Outdoor summer movie festivals

By: Jenna Moran and Kate Jones
Whether you're looking for a thriller or a timeless classic, Atlanta is the perfect place to catch an outdoor movie this summer. Here's a look at some of the city's outdoor movie festivals running all summer long.

- Candler Park: Now through Oct. 8, Candler Park is presenting "Screen on the Green" with free movies for the whole family to enjoy. The outdoor movie series features both the classics and recent blockbuster hits, starting at 8 p.m. every other Saturday. The next showing will be Disney/Pixar's "Wall-E" on Saturday, Aug. 11.
     For the full movie schedule, click here.

- Chastain Park: Every Thursday night in July, Chastain Park Amphitheater is presenting a free movie as part of their summer movie series. Showtime will begin at sundown, and local food trucks, beer and wine will all be available on-site. The film lineup includes timeless classics like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and the 2012 Academy Award winner "The Artist."
     To see the full movie lineup, click here.
     
- Mall of Georgia: Just north of Atlanta in Buford, the Mall of Georgia features “Movies Under the Stars and Summer Concert Series.” Each Saturday until July 30 (excluding July 7), a local band will play starting at 6:30 p.m. on the Village Lawn, and a movie will immediately follow when the sun goes down. The movie lineup spotlights fun, appropriate flicks for the entire family, and includes "We Bought a Zoo," starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Admission is free. 
     Click here for the full concert and movie lineup.  

- Atlantic Station: "Movies in Central Park" is back in Midtown for summer 2012 with a movie lineup that includes cinema classics like "Grease" and "Hugo," nominated in 2012 for an Oscar in the category of Best Picture. Admission into Central Park at Atlantic Station is free and movies will start at sundown. Enjoy a film each Thursday through Aug. 23.   
    Click here for the entire movie schedule.

  

4th of July Events

By: Jordana Klein
Red, White & Brew 
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the world’s largest aquarium with the Red, White & Brew barbecue and beer fest at the Georgia Aquarium. From 6-10:30 p.m., this event will feature a sampling of great beers, a souvenir tasting mug, barbecue provided by Williamson Brothers, a silent auction benefiting the Sponsored Education Admissions (SEA) program, live music from Yacht Rock Schooner and the city’s best view of the Centennial Olympic Park firework show. All tickets are $55 each in advance and $65 on the day of the event, and proceeds will benefit Georgia Aquarium’s education initiatives. The event will take place in the Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom and the parking deck rooftop. The Red, White & Brew is a 21 and above event. However, with $10 kids tickets and $15 adult tickets, the entire family can enjoy the best view of the Centennial Olympic Park firework show with the Rooftop Fireworks Ticket that will give you access to the parking deck rooftop from 7:30-10:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the Georgia Aquarium’s Education efforts including the SEA program.

Event website: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/events-and-programs/redwhitebrew.aspx.

Event contact info: 404-581-4000 or media@georigaaquarium.org.

Stone Mountain Park's 45th Annual Fantastic Fourth CelebrationStone Mountain Park will host the 45th Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration on July 3-4 from 10:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. with the lasershow at 9:30 p.m., followed immediately by a spectacular fireworks display. You can experience the all-new Geyser Towers or climb high in the trees on Sky Hike, one of the nation’s largest adventure ropes courses. With live entertainment, fireworks and much more, this event is fun for the entire family. You can save 30 percent exclusively online with the Family Value Pass which includes four all-attractions Adventure Passes, four meals and four unlimited drink refills. Ticket prices can be found here: http://stonemountainpark.com/tickets-pricing/.
Event website: http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=37
Event contact info: Please call 770.498.5690 or visit stonemountainpark.com for park updates prior to your visit.

Lenox Square's 53rd Annual Legendary 4th of July

Lenox Square will celebrate the 53rd Annual Legendary 4th of July at 10 a.m.- 10:30 p.m. sponsored by The Atlantan. There will be activities for the entire family, including games for children, musical entertainment, food concessions and the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. Tickets are free. The musical entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. with the Jimmy Buffet tribute band Sons of Sailors, followed by Party on the Moon at 7:30 p.m. Lenox Square shops and restaurants are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and fireworks are scheduled to begin approximately at 9:40 p.m. 

Event website: http://www.simon.com/mall/EventsDetails.aspx?id=207&oid=98717.

Jordana Klein is a rising sophomore playing collegiate tennis at the division 1 level. She is majoring in journalism and works as an editorial intern at New South Publishing in Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia Named Ninth Best State to Retire

By Kate Jones 
Georgia was recently named the ninth best state to retire, with Atlanta being named one of the best cities in the state to retire, according to topretirements.com. It’s no secret why either. The state is phasing out income tax on retirement income by 2016, and don’t forget the outstanding weather, constant activity and great senior communities in the city and surroundings areas. It’s no wonder seniors are choosing to relocate to Atlanta for their golden years. Below are some senior communities that may interest you in your move to The Big A.

     Acadia Homes and Neighborhoods: Acadia offers two properties that will appeal to active adults age 55 and older. Middle Creek in Cumming and Arbor Green in Kennesaw feature landscaping and other fees built into the price of the home. Click Here for more information on these homes. 

     Del Webb: With three locations, this community is ideal for the active senior. Unique amenities for all locations include bocce ball courts, billiards room and an arts and crafts room. Each location has exclusive amenities as well that will appeal to various types. Del Webb Sun City Peachtree has softball fields and an 18-hole golf course onsite. Village at Deaton Creek has golf course access to Chateau Elan, and Lake Oconee has lake access. Click Here for floor plans, prices and more information on Del Webb.

     Parc Communities: Both Parc Communities, Parc at Piedmont and Parc at Duluth, provide the best in luxury living spaces, as well as adapting living for seniors whose needs may change with time. There is the option to have independent, private care and assisted living all on one campus or building at their two locations in East Cobb and Johns Creek. Click Here for additional amenities and information on Parc Communities

     Sterling Estates: New to East Cobb, this community provides two living options: independent cottage homes and assisted living. The campus also features a courtyard with a dining area, fountains and gardens. Click Here for more information on these homes.

     Soleil Laurel Canyon: A gourmet kitchen for cooking classes, theater and performing arts center are exclusive amenities enjoyed by residents at the Soleil Laurel Canyon community, which is located in Canton. Residents also have the option to purchase an already existing home or build their own. Click Here for more information on this Canton Community.

Expanding economy creates thousands of jobs

By: Jenna Moran
Thanks to recent business expansions and relocations, Atlanta counties are generating thousands of job opportunities for 2012. This economic boom benefits not only the counties themselves, but also the metro area as a whole. Here's a look at the most recent additions to Atlanta's economy and the number of jobs they are potentially producing.

Baxter International is building a new bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility east of Atlanta in Stanton Springs, as well as plasma centers throughout Georgia, creating more than 1,500 jobs across the state.

Cherokee: Averaging 10 percent business growth annually, Cherokee County is projecting a 166 percent job growth during the next 30 years. Plans are underway for the expansion of Northside Hospital-Cherokee, along with a medical campus, in the city of Canton. Horizon Group Properties is building a new outlet mall in Woodstock, which will provide 700 construction jobs and more than 2,000 permanent and seasonal jobs.

Clayton: Atlanta Business Chronicle reported the relocation of three major companies to the town of Forest Park this year, bringing in approximately 1,000 jobs to the community.

Cobb: Kennesaw Home Depot plans to open a new customer call center facility, adding 700 new jobs during the next three years. The global aluminum company Novelis recently opened a research and development center, bringing in more than 150 technology-based jobs.

Dekalb: The logistics firm, CHEP USA, is moving its headquarters to Dunwoody this fall. During the next five years, this relocation will generate 173 jobs. The video game developer, CCP, has also recently moved to the county as well.

Gwinnett: Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating plans to create a site in Suwanee during the next year. RockTenn, a Fortune 500 Company, is expanding its headquarters to bring 500 new jobs to the Norcross area.

Fulton: The marketing firm Proximus Mobility recently moved its headquarters to Atlanta and is expected to create 100 jobs during the next three years.

Atlanta's Farmer's Markets

Summer is all about fresh, local foods and produce, and no matter what neighborhood of Atlanta you’re near, there’s a farmers market around the corner. Here are a few highlights of the city’s best local offerings:

Grant Park Farmers Market

A pilot program of the Grant Park Conservancy in 2011, the Grant Park Farmers Market has a mission to create a healthy and vivacious community space by providing education and access to local nutritious food. It is a platform for local farmers, charity groups, artists and food producers to bring their hard work to the community. They accept cash, credit, debit and double EBT/SNAP.

Location: The area surrounding the Miledge fountain at the Corner of Cherokee Avenue and Miledge Avenue, approximately 600 Cherokee Ave.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sundays from April 29–December 16.
www.grantparkmarket.org

Green Market at the Piedmont Park Conservancy

A real urban farmers market, the Green Market is a program hosted by the Piedmont Park Conservancy in partnership with the City of Atlanta. Bringing the freshest produce to the downtown and midtown areas, the average turnout is about 30 farmers, bakers and juice and sauce makers. The farmers pick their produce the day before the market to ensure freshness, and you can’t beat the local prices.

Location: 1071 Piedmont Ave. NE, at the 12th Street entrance to the park. Parking is available on Juniper and 13th as well as Juniper and 11th.

Hours: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. every Saturday from May 5–December 8.
www.piedmontpark.org

East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

In addition to local produce, meat and dairy, this interactive little market features cooking demos, local artists, activities for the kids and live music. The EAV market pursues local vendors and programs that have environmental and community integrity. They accept cash, credit, debit, and double EBT/SNAP.

Location: 561 Flat Shoals Ave., across from The Midway Pub—limited parking! EAV is a great place to walk around.

Hours: 4–8 p.m. on Thursdays from April 19–December 13. Closed on Thanksgiving. 

www.farmEAV.com

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

The Sweet Auburn Curb Market has no shortage of great local restaurant, produce, meat and seafood, baked goods and retail vendors. This urban food market operates as a self-sufficient celebration of local agriculture, the history of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and the diversity of Atlanta.

Location: 209 Edgewood Ave SE by Georgia State University, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the historic Auburn Ave./MLK district.

Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday year-round.
http://www.sweetauburncurbmarket.com

Morningside Farmers Market

To sell here, you must be 100 percent certified organic, a standard Morningside takes pride in. With organic farms, restaurants, artisans, gardens and creameries, you’ll be sure to get everything you’re looking for at Morningside. From mid-April through November you can see live chef demonstrations at the market, so check out their event calendar for specific dates.

Location: 1393 N. Highland Ave

Hours: 7:30–11:30 a.m. every Saturday April 1–December 31 and 8-11:30 a.m. in the winter, January 1–March 31.
http://www.morningsidemarket.com/

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

This open-air venue is where Atlanta small farmers and growers, as well as regional producers of traditional foods and craftspeople, can bring their products to the community. A few of their offerings include locally grown produce, eggs, meats, award-winning cheeses, honey, artisan breads and pastas, herbal soaps, prepared foods, locally roasted coffee and crafts.

Location: Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW. Free parking available!

Hours: 8:30 a.m.–noon Saturdays from April 14–September and 9 a.m.–noon Saturdays from October–December 15.
www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com/

Decatur Farmers Market

This unique market features a list of vendors that can be found bi-weekly on its blog, which also lists the market’s offerings on Wednesday and Saturday. They strive to provide the Decatur community with local, organic, sustainable foods in order to enrich cultural standards, protect ecological integrity, support regional economies and decrease dependence on nonrenewable resources.

Location: The Saturday location is across the street from the DeKalb Courthouse on N. McDonough in downtown Decatur, about at 498 N McDonough St., Decatur GA 30030. The closest address for the Wednesday location is 163 Clairemont Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 at the corner of Commerce Dr. and Church St. in the Bank of America parking lot for the drive-through ATM.

Hours: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays year-round; Wednesdays 4–7 p.m. from March–October; and 3–6 p.m. November–February.
http://decaturfarmersmarket.com/wordpress/

Jacqueline Frasca just received her B.A. in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and works as an editorial intern at New South Publishing in Atlanta, Ga.

The Pet-friendly City

By Kate Jones

Atlanta is the home of the the Fox Theatre, an array of professional sports team and Martin Luther King Jr., and it can be a wonderful home to your pets, too. Take a look at some options for dog parks in the area, as well as pet-friendly restaurants and events, to make family gatherings fun for all.

Restaurants

·       Park Tavern: During the months suitable for outdoor dining, Park Tavern allows animals to dine on the patio with their owners and will provide water bowls. Click Here for more information.

·      Tree House Restaurant and Pub: Like Park Tavern, Tree House allows owners and pets to dine together on the patio. Click Here for more information.

Dog Parks

·      Piedmont Dog Park: With the amenity of separate areas for large and small dogs and a 3.5 acre run, there’s no reason your family can't enjoy time with the pup here. The newly renovated park, located in downtown, is an oasis for your dog to run freely without a leash.

·      Lenora Park: Located in Snellville, this park features a designated dog area, where the dog can roam free without a leash, and also has a 1.5 mile paved trail where, on a leash, the family can enjoy a walk or light jog through the park.

·      Sweat Mountain Park: This park became the first off-leash dog park in Cobb County when it opened in 2006. It has separate enclosed areas for large and small dogs as well as a bench for owners to sit.

Events

·      Summer Yappy Hour: Bring your dog and enjoy tasting a variety of wines at a fundraiser hosted by the German Shepard Dog Rescue Group and Bark and Beg Dog Bakery. From 5 to 7 p.m., you can test the wines and have an opportunity to enter raffles and win prizes. The event will take place at Bark and Beg Dog Bakery and costs $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

·      Paws in the Park: Centennial Olympic Park will host Paws in the Park 2012 in September. Owners are invited to become registered walkers and participate in a variety of activities with their pet including a charity walk, demonstrations and meeting dogs that are available for adoption. Proceeds go to the Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption.