Crowds fill streets for holiday festival ► PAGE 3`
December 2, 2021 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Police chaplain remembered for ‘huge heart’ By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — An excerpt from Ecclesiastes 3:4 in the Bible reads, “There’s a time to laugh, a time to dance and a time to die.” “And I’m OK with that,” the Rev. Raymond Francis Egan used to say. “I really am. I have had such a full and wonderful life. God bless each one of you.” Egan, 86, of Dunwoody, died Nov. 6. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, he was affectionately known as “Deacon Ray.” He served 11 years in the National Guard, and in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, he served 20 years as a police officer and firefighter. Before his death, he celebrated 30 years as a deacon. In 1977, Egan and his wife Betty-Lee became one of the founding families of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody. The church was established as a mission of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Sandy Springs, where Egan ultimately spent the last six years. According to All Saints Catholic Church, the founders of the church rallied their resources, followed their Pastor Rev. Joseph Beltran’s vision and pitched in to build the current facilities. In less than two years, they were able to celebrate mass for the first time on Mount Vernon Road, with more than 300 families registered. “When the construction for All Saints Catholic Church was completed in 1979,” it states, “the Dunwoody area was still primarily farms and
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC CHURCH/PROVIDED
The Rev. Raymond Francis Egan, 86, of Dunwoody, died Nov. 6. He had recently celebrated 30 years as a deacon. rural areas without the subdivision growth of the last 40 years. In fact, … the population of Dunwoody was 18,000.” After helping establish the church, Egan continued to serve the community. He was ordained in June 1991. Then in 2010, the Dunwoody Police Department hosted a meeting of local ministries, priests and rabbis to see if there was interest in starting a police chaplain program.
The group thought the idea had merit, and Sgt. Mike Carlson was tasked with managing the Dunwoody Police Chaplain program. Carlson spent the remainder of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 organizing, designing and advertising the program. Egan was one of five chaplains who volunteered to get involved. As a chaplain, Egan worked with department personnel by making themselves immediately available to assist in times of loss, confusion, depression or grief to people in crises. This service continues to not only be provided to the community but also all department employees and their families. In a Facebook post Nov. 9, Dunwoody police said Egan was someone who loved helping others and had a personality larger than life. He was known as “Deke” around the department. “He was a close friend to many of our staff and was always eager and present for duty calls as well as our celebrations and milestones,” the department wrote. “Thank you, sir, for your service and your huge, kind heart. You will forever be a loving legacy of our Dunwoody Blue Family. We’ll take it from here, sir.” Dunwoody Councilman John Heneghan said although he didn’t know Egan personally, he knew he was passionate about serving those in need, especially police officers. “Such a great guy and really relished serving as a DPD Police Chaplain,” Heneghan said.
Egan also served as archdiocesan liaison to the Korean Church of Atlanta, where he traveled to Korea to further develop the archdiocese of Atlanta’s relationship with the dioceses in Korea. Later, Egan served as the director for the Office of Catholic Cemeteries in the archdiocese, which included overseeing the restoration of historic rural Catholic cemeteries. Egan spent a lot of time in the airport ministry at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Interfaith Chapel, made possible by Atlanta religious leaders, serves the tens of thousands of airport workers as well as providing the millions who fly through Atlanta with a quiet space to reflect. It is funded by the nonprofit Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy. In a 2012 article in the Georgia Bulletin, Egan called it the largest unofficial parish in the archdiocese. Dunwoody Homeowners Association President Bob Fiscella described Egan as “exceedingly community involved.” “It didn’t matter your religion,” Fiscella said. “He was always there to lend a helping hand. At his funeral, which was attended by all three bishops from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer said it
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Man found shot in truck at apartment complex DUNWOODY, Ga. — A 34-year-old Doraville man was shot at the Dunwoody Glen Apartments on Nov. 15. Police responded to the apartment complex along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and found the victim lying in the passenger seat of his brother’s Dodge Ram truck. Officers managed to move the man, identified as Misael Ortiz-Perez, from the truck and placed him on the ground to begin life-saving measures. He was unresponsive and had no pulse, police said. Officers began CPR and deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) machine before paramedics arrived on scene. Ortiz-Perez was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center to be treated. It was not clear what area of his body he suffered the gunshot wound or if his injuries were life-threatening. Detectives were called to investigate the shooting. Several details of the incident remained unclear. The victim’s brother said a man came to his apartment and told him that Ortiz-Perez had just been shot. Police tracked that man down and detained him for questioning. He could only confirm that he was the man who notified Ortiz-Perez’s brother about the shooting, according to police.
garbage truck along Womack Road early Nov. 19. Police and Fire Rescue units found the victim trapped inside the truck after several trash cannisters on the route had already been emptied into the dumpster. The man told officers he was sleeping in the dumpster on Winters Chapel Road. Police said the truck compacted each time it picked up a load, police said. The homeless man managed to survive when a crew from the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department extracted him. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated.
Police called to dispute at Starbucks drive-thru
DUNWOODY, Ga. — An Atlanta couple reportedly clashed with another customer at a Starbucks drive-thru along Chamblee Dunwoody Road on Nov. 17. The victims said they were waiting in line when a woman in a Chevy Malibu tried to pull in front of them. When one of the victims rolled down his window to tell the suspect not to cut them in line, the woman driving the Malibu yelled at the couple. The victims told employees at the checkout window they should get a sign because customers cutting in line had been an ongoing issue. They then drove to a Mellow Mushroom parking lot next door where they said the driver of the Chevy Malibu accosted them again. The woman pulled into the parking lot, began yelling and cursing at them and got out of her car. She sped off before the couple could take a photo of her license plates, police said.
Homeless man rescued from garbage truck
Man claims customer ransacked backpack
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Officers rescued a homeless man who was entrapped in a
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police were dispatched to Perimeter Mall on Nov. 15
Drug & DUI arrests Jose Luis Higuera, 28, of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Dunwoody, was arrested Nov. 16 on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard for possession of amphetamine. Joshua Andres Williams, 31, of Abercorn Avenue, Dunwoody, was arrested Nov. 20 on Ashford Dunwoody Road for DUI and obedience to traffic-control devices. Jaron Alexander Griffin, 28, of Tree Mountain Parkway, Stone Mountain, was arrested Nov. 16 on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard for drinking in public (sidewalks/streets/alleys) in city limits. Benito Urbina, 27, address not listed, was arrested Nov. 21 on Ashford Dunwoody Road for DUI and driving while unlicensed. for reports of an unruly man yelling at customers inside the Champs store. A store clerk told officers a Dahlonega man identified as 59-yearold Michael Richard Fry stormed into the Champs and accused another shopper of stealing items from his backpack. He demanded employees detain all the customers inside the store until his property was returned. Police said he began throwing merchandise and getting hostile with employees, running up behind one associate and yelling at him. Fry told officers he sat his backpack down inside the Champs store and an unidentified man swiped some items while he wasn’t looking. Employees said Fry scared the man off when he began yelling. Police arrested Fry and charged him with disorderly conduct.
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Dan and Company dancers entertain the crowd at Light Up Dunwoody before the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah.
Dunwoody rings in season with holiday light festival BY CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. – Dunwoody got lit Nov. 21. The annual Light Up Dunwoody event, sponsored by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, was pronounced a success by officials, who estimated the crowd at about 2,000. Spectators gathered in front of the Dunwoody Farmhouse at the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road for the afternoon festivities. The weather was perfect, and everyone seemed ready to celebrate the season. “When I’m in town, I never miss it,” said Dunwoody resident Nancy Junay. “It’s a symbol of the beginning of the
holiday season in the city.” The crowd was entertained by performances by Dan and Company, a local dance troupe, and children were given the opportunity to make arts and crafts, sit on Santa’s sleigh, complete with two live reindeer, and enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn from various food trucks. But the highlight for children, young and old, was the arrival of Santa on a fully lit DeKalb County Fire Department truck right before the command was given to light the tree and menorah by Dunwoody High School Principal Tom Bass, who was an enthusiastic honorary master of ceremonies. “It doesn’t matter where you go to school,” Bass said. “This is about Dunwoody, which is a great community.”
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Santa arrives on a fire truck and greets children at Light Up Dunwoody’s annual event.
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Police: Continued from Page 1 best. He said, ‘Ray could be a little crusty.’ And Ray was a little crusty, but that only meant that he cared.” Fiscella said the two met at All Saints Catholic Church in 1993 when he got married and Egan offered some guidance to him and his wife. In recent years, they would get together about once a month to eat lunch. Fiscella said one of his favorite restaurants was Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. “Even though it was typically just
Ray and me, I knew before the end of the lunch we would be joined by someone that just happened to be there who Ray knew or be visited by at least a half-dozen folks who just wanted to say hi to Ray,” Fiscella said. And, he said, Egan “loved to hold court.” “A favorite venue of his for doing this was the lunch area at Costco over a hot dog and a Coke,” Fiscella said. “And it didn’t take long before he had an audience.” Fiscella said an estimated 600 people attended Egan’s funeral Nov. 12 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. He was laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.
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OPENH OU SE MONDAY, DEC 6 • 6 - 8 PM CITY HALL LOBBY See new draft plans for parks at the former Austin Elementary site and Vermack Road. Visit with members of Parks and Rec and the design team at this drop-in event.
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Pet of the Week: Oogie Boogie Oogie Boogie (ID# 48750563) is an exuberant one-yearold boy who is quite friendly. Oogie is definitely not shy about getting to know you and seeing if you want to play. This happy boy adores playing fetch and considers everyone his friend. He also knows how to sit, seems to be housetrained and loves treats which will be useful for further training. If you're looking for a sociable, friendly and playful dog, come meet Oogie Boogie at DeKalb County Animal Services. Don't work from home alone; expand your family by 4 furry little feet, meet Oogie Boogie and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. If you would like more information about Oogie Boogie please email adoption@ dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Oogie Boogie goes to a good home. How to Adopt your new best friend. 1. Browse our pets. Use the filter options to narrow your search. 2. Click the pet’s profile. 3. Click on the "Adopt Me" button to submit an adoption inquiry. To help us maintain a safe environment, we ask that you follow the directions above to submit an adoption inquiry prior to visiting our shelter. We are following COVID-19 CDC guidelines by requiring masks and limiting the number of guests in our shelters at a time. We appreciate your patience with this new process and your commitment to saving our homeless animals.
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Vietnam veterans memorial wall dedicated in Johns Creek By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Hundreds gathered at Newtown Park Nov. 13 for the grand opening of The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Saturday morning’s ceremonies, hosted by the Johns Creek Veterans Association and the City of Johns Creek, served to honor Vietnam War veterans and those who lost their lives in the war. After leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Roger Wise spoke about the power of the memorial. “It’s a wall that heals or starts the healing process,” Wise said. “Every time I’m in Washington [D.C.], I go to the wall, and there’s always somebody kneeling down, talking to it, laughing, crying, healing.” Wise continued, sharing a story about his most recent visit to the wall in Johns Creek and how a young man whose father was killed in Vietnam before he was born finally felt as though he had met his father after seeing the memorial. “That’s the power of this wall,” Wise said. “That’s the power of this memorial walk.” Mayor Mike Bodker was the first to deliver official remarks, thanking veterans, the Veterans Association, the Recreation and Parks Department and all who contributed to bringing the wall to Johns Creek. “This is a project of honor, tribute and love which so many have worked on to bring to fruition,” Bodker said. “Today is the day that we celebrate and honor service and hear from the residents and veterans who helped consecrate these grounds and memorial.” Bodker then awarded President of the JCVA, Lt. Col. Mike Mizell with a proclamation from the Fulton County Commission, honoring the dedication of the memorial. Mizell shared a brief history of the memorial, recounting its three-day visit in Johns Creek in 2017, before being permanently installed last year. Mizell then recited the poem, “A Soldier’s Honor,” which details the sacrifice made by those who serve. Mizell also spoke of the debt owed to those who risk their lives in the military.
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
A veteran kneels in front of the soldier’s cross, at the Wall That Heals memorial dedication Nov. 13. “We can never be grateful enough for the sacrifices that they’ve made, and we are humbled by their willingness to put their lives aside for the benefit of ours,” Mizell said. Finally, Mizell spoke directly to the veterans. “To my brothers and sisters, the Vietnam veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, to all veterans: welcome home. And welcome to your memorial park,” Mizell said. Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Capt. Tommy Clack, who was wounded May 29, 1969,
along the Cambodian border, also delivered remarks. “I am blessed that but by the grace of God I know I would be listed on panel 23 west, line 13,” Clack said. He went on to speak about how Vietnam War veterans were treated after the war and how he and his fellow veterans had worked to ensure that mistreatment does not happen again. “You and I have ensured by what’s on that wall,
See MEMORIAL, Page 15
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Investing in Residential Rental Properties (continued) Brought to you by – Dan Griffin, Compass, Inc Most mortgage lenders require a 20-25% down payment on rental property. To qualify for a loan that is not your primary residence, GRIFFIN lenders will evaluate the revenue earned by the property. Copies of the active lease(s) and past “rental roll” are often adequate documentation. Lenders also consider the applicant’s income, assets and credit history. Typically, the mortgage company will also take into account one to two months of vacancies each year when determining the property’s annual income. Also, it is important to note that if purchasing property with a homeowner’s association (HOA), such as a condo,
the monthly payment will be based on principal, interest, taxes and insurance, as well as the HOA fee. Most financial advisors will recommend setting up your properties so that there is limited liability to the owner. This can be an LLC or another entity where the property is held not by a person, but by a corporation. It is wise to speak to a tax advisor or real estate attorney, so you can determine the best way to set up your real estate investments. Tax advantages include having the ability to deduct any related expenses, such as repairs, maintenance, depreciation and advertising. Good record keeping is a must to maximize your investment over the years. For more information contact Dan Griffin at Compass, Inc. dan.griffin@ compass.com
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Giving Thanks: A reflection on the year that gave back Brought to you by – Cynthia Lippert, REALTOR® Ansley Real Estate The holiday season is upon us, and while leaves and temperatures may be falling, it’s the beginning of one of the LIPPERT warmest seasons of the year, as we gather to celebrate, reflect, and slow down, however briefly. After enduring the struggles of 2020, we tiptoed into this year a little more cautiously, a little wearier, yet also a little more hopeful. Perhaps we were reminded through the challenges of the previous year to embrace that which is most important, making this season of gathering that much warmer, our
celebrations that much sweeter. So, with a big collective deep breath, we charged into 2021 with renewed determination and gratitude. As a company, and a real estate family, Ansley Real Estate has always embraced the spirit of service. And this year, it was more like a giant tackling hug, full of renewed purpose. Making 2021 our best year ever was more than a business goal, it was an increased emphasis on our mission to make people’s lives better. And as we reflect on an almost unbelievable year where we positively affected so many lives, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the many people who made it possible. Our staff and agents embody our core values of service and community every day. Each has dedicated their careers to serving others, and it’s more
than a job, it’s who they are. Ansley employees and agents are well-known for actively serving and giving back to their communities, through company-led programs as well as in addition to them. In 2021, we were proud to reach the $400,000 mark in our traditional annual contributions to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Our clients put their trust in us, and during these uncertain times, we’re grateful to have been their continued trusted advisors, helping more clients than ever before in 2021. Thanks to their loyalty, we not only experienced a record-obliterating year in sales, growing sales more than 83% from 2020, we also helped clients exceed their goals like never before. Finally, although we serve clients globally, we have always considered
ourselves fortunate to call Atlanta our home. The Atlanta area is truly a special place, offering a vibrant and diverse culture, immense natural beauty, and the best community anywhere in the world. It’s thanks in part to the support of that community that we’ve thrived each year since being established in 2015 and experienced yet again our best year ever in business and charitable giving. 2021 has been remarkable not just in quantifiable ways, but in almost indescribable ways. We again saw our best year ever thanks to our loyal clients, the dedication of our talented staff and agents, and the support of the amazing community we’re fortunate to call home. Thank you for helping us make lives better in 2021. We wish everyone a holiday season filled with love, health, and celebration of what matters most to you.
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The empty nester’s guide to home improvement Brought to you by – Remodeling Expo Center The kids have graduated college, the weddings are paid for, and it’s time for you to enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, you may have also realized that “downsizing” has become more expensive than keeping your existing house! ”Not simply accounting for the transactional costs of moving, but the terrible reality of the present housing market, is that newer small homes cost more than your larger home” says John Hogan president of Remodeling Expo Center. John continued, “an increasingly large number of our customers are empty nesters, and they’re all adapting their 1980’s or 1990’s-built home to become more current and appropriate for their later years. The present interest rate environment is fueling the rapid growth in remodeling in the form of the cash-out refi”. These are the most common empty nester remodeling projects in North Atlanta. Kitchen Upgrade. Adapting the kitchen for more occasions, and more people, kids plus grandchildren. Frequently improving circulation by incorporating an island with an eating area for grandchildren is a common goal. Improving accessibility of cabinets with roll-out drawers and improving storage are almost always included.
Flooring and Stairs. A highly desirable upgrade is the front entry to the home because it’s the first this you see when entering the house. Removing aged carpet runners on stairs, replacing white pickets with black metal on stairs, and re-staining hardwood floors from the 1980’s honey color to one which is darker, are all common changes made by empty nesters. Master Bathroom. Empty nesters are very focused on, not only improving the “feel” of their bathroom, but also safety aspects. “Fortunately, there are a wide range of products that incorporated safe, non-slip surfaces that also look fabulous” says Brittany Lingerfelt, head designer at Remodeling Expo Center. Grab bars, frameless glass, level entry showers, and therapeutic tubs are all common requests. Value Preservation. Empty nesters are increasing young at heart, and just because the kids are out of the house, doesn’t mean they’re not focusing on value and return on investment. “This is where we can offer significant consultation”, says John Hogan, “We understand our customers and they rely on us for honest advice. For more information of how to improve the value of your home, contact The Remodeling Expo Center at 404 910-3969 or stop in at 48 King Street, Roswell, GA 30075. www.RemodelingExpo.com.
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Four distinctly unique luxury active adult communities in Metro Atlanta Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices GA Properties As baby boomers begin to look toward retirement, active adult communities are becoming increasingly popular across metro Atlanta. Known for leading active lifestyles, boomers are now searching for neighborhoods that offer low maintenance homes, a sense of community and a social atmosphere where they can meet new friends with similar interests. Those who enjoy traveling also find active adult neighborhoods that offer a lock and leave lifestyle very appealing. Connecting with others of like mind and common interests make it easy for active adults to create new friendships. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division offers four distinctly unique active adult communities across the Atlanta area. Located in Newnan, The Gardens at Arbor Springs was recently honored by the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association as the 2021 55+ Community of the Year. Nestled in the master planned community of Arbor Springs, The Gardens features European courtyard homes built by award-winning McKinney Builders. Priced from the $600s, buyers can downsize without downgrading in homes that include high-end
features such as Geo-thermal heating and cooling, Pella windows and Bosch appliances. Visit TheGardensatArborSprings.com or call 678-578-6822 for more information. Soleil Belmont Park is a 55+ community built by Patrick Malloy Communities. Located between Milton and Canton, Soleil Belmont Park features 471 low maintenance homes with three different size homesites and multiple floorplans to choose from. Starting in the $400’s, Soleil offers an array of luxury, resort style amenities including a 9,800 square foot community clubhouse with a coffee and cocktail bar, health and fitness center, catering kitchen, arts and crafts studio, club/card room and a community post office. Homeowners will enjoy a resort-style pool, tennis and pickle ball courts, bocce ball, a community garden, and walking trails. In addition, Soleil Belmont Park will have its own lifestyle and travel director. Call 770/635-4080 or visit our website SoleilBelmontPark.com for information Lakeside at River Green is the newest development from John Wieland and his experienced team at the JW Collection. Located in Canton’s most sought-after
master-planned community River Green, Lakeside at River Green is a gated active adult community featuring luxury single-family homes from the $400s to $700s. Homeowners will enjoy River Green’s wide array of resort-style amenities and exclusive access to Evermore- a new members-only, age-qualified clubhouse. For more information contact 770-809-6010 or visit JWCollectionHomes.com Located in the heart of East Cobb, East Haven is an intimate enclave of 28 terrace home with three acres of common area including a dog park, swimming pool, cabana with outdoor kitchen, and firepit. East Haven’s luxury features include elevators, and dedicated backyards some which back up to protected wooded areas. Priced from the $700s, East Haven offers a unique option for 55+ buyers looking to purchase a new luxury home with all the newest styles and conveniences in a quiet neighborhood just minutes to The Avenue East Cobb. Visit Avidcollection.com or call 404-543-7701 for additional information. Sales and marketing for these lifestyle communities by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. BHHSgaNewHomes.com, 678-352-3314
12 | December 2, 2021 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
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14 | December 2, 2021 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
PAST TENSE
OPINION
Dr. Jack Schreeder and Dee Schreeder When I asked Chamblee High School alum Mark Welsh if he remembered Dr. Schreeder, he passed the message along to other alumni. That is when the messages started pouring in. Many people have VALERIE fond memories of Doc BIGGERSTAFF and Dee Schreeder and gratitude for all they did for the community. Dr. John Marvel Schreeder, known as Jack or Doc, first moved to Chamblee in 1933 with his family. He attended Georgia Tech, earning a degree in Public Health Engineering. On Christmas Eve 1940, he married Dee Stevens. They lived in a home on about 12 acres next door to Chamblee Methodist Church, where the Regency Cove subdivision is today. Dr. Schreeder served during World War II in the Mediterranean and European theaters and was awarded the Bronze Star and French War Cross. After the war, he attended Emory University Medical School. He did his residency at Grady Memorial Hospital and Lawson General Hospital in Chamblee. Then he joined Dr. W. A. Mendenhall’s office and small hospital in Chamblee. Several of the former students were delivered by Dr. Schreeder; in his office, at hospitals, and sometimes at their home. When there was an emergency at night, he made house calls. Terri Joiner Jones remembers Dr. Mendenhall, and later Dr. Schreeder, had an office next door to Chamblee High School. According to Leah Carden Jennings, “Doc Schreeder, as we called him, was the Chamblee football doctor. He patched my husband’s broken ribs and sent him back in the game.” Tony Martin, who returned to Chamblee later to coach, shared a memory of Dr. Schreeder setting his collarbone during halftime of a football game in 1959. Martin was a Senior at the time. Gary Gentry recalls that Doc set his broken nose three times in one day. Ric Smith remembers, “I think Doc was at almost every home football game through my sophomore year-1977. He was visible before games. I remember he had a hat that reminded me of Bear Bryant.” Chamblee High School was the only high school in north DeKalb County for a long time, until new schools were built. Cross Keys opened in 1958, Sequoyah in 1964, and Peachtree in 1968.
BOB MCMAINS
Dee and Dr. Jack relaxing in a 1980s.
The Schreeders did not have children, but they helped many young people in the community by giving them a place to live, for any reason. Jimmie Hatch Batchelor says they often housed students so they could remain at Chamblee High School. The couple housed several teenage boys through the years, but occasionally they housed girls and younger children. Dee Schreeder was also the leader of Girl Scout Troop 348. Sandra Herndon remembers Dr. Schreeder giving the girls vaccinations before they left for summer camp. Vivian Price Saffold says the Schreeders donated money for the first CHS bulldog mascot around 1967 and kept it at their home. The mascot was known as Cham or Cham B. Lee. Tony Martin also recalls the English bulldogs the Schreeders raised as the team mascot, which they would bring to pep rallies. Bob McMains, who lived with the Schreeders for two years remembers the couple fondly. They offered a home to McMains in 1959 so he could finish high school at Chamblee. His mother needed to relocate due to an illness. Looking back on his time with the Schreeders, McMains says, “For the first time in my life, I was not in control of my comings and goings. I was expected for breakfast, dinner, study time, and chore time. Much of what I was to become in life was due to their help and example.” After McMains graduated from Chamblee he continued to live with the Schreeders during his first year at Oglethorpe University. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail. com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
THE INVESTMENT COACH
OPINION
AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | December 2, 2021 | 15
Social Security: Good news or bad? For those receiving monthly Social Security income, your retirement benefit will increase by 5.9% in 2022. That beats the puny 1.3% raise you received for 2021. Good LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP news? Not really! Bloomberg reported Nov. 11, “Residents of the Atlanta area are experiencing the worst inflation among major U.S. cities, with October prices up 7.9% from a year ago.” The average year-over-year national consumer price index increase clocked in at 6.2%. Your Social Security cost-of-living raise is a net loser adjusted for inflation as Atlanta leads the nation in surging prices! The Social Security Administration estimates the average monthly check will rise $92 from $1,565 to $1,657, covering two to three tanks of gas. Adding insult-to-injury, taxes and sharply rising Medicare Part B premiums may further erode your net spendable benefit. Some initial recipients of Social Security income are miffed to learn that benefits may not be tax free. If your total annual income is more than $25,000 for an individual or $34,000 for a married couple, taxes are assessed. Below those thresholds, benefits are not taxed. You may be taxed at ordinary income rates on 50% to 85% of benefits over the threshold, depending on income levels. Medical care costs strain budgets and Medicare is not entirely cost free.
Memorial: Continued from Page 6 that all generations after us are never treated that way,” Clack said. “When we look at that wall let it also remind us that if this country got enough money to fight a war, it had better find enough money to take care of the warrior and his friends and family.” Col. Rick White, who was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 at age 19, shared the personal numbers behind the statistics about the war. “During those Vietnam-era years, there were over nine million men and women serving in uniform worldwide,” White began. “On this wall there are a total of 58,317 names including eight women… They represent over 58,000 families and fellow warriors that grieve for them… the youngest here was 15… the oldest was 63.”
The cost for basic standard Part B insurance coverage will increase by $21.60 a month for 2022, increasing the standard premium to $170.10 per month, up from $148.50 a month in 2021. Part B premiums are “means tested.” The greater your income the higher your monthly premium. Most people will pay the standard premium. However, if your total “modified adjusted gross income,” which includes tax-exempt municipal bond interest, is above a certain amount, you may pay an “income related monthly adjustment amount.” Medicare uses data from your tax return of two years ago to figure your modified adjusted gross income. The monthly adjustment can increase your premium based on five tiers above the standard premium rate to as high as $578.30 monthly. The next tier above the $170.10 monthly base rate for 2022 is $238.10 per month for joint filers with annual modified adjusted gross income between $182,000 to $228,000. The penalty for successful saving for retirement may not stop with these income adjustments. Taking money from a tax-deferred retirement plan such as a qualified IRA, 401(K), etc., adds to taxable income. Withdrawals, outside of Roth IRA distributions, are taxed as ordinary income. There’s growing concern over the sustainability of Social Security which funds retired and disabled workers, family members and survivors of deceased workers, presently about 65 million recipients. The baby boomer generation
(1946-1964) is aging rapidly and retirements have accelerated during COVID, adding to cash flow strains for the retirement scheme. Forecasts indicate that the system this year will reach a tipping point where payouts exceed income from taxes and interest. A recent report indicated that given current trends, Social Security will not be able to pay full benefits starting in 2034, less than 13 years away. Estimates are that only 78% of scheduled benefits could be paid at that juncture. You ask, “What about the Social Security Trust Fund?” The Trust Fund isn’t like your bank account that holds “real money.” All the Trust Fund contains is U.S. Treasury securities, in essence, IOUs. All receipts in the form of taxes are immediately spent on current payouts and other government projects. The difference between “income and outgo” consists of Treasury securities. The government will not default on those obligations. But as the Trust Fund is tapped to fund widening obligations beyond tax receipts, cash injections will have to come from either taxes, borrowing, or money printing. Accelerating federal debt and gargantuan spending plans in the face of potentially rising interest rates indicate a fiscal squeeze that should worry legislators and realists. Remedies for “the squeeze” are limited increase FICA taxes on workers, increase taxation of benefits, increase the age of full retirement, means test benefits for “the wealthy.” None of these
fixes are palatable, but all are on the table. Employees and the self-employed will continue to see rising Social Security and Medicare taxes. For 2022, on the first $147,000 of wages, an employee will pay 6.2% in Social Security taxes; 12.4% for the self-employed. Add to that Medicare taxes on all wages ranging from 1.45% to 2.35% depending on income; 2.90% to 4.7% for the self-employed. Given current levels of federal debt and the projected growth of the debt load, expect the “war on wealth” to continue. Higher taxes and fees of all stripes are inevitable. FICA taxes and Medicare premiums will increase. How “transitory” rising prices will be is pure guesswork. All of this places greater importance on your personal earning power and the tax-efficiency of savings and investment programs. Increased longevity can be a blessing and a curse where financial independence is concerned. Comprehensive financial and estate planning is taking on new urgency. Plan wisely!
On the memorial wall White said there are 40 sets of brothers and three sets of fathers and sons. There are 1,564 names of those lost from Georgia. “My friends and buddies that are here [on the wall] are numerous, and they include my medic who died in my arms,” White said. “There are many other young soldiers that were in my care and my responsibility that are on this wall. One of my best friends from Officer Candidate School and another, my OCS roommate are on this wall.” White said that more than 10% of his training school class’ names are on the wall because they deployed during the high casualties of the Tet Offensive. White then listed the names of 13 friends he lost in the war. “These 13 names are but a tiny fraction of the huge number on this wall, but by saying their names out loud, this is my way of honoring them and serves as a representation for all those names that today will go unspoken,” White said.
White shared the story of one of his lost friends and spoke of the sacrifice from each service man and woman. He then conveyed his thoughts about the power of the memorial wall. “This wall, this holy wall is truly the wall that heals,” White said. “It, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington… provide for me and I hope for all Vietnam vets and the loved ones of those that have fallen, an almost inspirational, soothing salve as we reverently approach its shining black surface and touch the names of those that have served and that we have loved.” White continued. “Each time I see this wall, I feel the presence of the men under my charge that I had lost in Vietnam, and I feel an almost quiet sense of calm and release,” White said. “It says my fallen brothers are telling me that they are at peace and rest, and they know that their platoon leader and their company commander, their friend, their brother, their fellow
warrior did his best to protect him. And someday, we will all rendezvous on that final heavenly objective.” The ceremony’s special guest speaker was Jim Knotts, CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Knotts is an Air Force veteran of the Persian Gulf War. Knotts’ recounted the stories of several men and women listed on the memorial wall, introducing them to the guests. “These are all people who now, are a permanent part of your community,” Knotts said. To conclude the dedication ceremony, veterans built the soldier’s cross, and a Marine Corp Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute. The Honor Guard’s bugler also performed “Taps.” Finally, Mizell and Bodker shared the ceremonial scissors and officially cut the ribbon on the memorial. The Wall That Heals can be visited `every day between 6 a.m. and midnight.
Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group; 770-441-3553; lewis@ lewwalker.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Lewis is a registered representative and investment adviser representative of SFA, otherwise unaffiliated with Capital Insight Group. He’s a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor.
16 | December 2, 2021 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
OBITUARIES Bill Ayton, a member of the greatest generation, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 14. He came into this world on February 5, 1924 in New York City, the son of Irish immigrants, William Sr. and Eliza AYTON Ayton. Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, Bill worked for Standard Oil in New York City. Shortly afterward, as World War ll was in full swing, he joined the US Navy and was trained to become a pilot where he flew torpedo bombers from Aircraft Carriers in the South Pacific. After the war was over, Bill attended and graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Geology. He also continued flying with the Naval Reserves for 20 more years. His first non-military job was with Standard Oil in Durango, Colorado searching for oil in the fields around there. In 1959, he left Standard Oil and started a new career in Washington D.C. with the Federal Aviation
Administration as a Safety Inspector and Accident Investigator for over 30 years. Always wanting to serve others, Bill became very active in his community in Georgia, as a Shriner with the Legion of Honor, volunteer Deputy Sheriff in Gwinnett County and additionally, volunteered driving the parking lot golf cart for many years, rain or shine, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. He was also an active member of the Dunwoody United Methodist Church for over 45 years. Bill was a devoted Husband, Parent, Grandparent and Greatgrandparent, enjoying and attending as many of their activities as he could. Being a longtime Atlanta Braves fan, Bill knew he could rest in peace after the Braves recently won the World Series. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane. He is survived by daughter Melinda (husband Buddy), son James (wife Beatrice), grandchildren Erin, Worth, James Jr. and David’s great-grandchildren, Cale, Kamryn, Sophie, Henry, Brooks and Stevie. Memorial service will be on December 4, 2021 at 11 AM at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church in Dunwoody Georgia.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following: ZBA 21-30: Rick Houcek, homeowner of 5398 Hallford Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338, requests a variance from Chapter 16, Section 78 to allow a sunroom and deck to encroach into the stream buffer. ZBA 21-31: Joshua and Lori Lubin, homeowners of 2199 Starcross Court, Dunwoody, GA 30338, request a variance from Chapter 16, Section 78 to allow a fence in the stream buffer. Should you have any questions, comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.
Benson Ross Michael “Benson” Ross died Thanksgiving night after a long battle with mental illness. He was 25 years old. Benson was a 2015 graduate of Dunwoody High School where he ran Cross Country and played trumROSS pet in the band. He had previously attended Huntley Hills Elementary School and Peachtree Charter Middle School. Benson attended Georgia Southern University for the 2015-2016 academic year and then transferred to the
University of Georgia, where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in Political Science and International Affairs. He was a member of the UGA chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Benson was preceded in death by his father, Michael Wayne Ross, and his paternal grandparents, Herb and Jo Ross. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Laura and Dan Ruckman, his brother, Alex Ross, and his maternal grandparents, Marvin and Mildred Benson, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Benson was much loved and will be sorely missed. A celebration of his life will be held in the Dunwoody area in the coming days. The family requests that no flowers be sent due to allergies. Memorial donations may be made to the Georgia Wildlife Federation at gwf.org.
BOWER, JOHN ROBERT -- The remains of John Robert Bower, 97, of Dunwoody, GA - a WWII veteran - were laid to rest in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Nov. 23, 2021. Interred alongside was his wife, Ida Frances Moore Bower. John was born Sept. 15, 1923 in Rome, GA, the son of William Edward and Emma Aderholdt Bower. He passed away on Dec. 13, 2020 at his home from malignant melanoma. He is survived by he and Fran’s three children and their spouses: Patricia Niblett (David) of Suwanee; John Timothy Bower (Leisa) of Dunwoody; Catherine Mask (Andrew) of Fayetteville; as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents William (1943) and Emma (1969), his wife (2004), and
his siblings: William Anderson (1914), Edward Aderholdt (1992), Frances Scott (2002), and Mary Sue (2009). John was in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946. He returned to Atlanta after the war, met Fran in 1948 and they married at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church on July 1, 1950. John made a career as an accountant with the Plantation Pipeline Company in Atlanta, Georgia - retiring in 1986. In retirement he enjoyed traveling with Fran, gardening, and photography. John was also a life-long musician, with specific talent for saxophone and clarinet. Most of all, he was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by his family.
Dolores Austin (Baggett) passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 18, 2021, in Roswell, Georgia. Dolores and her husband Charles, moved to Georgia in 1978 and made their home in Dunwoody. Mrs. Austin will be lovAUSTIN ingly remembered by her husband, Charles of Dunwoody, her son Brian (Donna) of Cumming, GA, and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Dorothy Baggett of Macon, GA, as well as her brother Harold, of Pelham, GA. Dolores was born February 20,1937 in Pensacola, FL. Her family moved to Macon, Georgia in 1948, where she met Charles Austin in 1960. She married her lifelong love,
Charles, in October of 1962. They were happily married for 59 years. Blessed with a green thumb, Mrs. Austin was an avid gardener and had a beautiful rose garden at the family home in Dunwoody. She also enjoyed travel, taking many trips abroad. Although she didn’t really enjoy the activity, she was a tremendous cook, with her homemade cheesecake always being a top request at gatherings. She also loved dogs more than can be described. She was a wonderful Mother, homemaker and a loyal Ole Miss fan. The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Historic Roswell Place for their kindness and care during Mrs. Austin’s final days. Honoring Dolores’ wishes, there will be a private celebration of life, to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to the ASPCA (www.aspca.org) or your local humane society.
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18 | December 2, 2021 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody and Seek
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20 | December 2, 2021 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody
OPINION
A simple twist of fate I did not go to see the Stones in Atlanta. Part of me wanted to. Christina and I are fans. She saw them in Miami a lifetime ago — pregnant with Hans I think. I missed that one. We were both workRAY APPEN ing for the Miami Publisher Emeritus Herald then and my ray@appenmediagroup.com boss had secured John Knight’s (as in Knight- Ridder) skybox for the show — fully stocked bar, best seats in the house. I was in St. Louis and getting ready to fly to Miami to join her for the concert when TWA just cancelled the flight — no reason — just cancelled it. When I demanded they find me another flight to Miami to catch the show there was none and, it was fairly obvious that they didn’t particularly care anyway. I wasn’t leaving until they found a way to get me there in time, but when they told me that they were calling security to escort me out, I finally did leave. Solution Never have forgiven greenmailer Carl Icahn who owned TWA at the time before C H O W
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he gutted it and moved on to dismantling other companies. When I actually last saw Mick and company play, it was in the ’70s or so in what was called at the time the Tangerine Bowl, a large outdoor stadium in Orlando. My girlfriend and I had driven down from Tallahassee where we were going to school. She was, let’s say, a “free spirit” — tiny, blond, crazy smart and with wild blue eyes and, at times, a hard to describe determined attitude. She was used to getting what she wanted. As we entered the stadium, something pinged me; my radar went on “alert.” I didn’t know why at the time. At the end of the day, there was probably somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 people there for the concert. After all, the Stones were then the “world’s greatest rock-‘n’-roll band” and traveled on the edge of a precipice, a jagged edge both earned and cultivated by the band. And, it hadn’t been that much time since their performance at the Altamonte festival where 300,000 folks attended, where, as it is told, Meredith Hunter was knifed to death by Hells Angels who had been hired by the Stones — all the beer they could drink — to protect the stage (mostly with pool cues) and where three other people died as well. By the time the Stones had taken the stage as the final act, the concert had already begun a steep descent into complete chaos. This concert was not Altamonte, but I should have read the tea leaves when, earlier that afternoon, we walked past that guy right in the middle of the crowd which by then was already almost elbow to elbow in queue to get close to the stage. People had to walk around him as he sat in broad daylight on the wooden chair, he must have brought with him. He sat in front of a small table piled high
with white powder and a mirror as if he was all by himself in his living room. I thought I was seeing things and looked around for law enforcement in disbelief. There were none in sight, and no one seemed to be particularly concerned with this guy and his table. You can’t make this stuff up. I couldn’t help but think about that concert — the one in the Tangerine Bowl with my girlfriend — as I read this week about Travis Scott’s Astroworld concert and the nine people who lost their lives. Now I am not a big fan of crowds or enclosed places. As Jill and I kept walking deeper into the crowd looking for a good spot to view the concert we spotted two small “towers” maybe 100 feet from the stage, each with a roadie and young girls in them — probably the best “seats” in the house. I made some comment about those “great seats those girls had” and Jill responded with a hint of anger in her voice — enough of an inflection that told another long story. That is, I understood clearly that she had been in one of those towers before. We found a good spot and I stopped. The crowd was getting more and more difficult to wade through. The concert was open seating — first come, first served. This was good enough for me. “No, I want to get closer to the stage,” I heard her say as she grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. And forward we went, weaving in and out of the crowd until we finally stopped maybe 75 feet from the stage. We stopped when it was no longer possible to penetrate the wall of bodies in front of us, and we waited and waited. The concert started. The Stones rocked. We were close, so close to the stage. The final encore ended, and the roadies began throwing roses out into the crowd. The crowd pushed forward
but no one moved. We were compressed tighter and tighter. I looked around for a pathway back or to the side. There was no pathway anywhere. I grabbed Jill by the collar of her jacket — tight, really tight. The more the roadies threw the flowers out into the crowd, the tighter the crowd became. I yelled at Jill, because at that point, shouting was the only way communication could occur, “hold onto me and do not let go.” It was getting increasingly difficult to breathe and felt like there simply was no air above our heads — only heat, bodies and fear. Nothing, but nothing was going to cause me to lose my grip on her, because I realized with absolute clairvoyance, that if she were knocked to the ground or fell or was pushed, it would be impossible for her to get back up. I knew, absolutely knew, that on the ground or near it, there was no air, if there was almost no air above our heads already. If she fell to the ground, she would die. It seemed like an eternity of waiting. We screamed at the roadies to stop throwing the flowers to no avail. They seemed to be having a grand ol’ time watching this crowd struggle to, at that point, stay alive. They were either oblivious or pure evil, I thought. Finally, we edged closer to the “exit” to the side of the stage, the gateway through which open space and air would be found. The “exit” was space enough for one single person — one at a time — could pass through to the outside, only one. Thousands and thousands waited, pushed, gasped and prayed, waiting to exit. She didn’t seem all too shaken once we made it outside. I was. But we made it. This was not our time. That’s all — a simple twist of fate that we lived and those nine people at Astroworld did not.
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