Sandy Springs Crier - March 6, 2025 by Appen Media Group

State legislators and

commissioners

, front left, for the nonprofit’s 60th anniversary celebration Jan. 16. With facilities in Sandy Springs and Buckhead, Campbell-Stone specializes in affordable communities for nearly 600 seniors.

Longtime senior living provider seeks continued local support

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — To celebrate six decades as one of Metro Atlanta’s leading providers of affordable housing for seniors, Campbell-Stone held a grand reveal Jan. 16 for its renovated Buckhead campus.

The nonprofit, which calls itself an affordable living community with heart, serves nearly 600 residents across two facilities in Buckhead and Sandy Springs.

Affordability isn’t Campbell-Stone’s only

priority, the nonprofit has used decades of community support to provide high-quality, safe and caring community for seniors.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock contributed remarks for the 60th anniversary ceremony, while the Fulton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Jan. 16 “Campbell-Stone Senior Living Appreciation Day.”

Dickens, who has made housing a priority in his first term, said Campbell-Stone is a

See CAMPBELL, Page 10

Northside Irish Culture & Arts schedules St. Patrick’s Festival

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Northside Irish Culture & Arts is throwing its 3rd annual Saint Patrick’s Festival March 22 at the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum & Park.

The local nonprofit will celebrate Saint Patrick and Irish American Heritage Month with its “Festival by the Springs” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. off Blue Stone Road. In years past, the celebration has been around the City Green next to Sandy Springs City Hall.

The local festival bills itself as more a family-friendly event than an afternoon of excessive partying.

The Northside ICA ensures to hold its community festival a few days after the huge parades and festivals scheduled on Saint Patrick’s Day March 17.

The opening ceremony kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with traditional performances in the afternoon from Burke Connolly Dance, The Roundabouts, The Phoenix School of Irish Arts, Drake Irish Dance, The Muckers and the North Springs High School Band.

There will be a variety of vendors selling Irish wares, food and beverages with a “Kids Korner” set up around the City Springs Entertainment Lawn.

Sponsors include 1160 AM The Quest, McConnell’s Irish Whiskey and Solidarity Sady Springs

There is no cost to attend, and donations are appreciated.

For more information, visit northsidestpatricks.com

NORTHSIDE IRISH CULTURE & ARTS/PROVIDED Sandy Springs city leaders and Irish Americans cross the City Green during the opening ceremony of Northside Irish Culture & Arts’ 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This year’s festival is March 22 at Heritage Sandy Springs Museum & Park.

CAMPBELL-STONE/PROVIDED

county

join Campbell-Stone CEO Maria Manahan

— Hayden Sumlin

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COMPARING POLICE TRANSPARENCY

Sandy Springs vs. Johns Creek

Sandy Springs Johns Creek

Each week Appen Media requests police incident reports to inform residents about the safety of their community. Sandy Springs continues to withhold what it calls the “narrative reports.” It is the only city Appen Media covers that follows this practice, which goes against guidance from the Attorney General, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and Georgia Press Association. Appen Media will continue pursuing the release of more detailed documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe – or unsafe – their city is.

Constituents at Decatur meeting call for Ossoff to visit

By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com

DECATUR, Ga. — Sen. Jon Ossoff's employees showed up to Decatur City Hall on Feb. 25, offering to answer questions about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, taxes and more.

Even though Ossoff was not scheduled to appear at the constituent services event, the roughly two dozen attendees were left wondering why he wasn't there personally to address the community's concerns.

Ossoff's office declined to comment for this story or identify the staffers who attended the meeting. A representative for his office noted that the event was billed as a constituent services event and not a town hall. The announcement did not say Ossoff would be there. Staffers who hosted the event also declined to comment.

Even so, many of the attendees were left wanting.

"It was pretty much a waste of time," attendee Wardell Castles said. He noted three staffers there who specialized in handing constituent complaints to various federal agencies. "I couldn’t have cared less. There were ... citizens there who had little or no interest in what these three [staffers] specialized in. Most of the comments and questions circled around what Ossoff is doing regarding what’s going on in D.C. today."

He added, "A lot of people are really unhappy."

Attendees Decaturish interviewed wanted to know the senator's thoughts on the recent firings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at other government

agencies, the flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump, and his controversial cabinet appointments. That last point was a source of contention when attendees asked why Ossoff did not vote on some cabinet nominations. His record shows he opposed most of the nominations and voted yes on others. A New York Times article listing the vote tally found that Ossoff did not cast a vote on four cabinet nominations, more than any other senator.

"Could you tell us what his stance is?" one attendee asked Ossoff's

staffers. "Honestly, I thought I knew what he stood for, but now I don't know. I'm very confused if he didn't vote."

Ossoff has been sending out press releases regularly, often emphasizing bipartisanship. He sent one on Feb. 25, the day of the constituents' meeting, noting he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect Georgia's poultry industry from avian flu outbreaks. He sent another, stating that he pressured the Trump administration to restore scholarship funding for students studying agriculture at historically Black colleges and universities. And in another press release sent the same day, he announced he was introducing a bill to protect pregnant women in Georgia's prisons and jails.

But his constituents who attended the Feb. 25 meeting don't want to read press releases. They wanted to hear Sen. Ossoff speak to them directly.

Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore attended, hoping to make contact with Ossoff's staff. He knew Ossoff wouldn't be there, but he wanted to hear what people had to say.

"I think probably four or five are here for actual constituent service questions, and everybody else is, like, freaked out," Elmore said. "What do we do?"

One attendee, a CDC employee who didn't want their name used,

offered to provide the senator with documentation depicting the chaos behind the scenes at the agency.

"I'm not hearing from him at all," the CDC employee said. "I'm hearing him from his office. I want to hear from him."

Decaturish asked Fran Bauer about why she went to the meeting. She said, "I'm here about this s***," and pointed to a sign she was carrying that said, "Stop dismantling our government."

Bauer's daughter and son-in-law are both federal employees, and she and her husband depend on federal retirement benefits, too.

"We're f***ing worried," she said. "Because those monies, I have no trust that they're going to be around. My entire family has built a world upon this, but they're doing important work."

Like other attendees, she was unsatisfied with Ossoff's response to their concerns about the Trump administration.

"I've made phone calls and also emails, and then I've also had some responses that were not pertinent to what I brought up," Bauer said. "So I'm not really getting any clear idea of what his plan is."

Another constituent, Lisa Strube, was initially afraid to give her name as she voiced her frustration at Ossoff's absence.

"I came here to voice my concerns, and I was expecting Jon Ossoff to be here, and I'm very disappointed that he is not, especially during a time like this," Strube said.

She wanted to talk to him about women's rights, diversity and issues affecting disabled people like herself.

Strube noted that being in the minority didn't impede Republicans from exercising their power when Democrats controlled the Senate.

"I want to know what he's going to do, because Mitch McConnell did a lot of stuff when they had a minority," she said. "So what do you do when we have a minority in Congress? Like, why can't we get dirty like the Republicans?"

As she listened to a reporter work to get other attendees to go on record, Strube said, "You know what? Throw my name on there."

"I do represent people with disabilities," Strube said. "I represent women's rights. I am concerned about human rights."

Many people at the constituent services event shared those concerns and after the meeting, a group of attendees stayed behind to share names and contact information.

DAN WHISENHUNT/APPEN MEDIA

An anxious, frustrated crowd met with staffers from Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office during a constituent services meeting in Decatur Feb. 25.

Sandy Springs lists lineup for summer concert series

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — This summer, Sandy Springs is hosting two family-friendly concert series: City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs.

The free concerts will be at two unique venues in the City Springs district, offering an impressive lineup of live performances and bringing together a wide range of musical genres to the heart of the city.

City Green Live will feature high-energy, nationally touring artists performing on the 4-acre park’s stage off Galambos Way. It offers attendees a lively, outdoor music experience whether they’re a fan of rock ’n’ roll, R&B or pop.

Residents and visitors are invited to bring chairs, blankets, friends and family to enjoy a night on the lawn. In addition to the music, there will be a variety of food and beverage options available from food trucks, pop-up bars and nearby restaurants.

The Friday night series promises an unforgettable night under the stars, with the following performances scheduled:

• April 11 – Tonic (rock)

• May 23 – Face 2 Face (a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John)

• June 13 – September in the Park (a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago)

• July 25 – Black Jacket Symphony (performing Saturday Night Fever)

• August 15 – Moon Taxi (alternative/Indie)

Meanwhile, Concerts by the Springs invites music lovers to enjoy performances at the Heritage Museum & Park’s amphitheater on Sunday afternoons. The series will spotlight a diverse roster of musical acts

ranging from 70s rock revival to funk party hits.

Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and relax while enjoying the music, making it the perfect way to dance the evening away with neighbors and family.

The schedule is as follows:

• May 4 – Ansley Stewart Band (pop hits)

• June 1 – Funk Force Five (Motown, oldies, classic R&B)

GEORGIA FARMERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT

(AND YOUR VOTE)

For generations, the farmers you represent have worked, studied, retooled, innovated, and done their best for the land—and the communities you serve benefit from their expertise.

Georgia farmers trust the science and know glyphosate can be used safely. The litigation industry, on the other hand, relies on junk science in the courtroom to threaten the go-to crop protection tools farmers depend on every day. Experts estimate that without glyphosate to ensure our food supply, inflation at the checkout line will double.

More than 90 organizations in the Modern Ag Alliance are standing up for farmers to sustain the work of feeding America. Will you help us keep glyphosate available to them?

• July 13 – Troubadour Project (70s rock revival)

• August 3 – Mike Veal Band (blues, rock and funk party hits)

• September 7 – The Bourbon Brothers (a tribute to The Rat Pack) To learn more, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/ summerconcerts.

— Hayden Sumlin

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

Red Seal Craft Studio focuses on people behind the art

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Red Seal Craft Studio in Roswell offers an escape for those eager to explore their inner creativity.

Crafters can enjoy do-it-yourself projects, like charm necklaces, bracelets, candles, charcuterie boards, custom hats and glass and shell art. Private workshops are also available for businesses, clubs and parties.

Owner Jeanie Pipitone says her personal favorite is the hand-woven chunky blanket workshop.

“They’re so soft and cuddly, and anybody can do it,” Pipitone said.

Pipitone left her corporate career behind to take over the craft studio. Although she had never been to the studio, she decided to go out on a whim and become the new owner on Jan. 2.

“I admired it from afar,” Pipitone said.

Previous owner, Christy Jones, sent out an email to her subscribers asking if anyone would like to take over the gig, Pipitone took the chance,

You can now find Pipitone, along with her staff, greeting and helping visitors channel their inner crafter. A common theme among the staff is the love for people.

Employee Becky Williams said her favorite part of the job is learning about the people she meets.

More information

The Red Seals Craft Studio’s hours vary each week, to book a session visit: redsealcraftstudio.com/ craftingsessions.

Katherine and Vivi Stoll visit the studio frequently to have their “motherdaughter dates.”

“Our favorite part is spending time together,” Katherine said.

Employees help facilitate the process from start to end, so that no matter the guest’s experience level, they can create something.

“You don’t need any experience, anybody can do it,” Pipitone said. “We provide all the materials, we provide all the instruction, so everybody can come, have fun and leave with something beautiful.”

As new owner, Pipitone’s visions for the craft studio incorporates ways to encourage friends and family to spend time together. She said almost no one comes in alone.

To help facilitate Pipitone’s visions, the craft studio will begin to bring in outside artists and specialty workshops. She wants her guests to have access to “workshops that people might not have a chance to do otherwise.”

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“You always know how small this world is,” she said. “You really realize it when you interact with people, and you find out your interconnections.”

The craft studio allows for friends and families to gather and connect in a creative outlet.

“People come here, and they have fun, they feel good,” Pipitone said.

First up is a four-week Mahjong workshop to be held every Wednesday beginning March 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn how to play and the skills behind the game.

She also plans to “build retail,” by selling premade art.

“It brings people together to have fun, so if the people want it, I’ll give it,” Pipitone said.

PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/ APPEN MEDIA

Jeanie Pipitone began her journey as owner of the Red Seal Craft Studio on Jan. 2. Since then, she has learned that the people are her favorite part about the job.

Crafters gather to create art on a busy Saturday at the Red Seal Craft Studio in Roswell. Guests can choose from projects like charm necklaces, bracelets, candles, charcuterie boards, custom hats and glass and shell art.

New Podcast Series From The Georgia Politics Podcast

BREAKING AWAY: How Sandy Springs Became a City

Part 1: The Legislative Battle for Sandy Springs

The Georgia Politics Podcast kicks off Part 1 of its new mini-series, Breaking Away, exploring the municipalization of Sandy Springs.

Joining to discuss the legislative efforts behind the city’s incorporation are former House Representative Wendell Willard and former Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley. Together, they take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes work under the Gold Dome that made Sandy Springs a reality—an achievement that reshaped local governance in Georgia.

For decades, residents of this northern Fulton County community fought for the right to govern themselves, facing resistance from county officials and state lawmakers. Their 30-year struggle, driven by issues of taxation, representation, and local control, ultimately led to a political showdown with lasting implications.

In this episode, the podcast examines the political battles, grassroots activism, and key figures who turned the dream of incorporation into reality in 2005. But Sandy Springs’ story doesn’t end there—its success sparked a wave of new city formations across metro Atlanta, reshaping the state’s political and economic landscape.

How did one community’s determination change Georgia’s approach to local governance? And what lessons can be learned from their experience?

Join the show as it unpacks the history, controversy, and lasting impact of Sandy Springs’ journey to cityhood in Breaking Away.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul stands with the city's first mayor, Eva Galambos.

Scan to Listen on Apple Podcasts

Scan to Listen on Spotify

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One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.

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Campbell:

trusted partner for legacy residents that enhances their quality of life.

The celebration, including a tour of its newly renovated lobby and bistro at its Buckhead campus, centered around Campbell-Stone’s dedication to the wellbeing of aging adults and its role as a champion for subsidized senior living in Metro Atlanta.

Fulton County commissioners Dana Barrett and Bob Ellis joined state Sens. Josh McLaurin and Jason Esteves to celebrate the nonprofit’s impact since 1964.

Its other facility is just outside of I-285 off Carpenter Drive in Sandy Springs.

At Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs, the nonprofit has a dedicated floor of licensed professional care with staff available 24/7 to work with patients and their families on a plan tailored to their needs. Its Sandy Springs operation provides seniors with the option to “age in place,” allowing residents to start in residential living and then transition to personal care if necessary.

The Sandy Springs facility has 197 residential apartments, including 22 for licensed personal care. The facility off Pharr Court South in Buckhead has 342 apartments.

Campbell-Stone CEO Maria Manahan said the nonprofit is proud of the progress it has made over the past 60 years, but the work is far from over.

“Providing senior housing is more critical than ever, and our mission is to ensure that all seniors in Atlanta not only have a place to live, but a place to thrive,” Manahan said. “We are excited about the future and the ongoing impact we can make in our community.”

While the Christian Church in Georgia sponsors Campbell-Stone entities, housing and services are offered to all.

An applicant for occupancy must be at least 62 years old or qualify as

Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs, an affordableliving senior facility just north of I-285, has residential apartments and licensed personal care. The nonprofit celebrated its 60th anniversary in January with remarks from local and state leaders.

mobility-impaired. Applicants also must meet the eligibility requirements of the Section 8 rental assistance program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and satisfy the admission criteria for Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs.

Some residents, detailing their experiences at both facilities online, compare the apartment community to being on a cruise ship surrounded by friends and fun.

HUD subsidizes fees for qualified residents, making the personal care facilities among the few in Georgia with rental assistance.

Housing affordability has become a national issue in the United States.

According to a 2023 report from Harvard University, fewer than 15 percent of single adults aged 75 or older can afford both the costs of housing and long-term care services, such as inhome medical care, household support or assisted living facilities.

As the population of older adults is increasing at historic rates, CampbellStone says it remains dedicated to ensuring that Metro Atlanta’s aging adults never have to chose between affordable housing and a safe, caring community.

During the Sandy Springs City Council’s annual retreat in early February, elected officials discussed high housing costs and the aging homeowners occupying homes with limited downsizing options in the city.

With a limited stock, consisting mostly of single-family residences, alternative or missing middle housing can alleviate pressures on existing and prospective homebuyers in Metro Atlanta.

Looking ahead, Campbell-Stone wants to grow its philanthropic support from individuals and the corporate community.

While HUD subsidies go a long way, the nonprofit says the surge in need for affordable senior communities intensifies its need for supplemental funding.

To learn more about CampbellStone, visit www.campbellstone.org.

Planning your legacy when you can't read or write

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provide a means for individuals to make critical decisions about their healthcare, finances, and the distribution of their assets, even if they face challenges with reading or writing. Additionally, creating a plan with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that the person's wishes are respected, helps avoid future disputes, and safeguards the individual’s interests. It is crucial to begin the estate planning process early and make sure the person has trusted people—whether family, friends, or legal professionals—who can advocate for their desires and assist with the execution of the plan.

Continued from Page 1

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

OPINION

History Alive programs for 2025 include Past Tense author

Education has always been part of the mission of Dunwoody Preservation Trust. Co-founders Lynne Byrd and Joyce Amacher gave history presentations and held Founder’s Days, where long-time residents of Dunwoody shared their memories.

In 2013, Monica McGurk, the organization’s co-president, and husband Tom McGurk, introduced the History Alive program. Speakers on topics including Sacred Harp Singing, Civil War, genealogy, women’s history and antiques shared their knowledge at various locations around Dunwoody.

History Alive events today are held at the historic Donaldson-Bannister Farm. In 2013 the house and outbuildings had deteriorated and were unsafe for events. Events were relocated to Dunwoody Methodist Church, Stage Door Players Theater, St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church and Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church.

By 2016, after years of planning and fundraising by DPT and with help from the City of Dunwoody, rehabilitation of Donaldson-Bannister Farm was far enough along for its first History Alive event. Clarke Otten shared history, maps and photos of the Roswell Railroad.

The farm opened as a City of Dunwoody Park, managed by DPT in 2018. That same year, History Alive went from an occasional program to a bi-monthly program under Dr. Jim Walker, Ed.D., Director of Educational Programming for DPT. Today, Vanessa Blanks, Curator and Director of Education plans History Alive programs.

The next History Alive will be March 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. I will be sharing photos, postcards and the history of World War I encampment Camp Gordon, which was located in and around where DeKalb Peachtree Airport stands today.

Camp Gordon has been the subject of the Past Tense column several times. The first column I wrote for the Dunwoody Crier in 2006 was about Camp Gordon, a topic suggested by my Past Tense predecessor, Jim Perkins.

After the U.S. entered World War I on April 6, 1917, military encampments were quickly constructed across the country, including Camp Gordon. The gates of Camp Gordon opened Sept. 5, 1917.

The first recruits were from Georgia, but as time passed, recruits came from all over the country. Many were young men who had only recently come to the U.S. In addition to military training, postcards and photographs help tell the story of the role religion and

sports played at Camp Gordon. The camp was hit hard in 1918 by Spanish Influenza.

Plan to attend this and other upcoming History Alive presentations scheduled for 2025, all taking place at Donaldson-Bannister Farm.

Award-winning author and naturalist Mark Warren presents “Native American Medicines of the Southeast” on May 17. Warren owns and operates Medicine Bow Wilderness School in Dahlonega, Georgia.

On July 19, Todd DeFeo presents “The Unexpected Local Railroad.” DeFeo will tell stories of railroads in the Atlanta area. “Whether it’s the lines that passed through an area or the ones that were proposed but never built, railroads are the story of the region’s transportation.”

DPT’s Vanessa Blanks will share “History of the

Donaldson-Bannister Farmhouse” on Sept. 20. As curator for DPT, Blanks catalogs and preserves the documents, photos and other historical items in the archives to make them accessible for research.

Author of adventuresincemeteryhopping.com and DPT volunteer Traci Rylands will share her knowledge of historic local cemeteries on Nov. 15. Rylands has researched both local cemeteries and cemeteries across the U.S. Her cemetery research has also included Canada and the U.K.

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.

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Boxing was just one of the sports that took place at Chamblee’s World War I Camp Gordon.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

BASEBALL BITS

1. Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny

2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.

3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually

4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty.

5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline.

6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope.

7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run. See puzzle solutions on Page 15

Baseball Bits

1 Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny

2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually.

4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty

5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline

6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope

7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Applications open for enrollment in Sandy Springs leadership class

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Applications are open for the Youth Leadership Sandy Springs Class of 2026.

Rising sophomores through seniors who reside or attend school in Sandy Springs are eligible to apply through March 31.

Leadership Perimeter, the umbrella organization sponsoring the classes throughout North Metro Atlanta, promotes the civic programs for a diverse group of future leaders to participate in community engagement, advocacy and service through their Flagship, Youth and Alumni programs.

"I’m inspired by the enthusiasm, engagement and commitment that we see from students each year,” said Lori Peljovich, Youth Program director of Leadership Perimeter.

The seven-month program allows students to connect with government, business, environmental, public safety and non-profit leaders. Students will also take part in community service and learn the importance of collaborative leadership.

Throughout late August till late March, the class will meet for an evening kick-off event and nine program days. Six program days will take place during school hours, and three will be on the weekend.

Program sponsors include Atlanta Orthopedic Specialists, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Couchman Noble Foundation, Inspire Foundation, The Sandy Springs Society and Smurfit Westrock.

Tuition is $995 per student.

More than 500 students have graduated from the program, continuing to serve as community leaders. Scholarships and tuition assistance, which includes payment plans, are available through the general application.

“Upon graduation, both students and parents share what a transformative experience the program has been, building leadership skills and confidence while priming our teens for roles in their community,” Peljovich said.

More information: Those interested in Youth Leadership Sandy Springs can apply at: leadershipperimeter.org/youth-program/ Click on Youth Program and scroll to FAQ.

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