City planners defer rezoning request for Mount Vernon Shopping Center
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Planning Commission deferred action Oct. 8 on a rezoning of the Mount Vernon Shopping Center, which would give property owners more options for tenants.
Three major corridors, Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody Club Drive and Jett Ferry Road, create the unique triangular shape of the struggling commercial area.
At a July 31 community meeting, Branch Properties senior management ensured nearby residents that the request is for a rezoning, not a full-scale redevelopment.
Branch Properties told Appen Media Aug. 1 that the rezoning is an opportunity to collaborate with neighbors and improve the shopping center.
“We can all agree that the vacant box is detrimental to the property and the community,” the statement says. “Our objective is to attract a tenant that will positively engage the community.”
Branch Properties, a grocery-focused real estate investment firm, owns the three parcels up for rezoning at 2480
See REZONE, Page 15
KARA GRANT/PROVIDED
Volunteers at Kingswood Church in Dunwoody load water, food and other hurricane relief supplies on a truck for delivery to Augusta and nearby areas. Kingswood is one of several local United Methodist churches sending truckloads of supplies to storm victims.
Kingswood Church joins area campaign to aid storm victims
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Partnering with the city of Dunwoody and other local congregations, Kingswood Church has delivered three full trucks of supplies to the Augusta area.
Following the Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church organized an effort to send water, bread and other staples, non-perishable food, equipment and cleaning supplies to the Augusta area.
Kingswood is a congregation of The United Methodist Church, which reports more than 12 million members across the globe.
Founded in 1968, the church has a range of ministries for all ages to serve the community in faith, including active youth and scouting ministries, Kingswood Preschool and mission programs.
Local United Methodist churches participating in this effort include Dunwoody, Chamblee First, Sandy Springs, Winters Chapel, Simpsonwood, Mount Carmel and Haygood Memorial.
A spokesperson for Kingswood UMC says more churches throughout the region coordinated delivery of much-needed supplies and scheduling of work crews near Augusta, Valdosta and other hard-hit areas of Georgia.
Corporations with a local presence, including Publix Perimeter Marketplace, donated supplies for the relief effort.
Dana Everhart, senior pastor of Kingswood Church, said it’s wonderful to see the community come together to meet just a small portion of the tremendous need that
See DONATION, Page 5
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher
DICK WILLIAMS Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
POLICE BLOTTER
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Man cited for firing gun as thief was stealing car
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested a 37-year-old Dunwoody man Oct. 4 after he allegedly fired shots at a suspect attempting to steal his vehicle from the Drexel Collective apartments off Perimeter Center East.
An officer said he contacted the suspected shooter, who told him he had jumped over his balcony railing and fired shots at his 2020 Dodge Charger as it was being stolen.
The report contains no information about the car theft suspect.
The officer said the Dunwoody man took him inside the apartment and surrendered his Glock 19.
After a search of the parking lot outside the apartment, officers said they collected two 9mm casings.
Officers said they informed the suspect that Georgia’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows residents to defend themselves from attacks but are not intended to promote taking justice into their own hands.
The suspect was arrested for reckless conduct and transported to DeKalb County Jail.
Store reports shoplifter pulled Taser in getaway
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police are investigating an assault and shoplifting incident at Dillard’s Perimeter Mall after a suspect allegedly brandished a Taser and left with $3,000 in merchandise Oct. 3.
The store manager said he saw a male suspect filling a bag with dozens of designer T-shirts, valued at between $60$80 each.
When the manager approached the suspect, he said the man activated a
Taser, causing him to retreat.
The manager said the suspect left the store with around $3,000 in merchandise. He said the store would like to press charges for the shoplifting and assault because of the potential danger to employees and customers.
Officers said a witness told them he heard the manager yell, “he’s stealing,” and the sound of an activated Taser. When the witness walked toward the sounds of distress, he said the suspect walked out the front doors.
Officers said security footage showed the suspect’s confrontation with the manager.
No suspect has been identified.
Felon on probation charged with battery
ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Police arrested a 35-year-old Fulton County man Oct. 4 for obstruction, drug possession and battery of a public officer after discovering his active warrants.
The officer said he saw a man walking down the middle of Oak Street in historic downtown Roswell around midnight and instructed him to keep to the sidewalk.
The man said he was rushing to make the bus to Sandy Springs and provided the officer with his identification.
After a Georgia Crime Information Center search, the officer said it showed an active warrant for probation violation out of Fulton County with original charges for statutory rape, armed robbery and possession of marijuana. The officer also said the suspect is a registered sex offender.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office lists him as a wanted fugitive after his arrests in 2009 and 2011. His sentence was 15 years.
The suspect, identified as Justin Lane Byrd, began his incarceration in June 2012 and was released in July 2021.
The Roswell Police report did not indicate what the probation violation was specifically for.
After detaining Byrd, the officer called dispatch to confirm the active warrant.
Soon after, the officer said Byrd took
off running.
After he tackled the suspect, the officer said he eventually gained topside control after a ground struggle and waited for backup.
The officer said he sustained lacerations and bruises during the fight.
American Medical Response personnel treated Byrd for injuries.
During a search of the suspect, officers said they found a baggie of presumed controlled substances and a pipe.
They said a field test of the substance was positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Officers charged Byrd with battery of a public officer, felony obstruction of law enforcement, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center for treatment.
Records from the Fulton County Sherrif’s Office show Byrd’s warrants for two probation violations related to his Oct. 4 arrest.
It’s not clear, as of press time, where Byrd is being held.
Police cite driver on Ga. 400 with open container charge
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 29-year-old Lawrenceville man was charged with operating a vehicle with an open alcohol container Sept. 29.
Police were dispatched to Ga. 400 at the northbound Mansell Road offramp after receiving a report of an unconscious driver, according to an Alpharetta police report.
An officer found the driver sitting in the driver’s seat with an open alcoholic beverage in the driver side door panel, according to the report.
After regaining consciousness with the help of EMTs, the man told officers he had dozed off because he had been awake all day.
The man also was charged with stopping, standing or parking in a specified place.
Dunwoody gears up for South Asian festival of lights
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Create Dunwoody is rolling out several workshops to celebrate the second annual “Diwali in Dunwoody,” a three-day celebration showcasing the South Asian festival of lights.
Create Dunwoody is a nonprofit focused on driving economic growth and increasing engagement between the city government and arts, culture and business communities.
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most significant annual celebrations for the South Asian community. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists celebrate the holiday to symbolize the victory of inner light over spiritual darkness.
Create Dunwoody is partnering with Dunwoody Nature Center, Spruill Center for the Arts, Stage Door Theatre and East by Southeast for the second year of festivities.
The Dunwoody Nature Center and the Spruill Center for the Arts Education Center are hosting the multicultural celebrations, offering an immersive experience to showcase the essence of Diwali and community landmarks.
Events kick off with Stage Door Theatre leading the “The Story of
Diwali: A Forest Walk” Oct. 17-18 at the Dunwoody Nature Center. There are two shows each night with checkins at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Organizers says attendees
will be transported to the Indian subcontinent and learn about the ancient story celebrating family, loyalty, light over darkness and good over evil.
Tickets are $20. To register, visit bit.ly/DiwaliStorywalk2024.
The Spruill Center for the Arts Education Center will host two workshops Oct. 19, providing an interactive experience for children of all ages.
Organizers say participants will learn how to make rangoli, an art form that is used to welcome prosperity and happiness during the Diwali season. Attendees will also make and decorate diyas, or clay lamps, which are lit during the holiday to signify triumph of light over darkness.
Each workshop is one hour, beginning at 3 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15. Register at bit.ly/ RangoliDiwali2024.
Rosemary Watts, executive director of Create Dunwoody, said her organization is thrilled to bring festivities back this year.
“This immersive experience is a chance to showcase all that Dunwoody has to offer from community landmarks to businesses and highlight its vibrant community,” Watts said. “We encourage businesses, organizations and the community to join us in these celebrations, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Dr. Jeff Priluck Dunwoody’s only Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD)
Dr. Priluck brings the same level of excellence, precision and quality of care to enhance your smile and brighten your face as he has for over 40 years. He is also a certified provider of Botox and Juvaderm cosmetic products.
CREATE DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
Businesswoman Jenny Pruitt was ‘a leader worth following’
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Jenny Sanford Pruitt made her mark as a local business leader and mentor to others during her five decades as a Realtor.
She founded two real estate firms involved with billions of dollars of deals and guided countless young professionals. Her success in a male-dominated industry made an impression on the women who followed her lead.
“It was really amazing to work with someone in the business world. One of the first female business owners in real estate in Atlanta was Jenny Pruitt,” Realtor and Pruitt protégé Jennifer Pino said. “She broke all kinds of glass ceilings in Atlanta.”
Pruitt passed away on Sept. 27, at age 85, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
She founded Jenny Pruitt and Associates in 1988, which she sold to a company owned by Warren Buffett. In 2007, she founded Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. Buffett sued her, but the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
“She won. She was just a badass,” Atlanta Fine Homes Realtor Christine Croce said. “She’s still an inspiration to me, even though I never really got to know her one-on-one.”
Pruitt’s colleagues said she made friends quickly and gained a reputation for putting people first, while maintaining her status as a formidable businesswoman.
“She had never met a stranger,” Realtor and colleague Kay Quigley said. “She was probably the best dinner companion you could get, and she was also a great speaker.”
Quigley worked with Pruitt for 18 years and considered her
a personal and professional mentor.
She was a shrewd negotiator and a fair, if stern, entrepreneur.
Quigley noted Pruitt could answer questions effortlessly after she’d finished making a speech.
“It was like he had rehearsed to reply to the crowd,” Quigley said. “She was very polished.”
Pruitt was known as a woman of steadfast Christian faith. It guided everything she did, Pino said. She began working for Pruitt at Atlanta Fine Homes in 2011.
“She was a very bold leader with incredible faith and she really epitomized the phrase, ‘servant leader.’ That was written about Jenny. She could’ve coined that phrase,” Pino said. “Everything that she did was about serving others, even when it came to her mentoring our management team. She would say, ‘Focus on supporting the agents and the bottom line will come.’”
Pruitt would send inspirational emails weekly to her friends and colleagues. Pino said she kept the emails and turned to them when she struggled.
“She showed it was possible to be in the workplace, and be a part of the business community and live out your faith, boldly and out loud,” Pino said.
Pino said she was incredible at selling real estate, but her authenticity made her special.
“That authenticity of caring for people first made her a leader worth following,” Pino said.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church with a reception afterward.
is part of what makes Dunwoody a great city.”
Continued from Page 1
exists after the hurricane.
“I’m grateful for all of those in Dunwoody and at our partner churches who contributed to this effort,” Everhart said. “The generosity of those in the community
The congregation was set to celebrate World Communion Sunday along with churches around the world. Offerings collected Sunday, Oct. 13 go toward the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which has resources on the ground throughout the Southeast assisting with recovery efforts.
PRUITT
Customers paying their taxes at the Memorial Dr. tax office will use the UGA Extension entrance located at the front of the building from Nov. 4–15, (weekdays). EXTENDED HOURS: Nov. 12–15 from 8 AM until 6 PM. Clairmont Rd. and South DeKalb Mall until 4:30 PM. Closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.
Know before you go:
Second installment is due Nov. 15. The first installment was due Sept. 30. Bills for City of Atlanta properties DeKalb are due Nov. 15. Bring your bill stub and valid Georgia ID or Georgia driver’s license.
Acceptable payment methods include credit/debit card, check or money order. Processing fees apply for credit/debit card payments. Parking is available near the UGA Extension Service lot facing Memorial Drive. Disabled customers may use the Property Tax entrance off Northern Ave. Security screening is required for service.
Payment methods:
ONLINE: Visit publicaccess.dekalbtax.org. Credit/debit card payments are accepted; processing fees apply. There is no service fee for paying by e-Check.
PAY-BY-PHONE: Call 770-336-7500, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Credit/debit card payments are accepted; processing fees apply. There is no fee for paying by e-Check.
DROP BOX: 24-hour drop box available at all three office locations. Payment must be placed in the box by the due date; cash not accepted.
IN PERSON: Central Office, 4380 Memorial Dr., Decatur, GA 30032; North Office, 3653 Clairmont Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341; South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Rd., Suite 66, Decatur, GA 30034. MAIL: Must be postmarked by the USPS by the due date to avoid late fees; metered or kiosk postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely payment Please consider alternative payment methods due to ongoing mail delivery issues.
Payments made in the office, by phone or online are posted same day; checks, including e-checks, are posted in 5 business days Before cancelling a payment, please contact the office with payment concerns to avoid NSF and/or late fees.
To view and pay your bill online, or for more information, visit the Tax Commissioner's Office website: Follow us! @DeKalbTaxGA
404-298-4000 | proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
TALK BACK TO THE CRIER
Sponsors, owners credited for Home Tour’s success
On behalf of the members of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club (DWC), we extend our heartfelt thanks to the homeowners who graciously opened their stunning residences for our 51st annual Home Tour on October 9. Their generosity and warm hospitality played a crucial role in the success of this major fundraiser. As a token of our appreciation each homeowner was gifted a beautiful painting of their home created by talented local artist Pat Fiorello.
We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors and donors for their unwavering support of this event. A special acknowledgment goes to the Spruill Center for the Arts and Spruill Gallery for their assistance and participation in this year’s Home Tour. We also appreciate the efforts of Mount Vernon Printing, the Dunwoody Crier and the Dunwoody Gallery for their help with this year’s Home Tour. And we thank our raffle donors, Linda Rickles, Lauderhills Fine Jewelry, and Woodhouse Spa for their generous contributions. DWC is grateful to all of our guests
who purchased tickets this year. We hope you enjoyed your day at the 51st home tour.
DWC is a service organization of women joining together to expand their skills and apply their abilities. Our members are community leaders whose financial and service contributions have helped shape Dunwoody and the surrounding community. DWC members have helped to forge the strong sense of community enjoyed by all who live in this thriving Atlanta area. The funds raised from the Home Tour will directly support our local and national charitable programs, allowing us to continue our commitment to service in the community. Thank you all for your continued support and dedication! DWC is proud to have been a driving force behind the formation of Stage Door Theatre, Spruill Center for the Arts and the Dunwoody Nature Center.
With Heartfelt Appreciation, Terry Kemp DWC, Home Tour Chair
Send your letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com by Sunday night and they’ll end up here that week. Park locations, tree-lined medians and backyard chickens welcome.
Rules of engagement:
• Typically we restrict letters to 300 words. To limit fury from the copy desk, try and stay below that line.
• We normally do not publish letters written in response to other letters. We are going to waive that policy for the time being.
• We won’t publish your letter or name without explicitly getting your approval.
OCT. 24
DINNER & BINGO! BINGO starts promptly at 7:30pm Doors Open at 6:30pm
OUR LAST BINGO OF ‘24. NO BINGO IN NOV. & DEC.
Open to the community—FUN for everyone! We will have a dinner offering and desserts (prices vary, always affordable). Beer and wine $4. Soft drinks $2.
$18 admission w/cash payouts OVER $900 plus 50/50 split the cash drawing. FREE door-prize drawings. All Saints Social Hall, 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, doors open at 6:30pm. Limited to the first 175 people.
TRUCK or TREAT TRUCK or TREAT
dunwoody food truck thursday finale
Help us close out the Dunwoody Food Truck Thursday season with food trucks, live music, and candy galore!
Food trucks will be in their usual spot between the skate park and playground.
Parks & Rec candy tables, sponsor tables, and decorated Dunwoody Police personnel and vehicles will be in the front field.
Happy Halloween!
School lunch memories from 1938 and 1978
School lunch likely evokes certain memories depending on when and where you attended school.
L. C. Orr shared some of his memories with me in 2014. He and his family rented a home where Peachtree Charter Middle School is today. He attended Doraville Elementary School in the 1930s and usually brought a biscuit and piece of ham steak in a metal lunch box. Doraville School was located on Tilly Mill Road near Flowers Road.
In the 1930s, social activist Frances Pauley worked to get a school lunch program in DeKalb County. She held meetings with principals, parents and public health officials. Pauley said, “In the depression, many children didn’t have enough to eat, and I thought if they could just get one real meal a day it would help.”
Dunwoody School began serving hot lunches in 1938. They were the second school in DeKalb County to do so. Principal Elizabeth Davis shared memories of those days with Arden Skrabanek, writer of “The Luncheon Scene,” for the September 7, 1978 Dunwoody Crier.
The 1938 refrigerator and oven were donated to the school by Georgia Power. Trays for carrying the lunches were donated by the Coca-Cola Company. Dishes and cookware came from the army surplus store and the PTA raised the money needed to purchase utensils. The children picked up their trays from the kitchen and took them to eat at their desks in the classroom.
Children at Dunwoody School in the early 1940s with their lunch trays. The students in the photograph include Jackie Howington, Jimmy Donaldson, Anne Renfroe, James Ford, Gerry Burrell, and Ken Anderson. To the right is Ola Womack Spruill and in the back of the room is Principal Elizabeth Davis.
Davis ordered produce, canned goods and meat to be delivered from Burdett’s Grocery in Sandy Springs. Milk was delivered from J. C. Loyd’s Dairy in Chamblee, but some children brought milk from home. Ola Womack Spruill prepared the lunches and is remembered for her graham biscuits and cookies.
Jane Anderson Autry attended Dunwoody School in the 1940s and recalled that families were charged twentyfive cents a week for their child to eat the hot lunch. Another option was to bring in
a dozen eggs from home to pay for a week of lunches.
Arden Skranabek also reported on 1978 updates to lunch at Dunwoody Elementary School. Dietician Kay Norvell had recently been hired to oversee the lunch program. Norvell used a suggestion box to receive input from students. Children would be able to get a regular lunch or visit the new salad bar and have bread, milk and dessert on the side. Norvell hoped to introduce more nutritional foods while also serving lunches
the children would enjoy.
One thing that remained the same from 1938 to 1978, the hamburger was a popular school lunch item for children. The price of a Dunwoody School lunch in 1978-50 cents.
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.
Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
ANDERSON FAMILY/SPECIAL
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED
Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks & Culture Department is working to bring more native plants to public sites like the Alpha Loop.
How are cities incorporating native plants in landscaping?
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
Community engagement is an essential part of Appen Media’s newsroom strategy.
That’s why reporters for the Herald and Crier newspapers seek out all sorts of reader questions. Sometimes those inquiries don’t lead to standalone stories because of time restraints or, more simply, the answers can be short.
Here are a few questions Appen has received and the answers your reporter has dug up.
What are local governments doing to incorporate native plants in landscapes?
In Alpharetta, city officials are working to bring native plants to public spaces to create natural habitats for animals.
They also work to remove invasive species, said Morgan Rodgers, director of Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks & Culture Department
Plants native to Georgia have been incorporated in the Alpha Loop’s landscaping design, said Amanda Musilli, community services manager.
In the next couple of weeks, they will be planted for a redesign at the Wills Park Recreation Center. A landscaping redesign at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center will also receive native plants.
Some of the plants include beautyberry, rabbiteye blueberry, milkweed, mountain mint, black eyed Susan, southern beardtongue, whorled coreopsis and oak leaf hydrangea.
“They provide food and habitat for our native pollinators and insects and birds,” Musilli said. “If we don’t create the habitat for the lowest part of the food
Ready for those weekend getaways?
Have a question? Send it to newsroom@appenmedia.com or go to appenmedia.com/ask.
chain, we don't have anything higher up.”
The native plants are visually beautiful but also sonically, she said. They attract animals like crickets, frogs and birds, which contribute a natural symphony to local communities.
“It’s essential to our life,” she said.
Anyone interested in getting involved with planting or donating local plants is encouraged to reach out to the City of Alpharetta at amusilli@alpharetta.ga.us.
What are the standards for marking bike lanes?
The Georgia Department of Transportation provides guidelines for the marking of bike lanes in the state.
Bike lanes can be indicated with an arrow or cyclist symbol on the far side of the intersection six feet beyond a crosswalk, according to the department. They also can be placed on long uninterrupted sections of roadway based on the judgment of engineers.
Lines markings define the boundaries of the lane, which are recommended to be 5 feet wide. The width can increase to 6 feet when adjacent to structures like guardrails.
I haven’t gotten a newspaper in the past several weeks. Will it return?
Yes! If you have not received a paper, send an email to the circulation desk at circulation@appenmedia.com with your name and address. Our delivery folks try their best, but with 105,000 copies going out each week it’s a tough task. Let us know if you are having delivery issues and we will take care of it.
Stage Door Theatre kicks off season 51
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Stage Door Theatre opened its 51st season of productions Oct. 12 with the classic whodunnit, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” at the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center.
“The Mousetrap” is the longestrunning West End show and follows a group of seven strangers at a country manor near London, England.
Christie’s murder mystery is known for its twist ending, which audiences are asked to keep secret for first-time viewers.
Like all worthwhile thrillers, the characters soon discover that one of them is a murder, setting up a race against time to discover the killer’s identity and avoid being the next victim.
Jaclyn Hoffman, director of Stage Door Theatre’s production of the timeless classic, said she credits Christie’s interesting characters with some of the play’s appeal.
“I love the characters in this piece ... everyone has a secret that propels them through the show, making them fascinating to watch,” Hoffman said. “It also means that everyone is a suspect.”
“The Mousetrap” represents a nod to Stage Door’s past, which has included decades of Neil Simon comedies and classic musicals.
The theater said the artistic direction
If you go
What: The Mousetrap
When: October 12-27, Thu-Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sun at 2:30 p.m.
Where: StageDoor Theatre
Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Intermission: 15 minutes
Cost: $28 (Adult), $20 (Student), $15 (Child)
changed a few times after the pandemic before settling in the hands of Justin Ball, Stage Door’s producing artistic director for the past three years.
“[The musical’s] timelessness sets the tone for the new season, as we celebrate Stage Door's equally long history in Dunwoody, while looking forward to sharing new classics in the making,” Ball said.
“The Mousetrap” runs through Oct. 27.
Other productions from Stage Door Theatre this season include “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” Dec. 7-22; “Cry It Out,” Feb. 1-16; “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” April 1020; and “Orange,” Aug. 9-24.
For tickets and more information, visit stagedoortheatrega.org/.
SKIN CONCERNS?
DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENTS
From left, Stage Door Theatre actors Corey Phelps,
in “The Mousetrap,” running Oct. 12-27 at the Dunwoody
Stage Door Theatre’s next production is “Every Christmas
running Dec. 7-22.
CASEY GARDNER FORD/PROVIDED
J.L. Reed and Daniel Hilton perform
Cultural Arts Center.
Story Ever Told,”
Sponsored
The “Dead Hand”
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
This is often a topic of debate in estate planning, as overly restrictive conditions can be legally challenged or ignored. The term “dead hand” captures the idea of a deceased individual exerting control over their assets and their heirs long after their death. In the realm of estate planning, this concept is often debated as it involves setting conditions that govern how one’s estate is handled and how heirs should behave. While the intention behind such conditions may be to ensure that the estate is managed in a way that aligns with the deceased’s wishes, these stipulations can sometimes be deemed overly restrictive or impractical. This can lead to legal challenges or outright disregard by heirs, as courts often grapple with the balance between honoring the deceased’s wishes and
maintaining reasonable freedom for the living. Ultimately, the concept of the “dead hand” underscores the complex interplay between legacy, control, and the evolving needs of future generations. This underscores why you need expert attorney to balance your wishes with the need to set certain conditions and restrictions that you feel are necessary for the welfare of your beneficiaries to ensure compliance after your death.
We understand you might have numerous questions about Estate Planning, and we address EVERY single one during our live workshops!
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
October/November Workshops:
Nov. 6 – 6 pm
Nov. 12 – 4
Thurs., Nov. 14 – 11 am Thurs., Oct. 17 – 11 am Wed., Oct. 23 – 6 pm Tues., Oct. 29 – 4 pm Thurs., Oct. 31 – 11 am
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done. Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls! Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings. Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
Kate Austin, the entrepreneur behind Crabapple Market’s Flowerfolk, works on an arrangement behind the shop’s front desk. Flowerfolk, a name chosen to reflect Austin’s desire to grow a community centered on flowers, opened Oct. 5 during Milton’s annual Crabapple Fest.
Flowerfolk offers natural take
at Milton’s Crabapple Market
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Just four days after receiving its certificate of occupancy, Flowerfolk opened its suite doors Oct. 5 at Crabapple Market to thousands of patrons at Milton’s annual arts and antiques festival.
Flowerfolk is not just a neighborhood bouquet shop, it sports garden goods, home décor, baby gifts, plants and natural beauty products.
Kate Austin, owner of Flowerfolk, promises her customers a few things they may not find elsewhere in North Fulton County.
The shop partners with sustainable farmers, seeks out local providers, does not use any foam products or chemicals and strives to match its offerings with each season. It delivers flowers and arrangements to Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and parts of Johns Creek, Canton and Woodstock.
“There’s an entire movement called the slow flower movement,” Austin said. “It’s locally grown flowers, not only are they rare and heirloom in style, but they’re grown in more of a single-batch style rather than mass produced.”
One of her favorite local partners, Little Flora Farm in Woodstock, is committed to the movement and Flowerfolk’s primary partner.
Austin loves dahlias, and her North Georgia partners make sure she has everyone’s favorites.
If Milton residents are looking for a
floral greeting card, tea towel or some seeds to jump start their backyard garden, Flowerfolk has them all.
The shop’s specialties are custom flower creations. It asks customers to tell them which designs speak to them and how long they want it to last. What’s more, patrons have the option to schedule deliveries throughout the year.
Anyone with limited vision would still have no trouble knowing they are in a flower shop after walking into Suite 103 at 12620 Crabapple Road. The aromas throughout the shop hit noses immediately.
Someone with perfect vision may think they’re in an interior design studio or an antique store, which only complements the room’s flower-focused atmosphere.
Austin, the entrepreneur behind downtown Milton’s new specialty flower shop, is an Atlanta native.
“We moved when I was like three or four years old, so Atlanta is technically home, and I have a lot of family here,” Austin said. “I went to college in Ohio, and shortly after, my husband and I moved to San Diego, California and we were there for 15 years.”
She said they moved right after the Great Recession hit in the late 2000s, and ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Austin and her family back east.
Austin said she ended up using her college degree in communications and marketing to work for New York Times best-selling author Tony Robbins.
See FLOWER, Page 13
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Flower:
Continued from Page 12
Robbins, internationally known as a life and business strategist, gave Austin the experience and confidence she needed as a young professional far away from home.
Robbins has his detractors, skeptics and controversies, but the millions of people who say he’s changed their lives are a testament to the impact one person can make.
One of those millions is Kate Austin.
“Year after year, I would get thrown these different things in the content space,” she said. “I really got propelled into this fast-paced career traveling the world.”
Robbins connects with his audiences, and Austin wants to create a community in her new home.
One of Austin’s projects for Robbins was his Business Mastery program, which sparked the desire to have her own entrepreneurial pursuit.
“It’s funny how life works … fast forward to COVID … I grow this garden and am still working for Tony,” Austin said. “My son and I would be in the garden all the time.”
She said she’s always been a flower person after growing up in her grandmother’s garden, but the pandemic allowed her slow down, get intentional and look for wholesome connections.
The mother of three said she reassessed. After a couple visits to North Fulton County, the couple moved across the country. Her kids attend Summit Hill Elementary and Northwestern Middle schools just a couple blocks north of the shop on Ga. 372.
“It’s been a year of just insane catapulting into your dreams,” Austin said. “When I think back to my childhood, there were flowers everywhere all the time.”
The love for nature is intergenerational in the family.
The pandemic had a silver lining for Austin and her family. While it uprooted American life, the pandemic also brought with some developments in flower
FLOWERFOLK/PROVIDED
A floral arrangement hangs over the entrance to Flowerfolk at 12620 Crabapple Road, Suite 103..
technology.
Flowerfolk has coolers for preserving fresh flowers, but also focuses on its dried and silk products, which have only grown in popularity since 2020.
“I think they all serve different purposes and are beautiful,” Austin said.
Starting a new business is no small feat, but Flowerfolk has great partnerships.
The next steps are the rollout of workshops for the community to get a taste of the shop’s expertise.
There are lots of new things that go along with running a flower shop, like buying flowers on mass scale, scheduling orders almost daily and juggling supply and demand.
“We haven’t had any real challenges in the process, but I think that’s partly following the path and knowing what you’re getting into,” she said. “It’s just taking baby steps every single day.”
Austin said the process of picking out furniture, designing the shop, working with the city of Milton and the building’s owners Orkin and Associates went smoothly.
“I named it Flowerfolk for a reason … [it] is the community,” she said. “That’s what I’m hoping to create.”
MORE TO ENJOY Every Day
At Regency House by Barclay House, we believe senior living should be vibrant living. That’s why we go the extra mile to enrich our resident's lifestyles by making every day exciting. Our activities calendars have something for everyone, from art projects to shopping trips and everything in between. Plus, with three home-style meals every day and weekly light housekeeping, you can spend less time worrying about the little things and more time doing what you enjoy! Schedule your personal tour today and start pursuing your happiness!
Matters.
Because Every Client Matters.
From Common To Captivating
Annual Veterans Day Tribute to include two new sculptures
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The city’s 15th annual Veterans Day Tribute is Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre
The event is free, and all are invited to attend to honor the service and sacrifice of United States veterans.
The city encourages residents and businesses to attend, honor veterans in each service branch, enjoy patriotic music and hear from city leaders, like Mayor Rusty Paul, on the significance of service.
Former Sandy Springs City Manager and retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. John McDonough will serve as keynote speaker for the ceremony.
McDonough was the city’s first city manager, serving from 2006-19.
After the tribute in Byers Theatre, attendees will be escorted across the street to Veterans Park for the dedication of two new art sculptures.
While different in style, the city says the sculptures create an
emotional focal point for the park. Curtis Pittman’s “Be the Light” is a 33-foot-tall, internally lit structure designed to emulate a flame, symbolizing eternal light. Anchored in three places, visitors can walk under and through the sculpture.
The seven spires representing the seven military branches reflect Pittman’s vision of creating an aspirational tribute to those who serve.
Facing the flame is Atlanta artist Kevin Chambers’ “Three Generations,” a bronze statue depicting a multigenerational family honoring a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice. The humanity captured in their expressions, filled with hope and reverence, creates a profoundly moving tribute.
Sandy Springs proudly honors the sacrifice and valor of local heroes year-round at Veterans Park.
To purchase a personalized paver or bench for a loved one, visit www.sandyspringsfoundation.org/ veterans/.
Sandy Springs announces fall lineup of community fun
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Cooler weather and changing leaves are bringing Sandy Springers three community gatherings to wrap up the month of October and welcome in autumn.
Fall festivities begin at Morgan Falls Overlook Park Oct. 19 from 12-3 p.m. with the fifth annual “Paws and Pastries,” giving residents and their dogs an afternoon of socializing.
This year, the free dog costume contest will be on the greenspace abutting the park pavilion, due to ongoing improvements to Morgan Falls Dog Park.
All entries must be submitted before 12:30 p.m. with judging beginning at 1 p.m.
The city says the space will be temporarily fenced-in and encourages dog owners to check out park rules.
Pets compete in three categories: small or under 25 pounds; medium or between 25 and 60 pounds; and large or more than 60 pounds.
The costume contest is optional, and spectators are encouraged to attend.
If residents miss the Saturday
afternoon at Morgan Falls, the city’s inaugural “OktoberFEAST” begins on the City Green off Galambos Way at 3 p.m. Oct. 19.
Sandy Springs invites the community to enjoy a Bavarian celebration, including traditional cuisine, live music from German bands, polka lessons and a selection of authentic beers for adults 21 and over.
The free celebration runs from 3-9 p.m. on Oct. 19-20, with food and beverages available for purchase.
October wraps up with the annual “Spooky Springs” event Saturday, Oct. 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park.
The free, family-friendly celebration features trick-or-treating, face painting, live music and offerings from food trucks including Dogs on Wheels, Qn2 BBQ and Three Tikis.
The city says fog machines will enhance the festive atmosphere as families don their favorite costumes to partake in Halloween’s cherished tradition.
For updates on the fall events, check out instagram.com/ cityofsandysprings/.
Rezone:
and 2526 Mount Vernon Road as well as 2495 Jett Ferry Road.
At the property owner’s July 31 meeting, a statement from the Galloway Law Group said the purpose of the rezoning is to increase the diversity of tenants in the existing buildings.
Nearby residents, speaking during the July meeting and to the Planning Commission Oct. 8, brought different perspectives to the discussion on what best anchors the shopping center.
Some nearby neighbors are uncertain of what a rezoning of the shopping center means, pushing back on any intention to add multifamily housing. One resident, John Woodward, suggested the city purchase the triangular property and turn it into something resembling Sandy Springs’ Veterans Park on a similarly shaped site.
The four residents speaking to the Planning Commission asked for more information about allowed uses, which there is significant confusion on, and requested limited business hours.
With a neighborhood shopping, or NC, classification in city code, Branch Properties is looking to change the zoning to local commercial, or C-1.
Unfortunately for the owners and existing businesses, there has been significant turnover of anchor tenants in the development’s largest storefront at 2480 Mount Vernon Road.
One prior anchor tenant, Sprouts Farmers Market, leased the space from 2014-18, replacing shuttered businesses like Harris Teeter, Ace Hardware and Hollywood Feed.
The 36,000-plus-square-foot retail space sits in the southwest corner of the triangular Mount Vernon Shopping Center and remains vacant.
Other residents, commenting before the October Planning Commission meeting, pushed back on some of the business allowed in local commercial districts.
The applicant threw out some uses in its request, including transitional or homeless housing, recording or broadcasting studios, supplies stores, funeral homes, drive-thru facilities and any car-centric business.
The local commercial designation gives the property owners the ability to seek out potential tenants for a special events facility, indoor recreation like a tennis club, cultural exhibit or educational service, or liquor store.
Senior Planner Madalyn Smith said the Community Development Department supports Branch Properties effort to rezone the struggling commercial area, citing the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A few Dunwoody residents chat outside of the former Lidl grocery store July 31 after a community rezoning meeting at Mount Vernon shopping center. The owners, Branch Properties, pitched a rezoning to the Dunwoody Planning Commission Oct. 9 to attract a wider range of tenants.
indoor recreation, which is allowed in local commercial but not allowed in neighborhood shopping, is something the applicant specifically said they would like to explore at that site,” she said.
“We find that activating that existing storefront would really benefit the shopping center and the surrounding uses.”
There are conditions for the rezoning, which require the applicant to eliminate some local commercial uses, improve the parking lot and remove six spots encroaching the city right-of-way.
With two failed grocery stores since 2021, Branch Properties is looking to respond to market demand for additional types of commercial uses.
Galloway attorney Laurel David represented the owners at the Oct. 8 Planning Commission meeting.
“Branch is one of the larger retail developers that provides grocery stores in the Southeast … they tried very hard to get another grocery store in there, but were not able to,” she said. “A user came to them, which we discovered was not allowed … one of them is indoor pickleball with food and drink.”
David said the retail space would fit something like Atlanta’s Painted Pickle, an entertainment driven concept combining a restaurant, bar and recreation center into one.
Residents did not entirely push back on the possibly of an entertainment venue, centered around recreation. The reality of the commercial real estate industry means that the properties will have to be rezoned before tenants get serious about signing a lease.
The Planning Commission deferred a vote on the rezoning, which would send it to the City Council, asking the property owners to meet with staff and narrow uses.
“Before the meeting, publish an updated copy of the permitted uses … in addition to definitions and examples to help folks understand what they’re reading,” Chair Thomas O’Brien said. Continued from Page 1
“For example, something like
CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED
A map shows Branch Properties’ triangular site at Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody Club Drive and Jett Ferry Road in northeast Dunwoody. The Planning Commission deferred action on a rezoning of the parcels to its November meeting.
Join us for a Halloween Open House at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Dunwoody Office! Wednesday, October 23 4:00 - 7:00pm
Dress up as your favorite Halloween character, bring the kids and dogs, and enjoy a night full of treats, activities, and surprises. It’s a fun event for the whole family—don’t miss out! BHHS Georgia Dunwoody Office
This is The 805!
Brought to you by – Holy
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, located at 805 Mt. Vernon Highway, NW, in Sandy Springs, enrolls 1,395 students in Grades PK3-12. HIES is a unique, vibrant learning community filled with encouragement and every imaginable opportunity for students to explore their talents, pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.
HIES offers an educational program encompassing academics, arts, athletics and spiritual formation. Through opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally, students develop their individual worth and dignity.
The challenging academic program prepares students for higher education and emphasizes learning as a pathway
toward ethical leadership and a commitment to the common good. Students learn in small classes and actively participate in all classroom discussions. HIES is a community where close connections between students and teachers flourish within the curriculum. The Upper School offers nearly 30 Honors and Advanced Placement classes. With a team of highly regarded college counselors, HIES is committed to working closely with each student and family to help navigate the college search and application process.
As a Global Member of Round Square, an international network of 200 schools in 50 countries, HIES provides a multicultural education for students.
The school is a welcoming and supportive environment that embraces the differences inherent in a diverse community and embodies the inclusive
Episcopal tradition of respect for the beliefs of others. HIES is an active Christian community of faith engaged in local, national and international service to others.
The school is easily accessible
from all parts of Dunwoody and Metro Atlanta.
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School: This is The 805! Where students pursue their passions and are challenged to reach their full potential.
Innocents’ Episcopal School
Quality education in a loving environment
Brought to you by – St. Martin’s Episcopal School (preschool through 8th grade)
St. Martin’s Episcopal School (SMES) is Atlanta’s preschool through 8th-grade experience dedicated to graduating well-rounded individuals who wholeheartedly embrace life. St. Martin’s serves more than 625 students and offers students the personalized attention, instruction and support they need as they learn about the world and themselves through intellectual adventures, extracurricular opportunities and spiritual formation.
As an Episcopal School, students’ spiritual growth is integral to the school’s mission. Students are inspired to be good citizens, serve the community and love and respect themselves and others. Episcopal school students are led by educators who provide a competitive education and inspire students to contribute to the world’s healing.
In the classroom, the youngest students in Early Childhood enjoy a state-of-the-art Learning Center with classrooms designed explicitly for two-year-olds through fi rst grade. The curriculum emphasizes handson experiences, allowing students to explore, discover and play. In addition to classroom work, students
experience an active learning space, including a science lab, tinker space, art room and outdoor learning space to foster engagement and collaboration.
Lower School offers a vibrant community focusing on a loving structure balanced with high academic expectations grounded in an inquirybased education. Students learn life skills such as time management, teamwork, core academics, and cocurricular classes to stretch their knowledge of the world.
By actively meeting the developmental needs of early adolescents in Middle School, the program allows students to grow into themselves - academically, physically, artistically and spiritually. The Middle School has a traditional structure designed to prepare students for various challenging high school options. The stimulating curriculum engages young minds by developing sound study skills and creating inquisitive habits of mind.
The Kairos Learning Center within St. Martin’s offers a unique learning environment for students with language-based differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. This ‘school within a school’ approach allows identi fi ed students to receive additional support balanced with immersion in the overall St. Martin’s Episcopal School experience.
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 3 2:30-4:30pm
n Preschool through 8th grade
n Personalized attention and instruction
n Unique opportunities to pursue passions
n Strong spiritual formation
PROVIDED
“If a student can’t learn the way we teach… we should teach the way a student can learn.”
Brought to you by -
Mill Springs Academy
Those are the words of Mill Springs Academy’s founder, Tweetie L. Moore, and the words that Mill Springs administration, faculty, and staff continue to live by today. Founded in 1981, Mill Springs provides a valuesbased college preparatory program for students with ADHD and learning differences. Mill Springs’ school-wide Community Structure encourages students to participate in their own education by teaching self-advocacy, social problem-solving skills, and how to forge their own path. Small class sizes allow teachers to provide each student with individualized instruction. Highly skilled faculty, specialists, and counselors provide academic and social support on all levels, from kindergarten through 12, in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Mill Springs Academy also offers students a wide variety of opportunities outside the core curriculum. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more. Our
robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork and confidence. Mill Springs’ 85-acre Alpharetta campus includes indoor and outdoor classroom space, athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts facilities. We serve students from over 50 different zip codes in the Metro Atlanta area and provide four bus routes with ten stops in the morning and afternoon. To learn more about Mill Springs Academy, visit us at www.millsprings.org/visit.
Atlanta Academy earns prestigious 2024 National Blue-Ribbon School Award
Brought to you by - Atlanta Academy
Atlanta Academy, a private Preschool-8th grade school in Roswell, GA, has been named a recipient of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School Award, a recognition that highlights the school’s excellence in education. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as Atlanta Academy is one of only two private schools in Georgia to receive this year’s prestigious honor.
encouraging students to make connections between disciplines and apply their knowledge in real-world situations. Whether through hands-on science projects, creative arts, or problem-solving in mathematics, students are consistently challenged to think deeply and approach learning with enthusiasm.
Founded in 2000, Atlanta Academy serves 395 students from preschool through 8th grade and provides a holistic educational experience. The school’s mission centers around academic excellence, character development, and fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive. Small class sizes and personalized learning approaches enable teachers to understand each student’s strengths and help them unlock their full potential. At Atlanta Academy, education is about more than academic achievement— it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals prepared to succeed.
The heart of Atlanta Academy lies in its strong, supportive community. The school places a high value on collaboration between families, teachers, and students. Parents are actively involved in school life, and this close-knit environment creates a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom. This partnership plays a significant role in shaping the school’s success, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive, both academically and socially.
Atlanta Academy’s faculty is another significant component of its success. The school takes great pride in its educators, who bring a passion for teaching and a commitment to inspiring young minds. Supported by ongoing professional development, teachers continuously refine their methods to ensure they are providing the best possible education. They are dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing students to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
One of the hallmarks of Atlanta Academy is its forward-thinking curriculum. The school’s approach integrates a variety of subjects,
Atlanta Academy’s emphasis on small class sizes further enhances its educational model. By carefully observing student performance, teachers tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. This individualized approach ensures that students receive the attention and resources necessary to thrive, helping them build confidence in their abilities and prepare for future academic success.
The school’s dedication to educating the whole child extends beyond academics. Atlanta Academy fosters a nurturing culture that emphasizes character development, well-being, and happiness. Students are encouraged to practice values such as empathy, resilience, integrity, and honesty, equipping them with the emotional and social skills they will need in high school and beyond.
This commitment to excellence has culminated in the school’s recognition as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, awarded in the Exemplary High Performing category. This designation is given to schools where students consistently perform at the highest levels in state and national assessments, particularly in reading and mathematics. The award is a testament to the hard work of Atlanta Academy’s students, teachers, and families, reflecting the collective effort that makes the school a standout in Georgia and beyond.
Atlanta Academy is incredibly proud of this achievement and invites families to see what makes the school unique. To schedule a tour and learn more about Atlanta Academy’s programs, visit www. atlantaacademy.com.
PROVIDED
Providing an exceptional college preparatory program since 1976
Brought to you by -
Saint Francis School
Saint Francis School is a SACS/SAIS accredited, independent, non-profit, nonsectarian college preparatory school founded in 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic abilities in a structured environment that is challenging and supportive. Kindergarten – 8th grades are located on the 24-acre gated Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47-acre gated Alpharetta campus.
The school’s commitment to small class sizes, low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on structure and organization allows students to enjoy success in academic areas and develop the self-confidence necessary to be successful in college. Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional, and Support classes.
With a 100% acceptance rate to college and with the majority of graduates qualifying for the Hope Scholarship, Saint Francis alumni attend a wide variety of programs ranging from Ivy League schools to small private colleges to prestigious Art Institutes. Saint Francis is a Google Apps for Education Classroom, utilizing laptops in grades
4 – 12. Structured Literacy programs offered include Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words®, and supplemental support from Cars® and Stars® Reading Comprehension.
Sports are offered at the middle and high school (GHSA) including football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball, and equestrian.
For more information call 770.641.8257 Ext. 156 (Grades K – 8) and 678.339.9989 Ext. 33 (Grades 9 – 12) or visit our website: www. saintfrancisschools.com.
Timeless excellence of classical Catholic education at Holy Spirit Preparatory School
Brought to you by – Holy Spirit Preparatory School
At Holy Spirit Preparatory School, we nurture the minds, hearts, and souls of students from 6 months to 12th grade, offering a comprehensive education deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and classical learning. Our approach blends timeless values with transformative education, cultivating a profound love for truth, beauty, and goodness. From daily music classes for our youngest learners to advanced studies in the Upper School, as well as a strong focus on the arts and competitive athletics, we cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for lives of purpose and service.
Guided by dedicated faculty committed to excellence, our students achieve remarkable success, exemplified by a 100% college acceptance rate. Holy Spirit Prep prepares students to enter the world firm in faith, joyful in hope, and active in charity.
Embracing our motto, “Ministrare
non ministrari” – to serve and not be served, we emphasize spiritual growth through active campus ministry, weekly Mass, retreats, and comprehensive theology courses, deepening their relationship with God.
We believe in the strength of a joyful community. Through active parent engagement and extensive after-school programs, we create a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and spiritually.
Join us on campus at our upcoming information sessions to discover what makes Holy Spirit Prep truly exceptional:
• November 7: 6 months-PreK4
• November 13: Kindergarten-6th Grade
• November 19: 7th-12th Grade
Tours will follow each session. Register today at holyspiritprep.org/ admissions.
Brought to you by - Bailey Smith, M.Ed, LPC at Summit Counseling Center
I recently read the book “Never Enough” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, which dives into achievement culture among adolescents and how it contributes to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Through my own school-based counseling work with high school students, I have seen many of the principles in the book in real time.
Students define themselves by the grades they make, the classes they take, or the clubs they join. Each assignment is viewed as “make it or break it” and students constantly feel like they could be messing up their futures with one mistake.
Wallace’s research showed that parents tend to underestimate their children’s stress significantly, and many students report feeling that their parents add pressure to the already-intense school environment. Parents often don’t even realize they are adding to the pressure, and they certainly aren’t doing so intentionally! Several of the noted “stress adders” in the book are interactions I’ve had with my own students at times. Things as simple as asking how others in the class did on a test, or even seemingly positive actions like praising a child for their good grades, can all add to this feeling that teenagers are only valued based on their academic achievements.
In her book, Wallace posits that the antidote to toxic achievement culture comes in the form of mattering. When a teen knows that they matter, regardless of their grades, sports accolades, or social status, they can
be truly healthy even in the midst of today’s achievement culture.
So, how can we increase feelings of mattering among adolescents? For parents or other adults, highlight your teen’s interests, efforts, and displays of character over academic or athletic achievements. Think of the things you want most for your teen. Most parents I meet with tell me they want their children to be happy, to treat others well, and to feel confident in themselves. Gear your praise and encouragement toward these things.
For teens, plug into places that you will be missed. Whether this be a club at school, a faith community, or even just your lunch table, having a space where others know and value you adds to the feeling of belonging. While you can always celebrate your achievements, the goal is to get to a place where you value yourself even apart from your achievements. You matter just because you’re you.
The need to belong doesn’t disappear after adolescence. We can all foster these feelings of mattering in the way we interact with others and help counteract the toxicity of achievement culture.
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About AIS Sandy Springs
A place where world-class education meets global citizenship.
Brought to you by - Atlanta International School Sandy Springs
1. Premier International Baccalaureate World School
We offer the full continuum of the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB):
• Middle Years Program for Grades 9-10.
• Diploma Program and Careerrelated Program for Grades 11-12
For students on a pre-professional pathway, we offer the AISx flexible academic schedule.
2. Exclusive Tennis Partnership with Mouratoglou Academy Atlanta (MAA)
Tennis loving students can take advantage of our partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou (legendary coach of Serena Williams.)
3. Day and Boarding Options
• Day: Enjoy school, returning
home each day.
• 5- and 7-Day Boarding: Stay in comfortable dormitories, fostering global friendships.Co-ed boarding for 70 students with:
• On-Site Residential Life Director: Ensuring well-being and personal growth.
• 24/7 Security and Support: A safe and nurturing environment.
• Personalized Planning: Tailored to each student’s goals.
• Test Prep and Application Assistance: Resources and guidance for every step.
• Leveraging Partnerships: Connections with colleges, including athletic programs.
9. Inclusive Community
Our unique, community includes our:
• Parent Organization: Creating belonging and engagement for families.
• Alumni Network: Nearly 2,000 alumni worldwide
• Community Service: Students participate in service, locally and globally.
10. Urban and Natural Attractions
Best of both worlds:
• Serene Setting: 25 acres of woodland
• Proximity to Atlanta: Just 30 minutes away from this vibrant city
• Thriving Local Community: access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Discover how AIS Sandy Springs can be the stepping stone to your child’s bright future.
Be Amazed.
Brought to you by - The Davis Academy
From Kindergarten Prep - Eighth Grade, The Davis Academy teaches to the whole child, creating compassionate leaders and equipping them with skills they will use for the entirety of their academic careers and beyond. Davis graduates attend the most prestigious public and private high schools in Atlanta, they know who they are and continuously make a difference in their communities and the world.
Students learn amongst a warm and supportive community that shares common values and visions. We teach life skills, instill Jewish values, and provide diverse experiences so that our students become well-rounded and selfconfident individuals. We celebrate both the ways our diversity makes our school vibrant and the individual differences that make our school community so unique. With a retention rate of 97%, The Davis Academy community is comprised of families from across the globe, nation, and 31 metro Atlanta zip codes.
The school offers many options for prospective families to learn about the school and community. Parents can schedule a personal tour. In addition, families can engage in wonderful
Nurture events that are free and open to the community.
To learn more or schedule a tour go to www.davisacademy.org/admissions/ visit or call 678-527-3300.
The Alfred & Adele Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta, GA 30350 770-671-0085 www.davisacademy.org
Change lives, change the world
Brought to you by - Wesleyan School
Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.
A college preparatory environment,
students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.
Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.
Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640
https://www.wesleyanschool.org/
Another fall around the corner. My backyard patch of old growth trees is starting to shed leaves already –turning yellow and preparing for winter. Summer’s heat is dissipating into coolish temperatures. The hurricane has come and gone. We got lucky here in Atlanta – at least compared to a number of South Georgia, North Florida, and other Southern cities. The wind didn’t do the damage; the water did. Water is as destructive as any bomb; nothing can withstand the hydraulics of water. The battle in Ukraine continues as well as does the one just ramping up in Lebanon. The election race of course
continues – as ugly, intrusive, and disruptive as it can be. Who wants to have to deal with the white noise day in and day out?
I feel like a worn-out traveler – a hiker – walking down a trail that is nothing but gaps and summits – and with no knowledge of how far in front I still have to go. It seems like we’ve all been on this trail longer than we can remember and that somehow it is now becoming a reality replacing what we knew before – if we can actually remember “before.’
I didn’t used to think like that. Before, I saw and understood the cyclical nature of life. It didn’t matter how dark the time became, because I knew that it was temporary and that better times were somewhere down the road – around the corner. Just wait for it. But somehow that has changed. What, why? How?
We do best with order and certainty in our lives. We like to feel that we have control. We crave security, a roof over our heads, food, and order. And of course, love from others. So, what’s up? Where are we going? What does that summit look like? Or will it be a gap instead.
I plan to drive down to my beach place in Florida soon. This past week hurricane Helena was pointed directly at my front door – literally until about 5 hours prior to land fall. It was, we knew, probably going to be a Cat 3 or 4 storm accompanied by a tidal surge that would most likely destroy everything in its path – including my house. Instead, it veered just a few degrees to the East and destroyed other people’s homes and lives instead of mine. It’s difficult to reconcile that scenario. How can one feel relieved when someone else had to pay?
A zero-sum proposition I guess; someone has to lose for someone else to win. There is something about that idea that seems to me to cut to the chase of life perhaps – zero sum or something else. If you believe the zero-sum scenario, then you don’t think about that other side too much; you just focus on me/mine. I get mine; your get your own. But what does the alternative mean?
In that question lies the rub. It may mean that not accepting the zero-sum enlarges our own world and opens new doors for ourselves and those around us. It may mean that there is a better way out of the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us all. It may mean that we all count, and we all lose when just one of us suffers. It may mean that we see a sunrise more clearly and feel the warmth in an otherwise chillingly cold world.
Specific units a potential relief for housing crisis
By Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond, Jack Murphy
Reflecting, taking stock of own luck GUEST COLUMN
North Fulton County, Georgia, is one of the most vibrant areas in the Atlanta metro region, known for its excellent schools, job opportunities, and high quality of life. However, the escalating housing crisis is creating a barrier for recent graduates and young adults, forcing them to seek homes out-side of the community. The scarcity of affordable housing, paired with restrictive zoning regula-tions, is exacerbating this issue. Introducing auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs) could help retain younger generations and provide a more flexible housing market.
Community at a crossroads
Our cities have seen rapid growth in population and development over the past decade, driven by the area’s economic strength and desirable living conditions. But this growth has come at a price: rising home prices and limited affordable housing options. Many families who have lived here for years are now faced with the reality that their children, upon graduating from high school or college, are unable to afford to live nearby. The median home price in North Fulton is significantly higher than in surrounding areas, pushing young people out of the market. Apartment rents are also rising, and new developments often tar-get higher-income earners. For recent graduates or young professionals just starting their careers, the costs are simply too high, forcing them to relocate to more affordable areas farther from
their families, workplaces, and support networks.
This exodus of young people can have a lasting impact on the community. As these young adults leave, they take with them potential contributions to the local economy, culture, and workforce. Moreover, families are fragmented, with parents and grandparents no longer able to enjoy close proximity to their children and grandchildren.
Potential relief
One possible solution to this issue is the development of ADUs, which are smaller, self-contained housing units that exist on the same lot as a larger primary residence. These units, also referred to as in-law suites, granny flats, or carriage houses, and can offer a more affordable housing option for recent graduates or young professionals while staying close to home.
ADUs can take many forms—such as converted garages, basement apartments, or standalone small houses in a backyard. These units could help address the housing crisis by increasing the housing supply without requiring new, large-scale developments. Here’s how they could be part of the solution:
1. Affordability: ADUs are typically more affordable to build and rent than larger homes or new apartment complexes. They offer an opportunity for younger residents to live independent-ly but within their financial means, especially in
Affordable housing continues to be a serious issue across North Metro Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton Improvement Network are trying to help, and Appen Media is dedicated to covering the process. Send ideas, questions and feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
expensive areas like North Fulton.
2. Multigenerational Living: ADUs allow for multigenerational living, where recent graduates can live near or with their families without crowding the main household. This can help maintain family bonds while providing younger adults with the independence they seek.
3. Efficient Use of Space: In areas where zoning laws restrict high-density housing, ADUs pro-vide a way to increase the housing supply without changing the character of the neighbor-hood. Many suburban areas in North Fulton have the land available to accommodate ADUs, making them a practical solution.
4. Sustainability: Because ADUs are smaller and often share utilities with the main house, they tend to be more energyefficient and environmentally friendly than building new, large single-family homes or sprawling apartment complexes.
Barriers
While ADUs present an intriguing solution, they are not without their challenges. Zoning laws in North Fulton County can be restrictive, often limiting or prohibiting the construction of ADUs.
Many neighborhoods and local governments are resistant to changes that could increase density, citing concerns over parking, traffic, or altering the neighborhood’s character. Additionally, financing and construction costs can still be prohibitive for some homeowners looking to add ADUs to their property.
To make ADUs a viable part of the solution to North Fulton’s housing crisis, local governments would need to consider revising zoning ordinances, providing incentives for homeowners to build ADUs, and developing clear guidelines to address community concerns.
Moving forward
As North Fulton County continues to grow, finding solutions to the housing crisis will be critical to keeping communities intact and vibrant. Auxiliary dwelling units, if properly supported, could offer one way to bridge the gap between high housing costs and the needs of young adults entering the housing market or grandparents wanting to downsize. By allowing our children to live nearby after graduation, ADUs could help maintain family connections, support the local economy, and provide a more sustainable, inclusive community for everyone.
It’s time for North Fulton to explore creative solutions like ADUs to ensure that future generations can continue to call this area home.
Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.
