atl-properties.comJasper AI – Powerful Small Business Marketing Assistant As we approach 2025, it’s easy to see digital marketing is being transformed by artificial intelligence. AI solutions are exciting with the potential they offer to small business owners who need to produce professional-level marketing campaigns, on a limited budget and less skilled creators and managers. What…
Oktoberfest at Redeemer brings a taste of Germany to Midtown with a free and festive event open to all. It takes place from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 at the corner of Peachtree Street and 4th Street on the campus of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Oktoberfest at Redeemer comes to life with a live German band, a German beer garden, food trucks, games and more. The event, which is Redeemer’s second annual block party, serves as a gift to the Midtown community.
“Oktoberfest at Redeemer is not only a celebration of our German heritage, but also a celebration of Midtown itself and the colorfully diverse community found within,” says Pastor Mark Larson, senior pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
The lederhosen-wearing Atlanta German Band takes the stage, playing an array of traditional German Oktoberfest music and popular American-style oom-pah tunes. The strains of trumpet, accordion and tuba invite guests to glide across the floor to everything from waltzes to polkas to the crowd favorite “Chicken Dance.”
Fuel up on a meal and an array of sweet treats. Explore the German beer garden where craft brews and wine flow for those ages 21 and older. The family-friendly festivity offers hands-on games and other activities where kids can dive into playtime.
“As always, Redeemer’s doors are open to everyone, and Oktoberfest at Redeemer is no exception,” Pastor Larson says. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to ring in the fall season with both new and familiar friends, and share light and love with this wonderful community.”
At a glance:
Oktoberfest at Redeemer, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, October 19. Free. Located at the corner of Peachtree Street and 4th Street on the campus of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 749 Peachtree St., Atlanta.
For more information, visit Redeemer.org.
Interviews available upon request.
The City of South Fulton took a step towards sustainability with the launch of its Electric Vehicle Initiative, unveiled in an event at the City of South Fulton Administration Building.
The initiative featured a cutting-edge fleet of electric vehicles, including one electric cargo van, seven Ford Mach-E’s, and three Ford F-150 Lightenings. With plans to expand the fleet with 17 additional electric vehicles during fiscal year 2025, the City of South Fulton is demonstrating its commitment to eco-sustainability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Mayor khalid, City Manager Sharon D. Subadan, and City Council members Jaceey Sebastian, Helen Zenobia Willis, and Keosha B. Bell, highlighted the initiative’s importance in promoting clean energy and public health. The City of South Fulton’s move to electrify a portion of its municipal fleet spotlights its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing innovative technology for a greener future.
The newly installed charging stations at the Southwest Arts Center and the City of South Fulton Administration Building, equipped with several charging ports, ensure that the fleet remains fully operational for uninterrupted community service. Over the next few years, the city plans to expand this infrastructure to eight locations, providing even greater accessibility for staff and the public.
Looking ahead, the City of South Fulton aims to procure an additional 17 electric vehicles and 15 hybrid vehicles within the next year, further contributing to a cleaner environment.
The City of South Fulton Electric Vehicle Initiative aligns with broader goals of environmental sustainability and improved air quality, which research shows can lead to significant public health benefits. By investing in zero-emission vehicles and extensive charging infrastructure, the City of South Fulton is setting a powerful example of environmental responsibility and innovation.
The city’s long-term vision includes supporting more municipal functions with electric vehicles – enhancing its role as a leader in sustainable practices. This Electric Vehicle Initiative represents a clear, bold vision for a greener, cleaner city that leverages advanced technology for the benefit of all residents.
For more information on this initiative, please visit the City of South Fulton website or contact the Shaheen Solomon, Director of the Department of Public Affairs at (470) 552-4311 or by email at publicaffairs@CityofSouthFultonGA.gov.
Atlanta Fire Rescue’s oldest operating fire station is celebrating 100 years!
A 100th anniversary celebration for Atlanta Fire Station 19 will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., organized by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association.
Read More at Yahoo! News.
Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (d/b/a “Cars Commerce.”), an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry, outlines shifts in the automotive industry in its July Industry Insights Report. This comprehensive report, crafted by Cars Commerce’s expert data analysts, delves into macro and micro automotive market insights by analyzing supply, demand, pricing and consumer behavior data from across the company’s platform, including Cars.com®, Dealer Inspire® and Accu-Trade®.
“Over the past year, new-car prices have remained steady at around $49,000. Supply levels continue to increase, with the most significant inventory rise in mid- to high-priced vehicles,” said Rebecca Lindland, senior director of industry data and insights at Cars Commerce. “Currently, there are just 333,000 new vehicles priced under $30,000 on the Cars Marketplace versus July 2019, when there were 1.1 million. If the average new-car price had continued on its typical 3% annual growth rate from 2019, today’s average new car price would be $43,000. To get prices back on track, the industry would need to add more than 750,000 sub-$30,000 vehicles to the market, the same number of under-$30K vehicles lost since 2019.”
Used-Car Market: Scarcity of Late-Model-Year Vehicles and Declining Prices
In contrast to the new-car market, the used-car market is facing availability challenges, particularly sourcing low-mileage, lightly used vehicles. Year over year, used-car prices decreased 6% and inventory edged up 1% primarily driven by an increase in the stock of vehicles under $30,000. Prices for used vehicles under $30,000 have dropped by 3% year over year, with inventory in this segment increasing 9%. The availability of vehicles priced between $30,000 and $49,000 decreased by 15% year over year, reflecting the scarcity of 1-to-3-year-old vehicles typically found in this price range.
“Notably, used vehicles priced under $20,000 now carry an average of 93,000 odometer miles as of July 2024, up 33% in the last five years. These high-mileage vehicles may require significant service to remain roadworthy,” adds Lindland. “The shortage of low-mileage, lightly used inventory is especially noticeable in the higher-end used-vehicle market. For the over-$50,000 used-vehicle segment, the average price is $77,000, which is more than the average cost of a new luxury vehicle.”
To download the full report, visit www.carscommerce.inc.
*Inventory, searches and list price on Cars.com. A third-party cyber incident impacted dealer inventory data beginning June 19, 2024.
Gray Media (NYSE: GTN) today announced that its local television stations have raised more than $290,000 for Hurricane Helene response efforts, and Gray itself will donate an additional $50,000 to the relief fund. The money raised will provide immediate aid as well as long-term assistance for residents impacted by the deadly storm system that took the lives of more than 200 people and left a path of destruction across six states.
“We are truly grateful to our viewers for their overwhelming generosity and willingness to support their neighbors during this time of tremendous need,” Gray’s Chief Operating Officer Sandy Breland said. “Our stations tracked Helene’s potential impact on the region starting days before landfall and throughout the storm and have not stopped intensive reporting on the devastation, relief and recovery efforts, and remarkable resilience of the affected residents. We will continue to serve and support these communities as they recover and rebuild.”
Donors can support the relief campaign by visiting HeleneHelp.org. 100% of each donation goes to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts. A Spanish language site, HeleneAyuda.org, is also active.
“We are so grateful for Gray Media’s partnership and their dedication to the communities they serve,” said Major Todd Hawks, Territorial CRD Secretary, The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory. “These partnerships empower us to provide a full spectrum of care – from critical food and water to vital emotional care for those grappling with the aftermath of a disaster. Thanks to partners like Gray Media, we can help support those impacted throughout their journey to recovery.”
The Salvation Army has already served more than 150 thousand meals to Helene survivors from 68 active mobile feeding units in six states. It also is providing cleanup kits, hygiene products, and spiritual and emotional care to those in need.
Wondering if buying a house in Florida is profitable? This covers everything about the topic as well as the best places for investment. Table of Contents What Makes Florida an…Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is excited to announce that the sixth 2024 FIN FIT (Financially Fit) event will be held on Thursday, October 24 from 8:30am-12:30pm at Atlanta Technical College Dennard Conference Center Ballroom (Bldg. B). We are proud to partner with the Atlanta Technical College Small Business Center for this small business event. This event is free and open to all Georgians. Free continental breakfast is included with registration.
Starting a business and making it profitable is challenging. Secretary Raffensperger is dedicated to empowering Georgians to acquire the necessary skills for success in starting their business and growing it. FIN FIT is the Secretary of State’s live event where panelists will discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business. They will also discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a powerful tool for Georgians looking to raise capital to fund their new venture or just grow their already thriving business.
“Our goal is to reach all corners of the state,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “We’re proud to bring this program back home to Atlanta.”
The first part of the event will be a panel discussion moderated by Donna Lowry, Award Winning Jounalist. Panelists will include Steven Bromell, Operations Manager, S Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc.; Nickolas Downey, CEO of MerchLogix, Angel Investor; Victoria DuBose, Branch Manager, Truist Bank; and Ryan Swanson, Business Consultant, UGA SBDC. The second part of the event will be led by Jeff Patterson, Supervisory Lender Relations/Economic Development, Georgia District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration. Jeff will cover the topic “Access to Capital and The 5 C’s of Credit.”
“We want our next generation of entrepreneurs to grow a business, reshape their current product line, or launch new ideas,” said Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities, “FIN FIT provides resources and information to kickstart those innovations.”
FIN FIT is a financial empowerment seminar series hosted by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as part of his multi-faceted financial literacy effort and is administered through the Securities and Charities divisions of the Office of Secretary of State. These free programs feature industry leaders who discuss resources that can help increase attendees’ knowledge about money, their relationship to money, and financial issues and strategies for growing their wealth.
The office of the Secretary of State invites all Georgians to attend these free and informational events.
To register for this free event, click here.
To learn more about FIN FIT, click here.
To review and download our free financial resources, click here.
To stay informed on all things Secretary of State, follow us on social media at the links below!
Residents of Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes formed The Friends of Monarch Club, a group dedicated to sustaining the monarch butterfly species. After obtaining approval from the HOA, the club transformed a half-acre unused community space on Huron Lane into a vibrant butterfly garden.
Founded just one year ago, The Friends of the Monarch Club now has approximately 200 members, with about 33 actively maintaining the garden plots. “My original goal was to promote monarch-friendly plants in individual yards and gardens,” said Paul Beggs, The Friends of Monarch Club Chair. “But we’ve expanded this vision by creating a butterfly garden here at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes.”
The project began in December 2023 and was completed by June 2024. Paul’s wife, Sherry, an artist, played a key role in designing the garden, which takes the shape of a tree. The main path represents the tree trunk, the smaller walking paths form the limbs, and the garden beds symbolize the tree’s canopy.
The garden includes a variety of native plants, including five or six types of milkweed, sunflowers, bridal wreath spirea, wild asters, goldenrod and a wildflower meadow, all chosen to attract and sustain pollinators like Monarch butterflies.
“At Kolter Homes, we believe in fostering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for our residents. Our support of the Cresswind Georgia Butterfly Garden and clubs like the Friends of the Monarch Club is a reflection of our commitment to encouraging homeowners to pursue their passions and interests,” said Jennifer Landers, Community Director at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes. “Through our lifestyle programs, we aim to create spaces where residents can connect and share their hobbies while contributing to the vitality of their communities.”
Monarchs are migratory, passing through Georgia in the spring and fall. Beggs is optimistic that by spring 2025, the established milkweed will attract Monarchs as they journey from Mexico to Canada. “We have only spotted a few Monarch butterflies so far, but we see dozens of other butterfly species daily,” Beggs noted. “It has become a beautiful and peaceful space for the community.”
The Friends of the Monarch Club operates without membership dues, instead relying on contributions from residents, ranging from $20 to $500, along with donations of benches, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and birdhouses. One resident, Pat Sileo, held two fundraisers that raised $5,000. Other in-kind contributions include horse manure for augmenting the soil and mulch for walking paths.
Paul’s interest in Monarch butterfly conservation has grown steadily. Paul and Sherry Beggs, both Master Gardeners, have been longtime butterfly enthusiasts. After moving to Cresswind, Paul realized that planting milkweed alone wouldn’t make a significant impact, but working together, the community could create a meaningful habitat. “It’s hard work but also incredibly rewarding,” he added. “The Friends of Monarch Club is giving back to the community and earth while making valuable friendships and connections,” said Paul Beggs. “Our goal is to inspire Hoschton to be a butterfly-friendly town.”
The club’s efforts to create a thriving butterfly habitat align with broader conservation measures, given that monarch butterflies were declared endangered in 2020.
In addition to The Friends of Monarch Club, Cresswind Georgia offers various resident-led clubs, including the Veterans Club, Cooking Club, Just Craftin’ Around Club, Dance Club, Pickleball Club, Trail Blazer’s Hiking Club and many more!
Named for the two large lakes on the property, Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes offers residents extensive outdoor amenities. These include fishing, kayaking or canoeing on either of the two lakes, walking trails, a resort-style pool, event lawn, community garden, and, most notably, 21 pickleball courts and a covered “Eagle’s Nest” spectators pavilion, with plans to expand to over 40 total pickleball courts to become the largest private pickleball complex in Georgia. The Club at Cresswind offers a lounge with relaxing lakeside views, an indoor pool with lap lanes, the cutting-edge SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM, an arts and crafts room and multiple event spaces.
Priced from the high $300,000sto over $1 million, homes at Cresswind Georgia feature flexible floor plans that can be personalized with options like golf cart garages, finished or unfinished upper-level bonus rooms, daylight basements, flexible room configurations and enclosed patios, and hundreds of finish choices at the community’s on-site Design Studio.
To learn more about Cresswind Georgia, visit www.CresswindGeorgia.com. For more information regarding Cresswind communities throughout Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, visit www.Cresswind.com.
For the fourth year in a row, Harry Norman, REALTORS®, the premier luxury real estate firm in Atlanta and broader Georgia, will host its Harry Norman Cares initiative to support Atlanta families in need. The firm is partnering with Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) for the third year as part of the initiative, aiming to provide numerous families with kits full of food, personal care, essential items, and more. Harry Norman, REALTORS® offices will be collecting donated items from the public from Oct. 1 through Oct. 22 for this year’s Harry Norman Cares.
“Our commitment to community goes beyond real estate, and we aim to make a positive impact on the local areas we serve each year with the Harry Norman Cares initiative,” said Jenni Bonura, Harry Norman, REALTORS® President and CEO. “We’re honored to be partnering with Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities for the third year because their mission perfectly aligns with the reason we began this initiative. Our team is excited to allocate our time and resources to those who need them most, and with help from the public we hope to surpass last year’s donation of 1,680 kits.”
The goal of the initiative is to create a better community through meaningful actions and partnerships. The Harry Norman, REALTORS® Impact Council, its diversity, equity, and inclusion group, creates opportunities for teamwork and inclusivity within the company and community, including the Harry Norman Cares initiative, which was established in 2021. ARMHC is an Atlanta-based charity that aims to keep families together during uncertain, difficult times. They host thousands of families each year, providing a comfortable place to call home while they care for a child receiving treatment for illness or injury at a nearby care facility.
Donations can be made by participating in one of three ways from Oct. 1 through Oct. 22.
Drop off donation items at 12 Harry Norman, REALTORS® offices, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Donations purchased online can be shipped directly to an office if needed.
Clients of Harry Norman, REALTORS® agents can also provide items directly to the agent.
Donated items will be used to create different themed “Care Kits,” including “Personal Care Kits,” “Laundry Essentials Kits,” “Grab-and-Go Snack Kits,” and “Entertainment Kits.” Items being collected for donation include travel-sized shampoos and soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry pods, individual dryer sheets, mini hand-sanitizers, non-perishable food items like sweet and salty snacks, individual packages of mac and cheese, mini juice boxes or water bottles, holiday, and seasonal comfort items, and more. Items must be able to fit within gallon-sized Ziploc or clear bags.
In addition to collecting donations this year, Harry Norman, REALTORS® has reserved three on-site volunteer opportunities for its agents, employees, and staff to participate, including:
A Group-Led Meal Service, where groups plan, prepare, and serve meals to families.
A Trunk or Treat event, where volunteers decorate car trunks and hand out candy to families, followed by a pizza party.
At the conclusion of the donation drive, Harry Norman, REALTORS® agents and employees will package the donated items into Care Kits, for delivery to ARMHC.
More information on Harry Norman Cares and specific items needed for the Care Kits and drop-off locations for donations can be found here. Interviews are available on request.