Dunwoody Crier - May 2, 2024

Lemonade Days keeps revival alive

Annual celebration preserves residents’ sense of community

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The rain held off April 20 at Brook Run Park for Lemonade Days’ 12-hour Saturday slate of stage performances, carnival rides and mouthwatering food.

Organizers said roughly 20,000 Metro Atlantans stopped by the park for the five-day festival.

Hundreds of patrons made their way to the stage at the corner of North Peachtree Road and Peeler Road for the Dunwoody Idol Competition, featuring 10 of the city’s best young vocalists from local middle and high schools.

With the backing of a professional band, festivalgoers jammed out to pop hits and selected a winner, runner-up and crowd favorite.

Marist student Lauren Schroder, 15, took home the first place for her cover of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior.”

The runner-up, 15-year-old Anshula Phadke from Dunwoody High School, sang “Diamonds” by Rihanna.

The crowd-favorite award went to

The contestants in the 2024 Dunwoody Idol competition stand on stage April 20 at the Dunwoody Preservation Trust’s Lemonade Days. The winner of this year’s competition was Marist student Lauren Schroder.

Mackenzie Dakake, 11, a student at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School, for her performance of “A Place in This World” by Taylor Swift.

Elsewhere throughout the park, families, seniors and teenagers swarmed different food vendors, like Soul Truckin’ Good, King of Pops and Repicci’s Italian Ice.

When forecasted rain put doubts on the final day of the festival, organizers were unphased and invited folks back for what turned out to be a dry afternoon.

Lemonade Days, the city’s most

popular family event, features dozens of carnival rides, like the Expo Wheel and Alien Abduction, face-painting and carnival classics and rows of food and beverage vendors.

A group of seven students from Pope High School in Cobb County said they left in a hurry April 17 to make it for the opening day of carnival rides at the festival.

After hopping off the Nemesis 360, a twisting and flipping pendulum that puts

See LEMONADE, Page 13

OPINION

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Girl Scout troop gifts bird houses to Vermack club

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the fifth graders in Girl Scout Troop 19443, it’s exciting to see each other at monthly meetings.

They’ve known one another since kindergarten, but they now attend nine different elementary schools around Dunwoody.

The 12 fifth graders, classified as Junior Girl Scouts, recently completed their Bronze Award project, constructing seven bird shelters and a bird bath at Vermack Swim and Tennis Club.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in Scouting when the girls were in second grade, but that has not stopped Troop 19443 from advancing through the program.

At the April 29 Dunwoody City Council meeting, officials recognized Girl Scout Troop 19443 for their Bronze Award project and its contribution to the city.

The Bronze Award is the third highest award in Girl Scouts and can only be earned by a registered Junior.

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the official name for the national organization, separates girls K-12 based on grade level.

Junior Scouts, after moving through the Daisies and Cookies levels, enter their first opportunity to earn one of the Girl Scouts’ highest awards.

While girls are in the fourth or fifth

See SCOUTS, Page 12

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

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Police seek suspects in car break-ins

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating a string of car break-ins along Wellesley Trace April 18

Police said eight vehicles had been entered and ransacked.

All eight of the vehicles were left unlocked overnight, officers said.

At the time of the report, officers said they contacted six of the eight victims.

Two reported missing items from their vehicles, including a $2,500 medical device, a $500 portable GPS and a $100 sound bar.

Officers said the suspects remain unidentified, but Ring cameras showed two Black men driving an SUV. The first suspect wore all black clothing with medium length locs, and the second suspect wore an allwhite T-shirt, shorts and socks.

The Chattahoochee River 911 Authority issued a be-on-the-lookout for the two suspects to surrounding jurisdictions, officers said.

Man reports gun taken from parked vehicle

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating a car break-in on Perimeter Center North at The Hartley apartments April 19 after an Atlanta man reported a stolen handgun.

Officers said they met with the victim, a 36-year-old Atlanta man, at the apartments.

The victim said he left his 2010 Aston Martin Rapide in the parking deck April 17 at an unknown time.

He said he noticed his brown Canik Mete MC9 9mm pistol and other miscellaneous items were missing April 19 when he returned to his car.

The handgun is valued at $450.

Officers said the victim was not certain

whether he had locked the car.

The victim said he turned in a stolen gun form to the Police Department.

Woman says Uber driver pointed weapon at her

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating an aggravated assault April 21 at the Dunwoody MARTA station after a Sandy Springs woman said an Uber driver pointed a gun at her.

The victim, a 43-year-old Sandy Springs woman, said she requested a ride around 1:40 p.m.

When the Uber arrived five minutes later, the driver allegedly pointed a gun at her, laughed and drove off.

The victim said she last saw the vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Camry SE, turning left toward Roswell Road.

Through the Uber app, officers said they identified the driver as a 47-year-old Atlanta man.

Officer said they were unable to contact the owner of the vehicle.

Police arrest Atlanta man for alleged office burglary

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police arrested a 57-year-old Atlanta man April 12 for allegedly burglarizing an office on Westside Way.

Officers responded to a security alarm call at an engineering firm and found the man exiting the building around 11 p.m.

The suspect reportedly told officers he was part of the office’s cleaning crew, but he did not have keys, an alarm code, an ID or a uniform. He provided police with the name of his boss, but he said he left his phone at home so he could not provide her number.

Officers reported finding two screwdrivers in the man’s back pocket. He did not answer when questioned about the tools.

Officers contacted the building manager, who provided the name of a cleaning company other than what the suspect cited, the report states.

The owner of the cleaning company reportedly told officers one of his

employees had already secured the engineering firm for the evening, and he said neither the suspect nor the cleaning firm he cited worked for him.

While searching the building, officers reported confirming the suspect had been seen exiting a neighboring dental office rather than the engineering firm, but open drawers were found in both businesses.

Security footage showed the suspect forcing a door open and rummaging through a filing cabinet, the report states.

The suspect was charged with felony forced commercial burglary and possession of tools for the commission of a crime, as well as misdemeanor loitering or prowling.

He is being held at the North Fulton County Jail with no posted bond amount.

Man says female driver brandished handgun

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Forsyth County man reported April 12 a Norcross woman allegedly aimed a handgun at him during a road rage incident on North Point Drive.

The man reported he was driving south in the left lane when the woman swerved into his lane and nearly hit his vehicle.

He said he honked his horn, and the woman “became irate,” threw up her hands and began yelling, the report states.

He reported the woman then pointed a handgun at him through her open window, and he evaded her and called 911.

The man told officers they both stopped in the parking lot of North Point Mall, and he told the woman police were coming. She then allegedly tried to flee, and he followed her until losing sight of her vehicle.

Officers reported finding and speaking with the woman, who said she was trying to change lanes, but the man attempted to cut her off. The woman told officers she saw the man reach for what she believed to be a weapon, so she drew her handgun to show she was armed.

She confirmed they stopped in the mall parking lot, and he followed her when she tried to flee, the report states.

Because of the conflicting stories and there being no witnesses, neither person was arrested.

Mount Everest

At the end of March, Dunwoody residents Crispin and Karen Henry travelled all the way from the Kingsley Subdivision to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The Henrys carried the Crier up all 17,598 feet. Thanks Henrys and Go Dawgs!

Where in the world is the Crier?

If you’re headed on a trip, the Crier wants to sightsee, too. Take a copy with you and share the moment with folks back home. Send your travel photos with the Crier to newsroom@appenmedia.com

Mortgage options to open the front door

1Restrictions apply. The $900 credit towards closing costs applies to Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s mortgage loan applications received between May 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024. The mortgage loan must close by July 31, 2024 to qualify. This o er is limited to purchase of primary residences, and excludes investment properties, 2nd homes, land loans, home equity loans and government sponsored loan programs including VA and FHA Loans. All applications are subject to approval under Georgia’s Own underwriting guidelines. Promotional o er subject to change without notice.

Dunwoody, Perimeter CID join to fortify public safety

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The DeKalb Perimeter Community Improvement District announced a strategic partnership with the City of Dunwoody and its Police Department April 23 to enhance public safety.

The DeKalb PCID approved around $173,000 for a two-year partnership on public safety and technology in the Perimeter district.

To enhance overall safety around Perimeter Mall, a Flock Safety system will be deployed, including the use of Falcon license plate readers, a Raven gunshot detection system covering 1 square mile and Condor pan-tilt-zoom cameras.

The measures are believed to not only help deter crime but also facilitate rapid response and investigation.

Last month, the Dunwoody City Council approved the contract, which sets up a pilot program for the DeKalb PCID to determine the effectiveness of Flock Safety equipment.

The city, which has invested in its own surveillance technology in the Perimeter district, does not share the cost of the two-year contract.

The partnership leverages stateof-the-art surveillance equipment and cutting-edge technology to enhance monitoring capabilities.

Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter CIDs, manages the self-taxing districts in the “edge city” where Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven converge.

“This partnership underscores our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone in the Perimeter community,” Hanlon said. “By investing in this advanced technology and collaborating closely with the Dunwoody Police Department, we are taking proactive steps to address evolving safety needs and uphold our commitment to public safety.”

While community improvement districts typically spend funds on transportation and infrastructure projects, the DeKalb PCID and Dunwoody remain committed to proactive measures that prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors.

“We are pleased about the opportunities this partnership presents to enhance public safety in Dunwoody,” Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson said. “By leveraging advanced technology and working closely with DeKalb PCID, we can better serve our community and ensure a safer environment for all.”

PERIMETER CIDS/PROVIDED

Members of the DeKalb Perimeter Community Improvement District, the City of Dunwoody and its Police Department gather to showcase the new Flock Safety Falcon license plate reader, one of three device types that will be installed as part of a public safety partnership. From left, Dunwoody Police Sgt. Tim Fecht, Officer Theresa Hernandez, PCIDs Executive Director Ann Hanlon, Dekalb PCID Board Member Yolanda Turner (State Farm), Chief Mike Carlson, Lt. Patrick Krieg, and City Manager Eric Linton

Record restriction clinic provides second chance for criminal offenders

DECATUR, Ga. — Close to 150 criminal arrest records were placed into restricted status as part of a clinic hosted by DeKalb County law enforcement, judicial stakeholders and community partners April 13.

The Record Restriction Clinic took place at Goodwill of North Georgia on Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. The event recognized Second Chance Month which is designated each year to help individuals and communities across Georgia recognize the importance of reentry services and their role in supporting safe and successful criminal justice outcomes.

Record restriction, formerly known as expungement, shields old arrest and conviction information from public view and can improve opportunities for housing, jobs, and financial credit.

The clinic ran in conjunction with the Reentry Collaborative Summit hosted by the DeKalb Department of Community Supervision Office, offering individuals one location for a variety of reentry and legal services. Interested individuals with an arrest by the DeKalb County Police Department or the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, or misdemeanor and felony convictions in the county were eligible to apply for the Record Restriction Clinic in March.

More than 240 applications were accepted, with up to two arrests allowed per application. Entries were

processed by the DeKalb County Police Department, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Solicitor-General’s Office, and the Clerk of Superior Court in advance of the event.

Applicants received news of their application status at the Record Restriction Clinic and by mail. Individuals who were not able to have their records restricted during the clinic were given the opportunity to schedule a consultation with an attorney from the Law Office of the DeKalb County Public Defender or the Georgia Justice Project to discuss their legal options.

In addition to record restriction and the opportunity to meet with an attorney, services at the event included a job and resources fair, food distribution, medical screenings, SNAP applications and voter registration.

PAST TENSE

Book tells story of Frank Murphy serving with 100th Bomb Group

Frank DeSales Murphy was a member of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force, 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, which became known as The Bloody Hundredth.

On Saturday, May 18 at the WW II Atlanta Round Table, Chloe Melas, NBC news entertainment correspondent, will participate in a panel discussion and speak about her father’s book, “Luck of the Draw: My Story of the Air War in Europe.”

Frank Murphy was born at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Atlanta in 1921. He was attending Emory University when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dece.7, 1941. Murphy had taken flying lessons while at Emory. He applied to be an Aviation Cadet, but a depth perception issue prevented him from becoming a pilot. However, his role as a navigator was essential in every mission.

The 100th Bomb Group was stationed at Thorpe-Abbotts air base in England. On Oct. 19, 1943, Murphy was on his 21st mission as navigator when the plane was shot down over Muenster, Germany. He was sprayed with shrapnel. Murphy parachuted into the field of a German farming family, hurting his ankle as he landed. The family helped him to their home, then reported him to the police.

Murphy was picked up and taken for interrogation by the Germans. They kept him in solitary confinement for six days. Then, he was sent by railroad boxcar to Stalag Luft III. Two men on board the plane died, the remainder were captured and taken to Stalag Luft III.

Murphy spent 19 months at the prison camp. He writes extensively about his experience in “Luck of the Draw,” including how the German guards were harsher following an attempted tunnel escape by 76 British soldiers.

After the war ended, Murphy returned to Emory to finish his degree. He attended law school and met his wife Ann. They married in 1949.

Frank Murphy self-published his WWII memoir in 2001. His daughter Elizabeth Murphy, a children’s book author, encouraged him to write down his experiences. Frank Murphy died in 2007 at the age of 85. His daughter, granddaughter and wife took on the task of bringing the book to the public

PROVIDED

“Luck of the Draw” is the memoir of WW II veteran Frank Murphy originally published in 2001, newly released in 2023 by his daughter and granddaughter. It will be the subject of the upcoming May 18th WWII Round Table in Dunwoody.

by publishing it in 2023. Elizabeth Murphy and Chloe Melas wrote a new forward to the book.

The book was one of the sources for “Masters of the Air,” available on Apple TV+ and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. The series portrays the events of the 100th Bomb Group beginning in 1943. A quote from Tom Hanks is featured on the cover of the book. “In the pursuit of authenticity, of accurate history, and undeniable courage, no words matter more than, ‘I was there.’ Read ‘Luck of the Draw’ and the life of Frank Murphy and ponder this, how did those boys do such things?”

Although Murphy is a supporting character in “Masters of the Air,” he is featured prominently in the accompanying documentary “The Bloody Hundredth.” The documentary is narrated by Hanks and features video clips of participants. Several video clips of Murphy sharing his detailed history are featured. His full interview is available on the Atlanta History Center website at https://album. atlantahistorycenter.com/digital/ collection/VHPohr/id/596/rec/4.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

5 absolute must-haves in the bathroom

Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria

Throughout America major changes are happening in the bathroom, especially in the shower. North Atlanta expanded rapidly from 1980 to 2005, and this is the era of jetted tubs dominating the bathroom, claustrophobic gold framed showers, poor lighting and the use of materials that promoted mold and mildew (grout).

“We see this every day”, says John Hogan, owner of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, “Homeowners are tired of recurring grout issues, and they want their bathrooms to be a soothing pleasant experience.” Bath and Kitchen Galleria just completed their 1000th project and bathrooms are their primary type of project. “We have a formula that works for homeowners that balances bathroom aesthetics, function and price.”

In the bathroom, America has realigned its preferences, and the bathroom has taken a new shape in terms of products and appearance. At the center of “America’s New Bathroom” is a larger, open shower. We take more showers than baths, so the emphasis has shifted to the shower. Larger showers are more inviting and in most cases the shower does not have a ceiling.

The openness of the shower is the mold solution.

In concert with the openness is the abundant use of shower glass. Not just any glass but specially coated glass that makes cleaning far less frequent.

“We remodel just about every shower to be a maximum of 2 tiled walls: the remaining walls are always glass,” Mr. Hogan continued, “abundant glass and strategically located lighting, promotes that spa feeling.” Bathrooms are now engineered to be cleaner, both in design and materials; grout no longer promotes mold, non-porous tile remains clean, and humidity sensing fans automatically exhaust unwanted humidity.

Americans are taking shorter showers, but an abundance of water is also desired, so multiple shower heads especially incorporating a handheld wand is preferred. Especially when a bench is included, the water needs to be accessible from a seated position.

The 5 Absolute Must-Haves in a Bathroom: Bigger Showers, Brighter Bathrooms, Designs that Promote Cleanliness, Abundant Water experiences and Soothing Colors. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.

7 | Dunwoody Crier | May 2, 2024

ISTOCK

Astone’s throw from elite schools, gourmet dining, and upscale shopping, this sanctuary offers unmatched privacy and safety on a sprawling 1-acre oasis. The estate greets you with a remarkable, flat driveway leading to a versatile courtyard, perfect for both parking luxury vehicles and playful afternoons of basketball and bike rides. The backyard is a private retreat, mirroring the tranquility of the North Georgia mountains, featuring a heated aquiline pool and spa, cozy fire pit, useable yard and sheltered patio for blissful year-round relaxation. Nothing was spared in crafting the elaborate multiple-level hardscape and landscape, ensuring each outdoor space is as luxurious as the interior. Upon entering through the impressive black iron doors, you are welcomed into a world where modern elegance meets classic luxury. European Red Oak wood floors weave through the residence, signifying unending opulence. The heart of this exquisite home is its custom chef’s kitchen, designed for the culinary enthusiast. Custom inset cabinets provide a timeless elegance, while the Wolf commercial double oven, Subzero refrigerator, convenient pot filler, and wine cooler cater to every gourmet need. This kitchen is not just a place for cooking; it’s a masterpiece of design and functionality, perfect for crafting meals and memories. The main floor is an architectural marvel, where living spaces flow seamlessly yet offer distinct privacy. It features an expansive vaulted family room that blends into a sunroom with FireRock flooring, a welcoming fireplace, and a bespoke bar - an ideal setting for both tranquil living and high-end entertaining. The main living space is literally in the treetops where the changing seasons afford different views through the oversized windows year round. The master suite on this level redefines luxury, boasting a marble bath, designer lighting, and a custom closet with a secondary laundry for utmost convenience. Ascend to the second level to find four extraordinary bedroom suites, each a spacious sanctuary with high ceilings, private baths, and ample walk-in closets. The terrace level is a haven for leisure and fitness, offering a vast recreation room perfect for teens and a state-of-the-art home gym. Additional unfinished spaces present endless possibilities for personalization, and the home is prepped for an elevator, ensuring easy access across all four levels. This residence isn’t just a home; it’s a testament to luxury and exclusivity in North Atlanta, awaiting those who demand grandeur, privacy, and meticulous attention to detail in both indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Step into the epitome of North Atlanta luxury with this stunning Johns Creek estate, presented by Storybook Builders and nestled within the exclusive gates of Grand Estates of the South.

5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Baths Offered at $3,200.000

The crossroad of luxury and leisure

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

Welcome to the Crossroads at Birmingham, where luxury living meets the charm of countryside allure. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes and equestrian estates that define Milton's beauty, this striking new home community stands as a beacon of distinctive living.

Crossroads at Birmingham is an intimate collection of 25 two- and three-story village homes and 10 expansive country estates, each meticulously crafted to evoke the timeless elegance of farmhouse living. It

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Thoughtfully designed interiors offer open-concept layouts that effortlessly unite spacious living areas and private retreats. Here, every detail has been carefully curated from the rich hardwood floors to the cozy fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the main living space. Throughout the community a world of natural beauty awaits, with scenic walking trails, tranquil ponds, and lush green spaces.

Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection, Crossroads offers the perfect backdrop to reconnect with nature and unwind.

This new addition to the North Fulton landscape embodies the prestige of a Milton address coupled with the tranquility of suburban living.

Crossroads at Birmingham boasts a prime location near the intersection of Birmingham Road and Birmingham Highway, and offers homeowners unparalleled accessibility to local shops, renowned restaurants, the quaint charm of nearby Crabapple and the entertainment destinations of Alpharetta.

Children will attend award winning schools such as Birmingham Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Milton High School.

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Be aware of fraudulent transfer of properties in Fulton County

Brought to you by – Geerdes & Associates

In the last few years, our clients have asked about the possibility of fraudulent transfers of properties without the owner being notified. While this does not happen for homeowners who have their properties in a trust, those who don't have a trust yet must be aware of this risk. Fortunately, Fulton County has set up an alert system to notify you when there is a change of ownership or legal document filed for a designated property. This alert system is called the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS) Spearheaded by the Clerks of the Superior Court, FANS is an opt-in notification system. By simply creating an account and setting your notification preferences, you can immediately receive alerts about deeds, mortgages, and liens that are filed on your property. FANS operate by connecting directly with the Superior Court’s index database, which contains records of all the documents filed for every property in Fulton County. When you set up an account, FANS will automatically send you a notice when-

ever documents are filed for a designated property.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about important legal filings related to real estate is crucial. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate agent, or simply interested in tracking property records, FANS’s timely alerts allow you to keep a close eye on the legal documents related to a property - and act swiftly in the case of fraudulent filings. Take advantage of the transparency of FANS and make sure you cover this aspect of your asset protection today.

Appen Press Club presents

Listening Tour 2024

Scouts:

Continued from Page 1

grade, they can begin work on the Bronze Award, which requires a Junior Journey before the troop can move onto their Take Action Project.

Each girl must contribute 20 hours to the project.

Last fall, the Junior Scouts began the process to complete their requirements for their project.

During brainstorming, Troop Leader Melissa Lassiter said the girls discussed the beauty of Dunwoody and the challenges they saw in the community.

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Dunwoody voters wrestling with whether to support a $60 million bond referendum for parks, trails and greenspace caught their attention.

They began to look at surrounding recreational areas in their community, like Homecoming Park and DonaldsonBannister Farm, and how they could support their community.

Lassiter said the girls’ ambitious idea for a new playground was scrapped for something in the troop’s budget — a bird sanctuary.

Lassiter and Troop 19443 tackled the Bronze Award project in three main phases, research and design, construction and installation.

During the first phase, the troop researched local plants and birds and learned about the key elements of a bird sanctuary, including food, water, shelter and weather-resistant materials.

Claire Guenault, who attends Dunwoody Elementary School, said the troop talked a lot about deforestation, which disrupts bird homes and their food supply, and they chose to build a bird sanctuary.

“Birds need homes,” Claire said. “They are pollinators.”

Kate Kramer, another scout from Dunwoody Elementary, added, “If bird populations decrease, this can disrupt the food chain.”

To construct the bird houses, the girls found unused items around their house and brought them to troop meetings. The

Public Notice

The American Liver Foundation’s Liver Life Walk Atlanta will take place at Brook Run Park on May 11, 2024. The walk takes place within the park from 9am-12pm. There may be increased traffic on North Peachtree Road, Peeler Road and Barclay Drive. There will be minimal interruption.

For more information or any questions please visit liverlifewalk.org/atlanta

MELISSA LASSITER/PROVIDED A few Junior Scouts from Troop 19443 paint a shelter for their bird sanctuary across from Homecoming Park on Vermack Road. The idea for a bird sanctuary stemmed from school lessons about the effects of deforestation and habitat loss, a troop leader said.

process, known as upcycling, gives items a second life instead of tossing them in a landfill.

Lassiter said she wasn’t sure how the upcycling would turn out, but the creative reuse of materials went smoothly.

The installation process involved submitting an official proposal to the Vermack Swim and Tennis Club.

Its location across from Homecoming Park was perfect because of proximity to a stream with native plants for the birds to pollinate and eat, Lassiter said.

She said the troop has committed to watching over the bird sanctuary for their Cadette level years for maintenance and safety.

Members of Troop 19443 are eligible to begin working on their Silver Award when they reach the Cadette level during middle school. For the Silver Award, girls are asked to work in smaller groups and put in more service hours with additional requirements.

The Gold Award, available to high school girls who are either Seniors or Ambassadors, requires an individual project that goes beyond the local community with more service hours and requirements.

The troop will continue to spread the word about the importance of caring for forested areas and birds through presentations to other Dunwoody area Girl Scout Troops.

Lassiter said the best part about being troop leader is watching the girls’ independence grow year after year.

Lemonade:

Continued from Page 1

riders hundreds of feet in the air, the teenagers were off on a quest for deepfried Oreos.

A group of Peachtree Middle School students waiting their turn said they would like to see the fish in plastic bags be removed from the festival’s inventory of prizes. In years past, the students said some folks abuse or kill fish.

Besides the attractions for local students, Lemonade Days offers adult beverages for parents looking to sit back and watch youngsters tire themselves out at the festival.

Founded by Joyce Amacher and Lynne Byrd in 1994, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust exists because of the Cheek-Spruill House, a two-story home known as the Dunwoody Farmhouse. It’s the only property the nonprofit owns of the several historical sites it manages around Dunwoody.

Together with the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, the DPT raised more than $200,000 and eventually received the home and one-half acre of land in 1998 through a donation from a developer.

Built in 1906, the Cheek-Spruill House is fully restored and the location of “Light Up Dunwoody” and the Dunwoody Homeowners Association’s 4th of July Parade.

According to the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, the Cheek-Spruill House is financially self-sustaining, which is an important criterion of successful historic preservation.

The inaugural Lemonade Days took place in spring 1999 and got its name from the phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

A decade before Dunwoody was incorporated, a category F-2 tornado ripped through the community, leaving more than $150 million in property damages.

The tornado began its path in Alabama, picked up in Cobb County and came across Chamblee Dunwoody Road, moved east along Peeler Road, down Tilly Mill Road, through parts of Kingsley, across Happy Hollow Road and through Fontainebleau Forest, then across Winters Chapel Road into Lockridge Forest.

Kristin Simmons, interim executive director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, said the nonprofit jumped at the opportunity to support the 1,500 families displaced by the storm.

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association, Dunwoody Preservation Trust and Dunwoody Nature Center joined forces following the tornado with an initiative called “Replant the Dunwoody Forest.” More than 25,000 trees were planted around Dunwoody

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The Dunwoody Preservation Trust’s leadership team gathers around Sarah Massey, front center, who was named 2024 Honorary Miss Lemonade Days. Each year, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust honors a volunteer who has contributed to historical preservation in the city.

thanks to the effort.

Kristin Simmons, interim executive director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, said a lot of Dunwoody residents at the festival, especially the young ones, do not know about that piece of history.

“People just don’t know who we are,” Simmons said. “We have a terrific mission, and we’re very much about creating a sense of community, which is something we’ve had in Dunwoody for generations.”

Hope Follmer, director of Lemonade Days, said Dunwoody Preservation Trust partners with the city and its Parks and Recreation Department to put on the annual festival.

After law enforcement gave the allclear concerning alleged threats to the festival on its second day, operations were “absolutely perfect,” she said.

“We have received overwhelming positive feedback from festivalgoers on proactively hiring line management personnel from Simpson Protective Services,” Follmer said. “Our amazing Dunwoody police officers, who are always in attendance for the festival, played a major role in the smooth operation of the festival for everyone involved.”

She also said the nonprofit needs more members for more donations to keep the historical preservation of sites around the city going for future generations.

“If we don’t look at the past, then what are we doing,” Follmer said. “If we don’t plan for the future and bring up the younger generation with the acknowledgement that the past is important, then it’s all for nothing.”

In Memoriam

Edward John Stangline

Edward John Stangline, 88, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024. Ted was born in 1935 in Scranton, PA to Edward and Ruth Stangline. He attended and graduated from Penn State University. Professionally, he was the owner and operator of Mammy’s Kitchen restaurant for 25 years. Ted

was a loving husband to wife Theresa for 64 years. He loved to travel, play golf and host cocktail hour with friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Theresa and son Barry Stangline. Ted is survived by his daughter Melissa Bapst (John) and grandchildren Kyle Stangline, Lindsay Bapst and Jack Bapst.

Local children enjoy a spin around a carnival motorcycle ride April 20 at Dunwoody’s Lemonade Days.

Madison Holtz, Discover Dunwoody communications director, reacts after striking the bell on a strength tester at Lemonade Days April 17. Discover Dunwoody promotes the city and its many offerings.

Painters

Handyman

GARDEN

2 adjacent plots $7,500/both. $5500/value each. Peaceful, desirable area. 404-402-5602.

THE

Painting, Drywall, Plumbing, Electrical and Small Jobs.

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

Murphy:

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Murphy was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal and U.S. Prisoner of War Medal for his service. He later served on the Board of Trustees of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia just outside Savannah.

The May 18 WWII Round Table meeting will be at Dunwoody United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road. Contact Bill LeCount at 404-886-7383 by May 12, 2024, to make a reservation. Meetings include lunch and social time, beginning at 10 a.m.

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

EFFICIENCY EVAPORATOR, WIFI THERMOSTAT, PAD, OVERFLOW PAN, FILTER RACK. CALL 678 605-9159

events. Must be

and arrive at appointments on time. The ideal candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and must be incredibly organized with a strong work ethic. Send resume and cover letter to (Lsummers909@gmail.com) for details.