groups represented with around 1,400 students. Located in suburban Atlanta, Tucker is known for maintaining a challenging curriculum that includes the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program and 16 Advanced Placement classes. Every year the seniors of Tucker High School earn between $5 and $10 million dollars in scholarships, with 95% of the seniors attending post-graduate schools.

SALLY ENGLISH TUCKER HIGH SCHOOL REAL ESTATE AGENT

For information and advice about buying or selling a home in Tucker Georgia call or email Sally English and The English Team. Sally English is a Tucker High School real estate agent.

Search all Tucker Georgia listings on the MLS at Sally's website.

Check out English Team listings at http://www.englishteam.com/

Putting Investment House Up For Sale: Randolph Road Atlanta Georgia Part 1 of a Series

Should I put a 60s ranch rental house I have owned for 8 years on the market? Tough decision anytime but particularly difficult decision now as the real estate market in Atlanta continues to grind along in low gear. The need to make a decision was precipitated by tenants vacating the property a couple of months prior to the termination date of their lease. We parted amicably but still left me with a vacant property at what has traditionally been an extremely slow time of the year for rentals or for sales.

Step One: Get the House Ready For the Market

Anytime a rental property becomes vacant there is usually a need to do some repairs and upgrades. This go round is no different and there are a number of items that need attention at the property. The very first step is to take inventory of the items that need attention. Second step is to start contacting the subcontractors to give us bids and estimates for the work that needs to be done. I have a large number of subcontractors I have worked with over the years. Most are hungry for work right now so getting them out to write an estimate is not a problem. I put a combination lock box on the job (also known as a workers lockbox) so the contractors can get in and out without me letting them in each time.

BUY Materials for the Job

Most of the time I purchase materials for the job directly from vendors. This is a habit I formed as a home builder. In the homebuilding business we were always concerned that when we paid for work by a subcontractor, the subcontractor might not pay his vendor for the materials he used. The vendor could then put a lien on the house we were building and we would essentially have to pay for the materials a second time to get clear title for our property. Not a pleasant situation. This happened to me one time only but the unpleasant taste in my mouth lingers! I also like to control the quality of the materials used on the job.

Purchase Window Replacements at Cofer Brothers in Tucker Georgia

One of the biggest items we had on the list was replacing the window inserts in the kitchen and in the basement. The tenants had some kind of "internal" dispute and windows were smashed in both locations. OK, not a huge deal but not your typical situation either. Tim and I went to Cofer Brothers, a local Builder Supply store, to buy the window inserts because we needed some customer service on this purchase. We were not confident about how to measure the windows we needed for replacements. We were also concerned about what windows to select for the replacement. Enter Jack a long time Cofer salesman who gave us excellent advice about the specific windows we needed to purchase. And no, we did not buy the expensive ones. We ended up with a window inseert that costs about $125 per window. Tim picked them up in his Yukon. Only one window had to be special ordered. 770-938-3200 2300 Main Street Tucker, GA 30084

Purchase Paint at Shubert Paint in Tucker Georgia

All paints are not the same. We have an independent paint manufacturer in Tucker Georgia that makes a superior product, for the dollar, as compared to the competition. We are not repainting the whole house. Just needed to pick up some paint for the interior walls, and some paint for a couple of interior doors. We bought six gallons and paint and will come back for more if needed. 2157 Mountain Industrial Blvd. Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 938-3600

Start The Yard Cleanup

Tim likes to do the yard cleanup himself so the yard cleanup process was started. The sequence is as follows

1. Trim shrubs

2. Blow pine straw off roof and gutters

3. Rake and clean lawns

4. Re-seed and fertilize lawns.

The transformation in the curb appeal of the house after this process is AMAZING. It is the single best thing you can do to get a home in shape for the market. Number two is painting!

As we have time we will add some color (pansies and other winter hardy plants) and also tackle some tree trimming.

MORE TO COME

We have more work to do. Check back in to see how the job is progressing.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Receives $30 Million to Transform Pediatric Research, Including Shared Emory Campus Building

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has received a $30 million grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, a charity focused on supporting organizations and programs that benefit children and youth in metro Atlanta. The grant consists of $25 million to help fund a new pediatric research building located on the Emory campus, and the remaining $5 million will support the Marcus Autism Center and its strategic vision of delivering excellence in clinical care, expanding research efforts and advocating for improved outcomes for children with autism and related disorders.

"The relationship between Children's and Emory has never been better, and this incredibly generous grant will allow us to expand our research partnership. This will ultimately lead to medical advancements, which will significantly impact the health of our children in Georgia," said Doug Hertz, Chair, Children's Board of Trustees. "The pediatric research facility enabled by this grant will enhance our ability to attract top scientists and to drive discovery of new knowledge. Additionally, this grant boosts our efforts at the Marcus Autism Center as we continue to build on the foundation Bernie and Billi Marcus put in place to help children with autism and related disorders."

Some of the pediatric research expected to be conducted in the new building will include cardiac, cancer, vaccines and new drug discoveries as well as serving as an attractive recruiting tool as Children's and Emory attempt to attract top investigators from around the world.

"We are so pleased about this grant. It will help us build upon the strong partnership between Emory and Children's as we work together to become a major pediatric research hub in the Southeast and the nation. It also helps our institution in its quest to be a 21st century model for an academic health sciences and service center. Most importantly, this initiative will serve the children of Atlanta, Georgia and beyond, as they'll get the best of both institutions," said Fred Sanfilippo, MD, PhD, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University. "We are profoundly grateful for this grant, which will further the collaboration between Children's and Emory University and our efforts to find cures for some of the most common and devastating childhood diseases," said Donna W. Hyland, president and CEO of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "This grant, which is the largest single gift ever to Children's, also will have an enormous impact on our two organizations and our goal to grow our pediatric research enterprise in Atlanta."

Research in the new facility will be dedicated to pediatrics and will provide the necessary infrastructure for investigators conducting pediatric research to improve the quality of care and develop better treatments for Georgia's pediatric population. The grant has implications for the city of Atlanta as a growing research community, building on collaborations with Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine and others. "This is a significant endorsement of the great assets we have in Atlanta and illustrates the possibilities that can happen for children as we nurture and grow unique collaborations and partnerships," said Doug Ivester, Chairman of the Board of Emory's Woodruff Health Sciences Center. "The Woodruff Foundations have long supported some of the greatest efforts to take place in Atlanta, and this grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation will help grow these initiatives, both of which will impact Atlanta as a city, the people of our state and children throughout the world for generations to come".

Emory University Press release Nov. 13, 2009

Sally English is an Emory University Real Estate Agent

Sally English specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and The Centers for Disease Control. Call or email Sally English and The English Team for advice about buying or selling an Emory University home or real estate. Sally English is an Emory University real estate agent.

Search all Emory University Homes MLS listings online.

Druid Hills High School Renovated Brick Ranch Home for Sale

Totally renovated brick ranch home for sale in the Druid Hills High School district, Sagamore Hills Subdivision/

1795 Council Bluff Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345.

¨ 4 BRs. 3 BATHS.

¨ Move in ready!

¨ Completely renovated.

¨ NEW KITCHEN

¨ NEW BATHS

¨ REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS.

¨ New LIGHT FIXTURES

¨ New WINDOWS

¨ Plantation shutters

¨ GREAT ROOM has newly refinished hardwood floors. Recessed lighting. French doors to deck. Open to dining room.

¨ DINING ROOM opens to family room. Hardwood floors. Cased opening to kitchen. Track lighting. Doors to master BR.

¨ NEW KITCHEN is an attention grabber. New cabinets with Shaker style doors and nickel pulls. Granite countertops. Tumbled marble backsplash in a diagonal pattern. Large island with breakfast bar overhang. Recessed lighting, pendent lighting and directional lighting. Hardwood floors. Two pantry cabinets. Under counter stainless steel sink..double bowl. Open to adjacent breakfast room. Cased opening to DR.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES include a Frigidaire Quiet Series III dishwasher with stainless steel finish. Frigidaire gas range with power burner (stainless steel finish). Matching Frigidaire built in Microwave oven with ventahood (stainless steel finish).

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has hardwood floors, triple window, door to garage and double doors to laundry closet. Ceiling fan/light.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE has low pile carpet, recessed lighting. Wood burning fireplace with marble surround, glass doors and mantle. French doors to patio. Walk in closet plus double door closet. Plantation shutters. Ceiling fan/light.

¨ SPA MASTER BATH has a Jacuzzi type tub with ceramic tile surround. Walk in shower with glass door, ceramic tile floor and walls, premium shower head. Ceramic tile floor. Double vanity cabinet with cultured marble countertops and sinks. Linen closet, toilet closet.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has hardwood floors, double door closet with wire shelving. Door to hall bath. Double window plus single window

¨ HALL BATH features separate vanity and wet areas. Vanity area has white vanity cabinet with cultured marble top and sink. Ceramic tile floor, toilet. WET AREA has tub/shower combination with ceramic tile floor and shower walls.

¨ BEDROOMS #3 & 4 also have hardwood floors. Good closets. Door to Jack and Jill bath.

¨ JACK AND JILL BATH between BRs #3 and 4 features a ceramic tile floor, pedestal sink, bead board paneling, walk in shower with glass door, ceramic tile floor and walls.

¨ BASEMENT has windows, door to back yd.

¨ 2 CAR GARAGE with opener and remotes.

¨ PARTIALLY FENCED BACK YARD. Large lawn area.

¨ DECK access from great room.

¨ 4 sides low maintenance brick exterior.

¨ Newer HVAC systems, roof, electrical and plumbing.

¨ Sagamore Hills Civic Association: www.sagamoreonline.net

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Sagamore Hills ES

¨ Shamrock MS

Druid Hills HS

SALLY ENGLISH Druid Hills High School Real Estate Agent

Sally English is a Druid Hills High School real estate agent specializing in homes convenient to Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control. Call or EMAIL Sally English and The English Team to see homes in the Druid Hills High School attendence district. Search All Druid Hills High Schools homes on the MLS.

CALL OR EMAIL SALLY English to see this Druid Hills High School Renovated Brick Ranch Home for Sale, Offered at $429,000.