Sandy Springs Crier - May 2, 2024

City kicks off weekly farmers market

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Patrons at the April 20 kick-off of the Sandy Springs Farmers Market perused dozens of vendors on Galambos Way as kids ran around on the City Green.

The scenes at City Springs for the inaugural 2024 farmers market also included offerings from the City Bar at the Performing Arts Center, live music from local musicians and arts and crafts activities for children.

From now through Nov. 23, Saturday mornings at City Springs

will feature unique vendors at an open-air market with fresh produce and artisan foods.

Rain or shine, the farmers market offers visitors the Business Journal’s 2023 Best of Georgia in its produce and local farms category every week, spring through fall.

Erin Cianciolo, who took over operations of the market in February 2022, said around 2,000 visitors stopped by City Springs April 20, making it the best opening day in its 14-year history.

Dunwoody, Perimeter CID join to fortify public safety

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The DeKalb Perimeter Community Improvement District announced a strategic partnership with the City of Dunwoody and its Police Department April 23 to enhance public safety.

The DeKalb PCID approved around $173,000 for a two-year partnership on public safety and technology in the Perimeter district.

To enhance overall safety around Perimeter Mall, a Flock Safety system will be deployed, including the use of Falcon license plate readers, a Raven gunshot detection system covering 1 square mile and Condor pan-tilt-zoom cameras.

The measures are believed to not only help deter crime but also facilitate rapid response and investigation.

Last month, the Dunwoody City Council approved the contract, which sets up a pilot program for the DeKalb PCID to determine the effectiveness of Flock Safety equipment.

The city, which has invested in its own surveillance technology in the Perimeter district, does not share the cost of the two-year contract.

The partnership leverages stateof-the-art surveillance equipment and cutting-edge technology to enhance monitoring capabilities.

Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter CIDs, manages the

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Guests peruse the selections from vendors selling fresh produce, artisan foods and artwork April 20 during the Sandy Springs Farmers Market April 20. Farmers Market Manager Erin Cianciolo said around 2,000 people showed up to City Springs for opening day.

From left, city councilmembers Andy Bauman and Melissa Mular stand with event manager Erin Cianciolo displaying the official tote bags for the 2024 Sandy Springs Farmers Market. Bauman, along with the late Jeffrey Langfelder, launched the event in 2010.

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CITY TRANSPARENCY

Last week the City of Sandy Springs made changes to its Open Records portal. The shift added a question, requiring requesters to declare whether or not they were seeking access to public documents on behalf of a media organization.

Open records guidance from the Attorney General’s Office offers that, “A requestor of public records does not have to state the purpose of the request. The right of access extends to ‘any person,’ including individuals outside the state.”

At the April 16 City Council meeting, one Sandy Springs resident asked officials about the change. Mayor Rusty

Paul responded, pointing to the city’s Communications Department. “We have an entire department designed or that is set aside to work with the news media,” Paul said. “If we know you’re a member of the media, then we can provide additional services.”

Appen Media has tried to get more information about the policy change from the city’s Communication Department. So far, personnel have offered no details.

Georgia’s Open Records Act begins with the following:

“The General Assembly finds and declares that the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open

government; that open government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society; and that public access to public records should be encouraged to foster confidence in government and so that the public can evaluate the expenditure of public funds and the efficient and proper functioning of its institutions.”

Appen Media will continue its pursuit to hold the City of Sandy Springs accountable and fight to defend access to documents that belong to the public. Those wishing to help can contribute to Appen’s legal fund at appenmedia.com/ openrecords or contact their elected Sandy Springs officials.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The contestants in the 2024 Dunwoody Idol competition stand on stage April 20 at the Dunwoody Preservation Trust’s Lemonade Days. The winner of this year’s competition was Marist student Lauren Schroder.

Lemonade Days keeps revival alive

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The rain held off April 20 at Brook Run Park for Lemonade Days’ 12-hour Saturday slate of stage performances, carnival rides and mouth-watering food.

Organizers said roughly 20,000 Metro Atlantans stopped by the park for the five-day festival.

Hundreds of patrons made their way to the stage at the corner of North Peachtree Road and Peeler Road for the Dunwoody Idol Competition, featuring 10 of the city’s best young vocalists from local middle and high schools.

With the backing of a professional band, festivalgoers jammed out to pop hits and selected a winner, runner-up and crowd favorite.

Marist student Lauren Schroder, 15, took home the first place for her cover of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior.”

The runner-up, 15-year-old Anshula Phadke from Dunwoody High School, sang “Diamonds” by Rihanna.

The crowd-favorite award went to Mackenzie Dakake, 11, a student at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School, for her performance of “A Place in This World” by Taylor Swift.

Elsewhere throughout the park, families, seniors and teenagers swarmed different food vendors, like Soul Truckin’ Good, King of Pops and Repicci’s Italian Ice.

When forecasted rain put doubts on the final day of the festival, organizers were unphased and invited folks back for what turned out to be a dry afternoon.

Lemonade Days, the city’s most popular family event, features dozens of carnival rides, like the Expo Wheel and Alien Abduction, face-painting and carnival classics and rows of food and beverage vendors.

Local children enjoy a spin around a carnival motorcycle ride April 20 at Dunwoody’s Lemonade Days.

A group of seven students from Pope High School in Cobb County said they left in a hurry April 17 to make it for the opening day of carnival rides at the festival.

After hopping off the Nemesis 360, a twisting and flipping pendulum that puts riders hundreds of feet in the air, the teenagers were off on a quest for deep-fried Oreos.

A group of Peachtree Middle School students waiting their turn said they would like to see the fish in plastic bags be removed from the festival’s inventory of prizes. In years past, the students said some folks abuse or kill fish.

Besides the attractions for local students, Lemonade Days offers adult beverages for parents looking to sit back and watch youngsters tire themselves out at the festival.

Founded by Joyce Amacher and Lynne Byrd in 1994, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust exists because of the Cheek-Spruill House, a two-story home known as the Dunwoody Farmhouse.

It’s the only property the nonprofit owns of the several historical sites it manages around Dunwoody.

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Tractor Supply Company is eyeing the former Ethan Allen at 6800 North Point Parkway, highlighted in yellow, for its first Metro Atlanta location. The Alpharetta City Council is set to consider the proposal at a meeting May 20.

Tractor Supply seeks Atlanta market with location near North Point Mall

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — National retail chain Tractor Supply Company is seeking to tap into the Metro Atlanta market with a proposed location across from Alpharetta’s North Point Mall.

If approved by the City Council, the new store would take over the 34,313-square-foot vacant Ethan Allen at 6800 North Point Parkway.

The Alpharetta store would become the company’s first in Metro Atlanta along Ga. 400. Its nearest locations are in Kennesaw, Buford and two in Canton.

Developers are seeking an amendment to the North Point Business Center master plan, a conditional use permit and a variance to open the location.

The property sits in the heart of Alpharetta’s North Point corridor, which the city has prioritized for redevelopment since the decline of the North Point Mall.

The mall once served as the retail heart of the city until the rise of mixeduse projects such as City Center and Avalon in the 2010s.

Approved developments in the area include Brixmor at Mansell Crossing, which will include restaurant and retail components, a Big Creek Greenway connection and a renovation of Barnes and Noble on North Point Parkway; retail plaza Encore Commons; and Pickle and Social off Haynes Bridge and Rock Mill roads.

Ecco Park, a townhome development, and Maru Japanese Restaurant are under construction on North Point Drive. Plans for the redevelopment of the North Point Mall are still pending. In January, Economic and Community Development Director Kathi Cook said the city anticipates a new proposal for the mall around this summer.

The regional mall is one location in north Metro Atlanta developers are eyeing for a National Hockey League franchise.

In a March press release, Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group announced it is working with North Point Mall owners New York Life to redevelop the property with an arena for hockey and concerts designed by architect Frank Gehry; facilities for esports and performing arts; a professional-level outdoor stadium; hotels; and retail, dining and residential components.

Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group is an ownership group backed by NHL veteran Anson Carter, Neil Leibman, Peter Simon and Aaron Zeigler. It is not affiliated with the city.

Alpharetta hosted a community zoning information meeting April 10 to field public feedback and concerns about the proposed Tractor Supply store.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to give its recommendation on the use May 2 before the application faces the City Council for final approval May 20.

COMMUNITY

Girl Scouts gift bird houses to Vermack club

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the fifth graders in Girl Scout Troop 19443, it’s exciting to see each other at monthly meetings.

They’ve known one another since kindergarten, but they now attend nine different elementary schools around Dunwoody.

The 12 fifth graders, classified as Junior Girl Scouts, recently completed their Bronze Award project, constructing seven bird shelters and a bird bath at Vermack Swim and Tennis Club.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in Scouting when the girls were in second grade, but that has not stopped Troop 19443 from advancing through the program.

At the April 29 Dunwoody City Council meeting, officials recognized Girl Scout Troop 19443 for their Bronze Award project and its contribution to the city.

The Bronze Award is the third highest award in Girl Scouts and can only be earned by a registered Junior.

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the official name for the national organization, separates girls K-12 based on grade level.

Junior Scouts, after moving through the Daisies and Cookies levels, enter their first opportunity to earn one of the Girl Scouts’ highest awards.

While girls are in the fourth or fifth grade, they can begin work on the Bronze Award, which requires a Junior Journey before the troop can move onto their Take Action Project.

Each girl must contribute 20 hours to the project.

Last fall, the Junior Scouts began the process to complete their requirements for their project.

During brainstorming, Troop Leader Melissa Lassiter said the girls discussed the beauty of Dunwoody and the challenges they saw in the community.

Dunwoody voters wrestling with whether to support a $60 million bond referendum for parks, trails and greenspace caught their attention.

They began to look at surrounding recreational areas in their community, like Homecoming Park and Donaldson-Bannister Farm, and how they could support their community.

Lassiter said the girls’ ambitious idea for a new playground was scrapped for something in the troop’s budget — a bird sanctuary.

Lassiter and Troop 19443 tackled the Bronze Award project in three main phases, research and design, construction and installation.

During the first phase, the troop researched local plants and birds and learned about the key elements of a bird sanctuary, including food, water, shelter and weather-

resistant materials.

Claire Guenault, who attends Dunwoody Elementary School, said the troop talked a lot about deforestation, which disrupts bird homes and their food supply, and they chose to build a bird sanctuary.

“Birds need homes,” Claire said. “They are pollinators.”

Kate Kramer, another scout from Dunwoody Elementary, added, “If bird populations decrease, this can disrupt the food chain.”

To construct the bird houses, the girls found unused items around their house and brought them to troop meetings. The process, known as upcycling, gives items a second life instead of tossing them in a landfill.

Lassiter said she wasn’t sure how the upcycling would turn out, but the creative reuse of materials went smoothly.

The installation process involved submitting an official proposal to the Vermack Swim and Tennis Club.

Its location across from Homecoming Park was perfect because of proximity to a stream with native plants for the birds to pollinate and eat, Lassiter said.

She said the troop has committed to watching over the bird sanctuary for their Cadette level years for maintenance and safety.

Members of Troop 19443 are eligible to begin working on their Silver Award when they reach the Cadette level during middle school. For the Silver Award, girls are asked to work in smaller groups and put in more service hours with additional requirements.

The Gold Award, available to high school girls who are either Seniors or Ambassadors, requires an individual project that goes beyond the local community with more service hours and requirements.

The troop will continue to spread the word about the importance of caring for forested areas and birds through presentations to other Dunwoody area Girl Scout Troops.

Lassiter said the best part about being troop leader is watching the girls’ independence grow year after year.

MELISSA

Six members of Girl Scout Troop 19443 stand in front of one of their finished bird houses at Vermack Swim and Tennis Club. For their Bronze Award project, the Junior Scouts built seven bird shelters and a bird bath using upcycled materials.

Hyde Brewing evolves with the times

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — If you haven’t heard about Milton’s only brewpub at Market District Crabapple, you may be familiar with the co-owners’ successful ventures in North Fulton County.

Josh Rachel and Mikka Orrick, married last summer at Glacier National Park, opened their labor of love, Hyde Brewing, with Thiago Depaula about a week after Valentine’s Day.

Combining Rachel’s experience as the brewmaster of Jekyll Brewing in Alpharetta with Orrick and Depaula’s experiences running Ceviche Taqueria bore the city’s first brewpub.

A brewpub is a hybrid restaurant and brewery, where beer is primarily brewed for sale inside the establishment.

Typically, breweries will produce more beer annually and will not include food services.

Earlier this spring, Rachel said he hoped to have beers ready for the grandopening April 25 at Market District Crabapple.

Turns out, the veteran brewmaster had three different beers ready to go in advance, a Mexican-inspired lager and a hoppy India pale ale.

Located in Market District Crabapple on Heritage Walk, Hyde Brewing hires local students and young folks looking to learn

about the restaurant industry.

Preston Cassidy, a junior at Milton High School, busses tables, while his older sister, Madison, greets families and couples as they walk in.

Rachel said he likes teaching young people the benefits of hard work and how to do it. The Tennessee native moved with his family to Johns Creek at the start of his high school years.

His years at Chattahoochee High School sparked a love for North Fulton County, and Rachel and his family now live in Milton.

“At the beginning of 2021, I ended my career at Jekyll and took a hiatus for two years,” Rachel said. “At that point, Mikka and I were a couple, we started blending our families, and obviously, she had Ceviche.”

He said when he left Jekyll, there was no doubt in his mind he would return to his passion of brewing.

For Rachel and many Americans, the COVID-19 pandemic was more than just the airborne virus. He described it as a multi-layered situation that required a personal reset with being a father, starting a new relationship and leaving the company he helped start.

“It was a matter of time based on a two-year non-compete [agreement] that I couldn’t get out of,” Rachel said. “It was the planning process during that time to figure out what we wanted to do.”

His silver lining of the pandemic years is recapturing his love for brewing beer and rediscovering a childhood fondness for the restaurant industry.

The two years away from brewing al-

an extensive tequila selection offer adults options to go along with their Ceviche Taqueria meal.

lowed Rachel to brainstorm with Orrick, which led to the idea of a brewpub, leveraging both of their industry expertise.

A brewpub is the best way to go, Rachel said.

The couple tapped Thiago Depaula, last but certainly not least, for his experience managing various restaurants in the area, including Ceviche Taqueria.

The three managing partners made the vision of Hyde Brewing happen, Rachel said.

“The name is the name, but we wanted to be organic with what our story is,” Rachel said. “I feel like the story is always growing and changing.”

In the competitive restaurant and brewery industries, making it takes everyone.

“All three of us, we grind like nobody’s business and work super hard for everything we try to get in life,” Rachel said. “That’s what works well for us.”

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Families with children sit in front of Hyde Brewing’s fermentation vessels April 25 as servers bring over drinks and take orders. Brewmaster Josh Rachel said he intentionally did not seal off the brewery from the restaurant during construction to give the space a unique feel.

Josh Rachel, co-owner of Hyde Brewing, sits in his office next to the brewery where he spends hours creating specialty lagers and hopped beers. Rachel talked about the journey from his time at Jekyll Brewing in Alpharetta to opening Milton’s first brewpub with his wife, Mikka Orrick.

Ian Wells, one of three bartenders serving patrons, makes a drink as couples enjoy cocktails at happy hour April 25. Other than specializing in brewed-on-site beers, Hyde Cocktails and

Congratulate Your Senior!

Graduating Senior Announcements

Congratualations

Sally White

Throughout her time at Milton High School, Sally has been an active member of various clubs and sports teams, including the Debate Club, Science Olympiad, and Drama Society. Her leadership skills shone brightly as the captain of the soccer team, leading them to victory on numerous occasions. Sally’s commitment to excellence extended beyond athletics; she also excelled academically, earning recognition for her outstanding achievements in advanced mathematics and literature.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, we are filled with pride and excitement for Sally’s future endeavors. Congratulations, Sally, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish next.

5 absolute must-haves in the modern bathroom

the shower is the mold solution.

Throughout America major changes are happening in the bathroom, especially in the shower. North Atlanta expanded rapidly from 1980 to 2005, and this is the era of jetted tubs dominating the bathroom, claustrophobic gold framed showers, poor lighting and the use of materials that promoted mold and mildew (grout).

“We see this every day”, says John Hogan, owner of Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, “Homeowners are tired of recurring grout issues, and they want their bathrooms to be a soothing pleasant experience.” Bath and Kitchen Galleria just completed their 1000th project and bathrooms are their primary type of project. “We have a formula that works for homeowners that balances bathroom aesthetics, function and price.”

In the bathroom, America has realigned its preferences, and the bathroom has taken a new shape in terms of products and appearance. At the center of “America’s New Bathroom” is a larger, open shower. We take more showers than baths, so the emphasis has shifted to the shower. Larger showers are more inviting and in most cases the shower does not have a ceiling. The openness of

In concert with the openness is the abundant use of shower glass. Not just any glass but specially coated glass that makes cleaning far less frequent. “We remodel just about every shower to be a maximum of 2 tiled walls: the remaining walls are always glass,” Mr. Hogan continued, “abundant glass and strategically located lighting, promotes that spa feeling.” Bathrooms are now engineered to be cleaner, both in design and materials; grout no longer promotes mold, nonporous tile remains clean, and humidity sensing fans automatically exhaust unwanted humidity.

Americans are taking shorter showers, but an abundance of water is also desired, so multiple shower heads especially incorporating a handheld wand is preferred. Especially when a bench is included, the water needs to be accessible from a seated position.

The 5 Absolute Must-Haves in a Bathroom: Bigger Showers, Brighter Bathrooms, Designs that Promote Cleanliness, Abundant Water experiences and Soothing Colors. For more information visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) or call them at 678-459-2292.

Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria

Be aware of fraudulent transfer of properties in Fulton County

Brought to you by –

Geerdes & Associates

In the last few years, our clients have asked about the possibility of fraudulent transfers of properties without the owner being notified. While this does not happen for homeowners who have their properties in a trust, those who don't have a trust yet must be aware of this risk. Fortunately, Fulton County has set up an alert system to notify you when there is a change of ownership or legal document filed for a designated property. This alert system is called the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS)

Spearheaded by the Clerks of the Superior Court, FANS is an opt-in notification system. By simply creating an account and setting your notification preferences, you can immediately receive alerts about deeds, mortgages, and liens that are filed on your property. FANS operate by connecting directly with the Superior Court’s index database, which contains records of all the documents filed for every property in Fulton County. When you set up an account, FANS will automatically send you a notice when-

ever documents are filed for a designated property.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about important legal filings related to real estate is crucial. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate agent, or simply interested in tracking property records, FANS’s timely alerts allow you to keep a close eye on the legal documents related to a property - and act swiftly in the case of fraudulent filings. Take advantage of the transparency of FANS and make sure you cover this aspect of your asset protection today.

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

Eclipses and the science of fishing

STEVE HUDSON

Back in like the seventh grade (just a few years ago) the tiny little elementary school I attended ¬made a big deal of things when graduation day rolled around. The whole last week of seventh grade, in fact, turned into one big celebration of intellectual enlightenment, complete with pomp and ceremony and all the other trappings of a bunch of adolescents who, in that enlightened and less serious time, would really have rather been out playing in the creek and chasing frogs.

But even if it was just a distraction for we of the younger set, it was a big deal for our moms and dads.

Yeah. And mine were ecstatic when I was named to receive the “Outstanding Science Student” award.

Science, huh? Well, I’ve always kind of liked it. I play with ham radio and electronics, and once in chemistry class I decided to do an experiment and see what happens if you drop a piece of potassium metal into a beaker of water. Spoiler alert: What happens is not good and will pretty much guarantee you a private discussion with the teacher.

For a while I thought I’d like to be a famous scientist. I took a bunch of scienc-y classes and did pretty good, I suppose, but eventually the siren song of the writing world grew so loud that I took that fork in the road instead.

But the interest in science lingered, at least at some level, and that brings me to the recent eclipse.

I’m sure you heard about the eclipse. Several of the folks I know really got into it, one going so far as to make tracks to the Midwest, his entire family enthusiastically in tow, to enjoy some of the very best seeing. “Seeing” – that’s science talk for wearing funny glasses and looking at strange things going on in the sky. The seeing was pretty good, too, and my buddy gushed eloquently for days about the unabashed coolness of seeing a little arc of solar flare stuff in the middle of the day from the middle of a field out in the middle of the Midwest somewhere. He said it was cool beyond words, and I believe him.

Had I been able to get away, I’d probably have been right there with ‘em, goofy glasses and all.

But as it turned out, I had to stay here. And yet the call of science was strong.

“What shall we do?” I asked at breakfast a day or two before the sun went away.

“How about some fishing?” she replied. Fishing. Of course.

It just so happened that white bass were at that very moment making their

annual spawning run up Little River in Cherokee County. The fish, I’m guessing, didn’t care two hoots about what was going on with the sun, having other things on their little fishy minds.

But I cared. I did. In fact, I decided on the spot that I would put my highly tuned scientific abilities to work and investigate the effect of a solar eclipse on the behavior of white bass! I would do it for you, my faithful readers, for I was certain that you too were staying awake at night wondering what temporary darkness in the middle of the day would do to the behavior of white bass. Right?

Who could say? Maybe I would prove so brilliantly adept at it all that I would have to give up on this writing thing and become a Man of Science!

So on the appointed day, we went fishing. We got to the river (at Olde Rope Mill Park) a few minutes before show time, put on waders and rigged up the fly rods, and were in the water casting as the moon did its thing and the sun faded to a fingernail and then came back again in all its gleamy glory. We fished right through it all.

What did we learn?

Well, we learned that it is possible to not catch a single fish (nary even a bite) in a river that you know holds fish galore. That’s right. We did not get a bite. Not one.

Us outdoor writer types are not used to not even getting a bite. I was perplexed, and so like any good scientific type I set about searching for explanations.

“Perhaps,” I said, “I was using the wrong fly.”

“Maybe,” she said. “Or maybe you just didn’t catch ‘em.”

“Perhaps,” I said again, “but maybe the fish all swam off to someplace else.”

“Maybe,” she said. “Or maybe this just wasn’t your day.”

“Oh, no!” I said. “That can’t be! For an outdoor writer of my stature always catches fish. But since I did not catch any fish, they were clearly not there. Or maybe the eclipse confused and distracted them. That must be it!”

I considered this for a moment (scientific types are always considering things for a moment, you know) and then I made a pronouncement.

“That’s it!” I proclaimed. “There were no fish, and the ones that were there were confused.” That’s what I said, internal consistency be damned.

“So we can tell everyone that we have reached a conclusion!” I pronounced. “A scientific conclusion. Based on science!”

“And…?” she asked.

“It’s thusly,” I said, really getting into this sound-like-a-scientist thing. “The

eclipse may or may not have impacted white bass behavior in Little River, but the real story is that there were no fish there to be caught. That’s why I didn’t catch any. There were simply no fish in the river, for if there had been I would have caught ‘em, eclipse or not. And that’s science!”

At that moment – at that very moment – the faint sound of wings reached our ears. It was coming from the sky (sounds of wings often do that) and so we looked up to see from whence it came.

What we saw was an osprey. The osprey was flying low over the river, perhaps because it was carrying an enormous white bass in its talons.

The osprey flew upstream a ways, turned 180 degrees, and then flew back

downriver and passed right over our heads, still showing off that giant fish.

Then it turned back upstream and did the same thing again. And I’ll swear that the bird paused an instant as it passed over us, turning so the fish it carried glinted in the sun, maybe gloating a little bit and surely saying in Bird Speak, “Ha! Silly angler! No fish, eh? Maybe you just didn’t CATCH ‘em!”

Scientists types like me don’t really know what to do with things like that, so I decided then and there to give up on the famous scientist aspirations once and for all and just go back to writing. And fishing. Which we did – and to the surprise of no one at all, she outfished me.

Again!

Columnist

OPINION

Tips on gardening for the month of May

May has arrived, and the days are getting warmer and longer. It’s time to tidy up spring plants and start planting summer bedding plants. According to the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, Atlanta is in zones 8a and 8b. This is a change from the 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, which had Atlanta in zones 7b and 8a. This is due to climate change. There are 13 growing zones across the country, and each zone represents a 10-degree range of average temperatures in winter. Zone 8 is a warm zone with a long growing season, mild winters and hot summers.

So, what are some of the best plants that can be planted in the month of May in the Atlanta area?

Flowers can add color to your landscape and attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some annuals include begonias, lantana, salvia, petunias, coleus, caladiums, vinca, impatiens, petunias, geraniums and zinnias. Perennials, which come back each year, could include coneflowers, blackeyed Susans, Shasta daisies, daylilies, Russian sage, coreopsis, blanket flower, phlox, dahlias, yarrow, hostas, asters and sedum.

May is a good time to divide and transplant perennials. It’s the perfect time to divide hostas as they come into growth. Iris usually begin blooming in April and May. The best time to divide them is about six weeks after blooming. Roses will begin blooming in May, and climbing roses and any rambling roses should be tied up and secured. Check for blackspot and treat with a systemic fungicide if necessary.

Flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, spirea and hibiscus can be planted now. There are two types of hibiscus, hardy and tropical. The hardy variety is a perennial, whereas the tropical variety is treated as an annual in zone 8. Rose of Sharon and Confederate Rose are both in the hibiscus family. Spring and early fall are the best time to plant these flowering shrubs.

Herbs such as rosemary, lavender, dill, basil, oregano, thyme and sage can be planted now. Pinch herbs back to promote bushy growth. Cilantro should be planted earlier because it likes cooler temperatures and will bolt in summer heat. What does it mean to bolt? Bolting is common in heat-sensitive plants such as green leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and bok

choy. Bolting is a horticultural term for when a plant prematurely develops a flowering stalk in order to produce seeds. This is often called “going to seed.” May is a good time to harvest leafy green vegetables.

Some vegetables good to plant this time of year are squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, okra, beans, corn, Brussels sprouts and onions. Have a trellis system in place for tomato plants and pole beans before they begin to sprawl. If seedlings were started indoors, now is a good time to start hardening off frost-tender plants. This means to put them outside for a short period of time each day for several days to get them used to outside temperatures.

The ground is warm enough in May to sow seeds outdoors. Both vegetable and flower seeds can be sowed at this time. It is safe now to plant almost anything outdoors, including tender annuals like impatiens. Houseplants can even be moved outside to a shady spot for a summer vacation. Now is a good time to feed your potted plants using a balanced fertilizer. This means using a fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, meaning it has balanced proportions of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Top dress permanent potted plants to refresh compost. Weed beds and borders and add more mulch if needed.

Fruits and fruit trees can be planted now. Some good fruit trees to plant are

apple, cherry, apricot, fig, pear, peach, plum and citrus fruits. Trees such as southern magnolia, dogwood and crape myrtle can be planted now.

Now’s the time to look after your finished spring bulbs. Do not cut back the green foliage because it provides nutrients to what will become next year’s bulbs. Simply let the foliage die back, turn brown and then clean up. I sometimes tie up bundles of daffodil leaves and secure them with a rubber band until they dry up.

Mid-May is a great time to propagate cuttings for flowering shrubs like spirea, lilac and viburnum. FYI, you can make more plants from cuttings than from division. Simply take a cutting with at least three buds on it, dip into rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot until big enough to transplant.

Keep an eye out for pests and insects in the garden. Aphids are common and can be sprayed off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs are good insects to have around because they eat aphids. Contact your local Extension office for help identifying and managing insect pests.

You might want to keep a gardening journal and list seeds sowed and plants you’ve planted. Take time out to enjoy your garden now that the warm weather has arrived!

Happy May gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Marty Thomas, a Master Gardener since 2018 and a resident of Johns Creek. A former teacher, she continues working with children through substitute teaching, children’s art camps and children’s ministry. Marty is on the Board of Directors for the Johns Creek Beautification Committee and a member of the American Hydrangea Society. She leads a Bible study discussion group at her church and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

MARTY THOMAS Guest Columnist

PHOTOS BY MARTY THOMAS

May roses

Homemade raised beds with fencing to keep out deer and also used for trellises. Irises at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

On the trail, sleeping on a rock, deeply

One of the more memorable events on my Appalachian Trail hike, now eight years ago, happened while I was alone, asleep on a rock outcropping in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the forest. I don’t remember seeing anyone that day – something unusual, because one almost always runs into other hikers during the course of the day.

Now, I didn’t usually sleep in the middle of the day on that hike. But this time it was a combination of being really tired, alone, and it was just the right temperature for a quick nap on top of a warmed-up sandstone boulder. I had just eaten lunch – a peanut butter sand-

Celebration:

Continued from Page 3

Together with the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, the DPT raised more than $200,000 and eventually received the home and one-half acre of land in 1998 through a donation from a developer.

Built in 1906, the Cheek-Spruill House is fully restored and the location of “Light Up Dunwoody” and the Dunwoody Homeowners Association’s 4th of July Parade.

According to the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, the Cheek-Spruill House is financially self-sustaining, which is an important criterion of successful historic preservation.

The inaugural Lemonade Days took place in spring 1999 and got its name from the phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

A decade before Dunwoody was incorporated, a category F-2 tornado ripped through the community, leaving more than $150 million in property damages.

The tornado began its path in Alabama, picked up in Cobb County and came across Chamblee Dunwoody Road, moved east along Peeler Road, down Tilly Mill Road, through parts of Kingsley, across Happy Hollow Road and through Fontainebleau Forest, then across Winters Chapel Road into Lockridge Forest.

Kristin Simmons, interim executive director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, said the nonprofit jumped at the opportunity to support the 1,500 families displaced by the storm.

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association, Dunwoody Preservation Trust and

wich, a couple cheese sticks and some peperoni. So, I was full, and sleep must have come fast, because the only thing I remember was the warmth of that bounder, then the darkness of sleep, and then, this tremendous noise, fairly close. The earth shook with a tremor that I felt in my bones.

So, I went from deep, deep sleep to wide awake in an instant. My brain went into overtime processing, or trying to process what just happened. Fight or flight. Run. Cover. What? A lot went racing through my brain – like a dam bursting – in what was probably less than a second or two of confusion and adrenaline.

No bear. No human. No falling boulder. No dream. OK, as my mind cleared, logic told me that I heard a really big tree fall nearby and shake the ground. What else could it have been?

At that point I was wide awake and clear-minded. I threw on my pack,

perused my area to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything – like even a miniscule scrap of paper – and went out at almost a sprint in search of a fallen giant. Couldn’t find it. I am certain that it had to have been really close, but that didn’t help me find it. And it had to have been huge. Hmmmm.

So, does it count? I did hear it, I think. Surely that is what I think I heard. But, well, maybe it doesn’t count. “Thinking” you heard that tree fall in the forest, and hence, it did not fall, no?

So, it happened again. Just now, eight years later. I am up in Ellijay – way, way out in the woods babysitting my daughter’s Huskie while she is at the beach celebrating her birthday with friends. Her house is surrounded by forest, and she has no neighbors, just a gravel road that runs in front of her house. I am out writing this column with my legs propped up with the Huskie and my dog Lewis in the grass

next to me. The only thing I can see in all directions are trees. I can see maybe 50 feet into the understory then everything turns to green. I hear a very loud “crack” followed by, yep, a heavy thud of something landing on the earth that weighs a lot.

A tree falling is the only thing that it could possibly be, I tell myself – in the forest roughly within 75 yards of where I am sitting right now.

No, I am not going to go look for it. I know it is there and that is what happened. Yes, it fell. For sure. Even though I didn’t see it. If a tree falls in the woods and you only hear it, yes, that counts. It rained all night last night up here in Ellijay out in the woods. This morning everything was still wet and fresh and deeply silent. Birds were the only noises I heard this morning, that and the sound of the brook that runs through my daughter’s property – pregnant with rainfall and cold mountain water.

Dunwoody Nature Center joined forces following the tornado with an initiative called “Replant the Dunwoody Forest.” More than 25,000 trees were planted around Dunwoody thanks to the effort.

Kristin Simmons, interim executive director of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, said a lot of Dunwoody residents at the festival, especially the young ones, do not know about that piece of history.

“People just don’t know who we are,” Simmons said. “We have a terrific mission, and we’re very much about creating a sense of community, which is something we’ve had in Dunwoody for generations.”

Hope Follmer, director of Lemonade Days, said Dunwoody Preservation Trust partners with the city and its Parks and Recreation Department to put on the annual festival.

After law enforcement gave the allclear concerning alleged threats to the festival on its second day, operations were “absolutely perfect,” she said.

“We have received overwhelming positive feedback from festivalgoers on proactively hiring line management personnel from Simpson Protective Services,” Follmer said. “Our amazing Dun-

woody police officers, who are always in attendance for the festival, played a major role in the smooth operation of the festival for everyone involved.”

She also said the nonprofit needs more members for more donations to keep the historical preservation of sites around the city going for future generations.

“If we don’t look at the past, then what are we doing,” Follmer said. “If we don’t plan for the future and bring up the younger generation with the acknowledgement that the past is important, then it’s all for nothing.”

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Patrons at Dunwoody’s annual festival, Lemonade Days, peruse mouth-watering carnival food April 20 from local vendors and Peachtree Rides. Organizers said around 20,000 people stopped by the five-day festival at Brook Run Park.

Market:

The city took over the farmers market after Heritage Sandy Springs dissolved its 35-year operation in 2021.

Struggling even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the loss of revenues from rentals at the Williams-Payne House on Sandy Springs Circle eventually shuttered the nonprofit.

In her third season leading the farmers market, Cianciolo said the city tradition is running smoothly with volunteers from the Performing Arts Center.

City councilmembers Andy Bauman and Melissa Mular passed out information about local initiatives and mingled with their constituents at a city tent.

Bauman, first elected to the District 6 seat on the City Council in 2013, talked about his own history with the Sandy Springs Farmers Market and remembered his friend, Jeffrey Langfelder.

While Langfelder passed away in 2017, he has been immortalized with his name on the “Opening Bell” of the farmers market, which will ring every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. during warmer months.

Bauman said the scenes at City Springs April 20 would not have been possible without Langfelder.

“After having the inspiration to create a market at the old and closed Target parking lot, Jeffrey got to work on parallel paths of seeking out commitments from potential vendors and getting permission from the city, which now owned the property to be later developed as a future City Hall,” Bauman said.

After work with then City Manager John McDonough, the inaugural Sandy Springs Farmers Market opened in April 2010.

The process was not without a few hiccups, Bauman said, including a debate with elected officials on whether to send out a request for proposal.

Bauman and Langfelder said they would be out if the city pursued that route.

“We all agreed they could review our performance at the end of the market season, and if they felt the need to go back out with a request for proposal, they could do that,” Bauman said. “Everyone must have been happy because we were able to renew for the next several years.”

in 2013, Bauman cruised to victory again in 2017 and 2021.

Bauman said it’s been a family affair, citing beloved vendors like Fry Farm, Yves Garden and Artisan Bread, which still show up.

The extended family of Bauman and Langfelder helped a lot in the early years before Heritage Sandy Springs took over.

Bauman said a flash mob in August 2012 from Act3 Productions, a semi-professional theater company, is one of his favorite memories.

After commending Farmers Market Manager Cianciolo for her work taking over for Heritage Sandy Springs, Bauman said he knows the job is tough.

“Even though it was really hard work to set up and break down the market every Saturday, we all felt exhilarated at the end of a successful market and often got together in the afternoon to unwind and hang out at our home,” Bauman said. “These are some of the most treasured memories we have with our young children.”

To learn more and sign up for the Sandy Springs Farmers Market weekly email, visit https:// citysprings.com/farmersmarket. Continued from Page 1

The farmers market served as Bauman’s introduction to his local government. He said when Karen Meinzen McEnerny announced her departure after two terms, he threw his hat in the ring for the District 6 seat. After a tightly contested 5-way race

DEATH NOTICES

Carlton Butler, 88, of Roswell, passed away on April 14, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

David Hartman, 78, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Nancy Petriella, 75, of Roswell, passed away on April 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Sue DeVore Rainwater, 82, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

20 and showcase some of its

Lt. Col. Tim Doherty created the nonprofit in 2017 to help veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder through beekeeping.

Robert Thompson, 77, of Roswell, passed away on April 21, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Roger Thoresen, 87, of Milton, passed away on April 18, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Wilcher, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 20, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

John

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

A father chases his daughter across the City Green during opening day of the Sandy Springs Farmers Market for the 2024 season. The Farmers Market runs through Nov. 23 and features dozens of unique vendors each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.

From left, Lisa and Tim Doherty from the nonprofit Doc’s Healing Hives talk about their farm in Morgantown April

raw honey.

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Perimeter:

self-taxing districts in the “edge city” where Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven converge.

"This partnership underscores our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for everyone in the Perimeter community," Hanlon said. "By investing in this advanced technology and collaborating closely with the Dunwoody Police Department, we are taking proactive steps to address evolving safety needs and uphold our commitment to public safety."

While community improvement districts typically spend funds on transportation and infrastructure projects, the DeKalb PCID and Dunwoody remain committed to proactive measures that prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors.

"We are pleased about the opportunities this partnership presents to enhance public safety in Dunwoody," Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson said. "By leveraging advanced technology and working closely with DeKalb PCID, we can better serve our community and ensure a safer environment for all." Continued from Page 1

PERIMETER

Perimeter Community Improvement District, the City of Dunwoody and its Police Depart-

Flock Safety Falcon license plate reader, one of three device types that will be

safety partnership. From left, Dunwoody Police Sgt. Tim Fecht, Officer Theresa Her-

,

Executive Director Ann Hanlon, Dekalb PCID Board Member Yolanda Turner (State Farm), Chief

Carlson, Lt. Patrick Krieg,

City Manager Eric Linton.