Fall Tops All

Adam hosting Taste of Atlanta

I enjoy all four seasons in Georgia, but there’s something about fall that tops them all.  Maybe it’s the cooler air, the colorful leaves or football games.

I knew fall was in the air this year when temperatures dropped and the smell of fresh food took over at the Taste of Atlanta.  I had the pleasure of hosting one of the culinary stages at the event and I must say the food was fantastic.  There were more than 80 restaurants at this year’s Taste of Atlanta and my favorite dish was the shrimp and grits from the Depeaux.  Yum!!  If you missed out this year you can keep up with all the details on next year’s event by going to http://tasteofatlanta.net/

North Georgia Fall Colors

I also drove up to the North Georgia mountains this month and got a first hand look at the amazing fall colors.  One of the best spots to do some leaf looking is in Hiawassee along Lake Chatuge.  It’s a picture perfect spot and only a day trip away.  If you’re interested in checking out the fall foliage and would like to make a weekend trip out of it there are a couple of great hotels to consider.  You may want to check out Brasstown Valley Resort at http://www.brasstownvalley.com/.  You should also consider staying at The Ridges Resort at http://www.theridgesresort.com/. 

North Georgia Fall Colors

If you take some great fall photos be sure to send them to CBS Atlanta News.  We will post them on our website and may show them on television.  Email your photographs to pics@cbsatlanta.com.  I hope you have a wonderful fall season! 

Adam Murphy

Teens Help Flood Victims

I will never forget the devastation I witnessed while covering this years flooding.  I met people who lost everything from their homes to their cars.  It was not a pretty sight, but in the midst of such tragedy I came across one story that lifted my spirits. 

Teens Rescue Flood Victims

Teenagers  Kevin Broyles and Matt Palmer decided to rescue people trapped in their homes by flood water.  The teens used a small boat to access homes in Austell where people had been trapped for up to three days.  

“I’ve always been the one to go out there and get it done,” said Broyles.  “We help out a lot at our church, school or just about anywhere we can,” said Palmer.

  Kevin and Matt are only 16 years old , but when it comes to helping people they’re definitely beyond their years.  The teens recued more than 40 people from the flooding and didn’t charge a penny for their services. 

I was moved by this story so I thought I’d share it with you.  It was nice to see a couple of kids make the most of their time out of school doing something meaningful.

Illegal Dumping

Adam reporting on New Town Circle illegal dump

We all know that times are tough and budget cuts have hindered city services, but c’mon folks!  Atlanta is becoming a dumping ground.  If you drive around the city you will notice illegal dump sites everywhere.  I’ve found them on North Grand Avenue, Hollywood Road, New Town Circle, Tucker Avenue, Macon Drive and Springside Drive.   I’ve seen tires, trash, toys, furniture and clothing piled up on the side of the road.  It’s truly unbelievable!  However, what is more shocking is the fact that the City of Atlanta has said they do not have anyone enforcing the problem of illegal dumping.  Instead, they clean up the same dump sites over and over again.  City officials blame their lack of involvement on budget cuts.   

Illegal Dump Site on New Town Circle in Atlanta

So Atlanta officials have said if you spot someone dumping illegally you should call 911.  If you notice garbage piled up in the public right of way you should call public works and if you see an illegal dump on private property you should call code compliance.  On a final note, if you see one of these dump sites in Atlanta let me know about it so I can start asking the tough questions to help clean up your community.  Send me an email to adam.murphy@cbsatlanta.com. 

Adam Murphy

Lake Chatuge

Lake Chatuge

It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the Southeast and it’s only two hours from Atlanta.  Lake Chatuge is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just north of Helen in a city called Hiawassee.  I spend a lot of my spare time up there boating, dining and relaxing.  Trust me when I say it’s a special place, but understand I’m a little biased because I also got married along Lake Chatuge six years ago.   

Lake Chatuge Sunrise

 

If you decide to venture up to Hiawassee you might be interested to know that they have a fantastic fall festival at the fairgrounds coming up October 9th-17th.  Click on the following link for more information:  http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/.   You may also want to check out Brasstown Valley Resort while you’re up there.  It’s an excellent place to stay.  Click on the link for details:   http://www.brasstownvalley.com/. 

Brasstown Valley Resort

 

 

If you go I hope you enjoy what Hiawassee has to offer.  As they say in the mountains I’ll see you at the lake as long as the creek don’t rise!   

Adam Murphy

Good Vibrations

The Beach Boys performing in Peachtree City

I knew I was in for some good vibrations when the boss asked me to introduce the Beach Boys on a Friday night at the Fred Amphitheater in Peachtree City.   The ‘Fred’ is a beautiful place to see a concert and you can get there by car or golf cart.  Yeah Peachtree City is the golf cart capital of the world and believe it or not the Beach Boys traded in their surfboards for golf carts before the show.  Band members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston told me they had a blast surfing around town on four wheels.  They also had FUN, FUN, FUN performing before thousands of fans. 

My wife Angie and I with the Beach Boys

My wife Angie and I not only enjoyed the show, but we had the opportunity to hang out with the Beach Boys backstage before the show.  They were so laid back and told us they never get tired of performing.   They’ve been entertaining fans since 1961 and they have no intentions of slowing down.  I would have to say that my favorite Beach Boys songs are Barbara Ann and California Girls.   Mike Love told me their most requested song at concerts is Kokomo. 

 ’God Only Knows’ if the Beach Boys will return to Georgia next year, but if they do you may want cruise on out to see them in concert.

Adam Murphy

Atlanta Braves 101

Win or Lose… there is something special about the Atlanta Braves.  I’ve been a fan my entire life and just a couple of weeks ago the Braves contacted me about a one of a kind opportunity.   They asked me to take part in their Baseball 101 clinic at Turner Field.  It’s an annual event that benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital. 

Adam at Turner Field - Home of the Atlanta Braves

Baseball 101 offered about a hundred women (and me)  the opportunity to learn batting, fielding and pitching skills from some Atlanta Braves players.  The day began with a panel discussion with players like Matt Diaz, Peter Moylan and Jeff Bennett.  I was asked by the Braves to moderate the panel which was a real hit with the ladies.   Maybe I should clarify that the Braves players were a real hit with the ladies.  Then it was time to take the field.  Let me just say I was like a kid in a candy store!  I’ve always wanted to step foot on the field and play catch with some of the players.  We all got to throw some pitches in the bullpen, catch fly balls in the outfield and practice our swing in their batting cages.  I had no idea, but the team has their own batting cages under the stadium seats next to the clubhouse. 

In addition to the on-field clinic, everyone received a first class tour of Turner Field and even picked up tickets that night to the Braves vs. Brewers game.  If you’re interested in having some fun next year for a worthy cause you may want to check out the Braves on-line at www.braves.com/baseball101 or contact the Braves Community Affairs Department.  GO BRAVES!!!

Adam in the Braves dugout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam relaxing in the Braves dugout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taste of the Nation

My wife Angie and I with Kenny Rogers. Courtesy: Ninh Chau - Imagez Photography

For the past six years, I have reported on hundreds of restaurants around metro Atlanta.  I’ve featured some of the best and questioned some of the worst and I will continue to carry out that mission for years to come.   However, I must say there is nothing greater than teaming up with local restaurant chef’s for a good cause.  This month I did just that at the annual Taste of the Nation event. 

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no child in America grows up hungry.  Every year, the nation’s hottest chefs donate their time, talent and passion at more than 40 Taste of the Nation events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger.  Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $70 million.

This year’s Taste of the Nation featured dozens of Atlanta’s best restaurants like Rathbun’s and Holeman and Finch.  Hundreds of people enjoyed the great food and even participated in a silent auction inside the Ocean’s Ballroom at the Georgia Aquarium.  My wife Angie and I had the opportunity to mingle with this year’s honorary guest Kenny Rogers.  It was a special evening and I can only hope you will join us next year for such a good cause.  Keep in mind that during the course of a year, more than 12 million children in America worry about when their next meal will come.  That should be enough incentive to support Taste of the Nation.

Adam Murphy

Action Adam

'Action Adam' bobblehead

A couple of months ago I told my boss that I wanted to spend more time working on news stories that make a difference in people’s lives.  As a result, he nicknamed me ‘Action Adam’ and told me to go for it.  

So I’ve spent the last few months helping over billed Atlanta water customers get their money back.  I’ve also been trying to find out why you still have to pay a toll on GA 400 when the state already has enough money to pay for construction of the road.  

It has now become my mission to help you solve frustrating consumer problems and even tackle government waste.  My boss told me that he wants to create ‘Action Adam’ bobblehead dolls to give to viewers like you after a problem is resolved.  

If you need my help don’t hesitate to call, email or contact me on facebook.  I want you to know that you can always count on me to fight for you when the going gets tough!

‘Action Adam’ Murphy

Never Too Old To Boogie

My wife Angie dancing with 'Papa'

There’s no doubt in my mind that you’re never too old to boogie!  My grandfather-n-law Luke Taylor just turned 96 years old and he celebrated his birthday on the dance floor.  It was a memorable moment for ‘Papa’ because I gathered with family and friends to surprise him on the Dance floor in Northeast Georgia. 

I must say he’s a really good dancer at the ripe old age of 96 and that’s no joke.  He goes out dancing every single weekend with friends.  In fact, I’m certain he has more energy than me.   I believe his love for dancing is why he’s in such good health.  ’Papa’ is definitely an inspiration to those that think they’re too old to boogie.  The Northeast Georgian newspaper wrote an article about Luke ‘The Dancing Machine” Taylor last month and they were so moved by his story it became front page news!   

http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/top_stories/02topstory.txt

Happy Birthday ‘Papa’ and thanks for reminding us that we’re ‘Never Too Old To Boogie.’

Adam Murphy

Adam Gets Action

 

Atlanta's Water Woes

I’VE BEEN TOLD BY MY BOSS THAT ‘ADAM GETS ACTION’ WHEN IT COMES TO ATLANTA’S WATER WOES.  DURING THE PAST TWO MONTHS, I’VE MADE IT MY MISSION TO HELP FRUSTRATED WATER CUSTOMERS GET ANSWERS FROM THE CITIES WATER DEPARTMENT ABOUT OUTRAGEOUS BILLS.

 

 

ON JANUARY 14^THPHILIP CLINKSCALES TOLD US HE RECEIVED A WATER BILL FOR MORE THAN 12-HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR ONE MONTH OF SERVICE.  CLINKSCALES SAYS THE CITY CALCULATED THAT HE USED 85-THOUSAND GALLONS OF WATER WHICH HE SAYS IS ENOUGH TO FILL UP FOUR SWIMMING POOLS.  CBS ATLANTA TRIED TO SPEAK WITH WATER COMMISSIONER ROB HUNTER ABOUT IT, BUT IT WAS UNAVAILABLE.  HOWEVER, THE WATER DEPARTMENT ADJUSTED CLINKSCALES BILL AND CREDITED NEARLY 800-DOLLARS BACK TO HIS ACCOUNT ONLY AFTER CBS ATLANTA AIRED HIS STORY. 

ON JANUARY 21^STGINDA YOUNG TOLD US THE WATER DEPARTMENT ACTUALLY OWED HER MONEY.  SHE MOVED OUT OF HER ATLANTA HOME AND THE CITY NEVER RETURNED HER 58-DOLLAR DEPOSIT.  YOUNG SAYS SHE WAS TOLD SHE WOULD RECEIVE IT WITHIN 10-WEEKS, HOWEVER 8-MONTHS LATER… STILL NO CHECK…. THAT IS UNTIL CBS ATLANTA AIRED HER STORY.  LAST WEEK GINDA YOUNG RECEIVED A CHECK FOR 58-DOLLARS AFTER CBS ATLANTA NEWS QUESTIONED THE WATER DEPARTMENT ABOUT HER CHECK.

 

ON FEBRUARY 2^NDKATHERINE PRITCHARD TOLD US SHE RECEIVED A BILL FOR MORE THAN 6-HUNDRED DOLLARS.  SHE SAYS SHE COMPLAINED TO THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND DIDN’T HEAR BACK FROM THEM WITHIN A WEEK EVEN THOUGH COMMISSIONER ROB HUNTER STATED IN HIS NEWS CONFERENCE ON JANUARY 28^TH THAT “EVERYBODY IS CONTACTED WITH A RESOLUTION WITH IN A WEEK.”   ATLANTA’S WATER DEPARTMENT GAVE PRITCHARD HER MONEY BACK AFTER CBS ATLANTA AIRED HER STORY.  THEY SAID THEY BURIED HER METER WHILE DOING SEWER REPAIRS AND THEY HAD BEEN ESTIMATING HER METER USAGE FOR NEARLY FOUR YEARS.

 

ALSO IN FEBRUARY CAROLYN ELLIS RECEIVED A BILL FOR MORE THAN $880.  SHE TRIED TO GET HELP FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT FOR WEEKS TO NO AVAIL.  SO CBS ATLANTA NEWS REPORTED ON HER PROBLEM AND THE WATER DEPARTMENT DECIDED TO CREDIT HER ACCOUNT BACK THE SAME DAY.  SHE RECEIVED MORE THAN $200 BACK AND THEY ALSO GAVE HER A ZERO ACCOUNT BALANCE.

 

ON FEBRUARY 6^TH BART OSBORNE TOLD US HE RECEIVED A BILL FOR 578-DOLLARS.  HE SAYS HIS BILL SPIKED IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR FOR NO APPARENT REASON SO HE DISPUTED THE CHARGES AND WAS TOLD TO PAY HIS AVERAGE MONTHLY AMOUNT FOR WATER.  DESPITE DOING THAT, HE STILL RECEIVED A FINAL DEMAND FOR PAYMENT.  HIS RECORDS SHOW THAT THE CITY WANTED HIM TO PAY MORE THAN 570-DOLLARS EVEN THOUGH HE ONLY OWED 470-DOLLARS ACCORDING TO HIS BILL.  ONCE AGAIN, THE WATER DEPARTMENT CREDITED OSBORNE’S BILL BY NEARLY 400-DOLLARS AFTER OUR REPORT AIRED.

 

ON FEBRUARY 9^TH, BARBARA JACOB TOLD US HOW SHE RECEIVED A BILL FOR MORE THAN 15-HUNDRED DOLLARS.  SHE SAID THAT BILL CAME AFTER 9-MONTHS OF NOT RECEIVING A BILL AT ALL.  AFTER OUR STORY AIRED… ATLANTA’S WATER DEPARTMENT CREDITED NEARLY 950-DOLLARS BACK TO JACOB’S ACCOUNT. 

 

ON FEBRUARY 11^TH RONALD WEIR QUESTIONED HIS METER AFTER HE RECEIVED 3-STRAIGHT BILLS FOR OVER 1-THOUSAND DOLLARS.  HE TOLD US WATER HAD BEEN RUNNING DOWN HIS STREET FOR SEVEN MONTHS.  WEIR SAID HE CONTACTED THE CITY AND THEY TOLD HIM IT WAS HIS LEAK AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY TOLD US WHEN WE CONTACTED THE CITY.  WEIR EVEN HIRED A PLUMBING INSPECTOR TO CHECK HIS PROPERTY FOR LEAKS.  200-DOLLARS LATER THE INSPECTION REPORT SHOWED THEIR WERE NO LEAKS AND IT SAID THE CITY NEEDED TO CHECK THEIR MAIN WATER LINE.  WELL AFTER OUR STORY AIRED THE WATER DEPARTMENT FINALLY PATCHED UP THE LEAK WHICH THEY ADMITTED WAS COMING FROM THE MAIN WATER LINE. 

 

ON FEBRUARY 16TH REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY SMITH CALLS A PUBLIC HEARING ON ATLANTA’S WATER PROBLEMS AFTER WATCHING CBS ATLANTA’S CONTINUOUS COVERAGE ON THE ISSUE. 

 

ON FEBRUARY 17TH REPRESENTATIVE TOMMY SMITH CONTACTED CBS ATLANTA NEWS TO LET US KNOW THAT OUR REPORTING SAVED THE STATE OF GEORGIA NEARLY ONE MILLION DOLLARS.  THE GEORGIA BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID ATLANTA’S WATER DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN OVER BILLING THEM FOR MONTHS BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE GLITCH.  THE STATE IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE $800,000 FROM ATLANTA’S WATER DEPARTMENT.

 

I WILL CONTINUE TO REPORT ON YOUR WATER WOES UNTIL ATLANTA’S WATER DEPARTMENT RESOLVES ALL OF THEIR PROBLEMS.

 

Adam Murphy