Sandy Springs Crier - May 11, 2023

Veteran talks shop on building bluebird houses

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City Hall features abstract art exhibit

Creator invites guests to ‘see things differently’

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — When she paints, Fran Scher says she is an observer.

“It’s totally a journey. It’s totally intuitive,” Scher said. “Every stroke informs the next stroke.”

Her abstract work, on display at Sandy Springs City Hall, takes on a pastel color palette, indicative of spring, but broken up with dissonant strokes of black. A Sandy Springs resident, Scher has had her paintings showcased

in local Atlanta galleries and in collections around the world.

Around 50 people attended the gallery’s opening reception May 3. City Hall’s lobby serves as a rotating art gallery and changes every quarter. Scher’s paintings will hang through the beginning of August.

Starting with paint-by-numbers as a child, Scher went on to become an arts education teacher. But she always painted “here and there.” While her kids napped, she would go to the

See ART, Page 10

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs resident Fran Scher stands next to her abstract paintings on display at Sandy Springs City Hall during the May 3 opening reception. The lobby serves as a rotating art gallery and changes every quarter. Scher’s work will hang through the beginning of August.

Sandy Springs budget proposes 6% employee raises in 2024

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs has kicked off a series of meetings to discuss its fiscal year 2024 budget, a spending plan that goes into effect July 1. City leaders met for an initial budget workshop May 2, hearing from

department heads and other city staff about funding needs for the coming year.

Funding will be partially based on a set of priorities, like public safety and public works, that were adopted at the City Council’s annual retreat in January, officials said.

Exact dollar amounts for the 2024 budget are not available yet,

but city leaders have announced several initial priorities that will likely be included in upcoming budget drafts. In 2023, city officials adopted a general fund budget of $136 million. The general fund pays for day-to-day operations of the city, like salaries, light bills and general maintenance.

City Manager Eden Freeman,

who presented the bulk of information at the meeting, said plans call for giving all city employees a 6 percent cost of living adjustment in 2024. The city will also absorb an 11 percent increase in health insurance premiums, rather than passing those costs on to employees, she said.

See BUDGET, Page 6

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Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS POLICE REPORTS

COMPARING POLICE TRANSPARENCY

Sandy Springs vs. Forsyth County

After months of efforts to provide readers accurate information about crime in Sandy Springs, the Police Department continues supplying The Crier with abbreviated accounts of police activities. These reports, usually one sentence, contain no pertinent information about crime, arrests, investigations or threats to neighborhoods.

At left, is a Sandy Springs police report with one sentence, stating that an officer appeared at the scene of an alleged robbery. At right is a similar report from Forsyth County, with over 700 words describing the Sheriff Department’s response to a crime incident and how they handled the case.

The Crier continues to pursue avenues to make full police incident reports informa-

2022

2018

tion available to the public and to the taxpayers who fund their police department.

For the Fiscal Year 2023, Sandy Springs is set to spend $27 million on Police and $1.9 million for Communications.

Sandy Springs police investigate assault, robbery calls

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. Here are a few public safety items gleamed from reports that include limited details:

• On April 12 a Sandy Springs officer responded to a call about a woman being pulled out of a vehicle by her hair on Roswell Road. The case listed as “battery” was cleared by arrest on the same day. There is no other information in the police report.

• On April 12 Sandy Springs officers responded to a robbery call at a redacted

location, categorized as a convenience store. The report showed that $5,400 in merchandise was stolen. The case is still open.

• On March 20 police responded to a robbery call at a Waffle House on Roswell Road. The restaurant reported $298 was stolen. The Sandy Springs officers listed the incident as “sudden snatching” and the report said the suspect wore a facial covering. The police report said there is “nothing further at this time” and the case remains open.

Forsyth

City to reallocate $25 million left over from completed projects

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — As they work their way through the 2024 budget process, Sandy Springs officials have found a substantial chunk of change under the couch cushions – more than $24 million.

At its May 2 meeting, the City Council heard an expansive list of “excess funding” from dozens of completed and closed capital improvement projects, millions of dollars in overages which will may now be reallocated toward current city projects.

“This is just a lot of cleanup on the books for projects that have just been lingering, with these excess funds sitting there,” Sandy Springs Chief Financial Officer Tony Carlisle said. “We just want to do one cleanup to move these funds for the availability of use in the general fund.”

Excess project funding includes amounts as little as 12 cents left over from certain project “site improvements” and as large as $2.7 million, which had been allocated for the city’s PATH-400 trail project whose funding later drawn from the transportation local option sales tax.

Carlisle said that collectively, about $25 million will be reallocated from these closed projects to other capital improvement projects, like construction of Veterans Park, and to the city’s general fund.

The City Council was asked to approve this sweeping set of budget amendments at the meeting, but after a discussion about the scope of the request and questions it raises about city project budgeting procedures, the item was unanimously tabled.

“I have an objection to the process here. I feel like we probably need to be doing a work session-style discussion in the public sphere,” City Councilman Andy Bauman said. “I’m sure much of this is administrative, but the sheer number collectively and then some of the line item numbers do raise a heightened scrutiny.”

Decision deadline

City Manager Eden Freeman said the City Council will have to vote on the budget amendments by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, because the city will be using the funds to offset current needs.

See CITY, Page 6

fund multiple city projects.

Tucker

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Sandy Springs City Council members hear a presentation from Finance Department staff on a $25 million capital improvement project budget reallocation that may

Dunwoody expands public art program

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Thanks to recent expansions of a 2022 civic art project, traffic light boxes around the City of Dunwoody are starting to start looking a lot more interesting.

Dunwoody officials announced April 26 that a $5,000 donation from Fifth Third Bank has allowed the city to complete Phase II of the city’s Green Light Art program, which wraps local traffic light boxes with original art made by Dunwoody High School students and local artists.

With this expansion, the project now includes 10 public art displays throughout the city, officials said.

The first phase of the Green Light Art project featured the work of five Dunwoody High School students, and the second phase included two additional students, Jenna Prass and Rocio Arvizu. Three other artists, Lori Lejeune, Lisa Guyton and Elaine Stephenson, were also included in the project’s second phase.

“The first phase of the Green Light Box Project was just incredible, and I am thrilled that we are able to share five more works of art in Dunwoody,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “We are simultaneously brightening intersections and improving our community.”

Fifth Third Bank donated funding for the project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Dunwoody branch held in January. Bank officials said the art project perfectly encapsulates the type of stewardship efforts they look for in a community.

“I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Fifth Third Bank cares about making a difference, and we will continue to support this community,” Randy Korporc, regional president of Fifth Third Bank said. “When we plant our flag, we’re serious, and we want to be a partner every step of the way.

Art displayed by the project is expected to last between three and five years, and the city is expected to expand it with more art again in the future.

To learn more about the project and see an interactive map of where Green Light Art Project canvases can be found, visit www.dunwoodyga.gov and click on Green Light Art Project in the Arts and Cultureand Arts Master Plans tabs.

— Alexander Popp

Veteran loves to talk shop on making bluebird houses

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Over the past six years, Dunwoody resident Ron Clyne has been on a mission to make the Dunwoody Georgia’s bluebird capital.

There’s been no word on whether that’s officially possible or what it would require, but Clyne has singlehandedly made hundreds of bluebirds birdhouses that have been distributed in the community.

A former Korean War Army aviation mechanic and retired administrator at Dunwoody High School, Clyne only got into woodworking when he began looking for a hobby after retirement.

“I remembered when I was a kid, I made my first coffee table and made it like a checkerboard with different colors, so that led me to l woodworking,” he said.

But even before getting into woodworking, he was fascinated with tools and amassed a large collection of hammers, pliers and other implements. Many were antiques inherited from his father, like a set of clamps that were once used to haul heavy ice blocks in Minnesota.

“Then I started picking up fence pieces, old board and fences that people were throwing away … and my yard man started picking up pieces from Home Depot they were throwing in the dumpster,” he said.

With those pieces of reclaimed fence wood, Clyne began making his first birdhouses, starting with the traditional bluebird house, which has a long rectangular body

and a single sharply peaked roof. But over the years, his designs have been upgraded to a newer style that’s easier to produce with economical cuts and nearly zero waste. The new birdhouse design opens on its side, he said, so people can peek in and check on how the birds, eggs and eventually how the hatched chicks are doing.

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED  Artwork from Lori Lejeune and four other artists has been installed at five traffic light boxes around Dunwoody.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody resident Ron Clyne holds two examples of his handmade bluebird houses, which he’s gifted and sold in north Metro Atlanta for the past six years.

Clyne uses a staple gun at his home woodshop in Dunwoody to join the front and sides of a bluebird birdhouse. Clyne has made more than 120 birdhouses over the past six years.

Best friends bring bubbly to Roswell

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia built their friendship on a shared love of champagne. Now, years after they met, the pair co-own and operate Metro Atlanta’s only champagne bar, Pop Alleigh on Canton Street.

Pop Alleigh opened in December 2022, named after Anderson and Braglia who met in 2008 when Anderson coached Braglia’s son in cheerleading. The champagne bar offers more than 220 bottles of sparkling wine for purchase, as well as over 20 bubbly options by the glass. Customers can choose champagnes a la carte or opt for one of the rotating champagne flights, curated by Anderson and Braglia.

The pair only pours champagne they like to drink, Anderson said. The owners hand-pick the selection to ensure they serve what they enjoy and what they can educate customers about.

“Our approach is to be able to offer a high-end experience,” Anderson said.

Part of their push to open Pop Alleigh was a lack of champagne bars across the country. Leigh joked to Anderson that in Sonoma, California, there’s a “wine bar on every corner” while champagne destinations are few and far between. Anderson said the lack of shops is due to the perception of champagne.

“Having something where people can discover champagne was really important because the conception of champagne is that its rosy and its sweet,” Anderson said.

The selection of sparkling wines at Pop Alleigh is all brut, or very dry, with a few sweeter options for customers who crave it. Anderson said Pop Alleigh offers about “three wines” for people who want something different, but the focus is on champagne.

Neither of the co-owners have any wine certifications, but Anderson said they bring years of enthusiasm for champagne and travel across major sparkling wine regions like Champagne, France, and Cava, Spain.

A bubbly destination

Leigh Braglia discovered the property that would become Pop Alleigh after dinner with her husband at Little Alley Steak on Canton Street. Braglia said she had always wanted a business, and when she saw the space, she decided on the “spontaneous” move. She called up Anderson and the best friends decided to go into business together.

The co-owners wanted to create a business that would stand out in Roswell — something “niche, intentional and specific”

Budget:

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“We did not want to give employees a pay raise and then take away some of that money to pay for their share of employee health care,” she said. “We are committed to remaining the market leader … and this will ensure that we remain in that position.”

As part of the 2024 budget, Sandy Springs is expected to hire 12 additional full-time staff members, she said. Several other new police and fire department positions are also expected.

Sandy Spring anticipates greater revenue from property tax collections in 2024 which will help fund these and other proposals, Freeman said.

However, while the city expects

City:

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that differed from restaurants and wine bars.

Without many champagne bars to pull from, Braglia said the two had the freedom to follow their own vision.

“We were just able to do whatever we wanted to do,” Braglia said.

The pair completely renovated the Canton Street space with a focus on the details. Braglia said she had a vision for everything from the glasses to the architecture. The nine-table space is intimate, which lets Braglia and Anderson have a hands-on experience with every customer.

“We’ve got a great thing, just having something different and not having to think about anything else to by,” Braglia said.

Setting the mood

Pop Alleigh offers private events and champagne tasting classes, but Anderson said the bar isn’t as formal as a wine school or as casual as a club. It’s somewhere in between, with music and conversation as well as information cards and tasting explanations.

“I feel like we have it all, like we’re curating nightlife in Roswell,” Anderson said.

In the months since Pop Alleigh opened, Anderson said the business has “elevated” the area, offering customers a place “before dinner, after dinner or instead of dinner.” The bar already has a group of loyal customers from around the town and strong support from the city, according to the co-owner.

The business has been successful enough that Anderson said Pop Alleigh is opening on Mondays and Tuesdays and extending its hours on the weekends. Anderson and Braglia said they feel like they “have it all.”

“In this short of a time to make (Pop Alleigh) what it is, I know I’m really proud for sure,” Braglia said.

Some councilmembers questioned why the city would keep so much project funding on its books, especially because Freeman said some of the projects have been around for “many, many years.”

“I guess one final question is why has this money been lingering for so long without this being squared away,” Councilman John Paulson said. “My request is in the future. When a project gets finished. Let’s do it, then real time indicate the money isn’t needed.”

Freeman said the only reason so many items were presented at the same time was to make the most efficient use of the City Council’s time.

“We should not be putting a budget amendment on every single council agenda, and we had gotten to where we were doing that,” she said. “My goal going forward is on a quarterly basis, we will bring forward budget amendments that need to be done so that we don’t have to do such a large one.”

These budget amendments will be placed on the agenda at an upcoming City Council meeting for further discussion and vote.

Rate increase approved

At a specially called Public Facility Authority meeting at the beginning of the City Council session, officials unanimously approved a set of rate increases the city charges for events and shows at Performing Arts Center. The council approved hikes for ticket fees, membership costs and facility rentals.

Interim Director Michael Pauken

to receive greater revenue from the countywide local option sales tax, Freeman warned the level may decrease in coming years because of a new agreement with Fulton County over how the money is split.

“We are already starting to see a decrease in collections on local option sales tax,” she said.

Before the 2024 budget is approved at a final public hearing on June 20, the Sandy Springs City Council will hold two more budget workshops, one on May 16 and the second on June 6. A draft of the proposed budget will be presented to the City Council at a meeting on May 23.

Members of the public will have two opportunities to comment on the draft budget at public meetings June 6 and June 20.

said the proposal will raise ticket prices to be more in line with other competing venues, while greatly increasing the membership benefits offered at the venue.

Pauken said that like other venues, they are switching to a model that assesses a fee of from $2 to $10 for the city’s share on the price of a ticket. The new prices are about half those charged by competing Ticketmaster and PFM venues, he said.

“When I went through this process in Skokie, there was just no resistance when we migrated to this sliding scale, again because it’s so common in the concert world, but we wouldn’t be scaling this high if it was a nonprofit-type organization,” he said.

Similarly, Pauken said an increase in city-owned property rental rates is needed to be more competitive in the marketplace.

“Our rental rates have not changed in going on four years now, since 2019, and 3 to 5 percent a year is pretty common in the industry,” he said.

But in addition to rate increases, the Performing Arts Center will also upgrade its membership program, which currently offers “vague” and “difficult to fulfill” benefits, he said.

Under the new program, interested individuals and groups will be offered four different membership levels, ranging from $500 to $5,000, which will include exclusive benefits like complimentary valet service, invitations to City Green Live Terrace Parties, backstage concert tours, and engraved bricks at City Springs.

“Suffice it to say, what we’re trying to do is provide things of value to members,” Pauken said.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Best friends Al Anderson and Leigh Braglia opened Pop Alleigh, Metro Atlanta’s only champagne bar on Canton Street in December 2022 after spending years drinking bubbly together.

Stroke Awareness and Recovery

Brought to you by - Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

May is National Stroke Awareness month, highlighting the symptoms and recovery challenges posed by the most common cause of disability in our country. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, with over 800,000 strokes and 140,000 deaths in the USA each year.

Almost 80% of strokes are caused by lifestyle choices we can address. High blood pressure is a leading cause along with smoking (which quadruples your risk), diabetes, lack of exercise, cardiovascular disease, obesity, being 65 or older and having a family history.

The most common stroke type is Ischemic, when a blood clot blocks a vein or artery in the brain. A Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. It’s important to know the signs and act quickly, as doctors can give clot busting drugs within 4 hours of the onset of a stroke. Early warning signs include face drooping or numbness in the face, arms or legs on one side of the body, arm weakness and motion difficulty, loss of balance, sudden confusion, speech difficulty or words that don’t make sense, sudden severe headache, blurry vision and trouble seeing from one or both eyes. If you suspect a stroke is happening, call 911 immediately.

After a stroke certain physical issues can occur, including weakness or paralysis, walking, speech and coordination difficulties, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, trouble swallowing, depression and anxiety. Recovery time differs, and almost 10% of stroke victims recover almost

completely. Another 25% recover with minor impairments and 40% will have moderate to severe impairments that require special care. The first 3 to 6 months are the time to make the most strides in recovery, but performance can continue to show improvement 12 to 18 months out. Recovery is likely to start in a rehabilitation center with a team that includes speech and language pathologists and physical therapists. Researchers have found that after discharge, stroke patients who continued rehabilitation and physical therapy at home had a faster recovery and, after three months, performed activities of daily living at higher levels than those who only received traditional rehabilitation.

At Home Helpers we create a unique care plan that can meet your immediate needs and change as recovery progresses. A heart centered, skilled in-home caregiver can assist with daily consistent exercise - helping to follow your occupational and physical therapist’s techniques that are so vital for recovery. Most stroke patients tire easily and will need help with housekeeping, meal preparation or feeding while regaining use of their hand or arm. Many need help with showers and personal grooming. Your loved one may experience vision difficulties that require them to stop driving, or emotional changes that make them anxious or more easily frustrated.

We’re here to help - from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta (770) 681-0323.

SUNDOWN SOCIAL

What: Sundown Social is a relaxed neighborhood gathering with live music and signature cocktails every Thursday until Oct. 26. This event will feature Eileen Howard, a composer, recording artist, and critically acclaimed jazz and blues singer. She and her combo of world-class musicians will perform classic American Songbook tunes, her own compositions and a set of jazzy sing-along songs from classic Disney movies. Charcuterie Chick will be selling small charcuterie & cheese boards, made with seasonal ingredients, unique combinations and quality accoutrements.

When: Thursday, May 11, 5:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘COPPÉLIA’ PRESENTED BY METROPOLITAN BALLET THEATRE

What: Experience ballet’s great comedy, telling the story of lovely Swanhilda, a girl who pretends to be a dancing doll to regain the affection of her sweetheart, Frantz.

When: May 12-14, times vary

Where: Blessed Trinity Theatre, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell

Cost: $20-30

More info: metropolitanballet.org

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’

What: A young orphan named Peter teams up with Molly, a Starcatcherin-training, and his mates to defend a mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin from pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache. Join Stage Door Theatre for an exploration of the depths of greed and despair, along with the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

When: May 12-28, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody

Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

MAY TRAILBLAZER WALK

What: The Powers Island Trail is a serene section of the recreation area, less traveled than the more popular

MAY TRAILBLAZER WALK

What: The Powers Island Trail is a serene section of the recreation area, less traveled than the more popular part of Cochrane Shoals across the river in Cobb County. Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Trail Blazers will explore trails on the island and along the riverbank. The trails offer views of the river and go through a forest studded with large rock outcrops and old stacked-stone walls. Walks take about an hour and are limited to 25 participants. Registration is required.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Powers Island at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 5450 Interstate North Parkway, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

part of Cochrane Shoals across the river in Cobb County. Sandy Springs Conservancy’s Trail Blazers will explore trails on the island and along the riverbank. The trails offer views of the river and go through a forest studded with large rock outcrops and old stacked-stone walls. Walks take about an hour and are limited to 25 participants. Registration is required.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Powers Island at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 5450 Interstate North Parkway, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

MILTON

FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning until Oct. 28, more than 30 vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

DUNWOODY ART FESTIVAL

What: The festival will showcase the wildly whimsical artist market that shoppers anticipate each spring.

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

Artisans from around the country look forward to the large and welcoming neighbors and visitors as they exhibit their paintings, folk art, glasswork, metal art, photography, fiber, ceramics, culinary treats and more. The tasty Food Court will be cookin’ back in the parking lot by Village Burger and Chupito’s. Live music will return this year in the center of the Food Court.

When: Saturday & Sunday, May 1314, times vary

Where: Dunwoody Village, 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody More info: splashfestivals.com/ events-festivals/dunwoody-artfestival

ALIVE IN ROSWELL

What: Alive in Roswell is a free family-friendly monthly festival held every third Thursday evening from April through October, featuring music, food trucks and hundreds of interactive vendors. It also sees participation from the many surrounding boutiques, small businesses and restaurants. A free regular trolley service connects the free parking at Roswell City Hall and Woodstock Park to the event. Dogs are allowed at Alive in Roswell, but please bring them on a leash and

follow these easy steps:

clean up any deposits from your baby. Animals are not allowed on the free trolley.

When: Thursday, May 18, 5-9 p.m. Where: Canton Street & Roswell Antique and Interiors lot, Roswell More info: aliveinroswell.com

SPRING WORKS IN CLAY OPENING RECEPTION

What: Works in Clay is a handmade artwork show and sale that features more than 40 local artists, who are members of the Roswell Clay Collective. The show will present handmade artwork that encompasses functional, sculptural and whimsical ceramics. There is something for everyone, from those looking for smart gift ideas to serious collectors searching for that special work of art. Participating artists will be available each day to answer questions and to give tours to anyone interested in future classes, workshops or events at Art Center West.

When: Thursday, May 18, 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Arts Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

What: The Johns Creek Public Works Department presents the annual Touch-A-Truck event, featuring construction equipment and fun activities for the whole family. There will be free hot dogs, while supplies last.

When: Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek More info: johnscreekga.gov

LIVE MUSIC WITH JOE CAPO

What: Joe Capo is a master guitarist playing soft tunes to sit back and relax with a cold beer. Let Joe take you on a melodic journey of nonvocal instrumental accompaniment through the valley of classic hits to a beautiful river of bliss.

When: Saturday, May 20, 5 p.m. Where: Moondog Growlers, 5064 Nandina Lane, Dunwoody More info: moondoggrowlers.com

Glenn Greer Austin, farmer, carpenter, justice of the peace

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Glenn Greer Austin was born in 1885 to Elizabeth and John Thomas Austin. Their home was in the Grogan’s District of Milton County, which was along what is now Roberts Drive and Spalding Drive in Sandy Springs.

In 1906, he married Nettie Southern. Her family’s property and home were along what is now Mount Vernon Road near Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Their wedding was the first to take place at the church, a small wooden building across the road from today’s church. The couple stayed active at the church throughout their lives, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Board of Stewards. (The Story of Dunwoody, Elizabeth L. Davis, Ethel W. Spruill)

The history of Nettie Southern Austin, who taught at the Dunwoody School for many years and is the namesake of Austin Elementary, has been told previously in this column. Glenn Austin was also an important part of the community.

Glenn Greer was a carpenter, farmer and justice of the peace for Dunwoody. His work as justice of the peace was done in Nash’s Store and the post office, which were at the northwest corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road. The justice of the peace in a community held court to try minor civil cases. They also performed marriages.

Austin’s son, Glenn Thomas Austin remembered his father doing all these jobs. He also recalled working construction alongside his father when Dunwoody Methodist Chapel was built. (DeKalb History Center oral histories, “Dunwoody, I Remember Hour,” 1994)

Dunwoody School students of the 1940s remember fondly the small wood house he constructed, known as the Dutch House. The students were studying Holland at the time, so Austin built the house and a small windmill that stood next to the

Clyne:

Continued from Page 4

Clyne said he always felt a connection to the colorful bluebirds and loves seeing them around his neighborhood.

“I like the color and put them out in the neighborhood, you'll see bluebirds all over the place,” he said. “But I'd like to make Dunwoody a bluebird capital of the state.”

Originally, he also made birdhouses for several other species and was very

house.

He used his carpenter skills in many ways to help the school and his wife Nettie. He built a sand table for the playground. Inside the school, there was an area filled with his wood toys and identified with a sign that read “Toyland.” He built rocking horses, doll cradles and strollers, tables, a tall giraffe, and an assortment of other wooden animals.

Glenn Greer Austin and Nettie Southern Austin had six children. He died in 1948 and Nettie died in 1956. They are buried at the Sandy Springs Methodist Cemetery.

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.

interested in hawks that nest in Georgia. That changed once he learned how they hunt bluebirds and other small birds.

“But I haven't seen them get any of my bluebirds,” he said. “I wish they’d get the squirrels.”

Clyne, who is a quadriplegic due to a fall that broke his C5 vertebrae and left him nearly paralyzed from the chest down, said the puzzle-solving aspect of woodworking keeps his body and mind active in a way that nothing else does, which is a particular problem for people who are wheelchair-bound.

“I had to find something to do,” he

said. “This keeps my mind working because I work things out, I solve problems, I have one thing go wrong and I figure out a solution for it.”

Even with limited hand mobility, he’s developed a garage workspace and method that works well and produces results.

“My hands, they don't work really well, but I’ve figured out how to use them,” he said. “I was laughing yesterday because most woodworkers, have two or three fingers missing and I said, ‘I’ve avoided that because my fingers won’t stretch all the way out.’”

In total, Clyne has likely made more than 120 bluebird houses that have either been gifted to local groups like his church and the City of Dunwoody for their parks, but he’s also sold many to people who hear about his work through the grapevine.

“It’s all word of mouth,” he said. “I’ve had people from Alpharetta calling me up saying that they heard I made bluebird houses, and they buy one.”

If you are interested in buying one of Clyne’s birdhouses or requesting one for your organization, contact him directly at ronclyne@gmail.com.

Columnist

The children of Dunwoody School enjoy a sand table built by Glenn Austin.

FAMILY PHOTOS

Glenn Austin built the Dutch House in the 1940s for the children of Dunwoody School.

THE INVESTMENT COACH

Retirement goal setting: Why not now?

and traveling now, for example. They’re living in the “experience economy.” They have intentions and objectives they want to effect near term. They don’t want to wait until some arbitrary retirement date. Obviously, a person needs to work and generate sufficient funds to live and reserves to cover emergencies.

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

Ask people about retirement goals and you get a wish list − travel, play more golf, spend more time with family and friends, etc. Retirement is seen as a time to do more of the things you enjoy doing. But in some advisory circles an interesting question is emerging. Why wait?

Mitch Anthony is the author of the highly acclaimed book, “The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams...at Any Age You Want,” now in a fifth edition. In a recent phone call with financial planners, Anthony, quick to perceive nascent trends, said, “It’s time to ban the word ‘retirement’ from the retirement conversation.” There was a time when life was considered in three basic stages: from birth to age 18 or early 20s, growing up and education and training; working years from early adulthood to retirement at age 62 to 65; then, cease working and enjoy life while you can until “old age” slows you down, as an individual or as a couple. Death is a reality at any time along life’s path and pre-planning is important.

Call the new scenario the “Modern Work Path.” Some young singles and married couples are focusing on enjoying life early in the game with a “why wait?” attitude. They may put off saving for a house or having children in favor of adventures

Art:

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basement to paint. Scher got involved in painting groups when she moved to Atlanta and began submitting her work, with more courage.

Scher, 77, described her experience in painting “abstract reality,” or what is more representative. Maybe the painting would be of a dog or a person, she said, but technical elements would be broken apart.

In the current display, more searching may be required to find some semblance of reality. But if you stare at it long enough, you might see familiar figures, and in some, they perform familiar actions.

With any painting, Scher said viewers bring their own experience to interpretation, but perhaps more with abstract work.

“When you look at an abstract painting, each time you might focus on something else, and see things differently,” Scher said.

Today’s younger generations assume that they will work for multiple employers over the course of their work life, with fun, travel, sabbaticals, volunteer work overseas or domestically, or other pursuits, mixed in. More people assume that they will work remotely at various times or even start their own business. Recently, this writer met a young woman traveling in Patagonia in southern Chile and Argentina. Her job allowed her to work remotely, and with her laptop and modern global communications, she can work from almost anywhere in the world. So, she was exploring South America for a few months while working.

We are not talking about a cavalier attitude, about assuming that mom and dad will pick up the tab if the worst happens. For, even if you’re embracing the experience economy, you still need a solid plan. You should have enough reserve funds so that if there should be a setback you can continue to be self-sufficient. You need financial reserves that allow you pay for experiences responsibly without running up debt. You must be able to confidently handle emergencies and setbacks, all the while working toward long-range goals.

Mitch Anthony opines that retirement is an “artificial finish line, an unnatural event.” “At 65, we’re supposed to take

an exit ramp.” As Anthony asks, “Exit to what?” Not all ages are equal. You know people who are 80 who act like they’re 50, and people, sadly, who at age 65 or even younger have significant health problems or caregiving challenges and are forced to retire. If you love what you do, and have the flexibility to keep doing it, why retire? Forget retirement. Call it “refirement.” Get fired up and continue to do what wakes you up with purpose as long as you like and are physically and mentally able to do it well! “Re-tired” could infer that you’re “tired over and over,” and that’s not a prescription for a happy life. Many preretirees are not worried about running out of money. They’re concerned about being bored!

If travel is your passion, get out there. Don’t wait for some hazy someday to pursue your dreams. If need be, fly coach, or what many airlines now call “main cabin,” (most likely because some marketing guru saw that as a less pain-suggesting choice of words). Book early, and if you are traveling with your significant other opt for aisle seats across from each other. You both will have direct aisle access. Better to travel now and enjoy life than to wait too long and miss out if health or other challenges emerge later in life. Flying first or business class can come later with significant financial success when all of your bases are covered and you’re financially secure.

On international and domestic longhaul routes, Delta, as well as other leading carriers, offers “Comfort Plus” featuring more legroom and dedicated overhead

luggage space. The new Delta Premium Select cabin on some international flights offers a greater range of seat decline that allows you to stretch out with a reclining feature and a footrest, plus a wider seat and premium amenities. Check SeatGuru. com for cabin configurations for your chosen carrier and flight. This can aid in seat selection and avoid those that are less desirable for whatever reason.

“Living life now” does not mean ignoring common sense planning so that you end up broke or underfunded when it comes to ultimate financial independence. The Modern Work Path is a personal plan crafted between you and your advisor. It recognizes flexibility based on your preferences and priorities, not an artificial “nose-to-the-grindstone work until you drop” and then retire construct. Why not work until you want to do something else, with financial independence as your timeline goal, not retirement per se? Warren Buffet is 92. He may never retire. He’s financially independent and he’s doing what lights his fire.

What fires you up? That flaming scenario should be the foundation of your financial plan!

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-441-3553; lewis@ capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

arts community.

“What is our mark? How are we different?” Paul asked. “So, we decided … we wanted to build a real arts community and really salute the arts and be known for the Arts Center on the north side of the metropolitan area.”

Paul said the city started to establish itself as a performing arts center but didn’t want to stop there.

“The visual arts are just as important,” Paul said.

Susan Westmoreland, board member of Art Sandy Springs, spoke about Scher’s work. Westmoreland had been a friend of Scher’s for around 20 years, painting alongside her.

“But the painting hasn’t changed. It's the viewer that changes the painting.”

Scher said abstract work allows for more self-expression. Unlike photorealism, she said her work is more whimsical. But she said abstract is

still difficult, and she keeps in mind good composition that has a focal point where the eye can rest.

In remarks to the reception crowd, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul spoke about the growth of the city’s

She recalled an eccentric Scher, shorter in stature, walking into a class carrying a canvas bigger than her body. Scher brought out a matted, decades-old brush, Westmoreland said, and would add unpredictable colors.

“She feels her way through the painting, and it shows,” Westmoreland said. “It’s just beautiful.”

Columnist

The Investment Coach

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Fran Scher’s abstract art hangs in the Sandy Springs City Hall lobby

Historical fantasy or romance fantasy?

Two recent reads had me asking myself how best to describe them to my readers.

If you google fiction genres, you will find anywhere from five basic genres to hundreds. One list I found included action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance and thriller. But those categories aren’t enough for most of us.

Naturally, I turned to Amazon, because they’ve added a gazillion genres to the shorter lists I’m most familiar with. For example, my series falls into the mystery genre at a high level, but there are 12 subgenres beneath it, and my books fit in the cozy mystery subgenre.

The books below are both listed as historical fantasy on Amazon, and the first is ranked as a No. 1 bestseller in three genres: romance, literary fiction, romantic fantasy and historical fantasy. The second is categorized as time travel fiction, science fiction adventures and historical fantasy. So, they’re the same but different. The first is a more somber tale. The second is an adventure. The good news is I enjoyed them both.

bad. Her meetings with Luc, the name she gives her devil, evolve and change through the years. Sometimes he is enchanting and at others threatening.

As Luc would say, “I will tell you no more.” Seriously, the language is a treat. Read it for the history lessons and the romance and the beautiful writing. If that is, you like Historical Fantasy or Romantic Fantasy.

“Lies, Damned Lies, and History”

by Jodi Taylor

This is book seven in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series and is as entertaining as the first six. I’m happy to report there are 13 books in the series with a 14th coming out this year. Since I’m not a binge reader, they should keep me entertained for at least a few years.

One reviewer describes the series as “a wild mix of history, adventure, comedy, romance, tragedy, and anything else the author could think of.” No wonder it falls into historical fantasy and science fiction genres. Science fiction lovers will get a kick from the pods that travel through history landing in places like Thermopylae and Troy and Merlin’s cave.

Eight hundred memorial markers are set out in about two hours by more than 50 volunteers. The markers remain in place for two weeks over Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Group of Milton volunteers honor deceased veterans

getting very hot. The Viet Cong appeared to be winning the war, and the U.S. was rapidly increasing its forces. The Seabees were destined to play a vital and historic role as the conflict grew, and the need to construct military support facilities increased.

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”

by V.E.

Schwab

Wow! Just wow! I couldn’t put this one down, and I can see why it is described as a genre-defying tale. It starts in 1714 in France, where young Adeline LaRue makes a deal with the devil. She will live forever, but no one will remember her.

For over 300 years, she lives a sometimes miserable and at other times thrilling existence. Every year, the devil visits her, asking if she’s ready yet to give up her soul. Like Faustus, that’s what he’s after. And every year, she turns him down, though, in the bleakest times, it’s tempting to say yes.

Does she find romance? Well, yes, but her partners are destined to forget her by the next day. Until, as you can read on the book jacket, she finds someone who doesn’t — in 2014. The story unfolds as she witnesses history, the good and the

The job of the characters manning the pods is to investigate and document history — to get the real story. As in any good series, the relationships among the characters are half the fun. Maybe more than half. And, yes, there’s a bit of romance thrown in too. There’s history, danger, conflict, and humor — lots of humor—mixed with pure farce. I am always delighted by witty dialogue, and this series is filled with it. Maybe one of these days, I’ll count the number of double entendres. Rollicking seems to be one of my favorite words as of late, and it aptly describes this book. It’s rollicking good fun!

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries locally at The Enchanted Forest in Dunwoody and Bookmiser in East Cobb or on Amazon. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.

No doubt being a Seabee in Vietnam taught Bill Lusk many things, but what set him apart was his family background. His father and his four brothers were in the construction business. All served in the military during WW ll. His grandfather was a master carpenter with whom Bill worked as a youth.

One of the lasting impacts of his ancestry and wartime experience was his creation of the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers program after the City of Milton was formed. Today’s column tells the story of that journey.

After graduating from high school in the Finger Lakes region of New York State where his ancestors have lived for 500 years, Bill graduated from a two-year program at a technical school and worked for the Ridge Construction Company, a division of Eastman Kodak Company. While there, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees reserve in 1964. His unit was activated the following year and Bill underwent advanced training at the Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme, California. When he arrived in Vietnam in 1966 things were

The U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, widely known as the Seabees, is responsible for building much of the infrastructure at U.S. military operations abroad, particularly in combat zones. If you pronounce the first letters of Construction Battalion, it sounds like Seabee, hence the nickname. The Seabees were established in 1941 to meet the growing need for airfields, docks, bridges and other support facilities during WW ll. They primarily serve the Navy and Marine Corps because the Army has its own Corps of Engineers. Seabees are trained for combat as well as construction and frequently saw action in Vietnam when their construction projects were attacked. Their motto is “we build, we fight” and their logo is a bee holding a wrench, hammer and machine gun.

Bill was initially stationed around the Chu Lai combat base in central Vietnam. During his second tour, he was assigned to Khe Sanh, one of the more remote mountain outposts in Vietnam a

FAMILY PROVIDED

BOB MEYERS Columnist

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

ARCHITECTURAL JOB CAPTAIN:

Member of the design team involved in creative planning, designing & leadership with primary focus on building services like construction documents, design development, schematic design, BIM, consultant coordination & interior design. Produce drawings & perform support functions as directed in conformance with project time, cost & quality constraints. Must have at least a Masters degree in architecture & 6 months of experience. Must have completed course work in construction program management, building materials, quantity surveying, building services & environmental systems. Job location, Atlanta. Please mail resume to: Phillips Partnership PC, 5901 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Building A, Suite 450, Atlanta GA 30328.

Loan Processor, AA US Mortgage LLC. Atlanta, GA. 40 hours/week and $63,000/year. Responsibilities: Explaining the loan product to the client over the phone or in person; Evaluating credit histories for applications; Collecting data from clients such as their assets, salaries, debts, and employment status to fill in information for the loan application; Reviewing file documentation for missing or erroneous information; Creating payment plans and meeting loan application deadlines; Completing loan contracts and ensuring clients are kept informed of the rules and requirements; Assisting Loan Officer with requests and tasks needed to complete and process applications; Follow-up with clients to verify important information; Ensure compliance with the established regulations and law requirements.

Requirements: Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. 12 months experience in similar job experience. Bengali and/or any other language preferable. To apply, send your resume to: aausmortgage@gmail.com

Business & Data Science Manager:

Interpret customer needs; Identify process improvement opportunities & Develop solutions using process dev. tools; Design & deploy secure electronic data interface between the firm & its client base; Perform data mining, create machine learning algorithms to predict the likelihood of debt-recovery & implement robotic process automation to ensure the most efficient recovery strategies. Req.: Master’s deg. (or foreign equiv.) in Bus. Admin. 2 years of leadership exp. in business analysis & project mgt. using DMAIC, Six Sigma, Kaizen; exp. using Advanced SQL, Python/ R, Tableau, Power Automate, UI Design; exp. w/reporting & data visualization tools. Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable. Resume to & job location: Burke Moore Law Group, 235 Peachtree St. NE, Ste. 1900, Atlanta, GA 30303; pburke@burkemoore.com.

Cook. Prep. seasoned typical Pakistani foods, such as saffron, long-grain fragrant rice, thick yoghurt, ginger/ garlic paste, pure ghee (clarified butter); Prep. fried onion, rose & kewda, along w/ marinating kabobs; Cook Biryani Rice, kabobs, & other Pakistani cuisine. Prep. foods for Pakistani weddings. Order supplies, plan menu of Pakistani cuisine, & price items on menu. Prep. Degh. Req. 18 mos. exp. in Pakistani typical foods rest. Exp. prep’g. Pakistani foods for 200 - 300 ppl. events. Salary: $32,718/yr. Send resume to: Hayat Enterprises Inc., 5775 Jimmy Carter Blvd, #190 & 140, Norcross, GA 30071.

Part-time

Administrative Assistant for Youth and Children

Protestant church in downtown Alpharetta seeks a parttime (15-18 hours per week) Administrative Assistant for Youth & Children’s Ministries. In addition to normal administrative duties the candidate will assist with scheduling, social media, securing supplies, maintaining attendance records, planning events and mission trips.

Qualified candidates are a person of outstanding character who is friendly, organized, able to prioritize, exhibits an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, and is willing and able to work in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all people.

A degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Computer competence within Office 365, editing, and writing skills are required. Experience with REALM is a plus.

Successful completion of a criminal records and child abuse background check is required. Send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Office Space For Rent

Wonderful Office Suite Available

term lease. Reasonable $ Contact

SANDY

SPRINGS

Near 400 & Northridge. 2 offices. $475 month each, includes utilities. 770-331-3915

Meyers:

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few miles from the Ho Chi Minh Trail near the Laotian border and later the scene of a bloody battle. He also served near the Da Nang airbase on the coast where his battalion built airfields, roads, bunkers, barracks and revetments to protect the aircraft. In short, the Seabees built anything that needed to be built quickly and well.

On April 29, 2023, the Seabees were honored with a special monument at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton.

When he returned home in 1967, Bill attended Tri State College in Indiana on the GI Bill where he obtained a degree in civil engineering. His first job after college was as an engineering project manager for the Detroit Water Department. A job offer took him to Atlanta in 1973. Thirteen years later he started Lusk and Company, a firm that continues to build churches, schools and assisted living facilities and numerous projects for Georgia Tech. He sold his company to its employees in 2018. Now in its 37th year, the company is known as Lusk Commercial Contractors. His favorite project is the Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens.

When the City of Milton was formed in 2006 from portions of unincorporated

Three large storage trailers are used to distribute the memorial markers. Volunteers on the trailer hand markers to other volunteers who walk beside the slow moving trailer. Three trailers are used. Two hold 300 markers, and the other holds 200.

north Fulton County, Bill was elected to the city’s first City Council. He felt that as a new city, Milton lacked an identity and thought that one way to create identity would be to honor our city’s fallen soldiers. He was inspired by the City of Duluth’s veterans’ marker program and was determined to institute something similar in Milton that would help create a sense of place and inspire patriotism.

The program launched in 2007 with about 50 markers which Bill hand built in his home workshop. The City of Milton supported the effort by placing ads in the

Milton Herald. The program grew rapidly, and soon Bill and a few volunteers were making 50 markers in his workshop. In 2016 a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization called the Milton Veterans Memorial Markers, Inc. was established. Today more than 800 markers are placed along Highway 9 and in Crabapple for two weeks over Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Bill and volunteers such as Justin de Couto and David Garmon help make the markers. More than than 50 volunteers place the markers carried by large trailers, two of which were purchased from donations, while one was presented to the organization by local businessman and veteran Ron Wallace.

For further information on the program or to apply for a marker send an email to info@miltonveterans.org or to luskwc@gmail.com.

I believe that there is a clear link between the background and wartime experiences of one committed citizen and a program that brings recognition to the City of Milton and honors those deceased veterans who served our country.

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 welcomes suggestions for future columns about the history of North Fulton.

Handyman