Dunwoody Crier - July 27, 2023

Dunwoody tree program returns

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody and Trees Atlanta will plant shade trees across Dunwoody this fall, as part of the second annual Front Yard Tree Planting Program, officials recently announced.

Property owners interested in participating in the 2023 Front Yard Tree Planting Program can visit www. dunwoodyga.gov/frontyardtree to fill out an online application and learn more. Trees are allotted on a firstcome, first-served basis, officials said.

“Last year was our first year, and we had complete support for the program from City Council. We also had immediate buy-in from residents, who rushed to fill out online applications,” Dunwoody Community Development Director Richard McLeod said. “This program furthers our goal of protecting and building up Dunwoody’s tree canopy.”

In early July, the Dunwoody City Council approved spending $22,000 on 2023 tree planting. Volunteers planted 54 trees during the 2022 program, officials said.

The Atlanta-area nonprofit, Trees Atlanta, will manage the program

See TREE, Page 10

Chattahoochee River reopens after bacteria amounts lessen

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —National Park Service officials have reopened all 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, following an E. Coli bacteria outbreak which closed major river sections ahead of the July 4th holiday.

E. Coli bacteria levels, over 300 times greater than safe recreation levels, were detected in the river in late June and tracked to Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility which treats wastewater for North Fulton communities.

Bacteria levels have since returned to normal levels, officials said.

“The bacterial levels are now

See RIVER, Page 10

OPINION

► PAGE 12

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

The second annual Front Yard Tree Planting Program will plant dozens of trees at homes across the Dunwoody community this fall and winter.

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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.

Burglaries reported to Dunwoody police

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred July 11.

Incident reports said an apartment burglary on Barclay Drive was discovered at about 8 a.m. Burglaries were also reported at two storage units on Dunwoody Park at about 2 p.m.

At the Barclay Drive apartment, a victim told police they just returned from a week traveling out of state and noticed that the apartment door lock had been punched out. The victim said multiple items were stolen, including furniture, televisions, clothing and electronics.

The victim said only his family would have known that he was away, and he could think of no suspect in the breakin.

At the public storage facility, officers learned the units were opened with force sometime overnight. Police were unable to ascertain what had been removed. No suspect was identified in either case.

Dunwoody man arrested driving reported stolen car

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested a Dunwoody man for multiple felonies July 14 after he was found driving a stolen car while in possession of illegal narcotics and firearms.

Reports said multiple officers responded to the Jefferson Perimeter Apartment Complex off Ashford Dunwoody Road at about 11 p.m. July 14, after a FLOCK Traffic Camera spotted an Acura MDX that had been reported stolen.

Police located the vehicle in the parking lot, confirmed it was stolen and took the driver into custody.

After the driver was arrested, officers located a handgun in his waistband. Inside the vehicle they recovered marijuana, cocaine and amphetamine pills, along with a rifle and multiple magazines.

The driver was charged with possession of cocaine and amphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, theft by receiving a motor vehicle and multiple other charges.

He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.

Man reports carjacking while rendering aid

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are investigating a carjacking reported near the Walmart on Ashford Dunwoody Road July 11.

Police reports said a man leaving the Walmart at about 6 p.m. stopped to give a woman in distress a ride, but when they stopped at a light near Perimeter Center West, the woman grabbed his keys and threw them out the window.

When the 89-year-old victim opened his door to get the keys, the woman jumped out of the car, grabbed the keys and poked the victim in the face with them, before driving away in the car.

Reports the said stolen vehicle was later discovered in Alpharetta occupied by an unresponsive female suspect; however, the woman didn’t match the Dunwoody victim’s description.

No suspect has been arrested in this case yet, according to the report.

Strong arm rape case reported in Dunwoody

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are investigating a case of alleged rape that was reported in Dunwoody July 11.

Police responded to the Chevron gas station on Peachtree Industrial

Boulevard at about 10 p.m. after a victim reported his sister had been raped the prior day.

The victim reported the rape happened outside an apartment complex on Peachtree Place Parkway, and the attacker took his sister’s cell phone.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and police were able to locate a suspect, but no arrest was made at the time of the report.

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OPINION

TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

The return of the Letter

To the Crier,

I would like to suggest a new feature in the Crier: Letters to the Crier from its readers.

Here’s why. I don’t think I am alone in believing that under the prior ownership, Letters was the most important regular feature in the Crier. It was the town forum that the AJC can’t effectively offer to Dunwoody.

Located inside the front page or on the facing page, Letters to the Crier aired out the issues of the day, along with the paper’s email address for easy reply. When controversial issues arose—some that come to mind even now years later were the creation of Dunwoody cityhood, public schools locations, the removal of the tree-lined median in the Dunwoody Village Parkway, division over the city’s Williamsburg motif, debate about candidates for public office, backyard chickens—and many others. Some of the issues were so hot that the letters would overflow onto internal pages and be debated for several weeks. The long lead-up to next year’s elections would undoubtedly be another.

This was a very important forum where Dunwoody citizens could air their strong opinions and, more importantly, know

You talk, we listen.

their viewpoint would be heard. It seemed that everyone read and talked about the letters, which probably led many of us to think critically—and to sometimes change our thinking.

I have to confess that I am not as regular a Crier reader beyond Page 1 now as I was then, largely attributable to the absence of the Letters section and the discussions and ideas it fostered. Letters was my main draw to the paper.

I am aware that you offered a space for Letters and few took up your offer. I believe this was due to the location of the space you offered and to the likelihood that it will take some time for it to grow organically. But I believe it would happen. Newspaper professionals like you know how to make it happen. It might be interesting to your advertisers as well, knowing that more people are more actively reading the Crier. City news is certainly important but can be dry and mundane. Letters to the Crier often gave the current issues color and interest. It would be the greatest public service you can offer to the citizens of Dunwoody. Just my opinion.

Thank you for your consideration.

Nick Ganaway Dunwoody

The Crier is parking the Talk Back section right here on page 3 for the foreseeable future. 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.

CRIER NOTES

Lifelong Dunwoody resident and beloved pet Sophia Caras passed away July 9 just shy of her 21st birthday.

Sophia’s owner Charles Caras and his family wrote to the Crier to share news of her passing, saying she was likely the oldest cat in the city.

Sophia was born Aug. 5, 2002, and lived her entire life with the Caras family at their home on Dunhaven Road in Dunwoody.

“Between some health scares and even getting lost in the wild for over 24 hours, she always pulled through and brought us joy,” Caras wrote in an email.

CHARLES

Pics in the Park August 4

Groovin’ on the Green August 12

Art Commission Meeting City Hall | 7:30 a.m. National Night Out Brook Run Park | 5 p.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m.

Pics in the Park: Ready Player One (PG-13) Pernoshal Park | dusk

12

20 8

3 1 28

Free First Saturday Dunwoody Nature Center | 11 a.m. Planning Commission Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m.

Sustainability Committee Meeting City Hall | 8 a.m.

Master Gardener Talk: Good Berries and Bad Berries Dunwoody

Dunwoody Farmers Market

Every Saturday | 9 a.m. - noon Brook Run Park

Food Truck Thursdays

Every week Brook Run Park 5 - 8 p.m.

CARAS/PROVIDED Sophia the cat, who lived her whole life in Dunwoody, shows off her unique personality. Sophia passed away July 9 just shy of her 21st birthday.

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Community Assistance Center reports local need is on the rise

BY ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Nonprofit leaders are sounding alarms over the rising number of people needing help with everyday living expenses in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, as more families seek help.

Speaking to the Sandy Springs City Council June 20, Community Assistance Center CEO Francis Horton reported the nonprofit, which supplies food, financial and career assistance, and other support, has experienced a 47 percent increase in usage this year.

Horton reported a 57 percent uptick in usage at the CAC client choice food pantries, with 77 percent of the clients from Sandy Springs and many from families that have never needed assistance before.

“More and more families find themselves in a position of making the decision, ‘Do I buy food, or do I pay rent?’ and we’re trying to help alleviate that decision a little bit by providing some financial assistance to help with rent and utilities,” he said.

In 2022 CAC served 6,908 individuals, and by May 2023 it reported more than 4,700 people

had already been served by the organization, putting the organization on a path to easily pass last year’s numbers.

CAC Communications Director

Laura Deupree said the huge increase is being seen across the nation due to factors like inflation and interest rates. Dupree said some economic factors are a storm that nonprofit groups have

little control over.

Deupree said in times of economic trouble, groups like CAC act as an See NEED, Page 11

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Leaders of the Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs recently reported the group is dealing with an avalanche of need in the community, caused by rising costs of housing, food and medical care.

ALPHARETTA FOOD TRUCK ALLEY

What: Scheduled every fourth Thursday through October, this event brings a variety of mobile cuisine options to downtown Alpharetta. It features live music and community partners, with limited seating available on the street. It is recommended that attendees bring a blanket or chair and leave pets at home for these events.

When: Thursday, July 27, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Old Roswell Street, 37 Old Roswell, Alpharetta

More info: facebook.com/ foodtruckalley

CITY GREEN LIVE: A1A

What: In 1992, A1A won a Jimmy Buffett sound-alike contest for Margaritaville Records and became an integral part of the Parrothead community with its colorful, familyfriendly show. They have a great relationship with the official band and draw record crowds to their performances. The opening act is Run Katie Run.

When: Friday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: Lawn seating is free

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.

When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: citysprings.com

LIVELOUD CONCERT ON THE GREEN: VELVET CITY SOUND

What: Crabapple Market presents the LiveLOUD concert series honoring the life of Brad Zettler, the beloved Milton Touchdown Club president, community leader, coach and business owner. This free event will feature a local band, Velvet City Sound, and it will be a whiteout and glow party. So, wear white, and get ready to dance and sing the night away. Food and beverages will be

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

What: Open every Saturday until Nov. 18, the market features fresh produce and artisan foods.

When: Saturday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: citysprings.com

available for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring your own chair.

When: Saturday, July 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: The Green at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com

B98.5’S B AT THE MOVIES

What: Bring the family, your blanket or beach chair, and relax under the stars as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” features on the giant screen. Mayfield Ice Cream will provide free ice cream for attendees, available while supplies last.

When: Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FLANNEL NATION

What: Flannel Nation is set to perform during Johns Creek’s free summer concert series. Food trucks will be onsite. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Concerts are rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. to allow for setup, and music begins at 7 p.m. Dogs are not allowed, except for service animals.

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater

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.

at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S TRIVIA NIGHT

What: Come out and share your knowledge of Roswell’s rich history from its founding in 1854 to the present day. Teams are encouraged, with a max team size of four members.

When: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: The Vick, 1182 Canton Street, Roswell

Cost: $25 ticket includes one drink More info: roswellhistoricalsociety.org/ events/trivia-night

ROSWELL YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR ‘ELF THE MUSICAL JR.’

What: Roswell Youth Theatre invites student performers to audition for “Elf the Musical Jr.,” open to middle and high school ages. Participants only need to attend one night but must stay the entire time.

When: Aug. 14 and 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell

Cost: $25

More info: roswellgov.com

‘IN LIGHT’ WITH IN KYOUNG CHUN & STEVEN L. ANDERSON

What: On view until Sept. 2, “In Light” brings works by In Kyoung Chun and Steven L. Anderson to Spruill Gallery. The paintings by Chun and Anderson present the color and beauty of the natural world interpreted by contemporary artists.

When: Tuesday through Friday, until Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody More info: spruillarts.org/gallery

MARIUPOL: THE CITY THAT DOESN’T EXIST

What: This exhibit is a collection of original photographs by Ukrainian artist Anna Rumiantseva, who has recorded what Mariupol used to be before the war in her home county. The exhibit can be viewed at the Alpharetta City Hall Community Room Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When: Until Sept. 11

Where: Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

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Power Rangers, Buffy stuntwoman launches eclectic Roswell brasserie

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — It isn’t often that your local barista is called on to fight vampires or fend off Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa with a few well-placed punches and flying kicks.

But at least with Sophia Crawford, owner of the Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, you know it could happen if needed.

Crawford, a longtime Hollywood stuntwoman known for work on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and many other action-packed roles, opened Ground and Pound on Holcomb Bridge Road in 2019, with a vision of the coffee shop becoming an artistic hub for the community.

Despite a few well-known hiccups caused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coffee shop, casual eatery and bar has become an eclectic and well-loved staple for local pop-culture nerds, with regular themed trivia nights, costume contests, open mic nights and more.

“Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together,” Crawford said, during an interview with Appen Media July 18. “I get a lot from that satisfaction from that.”

As straightforward as that mission is today, Crawford, who was born and raised in London, explained that she could not have taken a more winding route to get there.

She got the bug

As a young teen in London, Crawford actually started out working in coffee shops and brasseries, traditional places that served coffee, along with “beautiful wine and French food.”

And as an adventurous people person, Crawford ate it all up.

“I just liked the whole energy of the coffee shop and especially in England, this was in the ’80s. This was before Starbucks and everything, so the coffee was very traditional coffee,” she said. “But the energy was very much a gathering place.”

But at 19, when she was given the opportunity to become a coffee shop manager, Crawford said she felt pulled in multiple directions, with her home, interests and security on one hand, and a sense of adventure and opportunity on the other.

“I thought to myself, I could do this. This is definitely a lovely opportunity. But it's not what I want to do,” she said. “And I just felt the urge desperately to sort of just leave and travel the world.”

So instead of settling down, she and her sister got on a bus and began a sixmonth trip to India, Turkey, war-torn Iran and beyond.

“It was probably one of the most inspiring, most incredible journeys of my life and changed everything for me. I was just like, ‘I can't go home now … I got the bug,’” she said.

After traveling through 12 countries, Crawford made her way to Bangkok, Thailand and started teaching English to

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Former Hollywood stuntwoman Sophia Crawford, owner of Ground and Pound Coffee in Roswell, mixes up an iced marsala chai during a hot day July 18.

Continued from Page 8

help pay bills.

It was in Thailand where she was first introduced the world of film production, after a modeling gig got her noticed by Central Casting and she began booking roles as an extra for American and Hong Kong films shooting in Bangkok.

Hong Kong

With that taste of movie magic igniting a spark in her, Crawford quickly relocated to Hong Kong where she could live and work as an English-expat, and where many of the world’s best action movies were being filmed.

“I just hopped on the plane and went to Hong Kong,” she said. I didn’t know anybody and started tearing pages out of the Yellow Pages, trying to find the film studios.”

As a petite woman, with strong Western features, Crawford said she was welcomed with open arms by the studios in Hong Kong and almost immediately started booking actual movie roles as the “Western villain” and opponent to the film’s female heroines.

But she quickly learned that to be an actor in Hong Kong during the 1980s, she would first need to learn how to fight.

“I had no training. I was not a martial artist,” she said. “I was a young upstart wanting to travel the world and essentially a backpacker looking for a dream.”

By mingling with the stunt crews and coordinators, hanging out where they hung out and living where they lived, Crawford dedicated herself to learning martial arts and breaking into the Hong Kong stunt scene.

“I lived there for five years. And, you know, I was absolutely determined to be the best fighter,” she said.

She has since been credited as one of the first Western women to be accepted into an Asian stunt crew.

After doing 30 films in Asia, Crawford left Hong Kong for Los Angeles in 1993, bringing a honed martial arts skillset and a tight resume of work abroad with her, which launched her success in the U.S.

Ground and Pound

In Los Angeles, she was offered the role of stunt double for Amy Jo Johnson, who played the Pink Ranger in the hit 1994 “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series and later served as Sarah Michelle Gellar's stunt double for the first four seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Her career in Hollywood also features stunt work for Madonna, Fergie, and many other well-known names, and she eventually married stunt coordinator and Georgia native Jeff Pruitt, who she met while working on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

But like any good thing, Crawford’s

days of jump kicks and action sequences had to come to an end at some point.

Coffee: A Place for ALL Jews

“At a certain point, you understand that you don't have the legs that you think you’ve got,” she said.

In 2018, when her family relocated to Georgia and Crawford returned to a love from her teenage years, opening a small coffee shop in Roswell, very much like the ones she worked at in London.

Since then, Crawford and her staff of actors and other artists have tried to instill that community feeling she fell in love with, into every event they host and drink they serve.

It’s definitely not fast food and they will never have a drive through window, but Crawford said that customers feel the energy Ground and Pound gives off and love it.

“I love to get to know my customers and see their kids grow up and hear about their lives,” she said. “We want people to come inside. We encourage them to come inside and engage with each other.”

Ground and Pound Coffee is located at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road and offers regular weekly events like trivia, open mike nights, musical acts, artist roundtables, costume contests and more.

For more information about their food, drinks and events, visit www. groundandpoundcoffee.com.

Ashkenazi Orthodox Rabbi Yitzchok Werbin

5075 Roswell Rd

1 mile inside I-285 Sandy Springs

www.KesherTorahAtlanta.org

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Ground and Pound Coffee, at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road in west Roswell, opened in 2019 with the intent of becoming an artistic hub for the community. It has since grown a following of loyal customers.

SOPHIA CRAWFORD/PROVIDED

Former Hollywood stuntwoman Sophia Crawford, who owns and operates Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, completes a jump kick during her time as a martial artist.

River:

Continued from Page 1

below the criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, though conditions remain subject to change,” Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Ann Honious said. During an investigation at the water treatment facility, Fulton County officials found no physical leak in their system but said the sewage spill was caused by an issue in the biological processes used to treat wastewater.

Other representatives with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said some of the 12 sand filters at the Big Creek facility,

Tree:

Continued from Page 1

starting in October. They will manage tree requests, home coordinates, placement and installation.

“We were excited to see how Dunwoody residents embraced this program from the start, demonstrating their desire to

responsible for filtering nutrients and fine particles from water have failed, causing bacteria and other impurities enter the river.

Officials initially closed the river from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry and Whitewater Creek. The closure later expanded to include all river sections downstream from the nature center.

Since the outbreak was detected, Atlanta nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper conducted daily water quality sampling and U.S. Public Health Service officials approved reopening of all river sections State and local officials will continue to monitor water quality at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island and Paces Mill through the BacteriALERT partnership.

beautify their yards while creating cleaner air and water, shading their homes and sidewalks, and providing habitat for wildlife,” Trees Atlanta Business Development Director Mike Vinciquerra said. “We look forward to planting even more trees in Dunwoody this fall and winter.”

For more information about Trees Atlanta, visit www.treesatlanta.org.

— Alexander Popp

Need:

Continued from Page 5

advance warning system for state and national officials.

“We’re out there doing triage and are the canary in the coal mine,” she said.

That warning system is going off loud and clear now, as CAC is handling more clients than ever, many of whom may have great full-time jobs but still find themselves unable to provide for their family due to cost increases.

Horton sited the case of one recent CAC client.

“She’s working the same 40-hour job she was working four years ago, driving the same car, living in the same two-bedroom apartment,” Horton said. “Her kids are in the same school. She’s shopping at the same stores. She made it through COVID, then the price of life went up, and she can no longer pay the bills.”

The shift in need has caused CAC to rethink its strategy, Deupree said, because in many cases what assistance used to keep clients afloat, just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Over the past year, the group found that about 40 percent of their clients who received a financial pledge for rental assistance never came back to redeem it – a confusing and worrying

phenomenon for group leaders.

Horton said staff eventually discovered the amounts they were pledging to people, typically a payment of about 50 percent of their rent, just wasn’t making enough of a difference in clients’ lives.

“Where people used to come in $1,000 in debt, now they’re coming in $2,000, $3,500, and you get too many of those and you just can’t cover a lot of it,” he said. “So, the recent resources that we had at that time, just were not enough to sufficiently fill that need.”

Even the group’s successes had a dark side, he said. He cited the 636 evictions the charity prevented in 2022, and said that with more money, they likely could have prevented more than 900 local evictions.

“These are all big-city needs; poverty, hunger, housing,” Horton said. “We’re trying to meet those in small-town ways, we’re trying to build community.”

Deupree agreed.

“Now’s just a time when the disparity in our community is brought to light,” she added.

However, when things go right and clients do get the help they need, these problems are resolved successfully more often than not.

CAC reported that within 180 days of delivering assistance, 93 percent of clients have stabilized their housing

situation, 85 percent have kept their utilities connected, and a little over half have completely resolved their crisis.

Horton said the nonprofit has seen the profound impact it can make on clients’ lives.

“I was there one Saturday morning in March, a lady came in for a final tax appointment,” he recounted. “She was a little bit early, so she sat down, and I introduced myself. She said, ‘I’ve got to tell you this, CAC saved my life,’”

Horton said the organization strives to uphold the dignity of clients and build trust.

CAC is always looking for help from the community during hard times, and any gift of time, money, food or donated items, will touch more lives than the donor could imagine.

To assist in the effort, Deupree suggested gifting a few extra cans of tuna, beans or spaghetti sauce to the client choice pantry, or doing a closet cleanout for donations to the CAC thrift store locations. Even a small monetary donation would go a long way, she said.

“We really need any and all help the community can give, even $20 a month. That would really move the needle for some of our clients,” she said.

For more information about the Community Assistance Center, its services, how to help or how to get help, visit ourcac.org.

Tucker

Paras

1994: An update on Dunwoody native, Ryan Seacrest

Usually, the articles that interest me in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper archives are about local history and interviews with people that I never had a chance to meet. But a 1994 article about Ryan Seacrest, the 19-year-old from Dunwoody who was trying to make it in show business is also fascinating.

The September 22, 1994, Dunwoody Crier features the headline, “Former DHS football

captain makes a move in show business.” Seacrest was just beginning his career and his future success could not be predicted. I think we can safely say Seacrest, a personality known across the country and around the world, made it in show business.

At the age of 16, Seacrest had already begun a path towards the career he has today. According to the Crier article, “He became enamored with broadcasting while making the PA announcements at Dunwoody High School and managed to work his way into local radio station STAR 94 FM. He originally had to talk his way into an internship position at the station but within months he was running the program board and before long, he was on the air. Meanwhile, he was still in high school, serving as captain of the football team and going to the state semi-finals.”

In 1994, Seacrest could be seen on two television shows. On Gladiators 2000 from Samuel Goldwyn Television, he was the host of the education and physical fitness competition program. On Reality Check, a NewWorld Television show, Seacrest played “eccentric, computer whiz-kid Jack Craft who mysteriously disappears during a top-secret government project.” These were both Saturday morning shows.

According to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), Seacrest hosted the children’s game show Wild Animal Games in 1995 and teen-ager quiz show Click in 1997. Clips from these early Seacrest shows can be seen on Youtube.

Next, he became the host of Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home on Los Angeles radio station 98.7 FM. In 2002 he became the co-host of American Idol and became the solo host the following year.

Seacrest took over the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’

Eve,” which became Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He also spent a few years co-hosting a morning talk show with Kelly Ripa, from 2017 until earlier in 2023.

In 2010, Ryan Seacrest started Seacrest Studios, opening broadcast studios in pediatric hospitals across the country. The media studios allow patients to “explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media.” They help children and their families by providing a positive activity and distraction for children undergoing treatment. Today there are fourteen Seacrest Studios. (ryanseacrestfoundation.org)

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

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Ryan Seacrest

Human Resources Manager

Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.

Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability.  Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.

To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.

SENIOR TAX MANAGER

Business Accounting Services

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.

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.

Prepare company (1120, 1120S, 1065) and individual income tax returns, review (and sometimes prepare) monthly financial statements, to communicate well with clients on their business needs (tax planning, etc). Enrolled Agent (EA) and a minimum of 3 years tax experience required. Base salary plus incentive pay based on completed work. Come enjoy working with our great team!

Resume: nick@businessaccounting.com

INCOME TAX PREPARER

Carmichael, Brasher, Tuvell & Company is hiring an Income Tax Preparer, Corporate and Individual. Great pay and flexible, relaxed work environment. Seeking full and/or part-time individual for individual and corporate tax preparation and accounting. Prior tax preparation required and have working knowledge of QuickBooks. Our office is located in the heart of Dunwoody and work from home is an option. To apply email your resume to ccarmichael@cbtcpa.com.

Part-time 770-393-1652

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. 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.

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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