Dunwoody Crier - May 25, 2023

Appen Media files suit in Sandy Springs records case

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Dunwoody sets Memorial Day tribute service

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department will host the city’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 29 at Brook Run Park’s DeKalb Veterans Memorial.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be co-hosted by Dunwoody’s Veteran Events Planning Committee.

Dead oak tree finds new use

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody has unveiled a carved wooden diorama sculpture that shows thousands of years of community history, thanks to efforts by the Dunwoody Preservation Trust.

At a ceremony May 17, local leaders and members of the public got the first look at an art project five years in the making, a long diorama sculpture carved from the wood of a 100-yearold Red Oak tree that died at the DonaldsonBannister Farm property on Chamblee Dunwoody Road in 2018.

“This is an important Dunwoody tradition that gives us a chance to honor those who sacrificed all for their country and our freedom,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “I’m pleased that we continue to make investments in the Veterans Memorial so we can keep our commitment to never forget.”

Officials said the ceremony will feature Major General William B. Dyer III as a keynote speaker.

Dyer, a Dunwoody resident, is the commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve 108th Training Command and leads more than 10,000 soldiers in initial entry training to future deployments. He has spent 26 years in the Army Reserve with two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Local officials and civic leaders will take part in the ceremony, includ-

See MEMORIAL, Page 6

PHOTOS BY CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED See DUNWOODY, Page 10

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Tools reported stolen from Dunwoody home

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police responded to a home on Redfield Road May 12 on a report tools worth $1,000 had been stolen.

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Incident reports said a stolen saw and saw stand were last seen by the victim at about 5:30 p.m. the day before. The victim said that because they are remodeling the home, its doors were likely left unlocked.

Witnesses living nearby captured the theft via their Ring video camera at about 10 p.m. May 11. The video showed a pickup truck backing into the home’s driveway and pulling away about five minutes later.

However, it was too dark for the camera to pick up the truck’s model, make, or color.

At the time of the report, police had not identified any suspects in this case.

Atlanta man arrested for Walmart burglary

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police have arrested a 30-year-old Atlanta man, who was allegedly found in the employee locker room of a Dunwoody Walmart, wearing stolen articles of store uniform.

Police said an Ashford Dunwoody Road Walmart store employee called 911 at 9 p.m. May 14, after he allegedly witnessed a suspicious man walking around the store’s locker room.

The witness said he was immediately suspicious because the man was wearing a Walmart vest with another co-worker’s name on it. When the witness approached the suspect, he fled

the store toward a nearby hotel.

Police located the suspect walking west on Meadow Lane toward Ashford Dunwoody Road, but when they attempted to speak with him, he ran away. Following a short chase, the suspect was taken into custody, and a Walmart vest and phone device were located nearby.

The suspect was charged with burglary and obstruction and was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

Doraville driver arrested in reportedly stolen SUV

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody and Chamblee police arrested a man allegedly responsible for stealing a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer from a Dunwoody apartment complex May 11.

Chamblee Police took the 20-yearold Doraville man into custody after he was spotted driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Dunwoody earlier that day.

Dunwoody police initially responded to the Peachtree Place Apartments on Peachtree Place Parkway at about 6:32 a.m., after the victim reported his vehicle had been stolen from the parking lot. The victim told police he went out to start the vehicle at about 6 a.m., and it was stolen while he was inside the apartment gathering his things.

The suspect, who was known to police from previous encounters, did not have a driver’s license but said a friend allowed him to borrow the vehicle. However, he could not provide the name of the person..

The suspect was charged with theft by taking a motor vehicle and driving while unlicensed. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

Fake Amazon employee accesses woman’s credit

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns

Creek woman reported to police May 8 that someone claiming to be an Amazon representative informed her that someone had made a fraudulent charge on her account.

The caller convinced the victim to download an app on both her phone and laptop called “Any Desk.” After she installed the app, the caller gained access to her devices.

By the time she realized it was a scam, three fraudulent charges had been made on her Bank of America credit card, totaling $250. The victim also said two more charges were made on her Target credit card, totaling $600. A third charge, for nearly $500, had not been successful.

Police advised the victim to freeze all accounts and call all financial institutions involved.

Two teens admit to vandalizing vehicle

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek teen reported to police May 13 that an unidentified person or group placed Jolly Ranchers all over her vehicle, and she suspected it to be former friends.

Her car was untouched at 9 p.m. the day before, and when she returned to her car, she noticed a melted red Jolly Rancher stuck to the left rear bumper area, located another behind the handle of her driver’s side passenger door and more on the roof.

The victim suspected that two of her former friends were the offenders. She had blocked them two months ago on social media and by phone. Despite blocking them, the victim said they have continued to harass her.

She told police she did not want to prosecute but wanted to document the incident in case the harassment continues.

Police later contacted the suspects, who admitted they placed the candy on the victim’s car as “payback.”

Taqueria Los Hermanos’ secret ingredient is family history

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Taqueria Los Hermanos was born from the vision of three brothers two decades ago, but its history dates back to a rich family tradition in the cuisine of southern Mexico.

Located in The Shops of Dunwoody on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, co-owner Miguel Romero said the restaurant offers a unique take on the typical Mexican fare, with a menu rich in seafood that is beloved by the community.

Romero’s personal favorite on the menu are Mama’s tamales, a spicy red chicken and a spicy green pork tamale served on a bed of warm Mexican rice with a side of black charro bean soup and handmade sauces. He said the recipe dates to his great-grandmother, who passed it down through the generations.

“That's something, I think, that a lot of other restaurants are lacking,” Romero said. “There's not really a true family recipe. It's more of just kind of same old, same old, just different kinds of varieties or whatever. But for us, everything is homemade. All of our sauces are homemade. All the marinades are family recipes.”

The fan-favorite Romero said a fan-favorite at Taqueria Los Hermanos are the tlayudas, a Mexican-style pizza that originates from the state of Oaxaca. The dish consists of refried black beans, shredded cabbage, avocado, tomato, red onions, radishes, roasted poblano peppers, queso fresco and shredded Oaxaca cheese on a crunchy corn tortilla, topped with grilled chicken, pastor or asada steak.

Guests are also treated to an expansive list of strong margaritas, homemade-style desserts and dishes ranging from taquitos, tacos, burritos and enchiladas.

But Taqueria Los Hermanos’ standout offering is its service and dedication to quality.

“Our goal is to be number one in every aspect – in food, service, drinks, everything,” Romero said.

Much like its menu, Taqueria Los Hermanos is the product of family tradition carried down through the generations. Romero’s father and uncles opened the restaurant when Romero was 7 years old in 2001, and Romero’s first job was working as a busser.

“As I got older, I became a server and then assistant manager, general manager and then owner,” Romero said. “Obviously, Los Hermanos is very successful, so I wanted to be a part of it alongside with my brother and my cousin.”

Together, the three opened the restaurant’s Dunwoody location at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Business weathered pandemic

“It was interesting,” Romero said. “We were busy, I mean, slammed for the first week, and then it just stopped because

of the pandemic.”

Despite initial challenges and working odd hours, the restaurant persisted, and Dunwoody’s love for Taqueria Los Hermanos never waned.

A year later, the eatery was named one of the best Mexican restaurants in Gwinnett Magazine’s Best of Gwinnett awards, and Taqueria Los Hermanos

won the same category in Appen Media’s Best of Perimeter awards in 2022 and 2023.

Romero said he studied at the University of Georgia, and there, peers from Dunwoody had told him the area needed a good Mexican restaurant. With its proximity to major state highways, Atlanta and North Fulton County cities, he said Dunwoody was the ideal spot for Taqueria Los Hermanos’ fifth location.

"I would like to thank Dunwoody in general,” Romero said. “It’s an amazing community, and it's awesome because not only are they great customers, but they also help us out a lot with sending their kids to work with us … Overall, we've had a lot of help from the community, so we'd like to say thank you for that.”

Taqueria Los Hermanos is in suite 3 at 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Menus, hours and more information can be found at taquerialoshermanos.com.

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Miguel Romero is the co-owner of Dunwoody’s Taqueria Los Hermanos, a familyoperated restaurant founded by his father and uncles in 2001. The restaurant’s menu is rich in seafood, embodying the family’s native southern Mexico.

Guests are greeted by a colorful mural along the entryway of Taqueria Los Hermanos in Dunwoody May 8. The restaurant offers a variety of Mexican dishes, ranging from tacos, enchiladas, tlayudas and tamales made from a family recipe.

Colorful décor surrounds the bar at Taqueria Los Hermanos in Dunwoody May 8. The restaurant serves an expansive menu of margaritas, which co-owner Miguel Romero said are made especially strong.

Taqueria Los Hermanos serves a plate of Mama’s tamales May 8. The dish, which was passed down by co-owner Miguel Romero’s great-grandmother, consists of a spicy green pork tamale, a spicy red chicken tamale, handmade sauces, a bed of Mexican rice and black charro bean soup.

June motorcycle rally to benefit veterans, service organizations

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Veterans Association will host Ride for Vets June 3, a motorcycle rally to benefit veterans with PTSD.

The police-escorted motorcycle ride will depart from Newtown Park at 8 a.m. and end at the Ga. 400 terminus in Dahlonega.

DeKalb County Schools approves contract for new superintendent

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — At a May 17 meeting, the DeKalb County School Board voted May 17 to approve a $325,000 employment contract for incoming School Superintendent Devon Horton.

Horton currently serves as superintendent for a school district in Evanston, Illinois, outside of Chicago. He will begin with DeKalb Schools July 1 with a twoyear contract and an option for a third year.

The School Board selected Horton as the sole finalist for the position from 29 national applicants in early April. Some parents and residents questioned whether Horton could lead Georgia’s third-largest school district.

The school board voted 6-1 to hire Horton, with member Joyce Morley op-

posed. Morley said the district should keep its interim superintendent, Vasanne Tinsley in the position, because she does not feel Horton has the experience to lead DeKalb schools.

Tinsley has served as interim superintendent for roughly a year, and the board recently extended her contract to June 30.

Georgia State Schools Superintendent Richard Woods sent a letter to the DeKalb County School Board April 14 in support of keeping Tinsley in the role and pause the selection process.

Morley reiterated her opposition at the May 17 meeting, where she voted against Horton’s contract approval.

Morley said she looked forward to the day when the board “decides to be able to say that education truly matters,” and that she is disappointed in how the board made the decision.

Board member Deidre Pierce said

the decision had previously been met with “unfair scrutiny,” but that she was proud to have been a part of the board during a “challenging” time.

“This is going to take us in some places we have never seen before,” Pierce said.

Board Chair Diijon DaCosta Sr. said Horton has overwhelming support from the district and is the right candidate for the moment.

“We selected an outstanding, visionary and also compassionate leader to serve the DeKalb County School District,” DaCosta said. “And then without any question Dr. Horton has a proven track record that is needed here.”

A school district official said the contract has not yet been signed but will be done “rather quickly” and made available to the public.

The registration fee is $50 per motorcycle, which includes a free T-shirt. Mike Mizell, president of the Johns Creek Veterans Association, said there are an expected 75 riders.

Two hours later, at 10 a.m., the event at Newtown Park will open to the public. There will be food, a static military vehicle display and a gun raffle.

Representatives from both Veterans Affairs and from the Georgia Department of Veterans Services will have service officers who can assist veterans with benefits on-site. Services include mental health, legal advice, initiating VA claims, veteran housing and information on service animals.

“It's amazing to me how many veterans come out of service … They don't tell you this. There's people out there that can help you,” Mizell said.

The event will also have around a dozen organizations, which support veterans, for visitors looking for volunteer opportunities. Their tents will be set up on the green space between the Park Place senior center and the Veterans Memorial Walk.

PROVIDED

Devon Horton, pictured at an April 12 town hall will serve as the DeKalb County School District superintendent starting July 1, with a $325,000 salary and a two-year job contract.

Appen Media sues Sandy Springs over access to police documents

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Appen Media Group has filed a lawsuit against the City of Sandy Springs over access to information from police reports.

In an official complaint filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County May 12, Appen Media Group, which publishes the Sandy Springs Crier, Alpharetta-Roswell Herald and four other weekly newspapers in north Metro Atlanta, alleged that it has repeatedly been denied access to initial police officer narratives that are routinely filed during investigations.

Excerpts from police reports included in the complaint involve cases of aggravated assault, street racing and reckless driving, indecent exposure and weapons law violations. But in each case, the investigative report narrative contained one sentence with limited details about what allegedly occurred during the incident.

The newsgroup alleges that despite guidance from the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and multiple other state agencies that initial narrative information must be released under Georgia law, Sandy Springs has denied records requests under the pretense that releasing narrative information would hinder police investigations.

“In requesting the incident reports from Sandy Springs, The Newspaper has asked for arrest reports, including any supplemental reports or narratives from the reporting officer,” Brooks K. Hudson, an attorney representing Appen Media, wrote in the complaint. “Sandy Springs will then provide the Newspaper with an incident report that either has no narrative,

or a one-line narrative that gives little to no detail about the incident.”

Without narrative information about what occurred during initial police investigations, Appen Media executives said that neither they nor members of the public will have an accurate understanding of crimes that occur in the community.

While not referenced in the lawsuit, reports filed alongside the complaint also redact the names of officers, without any justification for why the redactions would be permitted under Georgia law.

“The law requires that all initial reports are subject to open records laws, regardless of whether they are called ‘initial incident reports’, ‘supplemental reports’, ‘narrative reports’, or something else,” Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen said. “Cities cannot avoid disclosure requirements by simply calling files something other than what they are.”

In an email from February, Sandy Springs City Attorney Dan Lee claims that Appen Media’s reading of the law is mistaken, and the city is only required to provide “public supplements” to initial police incident reports, but not other types of supplemental reports.

Lee said that when cases are closed, and there is no threat that an investigation will be compromised, the city is willing to release more documents.

“It is apparent Appen believes that more information is required in the initial incident report, but Georgia Law does not support that requirement,” Lee said. “The City prides itself on transparency and has not encountered this complaint from any other outlet.”

Appen argues they believe that Sandy Springs is violating both the intentions and

spirit of Georgia’s Open Records Law by upholding a policy that provides citizens with virtually no details about what crimes are occurring in their community.

“Our ability to obtain complete reports is one of the best tools we have for giving the public an account of how their tax dollars are being spent, how police resources are being prioritized, and how safe their families are in their homes, schools and driving down the street,” Appen said. “We do this accountability journalism and file these open records requests so that the public doesn’t have to. We do need the city to their part though in supplying us the information to relay.”

Beyond that violation, Appen said that Sandy Springs is the only municipality in north Metro Atlanta that provides limited or no narrative as part of incident reports released through open records requests.

“We do not have this issue with our public safety coverage for Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Forsyth County, or Dunwoody,” Appen said. “They generally do a good job of giving us initial incident reports, which provide the public with a baseline of the who, what, when and where a crime has occurred.”

In 2018 Appen Media Group sued the City of Roswell over similar alleged violations of the Georgia Open Records Act.

As part of the lawsuit, Appen Media alleged the Roswell Police Department had consistently withheld vital information about criminal incidents from public records. The lawsuit also alleged that the Roswell Police Department had failed to meet time requirements for supplying the reports after requests were made.

After a year of legal maneuvering on both sides of the suit, members of the Roswell City Council voted to settle the lawsuit in 2019, agreeing to pay the media company $10,500 in attorney’s fees and provide them a year’s worth of free open records requests.

“Filing suit was always our last and least desirable option,” Appen said. “We spent months and months going back and forth with the city [of Sandy Springs] giving them every opportunity to comply with the law and fill our records requests. They refused, so here we are.”

In an email, Sandy Springs Communications Director Andrew Allison said the city stands by its interpretation of the Georgia Open Records Law and they are ready to meet the complaint in a court of law.

“Sandy Springs will continue to release all appropriate information required under the Open Records Act and, if the lawsuit proceeds, the city will seek to recover costs, damages and attorneys’ fees to respond to these allegations which question the city’s integrity," Allison stated.

Pancake (ID 45961040) – If you want a good boy in your life, you will flip over Pancake. This cutie looks a lot like Petey from the Little Rascals, with a white coat and darling brown spot on his left eye. Pancake is on the medium-energy side, seems housetrained and loves food/treats, making him easy to train. Make Pancake your morning, afternoon and evening BFF.

Come in to meet Pancake today at DeKalb County Animal Services 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30340. Our shelter is full. During the month of May, $25 Adoptions for all dogs over 25 lbs. Adopt and save a life.

Expand your family by four furry little feet; meet Pancake and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. If you would like more information about Pancake please email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Pancake goes to a good home.

To foster, adopt or meet your new furry friend, stop by DeKalb County Animal Services.

Continued from Page 1

ing Post 5 Councilman Joe Seconder, Deputy Police Chief Michael Carlson, Rabbi Brian Glusman of the Marcus Jewish Community Center and Dunwoody Idol Contestant Grace Jacob. This commemoration comes as the city prepares to revitalize the DeKalb Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park. Construction on the project will begin this summer, thanks to a $100,000 allocation from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioner’s discretionary funds.

— Alexander Popp

See

Police co-responder selected for Dunwoody and Doraville

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Thanks to a recent partnership between Dunwoody, Doraville and DeKalb County, local first responders have a new tool when responding to mental health crisis situations.

Dunwoody Police Department officials announced May 16 that they and the Doraville Police Department have signed a contract with the DeKalb Community Service Board to hire and share a licensed behavioral health clinician who will respond to mental health calls with police officers to provide support.

“This program gives our officers access to an expert to help recognize and de-escalate situations while also providing important resources,” Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan said. “We look forward to this important partnership with Doraville Police.”

Dunwoody officials said the new co-responder, Gregory Lazzara, officially began his role with the two cities in late April. Lazzara has a master’s degree in community counseling from Concordia University in Chicago and has worked for the last 10 years in various roles involving crisis management, intervention and de-escalation.

"Our partnership with Dunwoody Police enables us to provide a greater level of service and support to our community," Doraville Police Chief Chuck Atkinson said. "We're pleased to welcome Mr. Lazzara and look forward to learning from him and his experiences."

For several months in 2022, the City of Dunwoody had great success with a similar position, after contracting with View Point Health for a co-responder employee, Dunwoody Deputy Police Chief Michael Carlson said during a City

Council meeting in March.

“The officers that were out there thought this was just an extremely valuable service, due to the mental health situation that we have,” Carlson said.

Unfortunately, Carlson said, the contract was canceled in November after a new state law was passed, making local community service boards in Georgia responsible for providing co-responder services.

Under the new contract, the DeKalb

Community Service Board will contribute $33,400 toward the position for the first year and $16,600 the second year, while the cities would share a percentage of the cost based on their populations.

During the first year, Dunwoody will be responsible for 83 percent of the position’s costs, or $81,020. Doraville will pay $16,653, or 17 percent. Dunwoody’s portion of the cost will be paid for through American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Dunwoody’s portion of the contract was unanimously approved as a consent agenda item during the City Council’s March 27 meeting.

"The co-responder will assist officers in the field and improve the quality of life for our community as a whole," Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. "This contract with the DeKalb Community Service Board is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community."

City relaunches program promoting storefront art exhibits

DUNWOODY, Ga. — An exhibit known for featuring art from Dunwoody High School students in the windows of local businesses has returned to Dunwoody Village.

The 2023 Dunwoody Storefront Art exhibit was kicked off May 18, when 14 students unveiled canvases that will be displayed at Dunwoody Village businesses for the next three months.

“I’m so pleased to see this public art project continue as we find more ways to support student artists and strengthen partnerships with our schools,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “We can learn so much from these young artists and their inspirations.”

A total of 37 Dunwoody High

School students submitted their designs for the exhibit in April and were judged by local business owners and managers. The 14 top-selected designs were approved by the Dunwoody Art Commission, and the artists were awarded $150 to make the designs a reality.

Student artists selected for this year’s exhibit include Laura Pollock, Shrividya Guru, Yonji Yang, Pressley Rogers, Elizabeth Buckareff, Amelia Mutert, Zoe Wesolowski, Sophia Mei, Mary Malinoff, Morgan Barrow, Darcy Gaynor, Rowan Riley, Brooke Guggenheim, and Angel Cruz.

Their work will be displayed at Budi’s Sushi, Dunwoody Ace Hardware, Royal Spice Indian Restaurant, CrossFit Dunwoody and many other

participating businesses at Dunwoody Village.

“We’re proud of our students and grateful for the leadership provided by the dynamic teachers in our visual arts department,” Dunwoody High School Principal Tom Bass said. “This project has opened doors to other opportunities that allow students to showcase their work in the community.”

Of the designs selected from the 2022 Dunwoody Storefront Art exhibit, seven works are now on display as part of Dunwoody’s Green Light Art project, which wraps city traffic light boxes in local art.

Designs from the 2023 exhibit will

also be considered for future additions to the Green Light Art project, officials said.

“We’re already planning the next phase of Green Light Art, and these two programs go hand-in-hand,” Dunwoody Business and Cultural Development Manager Rosemary Watts said. “We’re bringing creativity and vibrancy to Dunwoody Village businesses nowand to Dunwoody street corners in the future.”

For more information about the Dunwoody Storefront Art exhibit, visit www.dunwoodyga.gov and click on Storefront Art Exhibit in the Arts and Culture tab.

— Alexander Popp

DUNWOODY POLICE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED

Gregory Lazzara, a licensed Behavioral Health Clinician, has been hired by the DeKalb Community Service Board to serve as a coresponder for police departments in Dunwoody and Doraville. Lazzara will respond to mental health situations with police officers.

Name: Armistead Paint & SupplyDunwoody

Owners: Kristy and Chris Smith

Description: At Armistead Paint and Supply, we offer a variety of high-quality paint products and supplies for both homeowners and contractors. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and are committed to becoming

a valuable member of the Dunwoody community.

Opened: April 2023

Phone: 404-467-8777

Address: 2458 Jett Ferry Rd. Suite #240, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Website: benjaminmoore.com/en-us/ store-locator/10019521/armistead-paintsupply-company

Name: Buffalo Wild Wings

Owners: Inspire Brands/Bradley Green

Description: Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports bar brand in the United States with more than 1,200 restaurants in nine countries. Buffalo Wild Wings has a sauce or seasoning for every craving with 26 iconic

flavors on the menu every day. Fans across America have front row seats to games.

Opened: April 2023

Phone: 678-786-7292

Address: 1260 Hammond Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Website: buffalowildwings.com/

JUNE BOOK EVENTS

Author William Kent Krueger to headline Roswell Reads

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

As something of an early Father’s Day gift for all Atlanta-area fans of fiction, Roswell Reads has announced its 2023 featured writer. William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author of “This Tender Land,” “Ordinary Grace” and 19 acclaimed books in the Cork O’Connor mystery series, is this year’s selection.

Krueger will discuss his latest novel, “The River We Remember,” at two fall events presented by Roswell Reads, an organization of Friends of the Roswell Library, in partnership with Roswell Cultural Arts and Bookmiser. On Sept. 29, he will speak at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center at 7 p.m. And, on Sept. 30, Krueger will lead a 10 a.m. writing workshop at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center. Tickets for both events are available online at roswellcac.com, by calling 770-594-6232, or at the RCAC. Copies of “The River We Remember” can be preordered at eventbrite. com/e/632982135607.

Saturday, June 3, George Weinstein and Kim Conrey. Married authors Conrey and Weinstein will sign their latest novels, “Stealing Ares” and “Return to Hardscrabble Road.” 10:30 a.m. Free. Posman Books, 4105 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, 470-509-5727. posmanbooks.com

Saturday, June 3, Tracy Solheim. Solheim will sign “It Had to Be You.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway No. 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com

Thursday, June 8, Colleen Oakley. Oakley returns to spotlight “The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.” 7 p.m. An Oakley book purchase is required. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway No. 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com

Saturday, June 10, multiple writers. Meet and greet featuring six Red Clover authors. 1 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566.

Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Thursday, June 15, Karen White. White, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 titles, will chat about “The House on Prytania.” 5 p.m. Signing. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566.

Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Saturday, June 17, Juneteenth Celebration. The city of Johns Creek’s first Juneteenth Celebration will include a book fair showcasing local African American authors. 3 p.m. Free. Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678 5123200. JohnsCreekGA.gov

Saturday, June 17, MJ Pankey. Pankey will talk about “Epic of Helinthia.” 3 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway No. 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com

Saturday, June 17, Melanie Sue Bowles, Robert Gwaltney. The double signing event will feature Bowles’ “Liberty Biscuit” and Gwaltney’s debut novel “The Cicada Tree.” 1 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage

Meanwhile, there will be much ado about books happening locally this month. In addition to the list below, the first Juneteenth celebration planned by the city of Johns Creek is slated for June 17 and activities will include a book fair highlighting local African American authors.

“This is a great opportunity to introduce these successful writers to our community,” said Cynthia D. Jones, Juneteenth book fair coordinator. In addition to Jones, other book fair authors will include Eddie L. Johnson, Dottie Chapman Reed, Renee Bradford, Sharon-Horton Pellom, Leslie Renee Briscoe-Andrews and Celeste Johnson. Details about Juneteenth and other June events are below.

Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Tuesday, June 20, Mike Nemeth, Cherie Claire, Fatima Henson. A Novel Idea presents the trio of authors in conversation, with books available to purchase through Bookmiser. 7 p.m. Free.

Vintage Pizzeria, 5510 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-509-5611. anovelidea.us

Saturday, June 24, Mickey Dubrow. Dubrow will sign copies of “Always Agnes.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway No. 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com

Saturday, June 24, Bonnie G. Busbin. Busbin will sign her children’s book, “Do You See Me in the Sea?” 1 p.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Saturday, June 24, Terri Parlato. Atlanta Authors is hosting the debut author regarding her thriller, “All the Dark Places.” 2 p.m. Signing. Free. The B Side on the second floor of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-5095611. bookmiser.net/book-events.html

Monday, June 26, Lewis Clayton Bryant. Bryant will discuss his nonfiction work, “The Cold Case Murder of Fred Wilkerson: Untangling the Black Widow's Web in West Georgia.” 7 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway No. 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com

Tuesday, June 27, Lynn Cullen. The bestselling author of historical fiction will detail “The Woman With The Cure,” based on the true story of Dr. Dorothy Horstmann, whose groundbreaking research helped make the polio vaccine possible. 1 p.m. Signing. Free. Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek, 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

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

Dunwoody:

Continued from Page 1

“Dunwoody Preservation trust had the vision to repurpose the tree to tell the story of the Dunwoody community,” said Melanie Williams, a former president of the organization. “We decided that we would carve the tree.”

The group hired Chamblee-based sculptor Tom Williams for the project, and over the last five years they worked with Williams to create a “linear sculp-

ture” with more than 40 images depicting Dunwoody’s history from the dawn of man to the present day.

“It is a wonderful and beautiful art piece that will be here for generations to come,” Dunwoody Preservation Trust Executive Director Noelle Ross said.

This artwork is open to the public at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody.

For more information about the Dunwoody Diorama, visit https:// dunwoodypreservationtrust.org/ dunwoody-diorama.

KRUEGER

JONES

PHOTOS BY CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

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Roswell Housing Authority hopes to close funding gap on Grove Way revitalization

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Housing Authority says it expects to close a $6 million funding gap needed to redevelop the 199 Grove Way apartments, a residential haven for low-income or disabled seniors.

The housing authority owns the 40-unit complex in the Pelfrey Pines housing development. Tenants must either be disabled or earn less than 80 percent of the area’s median income.

The agency anticipates redevelopment will require $30 million, which will include the addition of 62 units.

Residents were told the property was condemned in July 2022, and they needed to relocate.

As of April, all residents had relocated, pushing the housing authority closer to tearing down the original building and increasing the property to 102 units.

The redevelopment is estimated to cost about $30 million. To secure funding for the project, the housing authority is pursuing a low-income housing tax credit application that could generate about $17.92 million. To secure the credit, the board must raise $6 million in funding from other groups.

The Roswell City Council committed $2 million in grant funding at an April 11

meeting.

Recently, members of the housing authority met with Fulton County staff for further assistance. The group has worked with the county since the Grove Way “issues were created.”

“They are anticipating giving us nearly $2.1 million for this next development,” said Beth Brown, executive director of the Gainesville Housing Authority, which manages the property for the Roswell agency.

Brown said the Roswell Housing Authority will present the funding proposal at a Fulton County Commission meeting May 17 for a formal vote.

Brown also applied to Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office for appropriations, which allows the senator’s office to carry out government programs for the year. Roswell Housing Authority Chairwoman Karen Parrish said her agency has made the short list. Brown is even more optimistic.

“We’re it as long as it gets appropriated,” Brown said.

Parrish said if the appropriation does come through, the group has “no guarantee” of how much money the redevelopment could receive. The application seeks $2.5 million.

Knowing that Warnock’s office will not have an official answer until July, the Roswell Housing Authority will continue

to source and leverage its own assets for the remaining $2.5 million needed to close the project. Parris specified that the funds are not required to be “in place” until the fall of 2024, though, allowing the housing authority to more easily apply for the tax credit.

After the city came through in April, Parrish said Fulton County and Warnock’s office became more receptive to providing funds.

“Having the city on board with this created a synergy with other groups,” Parrish said.

Though not formally approved, the show of support from Warnock’s office feels like the “pieces are falling into place,” Parrish said.

The process to redevelop Grove Way, she said, has been long and complex. Parrish said that plans to demolish and rebuild the apartments date back to 2011, which is why the property was poorly maintained. By 2019 the group realized there were major costly structural issues that needed to be addressed, so the housing authority submitted a low-income tax credit application for two rounds of redevelopment funding. The application failed.

The housing authority fell short of meeting the application requirements because it lacked external financial support. After the first application failed,

some housing authority board members resigned. Parrish said it was “heavy” work, particularly when they had to relocate the Grove Way residents last summer.

She said that while the board largely focused on helping its residents relocate, it also concentrated on a second tax credit application for 2023. The agency partnered with the developer Pennrose to helm the construction project.

“We need a plan, and we need to work together,” Parrish said.

She started working with the city to get formal financial support, acutely aware of why the first application failed. She looked to Fulton County and Warnock for additional funds to show backing for the redevelopment, too.

The tax credit application is due May 19, but the housing authority will not know until November whether it has secured the funds.

Meanwhile, Parrish assured residents that the work will continue — specifically on the housing authority’s additional 55 units not included in the redevelopment plan.

“Right after this, we plan a second phase to address the other 55 issues,” Parrish said. “We’re still not out of the woods.”

The first and second phases of development will be performed back-to-back with the tax credit funds.

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Kick off the weekend a little early at Alpharetta’s Food Truck Alley. Culinary options include more than 10 food trucks every fourth Thursday of the month until October, offering a diverse range of cuisine types. This is a familyfriendly event, with limited seating available and will feature live music each month. It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events.

When: Thursday, May 25, 5-9 p.m.

Where : Old Roswell Street, 37 Old Roswell Street, Alpharetta

More info: facebook.com/ foodtruckalley

CITY GREEN LIVE: THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY

What: The Black Jacket Symphony will recreate Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album note for note, sound for sound plus more of the band’s greatest hits. Blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are allowed.

When: Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $60-90 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 27, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton

More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

ARTISANS ARTS & CRAFT SHOW

What: Come explore and shop the arts and crafts booths set up outside in front of the Aurora Cineplex and Fringe Mini Golf, offering unique custom jewelry, embroidered towels, nail art, wood working, pottery, candles and soaps, accessories and more.

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS: CARPOOL

What: This event will feature Carpool, a tribute band recreating the sound, look and vibe that made The Cars worldfamous.

When: Sunday, June 4, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $135-160 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Area 51-Aurora Cineplex and Fringe Miniature Golf, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell More info: Email MainStreetCraftShow@gmail.com

RIVERSIDE SOUNDS - EARLY JAMES

What: Riverside Sounds, Roswell’s longest running, free outdoor concert series, will feature Early James who conjures the ghosts of great Southern gothic writers from Eudora Welty to William Faulkner, while channeling the haunted spirits of Tom Waits and Townes Van Zandt. The series will be held every fourth Saturday of the month from April through September.

When: Saturday, May 27, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

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.

‘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: Up to May 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

ROTARY CLUB OF ALPHARETTA CONCERT SERIES

What: The Alpharetta Rotary Concerts are held on the Town Green by Alpharetta City Hall every first and third Friday of the month until September. The space includes plenty of room for blankets and

follow these easy

lawn chairs and is within walking distance to more than 30 chefdriven and locally owned restaurants featuring everything from farm-totable comfort food to tasty tacos. This event features School of Rock as the opening band, followed by Across the Wide.

When: Friday, June 2, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Town Green, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta

More info: alpharetta.ga.us

PICS IN THE PARK: ‘SHANG-CHI’

What: The Pics in the Park summer movie series returns. Enjoy the free showing, free popcorn and candy, and giveaways under the stars. Top Job Beverages will also be on-site with additional concessions. The popcorn cart opens 30 minutes prior to show time and will be available until halfway through the movie.

When: Friday, June 2, 8-11 p.m.

Where: Pernoshal Park, 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody

More info : dunwoodyga.gov

RIDE FOR VETS

What: This event, which benefits veterans with PTSD, features a police-escorted motorcycle ride from Newtown Park to the Ga. 400 terminus in Dahlonega. There will be food, a static military vehicle display and a gun raffle. The registration fee is $50 per motorcycle, which includes a free T-shirt.

When: Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info: studentleadershipjohnscreek.com/ student-leadership-program/ridefor-vets

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS: CARPOOL

What: This event will feature Carpool, a tribute band recreating the sound, look and vibe that made The Cars world-famous.

When: Sunday, June 4, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free; reserved tables are $135-160

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

Exploring the source of road names along Winters Chapel Road

The story of Jeremiah Winter, who came to the area in the late 1860s and saw the need for a church has been shared in this column before.

Winters Chapel Methodist Church began in a grove, and then Winter decided they could cut logs from the property, “have them sawed and hull us up a church.” The church and road are named for him. (winterschapel.org)

Next door to the church is Jones Mill Road. The road stops and picks up again until it comes to a dead end into Jones Mill Court. Jones Mill continues on the other side of Highway 141 where Peachtree Corners Circle becomes Jones Mill Road.

Ralph Glaze shared his memories of the beginnings of Lockridge Forest subdivision

in a 2017 video recording with Dunwoody Preservation Trust. Lockridge Forest is the neighborhood where he lives, but he grew up in the area long before subdivisions were built. Part of the neighborhood is in DeKalb County and part is in Gwinnett County.

Glaze recalls that a man named Lockridge bought the land to develop from brothers Pink Womack and W. Y. (Young) Womack. Some of the street names came to be directly attributed to the Womack family. There is a Womack Road and Womack Court.

There is also a Womack Drive off Winter’s Chapel Road, further toward where Winter’s Chapel Road meets Highway 141.

One of Pink Womack’s children was Geraldine, and Geraldine Court is named for her. She married Buck Kinnard, and Kinnard Drive was named for him.

Glaze recalls two sawmills along Win-

ters Chapel Road, one just south of the entrance to Winters Chapel United Methodist Church and cemetery and the other farther north, at the entrance of Lockridge Forest today. The sawmills were still there in the 1940s and 1950s.

One sawmill was owned by Mr. Tanner from Stone Mountain, who leased the land from Pink Womack. Perhaps one of the mills was owned by someone named Jones at some point, leading to the name Jones Mill Road.

Glaze’s father Herman Glaze had a store at the corner of Peeler Road and Winters Chapel Road. Herman Glaze bought land from W.Y. Womack, Pink Womack, and Ida Morgan, accumulating about 100 acres at one point. The land purchased from Ida Morgan was where the store was built and is today the location of Auto Zone. Glaze Road is located off Peeler Road.

Glaze believes the Womacks along

Winters Chapel Road were third or fourth cousins to the Womacks who owned land at Tilly Mill Road and Womack Road, where Georgia State University Dunwoody campus to today.

As to the other names in Lockridge Forest, such as Arrie Way, Abby Court, Tilton Lane, and Sumac Court, I do not know how they fit into the picture yet. Perhaps they are family names, but a search on ancestry.com did not provide evidence. The first thing that comes to mind when I see the word sumac is the plant, but if I discover an individual named Sumac in the families of these former landowners, I’ll let you know.

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.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

GLAZE FAMILY PHOTO

The Glaze Store, pictured around 1940, was at the intersection of Peeler Road and Winters Chapel Road.

Medlock family is six generations strong

When one approaches the Chattahoochee River going south on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, the last house on the right is the home of Mildred (nearly everyone calls her Millie) Moore.

The house sits on the banks of the river, next to a beautiful historic red barn and close to a once-white rectangular building with its own history. I have known Millie since I wrote the book “Barns of Old Milton County” 12 years ago. Her red barn slice of history is the first picture in the book. It is a pleasure for me to revisit the property and to write about Millie and her fascinating family.

The first Medlock in North Fulton County was Isham Medlock (1777-1852), who came to this area in 1818 from South Carolina. Millie’s grandfather William Oliver Medlock (1866-1934) was a descendant who built the original house, barn and various long-gone outbuildings and the rectangular building that remains on Millie’s property. He and his wife Louella-Hamilton Medlock (18671938) raised eight children on their 9- acre cotton and wheat farm. William Oliver’s father Robert Medlock Sr. (18321919) was born in Gwinnett County, and his wife Selma McDonald Medlock (1896-1974) was from Jefferson. All the generations had multiple children, so the Medlock’s have deep roots in this area.

Unfortunately, the original house on Millie’s property burned to the ground in 1913. The Atlanta Constitution reported that the fire started in the stove flue, and that only a piano and a few minor items were saved. Mr. Medlock was out on the farm at the time of the fire.

In 1886, William Oliver established a ferry service to carry farmers and their wagons across the Chattahoochee. His customers took produce and livestock from their farms in north Georgia to Atlanta to sell in exchange for “storebought” clothing, kitchen utensils, tools and other household items. Travelers often spent the night near the barn in the rectangular building which served as a general store and bunkhouse.

In 1891 William Oliver upgraded his ferry service by building the first steel bridge across the Chattahoochee on his property. He charged 25 cents for a wagon, five cents per person and a penny a head for livestock. Five years later he sold the bridge to Milton and Gwinnett counties. The steel bridge was replaced by a concrete span in 1958 when Medlock Bridge Road was realigned and

This iconic red barn was built in 1883 by William Oliver Medlock. He was an early pioneer in the area and built the first steel bridge across the Chattahoochee River. The barn is on Millie Medlock Moore’s property on Medlock Bridge Road.

paved. The road was widened to four lanes in 1993.

Milly’s parents were William Oliver’s son Robert David Medlock (1888-1948) and his wife Selma McDonald Medlock (1896-1974). Robert served as a wagoner in the 118 Field Artillery in World War 1. He was a postman for many years and was beloved by the people he served. When people did not have money for a stamp, Robert provided one and when they could not get to town, he delivered their groceries. When Robert died the officiating minister of the Warsaw Church said he had never seen so many people attend a funeral.

Miss Maude Brown lived with her mother in the store for many years. Miss Maude ran the store when Millie was a young girl. Millie remembers that Miss Maude sold candy and vegetables to local residents and overnight travelers. She paid rent to Millie’s father and moved away several years after his death.

Millie had an identical twin sister, Selma Cheeley, and two older sisters, Sara and Annette, all deceased. The four girls were raised on the farm. They attended Warsaw School, one of five schools built in North Fulton in the 1920s and 1930s. Situated near the intersection of State Bridge and Medlock Bridge roads, the brick building currently is used as an office building Selma, like Millie, was active in the community. She served on the local school board and was twice president of the Buford Women’s Club and was president of the local garden club.

This 19th century general store and bunkhouse catered to hill country farmers who carried their produce to Atlanta. After they spent the night in the bunkhouse, William Oliver Medlock ferried them across the Chattahoochee River for a fee. He later built a bridge across the river. The structure is next to the beautiful red barn on Millie Moore’s property in John’s Creek.

Millie attended Georgia State College majoring in business. She was employed by Gulf Oil Corporation in Atlanta. In 1959, Millie married Davis Moore of Decatur (1927-1992). They raised two daughters Tricia Crawford and Marian Osborne, both of whom live close by. Davis was one of the top salesmen for Johnson & Johnson Co. for 20 years covering 10 states.

Millie says growing up on the farm was a wonderful life. She remembers riding horses and ponies to Duluth and Norcross where they knew “most everyone.” The family entertained a lot of visitors

and hosted McDonald family reunions attended by more than 100 people.

“Everyone brought home cooked dishes, so there was no store-bought food served at the reunions,” says Millie. An old basketball hoop saw a lot of use and still adorns the barn.

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.

BOB MEYERS Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

FAMILY PROVIDED This portrait of Milli Moore was taken in the early 1970s.

FAMILY PROVIDED

Millie Moore and her identical twin sister Selma Cheeley gaze at the pictures in a book in this family portrait taken in the late 1930s. The twins usually dressed in identical outfits.

What are keystone native plants, and why do they matter?

One of the many interesting things about ecosystems is that there are usually keystone species that serve as the backbone. The well-being or even survival of others within this interconnected environment has always depended upon the keystone species. It could be a wolf, a beaver, a gopher tortoise or a keystone native plant such as butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Over hundreds, maybe thousands of years, a natural environment learns to depend on certain plants that have evolved alongside the local wildlife. These plants have proven to be steadfast sources of food and shelter for the indigenous birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators and wildlife. Today we know them as “keystone native plants.”

Without these keystone native plants, our pollinators and wildlife struggle. (Or worst case, everything collapses like a long-ago Roman arch that lacks the central stone that locked everything together.) For example, there is concern that the eastern monarch butterfly population is declining due to several factors, including the loss of native milkweed. According to the U.S. Forest Service, though they feed on the nectar of many flowers, a monarch butterfly will only lay its eggs on a milkweed plant.

Some keystone plants

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) website has a Native Plant Finder that lists keystone native plants ranked by the number of butterfly and moth species that use them as host plants. To find a specific area, search nwf.org/ nativeplantfinder/plants and specify your location by entering your ZIP code.

Some suggestions include native oaks, cherries, eastern redbud, hawthorn, highbush blueberry, butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, asters and Joe Pye weed.

Pollinator plants of 2023

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia encourages planting high-impact plants that support pollinators. The Georgia Pollinator Plant of the Year

program, a collaboration of the State Botanical Garden, UGA Extension and green industry partners, nominates four top-performing landscape plants that support pollinators each year.

The 2023 Pollinator Plants of the Year are: Spring bloomer: blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis); Summer bloomer: wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa); Fall bloomer: aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium); Georgia native: coastal plain Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium dubium).

When it comes to residential landscaping, there are a wide range of needs and goals. Some of us want greenspace with the lowest maintenance possible. Others may aspire to a picturesque landscape worthy of Monet’s Garden at Giverny.

Keep in mind that keystone and native plants do much more than turn a yard into a lovely scene that elicits “oohs” and “aahs” from those passing by. They’re the workhorse plants that support our food web and healthy wildlife communities.

Remember what Bill Nye the Science Guy said: “What happens to other species also happens to us.”

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 guest Master Gardener “Garden Buzz” columnist is Pam Rentz.

Pam, a Roswell resident, has been a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2010. Along with a background in marketing communications for tech companies, she has a longtime passion for plants and our planet.

The 2023 Pollinator Plants of the Year: Spring bloomer: blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis); Summer bloomer: wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa); Fall bloomer: aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium); Georgia native: coastal plain Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium dubium).

More information

Native Georgia plants tend to perform better in our climate and require less maintenance. To learn more about native plants, check out some of my favorite UGA Cooperative Extension Bulletins:

•Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines - https://extension. uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B987&title=Native%20Plants%20for%20 Georgia%20Part%20I:%20Trees,%20Shrubs%20and%20Woody%20Vines

•Native Plants for Georgia Part II: Ferns -https://extension.uga.edu/publications/ detail.html?number=B987-2

•Native Plants for Georgia Part III: Wildflowers -https://extension.uga.edu/ publications/detail.html?number=B987-3&title=native-plants-for-georgia-part-iiiwildflowers

•Native Plants for Georgia Part IV: Grasses and Sedges -https://secure.caes.uga.edu/ extension/publications/files/html/B987-4/B987-4-highres.pdf

PAM RENTZ Guest Columnist

Alpharetta is weighing a truly dangerous idea

Alpharetta is considering placing what amounts to a three-month gag order on ethics complaints lodged against those up for re-election this year.

It’s a bad idea.

The City Council heard a report May 15 from City Attorney Molly Esswein that proposes amending the ethics ordinance to prohibit acceptance of ethics complaints against incumbents during the three months preceding a municipal election. This includes a primary or the general election.

Politics can be a nasty business, even at the local level. Look back at the 2021 Alpharetta City Council elections. There were a lot of sleazy allegations thrown around, none substantiated, so none worth printing then or now.

An ethics complaint, legitimate or not, can bludgeon a campaign. It can also tarnish the reputation of a decent public servant.

There is no shortage of examples, but let’s consider Milton.

Before the ink had dried on its new city charter in 2006, two council members faced ethics charges, which were dismissed by the city ethics board. The charges were

then refiled before the state Ethics Commission.

The mayor also was targeted with a campaign-related state ethics complaint.

And it didn’t stop there. One member of the Milton ethics board filed an ethics complaint against another member of the ethics board.

Council meetings devolved into accusations pitting one, two or three councilmembers hurling charges against the others.

Even after hiring an organizational psychologist and holding two teambuilding sessions, the Milton City Council was still a mess, and there was no end in sight.

After five ethics complaints in its first three years, Mayor Joe Lockwood pronounced it madness, saying each case was politically motivated.

Finally, Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard – donning his red bow tie for maximum effect – suggested the city ditch its resident-based ethics board and name three out-of-town attorneys to preside over ethics cases.

While the measure didn’t bury many hatchets in the city’s verdant pastures, governing in Milton gained traction and began operating.

Around the same time Milton was finally getting its sea legs, the young city of Dunwoody struggled with ethics warfare of its own.

Five years after it incorporated in 2007, the entire City Council faced an ethics complaint from a resident before the ethics board even had a set of bylaws on how to operate.

That sparked another series of ethics complaints.

The city attorney was forced out for allegedly leaking closed-meeting information. He took a lie detector test to disprove the charge, but it didn’t matter. A councilwoman spent more than a year defending herself from the same charge. She countered with an ethics complaint against a member of the ethics board and the attorney for the city. And for good measure, she filed ethics complaints against the mayor, City Council and the city manager.

The complaints were withdrawn after the city rang up more than $100,000 in legal fees.

Chuck it up to growing pains, I guess, but local government can be a squalid arena.

Even with this sordid history, though, it makes little sense to do what Alpharetta is considering. As proposed, the measure would provide a three-month blanket immunity to an incumbent seeking reelection.

Most striking of all is that it would deprive the electorate knowledge of possible malfeasance in a candidate they may support. It’s striking because Alpharetta City

Attorney Molly Esswein is an associate at Jarrard & Davis law firm, which provides government counsel throughout north Metro Atlanta.

Ken Jarrard is Forsyth County Attorney and Milton City Attorney. Angela Davis is Cherokee County Attorney.

Both speak throughout the state at law conferences on the Georgia Open Meetings Act and the Open Records Act.

I’ve had my tussles with Ken Jarrard over government disclosure of information. He’s a tough hombre. But one thing I am certain of is that he or his firm would never introduce a policy to shield government officials from legitimate criticism unless they were directed to do so by their client. That narrows things down.

This fall, Alpharetta has a mayor and three seats on the City Council up for election.

My sense is that one or more of these incumbents fear a smear is near.

This could all be avoided if Alpharetta adopted the same tack as Milton took 10 years ago. Get outside lawyers to evaluate ethics complaints and be rid of this silliness. That provision is also part of the revised ordinance Alpharetta is considering, and it should be enough.

Elected officials should be accountable through their entire terms. They deserve not one second of immunity from facing ethics charges.

PAT FOX Managing Editor

Give thanks on Monday and plan for summer

Whether you’re a high-school senior or a senior fretting about healthcare costs, the end of May is simply a little touch of magic and perhaps tragic for so many.

Monday is Memorial Day, a presummer opportunity to bow our heads and thank all those who paid the ultimate price, giving their lives to help preserve our way of life. You can bet there will be a megaton of military movies on television all weekend, so take your pick and get into the spirit.

I have found it is a perfect excuse to thank any member of the military who might cross my path. Even though they haven’t given their life, it’s absolutely awe-inspiring that by wearing the uniform, they’re willing to make such an unselfish sacrifice for all of us.

I’ve always found it comforting to bow my head and offer a prayer of thanks.

The weekend is a signal to let the summer commence. The schools play “Taps” for another year. There will be

graduation ceremonies at high schools where tears and vows of never losing touch with classmates will be null and void when life dictates it’s time to move on.

Not trying to be rude to you justifiably proud parents. You’re that much closer to progressing your teenagers into bona fide adulthood, but don’t we make high school much more important than it really is?

As someone with a 50-year reunion a mere tick away, I have surmised those four years, despite what students are told, are not the most important times of your life. At the reunion, as a 68-year-old fighting daily not to be crochety, those high school years were a mere 5.8 percent of my life.

That’s called “perspective,” which I never learned while slogging through North High in Bakersfield.

Something I have learned is to plan and have a vision about where I want to go and how I’m going to get there. I absolutely love to revisit the late Dr. Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It’s one of the best books ever, especially applicable to business or personal life.

The second habit, “Begin with

THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

ZBA 23-07, 4796 Ridgeview Road: Variance from Sec. 27-269 to allow three retaining walls to encroach into the rear and side setback.

ZBA 23-08, 4947 Mill Brook Drive: Variance from Sec. 16-78 to allow a fence to encroach into the 75-foot stream buffer. This case was initially advertised for the June 1, 2023 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting and will instead be heard at the July 6, 2023 meeting.

ZBA 23-10, 5290 Manhasset Cove: Variance from Sec. 27-58 to allow a deck to encroach into the rear setback.

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

The End in Mind,” has always been a call to rally around what I want to do (strategy) and how I’m going to get there (tactics/actions).

I’m looking forward to a bang-up of a summer. Books, bands, baseball and bliss are on the menu.

As for reading, there will be nothing too heavy. Currently, I’m giggling my way through Dave Barry’s “Swamp Story.” There’s something relaxing and satisfying about a good South Florida novel, bringing back memories of those cigars I quit enjoying some five years ago. No Fuente Anejos means I feel better, and Barry’s tale is silly enough to make me enjoy it like long ashes on a heater.

Harlan Coben’s new one “I Will Find You,” a tale of kidnapping, treachery and a wrongful conviction will have you guessing as to how this one concludes. It’s well worth the time. Vince Flynn, Nelson DeMille, John Sandford and the latest Spenser tale are all due soon. I’ll continue to load up the Kindle.

Oldest son Chris has agreed to accompany me to see John Fogerty at Chastain in July. He’s as reliable as humidity in the summer and will see

acts with his dad. It’ll be an added plus after I cashed in a massive gift card and scored us VIP seats. He claims to like the music. I make sure to keep his interest by buying plenty of refreshments and putting a dent in the “swag” table merchandise.

Greg and I will be seeing a massive number of Braves games. The baseball is wonderful, but I have found the smells and sounds of the ballpark bring back sweet lifetime memories. I always avoid ballpark food though, not relishing tasting a hot dog for a week after the game.

Wait, I mentioned “bliss” a few paragraphs ago. That’s what’ll surround me when I ride my new Harley Road Glide 3, but that’s a story for next week. Buying a Trike might confirm your thoughts that your columnist has lost it. Then again, it will definitely prove to be entertaining and bring you back here.

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.

MIKE TASOS Columnist

Facilities/Property Manager for church in Alpharetta area. Benefits.

Needs basic competency of the practices, methods, and equipment utilized in facility maintenance, construction, and repair activities; including skills and abilities related to plumbing, janitorial, electrical systems, painting, carpentry, construction, and heating and air conditioning systems. Basic understanding of IT and AV technology would be helpful. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage contractors/volunteers. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks.

Qualified candidates please send resume to Alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Part-time

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY ROUTE

Appen Newspapers is looking for one or two folks to help deliver our newspapers. Work is part time and flexible. Routes can be done at night or during the day - on your schedule - within our deadlines. Comfortably earn $550 or more a month on your own schedule.

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.

Wonderful Office Suite Available

This is a great way to get out as well as contribute to helping your local newspaper! Perfect for retired person who wants to stay active or a parent with school-aged kids - deliver during school hours. Also good way to earn supplemental income at night. We have had many retired couples deliver our papers and almost all have managed a route well and enjoyed the time and the work.

Requirements include reliable vehicle, clean driving record, availability, reliability, and honesty. Prior delivery experience is good, but not required. It helps if you live relatively close as papers are picked up to be bagged and delivered from our office in Alpharetta. Delivery areas can be Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs typically - depending on open routes.

Community Events Manager

The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/  To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.

VFX Supervisor. (Atlanta, GA) Resp. for prod. of visual effects on assigned show. Comm. & delegate VFX needs of show to team. Comm. Director’s feedback & delegate tasks to artists. Dvlp. workflow & pipeline strats. Manage hands-on op. of workstation & admin. duties, which incl. mentoring artists, monitoring shot prog., monitoring show resource usage, capacity planning, & gauging deliverables w/ Prod. & Mgmt. Understand VFX prod. process combined w/ relevant artistic skills. Req. Bach., or foreign equivalent, in Comp. Graphics, Multi-Media Tech. or Animation, + 5 yrs. exp. of post deg., prog. resp. exp. in any rltd. po(s). Send resume to: Crafty Apes LLC, 127 Lomita St., El Segundo, CA 90245.

Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required.

Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Please contact our Office Manager Heidi to set up an appointment to come in and fill in paper work or start the process via Email!

Call 770-442-3278 and ask for Heidi or Email Heidi@AppenMedia.com

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• Conference Room

• Parking

• 24/7 access

• Private office suite within Appen Media Group’s building

• Easily accommodates up to 5 people

• Office has great light. Ground floor

• .7 mile to Alpharetta City Hall on Hwy. 9

• Smaller office space also available in same building

• Short or longer term 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

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

Donor Operations Associate

The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area.  They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean.  This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor.  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks.  To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/  To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad,  mjallad@nfcchelp.org.

We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.

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.”