Sandy Springs Crier - June 13, 2024

Taste of Atlanta pitches tent as City Springs parties down

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Taste of Atlanta’s Food

That Rocks at City Springs June 6 is a prime example of a party with a purpose.

As 7 p.m. approached, nearly an hour into the culinary festivities, a line of hundreds wrapped around Galambos Way and onto Blue Stone Road.

Partners helped each other put on $85 wristbands – the price of admission – while others looked for their friends and neighbors in the crowd.

For one night only, all ticket buyers had unlimited access to food tastings from 25 of Sandy Springs’ best restaurants and six local bakeries.

Butch Elmgren, owner of Thos. O’Reilly’s Public House, said vendors were asked to bring enough servings for around 800 people.

Elmgren said his restaurant missed out on the event last year because of an emergency, but he’s thrilled to be back.

See ROCKS, Page 13

Sandy Springs City Council OKs public safety contracts

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

SANDY

Ga. — Without its own jail facility and

lance services, Sandy Springs contracts with private providers and local governments to fill the gaps.

With Mayor Rusty Paul away on vacation, the Sandy Springs City Council approved an agreement with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office June 3 to house some adult inmates at its detention center.

Since 2015, the Sandy Springs Municipal Court and Police Department has worked with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the Smyrna Police Department to house those arrested for crimes.

Individuals arrested for a city ordinance violation, traffic offense or state misdemeanor charge are booked at the Smyrna Jail. If a person commits a felony offense, they are booked at the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street.

Sgt. Leon Millholland, public information officer for the Sandy Springs Police Department, said if the city court sentences an individual to 12 months or less, they will serve their time at the Lumpkin County Detention Center in Dahlonega.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA Oxford Soul, a band comprised of local vocalists and musicians, covers crowd-favorite hits for Food That Rocks patrons at the City Green June 6. Dozens of couples danced together throughout the evening.

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Pursuing Sandy Springs transparency

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,” leaving behind scant details of police activities.

The City of Sandy Springs concedes that initial incident reports must be made available to the public. However, they also hold that if an officer describes an event in one sentence, saves that report and then writes a second, much longer and more complete description of the events, only the first document is considered the initial incident report.

Above is a one sentence report Sandy Springs used to describe an incident in which three people went to jail after “a narcotics investigation was conducted” in a residential area.

Appen Media asked agency spokespeople for more information on the incident, which took place in a neighborhood off Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Representatives declined to offer any details, telling the newspaper, “You’ll have to do an open records request.”

That one sentence document, which the news company had already obtained through the Open Records Act, is the only material the city provided.

Through an independent source Appen Media obtained 25 other pages of information about the incident that occurred within a multi-family residential complex. In those documents, police allege finding more than 140 grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of fentanyl, Xanax pills and drug sale equipment.

The three subjects, aged 43, 40 and 28, now face a range of felony and misdemeanor charges.

Appen Media continues to try to hold the City of Sandy Springs accountable to the Open Records Act, including the pursuit of legal intervention.

Fulton County Superior Court

Judge Kimberly Adams sided with the city in December, ruling that Appen Media failed to proved it is unlawful for Sandy Springs to withhold supplemental information about a crime that police file in a subsequent report, often on the same day and gleaned from the same initial visit to the scene.

Appen is petitioning the Georgia Court of Appeals to overturn that decision.

Guidance from the state Attorney General’s Office is that, “a commonsense interpretation of ‘initial incident report’ is that anything written at the same time as the first part of the report is part of the initial incident report.”

That usage also appears in “A Law Enforcement Officer’s Guide to Open Records in Georgia,” a resource copublished by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Law, Georgia First Amendment Foundation, Georgia Press Association, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Georgia Department of Public Safety and Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.

Appen Media cited both authorities in its legal filings. The City of Sandy Springs responded in court May 29, writing that the resource publication and Attorney General’s guidance are not, “a source of statutory or judicial authority and determination of whether the City ran afoul of either is not relevant to the appeal, nor does it impact the merits of the trial court’s decision.”

Judge Adams concluded her December decision with a caveat. Ruling on Sandy Springs’ side, the judge adds that, “although Plaintiff may be correct in its assertion that Defendant’s practice violates the spirit of the Open Records Act.”

It is now up to the state’s Court of Appeals to decide whether that practice also violates the letter of the law.

Officials cut ribbon on new Fleet Center

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Police Department’s new Fleet Center at 8475 Roswell Road is now open.

City councilmembers were on hand June 3 in front of the facility’s three service bays to celebrate the completion of the new facility.

The center will be used for installing and maintaining vehicle technology and retrofitting special vehicle equipment. It also includes office space, parking and an outdoor picnic area.

City staff now have a full-service area to fuel their fleet vehicles, check fluids and replace wiper blades. The city says the facility will not be used for general mechanical repairs.

At a July 2023 presentation to the City Council, staff estimated it had 340 vehicles in its fleet. Officials anticipate 15 vehicles will visit the facility each day, with the number jumping to 40 once gas pumps are installed.

“It’s a brand-new facility,” Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone said. “It’s a state-of-the-art facility for a state-ofthe-art police department.”

The new facility’s location on Roswell Road is 1.5 miles from the current Sandy Springs Police Department Headquarters in the 300 building of the Morgan Falls Office Park.

When the department makes its move to its new headquarters at 620 Morgan Falls Road sometime next year, it will still be less than 2 miles from the Fleet Center.

During construction, nearby residents expressed concerns about concertina fencing, or razor wire. The city reversed course last summer, replacing the barbed wire with a more aesthetically pleasing aluminum fence.

Mayor Rusty Paul, speaking at the June 3 ribbon-cutting, said the new facility provides more visibility for the Police Department in the northern area of the city.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

The new Sandy Springs Fleet Center sits along the city’s Roswell Road commercial corridor. Officials said the facility will increase police presence in the city’s northern neighborhoods.

MARTA closes parking decks for renovations during

DUNWOODY, Ga. — MARTA announced the closure of parking decks at the Medical Center and Dunwoody stations during June to install new equipment for more convenient payment.

The Medical Center Station parking deck closes from June 4-28, and the Dunwoody Station parking deck shutters from June 10 to July 3.

MARTA encourages riders to use the parking decks at the Sandy Springs, North Springs, Doraville and Lindberg stations while renovations are underway.

During the temporary closure, contractors will install new entry and exit

gates, ticket dispensers, license-plate recognition cameras and other system upgrades.

The larger project includes new equipment for long-term parking facilities at 10 heavy rail stations. The project is expected to conclude in April 2025.

The Lenox and Lindberg stations are currently wrapping up installation and are available for parking.

In the future, upgrades will be compatible with MARTA’s Automated Fare Collection 2.0 system, allowing customers to pay for parking with their fares through a single app.

The Hammond Drive parking deck at the Dunwoody MARTA Station sports a 2,500-square-foot mural. MARTA officials announced the parking decks at the Dunwoody and Medical Center stations on the Red Line will close during June.

Slate of area schools earn state titles

By HANNAH FRAZER hannah@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Johns Creek High School boys tennis took home its sixth straight state championship May 11, defeating Pope 3-0 for the 6A title.

The match was held at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.

The Gladiators overcame the loss of one of its key players during the state playoffs and had to enter the championship game playing with a lineup that they had used when they were defeated by Pope previously.

Despite the loss in the regular season, the boys persevered to earn their title as state champions.

“It was nice to go out there and use that same lineup to completely turn the tables,” Coach Todd Hedden said. “And, two of the lines that lost last time actually ended up winning the points for us to take the state championship.”

To add to north Metro Atlanta high schools’ successful athletic season, the Roswell City Council recognized Fellowship Christian Academy’s varsity girls soccer team at its meeting May 28. The team won the state championship for its second year in a row.

Seniors Alden Hays and Avery Paulson will be attending Liberty University next year to continue their soccer career, and Rachel Williamson is headed to the University of Georgia.

“The greatest thing about them is actually the signature word that we had this year, which was ‘humility’…” Coach Andy Trevers said. “They exemplified that everywhere they went…”

At the meeting, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson also recognized the individual achievements of athletes at Blessed Trinity Catholic School, including Jack Garrett, the state wrestling champion in the 144-pound weight class for the 6A division.

He also acknowledged the four winners of the 800-meter relay, Addy Wilson, Alayna Carter, London Ray and

Claire Peterson. Wilson said Claire was also the 1600-meter state champion and the 3200-meter state champion as well as the school’s valedictorian this year.

The Georgia High School Association host annual state championship tournaments for varsity teams to compete for a first-place spot. This year north Metro Atlanta had a fighting season full of triumphs, and these varsity teams were able to claim the title as state champion within their division:

Sandy Springs

6A: Riverwood International Charter School boys basketball

Alpharetta

6A: Alpharetta High School girls volleyball

6A: FCS Innovation Academy’s esports team placed first in the game “Splatoon,” a third-person shooter game.

Forsyth County

7A: South Forsyth High School dance team

The team placed first overall as well in Hip-Hop and Pom. Pom is a style of dance that emphasizes precise and synchronized movements.

6A: West Forsyth High School girls tennis

6A: West Forsyth High School girls soccer

Johns Creek

6A: Johns Creek High School girls golf

6A: Johns Creek High School boys swimming and diving

6A: Johns Creek High School boys tennis

5A-4A: Chattahoochee High School boys cross country

5A-4A: Chattahoochee High School boys

swimming and diving

1A: Mount Pisgah Christian School girls

volleyball

Milton

7A: Milton High School boys football

7A: Milton High School girls lacrosse

6A-5A: Cambridge High School girls lacrosse

A Division 1: St. Francis High School girls

basketball

Roswell

6A-5A: Roswell High School boys lacrosse

2A: Fellowship Christian Academy girls soccer

The Johns Creek High School varsity boys tennis team reclaims its title as state champions for the sixth year in a row.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

The Roswell City Council recognizes the Fellowship Christian Academy varsity girls soccer team for its second consecutive state championship win at the council meeting May 28.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Sculptor, 92, creates family with his hands

Yearlong effort produces busts,

new friendships

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A corner of the art room at Village Park Milton, a retirement community in Alpharetta, is dedicated to Don Higgs’ sculpting work.

Materials, tools and art pieces, like a small llama and a bust of his wife Grace, crowd the area. Higgs, 92, works mostly in clay — plasteline isn’t as malleable, at least the stuff manufactured in the U.S. The best comes from Italy, he said.

“I love the feel of [clay]. It’s cool and smooth,” said Higgs, on his way to grab the mold of a young girl. She and the likeness of the rest of the Case children are on display in the lobby of Village Park, the result of a yearlong effort.

The mother, Christine Case, sat at the table in the art room with her youngest son Christopher, who was busy doodling and staying occupied with Grace. Higgs approached Case one day at St. Thomas Aquinas, a place where he searches for new subjects.

“Don came up and said, ‘Oh, you have such a beautiful family’ … and then we started chatting,” Case recalled.

The next week, Case said Don brought along his portfolio and that the interaction unfolded into a year of regular visits to Village Park.

“It was really nice because we got to know Don and [Grace],” Case said. “In addition to Don doing his art, we became friends.”

Higgs dove into art in his mid-40s, sculpting busts of his wife and children, later taking over his mother’s work as she aged. Once a professional sculptor in the Washington, D.C., area, Higgs’ mother had created busts of her nine grandchildren and passed the torch to Higgs when 29 grandchildren came along.

He did 25 of them.

“I had one niece that had eight children. I only got five of them done. I told her she was wearing me out,” Higgs said.

Higgs said his ability to create sculpture is something he was born with, though he learned techniques while helping his mother with casting growing up.

“She’d get her housework done in the morning and do art in the afternoon,” Higgs said.

His mother lived to be 103.

The creative gene is also in Higgs’ children, like his son who is a metal and stone sculptor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Higgs’ wife Grace may have helped with that, a painter herself. Married for 60 years, the couple met in an art class at the University of Maryland.

“For every 100 painters, there’s one

sculptor out there, I would say,” Higgs said.

For busts, Higgs starts by wrapping clay around a metal framework, which is eventually removed once the figure is cut in half. He said the eyes are the most difficult to get right, then the mouth, then the nose, especially if the subject is beautiful because there aren’t any outstanding features.

The process takes about 20 hours, firing the piece elsewhere.

Higgs created two busts and four reliefs of Case’s children, the reliefs done to save space.

“My oldest daughter said she doesn’t like heads,” Higgs said, laughing.

“She’s got heads all over her house, she says,” Case added.

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Don Higgs, a 92-year-old sculptor, stands with Christine Case and her son Christopher by a bust of Chrisopher he created on display at Village Park Milton. After meeting Case around a year ago at St. Thomas Aquinas, Higgs began creating sculptures of all six of her children.

CHRISTINE CASE/PROVIDED

Don Higgs, 92, works on a bust of Christopher Case.

Don Higgs, 92, holds a llama he made of clay in the art room at Village Park Milton.

BUSINESSPOSTS

Bookstore captures fans from the first page

By HANNAH FRAZER Hannah@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga.— It’s not surprising that the three owners of Johns Creek Books have a plot for success.

Each has selected a literary quote to guide the business.

Joshua Mullinax chose: "Readers live a thousand lives," by George R.R. Martin. For Mullinax, the quote embodies the spirit of the bookstore off Medlock Bridge Parkway.

From the moment you step inside, Martin’s words come to life, welcoming customers into a world of endless new experiences. Whether it’s the collection of vintage toys, the 1,500-piece puzzles, or the congratulatory card featuring a chubby baby waving "Heck Yeah," this store is a universe of adventures.

Mullinax joined with Cidne Winegar and her sister Erin Elwood to found the store in July 2023.

Mullinax can be spotted conversing with one of the store’s regular customers, a boy around 10, who is fascinated by the vintage toys.

Elwood is no less subtle in the store, radiating her passion for reading.

“I absolutely love having kids come in and recommending them a book, and then they come in again to get the second book of the series, then the third,” Elwood said. “And then we talk about it.”

The store first opened in 2018, and Elwood, herself, was a frequent customer. Coincidentally, she met one of the former owners at a party and mentioned her career as a lawyer was not quite as fulfilling as she liked.

"Why don't you take over the store?" the owner asked.

Elwood said she was in disbelief but knew she had to seize this opportunity. After discussing it with her sister and friend Mullinax, they decided it was meant to be. The team officially took ownership on July 1, 2023.

Elwood and Mullinax maintain their careers, she as a lawyer and City Council member, he as an animator during the day. Winegar is a stay-athome mom. Despite their busy schedules, they find time to share their love for literature at the bookstore.

After buying the company, Elwood began personalizing the store. With the "sink or swim" mentality, she decorated with more bookcases while Mullinax used his color palette to brighten up the place with hot pink and flashing colors.

Nestled in the cozy reading nook at the back of the store, is a white wooden chair painted with the words,

"If you don't see the book you want on the shelves...write it."

The reading area suits co-owner Winegar’s chosen quote “The world is quiet here,” written by Lemony Snicket.

Elwood explained that the sentiment doesn’t suggest they want silence to dominate their store, “but it’s that the outside noise of everything is quiet in the store.”

From the children’s artwork taped to the wall to the painted wooden rocker chair, the owners achieve just that.

Johns Creek Books offers more than literary adventures for purchase. It also features locally made goods. If it's not a book, then the goal is to offer community-sourced merchandise, such as candles, ceramics and soaps.

In addition, the business holds book clubs for all styles of readers. Choices include: Erin’s "AP English for Adults" book club, the Wednesday book club, Joshua’s "The Future is Female" sci-fi book club, the awardwinning books club, the "Fellowship of Fantasy" book club, the Tuesday book

club and the nonfiction book club.

For the Sci-Fi book club, the owners created a welcoming space for guests. A large table showcases an unsolved puzzle, inviting club members to give it a try. During the meeting, guests reflected on the setting of the book and the author’s intent.

“Experience this book like you ex -

perience the mystery of life,” Mullinax advised.

A welcoming haven for many tastes, the store boasts a coffee setup at the front, a wide array of books in the middle and vintage toys next to a reading area at the back. Check out the store’s website for event updates: johnscreekbooks.com

PHOTOS BY HANNAH FRAZER/APPEN MEDIA

Cofounders Erin Elwood, left, and Joshua Mullinax discuss the adventures of “I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Hartman in Joshua’s “Future is Female” book club.

Joshua Mullins’ eye for décor and love of vintage material has the store bursting with vibrant energy.

Name of Business: The Slime Factory

Owners: Ryan Scott, Priscila Diep

Business description: The Slime Factory is a 5,000-square-foot. colorful and fun laboratory where you learn how to make different types of slimes and decorate them with a wide variety of toppings and scents. You get a sensory experience at their gooey slime pool, take awesome pictures in their Slime Wall and Photo Booth and go home with your slime creations and an official Slime Factory certificate proving your expertise as a “Master Slime Maker!”

Opened: April 2024

Address: 1000 North Point Drive, Alpharetta, Ga. 30022

Phone: 786-757-7090

Web: Theslimefactory.com

Just opened?

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness.

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

Facts About Me

This is Dawson!

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org 706-268-1346

Extension Retailer & Distributor.

Opened: February 2024

Owner: Dominique Jacobs

Business description: Atlanta’s No. 1

Breed: Yorkie/Chinese Crested Mix

Color: Tan/Grey (Shorthair)

Age: 5 years old

Weight: (Current) 8 lbs

Fully Grown: Small (10 lbs)

Sex: Female

My Info

Healthy, All Shots current Chipped, Spayed

Loves squeaky toys

No family with large dogs or cats

My name is Dawson!

It’s been a wild ride…. want to hear my story?

First, I was lost, then I was hit by a car, then a wonderful family who I didn’t know helped get me to a vet to take care of me. After a week at the vet’s office (I’m ok, just a few scratches) they picked me up and took me to this nice shelter so I could find a new home!

I’m a little anxious and scared after all this as you might imagine but with the right family and a little patience, I’ll know I found my forever home.

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org

Natural Hair Care providers and Luxury Beauty Factory. Silk Press & Extension Specialists. Raw Vietnamese & Burmese

Phone: 470-518-6515

Address: 10955 Jones Bridge Road, Unit 126, Suite 30, Johns Creek, Ga. 30022 Website: dominiqueleshay.com/the-luxedream-experience

Business Name: California Hand Wash

Owners: Jack Craig, Mathew Stoner, and Kirt Lattanze

Business Description: California Hand Wash's third location provides a stateof-the-art conveyor-driven hand car wash, specializing in full-service washes, detailing, and ceramic coating. Our membership

options ensure your vehicle stays beautiful. Relax in our inviting lobby, complete with complimentary refreshments, as our dedicated team pampers your car to perfection. Month Opened: January Phone: (770) 343-9960

Address: 12905 Ga9 N Milton, Ga. 30004 Website: https://californiahandwash.

Name of Business: The Luxe Dream Experience

Historical Society president continues passion project to discover Milton’s identity

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — For Milton Historical Society President Jeff Dufresne, storytelling is an essential component of any community. He has one of his own to tell.

That’s why he decided to interview around 90 residents during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic to track the city’s sense of community through an upending and emotional time.

Dufresne, born on a dairy farm in Massachusetts, moved to Atlanta with his wife, Josephine, after graduate school in the 1980s.

Dufresne served as executive director of the Urban Land Institute in Atlanta before moving to Milton around 2017. He now serves as principal for Dufresne Projects as a real estate investor and consultant specializing in placemaking.

He’s a former member of the city’s Design Review Board, highlighting his commitment to his community.

“When I moved to Milton, I liked the buildings,” Dufresne said. “I saw there was a need for recognizing the places of historical value.”

His favorite is the Reese House at 12680 Crabapple Road, a Queen Anne style home built in 1912. He said it’s a beautiful gateway and something all travelers can spot entering the city.

The president of a city’s historical society is sometimes expected to have deep ties to the community. While Dufresne grew up a thousand miles from Milton, he has spent the past four years leading the effort to promote its past through education, preservation and exploration.

“I’ve always had a passion for preserving the past,” Dufresne said. “Learning from it and appreciating what went on at the time.”

He credited former Milton City Councilman Bill Lusk, one of the 35 founding members of the nonprofit, for his support getting the organization off the ground.

“It grew out of a group of history lovers in Milton,” Dufresne said. “Not all of us are from this town, but just people who have an appreciation for the history of where they live.”

Dufresne identified one hurdle with preserving and sharing the multifaceted story of Milton: its littleknown history.

As more Americans began settling the interior of Georgia in the early 19th century, tensions increased between the Cherokee Nation and White farmers. The state took over Cherokee lands in 1830 and divided it during the 1832 land lottery.

A couple decades later in 1857, the state established Milton County from parts of Cherokee, Forsyth and Cobb counties.

The McConnell-Chadwick Homestead,

A map of 28 historical markers, which provides information about each site, is available on the city’s website, miltonga.gov

built in the late 1830s on Arnold Mill Road, predates the creation of Milton County.

Former state senator and Brig. Gen. Eli McConnell was authorized to mediate conflict between Native Americans and White settlers in the area and to sell property after the Cherokee removal in 1938.

Without the effort from the Milton Historical Society to work with the city and property owner, the historical site would have likely been destroyed.

“The building was in disrepair, and the owner didn’t really have the money to restore it,” Dufresne said. “Ultimately, we got the owner to donate the building to the city, and the city will preserve it.”

The primarily cotton-producing county merged into Fulton County during the Great Depression amid boll weevil infestations and droughts that upended its one-crop economy.

Dufresne identified 1932 as his favorite moment in the history of Milton, as a community, county and city.

The collapse of the national economy, coupled with the destruction of the county’s mainstay crop, could have spelled decades of disaster for Milton.

“That old saying, ‘when one door closes, another one opens, but it can be hell in the hallway,’” Dufresne said. “It went from worst to on the road to what it is today.”

Instead, the area continued to grow and prosper throughout the 20th century as paved roads bridges and new buildings began to urbanize North Fulton County.

“We have two seasonal events because Milton was an agricultural town and community 100 years ago,” Dufresne said. “You’d plant seeds in the spring and harvest in the fall.”

The Historical Society’s Spring Fling May 18 at the Roberts Barn on Freemanville Road drew around 130, the organization’s highest attended event to date. Dufresne said many who attended were not members of the Milton Historical Society and some were new residents. The nonprofit, with more than 100 members less than seven years into its existence, shows promise for the growing city, he said.

The Historical Society’s slate of fall programs includes two lectures at the Milton Public Library Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The Autumn Shindig at Wildberry Creek Farm Sept. 22 wraps up the organization’s list of upcoming programs and events for the year.

To get involved with the Milton Historical Society, visit miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org.

addresses the crowd May 18 at the organization’s annual Spring Fling at the Roberts Barn on Freemanville Road. Dufresne said it’s important to preserve the city’s past and make local history relevant to all.

7506 Wilderness Parkway Big Canoe, GA 30143

Facts About Me

Breed: Terrier Mix

Color: Black and white (Short haired)

Age: 6 months old

Weight: (Current) 25 lbs

Fully Grown: Medium Size (50lbs)

Sex: Male

My Info

Healthy, All Shots current Good with dogs & children

Chipped, Neutered

Good leash walking & car rides Crate trained

Meet Porter

bigcanoeanimalrescue.org 706-268-1346

This handsome boy would bring any family joy and happiness! Porter has a gentle way about him with a sweet calm disposition. He would be great for a family with children of any age. He gets along with other dogs and never met a human he didn’t like. He is leaning his commands and is very smart. Don’t miss out on him! Bring treats.

All BCAR dogs are placed as indoor family pets. No electric fences, please. Visit pets every Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (706-268-1346) or visit our website for adoption information at www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org.

MILTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY/PROVIDED

Sponsored Section June 13, 2024 | Sandy Springs Crier | 10

From Atlanta to the ‘Hooch

Embracing summer in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Brought to you by - Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

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OPINION

What will healthcare look like in the future?

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Once upon a time there was a frog. Someone caught it and decided to eat the frog. So, they got a pot of water and brought it to boil and then dropped the frog into the boiling water. The frog freaked out and jumped right back out of the pot. The guy tried again, then again, and each time the frog jumped back out. Frustrated, the guy mentioned the problem to his wife who laughed at him and told him to empty out the boiling water and put cold water in the pot. Then put the frog into the cold water and turn the gas on the stove back on, she said. The man, because he knew how wise his wife was, followed her directions and, of course, the frog never jumped out of the pot, even when it started to boil, because the water had heated slowly, and the frog never noticed.

I took someone to urgent care this week. We walked in and spoke to the receptionist who informed us we needed to self-check-in at the kiosk on the other side of the room, which we did. Then we waited, and ultimately my friend was able to see a doctor.

The “check in” made me smile. As I waited with my friend, I thought about how this urgent care was going to change. Here is what I saw.

A year or two from now – maybe sooner – I walk into the same urgent care because I am feeling ill. In the waiting area, I don’t see anyone sitting down waiting because there are no chairs. Instead, I notice half a dozen kiosks.

“Odd, I think.”

Then I notice that three of the kiosks actually are occupied because I can see people in them, the bottom part of legs from the knee down. Those kiosks actually have walls that form sort of a box, like those old pay phone booths that were around in the late 20th century.

I step up to one of the open kiosks and touch the screen. “Hold still please” I hear from the screen, “I can’t scan your face if you keep moving,” it says. I freeze.

“Ray,” it then says several seconds later, “what brings you in today?” I explain that I am feeling bad and have headaches all day, have shortness of breath and no energy. The screen, which now displays an avatar of a

well-groomed person – in their late 30s I estimate – in a white physician’s coat complete with a stethoscope looped around her neck. “Your vitals look fine Ray, and I don’t detect an elevated white blood cell count, so it is unlikely that you have an infection.”

Then the avatar asks me if I am still taking the Lipitor that Dr. Jamison (my former primary care physician) prescribed to me last year. I tell her that I am. She then replies that with my family history of heart disease and high cholesterol, that the probability is 74.82 percent that I need bypass surgery.

“The problem,” she says, “is that Humana doesn’t pay for that procedure unless the diagnosis is 75 percent,” and that she is sorry, but that I will have to defer treatment until I cross the 75 percent threshold. “Don’t worry though,” she says, “there is a 96.15 percent probability that on or before October 22nd, you will pass the threshold.

“I have contacted your employer and notified them that you will be on sick leave for the next five days. I also reached out to your wife so she will know that you will not be able to drive Jimmy to practice today as you have annotated on your Google calendar.”

Also, she said, “I did notice some spots on your arm – basil cell carcinomas – that urgently need to be removed. I took the liberty to notify Dr. Rajan in the procedures kiosk No. 7 on your right as you exit this kiosk. He is expecting you and has scheduled your procedure at 3:05 – in 12 minutes. Is there anything else I can help you with Ray?”

I tell her no and thank her for her time. As I start to leave, I hear her again, in a slightly softer, less authoritative voice, tell me that the behavioral issues Mary Lisa (my daughter) is having at school – and which are noted in her school record – are normal and that, she will most likely grow out of it – at least an 88.44 percent probability. She is a good girl from what her records indicate, she says, with a warm smile.

As I open the door to exit, I hear her voice yet again: “Ray, I noticed that you are parked in a handicapped spot, and your records do not indicate that you have handicap authorization. The patrol is scheduled to pass by in 16 minutes, so if you hurry you can either move your car or exit. That fine is a big one, and I know that you are already two days late paying your Chase Emerald Card so, lets avoid this fine, OK?

I nod my head yes and walk a little faster, relieved that she gave me the heads up.

Exploring Master Gardener demonstration gardens

As part of ongoing celebrations marking the 45th program anniversary, the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program invites you to attend Open Garden Days at 25 demonstration gardens throughout June. This is a special opportunity for visitors to gain inspiration for their own gardens from practices backed by research.

“Demonstration gardens enhance our educational programming because they show real-life examples of how plants exist in our environment. They’re a great medium for storytelling and teaching, because they often come with their own histories, legacies, challenges and victories,” said Gabrielle LaTora, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Fulton County.

Six demonstration gardens around Fulton County showcase the labors of love by dedicated Master Gardener Extension volunteers. These green oases stand as testament to their passion for gardening. And what better way to honor their dedication than by inviting you to our Open Garden Days events on June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Master Gardeners will be available at six diverse demonstration gardens. Each garden has a unique horticultural emphasis. The gardens include a community garden, ecosystem restoration efforts and heritage plantings. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener seeking inspiration or looking to plant your first garden, there’s something for everyone to discover in these beautifully maintained teaching environments

GROWL GARDEN

4300 Herschel Road, College Park, GA 30337

https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/ fulton/community-gardens.html

Nestled on Herschel Road in College Park, the GROWL Garden is a community garden with raised beds planted with vegetables, herbs and flowers. Maintained by passionate community gardeners, this garden showcases sustainable gardening in a shared space. Please respect the efforts of plot holders by not harvesting their produce.

LOST CORNER COTTAGE GARDEN

7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

https://www.friendsoflostcorner.org/

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is James Herrin, agriculture and natural resources agent with UGA Extension Fulton County. James is motivated by learning and leverages this to help clients solve the issues and answer the questions they bring to the Extension Office. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton County’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, James supports county teachers with agricultural programming, works with farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents.

Transport yourself to a bygone era at the Lost Corner Nature Preserve on Brandon Mill Road in Sandy Springs. Wander through 24 wooded acres and discover the Cottage Garden, a tribute to heritage plants thriving in various light conditions. ADA-approved trails and picnic spots offer a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a tranquil picnic amid nature’s splendor.

NATIVE GARDENS AT ISLAND FORD UNIT

8850 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/places/ chattahoochee-river-national-recreationarea-island-ford

Experience the rich biodiversity of Georgia’s native plants at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area’s Island Ford Unit. At the entrance to the park, the Native Gardens greet you with a kaleidoscope of colors, attracting myriad pollinators. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature while supporting vital habitat restoration efforts. All the plants in the gardens can be observed throughout the many parks along the river.

ARCHIBALD SMITH PLANTATION

935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, GA 30075

https://www.roswellgov.com/discoverus/historic-house-museums/smithplantation

Step back in time at the Archibald Smith Plantation in Roswell, where history and horticulture intertwine. Explore the meticulously preserved grounds, adorned

with native woodland plants. As you tread lightly along marked trails, marvel at the delicate balance between conservation and cultivation, a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve Georgia’s natural heritage. Georgia Native Plant Society certified this garden as a Silver Award recipient for its preservation of native plants.

NATIVE PERENNIAL GARDEN AT THE TEACHING MUSEUM NORTH GREENHOUSE

793 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, GA 30075 https://www.nfmg.net/projectgardens.htm

Adjacent to the Teaching Museum North on Mimosa Boulevard in Roswell lies a haven of native perennials. Delight in the beauty of 45 perennial varieties, thoughtfully curated to thrive in sunny conditions. This garden is designed to inspire your own landscaping endeavors!

SUMMEROUR HOUSE GARDEN AT AUTREY MILL

9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 https://autreymill.org/

Journey to Johns Creek and discover the Summerour House Garden at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Amid 3 miles of wooded trails and captivating exhibits, immerse yourself in the charm of historic Georgia. Explore the meticulously restored home exteriors and embark on a journey through heritage plants, guided by a cell phone tour.

On Saturday, June 22, join us at one or

several of our demonstration gardens as we celebrate 45 years of the Master Gardener program in Georgia. Meet our passionate volunteers at each garden, eager to share their knowledge. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, this event promises inspiration, education and the joy of community.

For further details, contact UGA Extension Fulton County at 404-613-4920. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of exploration, appreciation and celebration amid Fulton County’s flourishing gardens.

Happy 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/.

JAMES HERRIN Guest Columnist

JAMES HERRIN/PROVIDED

Pictured above is Archibald Smith Forest, Autrey Mill, Summerour House Garden, Growl Garden, Island Ford, Lost Corners Preserve, Native Garden at Greenhouse

OPINION

When Shallowford District was up for grabs by two counties

In December of 1927, the DeKalb County Grand Jury weighed the question of whether the Shallowford District, also known as Dunwoody, should remain in DeKalb County or become part of Fulton County.

Residents of the Shallowford District argued that the 5,500 acres in question were surrounded by Fulton County on three sides. In the previous year, Grogan’s District of Milton County, between DeKalb and the Chattahoochee River became part of Fulton County.

R.C. Head of the Shallowford District prepared the petition, arguing that the district did not pay enough taxes to DeKalb County “to meet the necessary expenditures from the county treasury. The opinion of the DeKalb County commissioners is that the expense of keeping up roads in the Shallowford District is a losing proposition.”

Dunwoody in 1927 consisted of a small business area that developed around the depot of the Roswell Railroad. The rest of the community consisted of small farms, and the railroad went under in 1921.

The petition to become part of Fulton County would first go before the DeKalb

Rocks:

For the ninth year, Taste of Atlanta’s all-inclusive culinary experience made its way to the Sandy Springs City Green. Donning a new artificial turf, thousands packed the greenspace and jammed out to live music from Oxford Soul.

The mix of classic rock from 1970s and pop hits from the 2010s from the local artists kept couples, young and old, dancing throughout the night.

Of course, with any gathering 21 and over, patrons grabbed a cup of their favorite wine, beer or cocktail from more than a dozen well-known brands.

Leading up to the evening, Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Melody Kelley called it her favorite event of the year at the June 4 City Council meeting.

Reynolds.

Grand Jury. If DeKalb approved, the matter would go before the Fulton County Grand Jury. Then Dunwoody could have become part of Fulton County. (Atlanta Constitution, Dec.3,1927, “Shallowford citizens seek entry into Fulton County”)

Just four days later, the Atlanta Constitution announced, “Shallowford’s plea

for annexation to Fulton disapproved.” The petition was presented to Judge John B. Hutcheson in DeKalb County Superior Court.

A few years later, the boundary between DeKalb and Fulton counties along the northern edge of the Shallowford District was under dispute. DeKalb County

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Hundreds peruse unlimited samples from 25 Sandy Springs restaurants, six local bakeries and dozens of drink tastings on the City Green June 6 at Food That Rocks. The onenight culinary experience is one of several annual events organized by Taste of Atlanta.

its restaurants.

Her favorite participating restaurant is Breadwinner, specifically its smoked brisket and mac and cheese combination.

They focus on reducing hunger and food waste throughout Metro Atlanta.

claimed several hundred acres of land that Fulton County also claimed. (Atlanta Journal, Nov. 13, 1934, “Acreage is given to DeKalb County under 1859 law”)

Secretary of State John B. Wilson declared the Old Martin’s Ferry or Lawrenceville Road as the northern boundary of DeKalb County. Fulton County claimed the Hightower Trail should be the boundary. The Hightower Trail was used by the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee people who had lived on and traveled this land.

Residents were not all in agreement of whether they wanted to be in Fulton or DeKalb County. Georgia Gov. Eugene Talmadge selected an impartial arbitrator to decide. That person was J.A. Reynolds, a civil engineer from Rabun County.

Secretary Wilson held hearings with arguments presented from both sides. Julius McCurdy represented DeKalb County and Ralph Pharr represented Fulton County at the hearings.

The decision was in favor of DeKalb County, and from that point, the Old Martin’s Ferry Road or Lawrenceville Road was the boundary between the two counties. That road later became known as Dunwoody Club Drive.

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

need assistance for Perimeter-area families.

The DeKalb County School District and its several culinary programs at local high schools partner with Taste of Atlanta to provide students with hands-on work experience.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit tasteofatlanta.com. Continued from Page 1

Dulce Lambda and Ari Betan-Snook, former DeKalb County high school students, returned to the culinary arts program after their first year off at college. Students rotate between different restaurants, helping with cooking demonstrations and serving.

At her third Food That Rocks, Lambda said she enjoys the atmosphere, diverse crowd and new restaurants each time she comes out.

Dale DeSena launched food festivals in 2001. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring 2020, food tasting events in Atlanta took a two-year hiatus.

While hanging out on the City Green, Councilwoman Jody Reichel said her favorite part of the event is seeing all her friends and neighbors. She said people from all over Metro Atlanta came to the event, which promotes City Springs, the city and

The evening qualifies as a party with a purpose through its partnership with the Community Assistance Center, Second Helpings Atlanta and The Giving Kitchen.

Second Helpings Atlanta, founded at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs in 2004, became an independent nonprofit in 2012.

In 2023, they diverted 5.2 million pounds of surplus food from landfills and distributed 400,000 prepared meals through partner agencies.

Cameron Darweesh, engagement director at the Community Assistance Center, collected non-perishable food from patrons at the front entrance. The donations support the local charity, which provides basic

Now, the events are back.

In April, the organization presented its brand-new Atlanta Wing Fest at Uptown Towers in Buckhead.

The next “Eatertainment” experience from Taste of Atlanta, Grand Tasting Alpharetta, is Aug. 8 at the Hotel at Avalon.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

FROM THE COLLECTION OF JIM PERKINS

This map illustrating the Fulton-DeKalb disputed county line was prepared by engineer and surveyor of Rabun County, J. A.

CALL 678 605-9159

ANDY BAUMAN/SPECIAL TO APPEN MEDIA Fire Chief Keith Sanders discusses the city’s new agreement with the North Fulton County cities and American Medical Response for ambulance services. Sanders said his department will continue to arrive at calls to stabilize the patient, with a goal of an eight-minute response time.

Contracts:

Continued from Page 1

The reason for the city’s new intergovernmental agreement with Lumpkin County is simple: Pickens County stopped accepting prisoners from other jurisdictions.

Maj. Kristine Scurry, who oversees headquarters operations at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, told Appen Media that a lack of staffing led to the decision to halt its service agreements.

Sandy Springs Maj. Michael Lindstrom said the relationship between with Pickens County was strong, but his department has an alternative.

“In 2024, we have only been utilizing Smyrna Jail,” he said. “We wanted to have a back-up plan and a place that we could take sentenced inmates for longer periods of time for a cheaper cost.”

Lindstrom also said the cost of $55 per day for each inmate is $20 less than what Smyrna charges.

The Smyrna Jail houses pretrial and sentenced inmates from Marietta, Powder Springs, Sandy Springs and Acworth. According to a detention sergeant, the jail has 64 beds with an average daily population of around 25.

The Roswell City Council approved an agreement in March with the Smyrna Jail, but the detention sergeant

said it is not active yet.

After surveying different local jails in and around Metro Atlanta, Lindstrom said he and Capt. Ryan Finley went up Ga. 400 to meet with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office prior to doing any paperwork. He said the meeting went well.

Pickens and Lumpkin counties are about the same distance, 50 miles, from Sandy Springs Police Headquarters. The Smyrna Jail is less than 15 miles away.

Lindstrom said if a Sandy Springs resident is sentenced to 6 months at Lumpkin County Detention Center, they may see their time cut in half through its two-for-one policy for good behavior.

The two out-of-county jail contracts aim to mitigate overcrowding in Fulton County and the city’s lack of its own detention center.

Sandy Springs Sgt. Millholland told Appen Media there are no plans for the city’s own facility. He also said court officials would get back to him on the number of post-conviction detainees held in Pickens County during 2023.

The intergovernmental agreement with Lumpkin County is up for renewal annually.

In other matters at the June 3 meeting, councilmembers authorized Sandy Springs to enter into an agreement with American Medical Response and the other North Fulton County cities for emergency services.

In January, the city faced a price hike with AMR from $260,000 a year for 8-minute response times to $3.6 million, an 850 percent increase.

The new contract, including all six cities, will require a $2 million subsidy in the first year, split among the cities based on a three-year average of population and number of service calls.

The combined subsidy will buy a system-wide 12-minute response time for critical, emergency calls and a 20-minute response time for minor or uncertain issues.

Sandy Springs will pay around $670,000 a year, or just under $60,000 a month.

Annual increases to the subsidy will be negotiated but capped at no more than 3 percent.

Fire Chief Keith Sanders said his department will continue to arrive at emergency medical calls within eight minutes, often before an ambulance. The Fire Department can stabilize the patient but not transport them to a hospital.

City Manager Eden Freeman said the North Fulton cities have timed their approval of the agreement to be conducted before the end of June.

Alpharetta signed off June 3, with Johns Creek and Milton scheduled for June 17 approval.

Freeman said Roswell, which partners with Mountain Park, will vote June 24.