Dunwoody Crier - May 9, 2024

A look at the state-of-the-art fitness center on the fourth floor of the Palladium Building at Campus 244 in

Campus 244 approaches completion

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — With views of Perimeter, Buckhead and a sliver of the Bank of America Plaza, the developers of Campus 244 in Dunwoody are betting on its location and uniqueness.

The 12.8-acre campus, with plans

for an additional office building and parking garage in phase two, is nearing completion of phase one.

With the hotel topped off and interior office build-outs underway, tenants are nearly ready to move into the new mixed-use development behind the Perimeter Expo shopping center.

By fall, the development will

feature a five-story building with 405,000 square feet of Class-A office space, a 145-key boutique hotel and several on-site restaurants.

The central greenspace and twostory restaurant pavilion are yet to be built.

The plan is for phase one to open

See CAMPUS, Page 16

Residents question city’s priority goals, financial soundness

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch addressed public comments on city finances April 29, saying the city remains on solid footing, and money committed to paths and sidewalks is not compromising public safety.

At the regular City Council meeting, resident Bob Hickey, a critic of last November’s failed parks bond referendum and multi-use trails, raised concerns about proposed spending for paths on North Shallowford Road and Winter’s Chapel Road.

Hickey also spoke against a request for federal funding for the design of the Village Crossroads project on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

If awarded, the federal funds would replace $8 million in special purpose local option sales taxes slated to complete the projects. A 20 percent local match is required.

“Voters overwhelmingly voted against the bond resolution,” Hickey said. “We want a plan to provide the required police funding and staffing, and we want a plan to ensure that the structural deficit … will be solved.”

Dunwoody voters defeated the referendum by a 57-to-43 percent margin at the polls.

To dispel concerns that public safety funding is being sacrificed for parks and trails, Mayor Lynn Deutsch confirmed with

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NEWS ANALYSIS

Sandy Springs bars public access to council budget talks

By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Appen Media staff reporter Hayden Sumlin, Director of Content & Development Carl Appen and Publisher Hans Appen were all denied entry to a public meeting April 30 in which the Sandy Springs City Council was discussing the 2025 budget.

Sumlin arrived to Sandy Springs City Hall first, intending to report the council’s discussion as he does with all important public meetings. Security stopped him in the lobby, saying they were unsure whether he was allowed to proceed. After checking with city staff in the upstairs conference room where the council had gathered, a security officer informed Sumlin they had been instructed to deny entry to anyone seeking to attend the meeting. The justification given, incorrectly, was that the event was not open to the public.

By Georgia law, anytime a quorum, or voting majority, of a city council gathers, the public is allowed to attend. The meeting was also posted on Sandy Springs “Public Meetings” page online.

Sumlin tried to call Acting Communications Director Dan Coffer, who did not answer. Sumlin then alerted Carl Appen to the situation.

Coffer, who has been with the city since 2008, eventually came to the lobby after someone in the meeting alerted him to the presence of the media. When Sumlin again requested entry to the meeting, Coffer said he had to check and went to the conference room. A few minutes later, Coffer returned and escorted Sumlin inside.

Sumlin entered the meeting 20 minutes after it started, just as Police Chief Ken DeSimone began making his department’s budget presentation. The discussion would go on to include Open Records practices and funding for the proposed shooting range and training

facility.

Shortly after, Carl Appen, and later Hans Appen, arrived in the lobby and faced the same barrier to entry. Security repeated they had just received guidance that the meeting was closed to the public. Carl Appen contacted Coffer. The communications chief returned to the lobby, invited the Appens upstairs and informed them both that, “of course the meeting is public.”

Coffer gave differing explanations of how the event occurred. He acknowledged a mistake had occurred and said that instructions given to security were incorrect. He declined to identify who spoke with the guard, who alerted him to the presence of media and whether it was the same person. When asked why he, himself, needed to return to the conference room before granting Sumlin access, Coffer did not answer.

The following day, Publisher Hans Appen filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office about the exchange. In the letter, he wrote of the importance of maintaining public access to public meetings. “There is no excuse for doing anything else, especially for discussions surrounding how to spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars,” he wrote.

It is not the first Sandy Springs complaint to come across the Attorney General’s desk in recent weeks.

Sandy Springs has repeatedly denied requests for payroll records, hiding the names of those the city paid more than $43 million – including $970,000 in bonuses – during 2023. To obscure the payees, Sandy Springs cited an Open Records Act exemption meant to protect the city from “sabotage, criminal, or terroristic acts.” After hearing about these actions, the Attorney General’s Office got involved.

Assistant Attorney Kristen Settlemire sent a letter April 4 to Sandy Springs City Attorney Dan Lee. In it she writes, “It is unclear how either of the exemptions

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A news analysis provides a perspective on events from the point of view of the writer who is qualified to speak to the subject. It frees the author to take measured steps away from pure reporting and include opinion, backed by evidence, to make a point. Appen Media strives for objectivity in all its news content and clearly marks articles that include opinion.

being relied upon by the city apply to the redacted portions of the record herein.”

Settlemire gave the city 10 days to respond, “and specifically indicate how the employee names and position IDs within the requested record fall under the exemptions to disclosure cited.”

Lee replied April 15, telling the Attorney General’s Office that the city is maintaining its position. Settlemire told Appen Media her agency has, “been considering next steps in light of the response,” and plans to send a follow-up letter to Sandy Springs this week.

It is unclear whether the city had received that letter before three members of the news media were barred from covering a public meeting. And, while it’s not directly related, it weighs in the balance that one of the three people barred is a Sandy Springs resident.

Appen Media will continue to pursue all avenues to secure and protect the public’s right to know how the City of Sandy Springs spends taxpayer dollars. Appen Media has never asked the city for anything that does not belong to the public.

Sandy Springs readers and residents who want to help can do so by contributing to Appen Media’s legal fund at appenmedia.com/openrecords, joining the Appen Press Club at appenmedia.com/join or contacting their elected officials.

Dunwoody celebrates Sustainability Heroes

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

Pictured center, Lloyd Fisher, owner of Oak Avenue Landscaping, accepts the Sustainability Hero Award with his wife and children, Dunwoody officials and Sustainability Committee members. Fisher and his landscaping company use electric equipment with solar-charged batteries.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials recognized Jason Metzger and Oak Avenue Landscaping as recipients of the 2023 Sustainability Hero Awards at the April 29 City Council meeting.

Initiated in 2012, the Sustainability Hero Award program celebrates individuals and organizations to recognize their dedication, service and leadership in eco-friendly practices. Members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee selected the winners after the community submitted nominations for the awards.

The Sustainability Committee meets monthly and serves to encourage the city and the community to reduce its environmental impact by improving resource efficiency. Public education and outreach on sustainability are central to its mission.

“Earth is not just our home; it’s our shared responsibility,” Michael Pray, chair of the Sustainability Committee, said. “Sustainability heroes lead the way, and this recognition reinforces their importance and impact.”

Jason Metzger was the individual

recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for supporting recycling and alternate transportation efforts, serving as the Solarize Dunwoody liaison and working to strengthen the city’s Sustainability Plan as a member of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee.

He lives and models sustainable principles by composting, growing an organic lawn and garden irrigated with captured rainwater and using a pushreel mower to care for this lawn.

Metzger also uses bike and public transit to commute to work in all kinds of weather, inspiring bicyclists of all ages in the community and beyond. He even works as a public servant in the green sector.

Metzger said the words sustainability and climate change can make people feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

“Even seemingly minor individual actions like trading a car trip for a bicycle ride, eating less meat or buying less can have a tremendous impact in aggregate,” he said.

“Whatever you do to conserve, no matter how large or small, our planet

See HEROES, Page 8

From left, District 5 member Vickie B. Turner, District 4 member Allyson Gevertz, District 6 member and Chair Diijon DaCosta, Superintendent Devon Q. Horton, District 2 member Whitney McGinniss, District 3 member and Vice Chair Deirdre Pierce and District 1 member Anna Hill gather for a photo at the April 19 DeKalb County Board of Education retreat. The board voted to extend Horton’s contract through June 2027.

DeKalb County superintendent earns 2-year contract extension

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — The DeKalb County Board of Education approved a two-year extension for Superintendent Devon Q. Horton April 19 at its retreat.

Board members also exercised a threeyear option in his contract, with a 6-0 vote, extending his tenure through June 30, 2027.

Horton, who holds a doctorate in education from Chicago State University, began his role with DeKalb County School District last July.

Board Chair Diijon DaCosta said the board is thrilled to have Horton continue to lead the school system.

“Since assuming the position last July, he has consistently delivered on his vision to disrupt for excellence,” DaCosta said. “His focus on improving outcomes for our diverse student body through innovative

approaches makes him the ideal leader for our district at this time.”

During the retreat, DaCosta noted that the timing of Horton's contract extension was most appropriate.

“Our board’s retreat’s theme, “Standing on Business,” aligns with our strong working relationship with Dr. Horton,” he said. “This contract extension continues the foundation for our scholars’ successes today and their many tomorrows.”

Horton expressed his appreciation for the board’s confidence in his leadership.

“Our collective efforts to enhance student outcomes will continue, and we are determined to make significant progress,” he said. “As there is always room for improvement, we will not rest until every child is equipped to pursue and achieve their dreams and aspirations."

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Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, showcases her Girl Scout Gold Award project at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28. For the project, Mohan is working to address early childhood literacy in infants and toddlers by distributing around 400 books as well as literary guides to areas like South Fulton and impoverished villages in India.

Girl Scout leads campaign to promote youth literacy

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

Start the day celebrating her with our breakfast buffet. We will be open 7am to 2pm to make your day special. Buffet: Adults $16.99 and Kids $8.99.

METRO ATLANTA — Stuti Mohan, a sophomore at Chattahoochee High School, spoke with library directors, childcare specialists and teachers in the area to arrive at her Girl Scout Gold Award project — addressing early childhood literacy.

The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It involves understanding the root cause of a community issue and acting to produce long-term benefits.

“A lot of them told me that, especially with the pandemic, they saw a larger gap between kids who could read and kids who couldn’t,” Mohan said. “A lot of kids were coming into kindergarten miles behind their peers because they simply weren’t offered the same education before entering the school system.”

After a number of conversations, Mohan said she began to research best practices to prepare infants and toddlers for kindergarten for her project, “Literary Lullabies.”

“We’re really trying to emphasize that literacy starts from in the womb, and literacy starts from the moment you’re born,” she said.

With a copy of “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner on-hand, Mohan set up shop at Halcyon’s Spring Market April 28 to sell homemade books and bookmarks to fundraise $2,000 to buy new books in addition to ones she plans to collect through a book drive.

The goal is around 400 books, which will be distributed to obstetrics

Monetary donations toward “Literary Lullabies” can be done through Zelle at 224-388-2831. Books for infants and toddlers can be dropped off at 12250 Stevens Creek Drive in Johns Creek from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Stuti Mohan at 770-310-8743 or literarylullabies@gmail.com.

clinics, nonprofit organizations and hospitals along with literary guides that list the benefits and methods of reading to a child.

Mohan also intends to host workshops to educate families on the importance of literacy and provide them with resources to obtain a library card.

South Fulton is one area Mohan is focused on. Another is in India.

She plans to distribute 100 book bags filled with books, reading calendars and guides translated to Hindi throughout maternity and pediatric wards of hospitals in Lucknow, which see more low-income patients, in addition to hosting workshops in impoverished villages.

“A lot of times people who are in lower income situations, who grew up in these lower income situations, stay in lower income situations their entire lives, and that creates a system,” Mohan said, describing the correlation between literacy and college admission. “So, by providing them with these opportunities, we can break out of that system.”

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

Work crews will be out in force this summer performing resurface work on 21 Dunwoody streets. The paving is part of the city’s plan to resurface all streets on a 20-year cycle.

Dunwoody begins work to resurface city streets

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody’s 2024 Street Paving Plan begins this month for 21 streets that cover 11.4 lane miles.

The city has budgeted $2.15 million of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds for the work. The Georgia Department of Transportation will chip in $1.08 million through the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG).

The paving plan follows recommendations from a citywide paving assessment last year which prioritized streets for resurface work through 2028.

By the end of 2029, Dunwoody plans to have completed resurfacing all city streets, fulfilling a commitment made by city founders in 2008 to achieve a 20-year paving cycle. To date, 246 lane miles have been paved, accounting for 81 percent of the 20-year goal.

“We used a special vehicle known as the ‘Scan Van’ to develop our citywide assessment,” Dunwoody Public Works Director Michael Smith said. “The vehicle traveled along every citymaintained street last spring using cameras, lasers, and other sensors to evaluate surfaces. Scan results were used to produce a pavement condition index (PCI) ranging from 0 to 100 for each roadway segment.”

The report found an overall PCI rating of 75 for Dunwoody streets, a steady improvement from surface assessments made in 2009, 2013 and 2018. Plus, the city’s paving backlog, which is the percentage of pavement in poor or worse condition, has decreased from a high of 36 percent in 2013 to a low of just under 15 percent in 2023. More than 65 percent of the city’s roads are in satisfactory or good condition, with another 20 percent in fair condition.

Dunwoody streets scheduled for resurfacing in 2024 include: Adams Road, Adams Walk, Ashford Dunwoody Road (South end), Ashwood Parkway, Bridle Path, Buckline Circle, Buckline Court, Buckline Way, Buckline Crossing, Cambridge Trace, Chamblee Dunwoody Road (Georgetown), Chestnut Ridge Drive, Equestrian Court, Equestrian Way, Joberry Court, Northbrooke Circle, Northbrooke Lane, Perimeter Center West, Ridgeview Road, Village North Court and Village North Road.

The plan also includes repaving the parking lot at the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center and Library.

Specific paving schedules and updates will be tracked on the city’s website: dunwoodyga.gov/paving.

Congratualations

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

Class of 2024

ALPHARETTA-ROSWELL FORSYTH COUNTY JOHNS CREEK MILTON

DUNWOODY SANDY SPRINGS

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GDOT expects new bids for Ga. 400 express lanes

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

METRO ATLANTA — State transportation officials were set to receive a new set of bids May 7 for a project to add express lanes along a 16-mile stretch of Ga. 400 north into Forsyth County.

Senate Transportation Committee

Robert Popp

Kate Seng

Carol Williams

Marilyn Colarossi-Woods

Chairman Brandon Beach made the announcement May 1 at the North Fulton Futures Summit, an event hosted by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce which featured panel discussions, insights from economic development partners and input from regional mayors.

around is different, a design-buildfinance model where the private sector developer with financial equity will maintain and operate the project for a 50-year term once it has been built.

Previously, Mathews said the Georgia Department of Transportation used the availability payment model, which operates like a home mortgage.

The bids will first be reviewed by the P3 Steering Committee then go before the State Transportation Board in August for final approval. The P3 Steering Committee provides oversight and guidance related to activities of GDOT’s Public-Private Partnership program.

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The project calls for two toll lanes in each direction from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs north to about a mile past McFarland Parkway.

Appen Media reported that the project first hit a snag in 2021 when the State Transportation Board rejected the only qualified bid for the work. MW 400 Partners’ proposal came in far higher than the $1.7 billion GDOT had budgeted.

The project was delayed again last year after one of three contractor finalists dropped out of consideration, according to Capitol Beat.

State Express Lanes Administrator Tim Matthews told Appen Media the contracting mechanism for this go-

Heroes:

Continued from Page 4

thanks you.”

The Sustainability Committee selected Oak Avenue Landscaping as the business recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award.

Oak Avenue Landscaping is a completely electric landscaping business that uses solar-charged batteries to run equipment.

Lloyd Fisher, company owner, said

Financial close on the project is slated for a year after final approval, but Matthews said the timeline may be shorter. The process, he said, is to ensure the developer team has the money in place to build and operate the project before construction.

The project has major ramifications for Alpharetta where two Ga. 400 overpasses will be replaced. The city will also inherit a new interchange just north of Webb Bridge Road exclusively for express lane traffic.

Roswell also will be affected.

The GDOT plans to add a partial express lanes interchange at Old Dogwood Road. It also will enhance the Ga. 400-Holcomb Bridge Road interchange. dge Road interchange.

the work is quieter and less intrusive than it would be with gas-powered equipment.

The company also focuses on using native plants for landscaping installation projects.

“I’m honored that Oak Avenue was recognized for this award,” Fisher said. “Using gas equipment is often seen as an easier route in landscaping. Fortunately, there are solutions available to keep our natural environment looking great and also ensure we aren’t damaging it in the process.”

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Facts about sunscreen

Brought to you by – Dr. Titilola "Lola" Sode of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven

What type of sunscreen should I use?

The best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens labeled "broad-spectrum" to ensure protection against both types of harmful rays. Additionally, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns when choosing a sunscreen. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. If you have sensitive skin, choose sunscreens labeled hypoallergenic or fragrance-free. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is one that you will use consistently and reapply as needed.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?

It's essential to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently for adequate protection against sun damage. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin fully. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily. Remember to reapply after towel drying as well. Additionally, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other uncovered areas. Sunscreen is a vital component of sun protection, but it's also essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.

Celebrating Older Americans Month and the power of connections

can be transformative, finding ways to reengage and enhance their life.

For over 60 years Older Americans Month (OAM) has been celebrated every May, recognizing the contributions, aging trends and commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

This year OAM is focused on going beyond the readily apparent needs for physical assistance with things like the activities of everyday living or recuperating from surgery, embracing the critical power of connections for emotional and social interactions that have a profound impact on wellbeing and healthy aging.

A recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General cites an epidemic of chronic loneliness and isolation that has drastic affects for the elderly. These include increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50%, and heart disease and stroke risk by 30%. The stress that comes from a lack of connection to other people can be equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

As we all age, there are challenges to face. Whether confronting obstacles from changing physical abilities, the transition from the loss of a partner, loss of a career or social contacts, it can seem like the world is shrinking. Over 27% of seniors now live by themselves. For some people, the resulting social isolation and loneliness can be a huge hurdle to overcome. At Home Helpers we know that promoting social interaction for your older loved one

Reconnecting can come from enjoying cultural activities, joining a social club, pursuing a new hobby, taking a class, trying new activities in their community or enabling giving back to others through volunteering or virtual mentoring. Reinventing ways to build new relationships yields rewards that make for a longer and better life.

For your older loved one, the warmth of companionship from a well matched and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can make a beautiful difference in their life. A heart centered approach and positive spirit can boost confidence and provide a better quality of life for our clients and their families. Creating new pathways to expand the social circle of our older loved ones helps us share in the richness of their lives, both past and present.

Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany them on doctor’s visits or social outings and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. If your loved one is just getting home from a rehabilitation center or recovering from surgery, we can help safely speed up recovery.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management by a team with depth and skill from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Take action against strokes

Brought to you by - Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

While strokes have become relatively common—more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—many risk factors for stroke can be managed in partnership with your healthcare provider.

Manage your risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke include:

• High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke. Stay up to date on your annual physicals to know your

blood pressure levels, and if you have hypertension, talk to your provider about managing it.

• Elevated cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the blood vessel and clotting in the blood, which can cause a stroke if the clot travels and blocks blood flow to the brain. Your primary care provider can help you monitor your cholesterol with a blood test and manage levels with medications or lifestyle changes.

• Diabetes increases risk of experiencing a stroke. Talk to your provider about diabetes screenings. If you are diabetic, discuss managing the condition in partnership with your provider.

• Smoking cigarettes accelerates atherosclerosis, or clogging in the arteries, and causes inflammation in blood vessels that then increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

• Atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia, can cause clots that then

travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.

How to recognize a stroke

Learn the warning signs of a stroke, and if you notice any of these in yourself or someone else, BE FAST and call 911 right away.

“If someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 and don’t try to drive to the hospital,” Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman said. “Emergency medical crews can initiate care in the ambulance, and with a stroke, time is crucial.”

• Balance — Look for a sudden loss of balance or coordination. This can also appear as a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.

• Eyes — Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision can be signs of a stroke. If you think someone else may be having a stroke, ask if they are having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

• Face — One side of the face may be

feeling numb or appear to be drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears uneven.

• Arms — Check for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can lift both arms without one drifting downward.

• Speech — Watch out for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to find out if they are having trouble talking.

• Time — The more treatment is delayed, the more the brain is damaged. Don’t wait to seek care. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the highest level of stroke certification that recognizes hospitals that can treat the most complex stroke cases. Learn more at wellstar.org/strokecare.

ZUSSMAN

A

diverse team of neuro care specialists means more expertise for you.

At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 95 neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and advanced practice providers ready to provide expert neuro care tailored to you.

Your health is in the right hands with our neuro team, providing services including ongoing treatment for neurological conditions and lifesaving emergency care for strokes. With minimally invasive spine surgery options, a comprehensive stroke care network and a dedicated functional neurosurgery team experienced in treating epilepsy and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, our providers partner with you to deliver world-class care, every time. wellstar.org/neurocare

Atlanta Hearing Associates is dedicated to our mission to make each patient feel like they are a part of our family.

Atlanta Hearing Associates is a large audiology practice that encompasses 5 different locations throughout Georgia. Our offices provide comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus assessments, ear cleaning, and hearing devices for all ages.

Every doctor you will meet is focused on your needs as a patient and works with every manufacturer to provide a personalized fitting.

Each location utilizes state of the art technology and family-oriented care to help guide our patients to the best hearing devices and information on hearing healthcare.

We also partner with different agencies to provide audiological care to veterans, ATF officers, reservists, police departments, Cochlear implants recipients, and community wellness groups.

We accept all major insurances for patients who have a hearing healthcare benefit that they are eligible to use.

Our offices are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Lake Oconee, and Milledgeville.

Brought to you by - Atlanta Hearing Associates

Thriving through seasons navigating emotions and goals at work

to you by

– Jason Howard M.A., Summit Counseling Center

As winter blooms into spring, and spring turns to summer, the world awakens with vibrant energy and numerous possibilities. Beyond the chirping birds and blooming flowers lies a business landscape ripe for growth. As a former sales and marketing manager turned licensed mental health counselor, I understand the delicate dance between emotions and success in the workplace.

In this article, I offer a few practical reminders to nurture your mental and emotional well-being as you steer your team toward achieving quarterly goals:

Embrace the Emotional Tides:

• Initial Excitement: When setting quarterly goals, enthusiasm often propels us forward. But as weeks pass, emotions shift. Take a weekly pause to observe without judgment. Where has excitement transformed into stress? Validate frustrations—they hold valuable insights.

• Fuel from Overwhelm: Paradoxically, acknowledging difficult emotions—like frustration—can fuel motivation and perseverance. Validate frustrations and annoyances and let them be your allies.

Mindfulness Anchors Success:

• Stay Present: Mindfulness grounds you in the now. Instead of dwelling on past errors or distant outcomes, focus on the facts of the present moment. Catch your mind when it time travels for too long into the past or future and remember swift problem-solving and creative brainstorming thrive in the here and now.

• Celebrate Progress: Small victories matter. Acknowledge achievements—even if they fall short of the grand goal. These moments boost morale and resilience.

Adaptability as Your North Star:

• Guideposts, Not Shackles: Quarterly goals are guideposts, not rigid chains. Priorities shift, unexpected challenges arise. Adaptability is your superpower.

• Learn from Setbacks: When setbacks occur, view them as steppingstones. What will you learn? How will you adjust? Resilience blooms from setbacks.

Remember, emotions aren’t adversaries; they’re allies. As you navigate seasons and goals, honor both— the blooming and the setbacks. Let this quarter be one of growth, connection, and thriving.

If you are a business leader looking for tools to harness your emotions, to reduce the effects of stress on your creativity, and to improve productivity and leadership skills, reach out and see how one of our therapists can help.

Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling the front office at 678-893-5300 or visiting us at www. summitcounseling.org.

Nature for all

Celebrating mental health awareness in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on our well-being and explore ways to care for our minds. Studies show that simply stepping into nature can offer a powerful boost to mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and even symptoms of depression.

Did you know there's a national park right in your backyard? The Chattahoochee National River Area (CRNRA) offers 66 miles of trails and 48 miles of Chattahoochee River to explore and connect with the calming power of nature. Whether it’s running at Cochran Shoals, paddling at Jones Bridge, fishing at Bowmans Island, or hiking at East Palisades, CRNRA has something to soothe every mind.

If you’re looking for a challenge, take part in our Hike CRNRA initiative! This program encourages hikers to explore each and every mile of trail within the park. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's beauty and diversity while getting some serious exercise - both great for your

mental and physical health.

Want to make a lasting impact?

Consider becoming a member of Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), the nonprofit partner of CRNRA. Your membership helps to preserve this natural treasure for future generations, ensuring everyone has access to the mental health benefits of spending time in your backyard national park. Learn more atchattahoocheeparks.org/join.

Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy! A little fresh air never hurt anyone - unless you’re allergic to springtime pollen. Take your antihistamines and we’ll see you in the park!

Brought

PEXELS

Campus:

Continued from Page 1

in stages, with office tenants moving in later this spring, CT Cantina & Taqueria serving by summer and the hotel and its restaurants opening in the fall.

The developers, RocaPoint Partners and The Georgetown Company, tapped Winter Construction as general contractors for the buildout of Campus 244.

Vision Hospitality Group is constructing the Element Hotel by Westin and the restaurant space below.

Heather Tuskowski, operations director at Winter Construction, said her team oversaw construction of the parking garage and office building, which is almost wrapped up.

S9 Architecture, known for Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, designed the redeveloped, former Gold Kist headquarters.

When RocaPoint Partners and The Georgetown Company purchased the 13 acres surrounding the 1970s office complex in 2020, the site had been vacant for nearly a decade.

Following completion of a new parking garage abutting I-285, the developers popped off the roof and got to work.

Architects kept the footprint of the building but added two additional floors with a timber overbuild, Tuskowski said, creating a unique architectural draw for prospective tenants.

She said the timber is lighter but takes longer to arrive on-site with high demand across the country.

A state-of-the art fitness center, outdoor spaces and on-site restaurants create the atmosphere that draws white-collar workers back to the office.

Danielle Handy, government

A rendering of the first phase of Campus 244 shows a completed five-story office building on the left and the 145-key hotel, Element by Westin, on the right. The mixed-use development, with phase one construction still underway, is expected to welcome patrons this summer.

A look at the unleased fifth floor of Campus 244’s Palladium Building. So far, Insight Global and Transportation Insights have leased the first four floors, leaving 64,085 square feet of office space available.

“Interconnectivity is one of the things that I was picking up on with that plan,” Handy said, pointing to a trail connection in the wood line. “We have done our part to participate in that.”

The location between Hammond Drive and I-285 is a 3-minute walk to MARTA rail and a 5-minute walk to Perimeter Mall.

Handy said the goal is to have multi-family residential units built as a part of the second phase.

relations and development manager at RocaPoint Partners, led a tour of the redeveloped office building April 26 along with Tuskowski.

With wide stairwells and room for two more elevators, the Palladium Building underwent some significant

changes during redevelopment. While maintaining some characteristics of the former Gold Kist headquarters, like wood paneling and 90,000-square-foot floor plates, architects focused on more access to open-air spaces.

“It was an older concrete structure that had less access to lighting and open air, we really opened it up significantly,” Handy said. “There’s way more access to fresh air and sunlight on terraces and balconies.”

So far, Insight Global and Transportation Insights have leased the first four floors, with 64,085 square feet of rentable office space available on the fifth floor.

Handy said a friend who works in Perimeter takes MARTA to the office from Buckhead.

She said she thinks the proximity of transit to Campus 244 attracts tenants like Insight Global, a staffing agency, and Transportation Insight, a logistics company.

Edge City 2.0, a joint effort between the City of Dunwoody and the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, created a communitysupported roadmap for development in Perimeter.

Developers of Campus 244 have announced Skidmore, Owings & Merrill will construct a six-story, 300,000-square-foot office building — The Stacks — to the east of the Palladium Building.

“We are looking at office at the moment, Class-AA space,” Handy said. “That’s the objective, but we will keep our options open, if that doesn’t work out, multi-family is an option there.”

She also mentioned Campus 244’s live, work and play design, which looks to keep housing, offices, shopping, recreation and amenities within one neighborhood or area.

RocaPoint and The Georgetown Company reference their development in Forsyth County’s Halcyon as an example of mixed-used development that increased connectivity and economic growth.

“Our dwell time at Halcyon is three hours,” Handy said. “People are not just going there to grab a bite to eat and leave, they want to sit on the green for a while and walk around.”

She said that’s what developers are trying to achieve at Campus 244.

The location promises even more visitors than Halcyon, with its proximity to I-285, Ga. 400, MARTA rail and Perimeter Mall.

PHOTOS BY ROCAPOINT PARTNERS/PROVIDED

A rendering shows a completed Campus 244 looking north from I-285. Developers from The Georgetown Company and RocaPoint are nearing completion of the first phase of the multi-use development, including a hotel, redeveloped office building, parking garage and restaurant space.

Finances:

Continued from Page 1

Finance Director Richard Platto that the city has not denied a funding request from the Police Department.

Some residents are not convinced. Lizette Warren also spoke during public comment about agenda items related to parks and multi-use trails.

“As a City of Dunwoody resident and homeowner, I am increasingly frustrated as city leaders continue to turn a deaf ear to what residents say is important,” Warren said.

She mentioned concerns about public safety around Perimeter Mall and discussions of increasing the millage rate.

“I myself no longer go to Perimeter Mall, I go to Avalon,” Warren said. “I go to Target north of here as well because I don’t feel safe.”

She asked city officials to listen and advocate for a balance between parks and greenspaces with other community needs.

Following public comment and presentations, Councilman John Heneghan moved to have the full council discuss a proposed contract with AECOM for phase-two design of the multi-use path on Winter’s Chapel Road.

In an April 6 blog post, Heneghan pointed to an inconsistency between the November bond defeat and city actions.

“On Nov. 7, the citizens of Dunwoody voted down a bond referendum for parks and paths development,” Heneghan wrote. “On Nov. 8, the city released a request for proposal for the Winters Chapel Path design, which mandates that the path will be 12 feet wide, even in front of the singlefamily residential properties.”

While the Atlanta Regional Commission has committed $1.5 million for construction between Charmant Place and Peeler Road, the city’s contract for design calls for $415,000 in local funds.

While speaking about the multi-use path, Michelle Hirose, deputy director of Public Works, said the Dunwoody Trail Master Plan calls for 12-foot-wide trails.

“I was reading the request for proposal, and I didn’t see any other options

available,” Heneghan said. “It’s in front of single-family homes, so that’s all I need to know.”

Public Works Director Michael Smith and Councilman Tom Lambert said no residents along the phase-two section of the path voiced concerns about the width.

Lambert said a majority of phase two runs in front of a couple homes, a cemetery and a commercial area.

“I have received several emails requesting the city to move forward with this,” Lambert said. “The reason for the importance is to continue what we started and connect those neighborhoods.”

Heneghan cast the lone vote against the approval of the contract.

Another item up for discussion was an amendment to use an additional $2.6 million in revenue to cover pay raises for staff and decrease the use of fund balance within the 2024 budget.

Finance Director Platto said the purpose of the amendment is to align budgeted revenue in 2024 with unaudited expenditures in 2023.

The 2024 budget had a $3 million use of fund balance within the general fund, which is now reduced to $700,000, he said.

“We ended 2023 at a roughly 10-month reserve,” Platto said. “With the budget that was adopted it was going to be about an 8-month reserve.”

Mayor Deutsch said she thinks government finances can be really confusing to those not familiar with it.

She said she’s more comfortable with a minimum six-month reserve after the COVID-19 pandemic. The state requires four months.

“Today, we have $8 million in the bank above and beyond the six months in reserve,” Deutsch said. “We are incredibly careful.”

The mayor said the city is considering a change to how it budgets revenues and expenses.

“We take in more money than we project, and we spend less money than we budget,” Deutsch said.

The City Council approved the amendment unanimously, which leaves the city with an estimated fund balance of nine and a-half months of reserves.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Councilman Tom Lambert, Councilman Rob Price and Councilwoman Catherine Lautenbacher listen to Mayor Lynn Deutsch discuss the city budget. Deutsch said the city has $8 million in the bank on top of a six-month reserve.

On the trail, sleeping on a rock, deeply

One of the more memorable events on my Appalachian Trail hike, now eight years ago, happened while I was alone, asleep on a rock outcropping in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the forest. I don’t remember seeing anyone that day – something unusual, because one almost always runs into other hikers during the course of the day.

Now, I didn’t usually sleep in the middle of the day on that hike. But this time it was a combination of being really tired, alone, and it was just the right temperature for a quick nap on top of a warmed-up sandstone boulder. I had just eaten lunch – a peanut butter

sandwich, a couple cheese sticks and some peperoni. So, I was full, and sleep must have come fast, because the only thing I remember was the warmth of that bounder, then the darkness of sleep, and then, this tremendous noise, fairly close. The earth shook with a tremor that I felt in my bones.

So, I went from deep, deep sleep to wide awake in an instant. My brain went into overtime processing, or trying to process what just happened. Fight or flight. Run. Cover. What? A lot went racing through my brain – like a dam bursting – in what was probably less than a second or two of confusion and adrenaline.

No bear. No human. No falling boulder. No dream. OK, as my mind cleared, logic told me that I heard a really big tree fall nearby and shake the ground. What else could it have been?

At that point I was wide awake and clear-minded. I threw on my pack,

perused my area to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything – like even a miniscule scrap of paper – and went out at almost a sprint in search of a fallen giant. Couldn’t find it. I am certain that it had to have been really close, but that didn’t help me find it. And it had to have been huge. Hmmmm.

So, does it count? I did hear it, I think. Surely that is what I think I heard. But, well, maybe it doesn’t count. “Thinking” you heard that tree fall in the forest, and hence, it did not fall, no?

So, it happened again. Just now, eight years later. I am up in Ellijay –way, way out in the woods babysitting my daughter’s Huskie while she is at the beach celebrating her birthday with friends. Her house is surrounded by forest, and she has no neighbors, just a gravel road that runs in front of her house. I am out writing this column with my legs propped up with the Huskie and my dog Lewis in the grass next to me.

The only thing I can see in all directions are trees. I can see maybe 50 feet into the understory then everything turns to green. I hear a very loud “crack” followed by, yep, a heavy thud of something landing on the earth that weighs a lot.

A tree falling is the only thing that it could possibly be, I tell myself – in the forest roughly within 75 yards of where I am sitting right now.

No, I am not going to go look for it. I know it is there and that is what happened. Yes, it fell. For sure. Even though I didn’t see it. If a tree falls in the woods and you only hear it, yes, that counts.

It rained all night last night up here in Ellijay out in the woods. This morning everything was still wet and fresh and deeply silent. Birds were the only noises I heard this morning, that and the sound of the brook that runs through my daughter’s property – pregnant with rainfall and cold mountain water.

You can’t always get what you want

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com

On July 4, 1969, The Rolling Stones Introduced their song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.

The song goes on to say, “But if you try sometime, well, you just might find, you get what you need.”

This can be said about many borrowers trying to negotiate closing cost fees with their lender. Closing cost fees are made up of numerous charges such as lender fees, credit reports, appraisals, attorney fees, lenders title, owners title, recording fees, Georgia intangible taxes, HOA initiation fees as well as HOA prorations and others.

I had a call the other day from a client who wanted me to lower the attorney fees and totally take out the lender’s title insurance fee (required by all lenders if

the buyer/borrower is getting a mortgage, and this fee is charged by the closing attorney).

Granted, most folks believe that the lender controls all these fees which is simply not the case. I explained to the borrower that the credit report as well as the attorney fees, title charges the state transfer/tax fees, are third-party charges that are simply “pass through” charges that we estimate for them on the initial loan estimate, and the actual charges will appear on their final closing statement.

Ironically, the borrower/buyer chooses most of these fees when they agree to a specific closing attorney in their contract, because the attorney determines those fees. The lender only can control their bank/broker charges such as origination fees, discount points, underwriting, document preparation and other fees shown in the origination section of the loan estimate.

My point is, when buyers/borrowers are shopping fees from lender to lender

they should focus on the “origination” charges shown on the loan estimate only…the other fees will be the same at closing, as the lender does not actually charge them. Despite the varying estimates from lender to lender for title, attorney and recording charges shown by different lenders, they will be the same at closing since the closing attorney chosen in the contract will produce those numbers.

So, who do you trust for the most accurate estimate?

Great question! Most buyers/ borrowers are recommended to a lender(s) from their Realtor and or a friend(s). Trust them, especially a Realtor who has done business with this lender and has seen a track record of delivering what they estimated and excellent customer service.

Getting estimates from out-of-state lenders can be dangerous if they do not close many loans in Georgia and are simply going by what some chart in their office tells them to estimate for those

charges. Your Georgia lenders do this every day and know what the estimate should show, not to mention they do not want to let down the real estate agent who referred you to them. These lenders also depend on repeat business from the agents, and they won’t get it if they don’t deliver excellent customer service, including getting the funds to close right. Trust your referral. Purchasing a home, in most cases, is the largest individual purchase they will make in their life. This is not like purchasing a car or an ATV. However, getting a recommendation from a friend might not be so bad when buying these either.

D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com. The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.

RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

OPINION

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Notes from Ireland: Things that change your life

This time of year, hiking in the great outdoors usually means one of two things. If the day is unseasonably warm, it can mean you’re sweating before you’re even a quarter mile into your hike. All those layers that once seemed like such a good idea are now conspiring to cook your pitiful self, kind of like you’d steam an ear of corn. Ugh. Should you hike back to the car and shed a few, or should you (in the interest of the total hiking experience) suffer silently and soldier on?

On the other hand, if it’s one of those days when the thermometer unexpectedly drops, getting outside may mean you freeze. You know how it is. Your world is in the mid 80s one minute and in the mid 30s the next. Oh, how you wish for the sweaters! That’s just the way it is with springtime in the South.

But this temperature thing is not limited to north Georgia. Apparently, it is a worldwide phenomenon.

I am thinking about that as we walk down the main street in Kenmare, a lovely little town in southwestern Ireland. Now we step into to the woolen goods store in search of a couple of wool sweaters. She likes sweaters because they keep her warm in the winter, and I like sweaters because they keep me warm 11 months of the year. We figure that made-in-Ireland

A Kenmare, Ireland, shop touts an offer too good to pass up.

sweaters made from wool from Irish sheep would be ideal souvenirs, practically perfect in every way. I pick a green one. Hers is a subtle shade somewhere in the neighborhood of light blue. It matches her eyes. And I get gloves too. You may remember the gloves I picked up a few weeks ago, high-tech insulated gloves with no fingertips on the index finger and thumb. Perfect fishing gloves! But (yep) I left those in Georgia. We’re going fishing tomorrow, and I need gloves to keep my hands warm, and what should I find in that very same store but hand-knitted fingertip-less wool gloves? And they fit.

I have to have a pair, and so I add them to the pile.

We pay for the sweaters and the gloves and step back into the clear, clean light of the Irish afternoon. The day is on the cool side. I put my hands in my jacket pockets. That helps a little. I think of digging my new gloves out of the bag to see if that will help more –

And then I see it: a bold sign proclaiming hot chocolate. But not just any hot chocolate.

“Life-changing hot chocolate!” I say,

reading the sign and the message it proclaims in vivid white letters against a chalkboard-gray background. An arrow points the way to the door, which is framed by electric orange-painted trim. Who am I to say no to something like that?

“How about it?” I ask.

She looks at me, hesitates an instant, and says, “Sure.”

I open the door for her, and we step into a tiny chocolate shop. There are packages of fudge and bars of flavored chocolate and confections behind glass by the check-out. I linger over some of chocolate bars. Have you ever tried orange chocolate? You should.

But what’s really on my mind is the kind of chocolate that comes in a cup, the kind of chocolate designed for sipping. Hot chocolate.

Life-changing hot chocolate!

There’s a tiny, little kitchen behind the counter, and the shop’s proprietor is seated there near a small stove. I see a pot atop one of the burners.

“Is this the place for life-changing hot chocolate?” I ask.

The proprietor looks up and says, “Well, yes it is.” I have to ask.

“Does it change your life for the better?”

The proprietor looks directly at me then and says, “What? Oh. Well, It might.”

“We will have one then!” I say. “She and I will share it!” For one can never have too much betterness in one’s life, can one?

The proprietor turns to fixing our drink. A moment later it’s ready. I take a

sip. It’s hot and warming and sweet and smooth.

“Mmmm!” I say.

She takes a sip too.

“Not bad,” she says.

“How is your chocolate?” the proprietor asks.

“It is good,” I say. “And warm. But I still wonder what changes to expect?”

The proprietor looks at me quizzically.

“You know,” I say. “When the hot chocolate changes my life. Like on the sign.”

“Oh, that bloody sign,” says the proprietor. “It’s been there for years. I hate that sign!”

We sip some more hot chocolate, she and I do, and then step back through the door and onto the street. The warm drink knocks the edge off the cool afternoon air, and we stroll slowly down the line of shops back towards our car.

“Do you feel any changes?” I ask her. “You know, from the life-changing hot chocolate.”

“Not yet,” she replies. “But it was very good.”

And she adds:

“I don’t think I want any changes.” She leans into me a little. “I don’t think I want anything to change.”

We visit another shop or two, looking, perusing, savoring the day.

She buys some wool yarn. It is the color of my new sweater.

“I will crochet you a scarf,” she says. “To match.”

And she adds, “You do like scarves, you know.”

I do.

Pick your poison, a cozy mystery or a thriller

“Death and the Lit Chick” by G. M. Malliet

This is book two in the author’s St. Just series, and I found it even more enjoyable than the first. The bonus is that it can easily be read as a standalone. A writers conference in Scotland is the setting, and, of course, a writer is the murder victim.

The references to the world of writing and publishing made it especially enjoyable for me as an author, but I think avid readers will find them amusing as well. Who hasn’t read a romance novel and heard the genre dissed as chick lit or light fare, not worth reading? The same question could be asked about cozy mysteries.

The sprinkling of snarky remarks provides a humorous touch to the book. Yes, they’re over the top, but I suspect there’s a kernel of truth in the depiction of backbiting among authors, editors, and agents.

Fortunately, I haven’t experienced that behavior in my author career.

Toss in a castle where the attendees are staying and a drawbridge that is mysteriously stuck in the up position, and you have the makings of an Agatha Christie novel. No, DCI St. Just is not Poirot, but neither is he a bumbling member of the constabulary. Oh! Did I mention that the authors all write mysteries? Who better to commit murder?

“Everybody Knows” by Jordan Harper

This book is a shift from my reading fare

of late. I’m most often found reading British mysteries — usually cozies and police procedurals. From time to time, I branch out to a title I find reviewed in the local paper or the Wall Street Journal. Jordan Harper’s latest novel is billed as a murder thriller and praised by the likes of authors Michael Connelly, Megan Abbott, and S.A. Cosby.

Set in Los Angeles, its protagonist is a black bag publicist. I had no idea what that was until I read this book, but it makes sense that people like her exist. I have no doubt that crisis PR firms are in the business of making the messes of the rich and powerful disappear. With enough money and enough power, the rich and famous can have their debauchery and depravity managed and whitewashed.

As I read of Mae Pruett’s work for the firm, I could easily put celebrity names to

some of the scenarios she handles. Sometimes, real life situations are referenced, like the discovery of John Belushi dead of an overdose. It only takes a small leap to imagine what would have happened if he’d been found in time to save his life. With someone like Mae working her magic, we might never have known he overdosed.

If you’re looking for a book to keep you up late at night, a book to keep you guessing until the end, this one’s a keeper.

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/.

THE INK PENN

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

STEVE HUDSON

The Summerour family – ancestors with a golden touch

When local historian Ed Malowney suggested that I read a book about the early pioneer Summerour family, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. “Germany to Georgia, Ten Generations of an American Family” by Charles Summerour, is one of those rare little gems that reads like a novel and brings history to life. So, using the book and a few other historical sources, I will try to do justice to this fine family who, without fanfare, added so much to North Fulton.

In 1828 gold was discovered near today’s Dahlonega, a name derived from the Cherokee word meaning “yellow.” Soon thousands of men known as “29ers” hoping to get rich quick flocked to the creeks and rivers in the area looking for gold. The first gold rush in America began.

The miners were a diverse group. Most worked independently. Some worked in large mines such as the Calhoun Gold Mine at the site of the initial discovery of gold. It is one of the earliest and most famous mines. Shortly after the discovery, the mine was sold to Sen. John C. Calhoun of South Carolina and was operated by his son-inlaw Thomas G. Clemson. Some of that gold helped fund the establishment of Clemson College. Calhoun later served as vice president under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

New towns quickly sprung up to serve the thousands of fortune-seeking miners. Most notable was Auraria, about six miles from Dahlonega. Auraria quickly became a boomtown rivaling Dahlonega in importance where hotels, general stores, taverns and even a bank and a local newspaper, The Western Herald, appeared seemingly overnight. Situated between two rivers, Auraria was a perfect location for panning for gold.

That is where the Summerour family enters the local scene. Henry Summerour lll (1787-1849) moved from North Carolina to the tiny hamlet of Between around 1827, long before it became a permanent settlement, to join his brother John Summerour Sr. (1792-1867).

Henry Summerour lll, his wife Sarah Salome Seitz and three sons, moved to Auraria around 1832. He opened a store to help supply the needs of some 15,000 miners at the height of the gold rush. His two older sons, Harrison and Benjamin Franklin, worked with Henry in his store, one of about 20 stores catering to the miners. The stores typically sold groceries and tools such as shovels, knives, pad locks and other items prospectors would need.

Even though mining continued in Au-

A miner is shown in 1939 at work in the Calhoun gold mine in Dahlonega. That year, after the Calhoun Mine was long thought to be depleted, a small pocket was discovered and mined. After that things became quiet again. In the late 1930s there were about 40 gold mines in operation in Georgia.

The old Briar Patch Hotel in Dahlonega was in poor condition when it was sold circa 1939. It was heated by one big wood stove. The top floor was like an attic with very few partitions that had served as a dormitory room for mine workmen. The new owner dismantled the hotel.

raria after the discovery of gold in California in 1849, the town gradually became a ghost town. A few vacant buildings are all that remain today. Between still exists with a population of 402 according to the 2020 census.

Two of Henry’s sons, Benjamin Franklin, at age 32, and John Lafayette, age 22, traveled to California to join that gold rush circa 1850. In a lengthy letter to his father-in-law, John Spriggs, penned in 1851 John described the challenging routine in the California gold fields where prospectors were known as “49ers.” At the same time in 1849, their brother Harrison and his family moved to the town of Hightower, or Frogtown, along the Etowah River in Forsyth County where they lived for the next 25 years. Hightower was an important crossroads and mar -

ketplace from 1800 to the 1850s used by Cherokees and settlers/miners. Harrison purchased and ran a store that had been built in 1815 and owned over the years by about a dozen different individuals. He also continued to mine gold.

John returned to Georgia in 1853 probably on horseback or horse and wagon, with a satchel full of 786 ounces of gold valued today at more than $1.8 million.

John remained a successful miner in Georgia for many years. He owned mines in Gwinnett and Forsyth counties and near his home a short distance from Amicalola Falls. He joined with his fatherin-law John Spriggs in numerous mining ventures in the 1850s and 1860s using the latest technology. In their Sixty Mine, they took water from the Amicalola River

the

and diverted it along a 19-mile ditch to power a nozzle used to blast soil containing gold from the riverbank.

John’s grandson, David Allen Summerour (1869-1968) known as Uncle Dave, was so successful at mining that a statue of him is in the Dahlonega Gold Museum. He worked in the famous Battle Branch Mine until it closed in the 1930s. He is also known for his family of 19 children, 56 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren.

The United States Mint established a branch in Dahlonega in 1835, a decade after the nation’s first gold rush. Its first coins were issued in 1838. During the next two decades the Dahlonega Mint produced more than $6 million in gold coins. By the late 1880s the Summerour families owned substantial farmland in what is today Johns Creek. They successfully converted their gold wealth into land wealth, and that land was eventually converted into urban developments. In his book Charles Summerour outlines the stories of the transition from mining to agriculture to today’s modern City of Johns Creek. It is clear that the family contributed mightily to the success of Johns Creek today, but that is a story for another day.

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.

CHARLES O. SUMMEROUR/PROVIDED Image of John Lafayette Summerour (1827-1887) who together with his two brothers became wealthy during

Dahlonega gold rush and California gold rush.

ATLANTA JOURNAL

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

DIGITAL LIBRARY OF GEORGIA

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In Memoriam

Marie M. Schwarzer

Marie M. Schwarzer (nee Heney) was born on April 26, 1938, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on April 22, 2024, in Dunwoody, Georgia at the age of 85.

Marie married the love of her life on June 18, 1960, in Woodhaven, NY and they enjoyed 64 years together. She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her deep love, compassion and care for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas P. Schwarzer; her three sons and daughtersin-law: Thomas C. Schwarzer (Kathy), Stephen A. Schwarzer (Ana) and Chris W. Schwarzer (Cindy); seven Grandchildren: Emilee, Larissa, Tommy (Kelsey), Julia, Christopher (Ashton), Timothy & Ann Marie; and three great grandchildren, Kayden, Cashian and Winnie.

In memory of Marie and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Kidney Fund or the American Cancer Society.

DEATH NOTICES

Robert Bachman, age 83, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Edward Burek, age 98, of Johns Creek, GA passed away on April 23, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Brian Custance, age 50, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rosalie Gransden, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 28, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

In Memoriam

Rachel Goodloe Jenkins Smith

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rachel Goodloe Jenkins Smith, a cherished member of the Dunwoody, GA community. She left us peacefully on April 26, 2024, at the age of 93.

Born on February 25, 1931 in Culpeper, Virginia, Rachel moved to Dunwoody, GA, where she would live out the majority of her vibrant life. She was a devoted congregant of St. Barnabas Anglican Church. Rachel was an avid antique enthusiast, known for her keen eye for treasures and bargains. Her home was a testament to her love for history, filled with shelves of meticulously collected books that spoke volumes of the past—a passion she loved to share with others.

Rachel was the beloved wife of the late James C. Smith Jr., to whom she was married for 58 remarkable years. She is also preceded in death by her son Peter G. Smith grandson, Ronald Bond

and son-in-law Ricky Gravitt. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters, Mary M. Smith (Alan) and Sarah E. Gravitt, both of Lawrenceville, GA. She also leaves behind her daughterin-law, Jeanine Smith (Dawsonville), as well as 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Rachel’s life was one of heartfelt dedication to her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and grace will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege to know her. Rachel’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who have supported them during this time of loss. Her spirit and love will continue to guide us in the years to come.

A service to celebrate Rachel’s life will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Dunwoody, GA, on May 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

David Healy, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 26, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jason Leary, age 58, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Thompson, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 24, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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