Dunwoody native goes viral at VP Harris rally
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — A Dunwoody native went viral on social media July 30 at Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign rally in downtown Atlanta, receiving more than 9.5 million views by Aug. 5.
Parker Short’s rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” spread across platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
More than 10,000 supporters packed the Georgia State University Convocation Center in downtown Atlanta for the rally, which was held just days before former President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters at the same venue.
While Georgia and Fulton County are drawing heightened attention as the presidential election heats up, Dunwoody native Short
See SHORT, Page 11
PARKER SHORT/PROVIDED
From left, Vice President Kamala Harris stands with Dunwoody native Parker Short after the July 30 campaign rally at Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta.
More than 50 Dunwoody residents wait for Branch Properties to begin its July 31 open house for a rezoning of Mount Vernon Shopping Center, a triangular property at Dunwoody Club Drive, Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads.
Crowd tunes in to rezoning pitch
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Commercial developers with Branch Properties had their hands full during a community meeting July 31 to discuss the firm’s rezoning effort at Dunwoody Club Drive, Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads.
The properties are in the Jett Ferry character area, which is struggling with a quarter of its commercial space vacant.
More than 60 residents showed up to hear about the fate of the Mount Vernon Shopping Center, owned by real estate investors Branch Properties for about the last 10 years.
Branch Properties owns three parcels across Jett Ferry Road from Williamsburg at Dunwoody shopping center: 2480 and 2256 Mount Vernon Road and 2495 Jett Ferry Road.
A statement from Galloway Law Group, representing the property owners, said the purpose of the rezoning is to increase the diversity of tenants in the existing buildings.
At the open house, senior management confirmed that the parcels are not being considered for redevelopment, but a rezoning.
Nicholas Telesca, partner and chairman at Branch Properties, led the informational meeting at the former Lidl grocery store, vacant for more than 18 months.
Telesca said opportunities to land groceries stores have dried up, with Publix Super Markets recently passing on the site for not meeting its criteria.
“After years of trying to find a suitable candidate for this location, we’ve been trying to talk to tenants
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
See REZONE, Page 12
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Alleged bank robber hits Brookhaven, Chamblee and Dunwoody before arrest
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police
arrested a 71-year-old Atlanta man July 30 after the suspect allegedly robbed banks in Brookhaven, Chamblee and Dunwoody. Officers said they were dispatched to Synovus Bank at 5506 Chamblee Dunwoody for a robbery in progress. A statement from Public Information Officer Sgt. Michael Cheek said the suspect entered the bank, presented a demand note for cash and left the bank with no money.
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.
Atlanta man arrested for battery on women
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 56-year-old Atlanta Man July 22 after two women reported he forcibly bumping into them at Perimeter Mall.
One victim, a 22-year-old Atlanta woman, said the man bumped into her and continued walking while she was shopping in the women’s clothing department at Macy’s.
She said the force from the impact caused her to spin around and nearly fall over.
Officers said security footage shows the suspect walking away without checking on her.
The woman’s older sister said the same man also bumped her so hard, she dropped her phone, causing it to crack. She said he did not stop or say anything the second time either.
After initially speaking with officers, the women pointed out the suspect on the first floor in front of Dillard’s entrance.
Officers said they arrested the man without incident and transported him to DeKalb County Jail on two charges of simple battery.
A
Ravinia Drive employee reports stolen computer
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police are investigating the theft of a laptop from offices at 2 Ravinia Drive July 23.
A 64-year-old Atlanta man who works at Interkon Corporation, said his MacBook laptop was missing when he showed up to work at 5:30 a.m. The business placed the value of the laptop at $1,500.
The employee said that when he
The spokesperson says the suspect then went to Chase Bank at 5540 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, presented a demand note and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Dunwoody officers said they detained the subject after he entered nearby woods and changed clothes. .
Officers later determined the suspect is the same offender involved in two other bank robberies in Brookhaven and Chamblee, officials claim. The statement
attempted to log in to his work computer, the monitor did not turn on, so he checked to see if his laptop was still plugged in.
He said he leaves his laptop at work in the same spot each day. He also said cleaning crews service the offices daily from 6-7 p.m.
Officers said they would review security cameras at the building, enter the laptop as stolen in crime databases and provide a case number to the reporting party.
Swindler transfers $44,000 from woman’s account
DUNWOODY, Ga. — A Dunwoody woman reported someone took more than $44,000 from her bank account in a call forwarding scam and bank fraud July 23.
The woman told officers that after she encountered problems with the Bank of America ATM off Jett Ferry Road while trying to withdraw funds, she spoke with staff inside the bank. She said she then received a fraud alert followed by a phone call from what appeared to be a Bank of America number.
She provided the caller with information about her account.
Officers said the victim then checked her account with Merrell, which was linked to her Bank of America account.
The Merrell account, which held $100,000 from her late brother’s estate, now showed a balance of $55,420. She said the transfer went from her Merrell account to “jada.”
Later, around 7:30 p.m., she received a call from a man yelling at her about a $9,000 Bank of America scam.
Officers said the woman determined she was involved in a call forwarding scam, which transfers calls to swindlers.
Officers assist resident with identity fraud
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police responded July 29 after a resident said someone attempted to join a credit union with his personal information.
says Brookhaven Police Department had an active warrant for his arrest, and he was the suspect in Chamblee’s bank robbery.
Representatives from both agencies responded to Dunwoody Police Headquarters and interviewed the alleged offender.
Afterwards, officers transported the suspect to Dekalb County Jail with two charges of armed robbery by force and intimidation, according to jail records.
The victim, a 69-year-old Roswell resident, said he received a letter from a bank stating his membership application had been denied.
The man told officers he never applied to the credit union.
A month earlier, the victim said someone tried to sell his property in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
The victim said he spoke with an employee of a title company June 19 about someone attempting to sell the property from London, England.
The victim said his property had been listed online with a $225,000 deal in the closing process, using incorrect personal information.
The title employee said the suspect attempting to sell the victim’s property did not appear in person.
Officers said the victim provided them details about individuals involved in the attempted sale of his property. They did not say if the two events were connected in any way.
Officers told the man to gather any information about who filed the application and file an additional police report with Santa Rosa Beach law enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing.
Big Creek neighbor reports car theft
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police are investigating a vehicle theft at the Big Creek Apartments July 21 after a 44-yearold resident reported her Toyota Prius missing.
The victim, a 45-year-old resident, said she parked her car in front of her around 5 p.m. July 20.
When she returned the next morning, her vehicle was missing.
Officers did not report signs of forced entry while on scene.
The victim said she left her car unlocked but did not leave the keys inside. Because officers were unable to locate the vehicle through a license plate search, they listed it as stolen in the National Crime Information Center.
Kingsley Elementary parents hot about broken air conditioning
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Kingsley Elementary parents and their children received a welcome that was a little too warm when they showed up for an open house last week.
The open houses are for parents and their children to meet teachers for the upcoming school year.
Christina Dupuis, a mom at the school, said employees were directing everyone to the gymnasium, the only room with air conditioning.
“It was 90 degrees in the hall, and classrooms were 85 to 90 degrees,” Dupuis said. “This is an ongoing problem. This didn’t happen yesterday.”
She said the AC was out as early as July 15, the start of kindergarten camp, but an email from the PTO co-president says the issues began in the spring of this year. With the first day of school Aug. 5, district officials were scrambling to address the problem.
Spokesperson Donald Porter said that “temporary cooling measures”
are needed while the school system waits for the HVAC parts. Dupuis said that Porter’s statement aligns with what other district officials are telling the school’s staff and families.
“The excuse is it’s old, which it is,” Dupuis said. “The building is 50 years old. That’s the original unit. They have a hard time finding parts. A compressor just went out.”
Parents reported that the school was cooler when they showed up for class on Aug. 5. They reported some parts of the building are still stuffy, but the classrooms are comfortable.
Replacing the HVAC at the building has been on the district’s radar since at least 2021, according to a preliminary consultation the district received that year.
Superintendent Devon Horton replied to an email from Kingsley PTO Co-President Lora Roberts on Aug. 1. Roberts’ email noted, “This has been an ongoing issue since spring 2024, at which time temperatures in some classrooms exceeded 80 degrees and forced teachers to move their
That simple DIY project— not really so simple
SAMANTHA SHROYER/APPEN MEDIA
DeKalb County school officials say they are working to address an air conditioning issue at Kingsley Elementary School on Brendon Drive.
Kingsley:
Continued from Page 3
students to different areas of campus so they could comfortably teach.”
Horton acknowledged the problem and said the district is working on it.
“Kingsley HVAC is one that we continue to address,” Horton wrote. “It is the original system and parts are difficult to find. We are working toward planning a large replacement project, but it was not scheduled for an E-SPLOST project, so funding is the challenge. As you know the last SPLOST decisions were made back in 2019.”
Horton stated that back then, there was talk that the school would be consolidated, and so funds were not invested. He said school officials are working to find parts to repair the two compressors that just went out after having replaced another one early last week.
Meanwhile, the school is placing chillers in the classrooms, he said.
Dupuis said the temporary chillers
were inconvenient and ineffective.
“The county’s answer is we’re bringing in more cooling units, but the cooling units aren’t working,” she said. “They’re in every classroom now. They can’t stay on overnight because they can overflow. There’s no way to cool it. A lot of it has to be emptied multiple times a day.”
Katy Lucey, another parent at the school, noted Kingsley is a Title 1 school.
“[That] means a certain percentage of students live in lower financial threshold and require meal assistance and always seem to struggle getting assistance from the county,” she said.
Dupuis said lower-income students are suffering the most.
“Most of the students don’t have a lot of means, and the school is supposed to be a refuge for them and that’s not a refuge,” she said.
Parents want more accountability from the district.
“Imagine putting 25 bodies in there,” Dupuis said. “It’s not healthy for the kids, and it’s not healthy for the teachers.”
Behind the story
Decaturish.com founder Dan Whisenhunt and his team have been covering DeKalb County for over a decade. Appen Media acquired Decaturish July 1, hiring its staff and ensuring their work can continue into the future. The aim is to have a larger, more experienced and more supported joint newsroom that can offer important reporting on the topics that matter most. This story about Kingsley Elementary is an example. Watch for more from Decaturish, the Crier and the rest of the Appen Media team.
Support the work of protecting and strengthening local news in Dunwoody but becoming a member of the Appen Press Club at appenmedia.com/join.
DeKalb district lists new principals across grade levels for 2024-25 term
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County School District announced July 29 the appointment of 20 new principals who will lead their schools to
• Avondale Elementary – Candace Sagers:
Sagers is a distinguished leader with 18 years in education. A proud DeKalb graduate of Redan High School, she has spent the past decade serving as the assistant principal at Avondale Elementary School, where her leadership has been recognized through multiple accolades.
• Bob Mathis Elementary – Candace WadeBlaise: A DeKalb Schools product, WadeBlaise has served the district as a teacher, academic coach and assistant principal. She was previously an assistant principal at Redan Elementary School.
• Briar Vista Elementary – Dyani Robinson: Robinson has served as the assistant principal at Briar Vista since 2018. Her extensive background and deep commitment to educational excellence have significantly shaped the academic landscape at Briar Vista.
• Cedar Grove Middle – James Holloway: Holloway is an 18-year educator with four years of experience as an assistant principal. He started his career as a teacher at Bethune Middle School in 2006 and has continued serving children at the high and middle school levels in various roles.
• Columbia Elementary – Candace Hardy: With over 21 years in education, Hardy has served in the district as assistant principal at Toney Elementary and Columbia Elementary School.
• Columbia High – Pammy Darden: Darden has been promoted from assistant principal to principal at Columbia High. She has more than 25 years of experience in education as a teacher, school test coordinator, assistant principal and principal.
• Druid Hills High – Michelle Stewart: Stewart has been a dedicated educator for 25 years. She has served as a bus driver, transportation dispatcher, teacher, reading coach and assistant principal.
• Dunwoody Elementary – Kanessa Fain: A 23-year veteran educator, Fain has served as an elementary teacher, the district’s academic coach for literacy and math, Multi-Tiered System of Supports coordinator and assistant principal.
• Hawthorne Elementary – Kia Henley: Henley has 20 years of education experience and 15 years in instructional leadership/management. She recently served as the assistant principal at John Lewis Elementary School.
• Henderson Mill Elementary – Regina Blanton: Blanton, a 24-year veteran educator, recently served as assistant principal at Henderson Mill. She began her career as a teacher in Yokota, Japan, and quickly advanced
“New Levels, New Heights,” the district’s theme for the 2024-25 school year. The incoming principals, sorted alphabetically by school name, are:
into leadership roles.
• International Student Center – Gregory Wickersham: A 28-year educator, Wickersham is returning to the International Student Center as principal. He taught at the center for two years, from 2015 to 2017. Prior to becoming principal, he was an assistant principal at Jolley Elementary and a coordinator for the district’s English Learners Department.
• Lithonia Middle – Cornelius Polk: Polk has been in education for more than a decade. He previously worked in Fulton and Clayton County school districts before coming to DeKalb. He recently served as acting principal in Clayton County, as well as assistant principal and teacher.
• Marbut Elementary – Tiffany Reeves: With 22 years in education and seven years of service in DeKalb Schools, Reeves has significantly contributed to the academic success and teacher retention rates at Navie J. Harris Theme School.
• Peachtree Middle – Jennifer Gates: Gates brings nearly 20 years of experience in education to Peachtree and DeKalb Schools. She has served as a teacher, an academic coach, instructional and assistant principal in Canada and the Cobb County School District.
• Pine Ridge Elementary – Lindsey Scott: Scott, an educator for 17 years, has served as the assistant principal at Hawthorne Elementary School and has been with DeKalb Schools since 2003.
• Shadow Rock Elementary – Fricreta Rice: Rice is entering her 15th year in education. She has previously served as an assistant principal, a Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy curriculum mapping and planning instructor, an instructional coach and teacher.
• Smoke Rise Elementary – Krystye Tatum: Tatum is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience. She has served as a teacher, academic coach, and, most recently, assistant principal at Woodward Elementary School.
• Southwest DeKalb High – Brandon Thompson: Thompson is a 19-year educator who previously served as the assistant principal of instruction at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School.
• Stephenson Middle – Tonya Izzard: Izzard, who has 18 years of education experience, has served all her years in DeKalb, most recently as an assistant principal at Henderson Middle School.
• Woodward Elementary – Kimberly Clark: Clark, a 22-year veteran educator, has served as an assistant principal at Doraville United Elementary and Dresden Elementary.
doll maker
Prefix with system
How the weasel goes?
horizontal
Native Australian
11 Brunnhilde, e.g. 15 Saint-Germain’s river 17 Accelerator bit
Transmitted
It may be smoked
Quite a party 24 Requiem Mass word
Polynesian intoxicant 26 After horse or house 27 Plant with tiny white flowers
30 Hosp. injections 31 Slicker 34 Wipes out 36 Print measures
“___ De-Lovely” 8 One of the “Katzenjammer Kids” 9 Repeated, singer who sang with Cult Jam 10 Plugs
OBITUARY
Lynne Byrd was guardian of Dunwoody history
By VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Past Tense columnist
Lynne Byrd passed away July 5, 2024, but the difference she made in Dunwoody will continue to be visible every day. The Cheek Spruill House and DonaldsonBannister Farm remain as landmarks of Dunwoody and both properties are on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to her tireless efforts. The Isaac Roberts home in Sandy Springs was also placed on the register by Lynne. Her friends and neighbors will recall her gentle and kind nature.
Lynne researched and identified the historic properties of Dunwoody and along Spalding Drive, then had markers built and placed on those properties. Her work to preserve the stories of early Dunwoody through oral histories is held in the archives of Dunwoody Preservation Trust. She was a reliable source of local history, always happy to share her knowledge.
In the Spring of 1994, Lynne and friend Joyce Amacher were shocked when two railroad section houses of three that were located on Chamblee Dunwoody Road were suddenly demolished. This event spurred the two women to action.
A historic preservation committee was established as part of the Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association. Lynne was chair of the committee, which later became a separate entity, Dunwoody Preservation Trust. Lynne was the first president of DPT, followed by Joyce Amacher.
Queenie and Danny Ross became the next co-presidents of DPT. “What an amazing lady she was,” recalls Queenie. “She was firm and very knowledgeable in the field of historic preservation. She was a visionary and never ran out of ideas for preservation in Dunwoody.”
Following the 1998 tornado that destroyed homes and countless trees in Dunwoody, Lynne and Joyce were part of the Replant the Dunwoody Forest initiative. That is when Kathy Florence, Communications Manager for the city of Dunwoody, first met Lynne.
"So much of what makes Dunwoody special is because of Lynne Byrd,” observes Florence. “She was the quintessential Southern lady, and her tireless pursuits toward maintaining the history, heritage and early charm of Dunwoody is a perfect complement to its growth and popularity. Her gifts to this city will be appreciated for generations to come." Kathy and Tom Florence served as co-presidents of DPT in 2009 and 2010.
In an interview recorded in 2017 at Donaldson-Bannister Farm, Lynne shared the story of how the Cheek-Spruill House was saved. The home was for sale
beginning in 1994 and was in danger of demolition. Fundraisers were held, so the community could buy the property. Lynne and Joyce stood in front the farmhouse wearing signs that read “Save Me.” That image and a painting of the Cheek-Spruill House with a sign that read, “Coming soon: Big Discount Gas Station for your convenience” were both featured on the cover of the Dunwoody Crier newspaper. This was a brilliant move by Lynne. Lynne enthusiastically shared the excitement of July 4, 1998, in her
interview. An agreement was worked out with the new property owner Guardian Savings. The bank deeded ½ acre including the house to Dunwoody Preservation Trust. The barn would have to be demolished, but the home was saved.
Lynne and Joyce spent that July 4th shouting throughout the parade crowd, “the farmhouse is saved.” Lynne recalled how everyone was clapping and waving flags. The community came together under the leadership of Lynne and Joyce
and money raised to save the house from demolition was used for restoration. Lynne referred to the Cheek-Spruill Home as the “crown jewel of Dunwoody.”
Lynne and Joyce also took on the task of updating “The Story of Dunwoody,” originally written by Elizabeth L. Davis and Ethel W. Spruill. The original book covered years 1821 through 1975. Lynne and Joyce picked up the history from 1975 and took it through 2001.
Lynne wrote three additional books on her own, including her memoir “The Sweetness and the Pits.” Lynne tells of her life as a nurse, wife and mother and her later years which included working at Byrd Realty with husband Noah and as a volunteer with DPT. She continued her education throughout adulthood, earning a Masters in Historic Preservation in her 50s.
Former DPT Board co-president Melanie Williams remembers her friend. “Lynne was an amazing woman with a deep love for the Dunwoody community. Her boundless energy and determination were critical to the preservation of our community’s history. Lynne kept her beautiful smile and positive spirit to the end of her days— to be remembered as a bright star among us.”
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.
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA
Lynne Byrd and Joyce Amacher in the barn that once stood next to the Cheek-Spruill house.
A 1990s cover of the Dunwoody Crier features Lynne Byrd holding her Save Me sign as part of the campaign to save the Cheek-Spruill house from demolition.
Ways the power of in-home care can boost your quality of life
As we all age there comes a point when the need for in-home caregiving becomes obvious, especially when the physical activities of daily living become too difficult to manage without help. There are a wide variety of situations, however, when the power of in-home caregiving can be used to provide a major boost to the quality of life of you or your older loved one.
When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care can provide a bridge that gives you the freedom and flexibility to remain in the setting and with the friends you’ve come to love. Perhaps maintaining your independence will require extra help as you recuperate from an accident or surgery. Should fall risks emerge, your caregiver can add security and peace of mind. A skilled Home Helpers caregiver can make life and nights easier if your loved one is starting to wander. For couples, this also makes sure a good night’s rest happens for their partner. Adding in-home care to the services provided by your facility can get you through unexpected times and weave a strong layer of support that lets you continue to maintain the lifestyle you want.
Home Helpers can also provide companionship if your loved one is in a Rehabilitation Center. Recovery can often be challenging, and having a sitter who stays with them can provide both
emotional comfort and stability in unfamiliar surroundings. The warmth of a well-matched companion can also help speed up recovery and battle the loneliness that can delay their recovery. It’s a way to have peace of mind knowing someone is by their side and looking out for your loved one.
Over the years, the transition from the loss of a partner, career or shrinking circle of social contacts can make it feel like the world is smaller every day. Depression and loneliness can be as debilitating as any other health challenge. Almost a quarter of adults over age 65 are considered to be socially isolated. Forty three percent of adults in the United States over age 60 report feeling lonely. For your older loved one, promoting social interaction can truly be transformative. A caregiver with a heart centered approach and positive spirit can help reinvent ways to pursue a hobby, enjoy outings and community activities, and build relationships that make for a longer and better life.
We have a team with depth and skill that can provide the care you need from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care. A Home Helpers caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
ISTOCK
Turning toward
How stressed couples can support each other
Brought to you by –
Will Goodwin, M.A at Summit Counseling Center
In a world where stress is often a common household guest, managing our reactions and maintaining positive connections with our spouses can be challenging. However, learning to turn towards rather than away from each other during stressful times can significantly strengthen a relationship. Here are some practical ways to achieve this:
1. Recognize the Signs of Stress
First and foremost, acknowledge when you’re stressed. It’s crucial to be aware of your body’s signals, such as tensed shoulders, a tight stomach, or a general feeling of unease. This awareness can prevent the stress from escalating and affecting your interactions with your spouse.
2. Employ Quick Stress-Relief Techniques
Before engaging with your partner, take a moment to reduce your stress level. Techniques such as the S.T.O.P. method (Stop, take a breath, Observe, Proceed) can be effective.
3. Initiate Connection
For many of us, experiencing stress can lead us to withdraw from others. Instead of withdrawing, try choosing to engage. Opening about your stressors can turn a potential disconnect into a moment of connection.
4. Listen Actively
Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said and your spouse’s emotional state rather than passively hearing the message of the speaker. This demonstrates empathy and
validates their feelings.
5. Plan Stress-Reducing Activities Together
Engage in activities that both of you find relaxing. It could be a walk, a shared hobby, or simply watching a favorite show together. Shared activities can not only reduce stress but also reinforce the bond of fondness and admiration between you.
6. Maintain Physical Closeness
Physical touch can be incredibly comforting and soothing in moments of stress. A hug, a gentle touch on the arm, or holding hands can release oxytocin, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm and connection.
Turning towards each other in times of stress involves a conscious decision to connect and communicate rather than withdraw into individual coping tactics. By adopting these approaches, couples can foster a supportive environment, enhancing their relationship resilience against the inevitable stresses of life.
Find solutions to back pain with Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center
to you by -
Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek physician care.
Back pain can be emotionally, mentally and physically disabling. This can all lead to sleep deprivation, mood disruption and physical limitations. If you are experiencing back pain, the expert team at Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center will provide personalized care.
There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, nerve root compression and trauma. More rare causes include autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders, malignancy or pregnancy.
Symptoms can range from muscle soreness to joint aching or a shooting and burning sensation down the legs. There are “red flag” symptoms that may indicate serious causes for back pain. These symptoms may present as limb weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence, or pain that awakens you from sleep. However, most cases of back pain will resolve with rest and nonsurgical treatments within a few weeks.
Non-surgical treatments may include muscle relaxants, topical creams, prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. You may also benefit from applying heat or ice, resting and/or seeing a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
If back pain lasts longer than six
weeks despite non-surgical therapies, then further imaging and/or injections may be needed. Injections may help reduce pain. Our board-certified pain physicians offer a range of injections using corticosteroids into various joints or the spine.
A pain physician may recommend an epidural steroid injection if you have disc disease, spinal stenosis or disc herniations that lead to nerve compression. If you have back pain that does not travel to other parts of the body, you may be offered corticosteroid injections into the facet joints or sacroiliac joints, and if indicated, radiofrequency ablation may be offered for a longer therapeutic relief. Those who have had back surgeries and still have persistent back pain may be recommended for spinal cord stimulators, which are implanted devices that send electrical impulses to the spine. Our pain physicians can also offer various other injections beyond the back. If you have pain in your neck, knee, shoulder or hip, our pain physicians can offer you conservative and non-surgical options.
Our patients at Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center have success because they have a whole team of experts working for them, and our board-certified pain physicians can guide you in the right direction. If you are a candidate for spine surgery, we refer you to our expert neurosurgeons at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, who are standing by to develop a surgical treatment plan that’s right for you.
Learn more about our services at wellstar.org/northfultonspineandpain, or call (770) 751-2719 to make an appointment.
Brought
Dr. Emily Kurokawa, medical director of Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center
KUROKAWA
PEXELS
ISTOCK
EXPERT SPINE SURGERY
Facts about sunscreen
Brought
to you by
– Dr. Titilola “Lola” Sode of Epiphany DermatologyBrookhaven
What type of sunscreen should I use?
The best sunscreen is one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum” to ensure protection against both types of harmful rays. Additionally, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns when choosing a sunscreen. For oily or acneprone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. If you have sensitive skin, choose sunscreens labeled hypoallergenic or fragrancefree. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is one that you will use consistently and reapply as needed.
How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?
It’s essential to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently for adequate protection against sun damage. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb into the skin fully. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily. Remember to reapply after towel drying as well. Additionally, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any other uncovered areas. Sunscreen is a vital component of sun protection, but it’s also essential to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours. prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.
Short:
Continued from Page 1
has been siphoning off some of the focus himself.
“That was the initial, ‘oh look at you dancing, that’s so funny,’” Short said. “Now, we’ve really got a lot of people excited and eager to organize young people around this state and country.”
Short, president of the Georgia Young Democrats, told Appen Media what it’s like having millions of people watch you dance on social media.
“It encourages me a lot, because people love to see my energy up there dancing,” he said. “But the energy is so real, too.”
Short is a Dunwoody High School alumnus, DeKalb County policy analyst and master’s degree candidate at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.
His first job was interning for Sen. Jon Ossoff’s campaign in 2018. After the COVID-19 pandemic sent students home from the University of Michigan, he interned for a state senator.
Short worked on Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch’s campaign and a host of local and state Democrats since graduating high school in 2020.
Short said his passion for public policy began at a young age. When his father passed away, he and his mother lost their health insurance.
“His labor union helped save my family from hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt,” Short said. “It’s always been really important to me, and there’s a million policy issues that impact me and everyone else who’s young.”
Short spoke about his passion for public policy in the context of increasingly polarized domestic politics.
“Political science is about what’s red or blue, public policy is about what works and what doesn’t,” Short said. “I’m here to find solutions, not for more and more rhetoric.”
Short related some advice he received from Sen. Ossoff’s chief of staff: there’s a million political science majors.
“It’s real easy to know what’s red and what’s blue,” Short said. “But the truth is, you have to get things done, and the reason people are so frustrated with our political system is because it seems just red and blue.”
In Memoriam
Bobby (Bob) Cline Cloer
Bobby (Bob) Cline Cloer passed away on July 26 at the age of 93 after a recent illness. Bob was born in Riverton, Wyoming on December 27, 1930 to Wiley and Bessie Cloer, who were originally from Young Harris, Georgia. The family returned to Towns County, Georgia when Bob was two years old. Bob loved the West and went back to visit often. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family completely. He always wanted the best for each of them.
Bob attended Young Harris College, graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. Never intending to practice law, he went to law school only for the education. Following law school, Bob worked for Royal Globe Insurance in New York City but soon returned to his beloved Georgia.
In 1960, Towns County elected Bob to the Georgia House of Representatives, where he served one term. He worked for the Georgia Department of Education, desegregating schools throughout the state. He then earned his real estate license and started a homebuilding company that grew into a successful construction and rental real estate business. Bob built homes in Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, along with developing apartment and duplex rental communities in Gwinnett County.
Bob loved Towns County and always wanted it to be a vibrant community. In 1985, he decided to build the Fieldstone Inn, saying if he did not build it, then he wouldn’t have done what the Lord wanted him to do. The Fieldstone Inn (now The Ridges Resort) on Lake Chatuge opened in 1987 and brought tourism to Towns County.
He loved the Lord and encouraged all to be in church every Sunday. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs and at Dunwoody Baptist Church. He was most recently a member of Dunwoody Baptist Church and a member of the Samaritans Sunday School class.
Bob never retired or had “traditional hobbies.” He was always an entrepreneur and loved being outside. Never resting, his “hobby and relaxation” was always his next building project, gardening, traveling, or discussing politics. Bob was always generous and charitable, serving on multiple boards and supporting numerous community ventures.
He was a devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him during his 93 years. His parents, Wiley and Bessie, his brothers, Carl and George, and his first wife, Joyce Ann Burket, preceded Bob in death. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Margaret Herring Cloer; three children Patty Franklin (Mark) of Alpharetta, Gregg Cloer (Jeri) of Buford, Gwen Leonard (Scott) of Sandy Springs; five grandchildren Andrew Franklin, Ashley Parker (Nick), Madison Cloer, Katie Leonard, and Lauren Leonard; sister Shirley Norwood of Nashville, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
In Atlanta, visitation was held on Sunday, July 28 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Sandy Springs Chapel, with funeral services on Monday, July 29 at 2:00pm at Dunwoody Baptist Church.
In Hiawassee, visitation was held on Tuesday, July 30 from 10:00am to 12:00pm and funeral services at 2:00pm at the Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home. Burial immediately following the funeral was at Woods Grove Cemetery in Young Harris.
A few Dunwoody residents chat outside of the former Lidl grocery store July 31 after a community rezoning meeting at Mount Vernon Shopping Center. The open house, at times contentious and emotional, kicked off Branch Properties’ effort to attract a wider range of tenants.
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and generate some interest,” Telesca said. “It’s very hard to generate meaningful interest, when you can’t provide the tenant with a lease.”
With a neighborhood shopping (NC) classification in city code, Branch Properties is looking to work with nearby residents to change the zoning to local commercial (C-1).
The change allows more uses in local commercial districts, such as food hall operators, family entertainment centers and recreational facilities.
The 77,150-square-foot neighborhood center is well-located with high-volume thoroughfares and many surrounding residents earning more than $250,000 a year.
The triangular shape of the shopping center is a hurdle for developers looking to anchor smaller storefronts.
The largest tenant, CVS Pharmacy, occupies 12,000 square feet at 2500 Jett Ferry Road.
Unfortunately for the owners and existing businesses, there has been significant turnover of anchor tenants in the development’s largest storefront at 2480 Mount Vernon Road.
The more than 36,000-square-foot retail space sits in the southwest corner of the triangular Mount Vernon Shopping Center.
One prior anchor tenant, Sprouts Farmers Market, leased the space from 2014-18, replacing shuttered businesses like Harris Teeter, Ace Hardware and Hollywood Feed.
The last business to occupy the location, German grocery store chain Lidl, announced it would close its doors in February 2023.
In the Dunwoody Homeowners Association’s advertisement for the community meeting, the location was described as the “former Lidl/Sprouts store,” evidence the location’s high turnover rate is already confusing residents.
The composition of the community meeting is noteworthy, with just a few there under retirement age. That may be an explanation for the pushback against a Main Event-style entertainment venue with dining, drinks and games.
Several residents in the crowd strongly opposed any business at the location that could turn into teenagers’ preference for a night out.
Developers said they will work with the community and staff to define and refine acceptable uses and hours of operation for all parties involved.
One hurdle is differing opinions in the community.
Resident Bob Hickey, who brought along residents of Brooke Farm and Dunwoody Close, said a food hall with some family-oriented activities would make a good fit.
The most contentious moments of the open house were conflicts between existing smaller tenants and the landlord.
Some shop owners like Donna Dietrich, owner of Consigning Women at 2508C Mount Vernon Road, asked how it’s fair they’ve only been offered 1-year leases after developers mentioned possible turnover.
Before the meeting kicked off, Dietrich said increased foot traffic with an anchor tenant would be great for her business. During the open house, she said it would not be fair to sacrifice longtime tenants for any anchor.
Jack Haylett, development director for Branch Properties, told the crowd that the rezoning hearings would most likely be sometime in January.
Haylett said the city’s Community Development Department encouraged them to proceed with the rezoning effort with citizen input on what will and won’t be allowed.
Branch Properties told Appen Media Aug. 1 that the rezoning is an opportunity to collaborate with neighbors and improve the shopping center.
“We can all agree that the vacant box is detrimental to the property and the community,” the statement says. “Our objective is to attract a tenant that will positively engage the community.”
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
OPINION
GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!
Tell us about Cartersville’s Tellus Museum
STEVE HUDSON Columnist
Two of our grandkids are visiting this week, and that brings up the big question: “What can we do today?”
Some days it’s with fishing, which we did the other evening. Many were caught. Much fun was had. It was great.
Then came swimming, always a good choice on a hot summer day. We swam and splashed for hours, and not a single shark was seen. That was great too.
And then, “What should we do tomorrow?”
We considered collectively.
“How about we visit that science museum up off I-75?” my wife says. “They say it’s a good one!”
And they are right.
The museum she has in mind is the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Ga., just off I-75 at exit 293.
The museum got its start in 1983 as the Weinman Mineral Museum. Closing in 2007, the Weinman was reborn in 2009 as the Tellus Science Museum. It is one that you absolutely have to see.
Today, this 120,000-square-foot museum features four major galleries – the world-class Weinman Mineral Gallery, an expansive Fossil Gallery, the Millar Science in Motion Gallery with exhibits spotlighting many facets of transportation, and the Collins Family My Big Back Yard Gallery featuring all sorts of hands-on activities.
The main building also boasts the state-of-the-art Bentley Planetarium, which features planetarium presentations for a small additional charge, plus a gift shop and a café. There are also outdoor exhibits (including some massive rock specimens, some giant mining machinery, and a solar-powered house). Other outdoor highlights include an observatory, a wind turbine, and the Czahor Solar System Trail, a scale model of our solar system from the sun all the way out to Pluto.
It’s all intriguing, and it may be hard to decide where to start. But the kids make that decision easy. They want to start with fossils and gems – specifically, the area where they can hunt for fossils and gems of their own.
After getting our tickets, we make a beeline for the digging areas. There are two of them – the Vesta Mayo Dalia Fossil Dig and the Vulcan Materials Gem Panning Area.
“Most folks start with the fossil
Bates and Cora search for fossils at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville. Prospectors are allowed to find as many fossils as they like, but they can keep only one.
area,” suggests the volunteer we meet as we step inside. “That way, your hands will be dry while you’re digging for fossils!”
The fossil area consists of several dig zones, each filled with sandy dirt that is absolutely loaded with fossils just waiting for prospectors young and old.
“Can we keep them?” one young visitor asks. “Can we please?”
“You can find as many as you want,” replies another nearby volunteer, smiling, “but you can only keep one!”
“How about us older prospectors?” I ask.
“Yes, you can keep one too,” he says, then adds with a grin. “But remember –just one!”
Cora and Bates are already on their way to the fossil dig. The attendant gives each of them a small paintbrush, which they’ll use to sweep away the dirt and expose those treasures from eons gone by, plus a small plastic bag in which to place their keeper.
The searching begins, and it’s not 10 seconds till Cora calls out, “Found one!” She’s found a fossilized shark tooth. A moment later she finds another…and another…and then she finds something different, a small cylindrical fossil known as a crinoid. She keeps looking and keeps finding and soon has a dozen or more fossils in her hand.
“Which one are you taking home?” I ask her.
“Hmmm,” she says, and finally selects one of the shark’s teeth. Bates chooses his keeper, too, and then they’re off to gem panning to try their luck there.
The gem panning is done in water. Everywhere I look are kids (including some, like me, who are several decades
old!) washing through sand and looking for small bits of colorful rock. Everybody is finding things, and the “oohs!” and “ahhs” are constant.
Now that’s how to get folks excited about science!
After a while, it’s time to explore the rest of the museum – and Bates proclaims his vote to head for the fossil gallery.
To say this is an impressive fossil display would be an understatement.
There are specimens of all sorts from all over the world, but the stars are the dinosaurs. Among the highlights: a Brontosaurus, a massive Triceratops, and an impressive Tyrannosaurus rex. What can anyone say about T. rex except “AWESOME!”
Equally impressive is the Weinman Mineral Gallery, where you can spend hours mesmerized by a universe of spectacular rocks and minerals. The displays are largely organized by type or by point of origin, with a great deal of space devoted to minerals and gems from right here in Georgia. Among the highlights is a display featuring meteorites, including a large one that visitors can touch. Other highlights include a truly impressive presentation of Georgia gold as well as spectacular mineral crystals and specimens from some of our state’s most legendary collecting spots. Who would have thought that Georgia holds so many mineralogical treasures? There’s plenty of room to appreciate those exhibits, too, and I never felt like we were crowded or rushed as we wandered among the displays.
One thing I’ve always been interested in is fluorescent minerals – that is, those which glow with vivid color under invisible ultraviolet light. The
See MUSEUM, Page 15
In Memoriam
Lynne B. Byrd
Lynne entered into her Heavenly rest on July 5, 2024. Her adored husband Noah of 42 years preceded her in death. Lynne was born to A.D. and Dixie Barfield in 1939. She lived in Atlanta her entire life and was very proud of being “Southern”. She also leaves two sons, Dixon Patrick and David Patrick, step-daughter Deborah Butler, Grandchildren Sarah Crawford, Samantha Patrick, Brenda Iglesias, two great grandchildren, Bailee Crawford, Marilee Fisher, and Sister in-law Colleen.
Lynne graduated from Henry Grady High School in 1957. Lynne had two distinct careers, one in the medical field working with prominent Atlanta doctors, and a second career was working with Noah at Byrd Realty for over twenty six years where she specialized in selling historic homes.
Lynne was co-founder of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust and put three historic Dunwoody properties on the National Register of Historic Places. She was a long-time member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Never afraid to tackle something new, Lynne decided late in life that she wanted to be an author. So, she was co-author of the History of Dunwoody - Part II, with Joyce Amacher, and published three additional books on her own.
A memorial service will be held at Dunwoody United Methodist Church at 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, on Aug 17, 2024 at 10:00am and reception to follow 11:00 to 12:00 in the church parlor. In lieu of flower, Lynne asked that contributions be made to the Dunwoody United Methodist Church chancel choir fund.
STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA
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Tellus Museum’s fluorescent minerals display features large specimens that are among the best I’ve ever encountered, and the automated display is accompanied by recorded commentary that clearly explains what you’re seeing. I stood there and cycled through the presentation three times.
I see I’ve been talking about rocks a lot, haven’t I? And yet there’s so much more than rocks to talk about at Tellus. One thing is the museum’s state-of-the-art planetarium, which presents an ongoing series of shows throughout the day. If you have not experienced just how impressive a high-tech planetarium can be, then you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
There’s also the Millar Science in Motion Gallery and the adjoining Crossroads Gallery, which focus on the mechanical side of things. In the Millar Gallery, highlights include early autos and motorbikes, each presented atop a mirrored base so you can see the underside as well. You’ll find more modern machines, too, among them: a full-size replica of the Wright Brothers’ flying machine, a modern helicopter,
and a jet engine, plus space vehicles from the Apollo and Mercury programs.
And (back to rocks!), there is even a 3.3-billion-year-old piece of moon rock on display! It’s in a special case back behind the Science in Motion Gallery. Designated “Lunar Sample 15555,1033,” it was collected in August of 1971 by the crew of Apollo 15. It’s part of a 21-pound specimen known as “Great Scott” in honor of astronaut Dave Scott, who collected in from the north rim of what moon experts call the Hadley Rille.
Nearby, in the Collins Family My Big Backyard gallery and the adjoining Discovery Garden, budding scientists of all ages can indulge in what the museum map calls “hands-on science fun” involving sound, light, electricity, magnetism and more.
It takes a while to experience all of this, and after a while I realize that the clock has been ticking for hours. Where did the day go? If we stay much longer, we’ll be closing the place down. We decide to call it a day.
We stop on the way home to get takeout for supper. We eat informally on the island in the kitchen.
After supper, we sit in the living room, and I have an idea.
“Hey kiddos!” I say. “Want to help me sort some rocks?”
“Sure!”
I spread an old tablecloth on the island so we don’t scratch things up. Then I pull out a couple of bins of mineral specimens…and we settle in for an hour or two of rock-sorting bliss.
Later, I ask myself a question: Why do rocks fascinate us so?
I don’t know that I can ever really answer that one.
But they do, maybe because they endure.
Good things do that, you know, and I am glad.
STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA Bates meets an Eremotherium at Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville.
