Dunwoody Crier - April 6, 2023

City officials adopt Vermack Park plan

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Local officials have approved a master plan for Dunwoody’s next park to be located on Vermack Road.

The Dunwoody City Council signed off on the design of the future 9.3-acre park at a March 27 meeting. The action paves the way for development to begin once funding is secured and final plans are approved.

Master plan documents for the future Vermack Park show the park will include pickleball courts, walking trails, a wildflower meadow, an open playfield, a sensory garden and an ADA-accessible playground. The park will also include a pavilion with solar panels and an

existing historic home that will one day be used as a community building, Dunwoody Parks Director Brent Walker said.

“The design is based on a lot of public input,” Walker said. “These are the amenities that were requested through that public input process.”

Since Vermack Park’s designs were last discussed in February, several features have been removed, he said, including any reference to how the park might be connected to Dunwoody’s future trail system and the formal connections between the park and the adjacent neighborhoods, Village Mill and Heritage of Dunwoody.

See PARK, Page 18

Camp Run-a-Mutt doggy daycare wins legal battle with city

► PAGE 7

PROVIDED/CITY OF DUNWOODY

Renderings show Dunwoody’s future park on Vermack Road. The City Council adopted a master plan for the park at a meeting March 27.

Dunwoody sets list of priorities at annual retreat

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials got out of the city and into the North Georgia mountains to buckle down, collaborate and strategize during City Council’s 2023 retreat March 22 and 23.

Held at the Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega after a brief visit to the City of Canton, officials spent most of the retreat listening to presentations from city staff and workshopping the projects that need to be completed in the upcoming year.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of

Commerce President Kali Boatright moderated this year’s retreat discussion, and councilmembers were able to create a list of more than a dozen priorities, as well as several lower priority “parking lot” items for 2023.

Here are some of the key items Dunwoody leaders discussed this year.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

To kick off the retreat, Mayor Lynn Deutsch announced Dunwoody has grown much more diverse over the past 10 years, with its Asian population

See RETREAT, Page 16

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN

Publisher

DICK WILLIAMS

Publisher Emeritus

CONTACT

NEWS TIPS

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Each week Appen Media requests police incident reports to inform residents about the safety of their community. Sandy Springs continues to withhold what it calls the "narrative reports." It is the only city Appen Media covers that follows this practice, which goes against guidance from the Attorney General, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Sheriff's Association, Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia and Georgia Press Association. Appen Media will continue pursuing the release of documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe - or unsafe - the city is keeping it.

NEW SERVICE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Law limits medical treatments doctors are allowed to perform on Georgia transgender youth

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill co-sponsored by state senators in Alpharetta and Roswell that will limit medical care for transgender minors.

Senate Bill 140, signed into law March 23, was co-sponsored by 23 Republican state senators. The law bans medical procedures for transgender minors including genital reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies. Transgender youth will still have access to puberty blockers prior to turning 18.

The law will take effect July 1. Minors already receiving hormone therapy will be allowed to continue treatment.

The bill passed the Senate 31-21.

State Sens. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) cosponsored and voted for the bill. Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) voted for the bill.

Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) voted against the legislation. Beach said he co-sponsored and voted for the bill because people should be 18 or older to make certain medical decisions.

“Before the age of 18, I don’t think a child is ready to make decisions that are permanent, and that’s what would happen if we hadn’t passed this bill,” Beach said. A press representative for Senator Albers said he was unavailable for comment.

The law is based on a “significant rise in diagnoses of gender dysphoria in children” in the past decade, which the bill said often does not last into adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress that comes when someone’s gender identity and assigned sex at birth do not align.

Opponents of the law said the ban will have negative impacts on transgender youth.

Anna Baxter, an owner, supervisor and licensed counselor at Roswell-based Love Positive Counseling, has worked with transgender people of all ages for the past eight years. The counselor said many of their clients “wouldn’t be alive today” without hormones.

“Gender dysphoria is such a complex situation, but the treatment for most folks is very simple,” Baxter said, adding that teenagers often struggle to understand that options will be available past

the age of 18.

The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth said in a 2022 report that 55 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth in Georgia seriously considered suicide in the past year and 16 percent attempted suicide.

“It’s really easy for someone struggling with such crippling emotional pain to decide it’s not worth it,” Baxter said.

Beyond worries about mental health, Baxter said the state should not get involved in medical care.

“Parents and doctors need to be the ones in charge of these decisions,” Baxter said.

Senator Beach said he is “all for” parents and doctors having say in medical procedures, “but when you make those dramatic changes at a young age you may end up regretting it.”

An amendment to the law said that doctors who do provide surgeries or hormone replacement therapies will be held “administratively accountable.” Hospitals that break the law could also lose their permits.

Baxter worries the law sets a precedent in deciding who is involved in people’s health decisions.

Other opponents to the law said it goes against accepted medical standards.

Johns Creek resident Ann Miller is the mother of a transgender man and the regional director for PFLAG, a national organization focused on education and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. She said hormone therapy is “standard and accepted care” for transgender teenagers.

Major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics state their standard of care is to provide “developmentally appropriate” gender-affirming care.

“We need to understand that care is very individualized and it’s not experimental,” Miller said. “We know exactly the best way to help these folks.”

The law allows exceptions for youth with “a medically verifiable disorder of sex development” or medically necessary reason for treatment not related to gender dysphoria.

Miller said the law creates a “collective worry” about how far things could go, and that it feels like the transgender community is being legislated against.

“I am greatly saddened that the general American public doesn’t really understand what these bills are saying and how they will hurt transgender youth and teens,” Miller said.

Samad Grill elevates food with love and a little garlic

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Jamal Samad prides himself on the simplicity of the food at his restaurant, Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market. But simple isn’t easy, he said, like most people think.

“The harder thing is to keep things simple and tasty, and make it healthy,” said Jamal, with a thick Lebanese accent.

Jamal said the kitchen staff, including himself, doesn’t compromise or cut corners. Everything at Samad Grill is made with fresh ingredients. And, everything –except the gyro meat, which is Halal, and pita bread – is made from scratch.

His wife of 28 years, Lesley Samad, sitting beside him in a small, cozy booth by the door, interjected to say the food is still rather complex and layered.

“I will tell you, I’ve never met a stranger,” Lesley said at one point, laughing. “He’s much more quiet than I am.”

Lesley offered an American perspective on the Lebanon way of Mediterranean cuisine. She said it tends to be more “elevated,” and it has more attitude, anchored in pride. She also said Lebanese food is more herb- and garlic-heavy.

“There’s a lot of love in the food,” Jamal added. “Love is an important ingredient.”

The touch

Jamal opened the restaurant in 2012. After receiving his master’s degree in France, he came to the states to get his Ph.D. in physics in 1992, but marriage and family happened.

“I use a formula here and there,” he said jokingly.

He spent years working in kitchens before turning to the hard sciences. But he also grew up with his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking in Lebanon. While he has tried to duplicate it, he said it’s

Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market

Address: 8897 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Phone: 770-807-3700

Website: samadgrill.com/

Hours: Monday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

not possible.

Lesley said the same goes for Jamal’s cooking.

“I will make things, and it will still taste really, really good — still not his,” she said. “It’s a touch.”

People ask Jamal all the time for his recipes and the ingredients he uses. He freely gives them away, knowing the real secret is balance.

Those queries are partly the reason for the market. In the back corner of the restaurant, Jamal sells items he uses in his own cooking. There’s a couple of aisles stocked with mostly exported goods with labels in other languages — herbs and spices, jams, desserts, coffee, other items.

Many countries are represented in the market, Lesley said. In addition to foods from Lebanon, the shelves boast products from Croatia, Turkey, Greece and Egypt.

“A lot of people comment — they’ll say, ‘I haven’t seen this since I was a little kid,’” she said.

An ethos

Food is the star of the show at Samad Grill. Jamal once spent thousands on renovations, but the space remains unpretentious like the Styrofoam foodware.

See SAMAD, Page 8

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Jamal and Lesley Samad, owners of Samad Mediterranean Grill and Market, sit at a booth inside their restaurant March 29. Opened in 2012, Samad Grill is located in a shopping center on Roswell Road.

Camp Run-A-Mutt is celebrating a favorable decision in a legal battle with the City of Dunwoody over noise complaints lodged against the business.

Camp Run-A-Mutt prevails in dog barking litigation

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A local doggy day care ended a lengthy legal dispute with the City of Dunwoody after the business won a March 7 decision that dismissed residential noise complaints.

The Dunwoody Municipal Court ruled against a City of Dunwoody public nuisance lawsuit against Camp Run-AMutt. The petition to “abate a public nui-

sance” is the latest issue in an ongoing legal battle between the business and the city.

Dawn Sperry opened Camp Run-AMutt with her now deceased husband in 2018. Sperry said the business received no noise complaints until June 2021, when the city issued the doggy day care an animal noise nuisance citation.

The residents had complained about

See BARK, Page 10

Sandy Springs allocates $160,000 to arts, recreation nonprofit groups

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs officials have approved grants worth $160,000 for several nonprofit arts and recreation programs targeting underserved and low-income residents.

At its March 7 meeting, the Sandy Springs City Council approved grant funding requests from six organizations that provide summer education, athletics and camp programs in the community.

Grants approved included $25,000 allotments each for new programs at Horizons Atlanta, Catalyst Sports, Sandy Springs Youth Sports, Los Niños

Primero and The Healthy Youth USA Foundation.

Awards also included three $15,000 allotments for Horizons Atlanta, Northside Youth Organization and The Healthy Youth USA Foundation to partially fund programs that began in 2022.

Sandy Springs initially budgeted $75,000 for the Nonprofit Arts and Recreation Grant program in 2023 but later increased that amount to $160,000 after receiving multiple eligible grant requests.

DELANEY TARR / APPEN MEDIA

Samad:

Continued from Page 4

Diner-style tables are spread throughout on unpolished floors, eaten away with time. Ketchup bottles along with salt and pepper shakers are at the ends.

Regular customers have advised Jamal not to change anything, lending to a down-to-earth personality and a certain ambience that restaurant hidden gems tend to have.

“When it’s busy, it has a life of its own,” Lesley said. “The energy is great in here. Some of our customers have become friends with each other.”

Underneath chalk board menus, several potted pothos plants sit on the ordering counter, their tendrils hanging off the side. Lesley said Lebanon is rich with gorgeous fruit trees, making the greenery an appropriate touch.

Other decorations are minimal, save around 10 quirky clocks on the back wall with the customer-created chalk designs on the bottom half. The black paint was a contentious design element, Lesley said, but it grew on her husband.

“It’s the small victories in marriage,” she said, on her way to wipe down tables.

Lesley handles the front of the house, and Jamal stays in the kitchen with other staff. Their daughters help at the busi-

ness, too. Once the doors opened and customers began trickling in March 29, their daughter Maya arrived.

Community-based eats

Spread out on several Styrofoam plates, Lesley provided a bit of everything. On one, there was an array of salads — chickpea, spinach, cabbage, beet and

pasta salads with various bases seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. There was also a thick lentil soup.

The falafel, each ball with a crisp coating and soft center, came with pita bread and an assortment of dips, including tahini and garlic sauce. While Jamal said the whole menu is his favorite, he highlighted the falafel as a top tier pick

along with the kafta kabob.

Lesley brought over one of her favorites, too — the flash-fried cauliflower, seasoned with salt and coated in tahini dressing.

“People will say, ‘We got off the plane and came straight here,’” Lesley said. “And that is a huge compliment because there are only two places in the world I do that to.”

The Samads know most customers by name and still see some that have been coming since day 1. While the customer base in the first few years was primarily repeat patrons, the dynamic shifted with strong community support and word of mouth.

The restaurant also saw more light during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many restaurants, the pandemic impacted Samad Grill. Most of the money rolling in came in the form of take-out orders. But the space changed in a more exceptional way — it became a pop-up food pantry for Sandy Springs schools.

In March 2020, Lesley received a message from a PTO president who said all the subsidized school breakfasts and lunches would be closed, even for those facing food insecurity. Samad Grill saw up to 400 families a day over the course of 18 months, a line wrapping around the corner of the building.

“This area is the haves and the havenots,” Lesley said.

Tara Tucker

Paras

Services

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Samad Grill employee prepares shawarma by cutting meat on a vertical rotisserie.

A Place for ALL Jews

Bark:

Continued from Page 7

consistent barking and other noises from the dogs while they were outside. Sperry said the noise issues likely started with the onset of COVID-19, when people began working from home in larger numbers.

“Nothing changed, we were just getting complaints,” Sperry said.

To mitigate noise issues, Sperry said the business spent over $10,000 on various efforts, including speakers outdoors to play music that drowns out the bark-

ing noises.

The noise mitigation efforts played into a plea deal that Camp Run-A-Mutt struck with the city in November 2021. Under the plea agreement, the nuisance citation fee would be waived because of the $10,000 spent on noise reduction. The plea also stated that the doggie daycare was permitted to exist within the city’s zoning ordinance.

Sperry’s attorney Gray Brantley said the noises that come from the doggy day care are exempt from noise ordinances. He said the sounds are “a normal part of operations” allowed within the city’s zoning code.

The plea was accepted, and Sperry thought her legal dispute was over. Then the city hit Camp Run-A-Mutt with a civil “public nuisance abatement” in January 2022.

“Basically, it was the same suit (as before), but the city just changed the name and took it to a different court,” Sperry said.

Rather than go to court, Sperry tried to resolve things with the city through a temporary consent order, in which the business voluntarily agreed to changes to help deal with the noise complaints.

The temporary consent order was established in March 2022. Under the order, Sperry had to restrict the dogs to outdoor time between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the dogs were not allowed outside except for a single, non-barking supervised dog taken out to use the bathroom.

Camp Run-A-Mutt followed the agreement until September, but Sperry said it wasn’t sustainable for the dogs or the employees.

“We told the city, it’s not working for us,” Sperry said.

The small space was not built to accommodate all the dogs for long periods, Sperry said. She asked the city to adjust

the order to allow dogs outside from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. but the city refused. The business then sought a legal remedy.

Attorney Brantley said the public nuisance abatement was a “breach of the plea” from November 2021.

“If my client agreed to a plea agreement, the city is bound by it,” Brantley said.

The attorney said the suit was a matter of “plea remorse” and moved to dismiss it. After the dismissal was rejected, they went to trial.

Brantley said Camp Run-A-Mutt supplied evidence of all their sound mitigation measures in court. Business owner Sperry said they even conducted a sound study to prove the sound levels were normal for the area.

On March 7, Brantley and Camp Run-A-Mutt won the case.

“We’re pleased with the court’s decision,” Brantley said.

Dunwoody Communications Director Jennifer Boettcher provided a comment about the case on behalf of the city.

“We pursued the case to address persistent nuisance complaints from neighbors,” Boettcher said. “We respect the judge’s decision and appreciate the process.”

After spending over $10,000 on noise mitigation and nearly $30,000 on legal fees, Sperry says she is relieved that the business can return to normal operations.

“We have a weight lifted off of our shoulders,” Sperry said.

Sperry has her sights set on other goals for the business, like expanding and updating the outdoor areas. She plans to keep sound mitigation in mind for the benefit of nearby residents. The dogs will be allowed outside from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday, but Sperry said she will keep them indoors until after Sunday church services.

Have you thought about where you’ll retire?

Brought to you by –

Dan Griffin, Compass Realty

If you’re approaching retirement age, it’s important to start planning for where you’d like to live as you get older. Especially if you’ve lived in the same place for many years, you may not want to leave the familiarity of your community. However, you may need to renovate your home to make it safe by adding ramps, a stair lift, or walk in shower. It's also important to think about how you’ll manage home maintenance as you age. Consider whether you’ll be able to access public transport nearby if you’re unable to drive as you get older.

GRIFFIN

Many retirees choose to downsize or relocate to be closer to family or to enjoy warmer weather. If you’re thinking about moving, make sure you choose a place where you’ll have access to healthcare, public transportation, and opportunities for socializing.

Downsizing can be a great way to cut down on home maintenance costs. Just remember to factor any cost-of-living differences and moving expenses into your decision making. Moving into a continuing care retirement community is another option you may be considering. Although these usually have a significant upfront cost, they can give you peace of mind about the future. You don’t have to worry about access to healthcare and amenities because everything is at your doorstep. These communities also offer plenty of opportunities for social connection. Just make sure you’re aware of the ongoing fees and contract terms before you decide.

Choosing where to retire is a big decision that has many implications for your future. That’s why it’s important to take control by beginning to plan for your retirement sooner rather than later.

Jessica

Jodi

| 770.374.4500

Kristina Blass | 404.414.9944

Jodi

| 770.374.4500

VALERIE LEVIN

Senior Vice President, Managing Broker Midtown | Dunwoody & Sandy Springs

D. 770.238.7719 | O. 770.393.3200

Valerie.Levin@BHHSGeorgia.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES GEORGIA PROPERTIES

2655 LAKESIDE TRAIL CUMMING, GA 30041 | $829,900

Mekyten

175 BLACKLAND ROAD NW ATLANTA, GA 30342 | $6,695,000

Li | 404.754.6555

211 CUTBANK COURT ATLANTA, GA 30331 | $434,999

2233 PEACHTREE ROAD NE, #802 ATLANTA, GA 30309 | $625,000 Bru Krebs | 404.984.0243

2575 PEACHTREE ROAD NE, #8G ATLANTA, GA 30305 | $539,000 Jose Vazquez | 404.218.2820

1896 WYCLIFF ROAD NW ATLANTA ATLANTA, GA 30309 | $1,249,000 Erin Osterland | 770.344.9181

1057 SHEPHERDS LANE ATLANTA, GA 30324 | $899,900

Mekyten

1828 HUNTINGTON HILLS LANE NW ATLANTA, GA 30309 | $1,150,000 Kirsten Conover | 404.386.1103

104 ANSLEY VILLA DRIVE NE ATLANTA, GA 30324 | $674,900 Beverly Jones | 404.550.2198

Move-in ready Charleston inspired homes available now at Hillandale in Historic Downtown Roswell

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division

For a limited time, Patrick Malloy Communities is offering a 4.99% 30-Year Fixed interest rate on available homes at Hillandale, a charming Charleston inspired neighborhood located just minutes from the heart of Historic Roswell. Hillandale offers elegant interior finishes and unique designs and features sophisticated four-and five-bedroom thoughtfully curated homes with an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Luxury features can include a unique moving wall of glass doors that lead to outdoor living areas, primary suites, 10 ft ceilings and hardwoods on the main level, as well as high-end stainless-steel appliances.

In addition to amazing interior details, the impressive homes at Hillandale include a variety of features including an irrigation system, tankless water heater, free-standing tub, gas lanterns per plan on front patios, pebbled driveways, and community sidewalks. Front and year lawn maintenance are also included in the HOA.

There are several move-in ready homes available including the popular Windham situated on lot 9 which offers a lavish owners retreat on main level. The grand 2-story entry foyer gives glimpse to the wonderful flow and functionality of this home. The dining area with butler’s pantry has room for seating 10+ guests. The chef’s kitchen with oversized island and breakfast bar opens to the fireside family room with beamed ceilings. This four-bedroom and four and one-half bathroom home is offered at $1,049,395.

On Lot 10, the Galway plan does not disappoint with its spacious open concept living and guest suite on the main level. The impressive kitchen boasts upgraded finishes, center island, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. The covered patio off the kitchen is ideal for large scale entertaining. Upstairs find an impeccable owner's suite with sitting room, a loft, and generous secondary bedrooms for a total of four-bedrooms and three-and-one half baths. Offered for $1,126,060. Looking for a basement? There is also a Galway situated on Lot 23 with a full unfinished basement for $1,209,965.

The Tierney situated on homesite 11 is a striking two-story home featuring four bedrooms, three and one-half baths and is perfect for entertaining with open living spaces and a chef’s kitchen with the latest in design. There are three large secondary bedrooms and a large loft. Priced at $1,128,955, this discerning home includes hardwoods on the main level and an extensive list of designer upgrades.

Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping in historic downtown Roswell. The Chattahoochee River and pristine parks envelop the area creating a

wide array of recreational activities. The Chattahoochee River Nature Preserve is just a short drive away with kayaking, biking, and walking trials, and a summer music series. Districted in Roswell's highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle.

Patrick Malloy communities, founded in 1994 by Patrick Malloy, builds new homes in Metro Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. To date, the company has developed over 11,000 homesites and built 7,000 homes with a total of more than $4 billion in sales. Accolades include multiple mentions in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s top 20 Homebuilders and

PROVIDED

numerous professionalism awards, including community of the year awards. Patrick Malloy communities also received a 2022 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.

For more details on Hillandale, visit PMCommunities.com, call 770/254-5372 or visit the sales center at 3025 Barnes Mill Ct. Roswell, 30075. Patrick Malloy Communities is represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes. com. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Veterans Hospital was on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven

placed in charge of the hospital.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Before the current Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital was built in 1966 on Clairmont Road, Atlanta’s veteran hospital stood at the corner of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road in Brookhaven. This is now the location of DeKalb Services Center and Brookhaven Park.

Known as Veterans Hospital #48, the hospital was established in 1919 to take care of veterans of World War I and the Spanish American War. The buildings of Cheston King Sanitarium were purchased for $90,000. An additional $100,000 was spent to remodel the hospital and increase the bed capacity to 85. Nurses’ quarters were built on hospital property. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec. 24, 1919, “King Sanitarium, beyond Buckhead, purchased by U.S.”)

Charles Lindbergh stopped by on October 11, 1927, “Lindbergh Day” in Atlanta. He was escorted by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and commander of the Georgia Department of the Legion, Asa Warren Candler. Lindbergh took a tour and visited patients, along with Candler and Col. George L. Johnson, commander of the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, Oct. 11, 1927, “Official Lindbergh program for today”)

The hospital closed from July 1929

THE INK PENN

until July 1930 to construct a new facility. A recreation building, nurses’ quarters, officer’s quarters, and administration building were also built. The campus was dedicated as a Veterans Administration Hospital in September of 1930 with John M. Slaton, Jr. as the first manager.

As World War II came to an end, the conditions of the hospital came into question, along with other veterans facilities across the nation. Albert Maisel, investigator and author, received a letter from a patient claiming neglect. The hospital quickly denied the charges. (Atlanta Constitution, April 1, 1945, “What are

PROVIDED

the true conditions of Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital?”)

Maisel pointed out that although the hospital reported an increase of beds from 317 to 415, these were emergency beds added to existing rooms. There was no expansion during this time. The Veterans Hospital had a lengthy waiting list.

He adds that while Grady, St. Josephs and Emory University Hospital had residents and interns, Atlanta’s Veterans Hospital had none. The number of nurses, doctors and ward attendants did not compare with these hospitals when the patient load was considered. Maisel also speculated on why a doctor was not

By 1953, Dr. W.H. Thiele was manager and recognized 200 volunteers with certificates for their service during the previous year. Volunteers were recognized for between 100 and 1,000 hours. Operating at capacity with more patient applications than they could accommodate was still an issue for the hospital. (Atlanta Constitution, April 29, 1953, “Volunteer Workers Receive VA Hospital Service Awards”)

From 1947 until 1951 the hospital changed its purpose two times, once to a tuberculosis hospital and the second time returning to a general medical and surgical hospital. In 1955, the hospital’s history was written by Dr. Thiele to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The Silver anniversary recognized 25 years since the 1930 hospital was built. (DeKalb History Center Archives)

Veteran’s Hospital #48 was demolished in 1969, according to Franklin Garrett’s “Atlanta and Environs Volume II.” Between 1966 and 1969 the hospital sat empty. A Dunwoody Crier reader remembers the building was opened as a haunted house during this time. If you remember this bit of history, please share those memories with me.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

Hitting the book jackpot at the local library

Receiving emails that say, “Materials you have on hold are now available at your pick-up library” brings a huge smile to my face. The message informs me I have seven days to pick up my book(s), and if I already have a few on my nightstand, I often delay pick up until the last possible moment.

The other time I delay is when I see the little truck icon on my “Hold” list on the library website. That means my selection is in transit, and I can anticipate it arriving in a few days. It’s a rare occasion when I have plenty of books on my nightstand, several waiting for me at the library, and suddenly, several more in

transit.

Imagine me humming Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” as I finally made my trip to the library to pick up—wait for it—five books! I told the librarian I felt as though I’d hit the jackpot, and she wished me happy reading. I often pick up several at a time, but I think five may be a record.

Three were part of some of the series that I return to time and time again—the latest and, hopefully, not last book in the Clare Ferguson / Russ Van Alstyne series, another from The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, and one Ruth Galloway mystery. I suspect I’ve written about all of these before, but chances are you’ll get an update soon.

Which book did I immediately dive into? It was “Killers of a Certain Age” because it was a two-week checkout. The others were good for a month. Who knows where I read about this book?

Maybe I stumbled across it on Amazon where it’s labeled an Editor’s Pick and one of the Best Books of 2022. Maybe there was a review in the AJC or the WSJ. Buzzfeed’s one-liner says it all: “This Golden Girls meets James Bond thriller is a journey you want to be part of.” As I write this, I’m halfway through after one night and loving it.

The final book in the stack was recommended to me by one of my newsletter subscribers when I asked what everyone’s favorite Christmas read was. She wrote me that she rereads Rosamunde Pilcher’s “A Winter Solstice” every December. That seemed to be quite a testament to the book, so I added it to my library hold list. I read Pilcher’s “The Shell Seekers” years ago and I recall enjoying it, but somehow never picked up any of her other books. The blurb inside the cover has me eagerly anticipating this one. “Once again, Rosa-

mund Pilcher reminds us all that friendship, compassion, loyalty, and love can come together and renew us all—even when the days seem darkest.”

If you’re an avid reader like I am, you won’t have any difficulty with the idea of me finishing five books in a month. If you’re not, you may think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Either way, I’ll be smiling as I work my way through the stack night after night. Oh! Did I mention I have many more books on hold at the library? I hope to hit the jackpot again soon!

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

Columnist

A postcard image of U.S. Veteran’s Hospital # 48 at the corner of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road in Brookhaven.

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

H R NG ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Retreat:

Continued from Page 1

growing from 11.1 percent to 17.1 percent, and its Hispanic population growing from 10.3 percent to 12 percent.

“We aren't the same community we were when we became a city,” Deutsch said. “We all experience it on a daily basis.”

Deutsch and City Councilman Rob Price said they need to ensure the city is meeting the needs of all residents. So, Price presented the council and city staff with two initiatives aimed at improving the city’s inclusiveness, as it becomes more and more diverse.

The first initiative, through the Georgia Municipal Association, would recognize Dunwoody as a Certified City of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, after they complete a new program that was launched in the fall.

Price said the program would require them to complete a community survey and hold multiple community meetings each year, among other requirements, but those pieces already fit into the city’s priorities.

“To me, the most important part of this is stakeholder involvement,” he said.

The second program Price proposed is the One Region Initiative through the refugee support nonprofit Welcoming America. He said the program will ensure Dunwoody is welcoming and meeting the needs of immigrants, refugees and others from foreign countries.

“Just making sure the community is welcoming and serves those citizens as well,” he said. “But certainly, I would think it would help our economic competitiveness and the idea that whoever you are, we want you in Dunwoody.”

Ambulance service upgrades

Councilmembers heard from Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan about continuing issues that Dunwoody and other DeKalb County cities are experiencing with ambulance response times.

Grogan said in 2022, Dunwoody’s average ambulance response time for the most priority calls was 21 minutes, which, he said, is “extremely high.” The average response time for lower-priority calls was 23 minutes.

“Then on several occasions this past year, no estimated response time could be given for ambulances,” Grogan said. “So, they couldn't even say, ‘We'll be there in 20 minutes, 30 minutes or whatever.’ Because all ambulances were tied up on calls.”

Ambulance response time problems aren’t new for Dunwoody, which has been negotiating with DeKalb County, American Medical Response and the region EMS Council since 2018, when a state of emergency was declared over the long wait times.

Grogan said the long wait times also aren’t unique to Dunwoody, but they prevail throughout Georgia and the country due to staffing challenges, hospital wait times and other issues. But the city’s position isn’t improved by the fact that it is unable to make serious changes to EMS operations without approval at the county and regional levels.

“Our hurdle is we can't get through the EMS Council and the way state laws are written,” Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said.

But this year, Linton said they are going back to the EMS Council and DeKalb County alongside other cities to seek changes.

Grogan said in the meantime, they are working on several other initiatives with DeKalb County and other stakeholders that could help mitigate long wait times, like a dedicated ambulance that would be stationed in the city at peak times each day.

He said the program would cost about $560,000 per year and could be paid for through ARPA funding previously budgeted by the City Council.

Capital bond projects

City councilmembers spent several hours discussing projects that could be funded by a $59 million, 20-year capital improvements bond, if approved by Dunwoody voters in the fall.

Councilman Tom Lambert, who chairs the Citizens Advisory Capital Committee, said the 2023 bond projects were developed over the past year with input and feedback from community members and the Citizens Advisory Committee.

“We've been discussing this topic for a long time,” Lambert said. “One of the concerns last year is we didn't know what was important to our residents.”

Of the $59 million that would be requested through the bond, $30 million would be allocated for park projects and $26 million would go for pedestrian and bike infrastructure improvements, including $5 million for sidewalk up-

grades.

Proposed park projects include $15 million for the construction of parks on Roberts Drive and Vermack Road, $12 million for land acquisition and development of a city softball facility and $3 million for upgrades at existing parks and facilities.

Pedestrian, trail and sidewalk improvements proposed by the council include $15 million for improvements to the Dunwoody Village Streetscape and multiple other projects throughout the city.

As part of the bond project, Lambert said they intend to develop one simple ballot question encompassing all of the projects, which they hope will be easy for voters to understand and digest.

With the proposed project list in hand, Lambert said the City Council will discuss the projects in further detail at a meeting in April, with approval of the proposed project list coming sometime in May.

Improving public participation

One of the overarching themes of the retreat, and a topic of recent City Council discussions, is how the city can encourage more public participation in discussions about city issues.

After seeing the successes the City of Canton has had engaging with underserved communities that don’t normally participate in public meetings, Mayor Deutsch said Dunwoody needs to change how it performs public outreach to get a wider range of views and opinions, rather than just hearing from the same residents on every issue.

Deutsch said in Canton, they take issues out into the community where people of all different ages and backgrounds are working, living and recreating; like restaurants, parks, churches, neighborhoods and events, to form partnerships and get feedback.

“I think if we are committed to reaching people, we have to figure out where they are,” she said. “Because too many Dunwoody residents aren’t coming to a seven o'clock Monday meeting or Tuesday meeting.”

She said the council needs to be more proactive by arranging community meetings, knocking on doors and sending out emails to get feedback in as many ways as possible, and not just wait for the community to come to them.

A good example of when they already used this approach, she said, was when Dunwoody Village was developed, which involved a town hall meeting actually at Dunwoody Village, that was well attended.

“Dunwoody village was phenomenally successful,” she said. “Some of that was because people were interested, some because they were curious, or they didn't like what we were doing and so they showed up. But they showed up.”

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton speaks to members of the City Council at their annual retreat March 22 and 23 at the Forrest Hills Resort in Dahlonega.

Park:

Continued from Page 1

Contention over connectivity

Walker said the plan will not eliminate the existing connections between the park and nearby neighborhoods, but city staff decided the master plan was not the right place for that connection to be included. He did not comment on why the trail connections were removed.

“There's still a plan to connect the two neighborhoods via sidewalk at that dead end,” he said. “But it was something that didn't need to be included as part of the parks master plan.”

Some members of the City Council said they were disappointed to see items dealing with connectivity removed from the plan.

“When we were up in Canton last week and we were looking at the parks, most

PET OF THE WEEK Lorenzo

Lorenzo (ID# 51686148) - Lorenzo is a kind, young guy with a brown brindle coat. Staff and volunteers agree that he is a sweet, friendly boy who walks well on a leash and is very attentive to the people around him. This medium energy fella even has a party trick; standing up on his hind legs like a T. rex. He loves when balls are thrown to him even though he hasn't quite figured out what to do when they are. Lorenzo is an all-around loveable guy.

Take that first step and meet Lorenzo today at Dekalb County Animal Services, located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341.

Expand your family by four furry little feet; meet Lorenzo and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. If you would like more information about Lorenzo please

of our questions were based on how they are connecting their parks via trails into neighborhoods and in fact with this plan, we are doing the exact opposite,” Post 4 Councilwoman Stacey Harris said. “We are removing connectivity.”

After a short discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Harris opposed, to approve the Vermack Park Master Plan. However, the measure was approved with a footnote stipulating the city will upgrade the neighborhood connections to the park, within the next two years.

“What we're doing with this park is focusing on an underserved part of our population,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “Which is children, and with the sensory garden and potentially the equipment we put in the park, adults with special needs.”

Road safety plan

Also at the meeting, councilmembers unanimously approved a contract to de-

velop a Local Road Safety Action Plan for the community.

The plan, which will be developed by Toole Design, seeks to improve road conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers by analyzing crash data, gathering public input and developing strategies to reduce injury and fatality wrecks on local roads.

“This plan will provide a path forward to improve street safety with a special

focus on vulnerable road users like pedestrians and bicyclists,” Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said. “Crash data is important, but we’ll also look to the public to learn about their experiences and priorities.”

The Dunwoody City Council has budgeted $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for street safety improvements, including $166,864 for developing the Local Road Safety Action Plan.

email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Lorenzo goes to a good home.

Our shelter is full of incredible pets waiting for homes. We must find 500 homes; will yours be one of them? To foster, adopt or meet your new furry friend, stop by DeKalb County Animal Services.

Workforce Development Coordinator

Develop programs and services for clients and students who are seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The coordinator collaborates with employers in the community who are hiring. The role also includes working one-on-one on job applications, resumes, interview preparations and offers tips for successfully securing and improving employment. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/02/Workforce-DevelopmentCoordinator-2023.pdf. To apply, send resume to cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Accounting Specialist – PART TIME

Responsible for the day-to-day transactions within the accounting department. The specialist is accountable for preparing financial transactions, processing invoices, and entering general ledger data which will assist in balancing the income statement, managing budgets, and preparing financial reports. Role works closely with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance and Administration. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field required.

Part-time

Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children

Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips. Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.

Home Improvement

A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.

Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required. Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AccountingSpecialist-02.21.23-1.pdf. To apply, send resume to jrice@nfcchelp.org.

Now Hiring: Office Coordinator

Local commercial real estate company is hiring an Office Coordinator. The role includes coordinating administrative tasks between our property management, leasing and accounting departments. The position requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, knowledge of MS Office, a strong work ethic, internal drive, and a positive attitude. This is an office only (not remote work) position. Please contact us Employment@ mpshoppingcenters.com for more information.

Electricians

Belco Electric

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians Check out our new website: BelcoInc.com and follow us on: 770-455-4556

Office Space

Wonderful Office Suite Available

Near (.7 mile) Downtown Alpharetta

• Turnkey – Everything provided

• Utilities included

• Marketing can be included

• Conference Room

•

Neumann’s

Budget Fabrics

Painters

Used Cars

JAGUAR XK-8 CONVERTIBLE 2002, triple black, with superb lines, garners attention wherever you go! Wife’s garaged beauty, excellent condition! 103,000 miles. Second owner. Clean title. $6250. iaofga@gmail.com, 678-667-0391

Garage Sales

SCAVENGER HUNT still lives!

a new kitchen or bathroom. Insured. 20 years experience. 770-292-0576