Sandy Springs Crier - March 2, 2023

Georgia students campaign for equitable funding

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City Council approves Roswell Road improvements

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After more than two years of research and public engagement, officials have approved a plan to make Roswell Road in Sandy Springs a “pedestrian and bike-friendly boulevard” through a sweeping set of safety improvement projects and roadway upgrades.

The Roswell Road Access Management Plan, presented to the Sandy Springs City Council at its Feb. 21 meeting by Traffic and Transportation Unit Manager Kristen Wescott, seeks to address safety concerns on Roswell Road, which had 11 fatal crashes and 29 “life-altering” injury crashes between 2015 and 2019.

Safety concerns

According to Nithin Gomez, senior transportation engineer with the design firm Gresham Smith, one in every four crashes on Roswell Road results in a serious injury, which is double the statewide average for similar roadways.

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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 documents that belong to the public in order to inform residents how safe - or unsafe - the city is keeping it.

Milton

Dunwoody

Alpharetta

Johns Creek

Sandy Springs Roswell

Georgia students campaign for education funding equity

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Francesca Ruhe and Mason Goodwin are ready to seize the power of young people, and they want to use it to bring equity to public school funding.

The two are registered lobbyists for their statewide organization, Georgia Youth Justice Coalition.

The organization has members from ages 14-22 focused on education justice in communities across Georgia. The nonprofit has grassroots and legislative divisions, all led by students and young people.

On Feb. 16, Ruhe and Goodwin sat outside the Georgia Capitol for a quick break from one of their legislative initiatives. The pair are part of a lobby day, put on in partnership with organizations including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Deep Institute in Savannah.

Goodwin said the groups created a coalition called Fund Georgia’s Future, focused on “fair and full funding” for schools across the state.

The organizers are grateful for the help from their well-known partner organizations, but their focus is on what young people can bring to legislator’s offices.

“Legislators don’t expect some very highly motivated … young people who are demanding change,” Ruhe said. “We just kind of seize that power.”

At 18 years old, Francesca Ruhe lobbies in between classes at Georgia State University. For the Feb. 16 lobby day, she wore business attire — except for the bright yellow Converses, covered in pictures of Woodstock from the Peanuts cartoons.

Mason Goodwin, 20, is a student at Georgia State University.

They make up a fraction of Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, which has a “student base of hundreds” according to Ruhe. At the lobby day, their nonprofit brought about 25 students to the Capitol.

“There’s an infinite number of us, and we all have the same gripes with the public education system,” Ruhe said.

At the lobby day, the coalition of students and adults focused on an “opportunity weight,” which would add funding to schools that serve students in poverty.

“It could help make up the difference (in funding) between the richer schools in the North Metro Atlanta area and the South Metro area,” Ruhe said.

The opportunity weight is part of

Georgia House Bill 3, called the “Support for Students Living in Poverty Act” introduced in January.

Georgia is one of only six states with a school funding formula that does not provide additional funds to schools with low-income students. The state does provide equalization grants through the “Quality Basic Education Act,” which was passed in 1985. The grants focus on filling funding gaps for poor and rural areas.

Goodwin and Ruhe said their experiences in Georgia schools are fundamental to their legislative work, especially when it comes to education funding.

Ruhe said she saw educational disparity for the first time in middle school. In sixth grade she joined an organization called Page Turners, aimed at bringing books to underserved schools across Metro Atlanta.

As a volunteer, Ruhe traveled around Atlanta and interviewed authors in front of groups of kids.

“It was incredible, the disparities,” Ruhe said. “In my own personal upbringing, which I consider to be pretty privileged I had all the resources I needed to be a fluent reader.”

At an early age, Ruhe saw the impacts of economic disparity.

Mason Goodwin had a different experience growing up but a similar takeaway. He was one of the “lower income, single-parent households kids” in Atlanta public schools.

Goodwin started in the general classes, where he was the only White student. In his junior year, Goodwin got pushed into honors classes. The classrooms were full of other White students.

“You start asking the kids and they’re like ‘Yeah, I’m getting tutors for my AP classes,’” Goodwin said. “You realize they have the resources to actually push through school.”

Goodwin said that “waking moment” pushed him into activism.

Ruhe and Goodwin said the Georgia Youth Justice coalition has been involved in major efforts, from onthe-ground work to stop book bans in Forsyth County to conversations about the school to prison pipeline in Gwinnett County.

“The beauty of the coalition is that we’re made up of students, and students always have a million different issues to contend with,” Ruhe said.

Even if the students don’t win every fight, the young organizers are optimistic.

“Just being here is a huge win,” Ruhe said.

GEORGIA YOUTH JUSTICE COALITION/PROVIDED

A group of about 25 students from across Georgia participated in a “lobby day” with Georgia Youth Justice Coalition on Feb. 16. The organizers and lobbyists focused on the creation of an “opportunity weight” to help low-income students in Georgia schools.

Nominate a hero for Dunwoody’s Sustainability Hero Awards

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Once again, it’s time to nominate exemplary Dunwoody citizens for the 2022 Sustainability Hero Awards program.

Presented by the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee, the Sustainability Hero Award program has honored individuals and organizations for their

City:

Continued from Page 1

Gomez, who presented a draft of the plan at the council’s previous meeting on Feb. 7, said Roswell Road’s startling crash statistics and a list of risk factors were identified by a safety study conducted during the planning process.

More than any other factor, Gomez said the largest risk identified by the study was from traffic in and out of driveways on Roswell Road. Of the fatal wrecks reported on Roswell Road, 33 percent occurred while vehicles were entering or exiting the roadway.

The study also concluded Roswell Road’s long two-way turn lane, numerous “curb cuts” and the lack of pedestrian crossing opportunities were also risk factors likely causing wrecks.

To fix these issues and make the road safer for drivers and pedestrians, Gomez said the plan recommends eliminating the two-way turn lane and building restricted turn lanes with a raised median at four sections of Roswell Road, from just south of I-285 up to Hightower Road.

It also recommends building five midblock pedestrian crossings at Lake Placid Drive, Trowbridge Road, Mystic Place, Northridge Parkway and Dunwoody Place, he said.

Additionally, the plan would provide guidance on how the projects should be completed as the plan progresses and recommends updating the city’s development code to reinforce the plan’s mission.

“Even though we are prioritizing four segments … We want to be prepared for these other projects which might take much longer than capital projects to happen,” he said. “Reinforcing why access management is good, why medians should be considered.”

Community members respond

At the Feb. 7 meeting, Sandy Springs residents and officials voiced concerns about how projects proposed by the plan would affect those who use Roswell Road for their daily commutes.

Residents in multiple neighborhoods along Roswell Road said they fear the new restrictive turn lanes will prevent them from turning into their neighborhoods easily, forcing them to drive out of their way to get to and from home.

dedication, service and leadership since 2012. Nominations for the award are now open and will be accepted until March 6.

“The nomination process helps us learn and share more about local individuals and groups going above and beyond to protect our natural resources

and improve our community,” Nathan Sparks, chair of Dunwoody’s Sustainability Committee said. “This program can also inspire others to start their own sustainable practices.”

Interested residents, nonprofits and businesses can make a nomination by visiting www.dunwoodyga.gov and

searching, “Sustainability Hero.”

Nominated individuals must be Dunwoody residents, a business licensed with the city, or have “clear ties to sustainable initiatives in Dunwoody,” officials said. Winners of the award will be announced by the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee in April.

the Roswell Road Access Management Plan show how Sandy Springs leaders plan to improve safety on Roswell Road by eliminating the roadway’s two-way center turn lane in certain sections. The plan was approved by the City Council at a meeting Feb. 21.

“Obviously we need to keep them safe, but we don’t want them to have to go take a trip around the country to get back home,” District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Mular said.

Mular said whatever is built for the project will need to utilize “smart design” to make sure those residents’ fears don’t come true.

District 1 Councilman John Paulson asked whether similar improvement projects completed by the city have reduced crashes and whether making it harder for people to turn on Roswell Road has had a negative economic impact on nearby businesses.

Paulson said the city previously extended a raised median preventing some turns at a Roswell Road shopping center, and now the shopping center appears to be struggling.

“Is it struggling because of our island?” he said. “I’m sure it’s safer

because nobody’s turning that way now, but still, if we’re causing a struggle to that shopping center, that’d be what I’d be interested in looking at.”

Speaking to both concerns, Wescott said the plans they have developed can be refined with more community engagement once they reach the concept stage. For other parts of the project, which might not be completed for 20 years, they will need flexibility to adapt to the changes those years will bring, she said.

“We have so much changing technology with vehicles … we don’t even know what it’s going to be like five years from now,” she said.

After a brief discussion at the Feb. 21 meeting, City Council approved the Roswell Road Access Management Plan with an addendum preserving public and officials’ comments “for future consideration and action.”

A map presented to the Sandy Springs City Council Feb. 21 shows four “priority” sections of Roswell Road that will see road improvements as part of the Roswell Road Access Management Plan.

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED PHOTOS

Renderings created for

Community turns out for local news event

STAFF REPORT

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Around 50 people attended a “Meet the Press” event hosted by Appen Media at July Moon Bakery Feb. 22. Residents, communication professionals and newsmakers gathered to hear from Appen staff for their first public event of 2023.

Publisher Hans Appen spoke about the Appen Press Club, a membership group that supports the production of local news in Metro Atlanta. Director of Content & Development

Carl Appen introduced Staff Reporters Alex Popp, Delaney Tarr, Shelby Israel and Amber Perry, as well as Designers Dionna Williams and Jacob Tomberlin.

Reporters walked the audience through stories they’re working on and explained how the newsroom goes about selecting assignments.

At the end of the hour-long event, producers opened the floor for questions from attendees.

The newsroom’s next event is scheduled for late March. Details and registration will be available at appenmedia.com/events.

Around 50 attendees gather Feb. 22 to hear from the Appen Media newsroom at a ‘Meet the Press’ event downtown Alpharetta.

Atlanta Tex-Mex favorite Superica opens Dunwoody location

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Superica, the acclaimed Tex-Mex eatery, has opened its fifth Metro Atlanta location with a brand new 6,000-squarefoot restaurant at the Ashford Lane development in Dunwoody.

Located at 1220 Ashford Crossing, Superica will offer the Dunwoody

community a menu packed with modern twists on Mexican classics by four-time James Beard nominated chef and restaurateur Ford Fry.

“Each dish is an homage to the Tex-Mex cuisine Ford grew up eating and cooking in Houston,” Ashford Lane officials said. “With carefully selected spices and high-quality ingredients, each dish is bursting with juicy and tender flavors. Fan favorites

include street-style tacos, fajitas al carbon, and the traditional taco dinner, which includes three tacos, refried frijoles and Mexican rice.”

The restaurant will offer a weekend brunch service and a “well-rounded” beverage program featuring Superica’s famous house-made margaritas crafted from locally sourced spirits and agaves.

“We like to build restaurants around what the community might need or want and what really speaks to each neighborhood, so Dunwoody, we hear you…no more lengthy drives to your nearest Superica,” Fry said. “We’re bringing the cold margs and Tex-Mex staples I grew up on to you.”

For more information on Superica visit superica.com.

PHOTOS BY HANS APPEN/APPEN MEDIA

Tres Lunas infuses flavor and experience

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — A salient bond among women translates into the everyday operations at Tres Lunas, an infused tequila bar off Crabapple Road.

Many businesses tout a family atmosphere. But at Tres Lunas, the culture is in the hands of owner Debbie Rouillier’s daughters, Alyssa Rouillier, Joye Rouillier and Allie Ihara who authentically create a welcoming, familiar space to those walking in the door. They’re always on-site, steering the ship and ensuring that returning patrons are greeted by name.

Their familial relationships inspired the business name, which translates to three moons and represents the sisters. By the bar and below a Tres Lunas sign, a dark purple clock hangs, and on its face is a silhouette of three women jumping together under a glowing moon.

Allie’s husband, Jake Ihara, is the executive chef at Tres Lunas. A 2003 graduate of California Culinary Academy, Jake takes influence from his home state of California when concocting dishes that consist of a Mexican flavor palate and his Japanese background.

The restaurant boasts a collision of flavor and experience, referring to Jake’s unique plates using locally sourced and fresh ingredients, and the customer service offered at Tres Lunas.

“You get the best of both worlds here,” said Alyssa, second-in-command to Jake in the kitchen. “The experience is something you can’t really find anywhere else.”

Restaurant veterans

Before opening, Debbie, Alyssa and Joye sat at a high-top table describing the business, sometimes finishing each other’s sentences. When talking finances, Debbie said acquiring the business was a blessing. Joye, who manages the front of house, stepped in and said the cost of business is priceless.

“This is the price — the love, the passion, family, unity, collaborations, coming together as one,” Joye said.

The restaurant is modern and spacious with tall ceilings. Acrylic pourings cover the walls. A replica of a Volkswagen bus greets visitors entering the patio within eyesight of the bar, an area lined with large windows and white lights, emitting a beach feel.

“We’re a vibey restaurant,” Alyssa said. “A place where you can go and be yourself.”

The restaurant business was instilled

into the sisters at a young age. Their father, who died in 2016, was a chef. Tres Lunas was established in his honor.

Joye had been working in the same building for more than 10 years. While the family took over the business in

November 2021, the building has been home to other restaurants. Most recently, the building housed a Mexican restaurant.

Over time, the Tres Lunas menu has transitioned from traditional Mexican to an infused style — honed during the weekend with Chef’s specials.

A new menu is set to be released in April, Alyssa said, the one-year anniversary of the restaurant’s official name change. Tres Lunas also has a brunch selection, offering churro French toast and chilaquiles with vegan and vegetarian options.

In addition to infused food, Allie works behind the bar creating specialized margaritas, incorporating fresh fruits.

Alyssa’s 14-year-old daughter, Aniyah, also works at Tres Lunas as a hostess, the “little sidekick” to Joye. She also watches over kids in the restaurant’s play area, whose parents are back at the table. By the entrance, there’s a room that holds a large Connect 4 set and other toys.

“There’s not one person that doesn’t fit the piece to our puzzle,” Joye said, praising the staff. “They all come in on time. They show up with the love and passion that we have.”

TRES LUNAS/PROVIDED

Tres Lunas owner Debbie Rouillier, daughter Joye Rouillier, granddaughter Aniyah, daughter Alyssa Rouillier, daughter Allie Ihara and Allie’s husband Chef Jake Ihara manage the restaurant, an infused tequila bar off Crabapple Road.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A replica of a Volkswagen bus greets visitors entering the patio within eyesight of Tres Lunas’ bar, an area lined with large windows and white lights.

Dunwoody announces new finance director following death of ‘beloved’ Linda Nabers

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials announced Feb. 13 that Acting Finance Director Richard Platto has been confirmed as the city’s official finance director.

Platto took up the role of acting finance director when former director Linda Nabers became ill and stepped down from her position in late 2022. Nabers, who served as finance director since 2019, died of cancer on Feb. 4, officials said.

According to Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton, Nabers was beloved by her staff and worked closely with Platto to prepare for his appointment.

“[Platto] is excited about the position, but he hates the way he’s coming into it,” Linton said. “The staff has been very supportive of Linda, and Linda was always very supportive of her staff … She will be deeply missed.”

Before taking over as acting finance director, Platto served as assistant director of the department since 2020. Previously he served as finance director for the City of Doraville, as controller for the City of Smyrna and in the public sector for Southern Company, Siemens, Cox Communications and Deloitte & Touche.

“I have every confidence that Richard will continue to provide outstand -

ing service as the city’s new finance director,” Linton said. “We all miss Linda and know that Richard and his team will maintain the high standards she set.”

Over the course of her life, Nabers served in various different finance positions for city and county governments in the Atlanta area, including Rockdale County and the cities of Stockbridge and Brookhaven.

In December, Nabers was honored with Dunwoody’s inaugural Shining Star Award, which officials said is given to people who demonstrate leadership and commitment daily.

“Linda was a strong leader and great example to all of us,” Platto said. “She left a lasting legacy, and we’re determined to carry it on. I’m honored to serve Dunwoody in this new role.”

Nabers is survived by many friends and family members. A memorial service to honor her life was held Feb. 11 in the chapel of Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough.

Sandy Springs Conservancy Completes library garden update

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Library Reading Garden now looks better than ever, thanks to recent efforts by the Sandy Springs Conservancy.

Officials said on Feb. 17, the first phase of a project to “spruce up” the library’s reading garden off Mount Vernon Highway has been completed. As part of the project, workers removed ivy and tree debris from the garden, ground stumps, pruned bushes, spread new slate in the garden’s “labyrinth” and paths, and planted more than 200 daffodil bulbs.

This project was made possible by a $2,500 grant from the Sandy

Springs Society and the Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Micro Project Program and was managed by the Sandy Springs Conservancy and the Fulton County Library System.

Officials said more work and plantings at the Sandy Springs Library Reading Garden are planned for the fall.

Officials with the Sandy Springs Conservancy said Micro Project grants are still available for small greenspace and park enhancement projects in the community.

For more information on the Sandy Springs Conservancy and the Micro Project grant, visit www.sandyspringsconservancy.org.

NABERS

PLATTO

State leaders stand up for antisemitism hate crime bill

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — State lawmakers and leaders from Georgia’s Jewish community stood tighter under the gold dome Wednesday, Feb. 22 to support House Bill 30, which creates a standard definition for antisemitism under Georgia law.

According to state Rep. John Carson (R-Marietta) who co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Esther Panitch (D-Sandy Springs), HB 30 would have Georgia adopt the internationally recognized definition of antisemitism and strengthens protections for those who might be affected by discrimination and hate crimes.

The bill has received wide bipartisan support from state lawmakers and passed out of the house judiciary committee Tuesday, Feb. 21.

“I'm here because I believe that this is right, this is moral, and this is just the right thing to do for people that are constantly being persecuted,” Carson said at a press conference held Wednesday at the capitol.

This bill comes after Panitch and hundreds of other residents in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and other Georgia

communities discovered that antisemitic flyers had been delivered to their homes overnight on Feb. 5.

The flyers sparked an immediate public outcry from community members and leaders statewide, including

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

In the weeks since, law enforcement officials announced that the individuals responsible for the flyers have been identified, but will face no charges because the flyers did not contain threats

or other actionable language.

“After conducting a thorough investigation and discussing this with the District Attorney’s Office and City Solicitor's Office there's no charge we can make against them,” Dunwoody Police Chief Billy said Feb. 13. “It’s a free speech issue.”

Panitch, who was one of the first people to raise an outcry when the flyers were first discovered, said that despite misinformation campaigns claiming the contrary, the “disgusting” language in the flyers is not what HB 30 is aimed at combatting.

“There is no doubt antisemitism is on the rise,” she said. “We need every tool in our toolbox and this bill defines antisemitism, to be clear, it does not restrict speech.”

The definition of antisemitism which HB 30 will create, will only come into play once an unlawful, criminal or discriminatory act has occurred.

“Right is right and wrong is wrong,” she said. “That’s all we want, we don’t want anything special, we just want to be treated just like every other minority.

Lawmakers expect HB 30 to go to the Georgia House floor for a full vote sometime next week, Carson said.

Tara Tucker

Paras

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder speaks at a press conference on Georgia’s antisemitism hate crime bill held Feb. 22 at the Georgia State Capitol.

Is 2023 the right time to buy a home?

Brought to you by – Dan Griffin, Broker/Realtor, Compass Inc.

With the uncertainty that’s surrounded the real estate market over the last few years, you may be hesitant to take the plunge and purchase a home. After interest rates reached a historic low two years ago, it can be discouraging to see them climb steadily. In fact, rising interest rates may have caused you to press pause on your plans to buy. However, according to Max Kallos, President of Ardent Loans, it’s helpful to look at interest rates over the last 50 years to get a big picture view of what’s happening. Historically, interest rates have averaged between 6-11%, so current rates are still sitting at the low end of that range. While you might be concerned about interest rates, if you’re renting it’s likely

NAME

you’ve been affected by the rise in rent prices over the last two years. You may be wondering if you’d be better off buying a home so you can begin building equity in your own property rather than paying rent to a landlord. Especially if you’re planning on staying in the same area for a few years, Max Kallos believes it’s a good idea to consider home ownership. Now that the housing market has cooled off a little, it could be the right time to see if you can afford to buy.

Home values continue to increase across Atlanta which means real estate remains a secure investment. However, choosing to invest in a home is an important decision and there are many factors to consider. If you’re thinking about buying a home, get in touch with a trusted mortgage broker to talk through your options.

Plans for new Tim Hortons location alarm residents, small business owners

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Plans for a Tim Hortons coffee shop on the corner of State Bridge Road and Abberley Lane have disquieted residents of the subdivision next door, who are worried about byproducts of traffic congestion and noise.

Contract purchaser Abid Khutliwala intends to use a .84-acre parcel for the location, which sits only a few feet away from the Abberley Towneship gate. The property holds a joint-access easement, connecting Abberley’s private drive through a strip mall to the Goodwill parking lot, that would be used in the business’ drive-thru.

Khutliwala owns commercial businesses in other cities, like Popeyes, Checkers and Moe’s Southwest Grill, but if the zoning application is approved, Tim Hortons would be Khutliwala’s first business in Johns Creek. He hopes to own more.

“There’s only two good cities in the area: Peachtree City and Johns Creek,” Khutliwala said. “And I’m already living in one.”

Khutliwala is in the process of buying the property to begin development, a project with a price tag of at least $2 million. The Johns Creek Planning

Commission has yet to give feedback on project plans. Following a deferral,

Khutliwala requested the group meet April 10.

Other locations have been considered, but Khutliwala said, “The price points are so heavy that you can’t even touch it.”

Public outcry

A public input meeting took place in January, where over 20 Abberley Towneship residents voiced their concerns over the use of the easement. Khutliwala’s lawyer, Shaun Adams, confirmed another meeting around early March for residents who couldn’t attend the meeting at Johns Creek City Hall.

“That little area is going to turn into a cluster of traffic,” said Rebecca Sanna, president of the Abberley Towneship Homeowners Association.

Emergency vehicles and school buses would have a more difficult time accessing Abberley, Sanna said.

Pedestrian safety is another issue. Beatriz Aziz, secretary of the HOA, said kids who live in the neighborhood walk to State Bridge Road to be picked up for school at the same time as Tim Hortons’ peak hours of early morning and early afternoon.

See LOCATION, Page 16

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A .84-acre parcel on the corner of State Bridge Road and Abberley Lane is under examination as part of its rezoning process for a new Tim Hortons location. Residents in the nearby Abberley Towneship voiced their concerns about the traffic and noise the business would create.

Summer Camps

PROVIDED

Camp Juliette Low: fun, friendship, fresh air!

Brought to you by – Camp Juliette Low, Cloudland, GA

A sleepaway camp for girls ages 8-17, Camp Juliette Low (CJL) offers one-week, two-week, and mini-session options throughout the summer. Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1922, the camp has a rich history and a dedicated camper, staff and alumna network. CJL

is focused on teaching campers independence, how to work with others, and a love for the outdoors. Traditional camp activities, including everything from campfires, singing and hikes to canoeing, crafts and rock climbing, fill each camper's schedule. At night, campers get to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the northwest Georgia mountains from the safety of their platform tents.

Register today for Marist School’s popular Summer Camps

Brought to you by – Marist School

Your child is invited to spend the summer at Marist School learning new skills, developing passions, and playing with friends in a wide range of summer camp offerings for children ages 5 to 17. With two dozen fun options, there is something for everyone!

Marist’s sports-themed camps help children improve athletic skills and stay active in a fun environment. Sports camps include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, diving, football, lacrosse, running, soccer, softball, sprint training, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and strength, speed, and nutrition camp.

Educational camps involve hands-on learning in a variety of subjects. Science campers learn more about science in everyday life through experiments and group activities. Sports Medicine Camp is offered again this year, and a program focused on

Sports Center Broadcasting is available for the first time. Artistic campers create their own handmade pottery in Ceramics Camp and practice releasing their inner star at Theater Camp. For those interested in technology, be sure to check out Google Basics & Tips and the Music Technology & Production Camp.

At Fun Camp, for ages 7 to 12, children enjoy a broad scope of active play on campus and in the pool. Marist also offers camps for high schoolers to freshen up academic skills, including the Personal Essay Start-up and SAT/ACT Boot Camp.

Full-and half-day weekly camp sessions are offered from June 5 through August 4. After camp care is available until 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Sessions fill up quickly, so be sure your child is registered at Marist School summer camps. The memories will last a lifetime!

For more detailed information and to register, visit marist.com/summercamps.

CALENDAR

‘LITTLE WOMEN’

What: Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

When: Up to March 5, times vary

Where: Act 3 Productions, 6285 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

Cost: $22-31

More info: act3prod.org/little-women

SANDY SPRING THEATRE COMPANY’S “SPAMALOT”

What: Join King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the glamorous Lady of the Lake as they turn the Arthurian legend on its ear in their quest for the Holy Grail. Along the way they encounter dancing showgirls, flying cows, killer rabbits and assorted French people. The production is the winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical.

When: March 10-26, times vary

Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: $37-100

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

Location:

Continued from Page 13

Small, local businesses also hang in the balance of Khutliwala’s plans. Cafe Landmark, a Ukrainian specialty coffee shop, is in the Goodwill shopping center, and Cloudland Coffee Company is about a mile down State Bridge Road.

Kristina Madh, owner of Cloudland and a Johns Creek resident, said her business already struggles in retail and competes with Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks and PJ’s in the same area.

Most profit comes from wholesale, Madh said, and much of it is spent on advertising and promotion.

Signage has been an issue for Madh, who said she has gone back and forth with the City of Johns Creek. Cloudland Coffee Company is tucked away into a strip mall, which makes it difficult for potential customers to see the business.

“If they do approve [the rezoning], it isn’t really reflecting how [the city] tries to portray themselves as a small town, a small city,” Madh said.

Ben Song, Johns Creek community development director, said when it comes to zoning, the city is in the business of land use, guided by its Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance.

“We're totally about the free market, right?” Song asked.

Potential businesses should perform due diligence, Song said, and determine who their competitors are and if they have a sustainable business model.

Tim Hortons is permitted in the C-1, or community business, zoning district, which holds the .84-acre parcel. Song said the rezoning process is necessary to remove the site’s old zoning conditions attached to a retail space, and new conditions would be added as the development goes through the rezoning process.

Bob Mullen, Johns Creek communications director, said the city wants thriving small businesses, as well as thriving large businesses.

“I don't think there's a reason that they wouldn't want all sorts of allowable businesses to come into Johns Creek,” Mullen said.

Site revisions

So far, Khutliwala has submitted two site plans for the development in the rezoning process. Khutliwala prepared the second plan in hopes of mitigating resident concern.

The first site plan for Tim Hortons included a 1,610-square foot building with one drive-thru lane, connected to Abberley’s private road using the easement.

While the drive-thru still uses the easement in the new plan, Khutliwala and the engineering team has decreased the size of the building to 888 square feet to allow for two drive-thru lanes, intended to

reduce traffic.

With the revision, the number of trips per day have decreased from a projected 859 trips to 238. Khutliwala said he is going further to conduct a traffic study, using a nearby Starbucks.

In the original site plan, the board was set to be posted at the back of the building, adjacent to the Abberley townhomes.

To mitigate noise, the new draft moves the menu board to the side of the building. It also calls for a brick wall, situated in front of the townhomes to act as a noise barrier. Currently, a wooden fence and a line of large trees separate the homes and the parcel.

In discussions with his lawyer, Khutliwala said the idea of blocking the easement at Abberley Lane had come up as a potential solution, but because the easement is used by many businesses, he would not have the right to block the entry point.

The easement is part of a private agreement that dates to 2001, Song said, which was updated two years later to include access to Abberley Lane. Without the easement access on Abberley Lane, Song said drivers cannot make a left turn onto State Bridge Road.

Nick Griffiths, the principal engineer for the project, said the plan updates are evidence of Khutliwala’s attention to resident concern.

“Those are all things that he’s trying to do to be a good neighbor,” Griffiths said.

The origins of Dunwoody’s Williamsburg style

Soon after the incorporation of the Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association in 1970, land along Chamblee Dunwoody Road just north of Mount Vernon Road was developed into a shopping center called Dunwoody Village. The DHA was against the development at first, but liked the plan that developers Lowell Wammock and Larry Morris came up with, a Williamsburg design.

Wammock and Morris also developed The Shops of Dunwoody, Merchants Walk in Marietta, Horseshoe Bend and Dunwoody Club Forest subdivisions. One of the features originally included in The Shops of Dunwoody was a large gazebo. The gazebo was the central location for a 1984 summer concert series in the shopping center’s parking lot. Two early tenants were Ernie’s California Grill and Kaplan’s, “The fantastic kid’s department store.”

On the edge of the parking lot for Dunwoody Village was Beef n Burgundy restaurant, where First Watch, Marlowe’s Tavern, and Karen Cannon Realtors are today. I first learned that the building is a replica of Raleigh’s Tavern in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia from David Andersen and the Dunwoody Area Restaurant Reviews Facebook page. Anderson sometimes shares posts about past restaurants.

Suzanne Huff and David Long, lifelong residents of Dunwoody, recall Beef N Burgundy and the two restaurants that followed, Chuck’s Steak House, and American Roadhouse. Huff remembers Beef n Burgundy as the place to go before Homecoming at Dunwoody High School and a place where several students worked.

American Roadhouse opened a second location in Dunwoody in 1993 after seven years of a successful location in Virginia Highlands. Owners Martin Maslia and Edward Udoff used local class photos from years past, 1950s memorabilia and local historic photographs provided by Lynne Byrd to decorate their restaurant. Next, the building was home to Calico Corners fabric store.

When Crest Realty came to Dun -

woody, the company wanted homeowners to be happy with their new building at 1555 Mount Vernon Road, according to Sally Gurley, a vice president with the company. A three-story building was constructed, similar to a home on the James River in Williamsburg. This building is now the offices of Prieto, Marigliano, Holbert, Prieto Attorneys at Law.

Dunwoody’s Pizza Hut in Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center was built with a black roof, rather than the standard red to have more of a Williamsburg look. It also had a brick exterior with shutters. Inside it looked like any other Pizza Hut. Novo Cucina with its sunroom and French doors doesn’t give any hint of the building’s former life. Before Novo Cucina, this space was home to High Cotton and Peter’s Restaurants.

In December of 2018, the Dunwoody City Council voted to make changes to the Dunwoody Village overlay and allow for variation from the Williamsburg style.

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.

DUNWOODY CRIER ARCHIVES/APPEN MEDIA

American Roadhouse restaurant at Dunwoody Village advertises, “The Blueplates are Coming” in a 1993 edition of the Dunwoody Crier.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

GOOGLE STREET VIEW/PROVIDED

The building now home to First Watch, Marlowe’s Tavern, and Karen Cannon Realtors was originally built as a replica of the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg, VA.

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!

PRESERVING THE PAST

WW II hero celebrates 100 years (Part 2)

In a prior column we met Jack Buckner, a local young man who joined the Army Air Corps soon after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. On February 3, 2023, he celebrated his 100th birthday and received a special Proclamation from the City of Milton. His story continues.

After undergoing rigorous training on the B-17 heavy bomber, Jack was sent to North Africa where he and his crew of ten eventually flew 50 missions against German installations thus hastening the defeat of Rommel’s desert army.

We now continue Jack’s story.

In the early days of the war, the German Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt 109 was arguably the best fighter plane in the world. It was faster, better armed and could dive faster than the British Spitfires and American P-38s and P40s which U.S. bombers counted on for protection.

Bomber crews never knew in advance whether they would have fighter support on missions nor whether the Messerschmitts would suddenly appear and attack the bombers. The B-17 had many advantages, among which was its ability to withstand shrapnel and bullet hits. They were also heavily armed with 13 Browning M-2 50-caliber machine guns, probably the best machine gun ever made. The Warrior was hit numerous times, but always returned home. The crew consisted of pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, engineer, radio operator, ball turret operator, two waist gunners and tail gunner. The entire crew, with one exception, survived the war. The exception was a crew member who was killed while flying on a mission in another plane.

To defend themselves from the German fighters, B-17s flew in various formations. The planes were close together, but not so close that they might collide. This gave the skilled German pilots the ability to fly right into the formations. “Sometimes,” says Jack, “we could see their faces.” Jack was usually the lead bombardier which means he sat in the glass enclosed nose cone of the first bomber in a formation and was

thus the most exposed to oncoming enemy fighters. A formation might have as many as 36 bombers.

Here are two entries from Jack’s dairy.

“April 17, 1943 --’Flack Alley’ We really blew up Palermo today but BOY what flack. The sky was black with it. We were hit four times which made seventeen holes. A few fighters but nothing to worry about. We didn’t lose any planes.

“May 14, 1943—A long day today. Civitavecchia, Italy – 50 miles north of Rome. The harbor was sure full of ships. We got 12 large ones, an ammo plant and a fuel dump. No one hurt.” Note: Today Civitavecchia is a cruise ship port.

While desert summers were hot, winters were very cold where the crew was based in Algeria. Crew members often had sore throats and the flu. As spring arrived malaria, dysentery and other diseases were a problem. Jack says that dysentery kept more crews on the ground than all other causes.

In August 1943 the crew moved to Oudna Airfield, about 9 miles south of Tunis, Tunisia. It was used in 1943 as a B-17 bomber base. The abandoned airfield is covered today with agricultural crops.

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison presents an official Proclamation from the city recognizing February 3 as Jack Buckner Day in Milton in recognition of his 100th birthday. Left to right, Mayor Jamison, his wife Megan Jamison and Jack Buckner.

Jack continued his missions over Italy until he completed his 50th mission on October 1, 1943. On one occasion Jack flew seven missions in six days which was exhausting. He recalls one mission when he looked out the window and saw about 75 German fighters. He knew it was going to be a rough day. On another mission, Jack was leaning over the bomb sight when a small piece of flack (shrapnel from an antiaircraft burst) came in one side of the plane and exited out the other side, exactly where his head was before bending over to look into the bombsight. He knew the Lord was with him that day.

Jack was awarded the Air Medal ten times with the Oak Leaf Cluster. The Air Medal is awarded for “meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.”

Jack arrived home on Christmas Day 1943. There to greet him were his parents and Florence Cashner the woman he would marry. The couple went to Midland Texas where Jack checked in as an instructor. He married Florence while there. They went to Roswell, New Mexico where B-17 pilots were trained on bombing runs, then on to Victorville, California until the war was over. Jack mustered out of the service in November 1945 with the rank of lieutenant

colonel.

Back in civilian life Jack used the GI Bill to attend GA Tech, then worked as a sales engineer for 24 years with Armco Drainage and Metal Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of Armco Steel Corporation. At age 50 he started his own construction company Abuck Inc. Today Abuck Building Systems is owned by son Terry with its main office in Alpharetta. Jack and Florence have raised three children, Terry, Jimmy and Paula and have 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

To celebrate Jack’s 100th birthday, his family and neighbors threw a surprise party on February 3. The Mayor of Milton, Peyton Jamison and his wife Megan attended, and his honor read an official proclamation from the city marking Jack’s 100th birthday.

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

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

Florence and Jack Buckner celebrate Jack’s 100th birthday at a surprise party at their home on February 3, 2023.

PHOTOS BY LARA WALTON/PROVIDED

NFCC is looking for a full-time executive assistant to support the Executive Director and leadership team.  This person will play a vital role in help keep the NFCC leadership team organized and productive and will interact with the board of directors and other important stakeholder groups. Sensitivity, discretion and attention to detail are a must. Candidate must have a two-year degree, bachelor’s degree preferred and should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience. For a complete job description visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Client Services Specialist

The full-time Client Services Specialist greets visitors to NFCC and assists them with obtaining services. In addition, this person conducts followup interviews, enters data and may participate in additional follow-up activities.  A high school degree or equivalent is required along with at least one year in customer service or other relevant experience. Discretion and strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish are also required. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Truck Driver

NFCC needs a reliable driver to work part-time picking up scheduled donations. The person in this role may also assist with facility maintenance and must maintain accurate vehicle maintenance records. It is crucial that they represent NFCC with a professional and friendly demeanor. 1-2 years of box truck delivery experience is preferred. Candidate must maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and be free of any traffic violations for the past three years.  Work on Saturdays or Sundays may be required occasionally. For a complete job description, please visit https://nfcchelp.org/work-at-nfcc/

Now Hiring: Office Coordinator

Local commercial real estate company is hiring an Office Coordinator. The role includes coordinating administrative tasks between our property management, leasing and accounting departments. The position requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, knowledge of MS Office, a strong work ethic, internal drive, and a positive attitude. This is an office only (not remote work) position. Please contact us Employment@ mpshoppingcenters.com for more information.

Workforce Development Coordinator

Develop programs and services for clients and students who are seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The coordinator collaborates with employers in the community who are hiring. The role also includes working one-on-one on job applications, resumes, interview preparations and offers tips for successfully securing and improving employment. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/02/Workforce-DevelopmentCoordinator-2023.pdf. To apply, send resume to cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Accounting Specialist

Responsible for the day-to-day transactions within the accounting department. The specialist is accountable for preparing financial transactions, processing invoices, and entering general ledger data which will assist in balancing the income statement, managing budgets, and preparing financial reports. Role works closely with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance and Administration. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field required.

For full job description see: https://nfcchelp. org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AccountingSpecialist-02.21.23-1.pdf. To apply, send resume to jrice@nfcchelp.org.

Global Management Analyst- Logistics. Duluth,

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Provide analytical & pricing spt.; ext. weekly reporting & analysis pertaining to co. revenue, profit margins, svc. & eqpmt.; respond & spt. for RFQ’s, RFP’s & RFI’s as needed; conduct wk. simplification & measurement studies, & prep. ops. & procedrs. manuals to assist mgmt.; dvlp. tech’l. stds., deploy tech. & oversee workers who deal w/ daily info tech’l. issues; dvlp. biz. proposals & bid packages to spt. sales presentations; completion & coord. of forms to rcrd. measurement, weight, quantity, & value; manage all post shipment recordkeeping, reporting reqmts., approvals for data exports & int’l. shipping auths. Req’rd: Bach. or equiv. in Int’l. Business or Trade, or Business (Admin.) w/ concentration in Int’l. Business or Trade. Mail resume to Rachel Kim, HR Team Manager, FNS, INC. at 1545 Francisco St, Torrance, CA 90501.

POOL TECHNICIANS WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

Call Bill: 404-245-9396

Supportive Service Coordinator: The Supportive Service Coordinator (“SSC”) will be responsible for managing the social/supportive services for a portfolio of properties, under the supervision of the Company Asset Manager. This position will serve as a liaison between the Asset Manager and the property management company. This individual will primarily be responsible for managing compliance and reporting for supportive services and, secondarily, procuring grant funding to supplement the property service budget, and identifying local service providers to augment property offerings.

Full time hours. Requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or education and a minimum of 5 years’ experience.

For a full job description and to submit a resume, please reach out to: Samit Patel, spatel@rhgroup.org Resource Housing Group, Inc.

Legal Assistant. Atlanta, GA. Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, appeals, contracts. Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of the case. Req. exp. 2yrs $38.59h/h. werner@wfpimmigration.com

Handyman

Haulers