Dunwoody Crier - January 25, 2024

Preservation Trust sets date for 2024 Lemonade Days fest ► PAGE 4

Januar y 25, 2024 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

Dunwoody Day of Service seeds so many memories

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. —Metro Atlanta residents brought their gloves and work boots to Brook Run Park Jan. 15 for Dunwoody’s eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Whether volunteers planted trees, painted walls or picked up trash, hundreds of people contributed to the community to commemorate King’s birthday and philosophy.

The U.S. Congress enacted the MLK Day of Service in 1994, which is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. The nationwide effort intends to transform the holiday

into a day of community service that helps solve social problems and honors King’s legacy.

“The turnout is outstanding, we have hundreds of volunteers this morning,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said at Brook Run Park.

“It’s such a great way for people to give back.”

Since 2017, the city has partnered with Trees Atlanta, the Dunwoody Nature Center and the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America to offer community service opportunities to volunteers on MLK Day. “It’s important we have the opportunity to bring people together in the City of Dunwoody and to

See SERVICE, Page 14

The turnout is outstanding, we have hundreds of volunteers this morning. It’s such a great way for people to give back.”

LYNN DEUTSCH Dunwoody Mayor

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Atlanta resident Megan Savranksy and Gordon Szymanski of Smyrna plant a downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) at Brook Run Park Jan. 15. The two friends joined 150 volunteers with Trees Atlanta for Dunwoody’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

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POLICE BLOTTER

The victim said he would provide his laptop’s serial number to police.

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Police respond to report of gunshot at sports bar

Jasper man’s vehicle burglarized at eatery

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PUBLIC SAFETY

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating a car break-in Jan. 11 at Lazy Dog on Ashford Dunwoody Road.

The victim, a 34-year-old Jasper man, said he received a notification that his car alarm had been triggered at 9:52 p.m.

When the victim returned to his vehicle, he discovered his glovebox had been rummaged through and his backpack was missing.

The missing items include a backpack valued at $100, a laptop valued at $1,350 and school books valued at $150.

The victim also said he was missing a title to one of his vehicles.

The responding officer said he was unable to lift any viable prints.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police responded to a report of a weapon being fired Jan. 11 at Gilly’s Sports Bar on Dunwoody Park.

Officers said they located a group of people around 2:25 a.m. yelling and arguing outside of the bar.

When the group attempted to flee the scene, two officers stopped and questioned them.

No one in the group admitted to having fired a gun, and police found no weapon.

A witness, an employee at Gilly’s, said he was closing the sports bar and did not know what transpired before the officers arrived.

During a sweep of the parking lot, an officer said he found a 45-calliber casing near a light pole.

While no bullet hole was located, officers said the casing was photographed and submitted into evidence.

Officers said there are no suspects,

and the investigation is inactive.

Officers identify suspect in hit-and-run incident DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are looking for a man suspected of fleeing the scene of a three-vehicle crash Jan. 11 near the eastbound North Peachtree Road exit on I-285.

The driver of one of the vehicles involved in the crash provided dashcam video to officers.

An officer said the video shows the suspect driving on the right shoulder and attempting to bypass traffic congestion.

While driving on the right shoulder, the suspect side swiped several vehicles, officers said.

The two victims said the suspect continued east on I-285 without stopping after striking the vehicles.

Officers were unable to contact the suspect, a 60-year-old Senoia man, after a database search turned up the vehicle’s registered owner.

After two failed phone calls to the suspect, officers reported the vehicle as involved in a hit-and-run in the Flock Safety system.

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Questions surround Sandy Springs ‘do not respond list’

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A dispute involving police and a manager at the Atlanta North Metro Coca-Cola Bottling Company on Dunwoody Place has sparked questions about the existence of a “do not respond” list at the 911 Center in Sandy Springs.

While Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone explicitly references the list in a Nov. 2023 email to the president of the Atlanta Police Foundation, interviews and records obtained by Appen Media indicate the city has no such thing.

Late last year, Sandy Springs Police officers were instructed to patrol companies that support the Atlanta Police Foundation after a Nov. 13 clash between law enforcement and several hundred opponents of Atlanta’s proposed public safety training center in DeKalb County.

That assignment went sour Nov. 14 when a Sandy Springs patrolman reported in an email that while conducting a business check at the Coca-Cola facility at 8250 Dunwoody Place, he was asked to leave the premises.

Through an open records request, Appen Media received emails detailing the incident through the department’s chain of command.

The officer said in an email to a lieutenant that while he was sitting in his patrol vehicle, he was approached by a warehouse manager who told him police were not allowed on the premises “due to it being private property.”

He told the manager he was sent to check the location due to threats against companies that support the Atlanta Police Foundation.

The manager then “insisted” the officer leave the property, according to the email.

Documents obtained through the open records request show the officer’s account of the incident was sent to Lt. Matthew McGinnis, Capt.

Andrew Spears and Deputy Police Chief Craig Chandler.

In the emails, Sandy Springs Police personnel voiced frustration about how the officer was treated at the Coca-Cola facility.

Records show Deputy Chief Chandler forwarded the email thread to Police Chief DeSimone, suggesting “someone at APF might want to reach

out to Coke executives” about the incident.

A Nov. 16 email from the chief to Dave Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, shares the suggestion and references the “do not respond” list.

“Do you have any contacts at Coca Cola?” Chief DeSimone asked in the email. “I’m getting ready to put them on the ‘do not respond’ list at the 911 center.”

Whether or not that list exists is unclear.

The City of Sandy Springs denied an Open Records Act request for the list, stating it had no responsive documents.

Sandy Springs Interim Communications Director Dan Coffer says the city previously used a “no response” list to reduce the number of false alarm calls.

That practice changed five years ago with a revision to the city’s alarm ordinance, he said.

Police departments throughout the country cite false alarms as a major problem, saying they strain vital resources and manpower.

See LIST, Page 12

About Chatcomm The 911 Center referenced in Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone’s email is the Chattahoochee River 911 Authority, or ChatComm.

The cities of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek created ChatComm in 2009, which operates through a contract with IXP Corporation.

Dunwoody joined ChatComm in 2011, then Brookhaven in 2014.

New Jersey-based IXP calls ChatComm “the largest known 911 public-private partnership in the country.”

IXP states on its website that ChatComm, based in Sandy Springs, is poised to add other cities to its services.

Sandy Springs Police Maj. Dan Nable is the operation’s executive director.

In addition to officials in Sandy Springs, city staff in Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Johns Creek said ChatComm representatives told them the agency did not have a ‘do not respond’ list.

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COMMUNITY

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Preservation Trust sets date for 2024 Lemonade Days fest DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Preservation Trust will host its 24th annual Lemonade Days festival April 17-21 at Brook Run Park.

The gathering will feature carnival and pony rides, a petting zoo, food and beverage vendors, and the Dunwoody Idol contest. The Time Warp ride and deep-fried Oreo and Snickers concession stands will also return.

The first annual High School Battle of the Bands and the Dunwoody Authors and Friends Booth will be held on the weekend dates of the festival.

Lemonade Days will run from 4 to 10 p.m. April 17-19. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 20 and from noon to 6 p.m. April 21.

Unlimited ride wristbands are $20 on Wednesday and Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday. Single tickets will also be available for $1.25 at the park at 4770 North Peachtree Road.

Proceeds from Lemonade Days, the Dunwoody Preservation

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The shelter is full; save a life and meet your new furry friend, stop by DeKalb County Animal Services. We are located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee GA 30341 or give us a call at 404-294-2996. No appointment necessary.

Trust’s only fundraiser, will benefit educational programs, a history camp for children, community events and the rehabilitation and maintenance of the historic Donaldson-Bannister Farm.

Fifth Third Bank is the presenting sponsor of the festival.

For more information, visit dunwoodypreservationtrust.org/ lemonade-days.

— Shelby Israel

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Sandy Springs OKs Misty Creek church improvements

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Representatives of Misty Creek Community Church took feedback from the Sandy Springs City Council during a public hearing Jan. 16 on proposed improvements to the church.

The public hearing considered a conditional use permit to allow site improvements to the church in a protected neighborhood at 590 Mount Vernon Highway.

Sandy Springs Unified Development Code includes the 3.39-acre property on Mount Vernon Highway in the RE-2 zoning district, or a residential estate on more than 2 acres.

Misty Creek Community Church is located at the northwest corner of Mount Vernon Highway and Glenridge Drive.

Because places of worship are often on large lots near residential neighborhoods, they are often zoned under residential estate and are required to apply for conditional use permits for any substantial changes to their property.

The site, near the Mount Vernon Upper School and First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs, is developed with a cemetery, church and a three-story building.

The proposed site improvements include a 2,000-square-foot pavilion with a 33-foot-tall chimney; a 2,000-squarefoot playground; ADA-compliant ramps; retaining walls; and a baptismal fountain.

Planning and Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross presented the recommendations from staff.

Because the site improvements are allowed in the district through a conditional use permit, planning staff worked to ensure that plans aligned with the goals of the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan and 2022 5-year update.

McIntosh-Ross said the church’s proposal meets all standards for conditional use permits in the district, enhances public access and does not adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods.

City staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit with two conditions: new fencing around the church cemetery and adherence to the site plan.

Residents voiced concerns about potential noise from the addition of outdoor facilities at the church during two community meeting held Oct. 2 and Nov. 9.

Hamid Arjmand, representing nearby homeowners Nov. 9, spoke about events at the church during the COVID-19 pandemic that ran late into the night.

Ragan DeFreese, a member of the church’s leadership, reassured Arjmand that the church would comply with city noise guidelines.

The second public meeting concluded with Arjmand and DeFreese exchanging

More council coverage Dunwoody City Council was slated to meet Monday night, after the Crier’s press time.

Find the coverage on appenmedia.com or in next week’s edition.

contacts, should any issues arise in the future.

The public hearing Jan. 16 received one public comment in support of the permit from Bradley Dunckel, a representative from Gainesville-based development firm, Rochester & Associates.

“These are improvements and enhancements to the existing campus of the church,” Dunckel said. “Greatly needed to continue to grow the church and provide adequate facilities for their mission and for worship.”

City Councilwoman Jody Reichel, who represents the district surrounding the church, asked Dunckel what the outdoor pavilion and fireplace would be used for.

Dunckel said the pavilion could be used for youth groups, a gathering place for the congregation and sunrise Easter services.

The fireplace is more of an architectural feature for ambiance, Dunckel said.

With 278 feet of frontage on Glenridge Drive and 343 feet of frontage on Mount Vernon Highway, Reichel also asked if the City Council could add a condition to fence in the property.

“I guess with a big gathering at the intersection of two major roads, is there any necessity for required screening?”

Councilman Andy Bauman asked planning staff.

Bauman said he wanted to ensure the intersection is aesthetic and people using the outdoor facilities are protected from traffic.

The site plan does not include a buffer or screening, which is not required in the development code.

“A part of the purpose is to create a somewhat of an inviting space there,” Dunckel said. “The setback is 40 feet from the right-of-way.”

Other concerns from councilmembers included the height of the chimney, the size of the pavilion and firewood storage.

Mark Swain, a project manager with BCA Studios, said his architecture firm designed the pavilion and chimney to comply with the development code.

Swain also said a rendering of the pavilion, showing it to be larger than the church, was his embellishment.

While the City Council had the option to modify the conditions for approval of the permit, they decided to approve the request unanimously.

“I suggest you look at the landscaping to see what can be done to soften it a little bit,” Mayor Rusty Paul added.

BCA-STUDIOS ARCHITECTS/PROVIDED

A site plan for the improvements at Misty Creek Community Church shows the addition of a pavilion with a fireplace, playground and baptismal fountain. The Sandy Springs City Council approved the request unanimously Jan. 16.

dunwoodyga.gov | 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody GA 30338 | 678.382.6700

February 8:

Parent/Child Valentine’s Dance Party

Celebrating Black History Month See artist murals at the Brook Run Skate Park | Feb 1 - 29

Click Special Events

February Highlights

City 1 Zoning Board of Appeals 12 Dunwoody Council Meeting 3 Valentine’s Pet Portraits Planning Commission Meeting 13 4 heART Market Songs Through the 16-18 Love Decades 6 Art Commission Meeting Game Night Sustainability Committee 17 8 Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m.

City Hall | 6 p.m.

Brook Run Dog Park | noon - 2 p.m.

City Hall | 6 p.m.

Spruill Center for the Arts City Hall | 7:30 a.m.

City Hall | 8 a.m.

Valentine’s Dance Party

N. Shallowford Annex | 5 -7 p.m.

Gardener Talk: 10 Master Container Gardening

Dunwoody Community Greenhouse Brook Run Park | 11 a.m.

12

Audit Committee Meeting City Hall | 3:30 p.m.

Stage Door Theatre

Dunwoody Preservation Trust N. Shallowford Annex 5 - 10 p.m.

19 Presidents Day 26 Dunwoody City Council Meeting City Hall closed

City Hall | 6 p.m.

Dunwoody Farmers Market Saturdays Brook Run Park 9 a.m - noon

BUSINESS

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Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Re-imagined

Middle, Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, gathers with crew members Vicente Perez Hernandez, left, and Trister Castro Hernandez, right, in front of El Trompo Mexican Taqueria, a go-to lunch spot. Hessing’s Johns Creek business does remodeling work for residential and commercial properties in Metro Atlanta, including installation of decks and fences, custom trim work and interior and exterior painting.

Remodeling company touts top quality, peace of mind

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, was in El Trompo Mexican Taqueria in Johns Creek for Taco Tuesday with some of his crew sharing the response from clients whose homes had received a makeover.

“They love us,” Hessing said, sipping on the free horchata, courtesy of Taco Tuesday. “They like that we’re really quick.

They like that I’m on-site as the owner — you know, quality assurance.”

From his experience, Hessing said other contractors tend to go on-site once to take some measurements, make sure the materials are there, then sign on.

But, he’s there with his crew throughout the entirety of the job, starting at 8 a.m. sharp.

United Home Restoration, a remodeling company based in Johns Creek, installs decks and fences, performs custom trim work as well as interior and exterior painting. The business covers residential and commercial property in Metro Atlanta, but Hessing said he’d charter his crew out of state.

Hessing, who his crew calls “Frijoles,” meaning “beans” in Spanish, said his company values three things — safety, quality and efficiency.

“The catchphrase is ‘Big Deck Energy,’” Hessing said.

Once doing handiwork on his own, he

loves the business he built because he gets to see the astonishment from clients who witness “four dudes” quickly putting something together for a fair price. But, he also gets to bounce around, so it’s never monotonous.

“It’s a rewarding job, whether you make a bunch of money or not,” Hessing said. “You get to see it come to life and learn something new every day.”

He also values the camaraderie with his crew. Trister “Vato Cholo” Castro Hernandez and Vicente “Hefe” Perez Hernandez were at the table, too. Hessing, who would occasionally speak to them in Spanish, has three crews for a total of a dozen employees.

His mother is from Cuba, and he improves his Spanish working with the guys, who he calls his brothers — they bond over artists like Colombian singer Karol G. and Mexican singer Peso Pluma.

As the small restaurant became packed, Hessing said that meant people were securing jobs. Over the holiday season, as Hessing went to El Trompo during the work day, it was much slower.

“God definitely blessed me with that,” Hessing said, who grew up in Johns Creek.

Hessing incorporated about a year ago with the help of his mentor and owner of StormROOF Systems, Clint Crowe. He provided Hessing with advice on getting

See REMODEL, Page 7

BUSINESS

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 7

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

SCOTT HESSING/PROVIDED

At right, Scott Hessing, owner of United Home Restoration, stands with his crew and a client in front of a fence they had installed at a home in Duluth.

Remodel: Continued from Page 6 United Home Restoration insured.

Knowing the area well has helped Hessing grow a client base. One time, while on-site for a job, Hessing was referred to the client’s neighbor who happened to be his sixth grade teacher at Taylor Road Middle School.

“I don’t think she would have ever thought that I would have started my own business,” Hessing said.

A community advocate, Hessing

sponsored North View High School’s football team, though he attended its rival school, Chattahoochee High School. He also takes breakfast to Lifeline’s animal shelter, along with toys, blankets and newspaper. That day, he had a stack of newspaper in his car ready for transport.

“At a very young age, my mother taught me the importance of giving back to the community or giving to the less fortunate,” Hessing said. “As I have gotten older, I have grown to appreciate and value these lessons more and more. I am thankful to be in a position in my life to be involved in nonprofits and community sponsorships.”

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NEWS

Fulton County commissioner plans human trafficking forum ATLANTA — A Fulton County commissioner will co-host the 2024 Human Trafficking Forum from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

District 6 Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman invites community members to attend the forum to learn about how to identify and prevent trafficking crimes.

Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry which targets

the most vulnerable citizens, including low-income individuals, runaway youths and children in foster care.

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Month in January, Commissioner Abdur-Rahman will be joined by Wellspring Living, a Christian-based organization that provides care to sex trafficking victims.

During the two-hour forum, guests will hear how officials are advocating for survivors and working to stop

human trafficking throughout Fulton County and Georgia.

“Human trafficking is the fastestgrowing criminal activity in our country,” Abdur-Rahman said. “It is a criminal industry that strips individuals of their human dignity and rights, with human traffickers preying upon our most vulnerable citizens.”

In 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners appropriated $500,000 to Wellspring Living to help victims of domestic sex trafficking

and people at risk with specialized recovery services.

“Last year's hybrid event shared valuable tools and insights to the community,” Wellspring Living CEO Christian Murphy said. “This year, our goal is to bring more awareness and solicit a charge to the community and leaders to support survivors and help end sexual exploitation.”

Residents can report possible cases in Georgia’s 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-363-4842.

Police investigate break-ins at north metro businesses

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA — Police are investigating a series of smash-and-grab break-ins this month at businesses in Roswell and neighboring cities linked to the same group of suspects.

At around 4 a.m. Jan. 15, Roswell police responded to a burglary alarm in Ellard Village on Holcomb Bridge Road where suspects broke into four businesses and where there was an attempt at a fifth location.

Police observed the front door to Arte D’Oro Diamonds had been smashed open, the incident report says. The owners told police they were last at the store at 2 p.m. the day before and could not identify what had been taken.

While conducting a search on the premises, police also found that Ground and Pound Coffee, Bruster’s, and Dyar Persian Grill and Bar had been burglarized, in addition to an attempt at The Spot sushi bar which had broken glass but no visible entry.

Surveillance footage showed four male

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suspects entering Arte D’Oro Diamonds, wearing masks and gloves. Police also identified a blue Hyundai Sonata entering the parking lot at around 3:45 a.m. that morning, from which two suspects exited, running toward the jewelry store.

According to a second incident report, police also responded to 4 Seasons Wings and Taco Takeout on Holcomb Bridge Road Jan. 15 at around 4 a.m. Cash registers had been taken at each location.

Roswell Public Information Officer Timothy Lupo said similar smash-andgrabs had occurred at 880 Holcomb

Bridge Jan. 10, linked to the same group of suspects.

In an email, Lupo said investigators are currently evaluating connections between the burglaries and those in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and in Gwinnett County, that occurred around the same time frame.

“Our officers are continuing and increasing our proactive business checks in the area and have been able to utilize the resources of our Roswell Crime Center to establish some excellent suspect information to follow up on,” Lupo said.

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10 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

NEWS

Sandy Springs focuses on youth in MLK Day observance

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The longestrunning celebration in Sandy Springs, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, has seen several iterations over the years.

Since the city incorporated in 2005, it has sponsored a community MLK-themed event.

A decade ago, the event included a speech from a civil rights leader and a presentation of the Sandy Springs’ Humanitarian Award.

While the MLK Day events were great for the community, Mayor Rusty Paul said the city opted to shift the focus of the event to youth.

To kick off the event Jan. 15, Paul spoke to a packed room inside the Studio Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on Galambos Way. For him, the Civil Rights Movement is not a history lesson but a part of his life.

“I lived it,” Paul said.

Growing up in Birmingham during the 1950s and ’60s, Paul saw the push for equal rights and justice for Black people firsthand.

“It’s important to learn from that history and be better because of it,” he said.

Paul remembers taking the bus with his grandmother to shop in downtown Birmingham.

He recalled a memory of Black people giving up their seats and moving to the back of the bus for him and his grandmother. He also remembers the day King was shot in Memphis.

“This is one of our efforts as a city to try and reach our young people… and teach them about Dr. King and his legacy,” Paul said at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting. “I am always proud to be here and be a part of that.”

Councilmembers Andy Bauman, Melody Kelly, Melissa Mular and Jody Reichel joined the mayor at the Jan. 15 event.

Kelly, Sandy Springs’ first Black elected official, said she was elated to see increased turnout this year.

The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art & Film Celebration gave each child a certificate with seven stars, representing themes exemplified by King’s work during the Civil Rights Movement.

Children earned the silver “Community” star certificate for attending.

The other six stars, representing freedom, equality, liberty, love, justice and dreams, required completing some specific activity.

Students from Innovation Academy in Alpharetta and North Springs High School in Sandy Springs volunteered and were tasked with welcoming attendees, registering kids and running the six

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Dozens of families from Metro Atlanta gather in the lobby of the Byers Theatre Jan. 15 for the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts and Film Celebration. The educational event featured six activities, focusing on themes exemplified by King’s work during the Civil Rights Movement.

From left, Innovation Academy student Varsha Veerappan and North Springs student Georgia Alford hold up certificates Jan. 15 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art and Film Celebration. Veerappan and Alford joined dozens of high school students who volunteered to run different activities at the MLK-themed event. activities.

Innovation Academy student Varsha Veerappan and North Springs student Georgia Alford spent the afternoon preparing families for activities.

The celebration welcomed hundreds of children from Metro Atlanta to participate in interactive art projects and watch the 1999 Emmy-nominated film, “Our Friend, Martin.”

The Studio Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center held two screenings of the animated children’s educational film, which follows two

teenagers as they time travel to meet King at different points in his life.

The theater’s lobby served as check-in for attendees to grab their certificates and begin the activities.

Children were encouraged to listen to King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, read along with Christine King Farris’ “My Brother Martin,” and participate in arts and crafts.

Signature Events Director Anna Nikolas said six or seven years ago the city decided to pivot from a day of community service to an educational event.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul addresses the crowd in the Studio Theatre Jan. 15 before a showing of the 1999 Emmy-nominated film, “Our Friend, Martin.” Paul said the annual event is designed to be an educational opportunity for youth in the community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city switched its annual tribute to a virtual video presentation. When the city brought back the in-person event last year, Nikolas said there was a need for more space to accommodate the growing community.

This year, activities expanded to the lobby of the Byers Theatre, giving families plenty of room to participate.

Sandy Springs resident Le’Dor Milteer brought her two children, ages 7 and 13.

She said it’s great to have a local event where children can feel seen and heard.

While similar events are not embraced in every community, Milteer said it means a lot to have one in Sandy Springs.

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 11

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12 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

NEWS

Lawmakers open session under increased security

By JILL NOLIN and STANELY DUNLAP Georgia Recorder ATLANTA — State lawmakers returned to the Gold Dome Jan. 8 for what is expected to be a lively election-year legislative session.

But for now, lawmakers are mostly tending to the usual housekeeping tasks that greet each session, like setting a calendar that will dictate the length of the session and meeting dates.

The session started just a month after lawmakers met for a tense special session to redraw Georgia’s political maps after a judge ruled the first attempts passed in 2021 illegally diluted the voting strength of Black Georgians. That same judge has since approved the new maps.

“Good morning, seems like just yesterday that we were here,” Speaker Jon Burns said after gaveling the House into session.

The chilly first day attracted proPalestine protesters who chanted on the Capitol steps while far-right activists rallied across the street at Liberty Plaza for paper ballots and continued to repeat claims that the

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ROSS WILLIAMS/GEORGIA RECORDER

State troopers make their presence known Jan. 8 on the first day of the 2024 legislative session.

2020 election was stolen.

Inside, the state Capitol was abuzz, with lobbyists, advocates and others filling the hallways. Some of them were adjusting to a crackdown on unattended bags and other items, with new signage sprouting up warning of confiscations. Lobbyists commonly leave their belongings on tables at the Capitol while working the halls.

The first day also brought a noticeable showing of Capitol Police officers and bomb-sniffing dogs. And over in the Senate, security was also on the mind of lawmakers.

Several senators spoke on the chamber floor about the need for tougher criminal and civil penalties for falsifying reports of serious crimes following a recent rash of swatting

List: Continued from Page 3 Like surrounding municipalities, Sandy Springs has adopted various alarm policies to combat the issue.

The current ordinance requires alarm companies to register their customers, pay fines for false alarms and take certain steps before calling 911.

When a burglar alarm is triggered, companies must “verify” the emergency using audio, video or in-person signals before dialing authorities for help.

The city added the verification requirement in 2018.

threats made against GOP leaders, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

Republican Sen. John Albers shared his own harrowing experience.

Roswell police showed up at his home the day after Christmas following a hoax domestic dispute call with someone threatening to shoot another family member.

Albers, who chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee, called the swattings foolish pranks that put police and victims at risk.

“You may also know that just a few days ago, someone emailed a bomb threat to our Capitol building as well as buildings throughout the entire United States,” he said. “Again, these types of actions are foolish and The last time the ordinance changed was 2019, when the City Council voted to allow alarm companies 24 hours to supply the verification evidence.

When asked about the chief’s “‘do not respond’ list at the 911 Center” remark, Coffer said the city had such a document before implementing the verification requirement, but it is no longer in use.

“The ‘no response’ list was used when we responded to all alarms without verification,” he said.

“We no longer have a ‘no response’ list for alarms or alarm sites.”

Appen Media contacted Coca-Cola United, the local bottler that operates the plant on Dunwoody Place, for

dangerous.

“You see much increased police presence here at the Capitol today,” Albers said. “We’ll continue to see that both visibly and non-visibly to make sure that each one of you and our families are protected.”

Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, said that a real challenge for lawmakers is finding a balance between protecting law enforcement and the public from threats that continue to rise as a result of the ongoing culture wars. He urged lawmakers not to respond in a manner that further widens political and ideological divisions.

“When it comes to the very basics of government, will you do what’s necessary, not just to protect our members from a law enforcement public safety perspective, and protect the public at large, but are we going to protect our shared commitment to govern for everybody and not assume the worst in each other at some of the most difficult vulnerable moments that we face?” McLaurin said.

Atlanta Democratic Sen. Nan Orrock said the threats against public officials are another example of how more governing bodies and people are treating dangerous rhetoric as normal public discourse.

“We should absolutely come together and use the bully pulpit to model behavior that is not divisible, not rancorous, not tearing down but sound of the message of coming together to address the needs of our constituents in our state,” Orrock said.

This story comes to Appen Media through a reporting partnership with Georgia Recorder, a nonprofit newsroom that covers statewide issues. comment.

“We have the utmost respect for the Sandy Springs Police Department and their duty to serve and protect the communities in which we operate,” spokeswoman Cassandra Mickens said in a statement. “We have addressed this matter directly with the police department and our associates and have no further comment.”

City officials could offer no additional details as of press time, and it is unclear why the chief referred to a “do not respond” list that the city says no longer exists.

“Chief is out of town, and I haven’t had a chance to talk to him about this,” Coffer said Jan. 17. “We no longer have our ‘do not respond’ list.”

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 13

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14 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

Service:

NEWS

Continued from Page 1 serve,” Jack and Jill Dunwoody president Denise Daisy said. “It is a day on, a day of service.”

The 2024 projects included maintenance at the Dunwoody Nature Center, blood donation with LifeSouth and cleanup at Spruill Center for the Arts.

Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron estimated more than 500 people volunteered across the city.

The Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America partnered with LifeSouth for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to noon at a parking lot in the heart of the park. Terris Ross, Frankie Gilmore and Terri Julian Polk volunteered in the bloodmobile, which was equipped with everything necessary for a donation procedure.

Polk said there were 11 appointments scheduled throughout the day with walkins also available.

At the Spruill Center for the Arts, volunteers spruced up hallways and ceiling tiles with fresh paint. Grace Cox, youth programs and community outreach manager, organized the community art project with camp counselors and local high school students.

There were three opportunities for residents to make a positive impact at Brook Run Park.

Some 60 volunteers at the Brook Run Community Garden spent the morning preparing for the growing season.

Across the park, more than 150 volunteers with Trees Atlanta dug holes and prepared saplings to sustain Dunwoody’s urban forest. Some of the native trees planted include dogwoods, pawpaws, hickories, serviceberries and various oaks.

Alex Beasley, a planting director and certified arborist with Trees Atlanta, spent the morning visiting groups of volunteers and recommending best practices. He said one goal of the partnership with the city is to offset canopy loss in Metro Atlanta.

Beasley also said more than 1,000 native species have been planted at Brook Run Park since the city’s first Day of Service in 2017.

The groups planted along Georgia Way South, Cresent Circle and the Dunwoody Trailway to extend the forest’s edge.

With upgraded amenities at Brook Run Park, there is a need to replace trees lost during construction, Beasley said.

Two volunteers, Atlanta resident Megan Savranksy and Smyrna resident Gordon Szymanski spent their morning wrestling a downy serviceberry into the ground.

Savransky said she had volunteered

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Andrea Videlefsky, president and founder of the Daffodil Project, speaks to students with the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation Jan. 15 about their work at Dunwoody’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers with the Daffodil Project planted flowers along Georgia Way South from the Brook Run Amphitheater to the Dog Park.

Chamblee resident Ava Kelly paints a wall during Dunwoody’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 15 at the Spruill Center for the Arts. Kelly and more than 50 volunteers spruced up the hallways of the education center with paint for the new year.

From left, Alpharetta resident Regina Taylor; Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch; Stockbridge resident Kimberley Miller; and Dunwoody resident Gwen Kovar stand with shovels and a sapling at Brook Run Park during the city’s eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 15. Deutsch and her family spent their morning planting trees with volunteers.

at the park on the Day of Service before and brought along her friend, Szymanski.

He said volunteer work beats his office job.

Additional volunteers from the Sandy Springs chapter of the National Charity League, Repair the World, Dunwoody Garden Club and C5 Georgia Youth Foundation joined with Metro Atlanta residents of all ages to take part in planting daffodil bulbs.

Andrea Videlefsky, president and founding member of the Daffodil Project, coordinated with Dunwoody Parks and Recreation to prepare the site a week in advance.

More than 150 volunteers gathered

to plant 6,900 daffodil bulbs across from the amphitheater on Georgia Way South.

While 5,000 bulbs had been planned for the project, the extra planting will help the Daffodil Project reach its goal of 1.5 million, Videlefsky said.

The Daffodil Project aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust Memorial by planting flowers in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust.

The initiative has expanded over the past decade to include over 753,000 bulbs in more than 371 locations.

Since 2018, the city has cooperated with the Daffodil project to plant tens of thousands of flowers in Brook Run Park.

After the planting, Videlefsky gathered with more than 50 students from the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation to go over their takeaways from the day of service.

With students from Forsyth to Clayton counties, the 5-year program is designed to develop high potential teens from under-resourced communities into future leaders.

Genesis Matos, a senior at Centennial High School in Roswell and C5 member, said she had fun planting daffodils for the first time.

“Typically, we do stuff like this, helping out the community when we can,” Matos said. “Overall, I really liked it.”

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 15

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16 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

Calendar

JAN. 25 — FEB. 4

THE MAD HATTERPILLAR

What: “The Mad Hatterpillar” is a puppet-centric children’s musical, following the journey of Maddie, a caterpillar determined to become a butterfly and escape her mundane garden walls. Like her real-life counterpart, she sheds her heads at each new stage of life, stacking the molted heads upon her new one.

Each of these heads symbolizes a stage of Maddie’s growth into selfacceptance.

When: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15-28 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAYS: POP UP SHOP

What: Once a month, J. Keaton Designs hosts a pop-up shop with local businesses in one-hour shopping sessions. Reserve a slot online.

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 12-5 p.m.

Where: J. Keaton Designs, 9 Dunwoody Park, Dunwoody More info: jkeatondesigns.com

ATLANTA AUTHORS SERIES: DOT PADGETT

GALLERY RECEPTION: EARTHBOUND

What: This reception is for an art exhibit that ponders questions about Earth, which has inspired and intrigued artists, poets, philosophers, scientists and everyone who has somehow been touched by its invisible warmth. What physical and emotional impact does the environment have on humanity? And, how might humanity care for this Earth for future generations?

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: artsalpharetta.org invisible warmth. What physical and emotional impact does the environment have on humanity? And, how might humanity care for this Earth for future generations?

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta More info: artsalpharetta.org

What: Local author and former U.S. State Department official Dorothy “Dot” Padgett will speak and sign copies of her book “Jimmy Carter: Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts.” Padgett organized the Carter presidential campaign effort known as the Peanut Brigade. Her book chronicles Carter’s path from a peanut farm in rural Georgia to the White House.

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m.

Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell More info: forl.net/atlanta-authors

DUELING PIANOS AT SUNNY

GALLERY RECEPTION: EARTHBOUND

ARTIST RECEPTION: DAKORO EDWARDS’ EXHIBIT AT CITY HALL

What: This reception is for an art exhibit that ponders questions about Earth, which has inspired and intrigued artists, poets, philosophers, scientists and everyone who has somehow been touched by its

What: Andrew Brothers Dueling Pianos will perform in an evening that benefits Sunshine on a Ranney Day, a nonprofit that builds custom rooms for children with special needs. Food from 1920 Tavern and Springfield BBQ, beer from From the Earth Brewing, and wine from Deep Roots Wine Market will be provided.

When: Thursday, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Sunny and Ranney, 109B Oak Street, Roswell Cost: Tickets starting at $150 More info: sunnyandranney.com

What: Meet Dakoro Edwards, an abstract expressionism painter, at a reception for his exhibit at Sandy Springs City Hall. His work will be on display through the beginning of March.

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

When: Thursday, Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Sandy Springs City Hall lobby, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘MAKING OUR MARK’ EXHIBIT RECEPTION

What: “Making Our Mark” is an exhibit celebrating the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s annual theme, “African Americans and the Arts.” The mission of the organization is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black stories, history and culture to the global community.

The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 26 to March 22 during business hours.

When: Friday, Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell More info: roswell365.com

MAX AMINI LIVE

What: Max Amini returns to Georgia, outfitted with an array of new comedy delights, from side-splitting stories to spot-on impressions.

When: Friday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets starting at $35 More info: citysprings.com To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

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ALPHARETTA POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

What: The Alpharetta Rotary Club is hosting the sixth annual Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge, encouraging nonprofits, school clubs/teams and other community organizations to put a team together and raise money for the benefit of their choosing. Become a Divemaster or join a team that is already registered and help them reach their goal, or register for $50 to jump yourself.

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.

Where: Wills Park, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta More info: facebook.com/ AlphaPolarBearPlunge

JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘CENTER STAGE RHAPSODIES’

What: Award-winning piano powerhouse Awadagin Pratt will bring his signature sound to Johns Creek in a concert with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, featuring Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $20 to $50 More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

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18 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

Following up on Christmas cards My column in December about Christmas cards generated more response than almost any other one I have written recently, I think. Go figure.

I wrote the column about the deRAY APPEN crease in cards we Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com received this year, and I speculated about what was going on. My wife guessed social media was the culprit. I guessed “timestarved” and in a hurry society. My wife, at least according to the responses received, was right – as usual.

I got back maybe a dozen responses. All but one agreed that they received fewer cards this year than in previous years. Most blamed social

media. That was the #1 cited reason from readers. Interestingly enough, the increase in cost of postage and cards also was cited in more than half of the responses.

Readers responding tended to be older. Many reflected on a tradition of sending and receiving cards.

A number commented on the value and satisfaction they got from actually hand-writing notes, addressing envelopes and putting on the stamps.

They tended to comment on the nature of doing that – that it was an act of personal connection in a world of flashy objects. I so agreed with that sentiment.

A few commented on how much their address list had shrunk. I know mine is down by at least half. I never delete the names on my list though, even if the person has died – and death is about the only reason that

someone stops receiving my Christmas letter and photos. I think I leave the names on my list to remind me of them; I don’t want to forget a single one. I also keep all the names on the list to remind me of time passing – to remind me of mortality. I will say too, that when your Christmas list is down by half, it is hard to ignore mortality.

Over and over, I read or I hear about the importance of personal connections – of people spending time with other people – face to face.

I hear about how this personal connection – especially at the end of life – is what people need the most. Those who end up alone, with no friends or people to interreact with, surely don’t last as long as those who have them.

The connection, the personal connection, I sort of see as blood – as a necessity of life – something that not only sustains life but also gives a rea-

son to live.

Today, the trend of our lives seems to be toward less and less real personal connection – remote work, Facebook friends, texting and relating to the world around you in front of a screen via TicTok or Instagram.

We have entire generations now that have no other frame of reference than what they get from a screen. And that is about as sad of a statement as I can imagine.

Screens are not people. Saying Merry Christmas via text or on Facebook is soulless. There is no beating heart in screens. The screen will not be at your bedside in the hospital or deliver dinner to you at home when you are convalescing. But we all have the freedom to choose. Our collective march toward a digital wasteland is a choice. It doesn’t have to happen.

Ball is in our court!

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

With a little patience, you can see a lot watching a river

Columnist

her when they pulled up behind me a moment later, and I know his name was Lem because that’s what Mavis called him. We journalist types are highly trained when it comes to the art of observation, you know. We don’t miss a thing.

Mavis opened her car door and got out and walked the3 yards to the edge of the gravel. The river was right below her.

“Hey Lem!” she hollered. “Lem, you gotta come see this. It’s just bee-yooteful!”

Lem climbed out of the car then, bringing with him an unopened silver can of beer. He walked up beside Mavis and popped the top and took a long, slow drink.

“Bee-yooteful sure enough. Mavis, where’s that durned camera?”

Mavis turned back to the car, rummaged in the back seat, and emerged with a small camera, an old one, the kind that uses film.

“Hey mister,” she said to me. “You mind taking our picture?”

She fiddled with the camera for a second and then handed it to me as Lem took another pull on his beer. Then she grabbed Lem by the hand and pulled him to his feet and said, “Come on.

Smile!”

The camera went click.

Lem took a last long swallow from the can.

Then he crumpled the can and folded it in two.

And then, winding up like a major

league pitcher, he threw the empty far out over the river. It soared through the crystalline winter air in an oddly graceful arc, spinning so it caught and reflected the setting sun, and then it hit the river with a shallow little splash. It bobbed for a few seconds, carried by the current, then sank out of sight in an eddy behind a rock near the head of little pool.

“Be-yooteful!” Mavis said again, turning now to walk back the way she came.

“I’m sure glad we took that picture.

You’re glad, too, aren’t you, Lem?” Followed by Mavis, Lem climbed back into the car then. He turned over the motor and kicked the beast into gear.

Gravel flew from the tires as they drove back onto pavement.

Yeah, you’ll see a lot if you sit and watch a river.

RESS NP

A

UB CL

the previous night.

“But I rode my bike to work today,” he added. Rode his bike. To work. In the snow.

“Yeah,” he continued. “I only slipped and fell once, but that was just as I was getting home.”

He’s an academic, a purveyor of pedagogy, and he’s not yet 40 years old.

Sub-40 academics can be interesting people.

Me? I’m over 40, so I invoke what’s known as the Over-40 Rule: “I’m over 40, so I don’t have to do that anymore.”

But what do I like to do when it gets cold? Well, believe it or not, I like to go fishing.

For years, in one of my favorite wintertime activities was to watch for the coming of a gray, cold, and preferably snowy day. Then I’d round up a rod and set out to spend the afternoon wading around in liquid nitrogen, hoping to fool fish who, being smarter than me, were probably hunkered down under

a rock somewhere drinking the trouty equivalent of hot chocolate. It became tradition, and somewhere deep down I enjoyed it. Now and then I’d even catch a fish. But mostly I just stood in the water, numb, shivering.

Yesterday (it was that really, really cold one, remember?) I briefly entertained keeping that tradition alive.

But then I remembered the Rule.

Still, I wanted to go to a river, most any river, just to sit near the water and see things. Just because. If I dressed right and didn’t fall in, I’d be fine.

I got in the car and drove north a ways, up to what they call the Steele Bridge over Amicalola Creek. There’s a nice little place there where you can park your car and sit on the hood, if your car is old, and watch the river flow by. I figured it would be as good a place as any to scratch that particular itch on that particular day.

Sometimes you’ll see a lot if you just sit by a river and just watch.

Pretty soon I arrived. I pulled off the road onto a gravel turnout not far from the bridge. Then I climbed out and leaned up against the hood, the lingering warmth of the now-stilled motor keeping the cold at bay. I’d stay just a little while, I told myself. I’d stay till I got cold and it was time to leave.

For a while I had it all to myself.

But then, from down the road, here comes Mavis. I know her name was Mavis because that’s what Lem called

APPE

STEVE HUDSON

You know what?

It’s been cold these last few days. How cold? Real cold.

Reeeeeal cold.

One of my kids lives up in Wisconsin now, up there in the frozen north country.

He called me yesterday and said they had 8 inches of snow

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GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 19

The story of a once mighty tree, the American chestnut As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word “pandemic” became a household word.

But did you know, over the last one hundred years, the Appalachian CAROLE MACMULLAN Mountain Forest has experienced Guest Columnist several pandemics or transformative events that have reshaped the eastern United States forests.

If we could step back in time, back to the early 1900s, the Appalachian Mountain Forest would look different from the forest in 2023. The dominant hardwood forest trees in Georgia today are the oaks, and their acorns sustain directly or indirectly a significant population of forest organisms, making them a keystone plant.

One hundred years ago, the dominant keystone tree was the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) tree. You might ask, have I ever seen an American chestnut tree and where are they now? During the late 1800s, wealthy Americans began to import exotic plants to create eye appealing gardens along with their stately homes to highlight their wealth and social status. Bringing in foreign grown plants had its peril! In 1904, newly identified cankers appeared on some of the American chestnut growing in the Bronx Zoo. Botanists identified the blight as a fungal disease (Cryphonectria parasitica) originating from imported Japanese chestnut trees. Japanese chestnut trees have a natural immunity to this fungal disease, but the American chestnut does not!

Within a 30-year period, the lethal fungal disease spread throughout the entire Appalachian Mountain chain from Maine to North Georgia.

As the American chestnuts died out, the entire ecosystem changed. If you look at pictures of American chestnut trees, you will be mesmerized by their size. Many of the forest animals were dependent on the nutritious chestnuts that covered the forest floor.

The timber was highly prized for its durability and resistance to rot. Not only did the chestnuts serve as a food supply for the forest animals but also for human consumption. Chestnut Ridge, near my former, western Pennsylvania home, was named for this ecologically, culturally and economically valuable tree that until the mid-1930s covered the mountain ridge.

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a master gardener and a Milton resident.

She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2012 after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club.

Carole uses her teaching skills to create a variety of presentations on gardening topics for the NFMG Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA) thrift store and acts as chair of their Links to Education scholarship program. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading.

PENN STATE EXTENSION

Left photo: Map of Eastern US showing where American Chestnut trees once grew.

Top right photos: American Chestnut Seed with seed coat opened to show the chestnut.

Want to learn more?

Visit our website at appenmediacom/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz/.

AMERICAN CHESTNUT FOUNDATION

Bottom right photo- This picture, taken in the mid- to late 19th century, gives an idea of just how large and profuse the American chestnut tree was in Eastern U.S. forests. There are now only 100 or so that remain.

The rapid spread of this fungal disease was possible since fungi reproduce by airborne spores.

When the wind carries spores to the American chestnut host tree, the spores germinate and begin to divide.

The fungus cells, in turn, form rootlike hyphae. These hyphae branch out and penetrate the bark of the tree. Over time, cankers grow and interrupt the internal flow of water and nutrients to the tree’s branches, leaves and roots resulting in the death of the tree.

Two factors contributed to their extinction. As American chestnut trees began to die in astoundingly large numbers, lumber companies stepped in and quickly cut down any remaining chestnut trees. The result was the complete loss of vast swaths of forest, creating erosion and in some cases, flooding and changing the Appalachian Mountain Forest ecosystem forever!

With the loss of a tree that could stand 100 feet tall and produce over 6,000 chestnuts at maturity, there has been a desire to see these trees returned to our eastern forests. How can the goal to create a genetically, blight resistant tree be accomplished?

The solution is complicated.

The American Chestnut Foundation was organized in 1989 to achieve this goal. Fortunately, Chinese chestnut trees have a genetic resistance to the chestnut blight. As a result, the two chestnut species have been crossbred, but the resulting first-generation hybrids have only 50% of the desired genetic characteristics of the American chestnut. Over the last four decades, the most blight-resistant hybrids have been crossbred with the American chestnut in an attempt create a chestnut tree that is as genetically close to the American chestnut as possible. Currently, a hybrid has been created that contains 94% of the genes of the American chestnut.

Another group has used modern genetic engineering techniques to create a hybrid with 99% of the American chestnut genes plus genes to provide immunity from the fungus blight. With the cooperation of federal, state and local forest services, as well as research scientists and private citizens, hybrid trees are being grown throughout the American chestnuts’ former Appalachian Mountain habitat to find the most resistant hybrid.

Pilot research projects have been

established in several locations in the Atlanta area. There are 18 hybrid chestnuts growing in the Atlanta History Center orchard, and 13 of them have prospered and five are too weak to grow to maturity. In 2019, Big Trees Forest Preserve in Sandy Springs next to the UGA Extension office, planted several dozen young, hybrid chestnuts. Both locations hope their young, hybrid trees will mature and produce chestnut seeds to help the American Chestnut Society reach their goal of re-introducing healthy, blight resistant, American chestnut trees into the Appalachian Mountain Forests.

Wishing success to the combined efforts of everyone working on the American chestnut restoration project!

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

20 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

World War II from Europe to the Pacific – a local perspective This week’s column is about a big book. Big because it weighs more than 20 pounds, measures 12.5 x 15.75 inches and is 3.25 Inches thick with 986 pages. Big BOB MEYERS because it is a Columnist rare compilation of thousands of photos and news reports about people, places, and battles of World War ll. The book is the work of Ray Carroll who lives in Cumming and consists of the contents of three scrapbooks that Ray’s grandmother Esther Johanna Carroll (1894-1967) maintained throughout the war. Esther, known as Nanny, married Mark Carroll, a mill worker, in 1912. The couple lived in Nashua, N.H., with their five sons, all deceased, and their dog Buster.

World War ll began on Sept. 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland.

Three days later the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany.

The war ended Aug. 14, 1945. It turned out to be the costliest war in history, with 46 million people killed.

Esther’s history of the war is not the work of a professional historian.

Rather, it is the product of one woman’s “love of her family and acquaintances who went away to war and those who loved them,” according to Ray. Esther’s scrapbooks were well organized, and she diligently added new materials regularly.

She had three scrapbooks, two of the European Theater and one of the Pacific Theater. She cut out articles from Life Magazine and other sources and made annotations on some of the entries which were pasted on the scrapbook pages. It took Ray four months to convert the scrapbooks into a book which was published by BookLogix in Alpharetta.

The book contains often little known detailed stories of battles, ruined cities and the soldiers, sailors, airmen, doctors and nurses who fought and often died in battle or from wounds. It portrays life inside wartime Germany and other countries, describes the weapons of war and conferences convened by the Allies. It describes the weapons employed by major participating nations and the effects of the war on children.

One page consists of photos and a description of a press conference Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring had with American military press soon after he gave himself up to the U.S.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Image of Esther Carroll who collected and preserved photos and articles throughout World War ll out of love for her family members and friends who went off to war.

This is the cover of the book by Ray Carroll consisting of the contents of three scrapbooks carefully assembled by his grandmother Esther Carroll. It contains an amazing amount of information about multiple aspects of World War ll. The book has 986 pages of photos and articles about the war in Europe and the Pacific. It was published in Alpharetta by BookLogix.

Seventh Army in May 1945. The article titled “The fat former Reichsmarschall sweats out a press conference” says his “tongue was loosened by whopping slugs of whisky…Although this polite treatment of a vicious war criminal was latter condemned, the tipsy Göring supposedly divulged more Reich secrets than all the sober Wehrmacht generals and state officials put together.”

Saint-Lô was the site of one of the most important battles in Europe.

In July 1944 following the invasion of Normandy, Allied headquarters decided to break through German lines by focusing U.S. strength at a single point near the town of St-Lô.

After heavy fighting in what became known as the Battle of the Hedgerows, on July 25, about 3,000 U.S. planes dropped bombs on a 10-square mile area. American armor and infantry then sped through the gap. Following a week of fierce fighting, the Germans

fell back and the American advance to the east became unrelenting.

One of the more interesting human stories is that of Bill Mauldin, who entered the Army at age 23 with a knack for drawing cartoons. He created drawings of GIs at war featuring two combat weary soldiers, Willie and Joe, whose experiences brightened soldiers’ days and made them laugh. Mauldin’s cartoons appeared in Stars and Stripes and other military newspapers six days a week throughout the war.

Readers who are interested in knowing more about the book can contact the author Ray Carroll at raycarroll30040@yahoo.com.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

Nazi Field Marshall Herman Göring at a press conference with American military journalists shortly after he surrendered to American soldiers in 1945. His facial expressions changed during the press conference from sullen and defiant to passive and remote, then smug and ultimately depressed.

OPINION

THE INK PENN

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 25, 2024 | 21

At times, team-building is a murderous exercise Two of my recent reads involved death — or at least the possibility of It — during teambuilding trips.

For a portion of my corporate I worked KATHY MANOS PENN career, in personnel Columnist and facilitated leadership programs. And, yes, I facilitated team-building events, too.

Thank goodness no one ever died.

Why did I read two books like this? The answer is that I’ve been desperately trying to finish writing the latest book in my cozy mystery series and it’s set during a conference that includes outdoor team building activities. Because my books usually include a book club meeting where the book that’s read that month loosely ties to the plot, these two selections appeared to fit the bill.

For example, book five in my series is set in Tintagel, where King Arthus was allegedly conceived, so the book club selection was “The Once and Future King.” For my Christmas book, I chose “Mr. Dickens and his Christmas” as the choice. In search of something to fit the bill for my current book, I stumbled across two that might work.

“Force of Nature” by Jane Harper As this book opens in the bushland of Australia, five women on a corporate retreat in the wilderness are late to their rendezvous point.

They’ve been camping for several nights. Are they experienced campers? No, but they have maps and food and equipment, and this experience has been set up by an outdoor event company. It’s not the norm for a group to be late, nor is it the norm for only four of the five to

make it back.

What is the norm, based on my experience, is for tensions to rise. My groups never did overnight trips, but they did spend half to a whole day outdoors working through puzzles and problems. One program even had them build a bridge across a small ravine. All of that creates an environment ripe for competition and disagreements over the best solution, even raised voices and arguments.

Is the missing woman dead or injured? You’ll have to read the book to find out. The author slowly reveals the backstory of the office relationships and how they spill over into the wilderness, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I realized as I read this one that I’d also read the first book in the series, but I couldn’t remember much about it other than that I enjoyed it. That means “Force of Nature” can easily be read as a standalone.

“Death by Team Building”

by Cheri Baker Given the title, there’s no doubt that someone will die in this book.

It’s just a question of who it will be.

Again, the setting is a team building retreat, except this one happens at a remote resort in the Pacific Northwest. The participants are the executive team of a hospital, there to bond and work on goals for the next year. There’s also an external consultant and Kat Voyzey, who’s there representing the Director of Personnel, who can’t make it.

I laughed when I read the tag line, "Group work always bites you in the a__. That was true in ninth grade history class, and just as true in a murder investigation." The dialogue is snappy, and the mystery kept me guessing. As one review says, “The amateur sleuth is smart and funny, which makes this cozy Solution

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D A S H E D A M F L O P O G E E T O G A S A U D I A R G O N C H A R A C T E R A L O N E S T A M M E R N I T S I P A I S L E S L L A M A S E R N E R U P T E L O P E A R E A S A R T E R E N D E D I T S S N E E R O L D L I T A N Y E A R N E D B U S F A N T R O U N C E F R I S K G U I L T A G R E E M E N T L O A N A R I D A N D E S A S P S L E T S P A S S

mystery very enjoyable. The setting is very Agatha Christie meets the Pacific Northwest.” Like an Agatha Christie mystery, there may not be that many characters, but everyone has a possible motive for doing away with the victim.

The addition of a snowstorm that means the group can’t leave and the police can’t get to them heightens the suspense. Will a second person die? You never know. This is book three in a four -book series, but I had no problem enjoying it, even though, in this case, I had not read any of the earlier books.

Though both books involve team building, the tones are very different. The second one is a cozy mystery and a bit lighter than the first. The first has federal agents and police working to solve the case.

The second is solved by an amateur sleuth. I predict you’ll enjoy both.

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Dunwoody Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following: MMSP 24-01: The applicant, Paul McKeever, seeks a Major Master Sign Plan for 4896 N Peachtree Road (Kingswood Church).

MMSP 24-02: The applicant, John Barrow, seeks a Major Master Sign Plan for 4553 N Shallowford Road (Emory Healthcare).

The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following: ZBA 24-01, 5298 Lake View Club: Variance from Sec. 27-58 to allow a porch to encroach into the front setback.

ZBA 24-02, 2849 Sumac Drive: Variance from Sec. 27-269 to allow a retaining wall to encroach into the side and rear setback.

Should you have any questions or comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

22 | January 25, 2024 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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WINNER

Best Of North Atlanta Presented By

y Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist