Area housing market continues to heat up
► PAGE 4
Januar y 13, 2022 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Dunwoody arts poised to expand this year By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. –– Dunwoody’s nonprofit organizations are coming out strong in 2022. From expanded programs at Spruill Center for the Arts and the Dunwoody Nature Center and the installation of new public arts projects, the city’s leisure offerings are returning stronger than ever, organizers say. The year began with the introduction of “Be Kind,” Brook Run Park’s first permanent art mural, which artist Megan Watters designed and installed along a wall in the back of the park adjacent to Barclay Drive. The mural uses pastels to create a vibrant border of flower-shaped designs and geometric patterns along the walkway, with the words “Be Kind” introducing the display. Watters was inspired by Dunwoody Nature Center’s Beehive Garden and Dunwoody’s designation as a member of Bee City USA when she created the installation. “I’m very interested in environmentalism, and I like the message of being kind,” Watters said. “I also like that it’s right near some flowers that were planted as part of the Daffodil Project, so it’s going to be very bright and colorful in the spring.” The Daffodil Project aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust and in support of children suffering in humanitarian crises today.
Omicron threat may pare down city operations By CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmedia.com
APPEN MEDIA SPECIAL
Megan Watters sits in front of her mural, “Be Kind,” the city’s latest art installation at Brook Run Park near the DeKalb County Fire Station on Barclay Drive. Watters said the “Be Kind” project took about a week to plan and a week to execute. The 500-square-foot mural runs 120 feet along a low wall near the DeKalb County Fire Station 18, adjacent to Barclay Drive.
Spruill Center for the Arts is rolling out 219 classes during the winter quarter, up from 163 classes during the same time last year, according
See ARTS, Page 3
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The omicron COVID-19 variant is curtailing some city operations. The City Council was set to pass an ordinance at its Jan. 10 meeting declaring a state of emergency throughout the city. “The City Council hereby declares that a state of emergency exists within the City affecting the safety, health and well-being of citizens due to the continued spread of the highly-contagious omicron variant,” the ordinance states. The City Charter allows the council to “carry out all reasonable provisions deemed necessary to deal with or meet such an emergency for the protection, safety, health or wellbeing of the citizens of the city.” While the ordinance does not define “reasonable provisions,” it does specify some details about city meetings. It provides that while council,
See OMICRON, Page 3
PUBLIC SAFETY
2 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
Police investigate shooting at Dunwoody shopping center 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street,| AppenMedia.com Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-442-3278 770-442-3278 | TheCrier.net
319 N. Street,| Alpharetta, GA 30009 30009 770-442-3278 NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Main Street, Alpharetta, GA PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen
319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER: Hans Appen PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Dick Williams PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Dick Williams
MANAGING EDITOR: Fox PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: HansPatrick Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen
PUBLISHER: Hans Appen Jim Hart GENERAL MANAGER & ADVERTISING: EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: GENERAL MANAGER & ADVERTISING: Jim Hart MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: Johns Creekext. Herald: 118, Roswell ext. 123ext. 122 Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell: ext.122 Dunwoody Milton Herald: Crier: ext. ext. 139 143 123 DunwoodyHerald: Crier: 143118 Forsyth Calendar: ext. ext. 122 ext. ForsythCreek Herald: Herald: ext. 118 ext. 123 Johns Johns Creek Herald: Milton Herald: ext.ext.123 139 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: Milton Herald: ext.139 Calendar: ext. 122 Calendar: ext.122 News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: News / Press Releases: AppenMedia.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar Calendar /Advertising: Events: AppenMedia/Calendar ext. 100 General advertising@appenmediagroup.com ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: Classified Advertising: ext. 119 General Advertising: Advertising: ext. ext. 100 100 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com General General Advertising: ext.100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: advertising@appenmedia.com Classified Advertising: Advertising: ext. ext. 119 143 Classified circulation@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 donna@appenmediagroup.com classifieds@appenmediagroup.com classifieds@appenmedia.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. ext. 100 100 Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: Circulation / Subscriptions / Delivery: ext. 100 OUR PUBLICATIONS: circulation@appenmediagroup.com circulation@appenmediagroup.com circulation@appenmedia.com Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation OUR PUBLICATIONS: PUBLICATIONS: OUR PUBLICATIONS: Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Alpharetta-Roswell Forsyth Herald: 17,000 Herald: circulation 28,000 circulation Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Johns Milton Creek Herald: Herald: 10,000 20,000 circulation circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Dunwoody Answer Book: Crier: 40,000 18,000 circulation circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Forsyth 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: Herald: 10,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Milton circulation AnswerHerald: Book:10,000 40,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
AppenMedia.com THECRIER.net THECRIER.net
Honored as as Honored a newspaper newspaper a of General General of Excellence Excellence
2018 THECRIER.net
Honored as 2018 a newspaper of General Excellence
2018
2018
By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com
woody Road Jan. 6, where they found a single male with a gunshot wound. The man was transported to a nearby hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the incident happened at around noon.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Police Department said officers responded to a reported shooting at Perimeter Village Shopping Center on Ashford Dun-
“We have no reason to believe there is an ongoing danger to those in the area,” the Dunwoody Police Department stated on Facebook. No other information is available at this time. Return to appenmedia.com for updates.
Milton Hall CEO settles whistleblower lawsuit By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The CEO and medical director of Milton Hall Surgical Associates, Dr. Jeffrey M. Gallups, has agreed to pay approximately $3 million to settle a federal whistleblower lawsuit alleging that he directed his physicians to order medically unnecessary genetic and toxicology tests for their patients as part of a secret arrangement to defraud government health care programs. Milton Hall, also known as the Ear, Nose and Throat Institute, provides treatment and care such as balloon sinuplasty, sleep apnea and snoring treatment, voice therapy, tonsils and adenoids, and hearing aids. It has 13 offices throughout North Georgia, including at Northside Forsyth Drive in Cumming and Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta. The lawsuit also claims that as part of a separate kickback scheme with Entellus Medical, Gallups received several forms of remuneration, including cash payments and all-expense-paid trips, in return for requiring Milton Hall physicians to exclusively use the company’s devices for sinus surgeries. In 2017, the Stryker Corporation acquired Entellus, and its personnel flagged and elected not to renew the consulting arrangement that existed between Entellus and Gallups. Stryker agreed to pay $1.2 million in September 2020 to resolve the claims aris-
ing from the alleged Gallups/Entellus kickback arrangement. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits individuals who participate in federal health care programs from knowingly and willfully offering, paying or receiving any remuneration in order to encourage recommendation of any item covered under a federal health care program. U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine said Gallups abused his position for his personal financial interests. “In his role, Gallups was uniquely situated to benefit his community,” Erskine said. “Instead, he chose to put his personal financial interests above the interests of his colleagues and [Milton Hall’s] patients.” Years before the allegations arose, Gallups was known as an entrepreneurial doctor with a go-getter attitude. In a 2012 New York Times blog, he was recognized for learning to seek out the insurance companies to work out a one co-pay solution for patients even though they had received multiple treatments under his roof. “Unlike the practice that had booted him [seven years prior], he constantly tried new things,” the blog states. “If it didn’t work, his attitude was, ‘That’s OK. We will figure it out and make it work.’” Now, the Department of Justice alleges that between 2014 and 2018, Gallups directed his physicians to order toxicology and genetic testing from the Texas-based medical laboratory
NextHealth, which then paid Gallups 50% of the revenue it received from Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in the form of supposed “commissions,” regardless of medical necessity. Gallups was not a practicing physician during that time, but federal prosecutors said the scheme with NextHealth, which is now defunct, began in 2016 and ended about a year later due to increasing complaints from Milton Hall physicians. In fact, one of those physicians, Dr. Myron Jones, filed the lawsuit against Gallups soon after his resignation in 2017. Jones is a former Army colonel and active-duty U.S. Army Otolaryngologist who has been practicing medicine for over 34 years, three of them with Milton Hall. His attorney, Raymond Moss, said Jones “bravely and tenaciously” sought to protect vulnerable patients and stop government fraud and abuse by bringing to light what he believed to be very troubling practices that undermine quality and affordable health care. The False Claims Act permits private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. Jones will receive approximately $614,000 from the settlement. If Gallups or Milton Hall fails to pay the entire settlement within 12 months of reaching the agreement, there is a consent judgment that orders them to
See LAWSUIT, Page 13
Lift Yoga + Body, offering classes for all ages, all bodies, and all levels in the heart of Dunwoody A safe, inclusive environment with something for everyone no matter where you are on your yoga journey. Always without judgment, and guaranteed to leave you with a smile. • vinyasa • sculpt • gentle
• meditation • power • nidra • yin • non-heated, warm, and hot classes
New Member Special 2 weeks of unlimited classes for only $20.
1705 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody (Across from Dunwoody Village) 470-268-4362 | liftyogastudio.com
NEWS
Drukman joins Appen Media as Alpharetta, Forsyth reporter ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group announced Jan. 3 that Jake Drukman has joined the company as a staff reporter. Jake will report on the communities of Alpharetta and Forsyth County and work with the news DRUKMAN team to ensure complete, quality coverage. Jake will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and will be based in Alpharetta. “We’re delighted for Jake to join us,” Appen said. “He brings a lot of experience from The Red & Black and will be
Omicron: Continued from Page 1 board and commission meetings will take place as usual, a quorum will not be determined by how many members are present in person. Online meeting services, such as Zoom, have become commonplace during the COVID pandemic, and governments have adjusted their ordinances to allow for elected officials to participate electronically without running the risk of spreading or contracting the virus The ordinance remains in effect until Feb. 10. In addition, Dunwoody Communications Manager Jennifer Boettcher said municipal court proceedings will be re-
a great team player in the newsroom. In the past, we’ve seen stories that we wanted to pursue but just didn’t have the manpower. I’m happy to announce Jake has hopped on board and grabbed an oar.” A recent graduate of the University of Georgia, Drukman transitions to Appen from his role as news editor at The Red & Black, where he oversaw a team of reporters covering Athens and UGA. “A well-informed public makes for stronger, better communities,” Drukman said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help keep the Alpharetta and Forsyth County citizenry up to speed on everything happening in their communities.” scheduled for a later date. Notices have been mailed with new court dates and times to those affected by the postponement. “While City Hall remains open with limited staff, most employees are working remotely,” Boettcher said. “We’re encouraging people to make appointments if they need to meet with staff and use online resources for open records requests, permits and business licenses.” Masks are required, regardless of vaccination status inside city facilities, including Dunwoody City Hall, she said. DeKalb County Schools last week announced that the first week after holiday break would be conducted virtually for all students. According to the DeKalb County School’s website (https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org), inperson learning was to resume Monday, Jan. 10.
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 3
Arts: Continued from Page 1 to Spruill Executive Director Alan Mothner. The center is also offering 40 one- to-two-day workshops during the winter session. “We are offering more classes because we are limiting our class sizes to an average of 13 students,” Mothner said. “We are very excited that we have not only more classes and workshops, but a greater variety of both.” Interest is high, Mothner said, with more than 140 people on waiting lists. “We are struggling with capacity right now,” he said. “For example, for our stained-glass class, we have 13 people enrolled and 13 on the waiting list.” Another city art installation, a piece called “Sky Dancers” that consists of seven 40-inch steel butterflies, created by Kathy Walton, will be installed this week at Spruill’s education building on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
OVER 115 HOMES SOLD SO FAR IN 2021 AND
OVER $65 MILLION IN SALES! Whether you are
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME let us put our 40 years of experience to work for you!
THE ROBIN BLASS GROUP LAUREN BLASS SOLOMON
ROBIN BLASS
Read The Crier online: thecrier.net
In addition, the gallery on Ashford Dunwoody Road is preparing for the Jan. 20 opening of Ilona Cutts’ exhibit, “Homecoming.” The Dunwoody Nature Center’s offerings begin with yoga and Tai Chi classes throughout January and beyond. Tai Chi in the Woods runs through January, with classes on Wednesday and Friday from 10-11:30 a.m., starting Wednesday. Fireside yoga will be held Friday Jan. 16 and Feb. 20 from 4-5 p.m. In addition, the center is gearing up for its annual Martin Luther King Day of Service on Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Opportunities exist for individuals and groups. Visit www.dunwoodynaturecenter.org for more information Stage Door Theatre (www.stagedoortheatrega.org) continues its 2022 season with “Valentine’s Day Cabaret” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” in February, followed by “The Pirates of Penzance” in April. Its Performing Arts Academy is registering students for its spring programs, which include jazz dance techniques, voice lessons, virtual performance classes and several other dance and acting classes.
REALTOR®
404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com www.RobinBlass.com
REALTOR®
770-789-4464 C | 770-394-2131 O Lauren.Blass@HarryNorman.com www.RobinBlass.com
The Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Dunwoody, GA 30338 The above information is believed accurate, but is not warranted. This offer subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and withdrawals without notice. If your home is currently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation
Is Your Company Hiring? Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire
4 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
NEWS
Housing market continues to look strong for 2022 By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmedia.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Cooler weather has not slowed the housing market in north Metro Atlanta. The most recent numbers from real estate tracking services report that homes continue to sell, values continue to rise, and the demand remains at historic highs for the area. The numbers also support the recent flood of permits and zoning applications for residential development across the northern Atlanta suburbs. Tracey Craft, Alpharetta Realtor with the Craft Dolan Team of Ansley Real Estate in Atlanta, said she expects the trend to continue into 2022. Housing inventory, a measure of available for-sale homes on the market, stands at about one and one-half months in December, about the same level it posted through 2021. That’s a far cry from just three years ago when 2019 began with an eight-month supply. Inventories typically dip during the spring and summer when homebuying picks up. That’s true in north Metro Atlanta, but buying and selling hasn’t dipped much since August. Craft said home inventory is still at historic lows for the area, and there’s no sign the housing market will slow in 2022. “I’ve been practicing for eight-ten years, and I’ve never seen it like this,” she said. “I’ve never seen something so fast-moving and competitive.” The high demand has sent some
home values through the roof. The price tag on homes has climbed 15 percent in Forsyth County over the past year. North Fulton real estate has climbed more modestly, but it remains at levels much higher than four years ago. Craft said she’s seen some properties post 19 percent gains in value through 2021. And demand is still strong. “You can put a house on the market now on a Thursday, if it’s move-in ready, you can still sell it by Sunday,” she said. There are not quite as many offers coming in as there were during the summer, she added, but even so, sellers are getting their list price. Of course, some sellers will want to list high, and those prices are often adjusted downward, she said. “I think we’ve hit a season of reasoning here in this last quarter,” Craft said. “But the buyers are still out there. If you have a move-in ready home, you’ll do really well right now.” All the while, homebuilders continue to lay plans for more houses. Alpharetta continues to approve plans from developers seeking to add townhomes and detached homes to its downtown core. Interest is also growing for residential building in the North Point and Northwinds area of the city. Forsyth County has seen a steady flow of applications for residential building development. Right now, the greatest obstacle to more homes has been getting supplies
Independent. Local. Connected. Who you choose to sell your home matters. Karen Cannon Realtors has been delivering exceptional results since 2003.
Contact Us to Sell for Top Dollar 770-352-9658 | KarenCannon.com
Values continue to climb According to realtor.com, the average list and sale prices for homes in north Metro Atlanta continue to climb from levels year over year. Here are the latest numbers for November 2021: City Median listing price Median sale price Yr. over yr. Alpharetta $525,000 $507,500 +5.2% Forsyth County $489,900 $467,000 +15.3% Johns Creek $550,000 $552,000 +10.9% Milton $895,000 $817,500 +12% Roswell $492,000 $505,000 -1.6%
Average days on market The average days a home is listed before it is sold provides a picture of how hot the real estate market is. The length of time between a home listing and its sale has declined sharply over the past two years in the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Milton. This chart tracks the average number of days a listing remained on the market through the year over the past three years. Area 2019 2020 2021 North Fulton 70-75 days 60-55 days 22-18 days Source: First Multiple Listing Source Inc.
Housing inventory Housing inventory, the amount of supply of available houses on the market, is another indicator of the real estate market in a given area. Housing inventory is measured in months. Usually, the fewer the months of inventory, the greater is the demand and higher the price for real estate. This chart shows the amount of inventory during the months of January and December through the past three years. Area Jan./Dec 2019. Jan./Dec. 2020 Jan./Dec. 2021 North Fulton 8/5 months 7/3 months 2/1 months Forsyth County 6/3 months 5/1 months 1/1 months Source: First Multiple Listing Source Inc.
to build. Just last month, the Forsyth County Commission agreed to hold a public hearing on a measure to end certain architectural requirements for lap siding because builders complained they couldn’t get materials to meet the standard. Craft said that when supply issues
and labor shortages are resolved, the housing market will probably level out to a slower pace, with longer duediligence periods for buyers and more time to secure financing on a purchase. “The pressure on buyers in 2021 was just crazy,” Craft said. “It was a tough year for buyers.”
COMMUNITY
COVID cases pack metro hospitals; Northside wins round vs. Anthem By ANDY MILLER Georgia Health News METRO ATLANTA –– Major happenings in health care didn’t cease over the holidays. The news, in fact, exploded in both familiar and surprising directions, including an unusual twist in the Northside Hospital vs. Anthem contract dispute. It started with the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic. The state last week reported daily totals of new COVID cases that shattered previous records, with the very contagious omicron variant spreading fast. And those state numbers didn’t count the people who tested positive for the virus at home but who didn’t report their infections. The latest surge also sparked a combined announcement Wednesday from six major metro Atlanta hospital systems, which said they had seen 100 percent to 200 percent increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past eight days. “The vast majority of inpatients are unvaccinated,’’ the statement said. The announcement was accompanied by a plea from hospitals that people not use ERs to get COVID tests. On Monday, Grady Memorial Hospital reported treating 239 patients with COVID, the Atlanta safety-net provider’s highest virus number since the pandemic began. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta said Monday it had 102 patients hospitalized due to COVID, also a high for that system. Of these children, 74% had at least one pre-existing medical condition, said Children’s Healthcare. “This is the highest number of children with COVID-19 in our system to date, but we have three hospitals in our system with sufficient capacity to see and treat patients,’’ said the pediatric system. Piedmont Healthcare, on the other hand, said it’s seeing big increases in COVID patients but not to the level of its recent September hospitalization peak. State officials also are reporting an astonishingly high rate of nearly 30 percent of Georgians who got a recent PCR test showing an infection. And the Georgia Department of Public Health said it would not report daily numbers “due to a large amount of data overwhelming the system.” The spread in Metro Atlanta forced school systems to return to remote learning for students to begin the
January semester. Contract battle goes to court Late last week, Northside Hospital announced a temporary reprieve in its contract battle with insurance giant Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Atlanta-based health system said it had been granted an injunction in Fulton County Superior Court that averted a Jan. 1 termination of the contract. Northside cited a new Georgia law (House Bill 454), which includes a provision saying that during a public health emergency, an insurer is prohibited from ending such a contract. So, at least for the moment, hundreds of thousands of Georgia patients with Anthem insurance will remain in network if they go to Northside providers. Northside said it would continue its discussions with Anthem. “With the COVID-19 omicron variant now surging through U.S. and Georgia, Anthem’s decision to remove Northside from its networks defied both logic and sensitivity,” Northside said in a statement. Anthem, meanwhile, said in a statement that the court order extends the current Northside pact only until Feb. 1. “Continuing the current contract will not achieve the affordability or quality improvements we have been seeking from Northside, which is why we will not stop our good-faith negotiation efforts until we reach an agreement that is in the best interests of consumers,’’ said Anthem spokeswoman Christina Gaines. State Rep. Mark Newton, an Augusta physician who was the lead sponsor of HB 454, said that “this current contract dispute illustrates precisely the need for our recent bill protecting patients.” Newton, a Republican, added that the Legislature “has worked to be sure individual patients are not crushed’’ in such contract battles. “Georgia families can continue to receive their health care from trusted doctors and hospitals at affordable, innetwork rates.” Northside was not among the six metro Atlanta systems reporting the large hospitalization increases. Still, Katherine Watson, a spokeswoman, said Monday that Northside has seen a 221% increase in patients in the last two weeks alone. The numbers are still increasing, she added.
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 5
Pet of the Week: Smurf Smurf (ID# 42027712) “With 2 year-old Smurf, what you see is what you get. And that is a silly clown of a dog, high spirited, enthusiastic, but entirely lovable little dynamo. All that personality is packed tight into a stout, adorable body and always-grinning face. Smurf has spent a longer time in our care than most, but, as a result, he’s wiggled his way into the hearts (and laps) of many staff and volunteers at DeKalb County Animal Services. He’s incredibly sweet, smart and eager to please. With Smurf, you will always have a smile on your face. In fact, he is a part-time model and favorite of our shelter Pawparazzi team. Always hamming it up for the camera. He has so much love to give, and will leave you laughing at his silly antics. Smurf’s adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous donor. He is neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on all vaccines and ready to go home today! Come meet this bundle of love at DeKalb County Animal Services! Don’t work from home alone; expand your family by 4 furry little feet, meet Smurf and have a loving friend forever. If you would like more information about Smurf please email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Smurf goes to a good home.
How to Adopt your new best friend. 1. Browse our pets. Use the filter options to narrow your search. 2. Click the pet’s profile. 3. Click on the “Adopt Me” button to submit an adoption inquiry. To help us maintain a safe environment, we ask that you follow the directions above to submit an adoption inquiry prior to visiting our shelter. We are following COVID-19 CDC guidelines by requiring masks and limiting the number of guests in our shelters at a time. We appreciate your patience with this new process and your commitment to saving our homeless animals.
Christ-centered preschool serving Dunwoody for 50 years, nurturing children to love learning and to love Jesus!
6 months - Young 5’s Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios Chapel, Music, Gym & Science Classes Unique Young 5's Class Designed for Kindergarten Readiness Extended-day and Enrichments in Phonics, Cooking, Piano & Little Ballerinas
Registration is open! Visit our website for details.
Contact Lesley Kammerer Director lkammerer@dbc.org 770.280.1230
dbc.org/weekdayschool Dunwoody Baptist Preschool is located on the Dunwoody Baptist Church campus.
6 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
THE INVESTMENT COACH
OPINION
Fearless forecast: The market will fluctuate In 2021, a tumultuous pandemic-plagued year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 stock index hit all-time highs on Dec. 29. tech-heavy LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP The Nasdaq index recorded its alltime high on Nov. 19. Looking back to January 2021, midst the turmoil that broke out over the election, COVID-19, government imposed restrictions in the name of health, would you have predicted such outsized performance? For a visual tracking of the performance of the S&P 500 index, see bigcharts.marketwatch.com. Plug in the symbol for the index (SPX) and look at the pattern of performance over the course of 2021. Notice the fluctuation in the 4th quarter as rising inflation, delta and omicron, forecasts of rising interest rates, increased bellicosity on the part of Russia and China, and falling performance ratings for the president and VP, made for increased daily trading volatility despite the recordsetting result. Is 4th quarter volatility illustrative of what may come? One of the greatest market forecasts of all time has been attributed to a conversation that Henry Poor, founder of the financial analysis firm Standard & P00r’s, had with John D. Rockefeller in 1927. Asked about the performance of the stocks of the Standard Oil Companies, Rockefeller profoundly opined, “I think they will
fluctuate.” Later, various versions of Rockefeller’s astute perspective entered the forecasting lexicon. When a gentleman asked about the course of the stock market, the great financier, J.P. Morgan said, “Young man, I believe the market is going to fluctuate.” In 1939, Time magazine quoted the lauded financial journalist, Sylvia Porter, who when asked about the shortterm outlook for the market, crisply responded, “The stock market, sir, will fluctuate.” (Thanks to quoteinvestigator.com for the history of these storied quotes). Will the market fluctuate going forward? Yes. In past columns, this writer suggested that you regard all forecasts merely as entertainment. Financial historian Peter L. Bernstein instructed, “Forecasts create the mirage that the future is knowable.” Surprises and the Law of Unintended Consequences will continue to plague market strategists, forecasters, political leaders, yourself and your family, complicating financial life planning decisions. We ended 2021 experiencing a major jump in inflation. A visit to the grocery store and the gas pump brings home the reality that your earned and saved dollars are shrinking in buying power. What’s behind the inflationary surge? Economist Milton Friedman (19122006) received the 1976 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his research on consumption, monetary history and the complexity of price stabilization policy. Despite current political
obfuscation about greedy corporations and supply chain snafus, Friedman stated, “Inflation is always a monetary problem.” Inflation means that take-home pay and savings buy less. Costs of goods and services continue to rise, often at accelerating rates as inflationary pressures take hold. During the early days of the pandemic, the Federal Reserve Bank continued to hold interest rates at rock bottom lows while the financial system was flooded with money, including pandemic relief funds. During lockdowns, people had fewer places to spend money, so they saved it. Analyst Paul Mampilly, in a December 2021 newsletter (Profit’s Unlimited), reported that total U.S. money market assets sat at a record $4.6 trillion at the end of 2021. In money market accounts at brokerage firms alone, “retail investors, a.k.a. Main Street investors, are sitting on $1.4 trillion in cash. This cash is seen as ‘dry powder’ just waiting to be infused into the stock market.” Money poured into equities in 2021, some in mad speculation. Witness the manic ups-and-downs of “meme stocks,” shares of companies like Game Stop that gained cult-like followings online and through social media platforms. People bought cars, boats, homes, appliances, computer and other electronic equipment, renovated existing homes, resumed travel, etc. With factories closed due to COVID and worker shortages, and surges in demand after lockdowns, we “broke all the supply chains.” Channeling Milton Friedman, inflation pure
and simple is a function of “too much money chasing too few goods.” With inflation at a 39-year high at the end of 2021, are we facing Jimmy Carter era surges? We don’t know. We do know the Fed will be increasing interest rates, which Mr. Market and bond buyers don’t relish. Yet with ample buying power still out there, market rallies easily could follow any slump. Your response to changing tides is based on your ability to swim, financially and otherwise. An early-in-theyear visit with your financial adviser is advised. With coronavirus variants a fact of life, physical fitness and overall health is key to prosperity in that “healthcare is wealthcare.” Opportunities for investment in innovation and the rebuilding of America’s supply chain and transportation system will abound. The top performing sectors in the S&P 500 index in 2021 were energy, real estate, technology, and financials. Financial firepower is on the sidelines ready to fuel creativity. Year 2022 most certainly will be challenging and interesting. And the market will fluctuate. Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group; 770-441-3553; lewis@lewwalker.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Lewis is a registered representative and investment adviser representative of SFA, otherwise unaffiliated with Capital Insight Group. He’s a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor.
Read The Crier online: thecrier.net
Is Your Company Hiring? Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire
PAST TENSE
OPINION
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 7
Where in the World?
Send us your travel photos with The Crier: crier@appenmedia.com
The photograph, from the book, “Roswell: A Pictorial History,” is of the Roswell bridge over the Chattahoochee River in 1925.
Roswell Road was Roosevelt Boulevard…for a moment Roswell Road was once a 40-foot-wide concrete road, and between 1925 and 1927, it was known as Roosevelt Boulevard. The road was named for President Theodore Roosevelt, whose mother’s VALERIE childhood home BIGGERSTAFF was Bulloch Hall in Roswell. Roosevelt returned home with great fanfare in 1905, riding the Roswell Railroad from Chamblee to Roswell. He died Jan. 6, 1919. Mrs. William Lawson Peel, president of the Atlanta City Beautiful Club, wrote an editorial for the Aug. 18, 1921, Atlanta Constitution pushing for the new Roosevelt Boulevard. A meeting later that month was planned for property owners and interested parties to attend. Colonel George Hope, Arthur Burdett and Harry Stearns arranged the meeting. Concrete paving of the road began by September 1921. It was estimated 2,000 trees would be needed to make the road into an attractive 16-mile boulevard leading from Buckhead to Bulloch Hall in Roswell. Roswell was in Cobb County at the time, so the county’s cooperation was needed. (Atlanta Constitution, Sept. 7, 1921, “Wider Roswell Road in planned”) In December 1921, a meeting of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners was held to vote on the road improvement and name change. The board voted unanimously in favor. Many residents and property owners along Roswell Road were present for the meeting. The article
claims, “Plans to make Roosevelt Boulevard one of the finest thoroughfares will be started immediately.” Mrs. Peel announced that she had secured trees to be planted every 50 to 75 feet along the road. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 8, 1921, “Road named for Roosevelt”) Another piece of the project was a new concrete bridge over the Chattahoochee River leading to Roswell. Construction of the bridge cost $175,000. Roosevelt Boulevard and the new bridge were dedicated on July 18, 1925. The Atlanta Constitution reported, “6,000 Georgians attend dedication of Roswell bridge and formal opening of Roosevelt Boulevard to public.” The bridge was christened with river water by Margaret Carpenter, daughter of the Cobb County Road commissioner. A wreath was placed on the bridge in memory of J.D. Wing, by his daughter Virginia Wing. This story was originally discovered in 1999 by Jim Perkins, previous author of Past Tense. He found an entry in the Aug. 3, 1927, minutes of the Fulton County Road and Revenue Commission indicating a proposition to change the name back to Roswell Road had been advertised for four weeks without objections. Therefore, the road once again became Roswell Road. By the 1940s, complaints about the condition of the concrete road began to appear and repaving was completed by 1953. The part of the story I am curious about is whether any of those trees were planted along the boulevard? If I find out, I will let you know. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail. com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
A partnership of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation and the Dunwoody chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Monday, January 17 Bring le nonperishabs! food item
Volunteer opportunities throughout the city TREE AND DAFFODIL PLANTING PARK AND GARDEN CLEANUP PICNIC TABLE RESTORATION
Thru January 17 Donation bins located throughout Dunwoody
Learn more | Register dunwoodyga.gov/mlkday
8 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
Dunwoody Crier 1/6/22 Crossword Across 1 5 9 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 26 30 32 33 35 37 38 42 43 44 45 48 50 51 52 55 59 61 64 66 67 68 69
PuzzleJunct
1
2
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
13
9 14
10
11
15
Occupations Mongrel 17 18 16 Bird’s beak 21 22 19 20 All square 24 25 26 27 28 29 Run ___ of the 23 law 30 31 32 Actress Sorvino 33 34 35 36 37 Baltic port Like Vikings 38 39 40 41 Doing business 43 44 42 Chess piece Toast 45 46 47 48 49 Craving 50 51 52 53 54 Historic time Supersized 55 56 57 58 59 60 Strikes 64 65 66 61 62 63 Risks And others 68 69 67 (Abbr.) 71 72 70 Engage Sister Copyright ©2022 PuzzleJunction.com Paul Hogan 14 Sign before 70 Silent assent 38 Applaud played him Virgo 71 Russo of 39 Flyspeck Bud’s bud 15 Back tooth Outbreak 40 Below Fragrance 20 Salutation 72 Blue-green 41 Maiden name Famed loch 22 Barley brew 46 Vesuvius locale Aimless 25 Garden pest 47 Watch chain Jacket material Down 27 Peels 49 Propulsion item Pasta topper 1 Dried beef strips 28 Pastes 52 Fairy tale figure Opposite SSW 29 Feudal worker 53 Small lizard 2 Sheeplike Hiatus 30 Anatomical 3 Start 54 Corolla part Loathe pouch 4 Glitch 56 Prosciutto Farm 31 Farm buildings 57 Poet Khayyám 5 Slogan Watch face 6 ET carrier 32 Foot (Prefix) 58 Marathon Fine fiddle 7 Rocky peaks 33 Eat away 60 Support Dinghy or dory 8 Ivory source 34 Some vacation 61 Retreat Small whirlpool 9 Bite trips 62 Altar vow Georgia city 10 Anger 36 Summer TV 63 Append Madame 11 Prohibit offering 65 Freight weight Bovary SOLUTION ON PAGE 13
WANT MORE? FOLLOW US!
• Breaking News • Exclusive Content • Message the Editor • Photos / Videos Solution on next page
facebook.com/dunwoodycrier
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 9
HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE ***HAPPY SALE*** ***HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE*** ***HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE*** ***HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE*** ***HAPPY YEAR SALE*** ***HAPPY NEWNEW YEAR SALE***
you know just moved?!? Come our new showroom in Historic Roswell DidDid you know wewe just moved?!? Come seesee our new showroom in Historic Roswell Did you know we just moved?!? Come see our new showroom in Historic Roswell ***HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE*** Did you know we just moved?!? Come see our new showroom in Historic Roswell Did&know you know we just moved?!? Come see our new showroom in Historic Roswell Did you we just moved?!? Come see our new showroom in Historic Roswell check out our great selection of quality furniture, such as small-scale sofas & check out our great selection of quality furniture, such as small-scale sofas & check outout ourour great selection of our quality furniture, such as as small-scale sofas &out check great selection of quality furniture, such small-scale sofas you know we just moved?!? Come see new showroom in Historic Roswell & check out our great selection of quality furniture, such as small-scale sofas &Did check our great selection of quality furniture, such as small-scale sofas (so your feet will touch the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, your feet will touch the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, (so your feet will touch the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, &(so check out our great selection of quality furniture, such as small-scale sofas (so your feet will touch the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, (so your feettouch willpower touch thechairs floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, (so your feet will the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, micro-adjustible lift (for precision comfort to make sleeping micro-adjustible power lift chairs (for precision comfort andand toand make sleeping (so your feet will touch the floor!), recliners-that-don’t-look-like-recliners, micro-adjustible power lift chairs (for precision comfort and to to make sleeping micro-adjustible power lift chairs (for precision comfort make sleeping micro-adjustible lift chairs (for precision comfort and to make sleeping or standing up aachairs whole lot easier), rugs, lamps & more! Ask about micro-adjustible power lift chairs (for precision comfort and to make sleeping or standing uppower alift whole lot easier), rugs, lamps & more! Ask about micro-adjustible power (for precision comfort and to sleeping or or standing up whole lot easier), rugs, lamps & make more! Ask about standing up a whole lot easier), rugs, lamps & more! Ask about select floor samples & arrivals available for immediate delivery! standing up aa whole easier), rugs, lamps &lamps more! Ask about or standing a&lot whole lot easier), rugs, lamps &immediate more! Ask about select floor samples &up brand new arrivals available for immediate oror standing up whole lotnew easier), rugs, & more! Askdelivery! about select floor samples & brand brand new arrivals available for immediate delivery! select floor samples brand new arrivals available for delivery! select floorfloor samples && brand arrivals available for immediate delivery! select samples &new brand new arrivals available for immediate delivery! select floor samples brand new arrivals available for immediate delivery! Thank you for Thank you foryou Thank you for for Thank local Thank youshopping for shopping locallocal shopping shopping Thank Thank youlocal foryou for shopping local & helping & helping & helping & helping shopping shopping & helping local local us celebrate our us celebrate our us celebrate our us&celebrate our us celebrate our 29th & helping helping year! 29th29th year! year! 29th year! 29th year! us celebrate us celebrate our our
GA
40 0
29th year! 29th year!
WE’VE MOVED
...just around the corner into Historic Roswell! Come visit our new location and check out a great selection of American-made regular & small-scale sofas, recliners, lift chairs & more! IN A HURRY? Ask about select floor samples & brand new arrivals available for immediate delivery! Thank you for shopping local & helping us celebrate our 29th year!
11011101 Alpharetta St (Hwy Historic Roswell Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open Tu-Sat 10-6,Tu-Sat Sun 1-5, closed on1-5, Mondays Alpharetta St9), (Hwy 9), Historic • 770-518-8518 • Open 10-6, Sun closed on Mondays 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9), Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5, closed on Mondays 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9), 9), Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open Tu-Sat 10-6, SunSun 1-5,1-5, closed on Mondays 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open Tu-Sat 10-6, closed on Mondays 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9), Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5, closed on Mondays
1101 Alpharetta St 9), (Hwy 9), Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 Open Tu-Sat 10-6,1-5, Sunclosed 1-5, closed on Mondays 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 • Open• Tu-Sat 10-6, Sun on Mondays
10 | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022
Sponsored Section
Small Business Benefits. Are they worth it? Brought to you by − Josh Dougherty josh.dougherty@xperiencebenefits.com Why are benefits such an annual challenge for small businesses? Each year, the health insurance options change, price typiDOUGHERTY cally increases, and most of all, there is a significant amount of time that it takes to research these options. Although it can be a major investment of both time and money, it is a critical component of retaining and attracting quality employees to work for a firm. Studies show that primary reasons why people stay with a job is for the quality and levels of benefits. So why doesn’t everyone offer benefits? For starters, employers generally need to contribute at least half of an employee’s monthly premium to sponsor a plan. Also, small businesses do not have
the options that are afforded to larger companies because of the ability to mitigate risk with a large number of people on the plan. It is extremely important to understand your budget and have the capital to afford a plan for years on end. Lastly, employees that qualify for subsidies on a plan via healthcare.gov may elect to waive employer plans for a more affordable option there. All these items said, the answer to the posed question is “it depends”! It depends on your budget. It depends on the purpose of the policies being placed. It depends on the trajectory of your business. It depends on the amount of participation of employees within your benefits plan. It all just simply depends on your situation and analyzing all the components. So, what do you do? Speak to a local insurance broker that will objectively analyze your situation and assess whether it makes sense to offer benefits or not. Discuss options between HMO, POS, PPO, self-funded, level-funded, Chamber plans,
Association plans, and much more! Explore various quotes and explore the pros and cons of different plans. Xperience Benefits is an independent
Attract. Inspire. Grow.
Who do you call to discuss your health insurance options? Whether you’re a business owner wearing multiple hats, or an HR Director trying to control costs and productivity, turn it over to your new employee benefits department. Lean on our full team, full time and get back to your business.
Call us today! 404-484-9263 xperiencebenefitsga.com Locally Owned and Operated
Xperience Benefits GA 319 N. Main St., Alpharetta, GA 30009
brokerage and does not represent one specific carrier of insurance products. We believe in building a quality business with authentic lasting relationships.
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 11
2022 2021
Best Of Perimeter Dunwoody • Sandy Springs Brookhaven
Presented By
an Appen Media Group publication
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES Starting February 15 at BestOfPerimeter.com th
12 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
OPINION
New places, once again If you’ve lived in an area very long, you know how new hiking places get hard to find. But I found one. It’s Birmingham Park in Milton, and it awaits you at the end of the little road that runs between STEVE HUDSON Fire Station No. 43 Get Outside Georgia, aa4bw@comcast.net and the Birmingham Baptist Church. Put 750 Hickory Flat Road into your GPS, and you’ll be on your way. How did I come to find it? Well, my friend Alan is pastor at the Birmingham Baptist. I got to visit him there a while back, and I’ve got to say it sure was a friendly church. Alan did some serious preaching too. Anyway, as I neared the church before the service that Sunday morning, I noticed a sign for a park. A new park? New to me anyway! There wasn’t time to check it out that morning, but I had a free afternoon coming up. I’d explore it then. Fast-forward a few days, and there I was driving the last few dozen yards to the park. On my left was the fire station; on my right was the church. It occurred me that I was surrounded by fire insurance. The road ended at a wide spot with room for several cars, and there I was. Birmingham Park’s main feature is its trail system. These trails are open to hikers and horseback riders. There’s an informational sign with a map of the park’s surprisingly extensive trail system, and I’d suggest taking a photo of the map with your cell phone to help you keep track of where you are as you explore. There are two ways to access the trails. One is to start on the old woods road near the big sign, following it downhill and around a sweeping curve, past an old structure and a big field and then into the heart of things. Several trails connect with the woods road, opening the door a wide range of hiking possibilities. What about the second way access? It’s near the back left corner of the parking area. But don’t be fooled by that inviting opening through the fence, despite the fact that it seems to call out, “Come this way!” All you’ll find beyond it is a number of indistinct paths that meander around and eventually disappear. I’m betting they’re the legacy of hikers who, like me, figured that the fence opening was the place to start – but then, like me, soon realized that this was not the case. As it turns out, the real second access point is just a few yards farther left of the fence opening. There, you’ll spot a clearly blazed trail leading off down the hill. It’s remarkably obvious once you see it (and shady and scenic once you
start hiking). It’s become my preferred way to access these trails. The trails themselves represent a delightful mix of upland and lowland and level and strenuous. Near the back of the park where the trail passes close to the very upper reaches of Little River, there are place where the trail is narrow and overgrown. But it’s never hard to follow. As you might guess, I was particularly interested in the section of trail which paralleled the water. The prospect of newfound places to cast a fly always catches my attention. For the most part, the creek flows at the bottom of steep banks. But there are places where spur trails have formed leading from the waterside trail down to the stream. One of those spurs leads to a spot that’s nigh onto perfect if you happen to be a Golden Retriever – an ideal spot for a happy Golden to plop down in the water and cool off after an hour spent hiking. “It’s really a nice spot for us dogs,” said Flossie the Golden Retriever when I met her and her People on the trail. You didn’t know I spoke Dogese, did you? Well, I do. Be impressed! It is not an easy language to learn, but Ellie my resident Mini Schnauzer has been working on it with me. After all, you can’t know too many languages. I have potential, she says, and so I practice whenever I meet a dog like Flossie who will take the time to chat. “How’s the water?” I ask Flossie. She wags her tail and replies, “Not bad.” Apparently so. She’s sprawled in the creek, front and rear legs extended in the cool, clear flow. The water is only about 2 inches deep. “But that’s all you need when you’re a dog,” Flossie adds. “I just wish my people would unhook this leash so I could show you how a creek should really be appreciated. But of course they won’t do that. They’re responsible folks, and the rules say I’ve got to be on a leash.” I love a reasonable dog. Later, when I got home, I told Ellie the Mini Schnauzer about my adventure. Being a Schnauzer, Ellie is not as wild about the water as her Retriever cousins. But she was certainly interested in the trails. “Think we can go check them out?” she asked (more Dogese), and I said “Of course!” So that’s where I’m bound this afternoon – me and Ellie, with hiking boots and leash, are headed back to Birmingham Park. I’m even bringing along a little bag of doggie treats plus a couple of homemade gingerbread cookies for an after-hike snack. The gingerbread is for me. Probably.
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 13
Lawsuit: Continued from Page 2 pay the Department of Justice approximately $5.3 million, plus postjudgment interest. In a separate criminal case in October, Gallups pleaded guilty to defrauding health insurance companies by submitting fraudulent insurance claims for unnecessary lab tests. He is scheduled to be sentenced in February and faces up to 10 years in prison. Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Chris Hacker said he hopes the False Claims Act settlement in this case will be a deterrent to those who “selfishly profit from dishonest medical treatment rather than upholding their oath as a health care provider to do what is best for their patients.” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr echoed those comments, saying the Medicaid program relies upon the
independent judgment of medical professionals to make appropriate treatment decisions. “Financial relationships that undercut this independence diminish public trust and unnecessarily drive up health care costs for our citizens,” Carr said. “We remain dedicated to working with our state and federal partners to maintain the integrity of public programs and protect taxpayers’ dollars.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service of the U.S. Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General. The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S Attorney Paris A. Wynn and Georgia Assistant Attorney General James Mooney.
Is Your Company Hiring? Submit your opening at appenmedia.com/hire
T N E M E C N U O N N A HAVE AN TO SHARE? Run it in the newspaper! WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHS DEATHS To submit your announcement visit
appenmedia.com/submit
OBITUARY Michael J. Schaaf, 75, a longtime resident of Dunwoody died Saturday, December 25, 2021. A native of Atlanta, he was born October 29, 1946. He was the son of John P. and Ruby H. Schaaf. He was a graduate of Georgia State University. Mr. Schaaf was with Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates for 45 years, progressing from claims adjuster to executive positions in claims management and marketing. He became a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, CPCU, and was later a CPCU instructor helping others earn this designation providing indepth knowledge of insurance needs for individuals, business owners, and professional clients. Mr. Schaaf was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was involved in many charitable and civic organizations throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 50 years, Rebecca “Becky” Roberts Schaaf, originally from Knoxville, TN. Mr. Schaaf is survived by his brother Patrick B. and his sister Elise H. of Atlanta. He dearly loved his 3 nephews and their wives and his niece. He cherished his 4 grandnephews and grandniece. He was a parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church, Dunwoody where a funeral mass will be celebrated Friday,
January 14, at 2 o’ clock. Monsignor James Fennessy is celebrant. A reception and time for fellowship will follow at Carbonara Trattoria Restaurant, 5499 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338 in Dunwoody Village. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make contributions to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of Michael at P.O Box 22324 NY, NY 10087. Mike also encouraged contributions to LifeLine Animal Project, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., ChamSolution blee, GA 30341. J E R K Y
C L A P D E N
O V I N E
B E G I N
S N A G H E S L E T A L R O C O O U D R I F E S T O A B I A L D D Y O D
M A N T R A D O T H A M
U T T F O U L O R S E S K O A P S P H I R E I L E D D O R S U E N N O R G M A T I A C O N R E N E
M O A L L A E R
N I B I R A P E N
R I N U N D N E S D E E G R A N B O E M T E
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas. Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude. For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
G L U E S
E S N E
A G A M A
P E T A L
14 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
Concrete/Asphalt
CLASSIFIED LINE AD RATES
A – 1 DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT COMPANY
Call 770-442-3278
Specializing in DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT
Part-time
SIDEWALKS, PATIOS, AND SLABS
Director of Open Arms Special Needs Ministry Alpharetta Presbyterian Church has an opportunity for a compassionate and energetic individual who enjoys working with special needs children, youth, and adults to direct our Open Arms ministry. Responsibilities • Lead the Promise Class (where our special needs community congregates) during Sunday morning services in worship through music, Bible lessons, crafts, and other activities. • Supervise, work with, and coordinate volunteers and staff. • Direct quarterly respite events at the church. • Work alongside the Open Arms committee and Associate Pastor to identify opportunities to sustain and grow this ministry. Hours vary but average six per week, with 3–4 hours every Sunday morning. Compensation is up to $18/hour plus 3 Sundays (weeks) of paid vacation per year. Requirements • Annual Background Check and Child Safety Training • Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) CPR training/certification for infants, children, and adults (or complete within 3 months of hire) • Proof of vaccination against COVID-19, since you will be working with a vulnerable population. • Degree in Special Education and experience managing staff preferred. • Age 21 years or older.
Since 1974 Insured – Free Estimates
David Scott 770-493-6222 ALEX FRASER MASONRY INC.
Interested? Send us a letter telling us why, along with your resume: jobs@alpharettapres.com To learn more about Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, please visit us in person or at https://alpharettapres.com/.
Real Estate Condo for Rent SANDY SPRINGS Age 55+. 1BR/1BA, $ 2 5 9 5 / m o n t h . 2BR/2BA, $2995/ month. Includes all utilities, some meals, shuttle srvice, 24-hour front desk attendant. Stepless condos. Call Linda at 404-277-4246
BOLD TYPE WILL MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT.
Services
Concrete/Asphalt
OLDER ADULT with an extra room? Want help with expenses & household chores? Homeshare ATL matches homeowners with mature adults seeking affordable housing. One adult must be 60+. All applicants fully screened. Free service. No handson personal care. jfcsatl.org/homeshareatl 770-677-9435
Retaining Walls Brick or Wood
Contact Ralph Rucker. Many local references. Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!
678-898-7237
Driveway
$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!
• BRICK • CONCRETE Alex Fraser, President www.alexfrasermasonry.com E-Mail: afrasermasonry@aol.com Garage Doors
Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.
Retaining Walls • Patios• Repairs
Walkways • Masonry Work
martinezmasonry281@yahoo.com
The ONLY garage door company in Dunwoody!
We sell, install and repair garage doors and openers. Authorized Genie Dealer serving Dunwoody since 1973.
404-408-4170
Ask for Tony Martinez
770-393-1652
If you can’t lift your door, let Dunwoody Door Lift it!
Electricians
Handyman
Belco Electric
Matthew the
“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians
770-455-4556
Check out our new website: BelcoInc.com and follow us on:
FULLY INSURED Tel: (770) 664-2294 Cell: (404) 281-0539 Landscaping
Hauling
Dunwoody Door Lift Co.
Concrete/Asphalt
MARTINEZ MASONRY
• BLOCK • STONEWORK
Handyman Interior/Exterior Work 404-547-2079.
Full Service Bush Hogging, LANDSCAPING Company Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc.
Many local references-
Call Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237
Retaining walls (brick or wood), grading, sod, tree services, hauling, topsoil & more.
Ralph Rucker
678-898-7237
Painters Licensed
Insured
Full Service Exterior Specialists ROOFING • SIDING CARPENTRY • GUTTERS www.PaintingPlus.com www.SidingPlus.com
770-971-1577
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 13, 2022 | 15
Pressure Washing
Quality Without Compromise
ROBERT CROAWELL REMODELING Full Service Contractor
Additions • Kitchens • Basements • Bathrooms Interior/Exterior Paint • Minor Repairs • Licensed Insured
Office: 770-814-0064 Cell: 678-642-8314 Plumbing
Recovery
ADDICTION RECOVERY CONFIDENTIAL
41ST
AT YOUR SERVICE PLUMBING • Best Prices In Town •
warrioraddictionrecovery.com
Free Water Heater Shower Pan Replacement, Repairs & New Estimates. Installation, References Plumbing Drains Available Repair & New Opened. Fair Rates. Installation.
678-310-8960
1642 Alder Courtt SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
It’s Time!
Tree Services
Neumann’s Landscape & Tree Service: Joe Neumann 770452-1173 or 404644-7179.
MY EXPERIENCE ACHIEVES OPTIMAL RESULTS!!!
Nuri Hadiah 404-219-1923
The Herald and
Services
Budget Fabrics And Upholstery *DISCOUNT PRICES*
-FREE Design Consultation• Thousands of designer 770-396-6891 fabrics IN STOCK 770-396-6824 Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-3
Crier newspapers reach 93,000 homes and thousands more online!
Landscaping
AwArd winning LAndscApes
Pressure Washing
PRESSURE WASHING
Roofing
ROOF LEAKING?
Residential & Commercial. Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999. Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more. Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark.
Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing
Tree Services
Roofing
ROOF TROUBLE? Call for FREE Quote $500 OFF* New Roof Purchase
Findlay Roofing 770-744-5700 “Appen-Rated 99” Roofing KETNER
20 years of Keeping Dunwoody Green
Installation Maintenance Seasonal Color
Ogletree Enterprises
a MALTA Award Winning Firm Ken Ogletree
770.840.8884 Licensed • Insured • References
*Cannot combine with any other discount
CONTRACTING
DANGEROUS REMOVALS & TRIMMING FREE ESTIMATES INSURED & REFERENCES CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 20% OFF WITH THIS AD! griffintreeservices.com
404-234-4810 NEUMANN’S LANDSCAPE & TREE SERVICE: Joe Neumann 770-452-1173 or 404-644-7179
* Re-Roofs, * Repairs & Painting. * * Lic/Ins. * Exc Refs. * Free Est. *
25+
Years
Experience Neil Ketner 770-318-7762
16 | January 13, 2022 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
“THANK YOU DUNWOODY, FOR MAKING HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS® THE #1 BROKERAGE IN 2021!” Diane Smith Senior VIP & Managing Broker
WHETHER YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING OR BUYING A HOME, WE ARE HONORED TO SERVE AS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE EXPERTS.
Top Broker - Market Share Report (January 4, 2022)
THE ATLANTA PERIMETER OFFICE | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 | 770-394-2131 (O) | HarryNorman.com