Sandy Springs Crier - July 13, 2023

Battle + Brew = Haven for geeks and gamers

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The team behind Battle and Brew has spent the past 15 years creating a hub for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs, where people can find community and comfort through pop-culture offerings.

Battle and Brew was the first video game restaurant, bar and venue in the United States according to the establishment’s general manager Ryan Blake. The concept came out of the “natural evolution” of gaming and its popularity.

Blake pointed to the popularity of arcades in the past, usually located in shopping malls. People could go to play casually for hours. Some restaurants may have also featured an arcade game in their dining room, but Blake said the Battle and Brew team wanted to modernize the old-fashioned approach.

“As times evolved, gaming systems

became more elaborate,” Blake said. “If you want to keep their interest you have to keep up with the times.”

Thus, Battle and Brew opened with a pay-as-you-play hourly game model. The restaurant and bar features various console games, including Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation models. It also offers desktop computer games, set up next to each other for potential multi-player gaming.

See GAMER, Page 6

Biggerstaff: Cross Roads School in Sandy Springs had humble beginnings

DELANEY

for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs. Customers can pay for hourly play at any of the various video game consoles and computers.

Battle and Brew, a video game restaurant and bar, is a

High levels of E. Coli in Chattahoochee River linked to water treatment plant

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Fulton County officials have confirmed that a major sewage spill which caused more than 15 miles of the Chattahoochee River to be closed ahead of the July 4th holi -

day, originated at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Roswell. Officials said July 3 that E. Coli bacteria levels, over 300 times greater than safe recreation levels, were detected in the river last week thanks to a monitoring program by the National Parks Service and

the nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

After the high bacteria levels were confirmed, the spill was tracked to Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility which sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Roswell and treats wastewater for

North Fulton communities.

Fulton County officials have found no physical leak in their system at the facility but say the sewage spill was caused by an issue in the biological processes used to treat wastewater.

See RIVER, Page 4

TARR/APPEN MEDIA

hub

“For people who have never been here before, they go ‘What did I just walk into?’”

RYAN BLAKE general manager, Battle and Brew

770-442-3278

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Alpharetta, GA 30009

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Publisher

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

• On June 26, Sandy Springs police responded to a disorderly person call at the Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel on Peachtree Dunwoody Road after employees said a guest had locked herself in the room and was refusing to leave.

The case was cleared by arrest on the same day.

• On June 27, a Sandy Springs officer responded to a possible drug overdose on River Exchange Drive. The case, which is still open, was filed as a “person dead” incident and a suspected overdose. No other information is available.

What do you think? Send thoughts, questions and tips to newsroom@appenmedia.com

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

Construction group names Newsome as new president

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The construction trade organization Associated General Contractors of Georgia named Forsyth County resident Brian Newsome as its 2023-2024 president June 26.

Newsome currently serves as CEO of Albion General Contractors, a management, design and general contracting firm based in Sandy Springs that serves higher education, health care, religious, commercial and city industries.

He and his wife Kim purchased the business in 2003. They live in Forsyth County with their four children.

“I’m honored to represent my industry peers with my service leading the [Associated General Contractors] Georgia board during the next year,” Newsome said.

Newsome also serves on the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission Advisory Board, the Associated General Contractors of Georgia Board of Directors and the Kennesaw State University Advisory Board.

— Shelby Israel

Northern District announces June Eagle Scouts

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (Cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on June 22, 2023, at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church.

From left:

Saketh Podduturi, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, whose project was the design and construction of the end section for the boardwalk system on the wildflower trail at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center.

Parker McKinney, of Troop 10, sponsored by St.

River :

Continued from Page 1

Benedict’s Catholic Church, whose project was the design and construction of a GAGA ball pit for the Congregation

Dor Tamid Synagogue.

Samuel Heaven, of Troop 1818, North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, whose project was the design and construction of three raised garden beds, that are wheelchair accessible, for the day camps located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

Corbin Shirmeyer, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the design and construction of a large outdoor platform for children to play on, an outdoor bench

and the repairing of the flashing on a shed that holds children’s toys at St. Brigid Catholic Church Day School.

Alexander Hall, of Troop 226, sponsored by Bridge to Grace Church, whose project was the renovation of an outdoor space at Northview Church by designing and constructing two benches and two planter boxes and decorating with large stones.

Memphis Mize, of Troop 51, sponsored by American Legion Post 201, whose project was the design and construction of five raised garden boxes for the outdoor community garden at Faith Presbyterian Church.

Other representatives with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said that some of the 12 sand filters at the Big Creek facility, responsible for filtering nutrients and fine particles from water have failed, causing other impurities to possibly enter the river.

“Fulton County has reported this issue to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division,” Jessica A. CorbittDominguez, director of Fulton County’s Department of External Affairs said. “We support the decision of the National Park Service to extend the partial closure of the Chattahoochee River until this matter is resolved. We also express our appreciation to the Chattahoochee River Keeper for their work in monitoring water quality and raising this issue.”

After the spill was discovered, officials initially closed the river from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry and Whitewater Creek. But the closure was later expanded to include all river sections downstream from the nature center.

With the July 4th holiday and scorching temperatures, river officials said the river closure could not have come at a worse time.

“Just the weather alone it's a hot holiday weekend in Atlanta,” said Beth Wheeler, chief of planning resources and education at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. “It's natural that folks want to get out, cool off and shoot the hooch. So, yeah, it's terrible timing.”

No matter how hot it gets, or inviting the Hooch might look, Wheeler said

people need to heed the closures and find somewhere else to cool off, because E. Coli bacteria can be dangerous in the quantities detected.

E. Coli infections can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and occasionally, fever. Officials said that in severe cases, infections can also lead to serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.

People shouldn’t even let their dogs swim in affected areas of the river until the closure is lifted, Wheeler said.

“We’ve been saying human health, but I realize so many folks recreate with their dogs,” she said.” But again, safety is the most important priority.”

Fulton County officials are working

to rebalance the levels of “good and bad” bacteria, while adding additional UV treatment processes to the facility.

“We are currently diverting approximately 5 million gallons of wastewater to Cobb County’s Sutton Water Reclamation Plant. We are grateful for their support,” Corbitt-Dominguez said. “Testing is continuing, and very preliminary results show that the process is beginning to work. We will continue to carefully monitor and test throughout the plant.”

Additionally, river stakeholders are working with the Army Corps of Engineers to release additional water from local dams, to dissipate the E. Coli-tainted water and wash it downstream.

Wheeler said one bright side of this situation is the Chattahoochee River will bounce back with basically no long-term

effects once problems at the Big Creek facility are corrected.

“It's not uncommon to have a sewage spill, it probably happens far more likely than we want to or realize, but we have not dealt with a spill of this magnitude,” she said. “The Chattahoochee goes through the city of Atlanta and continues on, so this is I think, just a natural part of that ecosystem. In terms of longterm impacts, it will restore itself to right again.”

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and other local groups will continue to test and monitor the river for water quality daily, and the decision on how river sections are reopened will be made based on that data.

Information and updates on the closure will be made through the websites of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, https://www.nps.gov/ chat, and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, https://chattahoochee.org/.

PHOTOS BY ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

With almost no traffic thanks to E. Coli-related closures of large portions of the Chattahoochee River, ducks and geese have free reign at a riverside park dock on the border of Roswell and Sandy Springs July 5.

Fulton County officials say that a major sewage spill that closed more than 15 miles of the Chattahoochee River has been linked to the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility off Marietta Highway in Roswell. The spill was detected June 29.

Gamer:

Continued from Page 1

Customers can pay an hourly fee as an individual or group for unlimited play at any of the desktop setups or communal couches. They can also opt for board games and tabletop games, like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.

The restaurant has had to keep up with an ever-expanding catalog of video games, particularly as gaming continues to grow mainstream popularity. A 2022 report by the Entertainment Software Association found about two-thirds of Americans, more than 215 million people, play games regularly.

But Battle and Brew wants to cater to all types of people and subcultures. Blake said many customers who come in don’t even play games, rather, they participate in events and partake in the food and drinks.

The menu is jam-packed with pop culture references, which the manager said comes with not being a “corporate” establishment. Battle and Brew’s chefs, bar managers and bartenders all get to concoct their own seasonal offerings.

The cocktails vary from drinks like the Princess Peach, a reference to the Super Mario franchise, to Eda the Owl Lady, named after a character in Disney’s animated show the “Owl House.”

Together, the food, drinks and ambi-

ance combine a host of different subcultures — which Blake said is “not defined by one thing.”

To play into different interests the business hosts various events, like trivia, cosplay nights and miniature figurine painting sessions. Blake is particularly proud of the trivia nights, which switch up themes every week.

“We’ve always believed this is the hardest trivia in Atlanta,” Blake said.

The events are a hit with customers. On an average night, they have about 30 teams attend the competition. For more popular themes like Disney trivia, up to 75 teams turn out.

“The entire restaurant was in full Disney cosplay,” Blake said.

The night turned into a full-throated Disney sing-along party for the 200 people in attendance.

“It’s the fact that they’re comfortable here,” Blake said. “It’s an environment where they come in and express themselves without judgement, without any kind of strange looks.”

The manager said people come to Battle and Brew for the food and drinks, but even more so for the comfort and community bonds. Many customers will arrive on a typical night dressed up in cat ears or full costume. Some employees do the same.

Blake admits for people less keyed into geek culture, the first trip to Battle and Brew can be a surprise.

“For people who have never been here before, they go ‘What did I just walk into?’” Blake said.

Without fail, after a beer and some time, the manager said many people get back into playing a game and “going back to their childhood.”

The restaurant and bar has many regular adult customers, but it’s also family friendly. Battle and Brew is open to all ages before 11 p.m., although children under 16 must have an adult companion. Marketing coordinator Erika Raquel said the establishment aims to welcome everyone from every background.

“We’re all about inclusivity,” Raquel said.

Blake sees Battle and Brew as a haven for geeks and gamers, and he hopes people can form bonds from “sharing the same passion.” As video games and tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons gain attention in mainstream media, he hopes those bonds will increase.

“It’s always been cool, but people also just now realize ‘Hey, I’m not the only one,’” Blake said.

With strong community bonds at the Sandy Springs location, Battle and Brew plans to expand to The Battery Atlanta shopping mall by October, with a few more hopeful locations down the line.

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Battle and Brew, a video game restaurant and bar, is a hub for all things game and geek culture in Sandy Springs. The food and drinks menus are jam-packed with pop culture references.

“It’s an environment where they come in and express themselves without judgement, without any kind of strange looks.”

RYAN BLAKE general manager, Battle and Brew

MOVIES AT THE PARK: “DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS”

What: As part of Movies at the Park, a free summer outdoor series of familyfriendly movies, “DC League of SuperPets” will be shown. Pre-show activities include an inflatable moonwalk, face painting, children’s activities, giveaways and music.

When: Friday, July 14, 7 p.m.

Where: Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek

More info: johnscreekga.gov

PHISH SUMMER TOUR 2023

What: Phish is an American rock band formed in Burlington, Vermont, in 1983. The band is known for musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres and a dedicated fan base.

When: Friday, July 14-16, 7:30

Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheater, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta

Cost: Tickets from $165.75

More info: livenation.com

DAVID KOZ & FRIENDS

SUMMER HORNS 2023

What: Chart-topping saxophonist Dave Koz and friends Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius will headline a summer show, featuring songs from each artist’s catalog, plus material from two previous Koz “Summer Horns” albums. Both albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard

Current Contemporary Jazz Albums charts. Koz has racked up an array of honors and achievements, including multiple Grammy nominations, No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Jazz charts, world tours, performances for U.S. presidents and more.

When: Friday, July 14, 8 p.m.

Where: Byer Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: Tickets from $80.25 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

DUNWOODY FARMERS MARKET

What: Open every Saturday until Oct. 28, the market will feature honey, jams, frozen treats and desserts. Enjoy kids’ activities, wellness seminars, composting and gardening tips, all while having access to fresh seasonal produce.

When: Saturday, July 15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

TOTALLY ENCHANTING EXOTIC ANIMALS

What: Educator Tamara Austin will take visitors on an interactive animal adventure to learn about modern day dinosaurs, marsupials, arthropods and reptiles from around the world.

When: Wednesday, July 19, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody More info: dekalblibrary.org

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dhafarmersmarket.com

HISTORY SEEK SATURDAYS: GOLD PANNING AND GEORGIA’S GOLD RUSH

What: Explore the 1828 gold rush, find out what brought settlers to North Georgia, and learn how to pan for gold. This drop-in activity for kids, ages 7 to 12, will be at the Old Machine Shop directly next to the covered bridge at Old Mill Park. Wear comfortable clothes. Participants might get a little wet while learning how to pan for gold.

When: Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m.12p.m.

Where: Old Mill Park, 95 Mill Street, Roswell

More info: roswell365.com

INTERACTIVE MOVIE ON THE GREEN: ‘ELF’

What: Join this event for an interactive “Elf” movie experience. Interactive kits will be provided. Bring a chair and snacks.

When: Saturday, July 15, 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Green at Crabapple

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.

Market, 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com

CONCERT BY THE SPRINGS: CHUCK MARTIN AND THE LINEUP

What: Chuck Martin and The Lineup is a high-energy country and rock band that plays all the hits from the ’90s to today.

When: Sunday, July 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs Cost: Tickets from $135 More info: sandyspringsga.gov

TOTALLY ENCHANTING E XOTIC ANIMALS

What: Educator Tamara Austin will take visitors on an interactive animal adventure to learn about modern day dinosaurs, marsupials, arthropods and reptiles from around the world.

When: Wednesday, July 19, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody Library, 5339

Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody More info: dekalblibrary.org

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

When: Thursday, July 20, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Canton Street & Roswell Antique and Interiors lot, Roswell More info: aliveinroswell.com

ROTARY CLUB OF ALPHARETTA CONCERT SERIES: DOCK ROCK BAND

What: Dock Rock Band will take listeners on a musical journey through the iconic hits of the ’70s and ’80s. Kurt Thomas, bringing his unique style to the stage, is set to open.

When: Friday, July 21, 7-11 p.m.

Where: Town Green, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, More info: facebook.com/ RotaryClubAlpharetta

Cross Roads School sprang from humble beginnings

couldn’t afford them. Cook lent $150 of her own money to the school superintendents to purchase new desks.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

Cross Roads School was located where Mount Vernon Highway and Powers Ferry Road intersect, on the southwest corner. Cross Roads Primitive Baptist Church was organized prior to the school on another corner. People began to call the surrounding area Cross Roads.

According to Lois Coogle’s “Sandy Springs Past Tense,” the school dates to 1886. The earliest school was held in a brush arbor with logs for seats. “When a rain came up, the school moved to Harris Mitchell’s wood shop and remained until the rain ceased, then it returned to the log seats and work resumed.”

A one-room schoolhouse was built, and by 1910 a two-room frame schoolhouse was built. Cross Roads School continued until 1924 when it was consolidated with Hammond School. Teacher Annie Houze Cook sought to consolidate the two schools, seeking the best possible educational experience for

THE INK PENN

PROVIDED

This map from Lois Coogle's "More of Sandy Springs Past Tense" illustrates the position of the Cross Roads School, indicated by the letter “S.” She also shows the location of the church and a grocery store.

children in the community. Cook started her teaching career at Cross Roads with a salary of $40 a month. She wanted new desks for the students but was told the county

The number of students varied greatly depending on the time of year. In fall, when help was needed on the farm, the number of students dropped as low as 12. During winter, the number of students could climb up to 80.

In August of 1917, a farmer’s institute was held in Sandy Springs, and the students of Cross Roads School excelled. Students all around Fulton County formed clubs for farming and canning. Herbert Hoover, head of the newly formed United States Food Administration encouraged the people of America to conserve food to help feed World War I soldiers and relieve famine in Europe. The food conservation campaign used the slogan “food will win the war.” (The Constitution, Aug. 5, 1917, “Club kids of Fulton are doing their ‘bit’ for world democracy”)

Annie Houze Cook was the group’s teacher and gave all the credit to the hard work of the students. The Cross Roads Girls’ Canning Club was the smallest in the school district with

only seven members. The girls sewed their own uniforms. At the demonstration, they made soup from okra, corn and tomatoes. Next, they gave a presentation on canning soup.

Myrtie Lay and Lillian Powell of Cross Roads School won second and third prize in the county for canning in October of 1917. (The Constitution, Oct. 22, 1917, Special Prizes for Girl’s Canning Club)

Knox and Pink Barrow of Cross Roads School exhibited two Duroc Jersey pigs. The boys’ father proclaimed the secret to his two sons’ pig raising skills was that they treat the pigs like family.

Fulton County Police Chief Calvin Cates bought the old school when it closed in 1924 and transformed it into a home. Soon after, electricity was installed in the home, a short circuit started a fire and the former school burned.

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.

Two books that highlight strong women

I gravitate toward books about strong women. Who am I kidding? I rarely pick up a novel about a woman who can’t take care of herself.

Sure, my favorite female characters suffer setbacks and endure trials and tribulations. For me, their appeal lies in how they handle what life throws at them.

“Lessons in Chemistry”

by

Bonnie Garmus

This book is everything you could want in a novel — fast paced, witty, touching in spots, and laugh aloud funny in others. Its portrayal of how women were seen in the 1950s and 1960s is more than believable, while other elements are intentionally fantastical. A character who makes coffee with a Bunsen burner and refers to salt as sodium chloride isn’t something you encounter every day.

Bonnie Garmus is a debut author

who has combined all these elements to come up with a book that entices you to finish it in one sitting. Elizabeth Zott, the main character, is a brilliant scientist in a research facility in the early ’60s. As far as her male colleagues know, she is fit only for making coffee, maybe typing research notes and running errands, but not much more. She is, after all, a woman. Why would anyone think she had a brain?

Elizabeth, in fact, has a brain that far surpasses those of her co-workers. Seeing her run circles around them, get knocked down, and get back up time after time is one of the most satisfying elements of the book. What she endures from them in misogynistic insults will make your blood boil. When she falls in love with an equally brilliant scientist who appreciates her for her brain and is equally smitten, you’ll cheer.

I predict that this book is one people will talk about for years to come. And, in case you’re wondering, I didn’t read it in one sitting, but I stayed up way too late for too many nights to finish it.

“The White Lady”

by Jacqueline Winspear

Another tour de force by this author. As a long-time fan of her Maisie Dobbs series, I knew this standalone would be a winner, and it did not disappoint. It’s main character, Elinor, was a preteen in Belgium during WWI and is living in post-World War II Britain when the story opens in 1947. The tale moves between the two World Wars and details Elinor’s role in both.

She seeks a quiet life in rural England, or so she tells herself. When she intervenes to protect the child of a neighboring farmworker, the reader wonders. Is she truly prepared to leave behind her life as a trained killer? Can she escape her past and put her demons to rest?

What follows is a story that shifts between introspection and action as Elinor follows her instincts. A bonus for me was learning about La Dame Blanche, an underground network in German-occupied Belgium. According to Wikipedia, “The network was known for its high proportion of female members; women may have made up as

much as 30 percent of its total personnel.”

Much as I did when I read the Maisie Dobbs series that spans preWorld War I through World War II in Britain, I learned a great deal about wartime life in Belgium. If you’re a history buff, this book will fit the bill as not only engaging but also informative.

Now, I’m off to cleanse my palate with a bit of lighter reading. You know what I mean, don’t you? Mysteries with witty dialogue and a bit of humor, despite the murders that are central to the plots.

Note: Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact me to arrange a date! inkpenn119@gmail.com

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/.

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

Here’s why roundabouts work

We need more roundabouts in our lives today – both paved and non-paved.

I love the paved roundabouts because they are so simple, elegant and intuitive. They just work.

Today, when it feels like almost everything about our lives feels so busy, so messy, and so at best semifunctional, roundabouts remind me that not everything is broken.

Roundabouts are so successful and make so much sense, one must wonder why they haven’t yet been banned, politicized or bureaucratized – or have they and I just haven’t noticed?

I could literally pull up my lounge chair and plop it down along side of a busy

roundabout and watch for hours and never get bored. In fact, I think I may have to add that to my bucket list. And yes, I realize that doesn’t sound like much of a stretch-goal.

Roundabouts remind me of Steve Jobs.

Apple, now one of the most valuable companies on the planet, built its empire on one singular core business model – simplicity, just like what makes roundabouts work so well. Apple didn’t necessarily “invent” as much as they adapted existing technology and then make it simpler, easier to use.

The portable digital music player market is a great example of the value of simplicity. Apple didn’t invent the MP3 file format that was used for most music players. Everyone, including Sony, had access to the technology. Yet by 2006, Apple’s IPod owned the MP3 player market with a 76 percent share. The next closest was ScanDisk which had a 7.6 percent share.

Over the years Apple sold over 450 million iPods. Apple’s iPods didn’t necessarily have a better sound or better technology. They weren’t cheaper than the competition – in fact they charged a premium. They were just simpler, more user-friendly than the others, just like roundabouts are compared to four-way stop intersections.

So, while “simplicity” is one of the reasons that roundabouts work so well, it is not the only reason. Lots of things are simple but not necessarily “successful.”

Another part of that magic sauce that is roundabouts has something to do with how “order” is established and maintained. “Order” on roundabouts is created by not having rules. Everything basically is first come, first served. Roundabouts are democratic and respect-driven.

Southwest Airlines is another good example of the roundabout concept. People voluntarily line up in proper sequence then everyone boards and – first come, first served – has their choice of any open seat. We like choice and we don’t like rules. Simple, orderly, respect-driven with as few rules as possible. Southwest, like Apple, dumbed down an existing process and made it simpler, freer, faster, more userfriendly.

So why else are roundabouts so much better, so much faster, so more efficient than stop-sign intersections? Circles.

There is something magical about circles that is hardwired into us that makes us comfortable. Most of us love roundabouts and hate four way stops. Artificial parameters are not our default; circles and self-directed “order” is.

Lots of symbols are circles. The yin and yang is a circle that first comes to my mind. I googled “circle allegory” and found the following as the second result: “A symbol of revolution. The circle will represent being inclusive, whole and united. It symbolizes focus and cycles. The circle nurtures and begins things and is perfect. It can represent the womb. Besides, it symbolized being complete.”

True that.

Somewhere in all the noise today, in all the chaos, in all the stress and disenfranchisement, there is a circle – a cycle – that can start to bring us home again, to a better place. We just must see it, slow down, reconnect to the stuff that is real and works like roundabouts work – and stop building four-way stops, fences and walls.

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Human Resources Manager

Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.

Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability.  Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.

To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.

SENIOR TAX MANAGER

Business Accounting Services

Part-time

Donor Operations Associate

The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area.  They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean.  This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor.  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks.  To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/  To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad,  mjallad@nfcchelp.org.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY ROUTE

Community Events Manager

The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/  To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.

INCOME TAX PREPARER

Carmichael, Brasher, Tuvell & Company is hiring an Income Tax Preparer, Corporate and Individual. Great pay and flexible, relaxed work environment. Seeking full and/or part-time individual for individual and corporate tax preparation and accounting. Prior tax preparation required and have working knowledge of QuickBooks. Our office is located in the heart of Dunwoody and work from home is an option. To apply email your resume to ccarmichael@cbtcpa.com.

Prepare company (1120, 1120S, 1065) and individual income tax returns, review (and sometimes prepare) monthly financial statements, to communicate well with clients on their business needs (tax planning, etc). Enrolled Agent (EA) and a minimum of 3 years tax experience required. Base salary plus incentive pay based on completed work. Come enjoy working with our great team!

Resume: nick@businessaccounting.com

Appen Newspapers is looking for one or two folks to help deliver our newspapers. Work is part time and flexible. Routes can be done at night or during the day - on your schedule - within our deadlines. Comfortably earn $550 or more a month on your own schedule. This is a great way to get out as well as contribute to helping your local newspaper! Perfect for retired person who wants to stay active or a parent with school-aged kids - deliver during school hours. Also good way to earn supplemental income at night. We have had many retired couples deliver our papers and almost all have managed a route well and enjoyed the time and the work.

Requirements include reliable vehicle, clean driving record, availability, reliability, and honesty. Prior delivery experience is good, but not required. It helps if you live relatively close as papers are picked up to be bagged and delivered from our office in Alpharetta. Delivery areas can be Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs typically - depending on open routes.

Please contact our Office Manager Heidi to set up an appointment to come in and fill in paper work or start the process via Email!

Call 770-442-3278 and ask for Heidi or Email Heidi@AppenMedia.com

Garage Doors

Dunwoody Door Lift Co.

The ONLY garage door company in Dunwoody! We sell, install and repair garage doors and openers. Authorized Genie Dealer serving Dunwoody

770-393-1652

If you can’t lift your door, let Dunwoody Door Lift it!

Roofing

Electricians

Belco Electric

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians Check out our new website: BelcoInc.com and follow us on: 770-455-4556

Cemetery

SANDY SPRINGS-Arlington Memorial Park

2 Niches, side by side

Sunrise Chapel Mausoleum

Valued at 5K each, asking $2500 each 404-403-9134

Handyman

MATTHEW THE HANDYMAN

Carpentry, Painting, Drywall, Plumbing, Electrical and Small Jobs. 404-547-2079