Dunwoody Crier - May 11, 2023

Retired veteran wants bluebirds to feel at home in Metro Atlanta

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Over the past six years, Dunwoody resident Ron Clyne has been on a mission to make the Dunwoody Georgia’s bluebird capital.

There’s been no word on whether that’s officially possible or what it would require, but Clyne has singlehandedly made hundreds of bluebirds birdhouses that have been distributed in the community.

A former Korean War Army aviation mechanic and retired administrator at Dunwoody High School, Clyne only got into woodworking when he began looking for a hobby after retirement.

See CLYNE, Page 10

Dunwoody Community Garden rakes in crowd at April plant sale

► PAGE 4

Two Bridges Park opens

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody resident Ron Clyne holds two examples of his handmade bluebird houses, which he’s gifted and sold in north Metro Atlanta for the past six years.

Dunwoody citizens celebrate with a splash

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials held a ceremony May 6 to mark the opening of Two Bridges Park off Perimeter Center East, bringing park and trail access to thousands of underserved families in the Perimeter area.

Two Bridges Park, originally planned to be built three years ago but put on hold due

to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the first public park built in Perimeter Center and the first in Dunwoody to have a splash pad, officials said.

“This is huge,” Parks Director Brent Walker said. “This is our highest-density population area in Dunwoody, there are so many families in this community that have been underserved as far as

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Above: Officials, kids cut the ribbon and play at the Perimeter Center East site of Two Bridges Park on May 6. See PARK, Page 10

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Multiple vehicles stolen from Dunwoody homes

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police said two vehicles were reported stolen April 23.

The first report, filed at about 7 a.m., said a silver Ford F-150 was stolen from the parking deck of an apartment complex off Perimeter Center East sometime between 8:30 p.m. April 22 and when the theft was discovered that morning.

Flock cameras reportedly captured the vehicle on video at 3:20 a.m. heading southbound on Ashford Dunwoody Road, and later it was seen traveling eastbound on Pleasantdale Road, reports said.

Another report filed at 11:30 a.m. that same day said a 2008 Lexus GX was stolen from a home on Kings Down Road sometime between midnight and 11 a.m. the next morning. However, traffic cameras did not turn up any hits on the vehicle. At the time of the report, no suspects had been identified.

Police seek suspects in hit-and-run incident

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are searching for two men who allegedly caused a wreck on I-285 at Ashford Dunwoody Road April 23.

Reports said the wreck occurred about 2 a.m. when a 2012 Dodge Challenger was struck by a 2011 Nissan Juke. Witnesses said that after the wreck, two men got out of the Nissan and fled the scene in a black Ford Expedition, leaving their vehicle on the roadway.

From suspect vehicle information provided by witnesses, police identified the driver of the Ford Expedition and contacted him. The man reportedly told officers that he was unaware of who was in possession of his vehicle and did not know either of

the individuals who fled the wreck.

Vehicle information for the abandoned Nissan returned with a possible female suspect, but officers were unable to locate her.

Douglasville man cited in bank fraud schemes

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police have arrested a 31-year-old man from Douglasville who allegedly assisted a Marietta woman in attempting to steal thousands of dollars from banks in Fulton, Cobb and DeKalb counties.

In July 2022, Dunwoody police responded to the Regions Bank on Mount Vernon Road after receiving reports a female suspect was attempting to make fraudulent withdrawals from multiple bank branches.

At the scene, officers arrested a 30-year-old Marietta woman who was carrying a fake ID and was attempting to withdraw $8,500 from an account. Officers learned the woman had already been to other Regions Bank locations in Sandy Springs and Marietta, and had been able to withdraw $7,500 from an account in Marietta by correctly answering security questions associated with the ID.

The original report filed July 20 listed another individual, a 31-year-old Douglasville man, as a possible co-conspirator in the fraud. The man was arrested by Dunwoody police for felony fraud April 25, 2023.

Restaurant kitchen fight leads to armed conflict

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are searching for a 40-year-old Austell man who allegedly brandished an AK-47 rifle during a fight at the Wild Wings restaurant on Ashford Dunwoody Road April 28.

Reports said the incident occurred close to midnight when employees in the restaurant’s kitchen began pushing and fighting with each other. Witnesses said the suspect pulled an AK-47 rifle out of his vehicle after being pushed by another employee and racked the weapon’s slide, but was stopped

from pointing or firing the weapon.

The suspect fled the scene shortly after the incident began, reports said.

As of press time, police have not made an arrest.

Reckless dirt biker escapes police pursuit

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police responded to reports of a male recklessly riding a white dirt bike on Old Alabama Road and State Bridge Road around noon April 24. But he got away.

The man, wearing a pink hoodie, was riding on the sidewalk on Old Alabama Road and had cut down Candacraig heading toward State Bridge Road. Residents had observed him popping wheelies and driving on the wrong side of the roadway, the police report said.

Police saw the motorcycle on the sidewalk traveling westbound on State Bridge at a high speed. When police activated their emergency equipment, the biker turned onto Naramore Lane and accelerated, rolled through the stop sign at East Morton Road and headed north. While on East Morton, he passed several vehicles on the double yellow lines.

The driver continued making several turns, then went to the back of a subdivision and into the woods, where police lost sight of him.

Hacker defrauds business using employee’s name

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police met with a Milton woman April 27, who said multiple checks had been written from her Chase business account and cashed under an employee’s name.

When the woman confronted the employee about the transactions, he said his account had been hacked. The business, Upland Hospitality Group, is based in Johns Creek.

The victim said there were a total of five checks from April 9 until April 24 for a total amount of $2,190.23. Chase was able to recover her funds.

Dunwoody Woman’s Club to host sunflower project

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. —What could be more representative of the growth and renewal that happens each spring and summer than a patch of happy yellow sunflowers standing tall over gardens, homes and businesses?

This summer, the Dunwoody Woman’s Club will spread hundreds of sunflowers throughout Dunwoody’s parks, neighborhoods and business developments to spread cheer and provide natural animal habitats, as part of the group’s inaugural “Sunwoody” planting program.

Dunwoody Woman’s Club Member Rosemary Watts, who helped organize the program, said the sunflowers will be planted at 21 sites throughout the city, including multiple neighborhoods, Dunwoody Village, Ashford Lane, Dunwoody Methodist Church and along Mount Vernon Road.

Additionally, 120 sunflowers will be planted at local parks by the Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department.

Woman’s Club members began sprouting the plants in March with help from the Dunwoody Community Garden, Watts said. Since then, hundreds of native sunflower plants have been distributed in the community.

“They’re beautiful varieties, one’s yellow and one’s a little bit orange,” she said. “Hopefully by the end of June or July, they will have bloomed.”

This project was initiated by the Woman’s Club’s desire to bring beauty and visitors to the city, while also creating vital habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, birds and other

animals, she said.

Along with the sunflower plants themselves, the Woman’s Club also distributed a planting and care guide to participants, to help residents and business owners keep the sunflowers growing throughout the summer.

“Because just to get it started is not the easiest for someone that doesn't know how to do it,” she said. “So, people can continue to cut them, and they'll continue to bloom throughout most of the summer.”

If the project is well received, Watts and other members of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club think the program will likely be expanded in the future, to possibly include educational efforts like a partnership with local elementary schools, or even a sunflower art festival.

“There are so many things that we can do around a festival with art and seeds and just nature education,” she said. “That kind of thing would be great.”

If you’re interested in participating

in the “Sunwoody” planting program, Watts said there still may be time for you to get one of their already-sprouted plants. But even if you aren’t able to get one, she said sunflowers are fairly easy to sprout and plant on your own.

To learn more about this program from the Dunwoody Woman’s Club, how to participate and a guide for sunflower planting best practices, visit www.dunwoodywomansclub.com/ flowers.

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA

The Dunwoody Woman’s Club will spread sunflowers throughout the area’s parks, neighborhoods and businesses this summer to spread cheer and provide natural animal habitats, as part of the group’s inaugural “Sun- woody” planting program.

Dunwoody Community Garden rakes in crowd at April plant sale

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Over a sunny April weekend, the Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard at Brook Run sold thousands of plants from pollinators to peppers —and it’s all going back into the garden.

Community Garden Chairwoman Cyndi McGill said the annual spring plant sale, held from April 28-30, is the garden’s largest fundraiser, financing most of its operations for the next year.

Founded in 2009, the Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard at Brook Run Park has 92 member-leased garden beds. It owns and operates more than 30 raised garden beds and a small fruit tree orchard dedicated to growing produce for local food bank Malachi’s Storehouse.

The spring plant sale allows the garden to grow between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds of produce through the year, all donated to the food bank. The garden is staffed entirely by volunteers. McGill said every garden member agrees to give back volunteer hours to the garden when they start leasing a bed.

“We have people here almost every day working in the greenhouse,” McGill said.

Putting together the spring plant sale is a major undertaking for the volunteer team. McGill said the work “starts early,” and the work on ornamental plants lasts year-round.

The garden’s master plant propagator, Art Simon, takes cuttings to grow many of the flowering plants. Other plants are donated from members of the community. For the vegetables, the garden team starts planning for the sale in December.

They start by poring over seed catalogs and choosing the “best of the best” varieties to plant.

“There’s a zillion different kinds of pepper seeds and we’re going to plant maybe 10, so which ones do we do?” McGill said.

After choosing seeds, the volunteers place them in the greenhouse. The seedlings start off on heated mats to sprout, and when they germinate, volunteers put the plants in soil. McGill said the team follows a “master schedule” to plant the thousands of seedlings.

The community garden uses the City of Dunwoody’s greenhouses and volunteer labor to keep the garden running. That way, money raised from the plant sale can help fund projects like the food pantry beds.

“It allows us to do more,” McGill said. “For instance, one of the things we’re able to do is make sure that over at the garden, the soil in all of our

plants in the pantry beds is high quality.”

She said the plant sale is ultimately a chance to give back to the community, both through pantry beds and sharing knowledge. In the garden barn, volunteers host free gardener talks on topics from mushrooms to fertilization basics.

“The sale gave us a chance to share our knowledge about plants,” McGill said.

Many of the garden’s volunteers and leasing members are Master Gardeners, a national designation that Dunwoody gardeners can earn through the University of Georgia’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program.

To become a Master Gardener, one must apply for the program, take 42 hours of horticulture training and pass two exams. The training lasts a little over three months, and McGill said the gardeners typically spend one full day a week on lectures and lessons.

“It covers the whole gamut of gardening,” McGill said.

Once they earn the national title, Master Gardeners must do 50 volunteer hours of gardening work in their first year after the training. After that, Master Gardeners must volunteer at least 25 hours a year.

At the plant sale, many of the community garden’s 15 Master Gardeners milled about and answered customer questions. One customer stumbled onto the sale during a morning walk with her friend through Brook Run Park. Jodi Dybowski, a Dunwoody resident, said she was thrilled to discover the plant sale.

“The volunteers are knowledgeable, so helpful and so friendly,” Dybowski said. “They’re so friendly that I’m going to come volunteer.”

With the help of volunteer Ann Bonne, Dybowski packed a cart full of plants to redo her garden at home. She was particularly excited about the papyrus plant, which she struggled to find in many big-box plant stores.

“This is such a happy place,” Dybowski said.

McGill said the event was successful, but she didn’t know exactly how many plants were sold. She said the garden’s “needs are covered as far as the pantry beds are concerned.”

The leftover plants, McGill said, will be donated to other community gardens in the area to help support their work.

“It all goes back to why we do this, to support not only our garden members, but the work we do in growing, harvesting and donating produce,” McGill said.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody Community Garden volunteers mill about the spring plant sale to answer customers’ questions and provide gardening tips about the various plants on April 28.

Visitors shop at the Dunwoody Community Garden annual spring plant sale at Brook Run Park April 28.

Garden volunteers start germinating the seedlings for the spring plant sale months in advance in the greenhouse, prepping to sell them from April 28-30.

Dunwoody expands public art program

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Thanks to recent expansions of a 2022 civic art project, traffic light boxes around the City of Dunwoody are starting to start looking a lot more interesting.

Dunwoody officials announced April 26 that a $5,000 donation from Fifth Third Bank has allowed the city to complete Phase II of the city’s Green Light Art program, which wraps local traffic light boxes with original art made by Dunwoody High School students and local artists.

With this expansion, the project now includes 10 public art displays throughout the city, officials said.

The first phase of the Green Light Art project featured the work of five Dunwoody High School students, and the second phase included two additional students, Jenna Prass and Rocio Arvizu. Three other artists, Lori Lejeune, Lisa Guyton and Elaine Stephenson, were also included in the project’s second phase.

“The first phase of the Green Light Box Project was just incredible, and I am thrilled that we are able to share five more works of art in Dunwoody,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “We are simul-

taneously brightening intersections and improving our community.”

Fifth Third Bank donated funding for the project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Dunwoody branch held in January. Bank officials said the art project perfectly encapsulates the type of stewardship efforts they look for in a community.

“I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Fifth Third Bank cares about making a difference, and we will continue to support this community,” Randy Korporc, regional president of Fifth Third Bank said. “When we plant our flag, we’re serious, and we want to be a partner every step of the way.

Art displayed by the project is expected to last between three and five years, and the city is expected to expand it with more art again in the future.

To learn more about the project and see an interactive map of where Green Light Art Project canvases can be found, visit www.dunwoodyga.gov and click on Green Light Art Project in the Arts and Cultureand Arts Master Plans tabs.

— Alexander Popp

Tucker

Charity raises $55,000 with Swing Into Action

ROSWELL, Ga. — A North Fulton County nonprofit organization earned $55,000 for families in need at a golf tournament at the Country Club of the South April 24.

North Fulton Community Charities hosted the 15th annual Swing Into Action Golf Tournament, which aims to lessen hardship and provide financial stability to residents in need.

“This tournament plays an important role in helping prevent homelessness and food insecurity in our community,” organization Director of Development Sherri Morgan said. “We are grateful to the many golfers and sponsors who supported this event and make it possible for us to continue our work providing food and clothing assistance; case management; education and workforce develop -

ment; and seasonal assistance.”

The 11 a.m. tournament presented by Omnivore Ventures featured 96 golfers. The event was sponsored by Toyota Financial Services, Synchrony, Roswell Presbyterian Church, Northside Hospital and 19 other community groups.

Mike and Jeff Moskal; Ryan Grieb; and Peter Pyun of Northside Hospital won first place at the tournament; and Jim Pope, Phil Johnson, Ken Morton and Erik Bagwell took second place. Teams from Envision Office Solutions, Toyota Financial Services and DataScan were tied for third place.

Erik Bagwell also won the longest drive contest; Scott Kagan won the putting contest; and Casey Robinson won the closest to the pin contest.

— Shelby Israel

Bestselling authors’ new books make May busier than ever

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

As if Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and graduations galore aren’t enough for one month, this May promises to be busier than ever, thanks to a pair of acclaimed Atlanta-area authors promoting new books. Karen White and Joshilyn Jackson, names long familiar to readers in this country and beyond, routinely bring the party with them everywhere they go, new releases in tow.

With nearly two million books in print in 15 languages, White’s novels are often set in the South, have a paranormal twist and are filled with a mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.

In “The House on Prytania,” a woman is haunted – both literally and figuratively – by ghosts of the past. The book is available May 9. And, one week later, the Milton resident will be discussing the novel at her hometown library.

“Join me on Tuesday, May 16th, at 6 p.m. at our very own and gorgeous Milton Library,” White said. “It’s always a pleasure chatting about books with

my Milton neighbors. Local bookseller Annell Gerson of Bookmiser will be on hand to sell books – and I’ll be on hand to sign them. It’s a win-win!”

Jackson, whose page-turning thrillers and Southern fiction have been translated into a dozen languages, will be at the Alpharetta Library May 23. She will be talking about her new title, “With My Little Eye,” which author Karin Slaughter called “a dark, twisting confection. ‘With My Little Eye’ will send readers racing through its pages. Joshilyn Jackson is a master storyteller.”

Jackson will be in conversation with another renowned author, Wanda Morris, and both will be answering questions and signing books.

Details about these events, and others, are:

Literary Events Around North Atlanta

Tuesday, May 2, Lynn Cullen. Johns Creek Books and Gifts will host the bestselling author of historical fiction as she chats about her new release, “The Woman With The Cure.” Cullen’s book is based on the true story of Dr. Dorothy Horstmann, whose groundbreaking research helped make the polio vaccine possible. 1 p.m. Conversation, signing. Free. Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek, 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

Saturday, May 6: Boozy Bookfair. Read It Again Bookstore, Suwanee, is partnering with Distillery of Modern Art on a Boozy Bookfair spotlighting carefully curated books and locally distilled beverages. 6 p.m. Free. Distillery of Modern Art, 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com/event/ boozy-bookfair-doma-0

Tuesday, May 9: Shelby Van Pelt. Roswell Reads will host two virtual book discussions of Van Pelt’s New York Times bestselling debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Online. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Free. Register by emailing name, city and preferred time to RoswellReadsBookDiscussions@gmail.com. Roswell Reads book discussions are moderated by volunteers (without authors) and all selections are available at Bookmiser. 770-509-5611. RoswellReads.com

Tuesday, May 16: Karen White. The North Atlanta Author Series continues with White, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 books, including the Tradd Street series. Book two in her new Royal Street series is “The House on Prytania.” 6 p.m. Talk, signing. Free. Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton.

bookmiser.net/book-events.html

Tuesday, May 16: Boozy Bookfair. Suwanee’s Read It Again Bookstore is partnering with Indio Brewing for a

Boozy Bookfair featuring thoughtfully curated books and locally brewed beer. 6 p.m. Free. Indio Brewing, 5019 W Broad St. NE M145, Sugar Hill. 770-232-9331. read-itagain.com/event/boozy-bookfair-indio-brewing-co

Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20, Monday, May 22: Friends of Roswell Library will have a “Stock up for Summer Book Sale” featuring children’s books, $1 novels, nonfiction titles and more. Free. See website for hours. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404612-9700. forl.net

Tuesday, May 23: Joshilyn Jackson. A Novel Idea presents Jackson, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist, detailing her latest release, “With My Little Eye.” Jackson will be in conversation with thriller writer Wanda Morris, and Bookmiser will have both authors’ books available to purchase. 6 p.m. Talk, signing. Free. Alpharetta Branch Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 770-509-5611. anovelidea.us

Saturday, May 27-28: Married authors George Weinstein and Kim Conrey will be signing their books at the Alpharetta Street Fest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. eventeny.com/events/2022-alpharettaarts-streetfest-3515/

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

More info

Milton resident and bestselling author Karen White will be discussing her latest release May 16 at the Milton Library.

Bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson will be in conversation with acclaimed author Wanda Morris May 23 in Alpharetta.

JACKSON

WHITE

NORTH FULTON COMMUNITY CHARITIES/PROVIDED

From left, tournament co-chairs Mickey Rogers and Will Daniels; North Fulton Community Charities Director of Development Sherri Morgan; and Omnivore Ventures CEO John McAleer attend the Swing Into Action Golf Tournament April 24.

SUNDOWN SOCIAL

What: Sundown Social is a relaxed neighborhood gathering with live music and signature cocktails every Thursday until Oct. 26. This event will feature Eileen Howard, a composer, recording artist, and critically acclaimed jazz and blues singer. She and her combo of world-class musicians will perform classic American Songbook tunes, her own compositions and a set of jazzy sing-along songs from classic Disney movies. Charcuterie Chick will be selling small charcuterie & cheese boards, made with seasonal ingredients, unique combinations and quality accoutrements.

When: Thursday, May 11, 5:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘COPPÉLIA’ PRESENTED BY METROPOLITAN BALLET THEATRE

What: Experience ballet’s great comedy, telling the story of lovely Swanhilda, a girl who pretends to be a dancing doll to regain the affection of her sweetheart, Frantz.

When: May 12-14, times vary

Where: Blessed Trinity Theatre, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell

Cost: $20-30

More info: metropolitanballet.org

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’

What: A young orphan named Peter teams up with Molly, a Starcatcherin-training, and his mates to defend a mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin from pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache. Join Stage Door Theatre for an exploration of the depths of greed and despair, along with the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

When: May 12-28, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

MAY TRAILBLAZER WALK

What: The Powers Island Trail is a serene section of the recreation area, less traveled than the more popular

MAY TRAILBLAZER WALK

What: The Powers Island Trail is a serene section of the recreation area, less traveled than the more popular part of Cochrane Shoals across the river in Cobb County. Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Trail Blazers will explore trails on the island and along the riverbank. The trails offer views of the river and go through a forest studded with large rock outcrops and old stacked-stone walls. Walks take about an hour and are limited to 25 participants. Registration is required.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Powers Island at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 5450 Interstate North Parkway, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

part of Cochrane Shoals across the river in Cobb County. Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Trail Blazers will explore trails on the island and along the riverbank. The trails offer views of the river and go through a forest studded with large rock outcrops and old stacked-stone walls. Walks take about an hour and are limited to 25 participants. Registration is required.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Powers Island at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 5450 Interstate North Parkway, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

MILTON

FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning until Oct. 28, more than 30 vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

DUNWOODY ART FESTIVAL

What: The festival will showcase the wildly whimsical artist market that shoppers anticipate each spring.

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

Artisans from around the country look forward to the large and welcoming neighbors and visitors as they exhibit their paintings, folk art, glasswork, metal art, photography, fiber, ceramics, culinary treats and more. The tasty Food Court will be cookin’ back in the parking lot by Village Burger and Chupito’s. Live music will return this year in the center of the Food Court.

When: Saturday & Sunday, May 1314, times vary

Where: Dunwoody Village, 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody More info: splashfestivals.com/ events-festivals/dunwoody-artfestival

ALIVE IN ROSWELL

What: Alive in Roswell is a free family-friendly monthly festival held every third Thursday evening from April through October, featuring music, food trucks and hundreds of interactive vendors. It also sees participation from the many surrounding boutiques, small businesses and restaurants. A free regular trolley service connects the free parking at Roswell City Hall and Woodstock Park to the event. Dogs are allowed at Alive in Roswell, but please bring them on a leash and

follow these easy steps:

clean up any deposits from your baby. Animals are not allowed on the free trolley.

When: Thursday, May 18, 5-9 p.m. Where: Canton Street & Roswell Antique and Interiors lot, Roswell More info: aliveinroswell.com

SPRING WORKS IN CLAY OPENING RECEPTION

What: Works in Clay is a handmade artwork show and sale that features more than 40 local artists, who are members of the Roswell Clay Collective. The show will present handmade artwork that encompasses functional, sculptural and whimsical ceramics. There is something for everyone, from those looking for smart gift ideas to serious collectors searching for that special work of art. Participating artists will be available each day to answer questions and to give tours to anyone interested in future classes, workshops or events at Art Center West.

When: Thursday, May 18, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Arts Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

What: The Johns Creek Public Works Department presents the annual Touch-A-Truck event, featuring construction equipment and fun activities for the whole family. There will be free hot dogs, while supplies last.

When: Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

LIVE MUSIC WITH JOE CAPO

What: Joe Capo is a master guitarist playing soft tunes to sit back and relax with a cold beer. Let Joe take you on a melodic journey of nonvocal instrumental accompaniment through the valley of classic hits to a beautiful river of bliss.

When: Saturday, May 20, 5 p.m. Where: Moondog Growlers, 5064 Nandina Lane, Dunwoody More info: moondoggrowlers.com

Best friends bring bubbly to Roswell

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia built their friendship on a shared love of champagne. Now, years after they met, the pair co-own and operate Metro Atlanta’s only champagne bar, Pop Alleigh on Canton Street.

Pop Alleigh opened in December 2022, named after Anderson and Braglia who met in 2008 when Anderson coached Braglia’s son in cheerleading. The champagne bar offers more than 220 bottles of sparkling wine for purchase, as well as over 20 bubbly options by the glass. Customers can choose champagnes a la carte or opt for one of the rotating champagne flights, curated by Anderson and Braglia.

The pair only pours champagne they like to drink, Anderson said. The owners hand-pick the selection to ensure they serve what they enjoy and what they can educate customers about.

“Our approach is to be able to offer a high-end experience,” Anderson said.

Part of their push to open Pop Alleigh was a lack of champagne bars across the country. Leigh joked to Anderson that in Sonoma, California, there’s a “wine bar on every corner” while champagne destinations are few and far between. Anderson said the lack of shops is due to the perception of champagne.

“Having something where people can discover champagne was really important because the conception of champagne is that its rosy and its sweet,” Anderson said.

The selection of sparkling wines at Pop Alleigh is all brut, or very dry, with a few sweeter options for customers who crave it. Anderson said Pop Alleigh offers about “three wines” for people who want something different, but the focus is on champagne.

Neither of the co-owners have any wine certifications, but Anderson said they bring years of enthusiasm for champagne and travel across major sparkling wine regions like Champagne, France, and Cava, Spain.

A bubbly destination

Leigh Braglia discovered the property that would become Pop Al -

leigh after dinner with her husband at Little Alley Steak on Canton Street. Braglia said she had always wanted a business, and when she saw the space, she decided on the “spontaneous” move. She called up Anderson and the best friends decided to go into business together.

The co-owners wanted to create a business that would stand out in Roswell — something “niche, intentional and specific” that differed from restaurants and wine bars.

Without many champagne bars to pull from, Braglia said the two had the freedom to follow their own vision.

“We were just able to do whatever we wanted to do,” Braglia said.

The pair completely renovated the Canton Street space with a focus on the details. Braglia said she had a vision for everything from the glasses to the architecture. The nine-table space is intimate, which lets Braglia and Anderson have a hands-on experience with every customer.

“We’ve got a great thing, just having something different and not having to think about anything else to by,” Braglia said.

Setting the mood

Pop Alleigh offers private events and champagne tasting classes, but Anderson said the bar isn’t as formal as a wine school or as casual as a club. It’s somewhere in between, with music and conversation as well as information cards and tasting explanations.

“I feel like we have it all, like we’re curating nightlife in Roswell,” Anderson said.

In the months since Pop Alleigh opened, Anderson said the business has “elevated” the area, offering customers a place “before dinner, after dinner or instead of dinner.” The bar already has a group of loyal customers from around the town and strong support from the city, according to the co-owner.

The business has been successful enough that Anderson said Pop Alleigh is opening on Mondays and Tuesdays and extending its hours on the weekends. Anderson and Braglia said they feel like they “have it all.”

“In this short of a time to make (Pop Alleigh) what it is, I know I’m really proud for sure,” Braglia said.

Best friends

POP ALLEIGH/PROVIDED

Best friends Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia made the “spontaneous” decision to open champagne bar Pop Alleigh on Canton Street in Roswell after bonding over a shared love of drinking bubbly.

Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia opened Pop Alleigh, Metro Atlanta’s only champagne bar on Canton Street in December 2022 after spending years drinking bubbly together.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Park:

Continued from Page 1

parks go … They can walk to their neighborhood park now.”

Walker said the 5-acre park is a culmination of years of planning, patience and hard work.

“When we first took over the property from DeKalb County when the city incorporated, there was about an acre and a-half of parkland here,” he said. “Over the years, we were able to acquire another 3 and a-half acres, so we have a 5-acre park here in the middle of the perimeter center area, which is huge.”

Construction was paid for with $3 million in American Rescue Plan funding, after approval from the Dunwoody City Council last year.

In addition to the city’s first-ever splash pad, Two Bridges Park is equipped with an 8,000-square-foot ADA-compliant playground, picnic pavilions, exercise stations and walking trails along the North Fork of Nancy Creek.

“We are so excited to be here to open our newest park, Two Bridges Park, which is going to serve all these children and all the children of our community and their children,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said during the park opening.

Two Bridges Park is at 50 Perimeter Center East and has on-site parking. For more information visit www.dunwoodyga.gov and click on Two Bridges Park in the Parks & Recreation tab.

Clyne:

Continued from Page 1

“I remembered when I was a kid, I made my first coffee table and made it like a checkerboard with different colors, so that led me to l woodworking,” he said.

But even before getting into woodworking, he was fascinated with tools and amassed a large collection of hammers, pliers and other implements. Many were antiques inherited from his father, like a set of clamps that were once used to haul heavy ice blocks in Minnesota.

“Then I started picking up fence pieces, old board and fences that people were throwing away … and my yard man started picking up pieces from Home Depot they were throwing in the dumpster,” he said.

With those pieces of reclaimed fence wood, Clyne began making his first birdhouses, starting with the traditional bluebird house, which has a long rectangular body and a single sharply peaked roof. But over the years, his designs have been upgraded to a newer style that’s easier to produce with economical cuts and nearly zero waste.

The new birdhouse design opens on its side, he said, so people can peek in and check on how the birds, eggs and eventually how the hatched chicks are doing.

Clyne said he always felt a connection

to the colorful bluebirds and loves seeing them around his neighborhood.

“I like the color and put them out in the neighborhood, you'll see bluebirds all over the place,” he said. “But I'd like to make Dunwoody a bluebird capital of the state.”

Originally, he also made birdhouses for several other species and was very inter -

ested in hawks that nest in Georgia. That changed once he learned how they hunt bluebirds and other small birds.

“But I haven't seen them get any of my bluebirds,” he said. “I wish they’d get the squirrels.”

Clyne, who is a quadriplegic due to a fall that broke his C5 vertebrae and left

him nearly paralyzed from the chest down, said the puzzle-solving aspect of woodworking keeps his body and mind active in a way that nothing else does, which is a particular problem for people who are wheelchair-bound.

“I had to find something to do,” he said. “This keeps my mind working because I work things out, I solve problems, I have one thing go wrong and I figure out a solution for it.”

Even with limited hand mobility, he’s developed a garage workspace and method that works well and produces results.

“My hands, they don't work really well, but I’ve figured out how to use them,” he said. “I was laughing yesterday because most woodworkers, have two or three fingers missing and I said, ‘I’ve avoided that because my fingers won’t stretch all the way out.’”

In total, Clyne has likely made more than 120 bluebird houses that have either been gifted to local groups like his church and the City of Dunwoody for their parks, but he’s also sold many to people who hear about his work through the grapevine.

“It’s all word of mouth,” he said. “I’ve had people from Alpharetta calling me up saying that they heard I made bluebird houses, and they buy one.”

If you are interested in buying one of Clyne’s birdhouses or requesting one for your organization, contact him directly at ronclyne@gmail.com.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Ron Clyne uses a staple gun at his home woodshop in Dunwoody to join the front and sides of a bluebird birdhouse. Clyne has made more than 120 birdhouses over the past six years.

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Parents and children enjoy the playground and splash-pad at Two Bridges Park on May 6.

Stroke Awareness and Recovery

Brought to you by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

May is National Stroke Awareness month, highlighting the symptoms and recovery challenges posed by the most common cause of disability in our country. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, with over 800,000 strokes and 140,000 deaths in the USA each year.

Almost 80% of strokes are caused by lifestyle choices we can address. High blood pressure is a leading cause along with smoking (which quadruples your risk), diabetes, lack of exercise, cardiovascular disease, obesity, being 65 or older and having a family history.

The most common stroke type is Ischemic, when a blood clot blocks a vein or artery in the brain. A Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. It’s important to know the signs and act quickly, as doctors can give clot busting drugs within 4 hours of the onset of a stroke. Early warning signs include face drooping or numbness in the face, arms or legs on one side of the body, arm weakness and motion difficulty, loss of balance, sudden confusion, speech difficulty or words that don’t make sense, sudden severe headache, blurry vision and trouble seeing from one or both eyes. If you suspect a stroke is happening, call 911 immediately.

After a stroke certain physical issues can occur, including weakness or paralysis, walking, speech and coordination difficulties, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, trouble swallowing, depression and anxiety. Recovery time differs, and almost 10% of stroke victims recover almost

completely. Another 25% recover with minor impairments and 40% will have moderate to severe impairments that require special care. The first 3 to 6 months are the time to make the most strides in recovery, but performance can continue to show improvement 12 to 18 months out. Recovery is likely to start in a rehabilitation center with a team that includes speech and language pathologists and physical therapists. Researchers have found that after discharge, stroke patients who continued rehabilitation and physical therapy at home had a faster recovery and, after three months, performed activities of daily living at higher levels than those who only received traditional rehabilitation.

At Home Helpers we create a unique care plan that can meet your immediate needs and change as recovery progresses. A heart centered, skilled in-home caregiver can assist with daily consistent exercise - helping to follow your occupational and physical therapist’s techniques that are so vital for recovery. Most stroke patients tire easily and will need help with housekeeping, meal preparation or feeding while regaining use of their hand or arm. Many need help with showers and personal grooming. Your loved one may experience vision difficulties that require them to stop driving, or emotional changes that make them anxious or more easily frustrated.

We’re here to help - from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta (770) 681-0323.

Neck Carotid Artery Disease: What to know and what to look out for

Brought

to you by

- By Dr. Benjamin Zussman, neurosurgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center

This Stroke Awareness Month, learn the signs and causes of a stroke so you can take action right away if you or someone else experiences one. The Neuro Care team at Wellstar works with patients to reduce their risk of a stroke and provide lifesaving care in the event of a stroke.

The carotid artery is a major blood vessel that brings blood from your heart to your brain. There are normally two carotid arteries, one on the right side and one on the left. At the point where the carotid artery divides into a branch that feeds the face and a branch that feeds the brain, there is a natural location for the buildup of debris, called atherosclerotic plaque.

As plaque buildup increases, it takes up more space within the vessel and begins to narrow the path for blood flow through the vessel. This narrowing is called stenosis. Because plaque buildup is typically disorganized, bits of plaque can tear off or rupture. When a plaque ruptures, it may cause a stroke.

Patients with plaque buildup who develop stroke-like symptoms, or an actual stroke are referred to as having “symptomatic” disease, because the plaque is believed to have caused their symptoms.

In contrast, patients with plaque buildup who have never had symptoms before are referred to as patients with “asymptomatic” disease. Patients with asymptomatic disease may be identified during a physical examination when a “whooshing” sound or bruit is heard over the carotid artery or when an imaging study of their neck is done for another reason. In general, the worse the carotid stenosis, the higher the chance of a stroke.

If you know that you have carotid artery stenosis, then you should watch out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke. One easy way to remember the classic stroke symptoms is to BE FAST:

• Balance — One sign is 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 symptoms 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 drooping or feeling numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it appears lopsided or uneven.

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

• Speech — Check for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to determine 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.

For patients with mild carotid artery disease, there are several effective strategies to reduce the risk of a stroke. High cholesterol contributes to carotid plaque formation, and providers may prescribe medications to lower the body’s cholesterol level. Carotid stenosis narrows the path for blood flow, so other medications are used to keep blood flowing smoothly around the plaque. Finally, quitting cigarette smoking improves the body’s natural repair mechanisms, since smoking limits the body’s ability to heal vessel walls.

For patients with severe carotid disease, there are different procedures to reduce the risk of a stroke. In carotid endarterectomy, the provider will make a two-inch neck incision to expose the carotid artery. First, the artery is temporarily clamped to prevent bleeding. Then, the artery is opened and cleaned to completely remove the plaque. Finally, the artery is sewn, and the incision is closed.

In carotid artery stenting, a small tube or catheter is inserted through the wrist or the leg and steered within the body’s vessels to the carotid artery. First, a protection device is positioned to catch any debris that may become dislodged. Then, a metallic tube called a stent is expanded to push the plaque to the side and widen the artery. Finally, the machinery is removed, and the entry sites are closed.

The neurosurgeons at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center have extensive training and experience in the treatment of carotid artery disorders. The hospital is recognized as a Certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center — the highest level of stroke certification available — by The Joint Commission. Our dedicated neurocritical care and vascular neurology teams provide worldclass care for patients before and after they undergo a carotid artery procedure.

To make an appointment with a neurosurgeon on the campus of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, call (770) 664-9600.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE

From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, Wellstar is ensuring the community in this area has access to expert, compassionate cancer care.

The new Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center brings more than 12,000 additional square feet on the medical center campus dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking cancer treatments right here in the North Fulton area. Services include:

• CyberKnife radiation technology

• Physician expertise in many specialties

• Surgery, medical and radiation oncology

Find care at every step of your cancer journey here in North Fulton.

wellstar.org/northfultoncancercare

Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center 4500 Hospital BLVD | ROSWELL (770) 410-4530

What goes around comes around

Brought to you by – The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Most anyone who has lived in Dunwoody in the last 35 years knows the name Dr. Jeff Priluck. He is a restorative and cosmetic dentist who has served four generations of dental patients in our community. Two years ago, Jeff sold his dental practice and decided to assess his future plans.

Shortly after arriving in Atlanta in 2003, Dr. Brad Hepler joined Dr. Priluck's dental practice as an associate before establishing his own dental practice in Alpharetta, GA. Dr. Priluck highly respected Dr. Hepler's clinical skills as well as the care and compassion he always showed his patients. Fast forward 20 years." What goes around comes around". Upon hearing that Dr. Priluck had sold his practice, Dr. Hepler contacted Dr. Priluck and offered him an opportunity to join his practice as an associate at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health, in essence reversing roles.

Combining their clinical skills seemed a perfect fit for both doctors.

The doctors enjoy their renewed association and share the same philosophy of providing the highest quality contemporary dental care for their combined patients.

Come Experience the Difference

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. Our wish for you is that you look and feel your best in 2023!

Dr. Jeffrey Priluck, Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are highly trained and certified to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a consultation to discover which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health, 11190 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022.

PRILUCK

CDC reports increasing mental health challenges for U.S. teens

You can read the full report on the CDC’s website at tinyurl.com/cdcyouth23.

We Want to Hear from You!

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are continuing to see a trend of declining mental health among our teens. The data showed more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health. The report also showed more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) had attempted suicide in 2021.

While statistics worsened for all teens during this period, data shows a stark disparity for teenage girls. In 2021, fifty-seven percent of female students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness and 13% had attempted suicide in the past year.

On May 18th, United Way of Greater Atlanta will be presenting new data regarding Child Well-Being both in the Atlanta region generally and in North Fulton specifically.

Your feedback is crucial as we open the discussion to Child Well-Being intersectionality with mental health outcomes. Participants are invited to share their impressions and implications of these findings. The discussion will inform a comprehensive perspective and provide momentum toward collective action.

Please join us from 10:00 – 11:30 AM in-person on Thursday, May 18th at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 N. Main Street or via live streaming on Facebook @NFMHC. Register online at tinyurl.com/NFMHC523

Brought to you by - Cathy Murphy, Director of Community Outreach at Summit Counseling Center

Glenn Greer Austin, farmer, carpenter, justice of the peace

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Glenn Greer Austin was born in 1885 to Elizabeth and John Thomas Austin. Their home was in the Grogan’s District of Milton County, which was along what is now Roberts Drive and Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs.

In 1906, he married Nettie Southern. Her family’s property and home were along what is now Mount Vernon Road near Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Their wedding was the first to take place at the church, a small wooden building across the road from today’s church. The couple stayed active at the church throughout their lives, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Board of Stewards. (The Story of Dunwoody, Elizabeth L. Davis, Ethel W. Spruill)

The history of Nettie Southern Austin, who taught at the Dunwoody School for many years and is the namesake of Austin Elementary, has been told previously in this column. Glenn Austin was also an important part of the community.

Glenn Greer was a carpenter, farmer and justice of the peace for Dunwoody. His work as justice of the peace was done in Nash’s Store and the post office, which were at the northwest corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road. The justice of the peace in a community held court to try minor civil cases. They also performed marriages.

Austin’s son, Glenn Thomas Austin remembered his father doing all these jobs. He also recalled working construction alongside his father when Dunwoody Methodist Chapel was built. (DeKalb History Center oral histories, “Dunwoody, I Remember Hour,” 1994)

Dunwoody School students of the 1940s remember fondly the small wood house he constructed, known as the Dutch House. The students were studying Holland at the time, so Austin built the house and a small windmill that stood next to the house.

He used his carpenter skills in many ways to help the school and his wife Nettie. He built a sand table for the playground. Inside the school, there was an area filled with his wood toys and identified with a sign that read “Toyland.” He built rocking horses, doll cradles and strollers, tables, a tall giraffe, and an assortment of other wooden animals.

Glenn Greer Austin and Nettie Southern Austin had six children. He

died in 1948 and Nettie died in 1956. They are buried at the Sandy Springs Methodist Cemetery.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier.

She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

Columnist

The children of Dunwoody School enjoy a sand table built by Glenn Austin.

FAMILY PHOTOS

Glenn Austin built the Dutch House in the 1940s for the children of Dunwoody School.

Historical fantasy or romance fantasy?

Two recent reads had me asking myself how best to describe them to my readers. If you google fiction genres, you will find anywhere from five basic genres to hundreds. One list I found included action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance and thriller. But those categories aren’t enough for most of us.

Naturally, I turned to Amazon, because they’ve added a gazillion genres to the shorter lists I’m most familiar with. For example, my series falls into the mystery genre at a high level, but there are 12 subgenres beneath it, and my books fit in the cozy mystery subgenre.

The books below are both listed as historical fantasy on Amazon, and the first is ranked as a No. 1 bestseller in three genres: romance, literary fiction, romantic fantasy and historical fantasy. The second is categorized as time travel fiction, science fiction

adventures and historical fantasy. So, they’re the same but different. The first is a more somber tale. The second is an adventure. The good news is I enjoyed them both.

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”

by V.E. Schwab

Wow! Just wow! I couldn’t put this one down, and I can see why it is described as a genre-defying tale. It starts in 1714 in France, where young Adeline LaRue makes a deal with the devil. She will live forever, but no one will remember her.

For over 300 years, she lives a sometimes miserable and at other times thrilling existence. Every year, the devil visits her, asking if she’s ready yet to give up her soul. Like Faustus, that’s what he’s after. And every year, she turns him down, though, in the bleakest times, it’s tempting to say yes.

Does she find romance? Well, yes, but her partners are destined to forget her by the next day. Until, as you can read on the book jacket, she finds someone who doesn’t — in 2014. The story unfolds as she witnesses history, the good and the bad.

Her meetings with Luc, the name she gives her devil, evolve and change through the years. Sometimes he is enchanting and at others threatening.

As Luc would say, “I will tell you no more.” Seriously, the language is a treat. Read it for the history lessons and the romance and the beautiful writing. If that is, you like Historical Fantasy or Romantic Fantasy.

“Lies, Damned Lies, and History”

by Jodi Taylor

This is book seven in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series and is as entertaining as the first six. I’m happy to report there are 13 books in the series with a 14th coming out this year. Since I’m not a binge reader, they should keep me entertained for at least a few years.

One reviewer describes the series as “a wild mix of history, adventure, comedy, romance, tragedy, and anything else the author could think of.” No wonder it falls into historical fantasy and science fiction genres. Science fiction lovers will get a kick from the pods that travel

through history landing in places like Thermopylae and Troy and Merlin’s cave.

The job of the characters manning the pods is to investigate and document history — to get the real story. As in any good series, the relationships among the characters are half the fun. Maybe more than half. And, yes, there’s a bit of romance thrown in too. There’s history, danger, conflict, and humor — lots of humor—mixed with pure farce. I am always delighted by witty dialogue, and this series is filled with it. Maybe one of these days, I’ll count the number of double entendres. Rollicking seems to be one of my favorite words as of late, and it aptly describes this book. It’s rollicking good fun!

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

‘Smart’ Declan’s journey: A heartwarming Mulligan

Before you read another word, put down this newspaper and grab a box of tissues. I’m pretty sure you’re going to need them after reading this. But don’t worry, like me, you’ll be unleashing tears of joy.

It’s safe to say, when sitting down to write a column, there is angst that comes from just finding the right words. Then there are occasions, like this week, when the column writes you.

Let’s get to it: In a nutshell, 3-year-old Declan Demory Wetz should probably be a memory. He should be a tragic statistic that reminds us of the societal scourge that is drug addiction. Instead, on February 3, Declan officially became an integral part of Ginger and Mike Wetz’s Cumming family.

Declan was born severely addicted to a plethora of prescription pain medications, the ones you read about. You believe there’s a buffer and no way

anything like this could affect you. Sadly, swallowing pills is small stuff when it takes in all that is involved.

Declan’s birth mother was Ginger’s sister, Jerilyn, a bright vibrant nurse who, in Ginger’s words, “got in with a bad crowd.” As a nurse with all kinds of drugs so readily accessible, the monkey on Jerilyn’s back, coupled with shady friends, just wouldn’t let go. It wasn’t a fair fight. Jerilyn, 26, died last August.

“She would have been a fantastic mom,” Ginger lamented.

For Declan, his first weeks were spent in a Nashville neonatal intensive care unit. He weighed a mere 5 pounds when he turned 6 weeks old. There were no guarantees he would get to go home. And even if he did get released, where was he going to lay his head at night?

And that’s where Ginger and Mike did what can only be termed “the right thing.” There was a fight brewing, with Declan as the prize. They had experience as parents having raised Noah (now 20) and Liam (13). Why not one more?

Going through the courts, attaining

guardianship and eventually custody, Ginger wanted Declan to have a fighting chance. Besides, “he’s the smartest kid I’ve ever seen.”

And she should know. See, here’s another twist to the story: Ginger works for the Forsyth County School District, and to stay home and kickstart Declan’s development she would have had to quit her job. No way to be a working mom when there was such a worthwhile toddler project at home.

Believing that God knows what He’s doing, COVID was unleashed at a most opportune time for the Wetz family. Ginger could stay home and give Declan a ton of the TLC he missed out on in the NICU and the time after that.

Ginger’s faith that Jerilyn would get better was a false hope. Disappointment? Sure. But Ginger firmly believes “God has had a hand in all this,” adding Declan is “way too smart.”

It’s natural that Declan has a few issues. That’s to be expected when you come into the world addicted to that terrible poison. But as far as being adjusted to his family, he’s all-in.

All through this, there have been good days and bad days.

Declan, early in the adoption process when Ginger and Mike were unsure of how things would turn out, sealed the deal for the couple. One day he called Ginger “Lovey.” Mike was “Gunkle,” which is Declan-speak for Grumpy Uncle. Now maybe you can see Ginger knows what she’s talking about with her “smart” assessment.

Through all the evaluations from the Forsyth County Schools, there’s no way Declan will be in Special Education classes. There’s that “too smart” problem again.

Declan’s brothers play soccer. I asked Ginger, who has prepared my taxes for more than 20 years, if she had thought about putting a golf club in Declan’s hands.

So far, his life has been a fantastic Mulligan.

Mike Tasos has lived in Forsyth County for more than 30 years. He’s an American by birth and considers himself a Southerner by the grace of God. He can be reached at miketasos55@ gmail.com.

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

MIKE TASOS

Columnist

Garden hints for growing lavender in Georgia

I have enjoyed growing lavender in my personal garden for many years. As a second-year Master Gardener in 2009, the North Fulton County Extension Agent requested volunteers to open a booth at the new Roswell Farmer’s Market. I agreed to open a booth named “The Lavender Lady” where I sold cut lavender bundles, lavender crafts and garden flowers.

Garden Lavender is a spiky, shrubby plant prized for its wonderful color, scent and appearance. The plant comes in colors of deep purple, lavender, pink, white and several shades in between. There are over 450 varieties of lavender that exist with more currently being identified.

Our Georgia climate is different from the dry, chalky Mediterranean climate where lavender originated. In recent years, growers have developed a species that is more tolerant of our Southern heat and humidity. It is an English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) named ‘Phenomenal’ that has been field tested from Texas to Georgia and has even been grown in Florida’s hot climate.

Other types of lavender, such as Spanish lavender (Lavendula stoechas), including the varieties “Otto Quast,” “Silver Anouk” and “Anouk” have been successfully grown in Georgia. The main difference between English lavender and Spanish lavender is their size. English lavender is taller than Spanish lavender and typically has longer leaves. Other differences between the two varieties include their color, the appearance of their flowers and their tolerance of cold weather.

An additional type of lavender that may be successfully grown in Georgia is the Lavendula x intermedia. The “Grosso” variety is considered to have the best scent of all the grown lavenders and is a good cut flower. It is a hybrid of English lavender and broadleaved lavender (Lavandua

latifolia). Other lavender varieties that have been successfully grown in Georgia are “Dutch,” “Hidcote,’’ ‘‘Munstead’’ and ‘’Provence.’’

Lavender is best planted as young cuttings in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.

If planted in the fall, choose larger, more established plants to ensure survival through the winter. The plants are hardy in growing zones 5 to 9, which encompasses all of the state of Georgia. Lavender can be planted year-round unless the weather is freezing. October is the best time for planting so their roots will develop by springtime.

Before planting, get a soil test to determine the soil pH, and if needed work lime into the soil. Every two to three years add a maintenance dose of lime. However, Lavendula stoechas and hybrids do not want lime.

Prune young lavender plants after the cuttings have achieved a height of 24 to 36 inches. Pruning them in

autumn after they have matured will help them retain their rounded form. However, prune Lavender x intermedia less severely because it is much less hardy than the English lavender. Lavender stoechas are best pruned in the summer after flowering.

Further reading on the topic of growing lavender includes: “The Lavender Lover’s Handbook” by Sarah Berringer Bader (Timber Press), “Lavender” by Tess Evelegh (Lorenz Books), and

“Lavender: A Grower’s Guide” by Virginia McNaughton (Timber Press).

If you are interested in learning more about growing lavender in the south and which species do best, the soil type, and weather conditions best suited for optimum growth, please check out my virtual talk, “Growing Lavender,” on the NFMG YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/8IA-Ku8VKo.

Happy gardening!

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

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Sandy Springs resident Rebecca Pinckney. Rebecca, a Master Gardener since 2008, has grown several types of lavender. She is a native Floridian who has lived in Atlanta all her adult life. Gardening, writing, drawing, painting, and reading are her interests. She and her husband are grandparents to six children.

REBECCA B. PINCKNEY

Guest Columnist

ARCHITECTURAL JOB CAPTAIN:

Member of the design team involved in creative planning, designing & leadership with primary focus on building services like construction documents, design development, schematic design, BIM, consultant coordination & interior design. Produce drawings & perform support functions as directed in conformance with project time, cost & quality constraints. Must have at least a Masters degree in architecture & 6 months of experience. Must have completed course work in construction program management, building materials, quantity surveying, building services & environmental systems. Job location, Atlanta. Please mail resume to: Phillips Partnership PC, 5901 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Building A, Suite 450, Atlanta GA 30328.

Loan Processor, AA US Mortgage LLC. Atlanta, GA. 40 hours/week and $63,000/year. Responsibilities: Explaining the loan product to the client over the phone or in person; Evaluating credit histories for applications; Collecting data from clients such as their assets, salaries, debts, and employment status to fill in information for the loan application; Reviewing file documentation for missing or erroneous information; Creating payment plans and meeting loan application deadlines; Completing loan contracts and ensuring clients are kept informed of the rules and requirements; Assisting Loan Officer with requests and tasks needed to complete and process applications; Follow-up with clients to verify important information; Ensure compliance with the established regulations and law requirements. Requirements: Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. 12 months experience in similar job experience. Bengali and/or any other language preferable. To apply, send your resume to: aausmortgage@gmail.com

Business & Data Science Manager:

Interpret customer needs; Identify process improvement opportunities & Develop solutions using process dev. tools; Design & deploy secure electronic data interface between the firm & its client base; Perform data mining, create machine learning algorithms to predict the likelihood of debt-recovery & implement robotic process automation to ensure the most efficient recovery strategies. Req.: Master’s deg. (or foreign equiv.) in Bus. Admin. 2 years of leadership exp. in business analysis & project mgt. using DMAIC, Six Sigma, Kaizen; exp. using Advanced SQL, Python/ R, Tableau, Power Automate, UI Design; exp. w/reporting & data visualization tools. Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable. Resume to & job location: Burke Moore Law Group, 235 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303; pburke@burkemoore.com.

Cook. Prep. seasoned typical Pakistani foods, such as saffron, long-grain fragrant rice, thick yoghurt, ginger/ garlic paste, pure ghee (clarified butter); Prep. fried onion, rose & kewda, along w/ marinating kabobs; Cook Biryani Rice, kabobs, & other Pakistani cuisine. Prep. foods for Pakistani weddings. Order supplies, plan menu of Pakistani cuisine, & price items on menu. Prep. Degh. Req. 18 mos. exp. in Pakistani typical foods rest. Exp. prep’g. Pakistani foods for 200 - 300 ppl. events. Salary: $32,718/yr. Send resume to: Hayat Enterprises Inc., 5775 Jimmy Carter Blvd, #190 & 140, Norcross, GA 30071.

Office

Wonderful Office Suite Available

Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children

Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips.

Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.

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

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

lease. Reasonable $

Contact Ray Appen via Text (770-527-4042) or email me at RayAppen@Gmail.com – or just call me but best to text and I will return your call.

SANDY SPRINGS

Part-time Electricians

Near 400 & Northridge. 2 offices. $475 month each, includes utilities. 770-331-3915

Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.

For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”