Sandy Springs Crier - July 27, 2023

Fulton County Schools announces appointments for new

Police issue warning over string of vehicle burglaries

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — If you aren’t in the nightly habit of emptying and securing your cars before heading off to bed, now’s the time to start, Sandy Springs authorities said — as police investigate an increasing number of vehicle thefts and burglaries.

Between July 1 and July 20, the Sandy Springs Police Department investigated more than 38 vehicle burglary cases and seven vehicle theft cases, involving dozens of vehicles parked at homes and businesses throughout Sandy Springs.

Police records indicate that most incidents involved “unsecure” or unlocked vehicles, which were likely

targeted due to their accessibility, and only a small percentage of vehicles that were entered by force.

Incident locations during this spree included residential areas near major roadways, like Roberts Drive, Roswell Road, Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Glenridge Drive, records said.

However, police are struggling to catch a break in these cases and have

not yet identified a good way of catching those responsible.

“We are increasing patrols and trying to catch a break on them. Unfortunately, they can see us coming before we can see them,” Police Spokesman Sgt. Matthew McGinnis said.

See BURGLARIES, Page 8

Safety, fencing concerns curb police building

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —

Plans to erect a new Sandy Springs Fleet Maintenance Facility were nearly derailed Tuesday, July 18, after multiple residents voiced concerns about the city erecting visible razor wire fencing on Roswell Road.

The fleet maintenance facility, which was approved earlier this year as part of the city’s $50 million police headquarters expansion, will be located on a small multi-acre

site at 8475 Roswell Road in north Sandy Springs and will provide everyday maintenance, upgrades and fueling for city vehicles.

At the recommendation of staff and the city’ security consultant, Larry Latimer of Low Voltage and Security Engineering, the facility plan included a security fence, partially topped with razor or “concertina” wire, which would surround the facility and protect police vehicles in its lot.

See PROJECT, Page 8

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs Resident Craig Gilchrist speaks to the City Council at a meeting July 18. Gilchrist and other local residents shared concerns about a proposed razor wire fence that would have been built along Roswell Road.

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Sandy Springs transparency

Appen Media filed a public records request in June for a list of Sandy Springs police officers and badge numbers. The city refused to provide that information, claiming it meets “non-

disclosure requirements” in the Georgia Open Records Act.

The newspaper requested the same information from surrounding cities. Sandy Springs is the only city which has

not provided it.

Appen Media will continue pursuing avenues to ensure public documents are made available to the public in Sandy Springs.

COMPARING POLICE TRANSPARENCY

Sandy Springs vs. Roswell

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Each week Appen Media requests police incident reports to inform residents about the safety of their community. Sandy Springs continues to withhold what it calls the “narrative reports.” It is the only city

Appen Media covers that follows this practice, which goes against guidance from the Attorney General, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Geor-

gia 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.

Sandy Springs Roswell

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

Chattahoochee River reopens after bacteria amounts lessen

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —National Park Service officials have reopened all 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, following an E. Coli bacteria outbreak which closed major river sections ahead of the July 4th holiday.

E. Coli bacteria levels, over 300 times greater than safe recreation levels, were detected in the river in late June and tracked to Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility which treats wastewater for North Fulton communities.

Bacteria levels have since returned to normal levels, officials said.

“The bacterial levels are now below the criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, though conditions remain subject to change,” Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Ann Honious said.

During an investigation at the water treatment facility, Fulton County officials found no physical leak in their system but said the sewage spill was caused by an issue in the biological processes used to treat wastewater.

Other representatives with the

More Info

For more information about Chattahoochee River conditions, visit www.nps.gov/CHAT.

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

Officials initially closed the river from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Johnson Ferry and Whitewater Creek. The closure later expanded to include all river sections downstream from the nature center.

Since the outbreak was detected, Atlanta nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper conducted daily water quality sampling and U.S. Public Health Service officials approved reopening of all river sections

State and local officials will continue to monitor water quality at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island and Paces Mill through the BacteriALERT partnership.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

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.

Fulton County Schools announces appointments for new school year

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Fulton County School System announced a set of new hires and appointments to key positions ahead of the 2023-24 school year, which starts Aug. 7.

Officials announced July 11 after 20 years of service to the school system, Atlanta-native Cliff Jones has been named the Fulton County Schools chief of staff.

“During that time, he has progressively increased his responsibility and impact in the district,” officials said. “Mr. Jones started as a high school history teacher, assistant principal and principal at Milton High before being promoted to the district office.”

Since 2018, Jones has served as the

system’s chief academic officer, supervising seven zone superintendents, the Learning and Teaching Department and the Student Support Department. Jones’ tenure leaves a legacy of successful programs and initiatives, officials said.

Such impacts include the Every Child Reads campaign; the expansion of career, technical and agricultural education; and the reduction of district schools on the federal accountability list.

In addition to Jones’ appointment, Brannon Gaskins has been hired as the system’s chief academic officer.

“Gaskins rejoins the Fulton County School System after working with the University of Virginia's Partnership for Leaders in Education,” officials said.

“In Mr. Gaskins’ role with UVA-PLE, he provided executive leadership training to district superintendents and their executive staffs through the university’s Darden School of Business.”

Previously, Gaskins served Fulton County Schools as area executive director and oversaw the Banneker High School cluster of schools.

During that period, the Banneker High School cluster increased its gradu-

ation rate by 30 percent in three years; three schools were removed from the state’s chronically failing schools list; and 80 percent of schools achieved improvements on the state's College and Career Ready Performance Index.

The school system named several other important administrative appointments July 12.

Shannon Kersey will serve as the assistant superintendent of learning and teaching. Shamona Harrell will become director of college, career and student supports, and Kerri-Ann Williams will become director of K-5 literacy. Amanda Swerdlow will serve as director of program evaluation.

Officials also announced several school-level appointments ahead of the new year.

Susan Gowin was named the new principal of River Eves Elementary School. Vincent G. Golden will serve as principal of Banneker High School. Thomas Garrett will serve as principal of Ridgeview Charter Middle School, and Felipe Jackson will become principal of Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School.

For more information about these appointments and the upcoming 2023-24 school year, visit fultonschools.org.

A Place for ALL Jews

Justice Department opens investigation into conditions at Fulton County Jail

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA – The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into conditions at the Fulton County Jail following the death of an inmate covered in lice and filth.

“People held in jails and prisons do not surrender their constitutional and civil rights at the jailhouse door,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said during a news conference Thursday.

“Civil rights protections are particularly important for the vulnerable, including those who are in the control and custody of the government,” added Ryan Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

Clarke said the Justice Department also will look into credible allegations that the jail is structurally unsafe, that violence resulted in three homicides last year as well as serious injuries, and that correctional officers are facing criminal charges for using excessive force against prisoners.

Clarke noted that 87% of the facility’s inmates are Black.

“This is a racial justice issue,” she said.

Because the inmate who died was being housed in the jail’s mental-health unit, the investigation will also examine whether Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office discriminate against inmates with psychiatric disabilities, Clarke said.

Both Clarke and Buchanan promised a thorough and fair investigation that is being opened with no pre-determined conclusions.

If the investigation finds systemic violations, the Justice Department will notify

While the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta is open, area agencies do book some people into the downtown Fulton County Jail. Here are the number of bookings into that facility by each police department between January 1 and July 14, according to county documents obtained by Appen Media.

Roswell – 500 Sandy Springs – 294 Alpharetta – 194 Johns Creek – 74 Milton – 45

Fulton County of corrective actions it should take, Clarke said.

Individuals with information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to contact the Justice Department at 888-473-4092 or by email at fultoncountyjail@usdoj.gov.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

“Civil rights protections are particularly important for the vulnerable, including those who are in the control and custody of the government.”

RYAN BUCHANAN

U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

Power Rangers, Buffy stuntwoman launches eclectic Roswell brasserie

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — It isn’t often that your local barista is called on to fight vampires or fend off Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa with a few well-placed punches and flying kicks.

But at least with Sophia Crawford, owner of the Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, you know it could happen if needed.

Crawford, a longtime Hollywood stuntwoman known for work on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and many other action-packed roles, opened Ground and Pound on Holcomb Bridge Road in 2019, with a vision of the coffee shop becoming an artistic hub for the community.

Despite a few well-known hiccups caused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coffee shop, casual eatery and bar has become an eclectic and well-loved staple for local pop-culture nerds, with regular themed trivia nights, costume contests, open mic nights and more.

“Our mission has always been focused on the community and creating events that engage the community and bring the community together,” Crawford said, during an interview with Appen Media July 18. “I get a lot from that satisfaction from that.”

As straightforward as that mission is today, Crawford, who was born and raised in London, explained that she could not have taken a more winding route to get there.

She got the bug

As a young teen in London, Crawford actually started out working in coffee shops and brasseries, traditional places that served coffee, along with “beautiful wine and French food.”

And as an adventurous people person, Crawford ate it all up.

“I just liked the whole energy of the coffee shop and especially in England, this was in the ’80s. This was before Starbucks and everything, so the coffee was very traditional coffee,” she said. “But the energy was very much a gathering place.”

But at 19, when she was given the opportunity to become a coffee shop manager, Crawford said she felt pulled in multiple directions, with her home, interests and security on one hand, and a sense of adventure and opportunity on the other.

“I thought to myself, I could do this. This is definitely a lovely opportunity. But it's not what I want to do,” she said. “And I just felt the urge desperately to sort of just leave and

If you go

Ground and Pound Coffee is located at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road and offers regular weekly events like trivia, open mike nights, musical acts, artist roundtables, costume contests and more. For more information about their food, drinks and events, visit www.groundandpoundcoffee.com.

you know, I was absolutely determined to be the best fighter,” she said. She has since been credited as one of the first Western women to be accepted into an Asian stunt crew.

After doing 30 films in Asia, Crawford left Hong Kong for Los Angeles in 1993, bringing a honed martial arts skillset and a tight resume of work abroad with her, which launched her success in the U.S.

Ground and Pound

noticed by Central Casting and she began booking roles as an extra for American and Hong Kong films shooting in Bangkok.

Hong Kong

With that taste of movie magic igniting a spark in her, Crawford quickly relocated to Hong Kong where she could live and work as an Englishexpat, and where many of the world’s best action movies were being filmed.

“I just hopped on the plane and went to Hong Kong,” she said. I didn’t know anybody and started tearing pages out of the Yellow Pages, trying to find the film studios.”

In Los Angeles, she was offered the role of stunt double for Amy Jo Johnson, who played the Pink Ranger in the hit 1994 “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series and later served as Sarah Michelle Gellar's stunt double for the first four seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Her career in Hollywood also features stunt work for Madonna, Fergie, and many other well-known names, and she eventually married stunt coordinator and Georgia native Jeff Pruitt, who she met while working on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

But like any good thing, Crawford’s days of jump kicks and action sequences had to come to an end at some point.

travel the world.”

So instead of settling down, she and her sister got on a bus and began a six-month trip to India, Turkey, war-torn Iran and beyond.

“It was probably one of the most inspiring, most incredible journeys of my life and changed everything for me. I was just like, ‘I can't go home now … I got the bug,’” she said.

After traveling through 12 countries, Crawford made her way to Bangkok, Thailand and started teaching English to help pay bills.

It was in Thailand where she was first introduced the world of film production, after a modeling gig got her

As a petite woman, with strong Western features, Crawford said she was welcomed with open arms by the studios in Hong Kong and almost immediately started booking actual movie roles as the “Western villain” and opponent to the film’s female heroines.

But she quickly learned that to be an actor in Hong Kong during the 1980s, she would first need to learn how to fight.

“I had no training. I was not a martial artist,” she said. “I was a young upstart wanting to travel the world and essentially a backpacker looking for a dream.”

By mingling with the stunt crews and coordinators, hanging out where they hung out and living where they lived, Crawford dedicated herself to learning martial arts and breaking into the Hong Kong stunt scene.

“I lived there for five years. And,

“At a certain point, you understand that you don't have the legs that you think you’ve got,” she said.

In 2018, when her family relocated to Georgia and Crawford returned to a love from her teenage years, opening a small coffee shop in Roswell, very much like the ones she worked at in London.

Since then, Crawford and her staff of actors and other artists have tried to instill that community feeling she fell in love with, into every event they host and drink they serve.

It’s definitely not fast food and they will never have a drive through window, but Crawford said that customers feel the energy Ground and Pound gives off and love it.

“I love to get to know my customers and see their kids grow up and hear about their lives,” she said. “We want people to come inside. We encourage them to come inside and engage with each other.”

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Ground and Pound Coffee, at 8420 Holcomb Bridge Road in west Roswell, opened in 2019 with the intent of becoming an artistic hub for the community. It has since grown a following of loyal customers.

SOPHIA CRAWFORD/PROVIDED

Former Hollywood stuntwoman Sophia Crawford, who owns and operates Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell, completes a jump kick during her time as a martial artist.

Dunwoody tree program returns for second year

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody and Trees Atlanta will plant shade trees across Dunwoody this fall, as part of the second annual Front Yard Tree Planting Program, officials recently announced.

Property owners interested in participating in the 2023 Front Yard Tree Planting Program can visit www.dunwoodyga.gov/ frontyardtree to fill out an online application and learn more. Trees are allotted on a first-come, firstserved basis, officials said.

“Last year was our first year, and we had complete support for the program from City Council. We

Project:

Continued from Page 1

During the City Council’s July 18 meeting, 10 residents spoke against the use of razor wire, saying the presence of visible razor wire would hurt the image of northern Sandy Springs, which has long been an area targeted for improvements and development.

They also raised concerns that the public did not have enough time to comment on the plans.

“To say the least, we were surprised to see this proposal got so far into the process before we even knew it existed,” David Couchman, a resident of the Huntcliff neighborhood said. “It was almost by accident that we came across it this past week. After seeing the signs put up just a matter of a few weeks ago.”

Couchman and multiple other Huntcliff residents pleaded with city leaders during the meeting’s public comment portion, asking to take the item off the meeting’s consent agenda, which is normally approved without discussion, and give the item more consideration.

“The unfortunate byproduct of the

Burglaries:

Continued from Page 1

Because Sandy Springs is a “target rich environment” for thieves and other criminals, McGinnis said they aren’t even sure whether these incidents are connected or unconnected.

So to catch a break in these cases, authorities need help from local residents, McGinnis said. Often surveillance footage

also had immediate buy-in from residents, who rushed to fill out online applications,” Dunwoody Community Development Director Richard McLeod said. “This program furthers our goal of protecting and building up Dunwoody’s tree canopy.”

In early July, the Dunwoody City Council approved spending $22,000 on 2023 tree planting. Volunteers planted 54 trees during the 2022 program, officials said.

The Atlanta-area nonprofit, Trees Atlanta, will manage the program starting in October. They will manage tree requests, home coordinates, placement and instal -

lation.

“We were excited to see how Dunwoody residents embraced this program from the start, demonstrating their desire to beautify their yards while creating cleaner air and water, shading their homes and sidewalks, and providing habitat for wildlife,” Trees Atlanta Business Development Director Mike Vinciquerra said. “We look forward to planting even more trees in Dunwoody this fall and winter.”

For more information about Trees Atlanta, visit www.treesatlanta.org.

use of concertina wire is that it does not evoke quality of life or a sense of community,” Ronda Smith, president of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods said. “Take and make the challenge to do better, the north end and its citizens deserve the effort.”

After a short discussion, the proposal was removed from the consent agenda and was presented after the city’s new business items.

During his presentation, Sandy Springs Director of Facilities David Wells said the Roswell Road facility will service about 15 to 40 vehicles per day, mostly police vehicles, once completed.

The city considered several options for how to secure the facility, including a type of 8-foot steel security fence, Vinyl coated wire fencing with razor wire at the top, ornamental fencing, and combinations of the options.

In total, about 900 linear feet of security fencing will be required, Wells said. Opting for the steel security fencing option would remove the razor wire component but would be more expensive.

“It gives you a little more security with the price a little more, it’s triple in price,” he said.

Agreeing with the city’s security

from doorbell cameras and security lights, or just warry witnesses, can help them identify possible suspects or even stop them in the act.

“Victims and witnesses can see something in the act, call 911, and give us the break we need to catch the offenders committing the crimes,” he said. “If we can get a lead on a suspect through a witness or the sharing of a ring camera, we can use Flock to try and track the offender and develop more leads and hopefully an identification.”

consultants, Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone said that no matter what the City Council decides, the new facility needs heightened security.

DeSimone described what he sees as an atmosphere of animosity towards law enforcement around the state and country. Locally, he claimed that several years ago suspects attempted to set a Sandy Springs Police cruiser on fire.

DeSimone also expressed concern about recent events surrounding the Atlanta Police Foundation’s plan to build a fire and police training facility in DeKalb County. The project, which some groups refer to as “Cop City,” has drawn contention for two years. Tension and media attention has increased since January, when an attempt by police to expel protestors from the site ended with the death of one demonstrator and the wounding of a state trooper.

“As everybody knows, the city of Atlanta is really under attack now by a domestic terrorist group,” DeSimone said. “Two weekends ago, I believe they tried to firebomb a police facility and they were successful in destroying some police equipment.”

Several City Council members asked if the proposal could be postponed until

But because these are largely crimes of opportunity, residents need to be more mindful of what they are leaving out and unlocked, he said.

“Be mindful what you leave out in plain sight in your cars. Make sure all car doors are locked,” McGinnis said. “If you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 and let us come investigate who they are.”

If your vehicle is burglarized, authorities said there are several steps you should take to make sure your case can be inves-

the issue could be studied further, but Mayor Rusty Paul said that any delay in the fleet maintenance facility could potentially threaten their police headquarters building project.

Wells added they have deadlines for the project that can’t be moved without consequences.

“Our metal building is coming in September, so we need to do site-work to prepare for the building,” he said. “Our timetable is pretty tight to get the building erected.”

After a lengthy discussion about how the fencing could be constructed, councilmembers came to a compromise – to use the ornamental, 8-foot steel security fencing on all visible portions of facility, while using chain-link fencing and razor wire in areas that won’t be seen.

The proposal was approved in a 5-1 vote, with Councilwoman Melody Kelley opposed.

Prior to the vote Kelley said she couldn’t support the proposal without seeing renderings of the design elements and making sure that the design made sense, considering residents concerns.

“To me, there's just a lot of questions unanswered and they haven't quite been confirmed today,” she said.

tigated fully.

In a post to the Sandy Springs Facebook page, officials said that after calling 911, victims should take photos of the scene and document exactly what was taken from the vehicle. However, victims should avoid touching cars door handles and inside surfaces, because there still may be evidence that police can find and learn from.

To learn more about crime data in Sandy Springs and how to file a report, visit www.sandyspringsgapolice.gov.

— Alexander Popp

PROVIDED

1994: An update on Dunwoody native, Ryan Seacrest

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Usually, the articles that interest me in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper archives are about local history and interviews with people that I never had a chance to meet. But a 1994 article about Ryan Seacrest, the 19-year-old from Dunwoody who was trying to make it in show business is also fascinating.

The September 22, 1994, Dunwoody Crier features the headline, “Former DHS football captain makes a move in show business.” Seacrest was just beginning his career and his future success could not be predicted. I think we can safely say Seacrest, a personality known across the country and around the world, made it in show business.

At the age of 16, Seacrest had already begun a path towards the career he has today. According to the Crier article, “He became enamored with broadcasting while making the PA announcements at Dunwoody High School and managed to work his way into local radio station STAR 94 FM. He originally had to talk his way into an internship position at the station but within months he was running the program board and before long, he was on the air. Meanwhile, he was still in high school, serving as captain of the football team and going to the state semi-finals.”

In 1994, Seacrest could be seen on two television shows. On Gladiators 2000 from Samuel Goldwyn

Television, he was the host of the education and physical fitness competition program. On Reality Check, a NewWorld Television show, Seacrest played “eccentric, computer whiz-kid Jack Craft who mysteriously disappears during a top-secret government project.” These were both Saturday morning shows.

According to IMDB (Internet Movie Database), Seacrest hosted the children’s game show Wild Animal Games in 1995 and teen-ager quiz show Click in 1997. Clips from these early Seacrest shows can be seen on Youtube.

Next, he became the host of Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home on Los Angeles radio station 98.7 FM. In 2002 he became the co-host of American Idol and became the solo host the following year.

Seacrest took over the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which became Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He also spent a few years co-hosting a morning talk show with Kelly Ripa, from 2017 until earlier in 2023.

In 2010, Ryan Seacrest started Seacrest Studios, opening broadcast studios in pediatric hospitals across the country. The media studios allow patients to “explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media.” They help children and their families by providing a positive activity and distraction for children undergoing treatment. Today there are fourteen Seacrest Studios. (ryanseacrestfoundation.org)

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.

A pair of unputdownable books in one week

Do you exchange books with friends?

Years ago, my mother and I traded books by our favorite authors, and we also haunted used bookstores. These days, most of my books come either from the library or from a friend who’s also an avid reader, plus the occasional selection from Amazon. There’s nothing better than getting a stack of books, no matter where it comes from.

of a tiny black cat. After a closer look, I recognized Gwen Cooper as the author of one of my favorite reads, “Love Saves the Day.”

KATHY

For me, the sign of a good book is my inability to turn out the bedside light at night. “Just one more chapter,” I say to myself.

That was the case with this week’s books—one from my friend and one from the library.

“Homer’s

Odyssey” by Gwen Cooper

When my friend lent me the latest batch of books, I gravitated to this one first, perhaps because of the cover photo

Though this book is nonfiction, I was once again mesmerized, just as I’d been with Cooper’s novel. I’m convinced her life with Homer, an indefatigable blind kitten, prepared her to give voice to Prudence the cat in “Love Saves the Day.”

Homer is a tiny two-pound kitten when she adopts him from the veterinarian who removed the poor thing’s infected eyes after a couple found him on the street. Learning to find his litter box and his food, and to navigate around Cooper’s apartment without help seemed like prodigious feats. His amazing agility was nothing short of a miracle and provided endless hours of entertainment for Gwen and her friends.

This is a story of love and patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. As People magazine said, “This memoir about adopting a special-needs kitten teaches that sometimes in life,

More information

Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact Kathy at inkpenn119@gmail.com

you have to take a blind leap.”

Homer and Gwen were a match made in heaven. It’s been days since I finished the book, but I can’t stop thinking about it. Give it a try. I predict you’ll have the same experience.

“The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara Davis

This is going to be one of those books that stays with me. The truth is that I still have a book “hangover,” so much so that it’s difficult to describe the experience of reading this story about a pair of mysterious books.

Ashlyn Greer, rare book dealer and owner of An Unlikely Story, a bookshop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stumbles on a mysterious pair of beautifully bound books. Neither has an author’s

name or publisher or copyright page, but each has a handwritten inscription inside. And that’s the mystery. Who wrote the books? Who are the people they’re inscribed to? Did these people really exist?

She can’t let it go, and soon finds the person who donated the books to a nearby vintage boutique. It would spoil the story to reveal the changes wrought in Ashlyn’s life as she searches for the origin of the books and their story. I predict the tale will grab you, and you’ll stay up late night after night to find out where the literary mystery will lead.

One book about a cat and another about books—what more could a gal ask for? More books, of course.

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/.

Columnist

PHOTO PROVIDED

THE INK PENN

MANOS PENN

Columnist

Help count ‘polli-neighbors’ this August

The main job of pollinators is to move pollen between flowers, helping plants set seed and reproduce. Without pollinators in our vegetable gardens, we would never harvest any tomatoes, squash, peppers, strawberries, or watermelon. The same is the case with other crops that rely on animal pollination, like almonds, chocolate, coffee, figs, and apples. Without pollinators in our Georgia habitats, our native plants could not survive and thrive.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSePC) is the perfect chance to get outside and get to know our local polli-neighbors. Every 3rd weekend in August, Georgians (and now South and North Carolinians), record the pollinators they see. UGA faculty use these data to compare changes in pollinator populations from year to year and county to county. This helps us make better informed decisions about how to manage and protect pollinators.

The census wouldn’t be possible without you. The majority of the data is collected by non-scientists, which expands the scope of this experiment far beyond what UGA researchers could accomplish on their own. All ages can participate (and have a ton of fun).

Here’s what you do:

1.Choose your favorite flowering plant.

2. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Observe the flowers on your plant and record all pollinators that visit those flowers.

3. Tally your observations by pollinator type: carpenter bees, bumble bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, and others.

4. Upload your counts to the website: https://GSePC.org.

Watch the ‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube video for a step-by-step tutorial!

It’s helpful to review the different pollinator categories ahead of time. Download the Insect Counting and

Identification Guide from the GSePC website. Each pollinator category has descriptions, tips for identification, and photos. You’ll also want to download and print your Counting Sheet to use on census day. The counting sheet has handy descriptions of each pollinator category for easy reference. We also have Spanish language versions of GSePC materials.

Educators—the GSePC makes for great STEM/STEAM activities inside and outside the classroom. The GSePC website has pre-made lesson plans, activities, worksheets and more, all free and available to you. Just grab and go.

This year the Great Southeast Pollinator Census will happen on Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th. Check your local county Extension office’s website and social media to see if they will be hosting any census events. Here in Fulton County, UGA Extension will be hosting an informational webinar on Tuesday, August 1st at 7pm. Tune in to find out where we’re hosting census events this year and how easy it is for you to participate. Register here: https://bit. ly/GSePC. You can also host your own event, or just get out by yourself or with a few friends. All materials on the GSePC website are free for anyone to use. Community gardens, local parks, and even your back porch are all great places to participate in the census.

It’s un-bee-lievable how much we can learn about our local pollinators just by slowing down and observing for 15 minutes. Grab your pencils, head outside, and get to know your pollineighbors.

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.

Learn more

•Great Southeast Pollinator Census website - https://gsepc.org/

•‘How to Participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’ YouTube videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkR8eVXgY0

•UGA Extension – Protecting Pollinators - https://extension.uga.edu/topicareas/timely-topics/pollinators.html

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle presented “Insect Allies: Predators and Parasitoids in the Garden” in the Spring 2023 Gardening Lecture Series presented by the North Fulton Master Gardenershttps://youtu.be/NZ3um6QXXKc.

Getting to know our neighbors is important—they give us a chance to connect with our community, encourage us to get outside and offer help when we need it. Our “pollineighbors” do the same things.

GABRIELLE LATORA

Guest Columnist

PIXABAY/PROVIDED

An Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly visits a flower and likely pollinates it in the process.

PRESERVING THE PAST

A road by any other name is still called Francis

It is well known that many roads in North Fulton are named after pioneer families that settled on them, often in the 19th century or earlier. Descendants of the settlers sometimes still live on or near the roads. Such is the case of Francis Road in Milton which has a normal history of hardworking rural family life but also had its share of drama and celebrity.

In the mid-1980s Fulton County proposed construction of a 476-acre solid waste facility bound by Francis Road, Highway 9 and the Forsyth County Line. Local residents were strongly opposed which led to several years of hearings and bitter disputes. In 1990 after five years of fighting, the County Commission voted to sell the property. The result was the construction of the Crooked Creek development of 640 homes and golf course.

Francis Road is also the home of Canine Assistants, a wonderful non-profit organization that trains and places service dogs with people who have serious mobility problems. Founded in 1991, the organization has placed more than 1500 service dogs.

Francis Road was the home of Aubrey Morris (1922-2010) a beloved journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1945 through 1957 followed by a 30 year career with WSB radio.

Francis Road is not particularly long, only about two miles from Highway 9 to the roundabout on Hopewell Road. It is not known with certainty when the first Francis settled on what was probably a dirt pathway or wagon trail. Only one of the early homes is still standing. It was built prior to 1885 at the corner of Francis and Thompson roads by John Francis (18651939)-for a dentist named John Doss. According to Charles Francis who grew up in the house, Doss cut a hole in the floor

next to the dentist chair so patients could expectorate conveniently during a procedure.

Charles’ grandfather C.A. (Charlie) Francis (1887-1964) purchased the house from the dentist in 1926 when he married Minnie L. Francis (1877-1932). C.A. and his two brothers owned most of Francis Road at one point, together with 40 acres on the east side of Thompson Road and 6 acres on the west side. After Minnie died C.A. remarried and built a house on Thompson Road and gave the original home to his son William Durrell Francis (1904-1964) who was married to Idelle Cobb Francis (1911-1997). Durrell built a beautiful and sturdy barn that still stands at the corner of Francis and Thompson Roads. Durrell worked the farm in the 1930s and 1940s.

Charles was raised in the original house together with his sister Margaret (deceased) and his brother James. Charles’ childhood bedroom has a soft spot on the

floor where the dentist’s hole had been.

Cotton was the only cash crop for Durrell. He relied on a two-mule team to turn the earth and a single mule rig for plowing, all done by hand. In the fall the family picked the cotton by hand and took it by wagon to the cotton gin where the seeds were separated from the cotton and returned to Durrell for the next year’s crop.

Ten acres were devoted to corn, mainly for family consumption as cornbread and for animal feed.

During World War 2 Durrell ran one of 12 sawmills owned by the Campbell Coal Company. “He could look at a truck full of lumber and tell what it weighed,” Charles recalls.

Following World War 2 Durrell built three chicken houses behind his house and went into the poultry business. He raised thousands of Rhode Island Red chicks for a local hatchery and returned them to the hatchery after 16 weeks before

they started laying eggs. As a teenager Charles worked in the chicken houses together with his future wife Faye Eubanks. They had known each other since the fourth grade at Hopewell Elementary School. Both have painful memories of the chickens pecking at their legs.

In 1952 Durrell sold 30 acres on Thompson Rd for $1500 because Durrell wanted to buy a new two-tone blue Chevrolet. Charles paid his dad $50 for one acre on Thompson Road where he and Faye now live.

Seven generations lived in the original house until it was sold in November 2022 to Ryan and Lindsey Sather. The Francis family did not want to sell the house to anyone who would tear it down. Fortunately, Ryan is a builder with a keen sense of history. He and Lindsey are excited to own the property and have already started renovation and enlargement that preserves the look and beauty of the original structure. Ryan is adding bedrooms for their two boys, a dining room and porch. He is restoring the original pine siding on the exterior. He says “driving a nail into that old Southern Pine was almost impossible.” When he dug the foundation Ryan found an old plow, barber shop scissors and some broken china. Ryan confesses that “owning and renovating a historic home has been a dream ever since I got into construction.”

Charles’ sister Margaret Francis (19312018) and her husband Pete Austin (19262016) built a house on Francis Road next door to the original house circa 1954. Their daughter Phyllis Francis Austin and her sisters Sheila and Janis were raised in the house. Phyllis and Janis remained in the home after their parents died. Sheila lives on Thompson Road.

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 local history.

BOB MEYERS Columnist

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

This historic home is undergoing extensive renovation and restoration. The vinyl siding is being removed exposing the original Southern Pine siding dating back prior to 1885. The well seasoned wood is in excellent condition and is strong and dense making it an ideal wood for siding.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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

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Dunwoody Door

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770-393-1652

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Belco

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BelcoInc.com and follow us on: 770-455-4556

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SANDY SPRINGS-Arlington Memorial Park

2 Niches, side by side Sunrise Chapel Mausoleum Valued at 5K each, asking $2500 each 404-403-9134

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MATTHEW THE HANDYMAN

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

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