Dunwoody Crier - September 14, 2023

Groups to host youth mental health festival

► PAGE 5

Dunwoody High program drives student success

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Many schools and organizations work hard to connect young adults with their community in ways that also bring awareness to relevant issues and drive academic success. Dunwoody High School’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program provides an entrepreneurial, marketing-oriented club for hardworking students interested in finance and economics.

With a wide range of available activities from social to career development, DECA strives to appeal to each member in the hopes of preparing them for success in upcoming academic and career endeavors. This is done through academic competitions with highschoolers from all over the country.

“A chief bragging point for the organization is how motivated students are towards competition and taking their skills and talents to the next level,” said Kate Bergquist, the Dunwoody DECA’s Co-Vice President of Finance. “DECA offers roleplay-based competitions where students test their knowledge and skills in the area of marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.”

In 2017, DeKalb County pushed for more career and technical student organizations to be implemented into local schools. Opening the door for Dunwoody High School to kick off a DECA organiza-

Photographer showcases Ukraine art

By LUKE GARDNER newsroom@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta City Hall has turned a conference room into a photography exhibition featuring the work of local photographer Anna Rumiantseva. “Mariupol: The City that Doesn’t Exist,” is an collection of 18 photographs of various buildings throughout the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is currently occupied by Russia. The exhibition started June 10 and will last through September 11.

“These pictures I took a couple of years before the war started,” Rumiantseva said. “We traveled with my son every summer. It was a beautiful city and I love it. … Everything I show here is gone.”

See MARIUPOL, Page 14

DECA/SPECIAL TO APPEN

MEDIA

Award recipients at the state-level competition for DECA, hosted in Atlanta. From left: Sebastian Lund, Max Stetter, Andres Urtusastegui, Lauren Sessions, Kate Keskonis, Ava Dominie, Mathew Wise, Sarah Wise, Sofia Parker, Bhavya Shah, Kate Bergquist, Wendell Rogers, Jonah Horwitz, Alex Abbate

tion of their own, student membership grew quickly. Since its inception, DECA has invited owners and CEOs from both local and outside businesses to speak at workshops that help students build college resumes and enhance academic careers.

“Not only does DECA offer certain competitions that other clubs can-

not, but it also lays the groundwork for an extraordinary bond with the community,” Bergquist said. “DECA has done extensive volunteer work with organizations like the Dunwoody Nature Center, the Community Assistance Center, Malachi’s Storehouse,

See PROGRAM, Page 10

ANNA RUMIANTSEVA/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Photographer Anna Rumiantseva stands in front of her photographs at the opening night of the exhibition.

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Dunwoody police seize psychedelic mushrooms

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police reports said a 31-year-old man was arrested recently after a large quantity of psychedelic mushrooms was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Officers made the arrest at about 9 p.m. Aug. 26 after stopping a grey Nissan Altima that failed to signal while turning onto N Peachtree Road from Dunwoody Crossing.

During the stop, officers allegedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a K9 officer signaled that narcotics were present. Upon searching the vehicle, officers located two bags containing 15 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms in the center console.

The driver was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute and transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

Reports said officers also obtained a search warrant from the DeKalb Magistrate Couty to search the suspect’s home.

Dunwoody DUI wreck investigated by police

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A 44-year-old Dunwoody man has been charged with DUI and multiple other counts after a wreck at the intersection of Till Mill Road and N Peachtree Road Aug. 26.

Officers arrived at the intersection at about 10:30 p.m. after receiving reports that an SUV was wrecked with serious damage and the driver appeared intoxicated.

Speaking to the driver, officers noted he smelled strongly of alcohol and appeared to be severely intoxicated. Officers also observed multiple bottles of alcohol on the

vehicle’s floorboard and front passenger seat.

After an investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI Alcohol, reckless driving, driving while license suspended and other traffic charges.

The man was transported to the DeKalb County Jail after receiving treatment at Grady Hospital.

Armed robbery reported to Dunwoody police

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are investigating an armed robbery that allegedly occurred on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Dunwoody Aug. 21.

Reports said a victim was held at gunpoint while walking down Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 21.

The victim reported a man approached her while riding a bicycle, pressed a handgun to her stomach and demanded all her money. After searching her pockets, the man fled towards Dunwoody Glen and Peachtree Place Parkway.

After the incident, officers were able to see the suspect riding a bike towards Peachtree Place Parkway, but the robbery was not captured on film.

A BOLO was issued for the suspect in surrounding communities, but so far, the suspect has not been identified or arrested.

Resident reports BMW, wallet stolen from home

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Aug. 29 that his vehicle, containing his wallet, was stolen at his residence on Galewind Court.

The victim said his key fob had fallen underneath a seat in the vehicle, and instead of retrieving the key fob, he chose to use his secondary set to operate the vehicle. He believed the doors of his blue 2016 BMW 528i were not locked and the suspect stole it by using the key fob that had been left behind.

His wallet was in the vehicle, containing debit and credit cards. The victim told police there had been six fraudulent payments, totalling $1,260.

Police searched for the victim’s vehicle on the Flock system. It was last seen at around 4:15 a.m. that morning in Powder Springs, the police report said.

Police arrest driver for traffic violations

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested an Alpharetta man Aug. 30 for failure to maintain lane, driving without a license and driving on the wrong side of the roadway.

At around 5:45 a.m. that morning, police observed a gray Honda Odyssey fail to maintain its lane on Jones Bridge Road and drive on the wrong side of the roadway through the opposing left turn lane going northbound in the southbound lane.

When police stopped the vehicle, they discovered the driver had an expired North Carolina driver’s license from 2012 and an expired Georgia ID card from 2007.

Police placed him under arrest and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.

Scammers try recruiting woman for information

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported to police Aug. 30 that someone had attempted to scam her out of money when she applied to a job online.

After applying for the position, the police report said the woman was interviewed via text message and received what she thought to be a job offer.

But the company Professional Text Consultants Inc. was later discovered to be fraudulent, the police report said, using the name of a reputable company in Florida.

The woman completed a document regarding her new employment Aug. 29, requiring her personal phone number, home address, email, Social Security card, green card and other personal information.

After she sent the document to the fake company, the police report said the business began to insist she send them $650. When she refused to do so, the report said the company began to give the woman the cold shoulder.

Area hockey team headed to Canada

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Ben Parsons, a 12-yearold seventh grader at Northwestern Middle School, joined his Atlanta Fire Hockey Club teammates in an electronic recycling fundraiser at The Cooler Sept. 9 to raise funds for their upcoming tournament in Quebec, Canada. While the event was free, optional donations were appreciated to support the team with their travels in February. The team hoped to use this opportunity to help preserve the environment and make a positive impact on the community by safely recycling electronics that would otherwise end up in landfills.

“The boys are trying to incorporate a few different fundraisers to raise money to help with the costs associated with the Quebec tournament,” said Michelle Parsons, Ben’s mother. “But they were really excited when one of the players' parents suggested the electronics recycling fundraiser. It is an opportunity to help the community and help the environment.”

Parsons plays forward for the Atlanta Fire Pee Wee Quebec team which serves as part of the Southeastern Showcase League. Founded in 1960, the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament remains the oldest and most prestigious youth minor league tournament in the world. Attended annually by more than 120 teams representing 40 different countries, more than 1,100 former participants have gone on to play in the NHL including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Marcel Dionne.

“All of the kids are really excited about having the opportunity to play hockey in another country and experience another culture,” Michelle said. “The program allows the players to stay with a Frenchspeaking family for most of the 10-day tournament. The boys know that some of the most famous NHL players have played in this tournament.”

According to the Atlanta Fire Hockey Club website, the special tournament provides players with a “once-in-a-lifetime, multicultural experience.” Joining Parsons on the team are a few of his Northwestern classmates. In the hopes of continuously raising funds, the boys previously held an Atlanta Fire season kick-off party to sell raffle tickets along with offering sponsorship opportunities to local businesses.

Kicking off next year with their biggest tournament, the team “prepare, train, and play hard all season” in the hopes of competing well against teams from all over the world.

“What we found is that the hockey community is really family. His teammates and their entire families are a special group of friends. The boys are really excited about getting to know each other, learning, and growing as a team,” Michelle said. “The positive impact that hockey provides are its many life lessons including discipline, respect, teamwork, communication skills, and humility.”

To learn more about the Atlanta Fire Hockey Club, visit www.cooler.com/ atlanta-fire. For more information about the fundraiser, visit www.givebutter.com/ atlfirerecycles.

Ben Parsons, middle, and his teammates are excited to raise funds for their Quebec tournament early next year.

PROVIDED

The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is attended annually by more than 120 teams representing 40 different countries.

Sandy Springs ordinance tightens regulations on apartment housing

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council has approved an update to the city’s multifamily housing ordinance that will place requirements on local apartment communities in an effort to make residents safer.

At a Sept. 5 City Council meeting, officials unanimously approved an update to the city’s code of ordinances, increasing inspections for all of the city’s 98 communities and placing new requirements on property managers and third-party inspectors.

Community Development Director Ginger Soto said these changes come after years of dealing with numerous rental communities with staggered inspection schedules that make protection and enforcement difficult.

Previously, she said the city only inspected about 20 percent of its apartment communities per year.

“Currently, the code and third-party inspections are spread out over five years, making it difficult for all parties to keep track of which buildings have already been inspected,” Soto said.

“100 percent of code enforcement and third-party inspections will be completed annually instead of being spread out over five years.”

Communities will also be required to complete separate mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment inspections every five years.

Currently, there are about 1,300 apartment complex structures in the city. Officials said that 47 percent of those structures do not have an automatic sprinkler system, while 25 percent only have a partial sprinkler system, and only 28 percent have a full sprinkler system.

“Due to a large number of aging apartments without sprinklers there is a heightened risk of fire and potential loss,“ Soto said.

Additionally, the updated ordinance will place new requirements for how local building inspectors are certified and what the city requires from property owners and managers.

Under the updated ordinance, all building inspectors must be certified at a level required by the State of Georgia, and in order to get an occupational tax certificate, community owners will need to complete a code compliance certificate and property

manager certification and will have to submit a certificate of insurance with the city.

“It’s also a matter of ownership and turnover with management,” Code Enforcement Manager Yvonne Shaw said. “So, at minimum, we would ask that they have a binder or something that shows that.”

However, for communities that refuse to make changes or improvements, officials said they will now consider more serious ramifications that directly affect property owners.

City Attorney Dan Lee said that in past years Sandy Springs has levied fines of between $35,000 and $100,000 from communities with violations, but that could eventually become as serious as an injunction from the court.

“What we’re trying to do is get directly to the owner and make it something that the owner loses money on,” Lee said. “At some point, repeat offenders, especially when it comes to the fire code and structural problems … We are going to have to seek civil penalties in the superior court.”

At the meeting, the City Council also heard from Stephen Davis, a rep -

resentative of the Atlanta Apartment Association.

Davis said their association represents about 80 percent of local communities and they feel as if they were not given enough time to review and consider the new ordinance.

“Some of the items of concern will impact the regulatory and financial burdens that are placed on the communities,” Davis said. “Those costs most assuredly will be passed right along to residents, raising the cost of living here in Sandy Springs.”

Members of the city council rejected many of Davis’s points and said what the city is asking for is entirely reasonable.

“I hear from folks in District Six that live in some of the older apartment complexes where rents over the last 15 years have gone from $600 to $1,800,” Councilman Andy Bauman said. “I want to send a loud and clear message that you guys got to step up the game because this body is serious about stepping in, and this is not the last effort.”

“These are good times,” Bauman added. “If you can’t make these improvements in the good times what happens in the bad times?”

Roswell groups to host youth mental health festival Sandy Springs advances Old Riverside Park project

ROSWELL, Ga. — To kick off the 2023 fall season right, with arts, music, games and more, officials say the 14th annual Roswell Day of Hope will be held downtown once again later this month.

Hosted each year by Hope Roswell, a partnership of churches and other organizations in the Roswell area, this year’s youth festival will focus on combatting suicide and hopelessness in young people by spreading awareness and fun with the community.

Officials said that in between food trucks, raffles and free games, festival attendees will learn to recognize the leading causes of depression, anxiety and suicide, how to recognize when someone is suffering in silence and what steps to take to get them help.

“We found that so many people were unaware of these problems ‘in our town,’” Event Volunteer Lisa Loughridge said. “We were able to share signs to watch for as a parent and teen as well as offer tip lines to contact for help.”

Additionally, the festival will provide free services, like medical exams and dental checkups for children 12 and under. A limited amount of grocery donations and shoes will be available, officials said.

Art purchases made at the festival will benefit Hope Roswell’s community outreach group, which meets throughout the year to address needs in the community.

This free event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street. For more information on the Day of Hope, visit www. hoperoswell.org.

— Alexander Popp

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Construction for a 23-acre park on the banks of the Chattahoochee River will soon be underway, thanks to a recent approval from the Sandy Springs City Council.

At a Sept. 5 City Council meeting, officials approved a contract with Lose Design to design and manage construction of the park that will be located off Old Riverside Drive in west Sandy Springs.

Speaking to officials at the meeting, Recreation and Parks Director Michael Perry said the large river-side park will include multiple nature trails, river observation locations, play experiences and green infrastructure elements while retaining a passive and natural atmosphere.

Officials said the future park is a result of years of hard work by community leaders and stakeholders that involved multiple rounds of public hearings and the implementation of a new park master plan.

Documents show the park will be centered around a large natural meadow and acres of Chattahoochee River shoreline, with multiple integrated passive-use amenities.

“I want to say I’m really excited to get this going. This has been around since I first arrived on city council in 2014,” Councilman Andy Bauman said. “But it’s an important park and I’m really excited for the very passive nature of the park and beautiful setting.”

The park project will cost about $5 million to complete, including $500,000 budgeted for Lose Design’s work.

“Funding in the amount of $4 million is currently available in the city’s capital

fund account for this project,” Perry said. “As the design process will take eight to nine months to complete, there’ll be sufficient time to evaluate options to fully fund

the project or to phase the project over more than one funding cycle.”

After a short discussion, the contract was unanimously approved.

SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED Master plan renderings show the Chattahoochee River park that leaders plan to build in west Sandy Springs near Old Riverside Drive.

Forsyth County salon delivers clients a sense of belonging

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Level Spa

Salon owners George-Anna “Georgie” Wood and Andrea Craighead have two decades of experience as stylists, but at their salon, business is secondary to creating a home away from home.

“The atmosphere we want to create when you come in is warm, cozy, homey, inviting,” Wood said. “And that’s probably the biggest one. We want our salon to be just an inviting space.”

Wood and Craighead execute their vision through an open floor plan, without the partitions separating chairs that are often found at salons. Stylists can share ideas and have conversations while working, and clients can interact with other stylists if one is busy.

“Our clients, we want them to feel comfortable if they need to see other people because we are … kind of that family environment,” she said.

Wood and Craighead opened Level Spa Salon on Peachtree Parkway in 2007 during the Great Recession. Despite the economic climate, the pair found immediate success in their first and only location.

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“I think that we were just the right amount of young and dumb and driven,” Wood said. “Because I mean, we worked, for sure, six days a week for the first two years, [first] year for sure … And even at those times, I don't remember it being really that much of a chore … We were excited. Failing wasn't an option.”

Craighead said in the early days, the two worked 10- to 12-hour days, driven to not have debt from their business venture. Their dedication, and their commitment to crafting an intimate environment, paid off, and Level Spa Salon cemented a loyal following.

“I would say 80 percent of our clientele, if not more, we've probably serviced for a minimum of 15, if not 20-plus, years,” Craighead said. “You know, it's a family. They just were so excited to just want to see us grow.”

Mutual beginnings

Craighead, who hails from a rural Florida town, said she never seriously considered styling as a career until moving to Georgia in 1997. She said she came from a creative background and loved dolling up her three sisters, but her small hometown did not afford much opportunity.

“I used to lock myself in the bathroom knowing that I was going to get grounded,” Craighead said. “I was

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always very into my hair and extreme styles from the get-go. So, I was grounded a lot.”

She began working at a salon in Alpharetta in 2000, where she met Wood, who shared a similar background of loving to dress up and wear makeup. Wood said she knew in high school she wanted to go to cosmetology school, but first, she tried her hand at a business degree.

“I got about two years into the college route, which I loved,” Wood said. “I loved that experience, but I wouldn't say I'm the best academic student. And I just was like, ‘… This is going to take me another three years, then hair school. Let me just get that middle portion out of the way.’ So yeah, went to hair school and surprisingly, I was a way better student.”

Reflecting on 23 years of working together, Craighead said she and Wood have been “married” longer than they have to their husbands, and they

have spent more of their lives together than apart.

While Wood and Craighead had a heavy workload during its early years, Level Spa Salon now employs 13, including the owners, who still style and work with clients.

“It's just real life, and then you get to be creative,” Craighead said. “Nobody ever comes in feeling worse when they leave. Even if it's a bad day, you're always making it better.”

A complete experience

Much like their commitment to customer service, Wood and Craighead strive to make working at the salon the best possible experience for their stylists. They said they offer their employees holidays and holiday weekends off, as well as a 401(k).

“We mentor these people to buy houses and cars and build credit and create not just a career for themselves, but a life for themselves,” Craighead said.

One of their employees, Melissa “M.J.” Janes, has worked at Level Spa Salon for 11 years and handles customer service. She said the salon is like a second home to her, and it is her safe space.

Level Spa Salon also provides mentorship for Forsyth Central and West Forsyth high school students, who can gain credits working at the salon to earn a license through the schools’ cosmetology programs.

Although the salon offered other services in the past, Craighead said Level Spa Salon now focuses on hair, its standout service.

“We’re always open for something new,” she said. “In the past years, we've had massage, we've had nails, we've had eyebrow waxing, facials, but we have realized that we're hairdressers, and that's what we're best at.”

Craighead emphasized the salon’s commitment to testing and enjoying the products it sells. Wood said Level Spa Salon currently sells nutritional supplements for skin and hair health.

Wood said the salon offers customized hair coloring, cutting, detailing and styling. Even if five customers request the same thing, she said Level Spa Salon aims for a personalized experience.

“Everybody is different, and each head of hair is different and will be customized to what fits and suits them,” Wood said. “I feel like we definitely strive to give that more personal, detailed approach, versus a one-haircut-shop kind of style.”

Level Spa Salon is in Suite 160 at 405 Peachtree Parkway. More information on pricing, hours and appointments can be found at levelspasalon. com.

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

From left, owner Andrea Craighead, customer service representative M.J. and owner Georgie Wood welcome guests to Level Spa Salon Sept. 1. Craighead and Wood have owned the salon on Peachtree Parkway since 2007.

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Business club invests in young professionals

By ADAM DARBY newsroom@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — For most industries, it is important to learn from seasoned field experts. In the hopes of providing knowledgeable insights and financial education for aspiring students, the Junior Economic Club of Atlanta continues meeting with financial investment professionals while leading economics education initiatives of their own at local elementary and middle schools.

“Economics and finance are the driving force of the decisions people make every day,” said Anant Verma, the club’s Assistant Chief Marketing Officer and a sophomore at Lambert High School in Suwanee. “Everybody, including students, can make better decisions when educated in the fields of economics and finance.”

This past summer, the club met with the City of Atlanta's Treasurer Courtney Knight along with Invesco's Head of Global Equity Syndicate Trading Linda Allen and Portfolio Manager James Nelson at the firm’s corporate headquarters. The event included a tour of the new building before participants engaged in a panel discussion centered around the current environment in fixed-income, syndicate capital, equities, and foreign exchange markets. Each professional shared insights into the current econom-

ic landscape, investment strategies and the impact of financial markets on the local community.

“This meeting provided valuable insights to all of our members who attended,” Verma said. “The feedback has been extremely positive. The City of Atlanta and Invesco were quite happy to host us.”

Founded in 2018, the student-led nonprofit has brought together “bright and ambitious” high school students to better understand current economic issues in the public and private sectors. Since its inception, the club has impacted over 320 students, 50 schools, and 19 school districts in the Atlanta area. The organization’s central mission is to promote economic education and financial awareness while also facilitating networking opportunities with business professionals for active members.

“We’ve worked with many other professionals in the field in the past including the City of Atlanta’s CFO Mohammad Balla and the Georgia Tech Chair of Economics Dr. Laura Taylor,” Verma said. “I would say the Junior Economic Club of Atlanta has provided [students with] real-world knowledge in the world of economics for a more holistic educational experience."

To learn more about the Junior Economic Club of Atlanta or become involved, visit www.jecatlanta.org or email board@junioreconomicclub.org.

JUNIOR ECONOMIC CLUB OF ATLANTA/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA

The Junior Economic Club of Atlanta members visited Invesco's corporate headquarters to tour the new building and discuss relevant economic issues facing the local community. From left, Bobby Kannady, Jillian Vacha, Soham Verma, Ayaan Kalavar, Anant Verma, Julian Varga, James Nelson, Brien Allen. The club's members received valuable insights from Invesco's top business and finance professionals.

SPONSORED

Festivities will include decorator showcase

The Dunwoody Woman’s Club is pleased to partner again with Southern Comforts for the 50th Annual Home Tour set for Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm. In addition to three beautiful homes, this year’s tour will include a decorator showcase hosted by everyone’s favorite designer, Marc Jones, The Consignor’s Designer. Marc will host “Fall Entertaining” at the Dunwoody location of Southern Comforts. The event will be at 10:15 am on tour day and guests are encouraged to pre-register for the event at style. southerncomforts.com or by calling 770-901-5001. Southern Comforts is located at 2510 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338, in the Mt. Vernon Shopping Center and is the will call location for Home Tour tickets purchased online.

With Marc’s expertise in design combined with his musical and theatrical background this is always a fun and entertaining event. He is the in-house designer and marketing director for all three locations for Southern Comforts and spokesperson and host for seasonal events for all the stores.

For the home tour design event expect great ideas for fall entertaining, refreshments and a song or two. Join us as we welcome back Marc Jones for our annual home tour.

Since 2003, Southern Comforts has been Atlanta’s first choice for furniture consigning. They offer new and consigned furniture along with home accents for discerning and savvy shop-

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pers, all at fabulous prices.

New on this year’s tour is a raffle for a chance to win one of three prizes; an original painting by local artist, Pat Fiorello, a $500 shopping spree at Lauderhills Fine Jewelry, and Dine around Dunwoody (assorted gift cards). Each prize is worth at least $500. Both cash and credit cards accepted.

Home Tour tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on tour day. Tickets are available now and can be purchased three ways:

• https://www.dunwoodywomansclub.com/buy-home-tour-tickets/

• From any member of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club

• In person at Southern Comforts Consignments – Dunwoody – 2510 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody

All profits of the Home Tour are used to implement the club’s charitable initiatives. Thank you for your support. Buy your tickets today!

For more information about the Dunwoody Woman’s Club go to www.dunwoodywomansclub.com

All profits of the Home Tour help support the club’s charitable programs. Service to our Community since 1971.

MARC JONES

Program:

Continued from Page 1

Trinity Table Soup Kitchen, and many others. [We] helps kids make like-minded and career-focused friends.”

In recent years, Dunwoody’s DECA has achieved several successes with recordbreaking results for the organization. Just this year, the school sent 17 accomplished students to the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL with an opportunity to compete against more than 20,000 of the best DECA members from around the globe. Several of these students received awards with most reaching competency level for content knowledge in their respective event. The uptick in Dunwoody students qualifying for this achievement is accompanied by the school’s unique partnership with the Academy of Finance and Marketing, founded in 1999.

“This program focuses on training highschoolers to home in

on skills associated with PR, advertising, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and more,” Bergquist said. “Few other high schools in Georgia offer such a program and this program, partnered with DECA, gives students an outlet for their passions in these areas.”

As Dunwoody’s DECA continues to pave the way for aspiring students, they are preparing for several upcoming events to finish the year. With a leadership retreat this month, practice competitions in October, and their Fall Leadership Development Conference in November to name a few, the organization plans for a busy season. Receiving “overwhelmingly positive feedback” from families and faculty members, Dunwoody is seeing DECA’s growing impact within their community.

To learn more about DECA and how you can become involved, visit www. deca.org. For updates on Dunwoody DECA’s latest accomplishments, visit their Instagram page at www.instagram. com/dunwoodydeca/.

Award recipients at the state-level stand outside Dunwoody High School. Bottom from left, Kate Bergquist, Bhavya Shah, Andres Urtusastegui, Lauren Sessions, Sofia Parker, Mathew Wise, Sebastian Lund, Max Stetter, Jonah Horwitz, Wendell Rogers. Top from left, Lindsey Lampron, Sarah Wise, Ava Dominie, Kate Keskonis, Alex Abbate

DECA/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Students Lindsey Lampron, left, and Gillian Lenertz tend to the “Wildcat Wearhouse”, a school-based enterprise DECA runs through Dunwoody High School.

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Look out for “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. Most cases of back pain will resolve with time, rest and non-surgical treatments.

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 seeing a physical therapist or 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 in 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 patients at Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center have success because they have a whole team of experts working for them. 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/nfspineandpain, or call (770) 751-2719 to make an appointment.

EXPERTSPINE & PAIN CARE

If back and neck pain are stopping you from doing what you love, you can rely on Wellstar to help you get back in action.

Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center offers many types of treatments and procedures for managing pain. If surgery is needed, Wellstar neurosurgeons are standing by to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. At Wellstar, you’ll get personalized treatment tailored to your needs. wellstar.org/nfspineandpain

Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center 1360 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 200 | ROSWELL (770) 751-2719

Mariupol:

Continued from Page 1

Russia annexed Mariupol in May 2022 after attacks that started in late February, claiming thousands of civilian lives and destroying most of the city.

Numbers vary on how many people were killed as a result of the Russian invasion. While the Ukrainian government said 21 thousand people died, Ukrainian citizens say the death toll is between 100 thousand and 120 thousand, according to The Guardian.

Suicide Prevention Month: Take ACTion this September

Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a pivotal time for us at Summit Counseling Center to raise awareness about a pressing issue that affects countless lives. According to the World Health Organization, suicide claims nearly 800,000 lives globally each year. In the United States, it ranks as the 11th leading cause of death, resulting in over 45,000 deaths annually.

Remarkably, 94% of adults surveyed in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented. One crucial step in prevention is engaging in open and empathetic conversations about suicide, particularly with loved ones. To guide these conversations, MindWise Innovations has developed the acronym ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) as a simple way to remember how to respond when someone opens up about suicidal thoughts.

• Acknowledge: Begin by acknowledging and validating their feelings and thoughts rather than dismissing them. Remember, it can be incredibly difficult for someone to bring

up thoughts of suicide, and if you don't take them seriously, they may withdraw and not seek help again.

• Care: Show you care by actively listening without judgment. It might be challenging to hear, but understanding their experiences is essential. You can also ask them how you can help, as they may not know what they need either. Offering assistance and expressing your care can be a significant first step.

• Tell: Encourage your friend, family member, or coworker to seek professional help. It's essential to tell a trusted adult or mental health professional about their struggles. Your support in seeking treatment can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.

To further empower our community, The Summit offers MindWise's Signs of Suicide (SOS) Trusted Adult trainings throughout September. These sessions equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize signs, offer assistance, and promote mental health awareness. For more information on our SOS training sessions or to seek therapy for yourself or a loved one, visit our website at summitcounseling.org.

Out of the city’s initial population of 430 thousand, 350 thousand people fled, and around 90 percent of the city’s buildings have been destroyed, according to the BBC. Russia is now rebuilding the city in its image and encouraging Russians to move there.

The exhibition features several historic Mariupol buildings and cultural sites now damaged or lost to acts of violence, including the Church of Mary Magdalene, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Extreme Park and the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre.

In April 2022, the Theatre was bombed in an Airstrike that claimed the lives of around 600 people, including several children, according to the Associated Press. Activist group Amnesty International called the attack a “clear war crime,” citing that Russian forces knew hundreds of civilians were sheltering in the building before they chose to bomb it.

At the exhibition, each photograph was framed and featured a QR code at the bottom for viewers to scan in order to learn more about the building and view pictures of its current state.

“This is a big deal for the Ukrainian community,” Rumiantseva said. “Every

family got hurt by the war. When we had the exhibition’s opening night there were a lot of people, including people from Ukraine and Russia… There were a lot of tears at the opening event. One man was standing in the doorway and crying. I went up to him; he hugged me and said he understood my pain because he was from Syria.”

For her family, the exhibit brought back a lot of memories. Growing up as a happy child in Mariupol, Rumiantseva remembers walking 15 minutes to the sea and also spending time at the Theatre.

“Two years ago when the war started all my family was there,” Rumiantseva said. “My Mom, my grandma, my sister, my nephew and my niece.” … I was worried about my family. When you’re under stress you start looking at moments in life differently.”

Rumiantseva’s family took shelter in the Czech Republic before eventually moving close to her in the United States.

Having lived in the U.S. for over a decade, Rumiantseva used that time to explore various types of photography, including wedding shoots, graduation shoots, and real estate photography.

“I started my photo career with landscaping and was known in Europe and here as a landscape photographer. Now, I also challenge myself with kid [photoshoots] and taking beauty pictures of models. I also do a lot of product photography.”

One day Rumiantseva hopes to see Mariupol return to Ukrainian rule. If that day comes, she plans to revisit her hometown with her family.

“I never imagined it would be gone one day,” Rumiantseva said. “Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. Humans are powerful; we can build something and in one second destroy it. With this exhibition, I wanted to show how beautiful Mariupol is, not the ruins.”

ANNA RUMIANTSEVA/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA

Rumiantseva’s photos of Mariupol are hung in Alpharetta City Hall’s conference room.

HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION WITH LA CANDELA FLAMENCO

What: Explore the cultural exchange between Spain and Latin America through the language of flamenco with La Candela Flamenco.

When: Friday, Sept. 15, 7-9 p.m.

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

Cost: $24.50 with available discounts for seniors, students, military and groups

More info: roswell365.com

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning through October, more than a dozen vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

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

BIRD & WILDLIFE DRAWING CLASS

What: Sharon Weiss, award-winning artist and longtime Spruill Arts instructor, will be leading a bird and wildlife drawing class at the Dunwoody Nature Center. Learn about composition, light, color and pattern as you have fun depicting some of your favorite animals.

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody

Cost: $40-50

More info: dunwoodynature.org

CUMMING ART FEST

What: The festival will offer some 100 different artisan exhibitors and a creative Kidz Zone for families to explore.

When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming More info: cummingcitycenter.com

PUP-A-PALOOZA

What: Bring your dogs and family to this event featuring live music, an animal balloon twister, a pup mascot, pet-related vendors and more. There are contests for Best Dressed Dog and Best Dog

CUMMING ART FEST

What: The festival will offer some 100 different artisan exhibitors and a creative Kidz Zone for families to explore.

When: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming More info: cummingcitycenter. com

Trick. For people, food will be for sale from food trucks, while pets splurge on doggie treats. Pet care vendors will be on hand to demonstrate new products and educate dog owners about pet care.

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater in Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

A NIGHT WITH DAD’S 2: THE DADDENING

What: Stage Door Theatre will host comics from Dad’s Garage.

When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $28 for adults; $20 for students; $15 for children

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

BACK TO YOUR ROOTS FARM FAIR

What: Meet live farm animals, bring a picnic, and get down in the dirt to celebrate one of the best harvesting

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.

seasons of the year. Continue enjoying the fall season with partners, games, crafts and the opening of Naturally Artistic which explores connecting art and nature.

When: Sunday, Sept. 17, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell

Cost: Included in general admission; free for CNC members More info: chattnaturecenter.org

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS: GUARDIANS OF THE JUKEBOX

What: Described as “a visual and sonic highlight reel of one of the most influential decades in music history,” Guardians of the Jukebox is an ’80s-nostalgia juggernaut. Lawn seating is free. Blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are allowed, but no pets.

When: Sunday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

easy

PICNIC ON THE GREEN

What: Grab some food and beverages from one of the Crabapple Market restaurants and bring a blanket or chair to enjoy live music from David Payton. No outside alcohol allowed.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m.

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

12

ANGRY JURORS

What: In Sherman L. Sergel’s play adaptation of the teleplay, a 19-year-old man who has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case— until one of the jurors begins opening the other’s eyes to the facts.

When: Until Sept. 24, times vary Where: Act1 Theater, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta Cost: $20-25

More info: act1theater.org

O death where is thy sting?

“O death where is thy sting?” That provocative query often is attributed to William Shakespeare, who frequently focused in plays and sonnets on the tragedies associated with death and dying.

The quote, however, is not from the Bard of Avon, but from the Bible. First Corinthians 15:54-57 declares, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 71, the speaker urges a lover not to dwell on the speaker’s death but to instead move on with life once the speaker is gone. Failing to do so, the speaker argues, will bring only misery and pain. The grieving process is different for everyone. But eventually, one must move forward.

We know that we will die, but thinking about death is a “downer.”

PAST TENSE

In fact, for any complex conundrum involving life and aging, our default mechanism is to procrastinate when it comes to planning. But when “out of the blue” we are seriously hurt or ill, or deceased, someone will have to wrestle with the complexities of the matter.

Guys, eighty percent of men who die are married. If you wake up your spouse at 0-dark-thirty, as we said in the military, complaining of intense pain and nausea due to a possible heart attack or stroke, the first call your partner will make is to 911 to get you to the hospital. Once you’re stabilized, who is going to get the second phone call?

Having asked couples that question over the years in planning sessions, most of the time if there’s an adult daughter in the family, she’s going to get the call. Yes, it may be a son, or a close friend, but someone is going to get startlingly disturbing and life disrupting news. Lack of advance planning makes the situation more emotionally draining than it needs to be. If you are a widow or widower, or never married, who gets “the call?”

A 2022 CNBC report noted that 67 percent of Americans have no estate plan in place. Covid-19 increased awareness of the need for planning, yet

procrastination still rules. Living and testamentary estate planning deals not only with the reality of death, but the likelihood of severe illness or injury along the way. Death or disability is not a respecter of age. Teenagers as seniors in high school or first year college students largely are age 18 or will be shortly. At 18, they’re adults under the laws of most states. As an adult, if they’re sick or hurt and you get a phone call, mom or dad, saying that they are in a hospital emergency room, under HIPPA regulation’s (Health Insurance and Accountability Act of 1996), without a properly executed Heath Care Power of Attorney, you cannot get information as to your loved one’s status. All the hospital will want to know is who is responsible for the bill? Who will bear the cost, emotionally and financially, of a failure to plan?

If you are an owner or co-owner of a closely-held business, most likely your largest single investment, planning for the “5 D’s,” death, disability, divorce, disagreement, or dissolution, also is a complex undertaking subject to procrastination. Georgia businesses predominately are owned by baby boomers, 52 percent of whom are over the age of 60. Ninety-two percent of owners surveyed by the Exit Planning Institute in 2018 agreed with the state -

ment, “Having a transition strategy is important for both my future and the future of my business.” Yet, 54 percent of owners have no plans to transition. Most have no written contingency plans in place to deal with the “What if?” realities of business and life. Is that fair to your “family-family” or your business family, those who will endure the financial and emotional repercussions of a stressful surprise?

Comprehensive personal and business planning deals with the uncertainties of life and death. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney for assets and health care, and advance health care directives, are basic planning considerations. A “pour over will” tied to a Revocable Living Trust may be apropos, especially if you own property in a state other than the one of your residence and/or want to simplify or eliminate probate. How are investment and bank accounts titled, in your name only or jointly with someone else? Beneficiary designations on insurance policies, annuities, or retirement accounts? Does your closely-held business have an up-to-date Operating Agreement? A good agreement spells out how an entity is structured and operates, and who controls the rela -

See WALKER, Page 23

Lessons on the Florence Crittenton Home in Chamblee

The first Florence Crittenton Home was established in 1883 by businessman and evangelist Charles N. Crittenton in New York City. He named it after his daughter who died from scarlet fever at age four. By the late 1800s there were over 50 Florence Crittenton Homes across the U.S.

Growing up in Atlanta, I heard the name occasionally, usually mentioned as a cautionary tale in the 1960s and 1970s. The home was a place where young women could go if they were pregnant and unmarried.

The scenario usually began with parents wanting to keep everything secret, so going to a facility like the Florence Crittenton home helped facilitate secrecy and adoption after the child was born. Friends and family would be told that

the girl was away for some fabricated reason to conceal the truth. After her child was born, she was expected to go on with life as though it never happened.

The first Florence Crittenton Home in Atlanta was established in 1893, first outside city limits and a few years later within the city.

The Florence Crittenton Home in Chamblee began on property purchased in 1950. The original home was a red brick colonial structure on eight landscaped acres. A modern 18 room dormitory was added in 1958. The home was located along North Peachtree Road, just west of Peachtree Boulevard.

In 1962, a dedication was held for a new annex at the Florence Crittenton Home in Chamblee. The annex added much needed square footage, including school rooms and recreation space.

The girls who lived there, awaiting the birth of their babies, could receive a high school diploma. “Now our girls don’t have to go back home and explain

the gap in their school progress or lack of a diploma,” director Helen Oppenheimer commented. (Atlanta Constitution, March 16, 1962, “Board members at Florence Crittenton quietly celebrate another milestone”)

Arts and craft classes and typing classes were offered. The girls received counseling and their families were included as much as possible. Each young woman was expected to do chores.

When the 1962 dedication was held, the current residents of the home were taken out for an activity away from the home, “to avoid embarrassment.”

Carol Nichols Henwood shared her memories of the home in a 2014 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article and in her book, “Our Erring Sisters,” She remembers being driven by her parents in 1967 to the Florence Crittenton Home, a large brick home hidden behind hedges between North Peachtree Road and then Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. There was no sign to indicate what place was

hidden behind the large plants. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Aug. 29, 2014, “Secret Keeper”)

She only held her baby boy once, two days after he was born. Henwood went on to marry and have two children. She was able to reconnect with her son in 2004.

When her book was published in 2013, he attended her first book signing at the Capital City Club in Brookhaven.

The Florence Crittenton Home in Chamblee closed in 1981 as times changed and there was less need for these facilities. From 1950 until 1981, there were usually about 180 women who spent part of the year living at the home. The home had the capacity to house over 60 women and often had a waiting list.

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

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

Columnist

The Investment Coach

Zones, Seasons & Families – Oh My!

Okay – stay with me now!

Of all of these

I bet you’re most familiar with zones. I’m talking about the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is what gardeners have been using for years to figure out what plants have the most optimum chance of growing in a particular location. Most recently revised by the PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University and released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2012, the map uses winter temperature data collected over a 30-year period to divide the United States (including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico) into planting zones. The zones identified in this most recent version of the Map are based on data gathered during 1976 to 2005, the first time that a period of 30 years has been analyzed. And there are now two new zones – Zones 12 and 13 which cover Hawaii and Puerto Rico and only appear on the maps for those locations. This is the first time that the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map was specifically designed for use on the Internet. You can now input your zip code and your specific Plant Hardiness Zone will appear.

While the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map has certainly been around for a while and provides very useful information for gardeners, it’s not the only resource gardeners can rely on to plan a garden. And sometimes Plant Hardiness Zones can be confusing. For example, the Atlanta area falls within Zones 7 and 8 (which are then divided into Zones 7a and 7b, and Zones 8a and 8b). Now what?

Enter the Growing Seasons. Using your garden location, you can figure out which of the four growing seasons you’re in.

Here in the Atlanta area, only three of the growing seasons occurbut at various times. Looking at the calendar year, the cool season runs from January through March, the warm season runs from April through June, and the hot season is July and August. Then there’s a second warm season in September and October, and a second cool season in November and December.

Now here’s the cool thing. Every plant belongs to a Plant Family. And

each plant family prefers a particular growing season (or two). Once you know your growing seasons and the plant family within which a specific plant belongs, you can figure out when to plant without worrying too much about your plant hardiness zone.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you want to plant a small garden that includes tomatoes, peppers, kale, arugula, spinach, cucumbers, squash, beans, basil, oregano and parsley. First figure out your growing season based on the average high temperatures in your location. Next, divide what you want to plant into plant families: tomatoes and peppers belong to the Solanaceae family; kale and arugula belong to the Brassicaceae family; spinach belongs to the Amaranthaceae family; cucumbers and squash belong to the Cucurbitaceae family; beans belong to the Fabiaceae family; basil and oregano belong to the Lamiaceae family; and parsley belongs to the Apiaceae family. Now, assign each of these plant families to a growing season and identify the months that correspond with each growing season. Guess what? You’ve just planned your garden.

Happy gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener

Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more about NFMG at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Cathleen Smith, a Sandy Springs resident and master gardener since 2020. Trained through Gardenary, Floret Flower Farm, The Culinary Institute of America and the Culinary Nutrition Academy, Cathleen is certified in culinary nutrition and gardening – teaching others how to create and live a healthier life – one veggie at a time! Cathleen has lived in the Atlanta area since 1987, is married to a musician and has 3 boys ages 25, 23 and almost 21. Cathleen is a certified landscape designer and currently serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the Dunwoody Nature Center. Her favorite hobbies include photography, scrapbooking, cooking, gardening, reading and drinking fine wine. You can follow Cathleen through her blog “Not Just a Garden Blog” (https://cathleenrsmith.com) where she shares inside info, resources, and creative ideas for keeping it real in your garden and your kitchen.

Learn More

• Vegetable Garden Calendar https://extension.uga.edu/publications/ detail.html?number=C943&title=vegetable-garden-calendar

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

• PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University https://prism.oregonstate.edu/projects/plant_hardiness_zones.php

CATHLEEN SMITH Guest Columnist

CATHLEEN SMITH/PROVIDED A Garden Example Chart

USDA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE/PROVIDED USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Outdoor Fun on National Hunting and Fishing Day

Question: What’s special about Sept. 23?

STEVE HUDSON

Answer: It’s National Hunting and Fishing Day, and that means that on that day there will be a lot of outdoor excitement waiting for you and your family to enjoy!

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 by Congress and President Nixon to recognize the contributions that hunters and anglers have made to wildlife conservation efforts. It happens each year on the fourth Saturday of September, and it is marked by special programs and outdoor-themed events held far and wide.

Here in Georgia, you’ll find National Hunting and Fishing Day events all across the state.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day offers a variety of events that are a great way to introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor activities,” notes Ted Will, director of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. You’ll find a wide range of activities to enjoy, including family/kid fishing events as well as Outdoor Adventure Days featuring activities such as fishing, archery, shooting and more.

“These events are family-oriented and fun and remind us of what great outdoor natural resources we have right here in Georgia,” Will says.

Two events close to home are particularly noteworthy:

• Outdoor Adventure Day at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park between Rome and Summerville from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Kids 15 and under can try their hand at catching tagged catfish to win prizes (bring your own fishing rods and bait). There will also be archery, a birds of prey show and a reptile show. The event is free, but there is a $5 per vehicle parking fee at the park.

• Kids Fishing Event at Lower Pool Park (below Buford Dam at 3600 Buford Dam Road in Cumming). From 9 a.m.

DEATH NOTICES

till 1 p.m., kids can fish, try their hand at fly tying, and enjoy fishing demonstrations. Volunteers will be on hand to help with baiting hooks and unhooking fish. A limited number of loaner rods and reels will be available, but it never hurts to bring your own. Bait is provided – and to make sure that there are plenty of trout, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ trout stocking staff will stock fish before the event. There are several other events going on around the state that day, too:

• Family Fishing Event at Marben Public Fishing Area’s Boar Pond at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield, Ga. (8 a.m. till noon). Bring your own gear and bait.

• Kids Fishing Event at the Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area in Laurens County (8 a.m. till noon). Ponds have been stocked with channel catfish for kids under the age of 16. Bring your own gear and bait.

• Kids Fishing Event at Big Lazer Public Fishing Area, near Talbotton, Ga. (8 a.m. till 11 a.m.), for kids 15 and under. Bring your own gear and bait, and enjoy the drawing for some fun prizes too.

• Family Fishing Event at Flat Creek Public Fishing Area in Houston County (8 a.m. - noon). Bring. your own gear and bait.

• Kids Fishing Event at McDuffie Public Fishing Area in McDuffie County (8 a.m. till noon). Bring your own gear and bait.

• Kids Fishing Event at Evans County Public Fishing Area (8 a.m. till noon). Bring your own gear and bait.

• Outdoor Adventure Day / JAKES Day at Paradise Public Fishing Area (near Tifton). Fishing activities from 7:30 a.m. till noon. A variety of fishingrelated activities, plus JAKES Day events (beginning at 9 a.m.) including archery and shooting. A free lunch is provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation, and there will be a prize drawing after lunch.

• Outdoor Adventure Day at Richmond Hill Hatchery near Richmond Hill, Ga. (8 a.m. till noon). Activities include fishing, archery and kayaking.

For more info on the programs, including contact numbers for more

information, visit www.georgiawildlife. com/get-involved/nhfday.

That’s a big line-up, and there’s sure to be something there that you’ll enjoy!

But wait! There’s more!

Sept. 23 is further celebrated as a “Free Fishing Day” for Georgia resi-

dents. On this day, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or trout license to fish on any public waters in the state, including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas.

There’s no doubt about it. Sept. 23 is sure to be a great day to be outdoors.

Joyce Bellinger, 88, of Roswell, passed away on August 31, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Tomas Castillo, 54, of Roswell, passed away on August 2, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Brian English, 56, of Roswell, passed away on August 2, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sigmund Majewski, 84, of Roswell, passed away on August 4, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Columnist

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.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS & ASSISTANTS:

Dunwoody Animal Medical Center is hiring! Send resume to office@dunwoodyamc.com

Part-time

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.

RESULTS-ORIENTED E-COMMERCE SPECIALISTS

Specialist contractors to implement comprehensive marketing strategies for a variety of highly acclaimed specialty products.

Proficiency in one or more of the following:

1. Innovative graphic artist/cartoonist

2. MP-4 special effects editor.

3. Upgrade and optimize website functionality, must be competent in e-commerce website platforms, STP, cPanel and WordPress. Please provide your portfolio and recommended platforms, experience with integrated and freestanding shopping carts and affiliate links.

4. Launch an Amazon store for specialty products.

5. List products on National Online Marketplaces.

6. Product placement, media demos and endoresements.

7. SMO: Develop effective Facebook, Instagram and other influencer programs.

8. SEO Specialist-create content, identify strategies, techniques, key words and tactics and conduct technical audits.

9. Create Google ads and optimize Google Adword campaigns, monitor ad copy, find suitable bids and adjust key words to maximize yields.

10. Targeted email campaigns.

11. Blog development specialist to optimize interactive blog posts for search to include formatting with heading tags and Twitter engagement.

12. In-house administrative assistant, responsible for shipping, invoicing, inventory control, scheduling, teamwork liason and correspondence. Specify your area(s) of expertise in a detailed resume of achievement in any one or more of the above specialties. Atlanta area location, in-office collaboration required. Please advise your weekly available hours and times for both in-office and remote work together with desired compensation in your cover letter, including your extramural interests; will help us evaluate your affinity with our target market. Reply to zeldan@myyahoo.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY

• Repairs & Painting

• Licensed/Insured • Excellent Referrals

• Free Estimate • 25+ Years of Experience

Neil Ketner 770-318-7762

ROOF LEAKING?

Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

Electricians

Belco Electric

Announcements

Retired medical surgeon, 83, male, would like to meet retired medical doctor, female, 75-80 years, Sandy Springs area. Please call 781-850-6113. Please leave a message.

Handyman

Continued from Page 17

constitute

legal advice, as comprehensive planning should be done in concert with an advisory team that may include an attorney, CPA, CFP, and others with expertise in relevant matters, such as dealing with special needs family members, for example.

How old will you and those you care

about be in ten years? And ten years after that? Tragedy is not a respecter of age, but as you grow older, the likelihood of serious difficulty increases.

What’s your plan for your “next ten?”

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with