Dunwoody Crier - October 12, 2023

Perimeter businesses feel grind of gridlock

18th annual pumpkin patch opens at All Saints church

DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the 18th year in a row, All Saints Catholic Church welcomes folks from all over the area to its pumpkin patch during October.

Every year, thousands of loyal customers flock to All Saints in Dunwoody for “THE largest [pumpkin patch] in Dunwoody and surrounding areas.”

The Dunwoody chapter of the Knights of Columbus Council are the driving force for the annual pumpkin patch. More than 3,500 pumpkins are delivered from out-of-state growers to provide Dunwoody residents with a wide variety of pumpkins.

“Many of the types of quality pumpkins we sell, you probably won’t find anywhere else,” Knights member Dave Richardson said. “Parents and their children love our pumpkins, from the huge pumpkins in unique colors, to the small swan gourds that can grace all of your holiday table decorations.”

At last year’s All Saints Pumpkin Patch, the Knights sold over 20,000 pounds of pumpkins.

As a result, the Knights donated thousands of dollars to charitable organizations in the community, such as Habitat for Humanity, Pregnancy Aid Clinic and COATS for Kids.

The pumpkin patch will be open each week leading up to Halloween night Oct. 31.

For more information about the All Saints Catholic Church Pumpkin Patch 2023, email Dave Richardson at dm.richardson01@gmail.

Sandy Springs council accepts grant funding to study busy corridor

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council approved federal funding Oct. 3 for the North Springs MARTA Station and Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor study, as part of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s grant program.

The ARC's Livable Centers Initiative is a grant program that incentivizes local governments to increase pedestrian mobility and invest in community infrastructure.

In March 2023, the ARC requested Sandy Springs to expand the scope of the study to include a transit-oriented development plan for the North Springs MARTA Station. In June, it awarded $250,000, consisting of $200,000 in federal funding and $50,000 in local money, for development of both projects.

The section of Peachtree Dunwoody Road between Abernathy Road and Spalding Drive is a 1.75-mile, north-south connector street, encompassing residential neighborhoods, the North Springs MARTA Station, Sandy Springs MARTA Station and the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts.

City staff, led by Public Works Director Marty Martin, recommended entering into the grant agreement with the Atlanta Regional Commission.

See MARTA, Page 9

PHOTOS PROVIDED

NEWS TIPS

POLICE BLOTTER

770-442-3278

AppenMedia.com

319 N. Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

HANS APPEN

Publisher

DICK WILLIAMS

Publisher Emeritus

CONTACT

Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.

LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

CIRCULATION

To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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.

Police arrest suspect in wallet theft case

DUNWOODY, Ga. — An employee for Ralph Lauren reported his wallet was stolen from a fitting room Sept. 29 while he and his team were checking inventory at Dillard’s in Perimeter Mall.

When he returned to the fitting room around 4 p.m., he checked his phone and saw two charges had been made at GameStop and Footlocker.

The victim then checked his bag and noticed his wallet missing.

Police went to both retailers and obtained footage of a suspect wearing a TMobile sweatshirt using the card to make purchases.

The officer then visited the T-Mobile store, which is next to Dillard’s, and immediately recognized the suspect matching the description and called for backup.

Officers detained the suspect and reported they found the victim’s wallet and credit cards in his jacket pocket.

The male was identified as an employee at T-Mobile and was charged with two counts of financial transaction card fraud and one count of theft.

The wallet and cards were returned to the victims, and the merchandise was returned to the stores.

Woman reports driver pointed gun at her

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are searching for the driver of a dark-colored Dodge Journey that was involved in a hit-and-run at Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Cotillion Drive Oct. 1.

A Lilburn woman told police her car was struck at the intersection at around 8 a.m., and the Dodge fled the scene. She said she followed the car onto I-285 and was able to take a photo of the tag. She

also reported that when she pulled alongside the vehicle, the driver pointed a gun at her.

While the woman got a description of the man driving the Dodge, it did not match with the vehicle’s registered owner, police said.

Officers left voicemails with the registered owner, and police say the car had not been listed as stolen.

Suspicious driver arrested on Cherokee Co. warrant

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a Stonecrest man Sept. 27 on a warrant out of Cherokee County after stopping him for driving his U-Haul behind closed businesses at around 2 a.m. on Jones Bridge Road.

When police asked the driver about his activity, he said he and his son were collecting metal, and that he had been doing it for nearly a decade.

Police ran the suspect’s information and found that he had a warrant out of Cherokee County for theft by conversion. Police arrested him, tacking on a citation for loitering and prowling, and later transported him to the Cherokee County Jail.

Police seek suspect in Starbucks altercation

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police obtained a felony warrant on an Alpharetta man Sept. 27 after an employee at Starbucks on Haynes Bridge Road reported that he attempted to steal the tip jar and threatened to kill patrons at the business.

When police arrived, another victim described the incident, and stated the suspect had called her a racial slur before threatening to kill two customers, then everyone at the business.

Victims provided police with a photo of the suspect, who was later identified with vehicle tag information and confirmation from the suspect’s father, the second registered owner of the vehicle.

Police obtained a warrant on the suspect for felony terroristic threats, but the suspect had not been placed in custody at the time of the report.

Storage unit burglarized, three more with cut locks

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — An employee at a storage facility on Jones Bridge Road reported to police Sept. 28 that several units may have been burglarized.

When police spoke to one of the unit owners on the scene, the owner confirmed that at least $1,500 in items had been taken. Police walked the premises and noticed that locks to three more storage units had been cut, but police were unable to connect with the unit owners to confirm if anything had been taken.

Man’s bank account defrauded of $25,000

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Sept. 29 that someone had fraudulently cashed a $25,000 check that he had already cut to his bank in August.

The victim’s $$25,000 had been cashed and reflected in his account, but a month later, he noticed another $25,000 withdrawal. While images of the fraudulent check show it had been signed, the victim told police he did not endorse the check.

Man gets fake bills for used motorcycle

MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Sept. 26 that someone paid for his motorcycle with $3,000 in counterfeit bills. He told police he tried to deposit the money that morning, but that the ATM would not take the deposit. The victim said the bank teller informed him they were fake, according to the police report.

The victim listed his motorcycle on Craigslist the day before and received an email from a man who picked up the motorcycle the same evening. The man had offered to pay for it with $3,000 in cash, the victim said, and placed the money in an envelope.

Police could not find the motorcycle leaving the area on Flock cameras, the report said.

Traffic woes sting Perimeter market

Sandy Springs, business group weigh efforts to revive district

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — As if the COVID-19 pandemic and six years of construction at Ga. 400 and I-285 weren’t enough, the Perimeter market faces another headache.

Mass traffic congestion has grown even worse in Sandy Springs after a tractor trailer struck a bridge over I-285 on Mt. Vernon Highway Sept. 27.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said the Georgia Department of Transportation has reported the bridge will remain closed after inspecting five damaged support beams.

Some challenges stand in the way of resuming any sort of regular traffic flow in the city. Supply chain and delivery of support beams, as well as the safe movement of water lines across the damaged bridge, complicate repairs.

Reopening the Mt. Vernon Highway bridge by next summer is not the best option due to costs and construction time, Mayor Paul said.

The Georgia DOT is proposing to accelerate completion of another bridge over I-285 to the east of Mt. Vernon Highway, called the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane project.

In the wake of these headwinds, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts are pitching a rebranding effort to recapture interest in one of the busiest commercial areas of Metro Atlanta.

The CIDs are two adjoining, self-taxing commercial districts covering areas along the northern perimeter in Fulton and DeKalb County.

CIDs Executive Director Ann Hanlon brought several rebranding ideas with her to the Oct. 3 Sandy Springs City Council meeting.

Because of the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work policies, the Perimeter market has lost some commercial real estate tenants, Hanlon said.

Midtown Atlanta and the Battery in Cumberland took some of Perimeter’s corporate tenants, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Hanlon said many people surveyed during the PCIDs rebranding described the Perimeter market with words like “traffic, congested, clean and nice.”

Overall, the community perception of the Perimeter market is mixed, Hanlon said.

Residents and employees surveyed reported the experience of “construction fatigue” due to work underway at the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange.

For Hanlon, it’s the right time for a rebranding.

Hanlon has started pitching the rebranding to city councils and staff in Dunwoody, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs.

At the Oct. 3 council meeting, she unveiled a draft of the improvement district’s brand promise, “Where it all works.”

A brand promise is the value or experience a customer receives every time they interact with the brand. The PCIDs’ brand promise references the Perimeter market’s access to everything visitors need, and the “corporate playground” employers and employees want.

The City Council lauded the effort but had some criticisms.

“I think you’re right, there’s no real excitement around the Perimeter market today,” Mayor Paul said.

He suggested focusing on the Perimeter market’s proximity to the “best of Atlanta” and creating renewed excitement for the area.

Councilwoman Melissa Mular summarized the City Council’s remarks saying the rebranding effort seemed “more corporate, than creative,” but all agreed on the need to market the Perimeter area.

“We definitely are facing headwinds, and we do want to create excitement,” Hanlon said. “That’s precisely what we want to create, and we all agree on that.”

The plan is to launch a social media campaign for the PCIDs rebranding in December, Hanlon said.

The Georgia DOT anticipates the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange to be “significantly completed” in 2024, Hanlan says there is urgency to begin marketing Perimeter as soon as possible.

“We’re all working on it together to try cast a fresh light on what Perimeter is,” Hanlon said.

Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry told Mayor Paul that the new bridge in the I-285 Westbound Auxiliary Lane project will be completed “much earlier” than the reconstruction of the Mt. Vernon Highway Bridge, which was slated for July.

The shift of traffic to other roads — such as River Valley Road, Heards Ferry Road and Abernathy Road — is creating unprecedented levels of congestion, Paul said.

The mayor encouraged residents to remain understanding of the situation and to organize ways for students to get to and from school.

“Even that is not a solution, it’s just helping,” Paul said.

Leaving early, anticipating traffic and traveling with patience are all suggestions from the mayor.

“We are trying to do everything we can, and GDOT is trying to do everything they can to remedy the situation,” Paul said.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The Sandy Springs City Council listens to Public Works Director Marty Martin’s presentation Oct. 3 concerning site engineering contracts.

Alpharetta Chamber to host inaugural business summit

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce will host the first Alpharetta Business Summit from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Alpharetta Conference Center at Avalon.

Chamber of Commerce staff said the summit will include two panels on marketing, sales and finance. It will also feature Jackson Healthcare President Shane Jackson,Innovative Outsourcing founder and CEO Cindi Filer and All for One founder Jeff Levitan as keynote speakers.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin

said the summit reflects the city’s dedication to supporting its business community.

“By bringing together industry leaders like Jackson Healthcare and tailoring discussions to address the unique needs of small businesses, we are fostering an environment of growth, innovation and shared success,” Gilvin said.

The summit will begin with “Coffee and Commerce at the Summit” at 7:30 a.m. where light breakfast will be provided over networking. Sponsors and guest

exhibitors will also provide business resources and information.

The event, which will be presented by Aprio, is a joint effort between the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Those interested can register at AlpharettaChamber.com. Breakfast and lunch are included in the ticket price.

— Shelby Israel

Eddy Ev

A Place for ALL Jews

Ashkenazi Orthodox Rabbi Yitzchok Werbin

5075 Roswell Rd 1 mile inside I-285

Sandy Springs

www.KesherTorahAtlanta.org

Eddy Ev (ID# 51508265) He may have a frosty face, but that hasn't taken any pep out of his step. A little bit of patience and a lot of tasty snacks are the best way to bring this senior pup out of his shell. Eddy Ev loves to romp around outside with a toy in his mouth. So, if you plan to spoil your furry friend, then this is the guy for you! He is happy in the company of another dog but would be just as excited to be your one and only. Eddy is ready for his golden years to be the best of his life.

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

The shelter is full; foster or adopt to save a life and meet your new furry friend, stop by DeKalb County Animal Services. We are located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee GA 30341 or give us a call at 404-294-2996. No appointment necessary.

GARAGE SALES

See more garage sales in the classifieds

DUNWOODY: Hidden Branches Subdivision; 1250 Winding Branch Circle 30338. Friday 10/13, 10AM-3PM and Saturday 10/14, 9AM-3PM. Beautiful dollhouse. Dishes. Rack of outerwear. Steil blower in great condition. Plus more.

DEADLINE

To place garage sale ads: Noon Friday. Call 770-442-3278 or email classifieds@appenmediagroup.com

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Adult Children of Aging Parents plans program on medications

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta chapter of the nonprofit Adult Children of Aging Parents will offer a free educational program Oct.11 at their monthly meeting.

ACAP Atlanta meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Town Center Sandy Springs Adult Day & Alzheimer’s Resource Center on Dunwoody Place.

This month’s educational program is “Taking Control of Medicines — Strategies for Effectively Managing Medications.”

The Atlanta chapter launched in February 2023 to provide the adult children of aging parents with the resources and support they need.

their loved ones receive high-quality care.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and presentations begin at 5:30 p.m.

Because one in six Americans are caregivers to someone over the age of 50, ACAP Atlanta believes they are providing a needed service in the community.

Its monthly programs are broadcast live on their website, Facebook and YouTube pages.

The national organization of Adult Children of Aging Parents seeks to form chapters of “community-based and community-led professionals who understand the joys and challenges of the caregiving experience.”

Name of Business: LGE Community

Credit Union

Owner: Lisa Reynolds, Financial Center Manager

Business description: LGE Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, full-service financial institution that connects metro At -

lanta to best-in-class financial products, expert advice, and personalized service.

Opened: July 2023

Address: 6615 Roswell Road, Suite 6637-A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Phone: 770-424-0060

Web Address: LGEccu.org

The Oct. 11 program will be presented by Bridgett Skelton, the geriatric care manager at Metta Johnson and Associates. Skelton will use her experience in social services and end-of-life hospice care to help families ensure

For more information, or to register for this and other upcoming free programs, visit www.acapcommunity. org/events, or contact Mary Remmes, chapter coordinator, at atlanta@acapcommunity.org.

CITY OF DUNWOODY

FY 2024 PROPOSED BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the proposed FY 2024 Budget for the City of Dunwoody is available for inspection online (www.dunwoodyga.gov) and with the City Clerk at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, weekdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The City of Dunwoody will hold a Public Hearing at 6pm on October 16, 2023, at which time any persons wishing to be heard on the budget may appear. A second Public Hearing, as well as a vote to adopt the 2024 Budget, will be held at 6pm on October 30, 2023.

HERALD | FORSYTH HERALD | JOHNS CREEK HERALD MILTON HERALD | DUNWOODY CRIER | SANDY SPRINGS CRIER

Sugo backs Italian, Greek food fare with more than 100 years of history

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At Sugo, an Italian and Greek restaurant on Medlock Bridge Road, this year marked the 20th anniversary of serving up dishes that span generations of the Castellucci family.

To celebrate, some 160 guests circulated throughout the dimly lit restaurant Oct. 1 grabbing from stations with dishes like spanakopita, the way Frederico “Mr. C” Castellucci II’s grandmother handmade it, and eggplant fries. There was, of course, meatballs — a fan favorite that continues to be a staple in Sugo’s cooking classes, once featured on the Food Network.

The fusion comes from both sides of Mr. C’s family, his Italian father and Greek mother.

Walking into the business, guests see many black and white photos of Mr. C’s family hanging on the wall. One, from June 1917, shows his mother standing in the middle of her father’s restaurant. She had just served a decorated officer from the First World War.

“When guests come for the first time, and they want to know the story behind the restaurants, I usually bring them over to the pictures because the pictures tell the story more than I can,” Mr. C said.

All the staff wore white T-shirts with the silhouette of Mr. C’s face, his daughter’s idea after the cooking classes had taken off. He recalled delivering food to a family during the pandemic, who had shouted after him once he dropped the food off at the door; he turned around, and they were

all wearing the T-shirts.

“You can’t make this up,” he said.

Nancy “Mrs. C” Castellucci, Mr. C’s wife and Sugo’s general manager, has been an integral part of everyday operations. Before guests arrived, she buzzed around the space, directing staff on where to go and how to set up. Later, she would greet those entering the door with a hug.

The pair met after a calamity had struck the Castellucci family, or, as Mr. C likes to say, a “Black Swan” event that is out of anyone’s control. She was hired as a server at his father’s restaurant in Rhode Island, a place called Archie’s Tavern, after it was rebuilt following a devastating fire.

“As much as we discourage inside romances in a restaurant, we broke our own rule,” Mr. C said, laughing.

They married seven years later and have been business partners since, opening Sugo together in 2003 at its original location in Roswell.

The Castellucci’s three children entered the restaurant business as well. Their eldest formed the Castellucci Hospitality Group, the ownership umbrella of a number of restaurants throughout Metro Atlanta and out of state, including Sugo, The Iberian Pig, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero and Mujo.

Mr. C remarked on “the grit factor” among his children, a virtue which carried them through the COVID-19 pandemic. Like Edison and the lightbulb, he said failure has been a lesson more than a loss for the Castelluccis.

“There’s been so many difficult times, and that’s why it’s just

Guests walk into Sugo for its 20th anniversary celebration.

incredible, the way my kids have navigated all of that,” he said.

Mr. C isn’t the owner of Sugo anymore; he’s the owner’s father. But he remembered a patron comparing him to Frank Sinatra.

“‘Frank Sinatra did not own Capitol Records, and he actually didn’t write any of the songs,’” the man told Mr. C. “‘But every time he sang, people knew he cared.’”

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Nancy “Mrs. C” Castellucci and Frederico “Mr. C” Castellucci II, middle, stand with Sugo staff before the doors open for the restaurant’s 20th anniversary celebration Oct. 1. Ricardo Soto, bottom right, is the executive chef of Sugo, an Italian and Greek restaurant on Medlock Bridge Road, owned by the Castellucci’s children.

Top Ten Reasons to vote “NO” on the $60 million Dunwoody

1. The proposed Bond issue would be for up to $60 million at a maximum interest rate of 8%, with repayment up to 20 years.

2. Official voting language does NOT require City Officials to spend Bond proceeds on any specific project, with NO audit requirement of expenditures.

3. The actual cost to residential and business taxpayers is estimated at between $87 and $108 million over the 20 years, or $4.4 to $5.4 million per year, at a time when the City is already operating beyond its means with a structural deficit. As such, the City has raised property taxes four out of the past five years.

4. City property taxes on a $500,000 home would increase 53% starting next year and continue to increase every year for the 20 years. This is based upon City supplied data that shows the average current residential property taxes are $296 per year, and the additional taxes will be $157 per year.

5. The City Council has selected nine projects from a list of over four hundred projects generated through various public meetings, with an estimated cost of more than $450 million for trails, paths, intersections, new and improved facilities. This $60 million bond issue is the “Tip of an Iceberg.”

Bond Referendum

6. A 2023 survey of taxpayers commissioned by the City of Dunwoody before passage of The PATH Foundation Master Trail Plan revealed that 96% of respondents were satisfied with their overall quality of life; 90.9% were satisfied with the availability of existing parks; and 75.8% were satisfied with existing trails and sidewalks. The top three concerns were traffic congestion (29.5%), crime/public safety (25.5%), and preserving open spaces/maintaining a small-town feel (15.2%).

7. No proceeds from this Bond Referendum will benefit the Police Department, which is underfunded and undermanned. Yet the annual cost to repay the proposed bonds, estimated at $5.4 million per year, is approximately 45% of the 2024 Police Department Budget.

8. Our streets are congested and badly in need of maintenance. Yet proceeds from this Bond Referendum will not be used to remedy these needs. Rather, they will fund bicycle lanes and twelvefoot- wide multiuse sidewalk trails, which will only make a dire situation worse.

9. Dunwoody residents voted 15 years ago to become a city, independent of DeKalb County, to better control our own destiny, not to amass more debt and higher property taxes.

10. The Vote “No” Concerned Citizen Group is not averse to making an already good Dunwoody even better. This is all about accountability and addressing the real needs of our City.

Vote “NO” Tuesday, November 7

Early Voting begins Monday, October 16 at 7AM at the Dunwoody Library

Learn more and help fund at www.NoDunwoodyBonds.com

NOTICE OF BOND ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on November 7, 2023, an election will be held in all of the election districts of the City of Dunwoody, Georgia (the “City”), at which election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of the City the question of whether the City should issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000 (the “Bonds”) for the purpose of financing the capital projects listed in the form of the ballot below, the costs of issuing the Bonds and capitalized interest on the Bonds.

The Bonds, if so authorized, may be issued in whole or in part and in one or more series. The Bonds shall be dated the first day of the calendar month in which the Bonds are issued or the day the Bonds are issued and shall bear interest at rates not exceeding 8% per year (based upon a 360day year comprised of twelve thirty-day months). The principal shall mature (by scheduled maturity or by mandatory redemption) in the years and amounts, as follows:

The principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at a bank or banks to be designated later.

Voters desiring to vote for the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “YES” and voters desiring to vote against the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “NO” as to the question propounded substantially as follows:

“Shall the City of Dunwoody, Georgia (the “City”) issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000 for the purpose of financing (a) the acquisition, construction, installation, improvement and equipping of (i) parks and recreational areas, (ii) greenspace and (iii) trails, (b) the costs of issuing the bonds and (c) capitalized interest on the bonds? Such approval shall also constitute an approval of the increase in the City’s current millage cap of 3.04 only to the extent necessary to repay the bonds.”

The several places for holding said election shall be in the regular and established election districts of the City, and the polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on the said date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with the laws of the State of Georgia.

The last day to register to vote in this election shall be October 10, 2023.

Those residents qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance with election laws of the State of Georgia.

Any brochures, listings or other advertisements issued by the City or by any other person, firm, corporation or association with the knowledge and consent of the City, shall be deemed to be a statement of intention of the City concerning the use of the proceeds of the Bonds; and such statement of intention shall be binding on the City in the expenditure of any such Bond funds or interest received from such Bond funds which have been invested.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 36-82-100, the City notifies all interested parties that no independent performance audit or performance review (the “Bond Audit”) will be conducted with respect to the Bonds. However, the City will continue to ensure that Bond proceeds are expended efficiently and economically, as intended by the Bond Audit.

This notice is given pursuant to a resolution of the City Council and an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Dekalb County Board of Registrations and Elections.

CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

By:_______________________________________

Its Municipal Elections Superintendent

MARTA:

“It’s with [the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts’] coordination that we’ve embraced this broader Livable Centers Initiative Study,” Martin said.

City staff anticipates the study will take about nine months to complete, wrapping up by the end of 2024.

The transit-oriented development plan will build off earlier plans for the North Springs MARTA Station, taking into consideration the transit agency’s new guidelines for future bus rapid transit service.

“We now have two bridges under reconstruction in the City of Sandy Springs, both at Pitts Road and Roberts Drive overpasses to accommodate that future north Ga. 400 express lane implementation,” Martin said.

The purpose of the study will be to

identify the appropriate areas that will facilitate mobility and align with the Perimeter Center and MARTA’s vision for a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area, according to city documents.

Sandy Springs City Councilman Tibby DeJulio asked Martin why the scope of the Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor study doesn’t extend farther south toward Hammond Drive and Johnson Ferry Road.

Staff responded that the specific Livable Centers Initiative selected the area because it encompasses two MARTA stations near Peachtree Dunwoody Road.

Previous studies have addressed sections of Peachtree Dunwoody to the south of Abernathy Road, staff said.

“It seems like we’re doing a lot of studies but not a lot of implementation,” DeJulio said.

Staff provided examples of projects underway at various locations, including the Ga. 400 trail at I-285. There are also

projects in development at a section of Peachtree Dunwoody Road up to Hammond Drive, and a second section of the corridor is funded with the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

The study recommendations will guide the future alignment of the Ga. 400 trail and create a more inviting transit station for the community, Martin said.

MARTA has guidelines as a part of its transit-oriented development plan, which the city will have to consider during the study, staff said.

The Public Works and Community Development departments will partner to sort through the objectives of different stakeholders in the project, staff said.

“We have slightly different expectations of how many people will get on a train and how many people will get on the road,” Mayor Rusty Paul said. “That’s been a challenge and this grant helps us sort through some of those things.”

SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

This map shows the scope of the Livable Centers Initiative study along the Peachtree Dunwoody Road corridor. The study concentrates on infrastructure improvements and MARTA station modifications along a 1.75-mile stretch from Abernathy Road to Spalding Drive.

WIRE & WOOD

What: Enjoy live music from more than 30 performers at six outdoor stages through the streets of Downtown Alpharetta as local, regional and national artists perform original songs while interacting with the audience. Listeners will learn about the music, as artists share the stories behind their tunes at this free event.

When: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 13-14, 5-11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Alpharetta

More info: wireandwoodalpharetta.com

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ROSWELL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

What: The opening reception for Roswell Photographic Society’s 27th Annual Open Juried Exhibit will celebrate featured artists. The exhibit, held from Oct. 13 to Nov. 9, includes images in four categories: Architecture/Travel, Nature/ Landscape, People/Animals, Still Life/ Abstract.

When: Friday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Roswell Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell

More info: roswell365.com

DUNWOODY FARMERS MARKET

What: Shop for fresh seasonal produce, honey, jams, desserts and other goods every Saturday through October.

There are also kids’ activities, wellness seminars, with tips for composting and gardening at the farmers market.

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody

More info: dhafarmersmarket.com

INTERACTIVE MOVIE ON THE GREEN

What: Bring a chair and snacks to watch “E.T.” Interactive kits will be provided. No outside alcohol allowed.

When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m.

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

CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR & FESTIVAL

What: Fair food, amusement rides, concerts and ground acts are at the Cumming Fairgrounds. No pets, coolers or alcohol allowed.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235

CARVIN’ IN CRABAPPLE

What: Bring a pumpkin to this carving session, which will also include other crafts, games, face painting and refreshments. Tools for carving and painting will be provided for your very own spooky or silly jack o’lantern for Halloween. Be sure to pack a container if you would like to save your seeds for roasting.

When: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

Castleberry Road, Cumming Cost: $10 admission for ages 11 and older; free for ages 10 and under More info: cummingfair.squarespace. com

‘TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE’

What: Based on the book, this play is about Mitch, who catches Morrie’s appearance on a television show 16 years after graduation. He learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

When: Until Oct. 15, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: Adults are $28; students are $20; kids are $15 More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

WHOOOO’S THAT HOOTING: OWLS OF LOST CORNER

What: Roseanne Guerra, master birder and Audubon lecturer, will delve deep into the fascinating details of the owls

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.

that live all around us. Following the talk, she will lead the group in an owl prowl with the hopes of seeing these birds on the trails of the Preserve. Bring a flashlight.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs Cost: Free, but donations accepted More info: sandyspringsga.gov

JOHNS CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL

What: Returning for the 11th year, this festival in Johns Creek will feature 140 artists from around the country with work in painting, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry and yard art.

When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 2122, times vary

Where: Atlanta Athletic Club fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekartsfestival.com

CARVIN’ IN CRABAPPLE

What: Bring a pumpkin to this carving session, which will also include other crafts, games, face

easy steps:

painting and refreshments. Tools for carving and painting will be provided for your very own spooky or silly jack o’lantern for Halloween. Be sure to pack a container if you would like to save your seeds for roasting.

When: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

What: Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, “Fiddler on the Roof” is set in the little village of Anatevka and centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing antiSemitism of Czarist Russia.

When: Until Oct. 22, times vary

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: $42 to $130

More info: cityspringstheatre.com

Prioritizing Wellness

The power of mental health screenings

In the fast-paced whirlwind of life, it’s easy to overlook our mental well-being. Just like we schedule regular checkups for our physical health, it’s equally crucial to assess our mental health. At The Summit, we believe that taking mental health screenings is a pivotal step towards holistic well-being.

These anonymous screenings serve as a compass guiding you towards the support you may need. They provide an opportunity to recognize and address potential concerns early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant challenges. By participating in these assessments, you’re taking

daunting. However, brief mental health screenings are a noninvasive, confidential way to begin that journey. They create a safe space for introspection, allowing you to reflect on recent emotions and thought patterns. Additionally, these screenings serve as a valuable tool for our dedicated counselors, enabling them to tailor their support to your unique needs.

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you? Start by taking a mental health screening at tinyurl. com/SCCScreening to gain valuable insights into your well-being. Afterward, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Summit at summitcounseling.org to schedule your first appointment with our compassionate and experienced

Brought

Staying in Motion with Joint Replacement Surgery

Brought to you by - Dr. Eric Kiskaddon, hip and knee replacement orthopedic surgeon at Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Wellstar orthopedic specialists have a keen understanding of how bones, joints, tendons and muscles work together to keep you moving well. When a condition causes pain or keeps your body from behaving as you’d expect, you may benefit from joint replacement surgery to help correct the problem. Whenever possible, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver focused care with fewer complications and less recovery time.

Many patients whose quality of life could benefit from such a surgery are hesitant to have the procedure done because they have had friends or family members who have had a total joint replacement with a poor outcome. Understanding what to expect and how to help patients optimize their health before surgery is crucial to any successful joint replacement surgery.

Before undergoing total joint replacement surgery, it is important for patients to be as medically prepared and strong as possible. This means working on range of motion exercises for the affected joint and doing light strengthening exercises on a consistent basis. By managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping use of nicotine products, patients can reduce the risk

of infection after surgery and improve recovery.

Patients are often concerned about having to stay at the hospital following surgery. Many joint replacement patients can now go home on the day of surgery with home health and physical therapy services. Pain control techniques are much better than in years past and surgeons now use a variety of methods to treat pain including nerve blocks and medications. Patients walk the day of surgery with an assistive device like a walker. Most patients do not require a blood transfusion anymore because of better anesthesia techniques, as well as medications we now use to slow blood loss.

After surgery, patients will likely need to use a walker for anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Most patients don’t need an assistive device by three to four weeks after surgery, but this does vary. Total recovery time is two to three months. There are excellent resources available to patients on both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons websites. It is also important for patients to consider choosing a surgeon who has additional fellowship training in hip and knee replacement, is willing to take the time to answer their questions and who they ultimately trust to perform the surgery.

Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers expert joint care in North Fulton. Call (470) 267-0410 to make an appointment at our Roswell location.

KISKADDON

EXPERT ORTHO CARE

Our orthopedic specialists at Wellstar offer complete care for all types of bone, joint and soft tissue injuries and conditions. From diagnosis and treatment through rehabilitation and recovery, we’ve got your back—and all your other bones and joints too.

We provide orthopedic care for all ages, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood. Our pediatric orthopedic providers know that kids are not just little adults. Their bones and joints are still growing, and they need specialized expertise when an injury or disease slows them down.

Learn more about our comprehensive orthopedic care at wellstar.org/ortho.

My thankfulness has grown over time

We have a grace that we sometimes say at dinner. It is this question: “Are we thankful.” It is a simple and elegant prayer.

“Grace” always seems to literally pass over and through us when we say that prayer as we sit at the table – quietly enveloping us like the cool mist that rises over the river early in the morning – mist that coats our skin, our hair, and forms drops on our eyebrows with its cold wet fingers.

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus

The older I get, the more thankful I am, I think. Time has a way of teaching that thankfulness. People get sick. Others die. Bad things happen to good people for no apparent reason. Some folks are unlucky, while others are the opposite. You just never know when that chilled invisible finger will tap you or someone you know on the shoulder.

So, I got that tap this past week. It came out of the blue. It was not a tap for someone else; it was a tap for me. Now a week later, I think I am still shaken; I can still feel that cold finger on my shoulder and the feeling of absolute certainty that I was without recourse. My time was up.

PAST TENSE

This shoulder tap was not the most common one – the one that happens to you randomly – one upon which you have zero control. No, this one was perhaps the second most common tap – the kind where you do something stupid – make an illadvised decision that puts you, as my friend Ivan says “at the tip of the spear.” Ivan, ironically, uses that line at the end of a grace that he says but, in his case, he is blessing our soldiers who are in harm’s way – “at the tip of the spear.”

I have placed myself in harm’s way more than a few times. Prior to last week’s incident, my most recent faux pas involved trying to step back down from a roof onto a ladder – a ladder that decided it would start sliding the second it felt my foot on the first rung. In that instance, unlike this week’s one, I recall I immediately became aware I was in trouble and had maybe 3-4 seconds to try to do something to prevent my ankles or neck from being broken when I landed.

Last week, however, I had no warning; the incident happened instantly – almost independent of time. One moment I was OK. The next blink of an eye, I was not. I suspect that is often how these things play out.

I had promised a friend I would give him a ride across the bay in my

boat so he could get to his car and drive back to the airport in Atlanta. It was early in the morning, and I had gone down to the harbor docks about an hour early. I enjoy early mornings on the bay, and I was looking forward to sitting on the boat and just thinking and taking in a quiet, solitary sunrise. The docks were deserted –not a soul in sight – nor would there be for at least another hour.

I decided to start unmooring the boat – something I have done hundreds of times. I untied the first cleat and picked up the mooring line to loop it over the hook on the piling by the stern of my boat. The boat had drawn away from the piling, so I was going to have to stand on the railing of the boat and reach out to secure the line.

I stepped up and leaned toward the piling. The next thing I remember was the shock from the impact of landing on my back in the cold water and the air being knocked out of my lungs. The water enveloped me – covered me like that mist – but heavier. I remember tasting salt. I didn’t know where I was, why, or when. Time – or my awareness of time – had ceased.

The potential danger of slipping from the dock or the boat and drowning was never far away all these years. It would be so easy to slip, fall and hit your head on the

way down, and then never wake up. It was a thought I usually had when I visualized my older island friends trying to get into their boat and slipping – but not something I was overly concerned about myself.

I had stepped onto oil that was on the railing of my boat. My feet instantly flew out from under me and projected my body into the air with my head passing inches from the hard fiberglass railing of the boat. Why and how my head did not hit the boat on the way down I cannot understand; it should have.

Long ago, after surviving so many situations from which I should not have been able to recover, I decided that the only logical explanation had to be that there had been an angel sitting on my shoulder protecting me, all this time – literally. It was the only explanation that made any sense. I stopped making bad decisions long ago however and had forgotten that angel or assumed that she had moved on to protect someone else.

Not so, it turns out. She never left. I am so thankful.

“Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond”

“Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands.”

– ee cummings

Author of untold Pearl Harbor history to speak at gathering

On Saturday, Oct. 21, Lew Paper will speak at the Atlanta World War II Round Table meeting at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Paper will talk about his book, “In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor.”

While researching U.S. events and history of 1941 for an upcoming book, Paper changed his focus to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew and the days leading to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Paper discovered Grew’s efforts to orchestrate an agreement to avoid the war, a war that Grew could see coming. It was a story that had not been told.

The U.S. had imposed sanctions on

PROVIDED

Lew Paper will speak about his book, “In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor,” at the Atlanta WW II Round Table meeting on Saturday, October 21 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

Japan to curb their military aggression towards China. Ambassador Grew spoke with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Secretary of State Cordell Hull to help them see the point of view of Japan. Grew saw that Japan would rather launch a suicidal war against the U.S. rather than endure the humiliation of U.S. pressure.

This discovery led to Paper’s next

book.

“It was an exhilarating experience for me to recount the untold story of Joseph Grew, America’s ambassador to Japan in the months before the Pearl Harbor attack,” he said. “‘In the Cauldron’ provides new insight into why Japan made that attack and what could have been done to avoid it.”

The U.S. thought Japan would attack somewhere else and did not think the U.S. was in danger. Grew sent two telegrams only weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor. No action was taken by the U.S. because no one believed the theories Grew suggested.

Lew Paper’s research for “In the Cauldron” included interviews with Joseph Grew’s family members and staff. He also used Grew’s diaries, letters and memos.

“In the Cauldron: Terror, Tension and the American Ambassador’s Struggle to Avoid Pearl Harbor” will

be available for purchase at the WWII Round Table meeting, signed by Lew Paper.

Critically acclaimed author Paper has written six books. His articles and book reviews have appeared in several newspapers and magazines. He is a former adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and a former teaching fellow in government at Harvard College.

The Atlanta WW II Round Table meets regularly in the Fellowship Hall of Dunwoody United Methodist Church at 1548 Mt. Vernon Road. Visit atlantawwiiroundtable.org/cauldron for more information and to sign up to hear this amazing history on Oct. 21.

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

PRESERVING THE PAST

The colorful history of quilting in Georgia and a few other places

Quilting, or quilt making, is the art of sewing layers of fabric together to create warm bed covers. Typically, soft padding is placed between two fabric layers and sewn in place with stitched designs.

Quilting dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, but one of the oldest surviving quilts was made around 1360. The Tristan Quilt, sewn in Sicily, depicts scenes from the story of “Tristan and Isolde,” a famous medieval romance. One section of the quilt is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and another section is in the Palazzo del Bargello in Florence.

One of the most famous quilts in the world is the linen and cotton Dear Jane quilt made by Jane Stickle (1817-1896) in 1863, now housed in the Bennington Museum in Vermont. It consists of 169 5-inch squares or blocks, each with different patterns, containing a total of 5,602 pieces of cloth. Jane embroidered the words “in War Time 1863” into the quilt.

The most expensive quilt in the world is the Reconciliation Quilt, a Civil War-era quilt that sold at auction in 1991 at Sotheby’s for $264,000. It was made by Lucinda Ward Honstain (1820–1904) and has 40 blocks depicting scenes of domestic life in the 1860s. It is now at the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska.

The 1991 novel “How to Make an American Quilt” by Whitney Otto and subsequent 1995 film starring Winona Ryder, Ellen Burstyn, Maya Angelou and Anne Bancroft tells the story of a young bride-to-be who listens to family stories told by her elders as they make a quilt. The beautiful film can be viewed on several on-line services.

Lynn Tinley, a PhD from Emory University in American studies with an emphasis on textiles, reports that pieced quilts, made of small pieces of cloth sewn together, became very popular beginning in the 19th century. Before the general availability of cotton and the invention of the sewing machine, many quilts were made from large, uncut lengths of fabric, usually wool or linen with designs made visible by stitches pierced through two layers of fabric with wool in between. Lynn is a board member of the Milton Historical Society.

This

Amy Walsh owns a quilt store in Alpharetta, the Shirt Off Your Back Quilts, where she sells equipment and supplies and offers classes. Amy, who has a fine arts degree in textile design from UMass Dartmouth, says that during the pandemic, as people made masks at home, a love of sewing was rekindled. According to Amy, “Today modern quilt designers use larger designs and more vibrant colors. The upsurge in technology including advanced digital sewing machines has attracted people of all ages.”

According to local historian and serious quilter Ben Hollingsworth, it was customary for each early American pioneer who traveled west in a covered wagon in the 19th century to make three quilts. One was used to cushion wagon seats, one was hung to keep dust out of the wagon and a third was for general use including as a shroud since so many travelers perished en route. Pioneers included missionaries who taught native women to sew and to make quilts rather than use animal furs for warmth.

Ben, who is a retired Fulton County art teacher and board member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society, describes

FAMILY/PROVIDED

himself as a painter but says “I can do the same thing with fabric. I love the challenge of working with quilts.”

Each quilt can take between 10 days and several months to make, because unlike most quilters today, Ben does not use purchased patterns. Making a compelling design can take several weeks. He comes from a family of quilters, and his wife Kathleen is also an avid quilter. Ben says that there are 10-12 million quilters in the U.S. and that the quilting market is expected to approach $5 billion by 2026-2027.

The early Puritans first brought quilts to America in the 17th century to serve as warm bed covers and as window and door covers in the cold northern climate. Early settlers in Georgia made quilts from printed chintz cotton fabrics imported from India or Europe. During the Civil War, women made quilts for soldiers because the government did not provide for the military like it does today. Soldiers’ quilts were generally quickly and crudely made with simple block patterns from feed sacks and old clothing, sometimes wardrobes of fallen soldiers. Many soldiers were buried in their quilts, hence so few

FAMILY/PROVIDED Harriet Powers was a talented quilter who was born a slave in Georgia in 1837. Only two of her quilts have survived, one in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the other in the Smithsonian Institution. Powers is considered the mother of the African American story quilt tradition.

wartime quilts remain.

Slaves in the South became quilters to supplement meager covers provided by their owners. Harriet Powers (1837-1910) is one of the best-known. She was born a slave in Clarke County, Georgia. One of her early quilts consisted of 299 pieces of fabric, depicting biblical scenes and stories that she had heard since she could not read or write. It is in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her second quilt was acquired by wives of faculty members of Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, in 1898. It consists of 15 panels, and illustrates Bible stories and natural events, such as the Leonid meteor storms of 1866/1867. It resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. These are the only two quilts she made that survive today.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

portrait quilt of jazz great Oscar Peterson is one of Ben Hollingsworth’s favorite jazz musicians. It uses pieces of fabric fused rather than sewn together. It is a common technique today, one that Ben frequently uses. He made the quilt for a class he taught.

See solution Page 23

PROVIDED

Blue-winged wasps protect our gardens one grub at a time

Several emails have come to the UGA Extension Fulton County help desk reporting “swarms of wasps” in clients’ yards, “flying quite low to the ground.” One Fulton County resident said, “They seem to be in constant motion, never landing or stopping. Their flight pattern gives the impression that they are actively searching for something.” Well, they were right! But what are they searching for?

The mysterious swarming wasps in question are blue-winged wasps, also called digger wasps or Scolia dubia. Bluewinged wasps are about ½-1 inch long and cloaked in black from the tips of their antennae to the top third of their abdomen. They give the impression of a film noir character wearing a black leather trench coat. The rest of the abdomen is a rusty, reddish brown with two bright yellow spots. Their powerful wings are a deep navy blue with an iridescent sheen in the sunlight.

Blue-winged wasps are what we call “solitary wasps”—they live, build their

nests and feed their offspring alone. This lifestyle is different than paper wasps and bald-faced hornets, which are social wasps, living in one large colony where groups of wasps have designated jobs. Because the whole colony lives in one place, social wasps can be more aggressive and will defend their family unit at all costs. On the other hand, solitary wasps, like the bluewinged wasp and many others, are not aggressive. Because they’re on their own, they can’t risk stinging you and getting squashed, as no one else will step in to feed their offspring.

Many solitary wasps specialize on a certain type of prey, and the blue-winged wasp is no exception. Scolia dubia are predators of June bugs and Japanese beetles. The female wasp digs to find the larval form of the beetles, also known as “white grubs,” stings the grub to paralyze it, then lays her egg on the grub’s body. Once the wasp egg hatches, the larva feeds on the body of the paralyzed grub. The wasp larva eventually pupates in the fall, rests in its pupa throughout the winter, then molts into an adult in the spring. Thus, the cycle continues.

See LATORA, Page 19

GABRIELLE LATORA Guest Columnist

Left: Blue-winged wasps on flowers; Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org

Top right: Japanese beetle; open access photo

Bottom right: Blue-winged wasp; Photo by Royal Tyler, Pro Pest and Lawn Store, Bugwood.org

A Community of Advocates For Local Journalism

In 2022, Appen Media Group created the Appen Press Club, its mission driven news division dedicated to creating a sustainable infrastructure for local journalism in the north metro Atlanta area. Residents of that community, like you, join the Press Club by committing to small monthly or annual dues, 100% of which is dedicated to producing reliable, professional journalism on local issues that affect your lives.

Big Sky Franchise Team

David & Michelle Bertany

MEMBER+

Bob Meyers

Ross & Lori Ramsey

Roger

Kerry Arias

Scott Baynton

James Bennett

Rita

Mark

MEMBER

Vickie McElroy

Anne Peer

Robert Popp

Carol Williams

Alpharetta Lions Club

Omar Altalib

Ron Altman

American Legion Post 201

Barbara Anderson

Mary Asbury

Barbara Bauschka

Kathy Beck

Bill Bentley

Leslie Berry

Tom Billings

Ron Boddicker

Jodi Bogen

Debra Bowen

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

Joe Bowen

Erendira Brumley

Mike & Theresa Buscher

Mary Busman

Gary Butterfield

Clea Calloway

Carla Campbell

Kirk Canaday

James Carr

Bridgette Carter

William Cartwright

Pat Check

Christopher Cleary

Ann Coaloa

Evelyn Collazo

Michael Mackenzie

Communications

Joan Compton

Terri Coons

David Davis

Rebecca Donlan

Tom Driscoll

Michael Dudgeon

Mim Eisenberg

Danny Elkins

Martha Fasse

Lee Fleck

Cathy Flynn

Nanci Foster

Amy Frederick

Kelly Frommer

Carol Fry

Tracey Ganesh

John Gilberto

Leslie Gilliam

Michelle Glotzbach

Harvey Goldberg

Christopher Goodrich

Marilee Hamilton

Susan Hanna

Joe Hirsch

Penn Hodge

Dianne & Steffan Holmquist

Joan Hostetter

Lynn Johnson

Tyler Jones

Arthur Kebanli

Mark Kelly

Allison Kloster

Larry Krueger

Jess & Chris Kysar

Malinda Lackey

Ken Leffingwell

Carol Lehan

Bonnie Lind

Francia Lindon

Harlan Little

Ross Long

Rita Loventhal

Momma Nature Madan

Karen Magill

Kyile Marshall

Valerie Matthews

Rachel McCord

Austin McCully

Lynn McIntyre

Mike McLoughlin

Jennifer Mendoza

Al Merrill

Chris Miller

Christine Miller

Fred Moeller

Carol Morgan

Kathy Morgan

Stu Moring

Jack Murphy

Tricia Novarro

Bob O’Brien

Joy Pooler

Debra Powell

Righteous PR

Chuck Pugh

Ashwin Ramaswami

Cheryl Rand

Jan Satterfield

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Joanne Simmons

Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Matthew Tyser

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Jonathan Washburn

Sally White

Jamie Wimberly

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Amour & Duane Carthy Adam Corder

Robert Flint Robin Fricton

Amy Bergin

Brown

Casas

David Conti Charlcie Forehand

Roderick Liptrot Tom McMurrain

Marie Gualtiere

Kim Truett

Wise Jr.

Mark Rundle

NOTICE OF BOND ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on November 7, 2023, an election will be held in all of the election districts of the City of Dunwoody, Georgia (the “City”), at which election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of the City the question of whether the City should issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000 (the “Bonds”) for the purpose of financing the capital projects listed in the form of the ballot below, the costs of issuing the Bonds and capitalized interest on the Bonds.

The Bonds, if so authorized, may be issued in whole or in part and in one or more series. The Bonds shall be dated the first day of the calendar month in which the Bonds are issued or the day the Bonds are issued and shall bear interest at rates not exceeding 8% per year (based upon a 360day year comprised of twelve thirty-day months). The principal shall mature (by scheduled maturity or by mandatory redemption) in the years and amounts, as follows:

The principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at a bank or banks to be designated later.

Voters desiring to vote for the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “YES” and voters desiring to vote against the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “NO” as to the question propounded substantially as follows:

“Shall the City of Dunwoody, Georgia (the “City”) issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000 for the purpose of financing (a) the acquisition, construction, installation, improvement and equipping of (i) parks and recreational areas, (ii) greenspace and (iii) trails, (b) the costs of issuing the bonds and (c) capitalized interest on the bonds? Such approval shall also constitute an approval of the increase in the City’s current millage cap of 3.04 only to the extent necessary to repay the bonds.”

The several places for holding said election shall be in the regular and established election districts of the City, and the polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on the said date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with the laws of the State of Georgia.

The last day to register to vote in this election shall be October 10, 2023.

Those residents qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance with election laws of the State of Georgia.

Any brochures, listings or other advertisements issued by the City or by any other person, firm, corporation or association with the knowledge and consent of the City, shall be deemed to be a statement of intention of the City concerning the use of the proceeds of the Bonds; and such statement of intention shall be binding on the City in the expenditure of any such Bond funds or interest received from such Bond funds which have been invested.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 36-82-100, the City notifies all interested parties that no independent performance audit or performance review (the “Bond Audit”) will be conducted with respect to the Bonds. However, the City will continue to ensure that Bond proceeds are expended efficiently and economically, as intended by the Bond Audit.

This notice is given pursuant to a resolution of the City Council and an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Dekalb County Board of Registrations and Elections.

CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA

By:_______________________________________

Its Municipal Elections Superintendent

Continued from Page 16

You might be saying to yourself, “Hey, Japanese beetles destroy my flowers every year!” or “White grubs are the bane of my lawn!” If you’re in this camp, you will be happy to see blue-winged wasps in your landscape. These insect predators help keep beetle populations low and are considered our garden allies. They begin foraging for beetles once the white grubs are numerous, generally around August in north-central Georgia.

Blue-winged wasps are also great pollinators of garden plants and native flora! Searching and digging for grubs is no easy feat, so wasps visit flowers for a quick “snack” of pollen and nectar, which are high in protein and carbs, respectively. Visiting flowers gives them the energy they need to continue their search for prey, and they unwittingly pollinate our plants in the process. According to Penn State University Extension, they are especially fond of goldenrod!

DEATH NOTICES

Mary Abernathy, 76, of Roswell, passed away on October 1, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Frances Alston, 98, of Roswell, passed away on September 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

So don’t fret if you see these insect allies patrolling the ground in your yard. These gentle wasps are helping keep Japanese beetle and June bug populations under control, and they pollinate our native plants in the process.

Thank you to our Fulton County clients who reached out about these beautiful wasps. Luckily, these clients sent great photos I could use to make an identification. If you’ve seen an interesting or strange insect in your yard, send some photos to me at gabrielle.latora@uga.edu or to any of our Agriculture and Natural Resources team.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative. Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net.

Learn more

• Blue-winged wasp factsheet - https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/blue-wingedwasp

• Blue Winged Wasp, Scolia dubia—is a Real Asset! - https://extension. psu.edu/blue-winged-wasp-scolia-dubia-is-a-real-asset

• Garden Wasps – Where is the Love? - https://ugaurbanag.com/gardenwasps-where-is-the-love/

• UGA Extension Fulton County - https://extension.uga.edu/countyoffices/fulton.html

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardenershttps://youtu.be/NZ3um6QXXKc.

Jennifer Tatum Fredette, 36, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 30, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dr. Jan Hines, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Patricia McGarry, 79, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 30, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sharon Newman, 90, of Milton, passed away on September 25, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mabel Scott, 91, of Roswell, passed away on September 29, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Insulation

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

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Garage Sale

DUNWOODY: Hidden Branches

Subdivision; 1250 Winding Branch Circle 30338. Friday 10/13, 10AM-3PM and Saturday 10/14, 9AM-3PM. Beautiful dollhouse. Dishes. Rack of outerwear. Steil blower in great condition. Plus more.

Handyman

MATTHEW THE HANDYMAN

Carpentry, Painting, Drywall, Plumbing, Electrical and Small Jobs. 404-547-2079

Electricians

Belco Electric

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians Check out our new website: BelcoInc.com and follow us on: 770-455-4556

Miscellaneous

Budget Fabrics And Upholstery

*DISCOUNT PRICES*

-FREE Design Consultation• Thousands of designer fabrics IN STOCK Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-3 770-396-6891 770-396-6824

770-318-7762

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 5:00 pm