Dunwoody Crier - December 29, 2022

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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.

Woman says landlord pointed gun at her

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police said a woman was threatened with a gun during an incident at Perimeter Mall Dec. 11.

According to police reports, the incident occurred after an argument about an AirBnB rental in Dunwoody. The victim told officers she rented an apartment on Perimeter Center for two days from a man named Jay. When the victim met with the man at Perimeter Mall to return his apartment keys, he allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.

Police were given a photo of the man and his phone number, but at the time of the report no suspect had been identified or arrested.

No one was injured during the incident, the report said.

Police investigate scam involving rental property

DUNWOODY, Ga. — More than $800 was stolen from a Dunwoody woman in a phone rental property scam, Dunwoody police said.

The woman told police on Dec. 9 that she sent suspects a $875 deposit through Zelle, after applying to lease a rental property. The woman was reportedly told the property and lease would be ready in 24 hours, but she didn’t hear back from the suspects for several days.

When she finally heard from them, they reportedly asked her for an additional $600 to complete her

application. The woman said she refused, asked for her money back and was told to call back later.

When the woman attempted to reach the suspects later using the phone numbers she previously called, the call went straight to voicemail.

At the time of the report, no suspects in this case had been identified.

Suspect alters check deposited in mailbox

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A Dunwoody business, Accountants One Inc. was recently victimized by someone who used a stolen check to steal $12,000 from the company’s accounts.

Dunwoody Police reports said the original check for $335 was mailed Oct. 18 from a drop box near the business. The check was cashed that same day for $12,000, using the “Niarobi Richard.”

The theft wasn’t discovered until Dec. 12 when an employee was checking the business’s financial records.

No suspect in the theft has been identified.

Man charged with DUI

following I-285 wreck

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police arrested an 18-year-old Flowery Branch man for driving under the influence Dec. 9 after a wreck on I-285.

Police from Dunwoody and Sandy Springs were called to the intersection of I-285 and Perimeter Center Parkway at about 11:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a three-vehicle crash.

After investigating the wreck, police arrested one of the drivers for DUI, improper lane usage, possession of an open container and permit violations.

The man was taken to Northside Hospital for medical treatment and was booked into the DeKalb County Jail.

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A LOOK AHEAD

Dunwoody will continue effort to promote community space

problematic, and we are working with DeKalb on a solution. I am connecting with Mayors across the state, and we are working with our legislators to look at current state EMS regulations. These regulations may not be the cause of the challenges, but they certainly are a hindrance to a solution.

LYNN DEUTSCH Dunwoody Mayor

Fifteen years ago, the City of Dunwoody was an idea not yet approved by voters. The founders had police, planning, paving, and parks as priorities. In the 14 years since voters approved the City, much has been accomplished. We have established a premier police department, paved more than 70% of road miles, and created comprehensive land use, transportation, and parks plans that reflect the values and needs of our community.

We have also successfully:

• Recruited top national, regional, and local businesses to Dunwoody

• Permitted more than a billion dollars of new construction

• Enhanced our existing parks with an amphitheater, new athletic fields, and new playgrounds

• Acquired greenspace for new parks

• Built more than 75,000 feet of sidewalks

• Created the Dunwoody Trailway

• Improved intersections

• Started a recreation program

• And more

Initially, upon the city’s founding, the anticipated level of services was far less than what we deliver today. Dunwoody has the lowest aggregate tax rate in the county while we provide a high level of services. In 2022, we hosted a series of meetings and conversations about city finances and will continue these discussions in 2023, focusing on revenue, city services and capital needs.

Public safety is our number one priority. Over the last two years, we have raised police salaries more than 20 percent. We offer the best benefits in the state, including education reimbursement and an $800-a-month housing stipend if an officer lives in Dunwoody. Ambulance response times are still

Dunwoody residents have been asking for more vibrant areas to gather, and we are working with property owners to create spaces that allow for movement, socializing and lingering longer. I am looking forward to more shared community experiences and a defined sense of place. The Dunwoody Art Commission has approved more than 20 public art pieces. Our newest project, Green Light Art, is brightening corners throughout the City.

We anticipate billions of dollars of investment in Dunwoody in the coming decade. Ashford Lane, Campus 244 and High Street will be completed in the next few years. We spent much of 2022 looking at what the next 20 years might hold for Perimeter Center and will release our Edge City 2.0 plan in early 2023. This will be a blueprint for strategic growth in the Perimeter Center district that prioritizes greenspace, connectivity and mobility.

As we look towards the next decade, I am thrilled to share that Create Dunwoody, a partnership between the City, Discover Dunwoody, and the Perimeter Center Improvement District, has been established. Create Dunwoody will focus on economic vitality, events, and the arts by partnering with local businesses and other organizations. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, visit and play in Dunwoody.

We have so much going for us in Dunwoody, and I am grateful for our Council’s leadership, our staff’s hard work, and our residents’ support. I am optimistic about our City’s future and believe that we are well-situated to continue to progress and thrive.

PERIMETER ADULT LEARNING & SERVICES

PALS is pleased to announced its Winer 2023 Program lineup. Classes will run on Mondays from January 9 –March 6 at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt Vernon Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338. Registration is online at www.palsinline.info.

The class line up is as follows:

MONDAYS:

From 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Late Ad:

PALS

Spies, Saboteurs and Rescuers During World War II Dan O’Lone will present a fascinating look at double and even triple agents who played key roles in saving thousands of Allied lives during World War II. He will also continue with his unique take on those who rescued Jews during the War, including sewer cleaners, zookeepers, circus performers and German soldiers, as well as the man who stopped the trains to Auschwitz, a diplomat from a country that he had never been to.

From 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Andrew Jackson and His Indian Wars

Tom McElhinny will continue his series on Native Americans, this time dealing with Andrew Jackson’s presidency and his Indian wars from his first battles with the Cherokee and Creek nations until the establishment of the Indian Territory in Oklahoma. The most infamous outcome of Jackson’s relentless exploits at Indian removal culminated with one of the greatest forced migrations in history-the Trail of Tears. It is a sobering reminder of a violent and dark episode in our nation’s history.

From 10:00 am - 1:45 pm

Mah Jongg

Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for the session- just fun and self-evaluation.

From 10:00 am - 1:45 pm

Open Bridge for Experienced Players

There is no instructor for this weekly session – just fun and self-evaluation.

From 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

A History of the Space Race

John Baumbusch will take us through the history of how we got to the Moon more than 50 years ago. He will discuss moon lore, the Cold War, Russians and the Right Stuff! Through this series, we will re-live the heady days of the Space Race from the 1950s to the 1970s.

From 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

The Economic Implications of Immigration

Shai Robkin will discuss how immigration is a misunderstood topic in America’s social discourse, with much of what we believe is based largely on myth. He will compare the experiences of immigrants from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to those of immigrants today, and how immigrants and their children compare educationally, professionally and economically with US born citizens and discuss the policy implications of what we find.

Relaxed craft beers are forever on tap at Pontoon Brewing

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Craft beer can often be seen as pretentious, snooty and unapproachable.

And it’s no wonder why – how is a normal person supposed to know the differences between an IPA, Double IPA and a Hazy IPA, or what the term “barrel aged” could possibly mean in the context of taste and flavor?

But according to Pontoon Brewing CoFounder and CEO Sean O’Keefe, enjoying well-made craft beer should be as a day spent floating on the lake. And with the right help, anyone can find a beer that’s right for them.

At Pontoon Brewing, whether you’re a complete beer novice or a certified brewmaster, O’Keefe said you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy a good beer, in a relaxed environment.

“Craft beer is oftentimes thought of in this pretentious way … So, we wanted to have this laid-back approach, because it allows us to be more approachable,” O’Keefe said.

Pontoon Brewing opened in Sandy Springs in 2017 after years of homebrewing by the business’s four founders, O’Keefe, Marcus Powers, Eric Lemus and Eddie Sarrine, who met at the University of Florida and became friends over a shared love of craft beer.

But O’Keefe said their dream really took off around 2013, when they thought it might be fun to put their recipes to the test by venturing into the world of contract brewing, where a commercial brewery makes batches of beer using the recipes of small brewers.

When their contract brewing venture

turned into a success in 2015, O’Keefe and Powers knew it was time to buckle down and bring their beer to the world. O’Keefe said they took a huge risk, and he personally turned down several job opportunities to focus on the brewery and the dream of making it real.

“When Marcus and I moved to Georgia and decided to take on full time, then we started brewing like every weekend, for about two years,” he said. “It was a big risk.”

But as risky as it was, Pontoon’s founders came to the Atlanta area at the exact right time when the local beer scene, especially the world of homebrewing, was making big waves, as Georgia prepared to change it’s brewery laws.

O’Keefe said that when they first came to Atlanta, Georgia still had restrictive laws that didn’t allow breweries to sell beer directly to customers, which he said stifled innovation in the craft beer market.

He said that without the ability to sell beer directly to people, breweries had less of an incentive to try new things and take risks on strange-sounding recipes.

The proof for that, he said, was seen in the months leading up to when Georgia’s brewery laws were changed, when homebrewers and professional breweries went into overdrive and started tinkering with many of the beers that are popular today.

“What you saw was people homebrewing and making a lot of beers that exist now, the big crazy overly hot New England IPAs and the big, overly fruited sours and the barrel aged beer thing,” he said. “You started seeing breweries put out higher class beer, barrel aged beers, you

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Located off Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs, Pontoon Brewing has been entertaining the north Fulton County community with laid-back craft brews since 2017.

Brews:

know, bigger IPAs with more hops in it.”

“You’re starting to see that now in the market, because people can put a price tag on it and people will pay.”

Pontoon finally found its permanent home in Sandy Springs in 2018 after a ton of hard work by O’Keefe and his team. And while it wasn’t exactly where they initially expected to be located, he said that locating the brewery in Sandy Springs turned into one of the best decisions they made.

“The plan for Pontoon was never to be where we are right now,” he said. “So, it’s been cool to prove our projections wrong and to have this awesome program that was supported by the City of Sandy Springs.”

As the first brewery in Sandy Springs, O’Keefe and his team had to help the city rewrite its laws to make sure that they reflected state laws regarding breweries, and after that process, they found they had made a true partner out of city leaders.

“It’s been a symbiotic relationship since then,” he said.

Being the city’s first brewery, Pontoon Brewing was also able to lay groundwork for what “Sandy Springs beer” is, cultivating a personality and following that

After going through that process, Pontoon Brewing formed a true partnership with their city, founders said.

O’Keefe and his team hope will inspire others. Just like they were inspired by Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta and Creature Comforts Brewing in Athens. Recently, Pontoon Brewing opened a new location, The Lodge in Tucker, that O’Keefe said was the product of years of blood, sweat and hard work. Right now, customers can visit the location’s new

taproom, and in the coming years, the brewery will move all of its production to the larger Tucker location.

But no matter where they’re located, or how busy they get, O’Keefe said Pontoon Brewing will always hold onto its love of trying new things and the idea there’s a beer out there for everyone.

“My favorite thing is when people

Founders of Sandy Springs based Pontoon Brewing say their beer is perfect for all types of drinkers, even people who don’t typically like beer.

come in, like family members or friends and are like, ‘So happy for you, I’m just not a big beer person,’” he said. “Every single time, I’m like, alright bet. Let’s find you a beer that you like.”

To find a Pontoon Brewing beer you might like, visit their Sandy Springs Taproom at 8601 Dunwoody Place or their new location at 4720 Stone Drive in Tucker.

H a ppy H o l i d a ys

ROBIN BLASS, REALTOR®

Cell: 404-403-6561

Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com www.RobinBlass.com

LAUREN BLASS SOLOMON, REALTOR® Cell: 770-789-4464

Lauren.Blass@HarryNorman.com www.RobinBlass.com

The Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Dunwoody, GA 30338 | Office: 770-394-2131

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

As the first brewery in Sandy Springs, the team at Pontoon Brewing had to work closely with city leaders to ensure local brewery rules reflected updated state laws.

January book events

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

For anyone making a resolution to finally write their story – ideally with assistance – help is near in the new year. One of Atlanta’s preeminent authorities on the craft of writing will be teaching an eight-week course on exactly that in Roswell beginning Jan. 10.

George Weinstein, executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club and author of six novels, will be leading “Telling Your Story: Start It, Finish It & Share It.” Offered by Seniors Enriched Living, a nonprofit interfaith organization, classes will be held at the Roswell United Methodist Church for anyone 50 and older.

the business of writing. Details about the 28th Atlanta Writers Conference May 5-6, which Weinstein will direct, are at atlantawritersconference.com.

For readers simply in search of local inperson author events, several will be offered in January, including an evening featuring Buck Belue, star quarterback of the 1980 National Championship Georgia Bulldogs football team. Belue, a sports radio host in Atlanta, will be discussing his book, “Inside the Hedges: The Quarterback’s Journey to the National Championship,” in Alpharetta Jan. 17. BELUE

More information

Buck Belue, former UGA star quarterback, will discuss his book about the Bulldogs’ 1980 National Championship run in Alpharetta Jan. 17.

Weinstein also has resources to assist writers of all ages. Since 2009, he has directed the AWC’s biannual Atlanta Writers Conference. Each event offers a host of acquisitions editors and literary agents to help members better understand

Literary Events Around North Atlanta

Tuesday, Jan. 10: Terri Parlato. The North Atlanta Author Series continues with Parlato discussing her debut suspense novel, “All the Dark Places.” Roger Johns, winner of the 2018 Georgia Author of the Year in the detectivemystery category, will moderate the event, and Bookmiser will have books for sale. Starts at 6 p.m. Discussion, signing. Free. Milton Branch Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 30009. 404-613-4402. bookmiser.net

Tuesdays, Jan. 10-March 7: George Weinstein. Weinstein, executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club and author of six novels, will lead “Telling Your Story: Start It, Finish It & Share It,” an eight-week interactive class for anyone 50 and older. The program is offered by Seniors Enriched Living, a nonprofit interfaith organization. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. weekly. $70. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6218. sites.google.com/selroswellga.org/seniors-enriched-living/ classes/winter?authuser=0

Tuesday, Jan. 17: Buck Belue. A Novel Idea hosts an evening featuring Belue,

George Weinstein, executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club, will lead an eight-week writing course beginning Jan. 10 in Roswell.

quarterback of the University of Georgia’s 1980 National Championship football team. He will be discussing his book, “Inside the Hedges,” which is a look back at that season through the quarterback’s eyes. 6 p.m. Conversation, signing. Free. Alpharetta Branch Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, 404613-6735. anovelidea.us.

Saturday, Jan. 21: The Talking Book Podcast Atlanta. To celebrate the podcast’s first anniversary, several local authors will be interviewed. Refreshments, giveaways, signings. Free. 11 a.m. Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek, 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com

Saturday, Jan. 21, Anju Gattani. Gattani will be discussing “Dynasties,” the debut in her “Winds of Fire” series. Conversation, signing. Free. Noon. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton, 770-7975566. poeandcompanybookstore.com

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

WEINSTEIN

APPEN MEDIA’S FIRST EVER

Shopping Spree Giveaway

Start the year off right with a chance to win a $1,000 Shopping Spree courtesy of Appen Media and the Crier Newspapers.

Each week, our newsroom will hide this shopping cart image in the newspaper. Once you find it, visit appenmedia.com/shoppingspree and enter

1) Your name 2) Your email

3) The page number you found the image That’s it!

The contest will run for 13 consecutive weeks, so submit an entry each week to maximize your chances of winning.

The winner will be randomly drawn, notified on Monday, April 3rd and announced in the April 13th Crier publications. HAPPY SHOPPING …and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Nancy Hanks, Airline Belle, and Man o’ War trains

Bulloch Times announced, “Nancy Hanks II: Modern Stream-Liner is Latest Word in Comfort.” A round trip from Savannah to Atlanta began with departure from Savannah at 8 a.m., arrival in Atlanta at 1:40 p.m., departure from Atlanta at 6 p.m. and arrival back in Savannah at midnight.

from small towns to Atlanta include the Air-Line Belle and the Man o’ War. The Air-Line Belle from Toccoa to Atlanta ran from 1879 until 1931. Stops along the way included Duluth, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Alto, Lula, Oakwood and Mount Airy.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

In the last Past Tense, I told how Charlie Blackburn rode the Airline Belle from Atlanta to Chamblee, then boarded the Roswell Railroad to visit his grandparents in Dunwoody. There are many reasons people traveled by train to or from Atlanta. Some came to visit family, to get to work or school, attend an event such as a football game, or shop in downtown Atlanta, especially in the days before Christmas.

The train known as Nancy Hanks first began the trip from Savannah to Atlanta in 1893. The trip took about six and a half hours. Georgia Central Railway picked the name Nancy Hanks because of the world record racehorse by that name, rather than Abraham Lincoln’s mother.

Atlanta historian Franklin Garrett describes this first version of the Nancy Hanks as “elaborate and luxurious.” The train was painted royal blue and trimmed in gold leaf with images of the racehorse logo in the frosted glass panels above each window.

The Nancy Hanks only lasted a few months because it caused many accidents. It was too fast for the time, colliding with livestock and unfortunately also with people. It was shut down before the end of 1893.

Georgia Central Railway brought the name Nancy Hanks back in 1947. A July 10, 1947, article in the

In September of 1957, football fans could ride the Nancy Hanks to Atlanta for two games. Georgia Tech played Kentucky at 2 p.m. and Georgia played Texas at 8 p.m. Following the second game, a bus would return fans to Terminal Station to leave for Savannah around 11:15 p.m.

Riding the Nancy Hanks II from Savannah or Macon to shop in Atlanta is remembered by many. Stops along the way included Wadley, Tennile, and Griffin. In 1963, the train was owned by Southern Railway and in 1971 it shut down for good with the beginning of Amtrak.

Just as with other forms of transportation, trains were racially segregated in the South and this continued until 1965, according to the Smithsonian Institute Magazine. Southern Railway Car Number 1200, a segregated car used on the Southern Railway in Georgia is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Cars such as Number 1200 had smaller bathrooms, no luggage racks, and no amenities. Blacks sometimes rode in baggage cars and were denied access to dining cars.

Other trains that brought people

Clifford M. Kuhn wrote about riding the Air-Line Belle in “Living Atlanta: An Oral History of the City, 1914-1948.” “We’d get the Airline Belle out of Toccoa, which was about three coaches, and a little steam engine. We’d come down Mitchell Street and turn there to go to Rich’s, Bass’s and Kress ten-cent store.”

Also named for a racehorse, the Man o’ War ran from Columbus to Atlanta beginning in 1947 and continued until the spring of 1970. Bonnie Smith Nichols and Larry Jordon remember riding the Man o’ War from Atlanta to Columbus on a Dunwoody School field trip in 1957. They visited Fort Benning while in Columbus.

Other stops for this route included Cataula, Pine Mountain, and Hamilton.

Atlanta’s Terminal Station, owned by Southern Railway, was shut down in 1970 and demolished in 1972. Union Station in Atlanta was also demolished in 1972.

Marc Hayes of Brookhaven remembers seeing the Nancy Hanks on many occasions when he worked in downtown Atlanta in the 1960s. He worked close to both Terminal Station and the smaller Union Station. “At least a couple of times a week, on my lunch hour, I’d walk over to either or both stations to explore the cavernous Terminal Station and the smaller Union Station.”

Over the sound system, incoming trains were announced. Passengers leaving Atlanta were notified when it was time to board their train and then the words “All Aboard” were called out.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@ gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

PET OF THE WEEK

RosRos (ID# 51028295) - Ros is a very handsome boy who is a good, easy-to-manage size. He seems housetrained and probably knows lots of other good stuff. Around the shelter, he is known as a “love bug” because he is always ready with hugs and kisses. Bring Ros home and fall in love too.

Our shelter is full of incredible pets waiting for homes, and to them, your love is priceless. We must find 500 homes; will yours be one of them?

Expand your family by 4 furry little feet; meet Ros and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. If you would like more information about Ros please call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential adopters will be screened to ensure Ros goes to a good home.

A note from The Crier’s friends at DeKalb County Animal Services:

The holidays are the worst for the unwanted pets, and most shelters are full. Rescues use boarding facilities at special rates year-round, but those places are in demand at high dollar rates this time of year. As a result, those pets need to be placed in temporary foster homes. If someone can open their home for fostering during the holidays that would help make room at the shelter for the owner surrenders. Fostering is not a lifelong commitment. It’s like being a grandparent - just provide a spot, food and love. Rescues pay the vet bills and will provide a crate and guidance. If you think you can help, email adoption@dekalbanimalservices or call 404-294-2165

The realizations that come with age

The big news from me in 2022 is that I’m getting old.

doesn’t begin with a 19. What?!

I am middle of the rung now when someone on staff needs help with a computer program, and I am rarely called upon to represent the “younger generation” in a meeting involving diversifying for an evolving media environment and younger readers.

staff with me to continue the tradition of multiple Appen family members working – and coming to blows – in the company that bears their name. He is the ying to my yang at the office, and we do a good job of covering for each other. He’s got my back and I’ve got his.

HANS APPEN Publisher hans@appenmedia.com

It’s bad enough that journalists fresh out of J-School at UGA have been calling me “Mr. Appen,” but now my oldest child, Phoebe, has started to call me “Hans” when she gets mad at me. If she grows any more like her mother in 2023 I’m in big trouble. Said oldest child is also quick to point out the influx of gray hairs on my head and pat my big belly in mock concern.

“Wait, do you have grays in your beard, too?!”

I am officially out of touch and behind the times with the latest advancements in technology, and frankly, I give up. I never jumped on TikTok and I am not going to even try with BeReal. I’m sure the fact that I’m even mentioning these two social platforms is causing some snickers amongst the whipper snappers in my office.

Speaking of, outside of dear June in our Classifieds department, I am now the most tenured employee on my own staff. How did that happen? This year, I hired someone for the first time whose birth year

Just tell me what to do and when to do it, folks.

Recently, I joined a group of about 15 of my uncles, male cousins, and husbands of female cousins for 48 hours in Vegas. We caught the IU/Arizona basketball game at the MGM and walked up and down the strip for hours. At about hour 30, I patted a few on the back, told them to have fun, and me and my sore hips made their way back to the hotel for a nap. I slept like a baby.

Lastly, it used to be that elderly neighbors would call me to help them lift something heavy or keep an eye on their house while they were out of town. Recently, my middle child, Leo, got the call instead.

Yep, I’m getting old.

The thing is, I’m more than OK with this stage in life, and I quite like it, actually.

While Mom and Dad inch closer to retirement and further away from Appen Media, I still have brother Carl on

At home, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my kids. We are neck deep in baseball, soccer, karate, piano, playdates, fishing – you name it, we’re doing it.

The highlight of my day is making my way to each child’s room for their bedtime story. Phoebe and I are on Book 6 of the Harry Potter series, Leo and I are on Book 3 of the Little House on the Prairie Series, and youngest child, Annie, refuses to read anything other than Peppa Pig.

For me, I love to be outside and have my hands in the dirt. I recognize and enjoy moments in life I used to ignore, or take for granted. Blooming flowers, the art of and joy of building something with your own hands, the laughter of a child, a good sermon, good people and the gift of another day.

Life is good, and I am good with it.

So, from Alpharetta’s newest old geezer, I hope you have a wonderful New Year filled with good friends, good health and happy memories.

But first, get off my lawn.

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Hello

Frank Paras Home Depot Installation Services Local Team Leader

Tara Tucker

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

ZBA 22-21, 1492 Carnaby Court: Variance from Sec. 27-147 to allow a new home to encroach into the contextual street setbacks.

Should you have any questions or 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 the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

David Thomas Shope In Memoriam

David Thomas Shope went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 13, 2022. He was born on July 1st, 1953 to Eddie and David Shope of South Knoxville. He and his sister Denise were raised by his loving aunt, Reba Harrison. He was a proud graduate of Doyle High School and the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He later moved to Atlanta, GA where he became a successful businessman and family man. There he raised a family and was a proud father to his daughter, Lauren. He was a passionate landscaper,

animal lover, and bike rider. After retiring from commercial real estate, where he was recognized as one of the city’s top brokers, David moved back to his roots in East Tennessee where he became an active and integral member of the Church. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, Biereley-Hale Chapel, with Rev. Scott Knight officiating. Interment will follow the service at Ebenezer Ballplay Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., Sunday, BiereleyHale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Correction: A previous newspaper ad provided an incorrect date for the January Planning Commission meeting. Due to this error, the public hearing for the Special Land Use Permit Request (Case # 22-03) for 1822 Mount Vernon Road has been delayed to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

DEATH NOTICES

Donald Kjenstad, 75, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2022.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Solomon McDaniel, 87, of Roswell, passed away on December 16, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

STUDIO SERIES: GLENN PHILLIPS BAND

What: Admired by Frank Zappa and R.E.M. alike, Glenn Phillips’s guitar skills have brought him a long way from the local Hampton Grease Band. He has played with everyone from Bo Diddley to Talking Heads. His music defies classification and is widely praised for its emotional impact.

When: Thursday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.

Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets start at $20 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

JUST FOR FUN:

NEW YEAR’S EVE SWINGIN’ PARTY WITH JOE GRANSDEN & FRANCINE REED

What: Georgia Music Hall of Famer Francine Reed is back, and she’s on Byers Theatre stage with big-band leader and Sandy Springs native Joe Gransden. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll have you swinging into the new year with holiday favorites, along with Gransden’s 16-piece band. There’s an after-party in the Studio Theatre with dancing and other entertainment, light bites and desserts, and a toast at midnight.

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets start at $40; For the after-party, tickets start at $55 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

NEW YEARS EVE AT GATE CITY

What: Head to Gate City for food, friends and fun to say goodbye to 2022. Gate City will be partying with 18 beers on tap and seasonal craft cocktails. DJ Bryan Dale will be playing from 9pm-1am. Frybaby ATL will be on site from 2-8pm. When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 12pm - 1 a.m.

Where: Gate City, 43 Magnolia Street, Roswell

More info: gatecitybrewingcompany. com

ANGEL BAR CHRISTMAS POP-UP

What: The FTE Christmas Pop-up Bar spreads holiday cheer and plenty of booze in the form of yuletide-themed cocktails. Adorned with an explosion of tinsel, ribbon, and countless other Christmas touches, our bar is dedicated to celebrating in the spirit of the holidays. Please wear your ugly/ tacky Christmas sweaters or outfits. Bring the family and celebrate like the Griswold’s.

When: Up to Dec. 31, times vary Where: From the Earth, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: ftebrewing.com

ENCHANTED WOODLAND TRAIL

What: The fairies and gnomes have been busy building whimsical houses along Chattahoochee Nature Center’s forested trails. Slow down as you search for houses made from tiny natural objects. Take notice of the beautiful and enchanting features of the winter woods.

When: Up to Feb. 28, open daily except for December 24-26 and January 1-3

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell Cost: $15 for adults

More info: chattnaturecenter.org

Florrie Silvers, 78, of Roswell, passed away on December 19, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jeanette Sullivan, 93, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 21, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.