June 27, 2024 | AppenMedia.com
roads.
Georgia Press Association recognizes Appen Media
► PAGE 6
‘Red,
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Georgia’s largest Independence Day Parade means a little more to Dunwoody residents.
The Dunwoody Homeowner Association, the de facto community government before incorporation, hosts the event alongside the Dunwoody Reporter.
Co-chair of the DHA’s annual parade, Penny Forman, came up with this year’s theme, “Red, White & YOU,” as a play on the colors of the American flag.
“It shows that Independence Day is for everyone,” Forman said. “It’s about
Dunwoody and America coming together to celebrate our love for our community and our country.”
Last year, more than 35,000 spectators watched as 2,500 participants paraded down the streets of the city.
The parade route is 2.7 miles and takes about an hour to walk.
As residents already know, the parade features an assortment of floats and vehicles, public officials, marching bands, vintage cars, clowns and animals. Parade participants step off at 9 a.m. from Mount Vernon Road at the Jett Ferry shopping center, continuing west
See PARADE, Page 13
Marcus Jewish Community Center opens new aquatic facility
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta hosted a grand opening of the new Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center June 23.
The state-of-the-art facility features the Dinerman Medeiros Pool, the Samsky Pool, the Alterman Pool, and the Barbara and Ed Mendel Splash Park.
With a zero-entry pool, multiple inpool sundecks, large shade coverings and newly renovated locker rooms, the new center offers a family-friendly experience for swimmers of all ages.
The facility also features the Shoob
Slide and Silverman Slide as well as expanded amenities, including the enlarged Sue Sue’s Snack Bar and Helen Marie Picnic Area.
The MJCCA recently announced it surpassed its Capital Campaign goal, securing $36.4 million through donor contributions and community support. In addition to the new Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center, several new facilities funded by the Capital Campaign will open in summer 2024 at the MJCCA’s Zaban Park campus.
The Eva G. Lipman Pickleball
Complex, which opened June 26, features eight covered pickleball courts with rain-protection siding for allweather play and four uncovered courts. The complex will also house Cadranel’s Corner, a café with extensive social and viewing areas, multiple seating areas, and TVs. The complex includes the new Zaban Family Sports Pavilion, a large covered multi-sport court with highefficiency fans.
The London Feldman Field has been converted to a high-end turf field. A new parking lot and numerous
security enhancements have also been completed.
At Camp Barney Medintz, new structures have been built, including cabins, bathrooms, a dining hall extension and an adult housing structure.
Additional projects to be completed at Zaban Park include renovating the Brill Family Fitness Center, locker rooms and the main Zaban Blank building; reimagining the courtyard and adding a pedestrian walkway; and updating the preschool playground.
ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoody High School Principal Tom Bass waves to a rain-soaked crowd at the 2023 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. The largest Independence Day Parade in Georgia will kick off at 9 a.m., July 4, from Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher DICK WILLIAMS Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Officers arrest 17-year-old Macon man in shooting
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 17-year-old Macon man after he shot a 39-year-old Dunwoody man June 9 at 100 Perimeter Lofts Circle.
For criminal law purposes, a 17-year-old is an adult in the state of Georgia.
Officers arrived at the apartments around 3:24 p.m. and rendered first aid to the victim.
First responders transported the
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Hotel security employee discovers 8 car break-ins
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are looking for suspects involved in eight car break-ins June 11 at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Ashford Dunwoody Road.
A security guard said he discovered a GMC Denali with shattered windows while conducting a perimeter check. He soon found more damaged cars.
Officers said the security guard found rear window damage to eight vehicles throughout the property.
The hotel does not have security cameras on the exterior of the building.
One victim, a 54-year-old California man, told officers he discovered someone else’s blood on his dashboard. A crime analyst retrieved a sample of the blood for evidence.
The victim said thieves took a $200 cooler and a $300 soccer bag. He also said he would send officers footage from his dashboard camera.
Another victim reported nothing missing from their vehicle.
victim to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he remained in critical but stable condition.
Officers said they located the suspect, Josiah Davis, on the property and took him into custody without incident.
He was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of first-degree criminal damage and
Officers did not identify a suspect. They estimate around $2,000 in damages and stolen belongings.
Officers seeking driver in hit-and-run incident
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are looking for the driver of a black Audi Q7 after the vehicle struck another car June 11 on I-285 at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
A 36-year-old Norcross woman said she was driving her white Mazda CX-30 when the Audi attempted to enter her lane.
She said the vehicle hit her Mazda on the driver’s side wheel well and did not pull over. She said she honked to get the driver’s attention.
Officers said the victim recorded video, capturing the Audi’s license plate and a brief visual of the driver. Through a license plate check, officers identified a 40-year-old Athens woman as the Audi’s owner. Officers said the owner had a suspended license for failure to appear.
When contacted by police, the owner said her car should be at her Athens residence because she was in Indianapolis working as a travel nurse. She said one of her children may have used the vehicle.
Officers said they would remain in contact with the owner.
possession of a handgun by person under 18 years old.
Officers transported Davis to DeKalb County Jail.
The police report says the incident was the result of a dispute over stolen property the day before.
An officer said the victim confronted Davis about the property, and the two got into an argument, which escalated to the shooting.
Man reports credit card stolen in car burglary
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating a car break-in at the Bell Perimeter Center apartments June 14 after a man reported his credit card was stolen and used.
The victim, a 24-year-old Gainesville man, said he left his Dodge Charger in a parking deck the night before but used his other car, a Mazda SUV, the next morning.
Officers said the victim returned to the parking deck after receiving a call from Walmart about a $539 suspicious purchase.
The victim said he found his Charger in disarray with a damaged key hole when he returned.
Officers said they discovered two additional car break-ins while investigating the initial incident, involving a Dunwoody officer and a 20-year-old Powder Springs woman.
Both victims said nothing had been taken from their vehicles.
Police went to the Walmart on Ashford Dunwoody to check about the fraudulent credit card purchase.
Security footage provided a description of the suspect and his vehicle, which an officer used to conduct a search through the Flock system.
Officers said they have identified a suspect, attempted to contact him and notified other agencies.
TALK
Investments in community pay off
To The Crier:
We’ve been Dunwoody residents who love our community for almost 10 years. During this time, we’ve watched neighboring cities make investments in parks, town centers and trails. In speaking with all of our Dunwoody family friends, they want to see more play areas and town greens with adjacent restaurants and activities. “Funwoody” is just the beginning.
Our family friends also share a concern about a vocal contingent against these types of public investments. No one wants to argue with neighbors, so we are civil, but some of the accusations against Council regarding deficits are unfair. The city has been conservative in forecasting tax revenues to make sure that there’s enough money to pay for operating expenses. There is not a deficit as some people are saying. We have some of the most capable planners and staff out of any municipality nationally.
That said, if Dunwoody doesn’t soon start making some serious investments in our community, we are going to have problems. Sandy
Talk Back to the Crier
Springs and Peachtree Corners are making tough decisions on how to redevelop aging office parks and shopping centers: City Springs and Peachtree Corners Town Center are examples of how this gets done.
Dunwoody is very reliant on tax revenue from office and commercial properties – if we don’t reinvent these dying areas (Walmart, vacated Lidl, Perimeter Center East, Ashford Center), either (A) homeowners will start paying more taxes, or (B) the city will have to cut services- and police, roads and parks will suffer. Or some combination of the two - growth is much easier to manage than decline.
I urge our neighbors to support public investment and tax incentives by Council and the Dunwoody Development Authority to encourage (A) well-designed mixed-use redevelopment of these dying areas with housing, retail, office and public spaces; (B) investments in sidewalks and green space in Dunwoody Village; and (C) building our trails and parks network to strengthen our neighborhoods.
Joe Martinez Dunwoody
Send your letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com by Sunday night and they’ll end up here that week. Park locations, tree-lined medians and backyard chickens welcome.
Rules of engagement:
• Typically we restrict letters to 300 words. To limit fury from the copy desk, try and stay below that line.
• We normally do not publish letters written in response to other letters. We are going to waive that policy for the time being.
• We won’t publish your letter or name without explicitly getting your approval.
Then and now, Spalding Drive farm to Cortland 1000 Spalding
A farmhouse once sat at 1000 Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs, where Peachtree Dunwoody Road meets Spalding Drive. In 1995 this became the location of Spalding Gables Apartments, which is now Cortland 1000 Spalding apartment homes. Lynne Byrd, on a mission to document all older homes and buildings in Dunwoody and parts of Sandy Springs in 1994, took photographs of the home, which she identified as a circa 1900 farmhouse.
Byrd’s research indicated Nolia and Nina May Holbrook Spruill were early owners of this Spalding Drive farmhouse. Nolia was the son of Joseph and Sophia Spruill, and Nina May’s parents were Susan Jarrell and Fransco Holbrook. The Holbrooks lived in the Cross Keys district which includes Chamblee and Brookhaven.
Nolia Spruill completed a World War I registration card in 1917. He gave an address of Dunwoody, Georgia and recorded his nearest relatives as his wife and four children. He was working at the time as a farm laborer for Carl Wallace in Chamblee. There are no records to indicate that Nolia was ever called to serve during the war.
Census records for 1910 and 1930 show Nolia and Nina Spruill living
along what was called Spruill Road and Dunwoody Road. Several other Spruill families lived nearby. In 1920, Nolia and Nina Spruill are recorded as living in Cobb County.
Nolia Spruill is part of the Stephen and Sarah Martin family, buried at Stephen Martin Cemetery in Dunwoody. The cemetery is located behind Perimeter Expo Shopping Center on Hammond Drive. Stephen and Sarah’s Martin’s daughter Sophia married Joseph Spruill, and they are buried in the fifth row of the cemetery along with
some of their children, including Nolia Spruill, Nina Holbrook Spruill and their child Elbert.
Around 1948, Leslie W. and Helen Pickering purchased the home and property at 1000 Spalding Drive. Pickering operated construction companies P&W Construction Company and Pickering Construction Company. In 1954, he worked along with contractor E. Jack Smith to build the Skyland Shopping Center at Clairmont Road and Buford Highway. (Atlanta Journal, Oct. 17, 1954, “Skyland Shop
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The City of Dunwoody has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 5.81% percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Dr, Dunwoody GA 30338 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Dr, Dunwoody GA 30338 on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 8 a.m. and Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 3.040 mills, an increase of 0.167 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 2.873 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $600,000 is approximately $35.90 and the proposed tax increase for nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $2,350,000 is approximately $129.42.
Center Construction Started”)
1000 Spalding Drive was listed for sale in the Atlanta Constitution in 1976 and 1977. It is described as a 100-year-old country home in the city with 9.9 acres. This is older than Lynne Byrd’s estimate of the home’s age. The property includes “lots of trees and pasture for horses, a large fishing lake plus a summer house, making this a beautiful retreat.”
The adjacent property of 1060 Spalding Drive is listed as a threebedroom home with 5.9 acres.
Mr. and Mrs. James Asher lived at 1060 Spalding Drive with their children Phillip and Alice in 1946. There was an outbreak of forest fires that year, including near these homes. However, the Ashers and other families were able to save their homes. The Asher children were photographed putting out small fires in their backyard. (Atlanta Journal, March 5, 1946, “Forest Fires Ravage 5,785 Acres in State”)
Another address next to 1000 Spalding was 996, which Lynne Byrd recorded as the home of Helen Seamon in 1994.
To the west, at 960 Spalding Drive, was the home of Elon and Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie) Jordon. The land was given to the couple by Lizzie’s great uncle John Ball. Their home and land sat on the north side of Spalding Drive, west of where Ga. 400 is today.
There are unanswered questions in my mind regarding this property. If additional information is uncovered, there will be an update to the history of farmhouses near and on 1000 Spalding Drive.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
PROVIDED
The farmhouse at 1000 Spalding Drive was photographed by Lynne Byrd in 1994. A year later, this would be the location of Spalding Gables Apartments.
4TH OF JULY STOREWIDE SALE!
*** HAPPY EASTER ***
Save NOW on in-stock & custom-ordered quality home furnishings from UltraComfort, King Hickory, Temple, Bradington-Voung, American Leather, Jessica Charles, IMG, Palliser, Surya & more!!
1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9) • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 Open Tues-Sat 10-5:30 Now celebrating our 32nd year–thank you for shopping local!
Enjoy STOREWIDE SAVINGS through 4/15 on in-stock & custom-orders from Massoud, Temple, Bradington-Young, American Leather, Jessica Charles, IMG, Palliser, Surya & more! 1101 Alpharetta St (Hwy 9) • Historic Roswell • 770-518-8518 NEW SUMMER HOURS: Tues–Sat 10-5:30, closed Sun & Mon. Nowcelebratingour30thyear—thankyouforshoppinglocal!
boat to a bitt, pin, or cleat 33 Colored slightly
Georgia Press Association recognizes Appen Media
JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — The Georgia Press Association honored winners of the 2024 Freedom of Information Award and Better Newspaper Contest June 7 for outstanding achievements in journalism.
The association also recognized winners of the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest during its 137th annual convention at Jekyll Island Club.
Competing in Division F, Appen Media received first place in the General Excellence category, coming out ahead of Big Canoe’s Smoke Signals and the Augusta Press.
Appen Media unseated Smoke Signals, which had won the award each of the last nine years.
In total, Appen Media brought home 10 awards for advertising and 17 honors in the Better Newspaper Contest.
Entries are judged in six divisions based on circulation:
• Division A: daily circulation of more than 8,000
• Division B: daily circulation of less than 8,000
• Division C: weekly circulation of 3,800 to 15,000
• Division D: weekly circulation of 2,000 to 3,799
• Division E: weekly circulation of less than 2,000
• Division F: weekly circulation of more than 15,000 and all associate media members of GPA .
Members of the Texas Press Association judge both contests in February and March.
For the 2,293 entries to the editorial contest, the GPA presented 509 awards in 42 categories to 78 newspapers.
For the 449 entries in the advertising contest, the GPA presented 120 awards in 17 categories to 30 newspapers.
Appen Media won first place in Special Issues/Sections for the October 12 Sandy Springs Crier, an edition dedicated to walking readers through the ongoing public records conflict between the newsroom and the City of Sandy Springs.
Appen also took home the top prize for Best Investigative Reporting. The award honored the newsroom for its enterprise and data-supported work, including coverage from Amber Perry, Delaney Tarr and Carl Appen on Milton elections and Open Records practices in the City of Roswell.
“Staff uncovered irregularities, including omitted provisions, in a feasibility report on a change to city-run elections,” a judge said as part of their remarks. “Open records requests produced the complete version versus the changed one, which the paper published so voters could see what was left out of the public presentation.”
Rounding out the group awards, newsroom staff also secured second and third place in the Page One category.
Appen Media’s pagination team, led by Dionna Williams and Jacob Tomberlin, took home second and third place for layout and design.
Appen Media’s Perry took top honors in the Feature Photograph category, as well as second place in Business Writing and third place in Education Writing.
Former Appen Media reporter Shelby Israel won first place in Education Writing for her work covering elementary redistricting in Forsyth County.
Carl Appen, director of content and development, edged out Pat Fox, managing editor, to win first place in the Serious Column category.
A judge commended Appen for clever yet serious public service writing and said Fox stood out in the crowded category with strong, clear writing.
Appen Media’s Hayden Sumlin won second place in the Breaking News Writing category.
Appen Media’s advertising team, led by senior designer David Brown, swept the Food category of the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest.
The team also won awards in the Real Estate, Home Furnishings, Newspaper Promotion and Service categories.
The True Citizen of Waynesboro won the 2024 Freedom of Information Award for its work getting the City of Keysville to provide information to the public regarding construction and funding of a water well.
The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication judges the annual award.
“Public institutions must know that if they keep secrets, the local newspaper will battle them, in court,” a judge said. “And that they won’t back down.”
PERIMETER ADULT LEARNING & SERVICES
SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM
Dunwoody Baptist Church 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338. Registration will be available on the PALS website: www.palsonline.info
The class line up is as follows:
MONDAYS:
From 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Local Authors – We will continue our commitment to presenting local authors to discuss their books, their backgrounds and their genres. This year we will have such best selling authors as Ann Hite, a Jimmy Carter biographer (Dot Padgett, and authors who wrote books on sports personalities, more novelists, murder mystery writers and more.
From 10:00 am - 11:00 am
A View Into Western Civilization Through Its Architecture – Architect Jerry Cooper will lead us in an exploration of how societies down through the ages have reflected their values through the buildings that were built to serve them beginning with Ancient Egypt through Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire up to the present day with a view of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Modern structures. Discussion willcenter on how the evolution of technology, the various societies’ changing values, governing structures and religious perspectives impacted their architecture. The class will conclude with a discussion of what buildings might look like today and why.
From 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Libraries – with Betsy Jones – From the ancient library of Alexandria to the Library of Congress, scores of libraries have been the repository of the written word. Among others, the class will look at several Presidential libraries and explore the 2509 Carnegie libraries which formed the backbone of our public library system.
From 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
A Perspective on Jimmy Carter – Professor Bob Short will discuss the life of Jimmy Carter from his life in Plains, GA to Governor of Georgia to President of the United States and his legacy post-presidency.
From 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
A History of America Through Life Magazine Covers –
Besty Jones started collecting old LIFE magazines almost 50 years ago and at one time had a collection of more than 1400 issues. LIFE was launched as a weekly magazine in 1936 by Henry Luce, publisher LIFE covered topics and ceased weekly publication in 1972. LIFE touched every fabric of our lives - war (and peace), royalty, sports, presidents and other politicians, celebrities, science, space, medical triumphs (and tragedies), civil rights, art, music and fashion - to name but a few. Each week will cover a specific topic to see how it was covered over the years.
Juneteenth at City Springs wows crowd
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A tribute to freedom and liberty on Juneteenth at City Springs drew thousands to celebrate and learn.
More than two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced enslaved Black people were free.
Juneteenth, made a federal holiday in 2021, celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States when all Americans were finally freed June 19, 1865.
The City Springs celebration, sponsored by the cities of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, brought together the Perimeter area on both sides of Ga. 400 for a whirlwind of performances, educating and fun.
The day’s festivities flowed across the City Green and into the Byers Theatre lobby, where high schoolers from Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Douglas County discussed their works in an immersive art exhibition.
PeQue Brown, founder of LIQUID Arts studios, worked with local high school artists to create canvas pieces representing what freedom means to them. PeQue’s wife, Kelli Brown, said it’s all about youth artists and supporting the next generation.
The pieces incorporate augmented reality, allowing guests to engage with innovative, live-action displays, called the STEAM Art Gallery.
Jade E’lon, rising 10th grader in the arts program at North Springs High School, said she thought about being at home with loved ones while creating her piece, “Dreamers.” Her goal, she said, was to showcase Black joy, while also incorporating symbols of African heritage.
Madison Ozane, a rising junior in the Douglas County School System, said freedom means the ability to express oneself. She said speaking with hundreds of patrons outside the Byers Theatre helps her get out of her shell.
Before a packed crowd of more than 1,000 at the Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty kicked off the program introducing Namari Dance Center and Production’s “From Africa to America.”
“It’s a real privilege to be here and be a part of this great ceremony,” Paul said.
By the time the mayor walked off stage and “Mary Don’t You Weep” began playing, only standing room remained.
Antwan Sessions and Shervoski Moreland, co-owners of Namari Dance
A DJ on the City Green leads elementary school students in the “Soul Step,” during Juneteenth at City Springs. The tradition originated at Black fraternities and sororities in the United States, drawing from South African tradition.
Center & Productions, produced and directed “From America to Africa,” the theatrical production highlighting the event.
The stage program included dance from Namari and Douglas County students, spoken word from the pastor of Pleasant Hill Church in Roswell and song from the Lynwood Park Community Choir.
The performances weaved through different themes and emotions associated with Juneteenth, including joy and grief.
References to “the brothers that chose the sea,” on trips across the Atlantic Ocean quieted the crowd, while “amens” rang out during unifying speeches from local leaders.
Councilwoman Melody Kelley led the Juneteenth Planning Committee on an eight-month effort to put together the city’s newest signature event.
“We were very intentional from the beginning with defining who the most important stakeholders are,” she said. “That’s what is was, eight months of relationship building to get us to this point.”
Kelley, already thinking about next year’s event, said she received an email from a resident suggesting day-time activities for young children.
“That’s what expansion looks like to me, instead of three hours – all day,” Kelley said.
Kelley said she couldn’t isolate any one person for pulling off the festival because of the dozens of people on city staff, in community organizations and throughout the corporate world who made the day possible.
Many attendees at the celebration
WOW,
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Jagger Austin, rising 11th grader at North Springs High School, talks about his piece, “The Path to Freedom,” during Juneteenth at City Springs.
Facts about sunscreen
Brought to you by – Dr.
Titilola "Lola" Sode of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven
What type of sunscreen should I use?
The best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens labeled “broadspectrum” to ensure protection against both types of harmful rays. Additionally, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns when choosing a sunscreen. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. If you have sensitive skin, choose sunscreens labeled hypoallergenic or fragrance-free. Waterresistant sunscreens are ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is one that you will use
consistently and reapply as needed.
How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?
It’s essential to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently for adequate protection against sun damage. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin fully. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily. Remember to reapply after towel drying as well. Additionally, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other uncovered areas. Sunscreen is a vital component of sun protection, but it’s also essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
CHARTER MEMBER
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Carl Abernathy
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Barbara Bauschka
Kathy Beck
Bill Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Gary Butterfield
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
William Cartwright
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Adam Corder
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Allison January
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Ross & Lori Ramsey
MEMBER+
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Charlcie Forehand
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
Vickie McElroy
Anne Peer
MEMBER
Mark Rundle
Kim Truett
Roger Wise Jr.
Colt Whittall
Robert Popp
Kate Seng
Carol Williams
Marilyn Colarossi-Woods
6 perks of becoming empty nesters
Brought to you by – Summit Counseling Center
Rhonda Cude
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Terri Coons
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Lee Fleck
Cathy Flynn
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Joe Hirsch
Austin Hughes
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Roxanne Hazen
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Kim Coggins Evelyn Collazo
Jack Murphy
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Lynn Pennington
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Debra Powell
Righteous PR
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Neil Robertson
Matt Rohs
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Sally White
Thom White
Michael Weiss
Umpika White
Susan Wilson
Jamie Wimberly
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Carla York
1. Date nights. No more kidfriendly environment needed. You and your spouse can go to any restaurant, venue, concert or event and not have to worry about whether it’s appropriate for the kids, will they like the food, or will they have fun. Take the time to catch up with your spouse and hear about their day.
2. Travel. You no longer have to plan your vacations around summer, spring break, and winter holidays. Now you and your spouse can take the vacation you have been waiting for without working around the kid’s school schedule. Travel abroad, go see an old friend.
3. Volunteer. No reason to not give back. “Now, what am I going to do with all my spare time?” Giving back is rewarding for both you, your spouse, and the community you are helping.
4. Reconnect with spouse. No more excuses. Take this time to focus on your spouse and rekindle your relationship. Start flirting again, making time for one another
and planning things together. Go on a spontaneous walk through your neighborhood. Go out to dinner or see a movie. Relearn how to interact together.
5. Establish new hobbies. No more having to drive the kids around, attend sport events, and revolve your schedule around theirs. It is all about you and your spouse again. Take this time to focus on yourself and what you enjoy. Take a cooking class or a yoga class together. Establish what things you both like to do together and on your own.
6. Regain independence. No more excuses about not having time for yourself or your spouse. Start taking care of yourself, doing things for yourself and focusing on what you want in life. There is no excuse to not do what you want to do.
If you and/or your spouse need someone to talk to during this transition, The Summit Counseling Center has couples’ therapists at all locations. To schedule an appointment or for more information call 678-893-5300 or visit us at www. summitcounseling.org.
Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club
OPINION
Notes on progress in the age of getting nothing done
When my phone died and I restored my data to my new phone, a lot of the data did not restore. I am not sure why. It’s gone, never to be found again. And I am semi-OK with that. I won’t miss much of the data – never revisited 99 percent of it anyway, but there were a few files that I do wish were still within my reach, especially my “column ideas” file which had perhaps several hundred ideas, thoughts, quotes and sometimes even images that I had squirreled away over the years for a rainy day.
A lot of those ideas also used to be posted on my Facebook page, especially the quotes. So, for a very long time, that was my backup reservoir. Same deal later when I opened an Instagram account. However, I deliberately deleted my Facebook account a couple years ago because I didn’t seem to have the discipline to not allow Facebook to chew up way too many hours of my time. And when my phone died, I deliberately did not restore the Instagram account, although it is still there in cyber space; I just don’t go there
anymore, again, for the same reason – time.
Yes, I regret losing contact with many old friends who I had reconnected with through social media. I miss being able to at least occasionally see updates about their lives. I still miss that, but my reward has been more time, surely one of life’s most precious and limited commodities. And, yes, I consciously periodically ask myself if I am making “good use” of that extra time.
I am envious of those people who seem to be able to crank out articles, columns, blog-material as easy as breathing. Jon Katz comes to mind with his Bedlam Farm blog. Google it! He seems to post non-stop, every day, sometimes three or four and more blog posts that are usually engaging, fun, and generally, worth my time.
Jon reads a lot, which I think helps him write a lot. I suspect that he may read almost a book a day on his farm in upstate New York. I guess we all should have that luxury of time to be able to do that but, it’s not like that is all Jon does. He does a lot. He has a small but active farm that he tends. He is a talented photographer and is out shooting images almost daily, a fact that becomes obvious when one sees all those flower, dog and farm animal photos in his blog posts.
He often writes about helping his neighbors on their farms – his Amish
neighbors. He writes a lot about the Amish. I think he deeply respects their values; I must say that I tend to admire them as well. I bet Jon does not have social media accounts; surely not. He just gets too much stuff done to be spending time there.
I don’t know how our world is going to evolve, where we collectively are going to end up. I don’t like the trends – the longterm trends I think I see. We have less connectivity. We are less engaged. We help each other less. We take more and give less. We have more; we share less. Self-interest seems to have displaced collective/universal needs and welfare.
“I got mine; you get yours.” This seems to be the marching orders now, a mandate that is toxic and ultimately fatal. Prosperity, peace, and health most likely will be the victims of these trends – trends that are a clear and present danger – if we just open our eyes and ears to the world around us.
In a recent interview Richard Powers, who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning book “The Overstory,” describes our current situation far more succinctly than I ever could. He said the following: “We are now engaged in a massive, communal, consensual sleepwalk, a trance that we can’t even see, under the spell of individualist humanism and commodity culture that we
call inevitable progress. The fact that the blessings of contemporary life have been won at the expense of a disastrous depletion of natural capital remains almost invisible to most of us. “
What are we thinking? Or is that the point - that we are not thinking at all?
Of note, for those of you who enjoy reading about history, especially as it is a window to the future, you will probably enjoy the book, “The Accidental Super Power – 10 Years On,” by Peter Zeihan. It is well worth a read and if only 10 percent of what he projects comes true, we are in for a very bumpy next 3-20 years-ish. But the good news is that the USA, according to Zeihan, will fare far better than the rest of the world.
Appen Media, with our six local newspapers and online products, works every day 365 to protect your rights and keep you safe. If you want us to be able to continue to do this and to continue to be able to report your local news for you, then support us please. Your support is critical. Join The Appen Press Club today. Just go to AppenMedia.com and in the top upper right side of our home page click on the red oval that says “Join the Club.” Take the time. It’s important, really important.
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Georgia employment surpasses old records
By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat News Service
ATLANTA — Georgia’s unemployment rate rose slightly last month but remained well above the national rate, the state Department of Labor reported June 20.
The Peach State’s jobless rate of 3.2% for May was eight-tenths lower than the national rate of 4.0%.
Several other employment indicators were up last month. The number of jobs in Georgia rose by 0.2% to an all-time high of almost 5 million, the state’s labor force was up to nearly 5.4 million – also a record – and the number of employed Georgians increased to more than 5.2 million, yet another all-time high.
“Despite national economic challenges and inflation, Georgia’s businesses are stepping up and creating more opportunities for hardworking Georgians to secure high-quality jobs,” state Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson said.
The job sectors posting the largest over-the-month gains in May were local government, which added 3,200 jobs; accommodation and food services, which
gained 2,700 jobs; and health care and social assistance, which added 2,300 jobs.
On the downside, the state government sector lost 1,600 jobs last month, with durable goods down 1,500 and arts, entertainment and recreation losing 1,300 jobs.
Initial unemployment claims were down by 7% to 20,034 in May compared to the previous month, while jobless claims declined by 16% last month compared to May of last year.
Parade:
Continued from Page 1
until turning right at Dunwoody Village Parkway.
Spectators are encouraged to set up chairs along Mount Vernon Road and circle around Dunwoody Village Parkway but are blocked from viewing on the east side of Jett Ferry Road due to the staging for parade participants.
“The rain last year, I don’t know why, but it actually made the parade more fun,” Forman said. “People were just into it, nobody dropped out and they just kept marching.”
Forman is a long-time Dunwoody resident and well known in the community after co-chairing the parade for more than a decade.
“I think what’s important is that it’s something people look forward to every single year,” Forman said. “People put their chairs out the night before and save their spaces along the parade route.”
The DHA’s Dunwoody 4th of July Parade began as an initiative of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary in 1976.
The event grew organically in the community, allowing organizers to stave off corporate control while still securing sponsorships to enhance the parade.
“We like to keep it small-town and
Wow:
Continued from Page 8
echoed Mayor Paul’s praise for Kelley for her herculean effort.
Sandy Springs Communications and Public Relations Director Carter Long said her team estimates more than 2,500 people attended the celebration.
Over the eight-month process, the committee sought relationships with corporate sponsors and community partners, including Inspire Brands, Classic Cadillac, Sandy Springs Together, Veritiv and Rough Draft Atlanta.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA
A man rounds a corner holding two American flags at the 2023 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. Summer showers only contributed to the success of last year’s event, organizers said.
very much Dunwoodian,” Forman said.
“The corporations are very important to us because that’s our sponsorship dollars and how we pay for bands and other items.”
Sponsors help secure attractions like the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and funds for four music groups, like the Marching Wildcats from Dunwoody High School.
“Music makes the parade,” Forman said. “We’re lucky to have them, without sponsors we couldn’t do it.”
She said this year’s parade has more
Councilwoman Jody Reichel, City Clerk Raquel Gonzales and Planning and Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross also pitched in time and effort putting together the event.
For Juneteenth Planning Committee members, educating the public about Juneteenth is just as important as celebrating it.
In his speech to the Byers Theatre crowd, Pleasant Hill Church Senior Pastor Sabin Strickland spoke of the importance of celebrating the Black experience.
“Juneteenth exemplifies the enduring themes of resilience and perseverance, it tells the story of how we overcome,” Strickland said. “We cannot quit.”
The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, August 1, 2024 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 24-10, 4714 Pullman Court : Variance from Sec. 27-58 to allow a porch to encroach into the front 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.
than 90 entries, which means around 150 floats will head down Mount Vernon Road at 9 a.m. July 4.
“The 116th Army Band is my favorite” Forman said. “When they start that music and it’s loud, I mean it’s a parade.”
Forman and fellow Co-Chair Matt Weber are still accepting volunteers.
“We can always use more volunteers, especially at the start of the parade where we assemble all the entries,” Forman said. “The Dunwoody Police are fabulous, they’re out on almost every street corner.”
Volunteer work to help get parade floats ready to march starts at 7:30 a.m. at Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads. Street marshals are also needed along the route to keep youngsters off the roadway.
Forman said the event continues to grow, especially with the after-parade event on the Walgreens side of Dunwoody Village.
“We call it the festival after the parade,” Forman said. “That has grown quite a bit in the last few years because we do have more sponsors.”
At the festival, patrons can expect treats from sponsors, a bouncy house, a Boy Scout cookout and a performance from the 2024 Dunwoody Idol winner, Marist student Lauren Schroder.
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association announced in February that David Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality Group, is the grand marshal at this year’s parade.
“David Abes is the perfect representative of ‘Red, White & YOU,’” Forman said. “He’s invested in and totally supported our community by bringing life and energy to Dunwoody Village.”
Discover Dunwoody credited Abes with the vision for a city center around the Village and “Funwoody Restaurants.”
“Thanks to him and his team, the Village is a lively destination that everyone loves,” she said. “That’s why we chose him.”
Marvin Jerold “Jerry” Smith In Memoriam
Marvin Jerold Smith, known as Jerry Smith to his many friends, died on June 8, 2024, having celebrated his 93rd birthday on Memorial Day.
Jerry was born on May 27, 1931, to Ray and Tressa Smith in Roseville, California. They later moved to San Bernadino, California where Jerry attended elementary, high school and two years at San Ramon Valley College. He enlisted with the US Coast Guard for 3 years where he served as the 2nd class storekeeper on a small air sea reserve ship stationed in San Diego. On completing his service, he returned to San Bernadino and married Patricia Eisenhart, his college sweetheart.
Jerry enrolled in Mexico City College while he was in the service, so as soon as Jerry and Pat were able, they drove to Mexico - years before there were anything but bad roads; through jungles, over rivers, using railroad bridges. It was quite an adventure. Jerry studied international finance, and Pat worked as a secretary. After a year they returned to the US and Jerry attended the University of California at Berkley where he completed undergraduate and graduate studies.
Jerry spent most of his business career in the petrol chemical industry. After working on the west coast for years, Mobil Chemical transferred him to Atlanta to introduce new ways to use polyethylene films. He joined Georgia Pacific Alpha Plastics Division in 1994 and travelled nationally.
Jerry lost his daughter Karen Lorraine Smith in 1992 and wife Pat in 1993.
In 1995 Jerry met Carolyn Haile, who also liked to travel. They bought their first motorhome in 1997 after Jerry retired as Sales Manager from Georgia Pacific in 1996. They traveled for 20 years all over North America, as well as taking 34 cruises to visit the world.
He was a member of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years where he served as an elder, deacon, bell ringer and Boy Scout leader.
He is survived by his son Kurt Jerold Smith of Conyers, Georgia and Carolyn Haile of Dunwoody, Georgia, his long-time partner of 29 years.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 20th at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody.
