Sandy Springs Crier - August 17, 2023

Sandy Springs hosts National Night Out 2023

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Splatter Studio sparks creativity

Business encourages patrons to immerse themselves in art

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — What makes art, art? Is art just paint on a canvas, clay on a wheel, or a moment in time frozen by an expertly snapped picture?

For the folks at The Splatter Studio in Sandy Springs, art goes beyond any form or medium, becoming a fullbody experience that can inspire talent, emotion and creativity in even the least artistic of us.

Opened in 2020 by Howard Krinsky, owner of the Atlanta-based art supply store Binders, The Splatter Studio offers customers a chance to become Jackson Pollock for an hour or two by creating personal artworks in

a riotous frenzy of paint.

Jenna Rees, chief brand officer for The Splatter Studio, said the business’s mission of being a “contemporary action painting experience” pays tribute to the Abstract Expressionism period in art history, where artists like Pollock, Willem De Kooning, Lee Krasner and others started experimenting with non-objective paintings, made through new techniques.

“Instead of just a traditional brush, they were using sticks and brooms, and whatever they could find,” Rees said. “It was a full body experience, experimental, and the paintings were totally nonobjective.”

Youth sports organizations flock to join Braves league

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves honored leaders from Sandy Springs and other North Georgia cities July 31 as part of an announcement for a new Georgia youth sports league — the Braves Country Baseball and Softball Association.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and representatives from other local sports programs were called onto the field at Truist Park ahead of the Braves game to announce the new organization which will provide league and all-star tournament play for kids 5 to 12 years old.

Through the program, which launches in March, players will have the chance to represent their communities in district, regional and state tournaments, as well as the “Braves Country Championship” held at the end of June.

“We are launching Braves Country Baseball and Softball to help create access to high-quality baseball and softball play at the local level,” said Greg McMichael, Atlanta Braves Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Growing the Game.

“With current partners across Georgia and Alabama, the Braves aim to launch this new program with youth baseball associations in every state

See BASEBALL, Page 6

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA Splatter Studios on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs offers customers a place to unleash their inner Jackson Pollock, by making creative and personal action paintings using a variety of tools and paints.

See SPLATTER, Page 8

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Appen Media requested to see public payroll records for the City of Sandy Springs.

In its response, the city redacted the names of every member of the police department, including former employees and the police chief. The names of other members of the Public Safety Department, such as firefighters and EMTs, were visible.

In 2022 the personnel budget of the police department, made up of the 199 names hidden from public payroll records, was $19.4 million.

Sandy Springs is the only city Appen Media covers that did not provide access to this public information.

Records provided by the City of Sandy Springs redact names of police employees, such as the police chief, above. At the same time, the record clearly names other members of the Public Safety Department, like Fire Chief Sanders. What do you think? Send thoughts, questions and tips to newsroom@appenmedia.com

Dunwoody’s Grogan named Police Chief of the Year

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police named Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan the 2023 Outstanding Chief of the Year at a summer training conference in Savannah July 25.

Grogan was selected for the award for his proactive contributions to his police department, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the law enforcement community, officials said.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. During the nearly nine years

I’ve worked with him, I’ve been impressed by his commitment to his job, his team, and this city,” Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said. “This statewide recognition reinforces what we already know about Chief Grogan. His dedication has kept the Dunwoody Police Department as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state.”

Grogan started his career in law enforcement in 1981 with the Marietta Police Department where he rose to the rank of deputy police chief. He was named Dun-

woody police chief when the city incorporated in 2008.

While accepting his award at the summer training conference, Grogan thanked his family, peers and employees for their support throughout his career.

“I appreciate this honor very much,” he said. “I’ve been working in this field for 41 years and I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it.”

— Alexander Popp

AUSTIN Milton

CONROY Roswell GROGAN Dunwoody MITCHELL Johns Creek

ROBISON Alpharetta

NAME REDACTED Sandy Springs

Johns Creek resident inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

DETROIT — Johns Creek resident and former Harlem Globetrotter Tyrone Brown has been inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame.

Brown was honored alongside 25 other basketball legends including, ESPN Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale, Detroit Pistons legends Earl Lloyd, Isiah Thomas, Earl Cureton, Terry Mills and John Long at a ceremony held for the American Basketball Hall of Fame 2022 and 2023 classes in Detroit, Mich., June 25.

“I am deeply grateful to LaMont Robinson, CEOFounder of the American Basketball Hall of Fame and the Harlem Globetrotters organization for the opportunity to stand alongside so many legends who love basketball,” Brown said.

Brown, a native of Savannah, is recognized as one of the greats in Harlem Globetrotters history with a social impact that extended well beyond the bounds of the court, officials said.

The former Globetrotter currently serves as a literacy and character educational speaker at school districts, corporations and nonprofits across the United States and Canada. He also founded the Ambassadors of Responsibility Foundation to enable former teammates to better serve elementary and middle school students across the country.

“I am honored, thankful and humbled by this recognition and dedicate it to the children I’ve entertained and talked to at schools across the country about the importance of reading, goal setting and hard work,” he said.

—Alexander Popp

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Sandy Springs theater group sets ‘Legally Blonde’ show

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The City Springs Theatre Conservatory will present “Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.” Aug. 25 and 26 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

The Conservatory, an arts education program of the City Springs Theatre Company, will include 38 Metro Atlanta students in the show.

Harrison High School student Kennedy Johnson will play the lead role of Elle Woods. Other roles include Sati Rogerson as Emmet, Gabe Payne as Warner and Rhylee Mirus as Paulette.

“This dynamic cast are all members of our conservatory program, where in addition to bringing this beloved production to life, they work throughout the year on honing their acting, dancing and singing skills to pursue their passion for musical theatre,” Theatre Executive Director Natalie DeLancey said.

The Theatre Company’s Conservatory program offers training and practice for young people in the performing arts.

The Conservatory includes a college preparatory exam, a summer high school musical, a pre-professional program, annual participation in the international Junior Theater Festival and private lessons in voice, acting and dance.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 25, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 26 in the Studio Theatre at 1 Galambos Way in Sandy Springs.

Tickets can be purchased at CitySpringsTheatre.com. Prices range from $18-$25 and $15-20 for students.

— Shelby Israel

Vehicle wreck seriously injures I-285

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Reports said a white Nissan sedan was traveling westbound on I-285 near the Ashford Dunwoody Road bridge at about 3:30 a.m. when the driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a median.

After veering across all lanes of the highway, the Nissan struck a guardrail and the driver was ejected from the vehicle with serious injuries.

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Police said the driver, a 19-year-old man, was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.

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The sedan, which came to a rest in the center of I-285, was struck moments later by a Ford SUV. However, the Ford’s driver was not injured in the second crash.

This wreck is now part of an active investigation and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Guinevere.Wiencek@dunwoodyga.gov.

— Alexander Popp

PHOTO PROVIDED

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2023

PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs hosts National Night Out 2023

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — For more than three hours Aug. 1, Sandy Springs first responders met with city residents during the annual National Night Out 2023 event. During the event, aimed at improving community engagement with law enforcement and other professionals, young residents were able to look inside police

cars, fire trucks and SWAT vehicles. The community was also treated to the sight of a police helicopter landing on Mt. Vernon Highway.

The National Night Out was hosted by the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks, Police and Fire departments.

— Alexander Popp

Walker to be recognized at financial planning convention

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Appen Media columnist Lewis J. Walker will be honored as a pioneer in the profession of financial planning at the 2023 Financial Planning Association convention Sept. 27-29 in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Financial Planning Association is the largest membership organization in America representing financial planners, with a primary focus on supporting Certified Financial Planners. FPA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of birth of the profession based on the graduation of the first group of CFP practitioners in 1973. Financial planning, now often called “financial life planning,” is an established profession across the globe.

Walker, MBA, CFP®, CEPA®, graduated with the third class from the Col-

Baseball:

Continued from Page 1

across Braves Country.”

Sandy Springs Youth Sports is one of 16 leagues in Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee and DeKalb counties that helped found the new Braves Country Baseball and Softball Association.

League officials said that number will likely grow quickly and widely.

“Over the next few months, I fully expect almost every local Youth Sports program around Atlanta will eventually join the Braves Country Baseball and Softball

lege for Financial Planning in 1975. He was the 171st CFP designee in the world when “financial planning” was a concept in search of definition. As an early graduate of the college, Walker is being saluted as a “pioneer of the profession” at the convention in Phoenix.

In 1980, Walker, who lives in Johns Creek, joined the Board of Directors of the Institute for Certified Financial Planners (ICFP), serving as national president from 1986-1987, and chairman from 1987-1988. The ICFP was a forerunner of today’s Financial Planning Association. He established an independent financial planning firm in Atlanta in 1976. After 40 years of practice, he sold the firm in 2016, merging Walker Capital Management, Inc., with Keen

Insight Group, to form Capital Insight Group, a multi-advisor ensemble practice based in Peachtree Corners. Walker continues to serve as a senior advisor with Capital Insight Group.

He was a frequent contributor to the Journal of Financial Planning, including authorship of the long running “Future Trends” column. For years, Walker has been a weekly columnist for the Dunwoody Crier newspaper, and his column is now carried in five other Appen newspapers in Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs and Forsyth County.

He is the recipient of the 2004 Managed Account Pioneer Award from the Money Management Institute for his work in the development of separate ac-

count money management resources as an adjunct to tax-efficient asset management. He was a first recipient of the FPA of Georgia HONORS award in 2002 and is the 2011 P. Kemp Fain, Jr., award honoree presented by the FPA.

Walker holds a B.S. degree in international transportation from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and an MBA in marketing from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. A former U.S. Air Force officer, he is a Vietnam veteran, having served in country 1963-1964. Travel is his passion, and he has roamed all seven of earth’s diverse continents, including Antarctica and Arctic regions, living the dream to “worry less and wander more.”

Association,” Colan Wheat, president of Sandy Springs Youth Sports said. “Youth sports should be accessible to all kids, and in Braves Country, we’re going to make that happen.”

Other teams represented in the new association include the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association and Hopewell Youth Association in Fulton County, East Side Baseball Association in Cobb County, the North Gwinnett Baseball and Softball Association in Gwinnett County and the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association which represents 92 parks across the state. Visit www.Braves.com/BCBS for more information about the association.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Top, young players from the Sandy Springs Youth Sports league will now be able to compete with other baseball and softball payers across the state thanks to a new Atlanta Braves association. Bottom, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul is recognized at the Atlanta Braves game July 31.

Political funding group forms ahead of Milton election

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Adam Hollingsworth, Milton resident and former chief of staff for Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott, calls his independent expenditure committee Milton Families First a “grassroots movement” he hopes will last for “years and years and years.”

Different from political action committees (PAC), an independent committee is a group that does not coordinate with individual candidates, according to the State Ethics Commission. It expends funds to affect the outcome of an election.

An independent expenditure committee can spend as much as it likes so long as it is completely divorced from any one candidate.

Milton Families First is the only active, independent committee registered in Milton and one of just a few in North Fulton.

Hollingsworth, president of Milton Families First, said he formed the group because some of the city’s leaders “have put their self-interests above those who they were elected to serve.” The committee boasts three founding principles — government transparency and accountability, public safety and responsible growth.

“We hope to build Milton Families First as a place to give the citizenry a seat at a really important table,” he said.

When asked how his background in politics informs Milton Families First, Hollingsworth said his background as a citizen is what’s most important.

“I've served in government. I've been a citizen who has interacted with government at every level, just like every citizen in Milton, and what's most important to

me is the functionality and responsiveness of government,” he said.

The Milton City Council’s three Post 2 seats are up for election in November. Two residents have announced their candidacy on the council — Doug Hene to replace Councilman Paul Moore in District 2 and Phil Cramer to replace Councilman Rick Mohrig in District 3. Both seats are ones Hollingsworth said his committee is “focusing” on.

Neither Moore or Mohrig have announced whether they will run for reelection. Moore has filed a declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions, however. No one has announced for the District 1, Post 2 seat now held by Councilwoman Carol Cookerly.

“Unfortunately, what we know is that in the case of Paul Moore, he was unanimously found to have violated multiple sections of the Milton Ethics Code, and then two appeals courts refused to even take up his appeal,” Hollingsworth said.

Last August, Moore was charged with three ethics violations when he voted to defer a council decision related to White Columns — a subdivision of about 440 homes, where he lives. Hollingsworth serves as the White Columns Community Association secretary. Milton Families First Treasurer Tony Palazzo is the White Columns president.

“In the case of Rick Mohrig, we've read your reporting, we've read the reporting from others in the community that make it clear that he crossed a line in engaging in the way in which Milton’s city elections could and should be administered,” Hollingsworth said.

In recent months, records surfaced showing Mohrig made several personal requests to Milton City Manager Steve

Krokoff to interview Vernetta Nuriddin for a position as an elections consultant. Nuriddin was hired in late May.

Reporting requirements

While Milton Families First does not coordinate with candidates, Hollingworth admits he and Hene’s kids attend Kings Ridge Christian School and that he and Hene are in the same men’s prayer group. On the other hand, Hollingsworth said he met Cramer for the first time when he first considered running about a month ago.

Hene has a campaign war chest of $77,000, according to a July Campaign Contribution Disclosure Report.

Hollingsworth and Palazzo would not disclose how much money their committee has raised since its July 19 registration. Attorney R. Mansell McCord, former treasurer of the Georgia GOP, registered the committee.

“You’ll see on the Sept. 1 filing,” Palazzo said.

The State Ethics Commission requires an independent committee to file reports on the first day of each of the two months preceding an election. It also requires the committee to file a report two weeks before the election, then a final report before Dec. 31 of the election year. The committee also must file supplemental reports on June 30 and Dec. 31 of each year that it continues to accept contributions or make expenditures.

Trouble in White Columns

The White Columns HOA Board has seen major criticism in recent months. Some residents in the subdivision have said the board has lacked transparency — one of the cornerstones of Milton Families First’s founding.

One issue cited by residents who contacted Appen Media, was a “secret”

personal transportation vehicle path project no longer in the works after a negative response from the community. The path would have connected the gated section to the White Columns Country Club.

Responding to the complaint, Hollingsworth said it is part of his job as a neighborhood leader to address issues raised by residents.

“[The project is] a great example of where leaders have to adjust and adapt and be responsive to the community, even if the leader's opinion and desire is inconsistent with that of the community,” Hollingsworth said.

Residents of the non-gated section of White Columns were not aware of the path project until March, nor its $47,000 estimated cost. But Hollingsworth said the project was exclusively funded by gated residents, who had been informed about the plan since it began more than a year ago.

Residents have also criticized the way the HOA Board’s fall 2022 elections were handled. Hollingsworth, who was on the ballot, received cast proxies as the secretary, but he said this was in line with the community’s governing documents.

There were other ways White Columns residents could participate in the election, Hollingsworth said, including sending proxies to the property manager.

Questions also surround the proxies themselves. Hollingsworth ran in a slate with other candidates, and pre-filled DocuSign proxies were circulated throughout the community, but he said residents had the option to vote for individual candidates.

“We have made the bold and courageous decision to be public about advocating for important principles in government, which certainly makes us ripe for those who want to throw stones,” Hollingsworth said.

Milton’s New Fire Station 42 opens for operation

MILTON, Ga. — Fire Station 42 is back on Thompson Road. Firefighters moved into the brand-new facility July 31.

The station sits in the same place as a former Fulton County structure Milton firefighters called home for many years until its demolition, a step necessary so the new state-of-the-art station could rise in its place.

While the new Station 42 was being built, crews worked out of Bethwell Community Center near Cogburn Road and Francis Road. That made for a tight squeeze because the center wasn’t designed for firefighter operations. But Milton-Fire Rescue made it work.

Now, the firefighters are in their

permanent home. While it will take a few days to fully move in, the new Fire Station 42 qualifies as an upgrade in many ways with its distinctive “great room” to its sleeping quarters to the looping driveway that allows emergency vehicles to get in and out easily.

“We’re excited that this day has come so our crews now can make the most of this terrific Station 42, and we’re thankful to all those who helped make it happen,” said Milton Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa. “The new Station 42 will be a great work and home-base for our firefighters as they serve our community for many years.”

CITY OF MILTON/PROVIDED

The new Fire Station 42 on Thompson Road includes a looping driveway that allows emergency vehicles to get in and out easily.

Splatter:

Continued from Page 1

Today, customers at The Splatter Studio are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the process of making art, in whatever way feels right to them.

“It's very therapeutic for people, a lot of people say that it's kind of like unofficial art therapy,” Rees said. “Action painting is all about experiencing the process of art making and not really being too attached to like the end result. It's not about coming in here and being an exceptional artist or creating a work of art that is necessarily going to make you famous.”

With admission to a “splatter session,” customers are given a protective poncho or Tyvek suit, goggles, paint sticks, brushes, paint blasters (squirt guns made from a foam material) and squirt bottles, along with a colorful panoply of paints, then set loose on a 16- by 20-inch canvas.

The reckless abandon and heights that past customers have gone to create their art, can be seen in the layers of paint coating nearly every wall in The Splatter Studio, all the way up to its lofty rafters.

Some customers, even people who have never shown any interest in the arts, find something inside them that has to come out when they step up to the canvas. And Rees said they are glad to be the ones sparking that creation.

“It's typically the people that say, ‘Oh, I've never even done anything like this before’ that come out with something really interesting,” she said.

Beyond the basic session, which costs $45 on weekdays and $65 on the weekends, The Splatter Studio offers a host of other classes, parties and experiences at their locations in Sandy Springs and Virginia Highlands.

“We just recently launched some new products at our Virginia Highlands location that are coming soon to Sandy Springs, one of which is a collaborative splatter session,” Rees said. “So rather than coming with your friend, each do your own painting, you're now coming together to create one larger painting.”

The business has attached itself to the idea of making sessions a bonding, teambuilding, or dating activity, with a new “date and create” session for couples, an adults-only session held each Friday night in Sandy Springs, and sessions held specifically for teambuilding within families, companies and other groups.

The Splatter Studio co-owner Fabrice Werner said over the past year, the Sandy Springs location has shown them how well the action painting experience works for business and corporate groups.

“We want to bring together two worlds, the art and the business world,”

he said. “So, for instance, if you have a challenge around change management, that's one of the things we can work on together.”

But no matter what group or individual is in their studio, the joy they witness firsthand each session shows them they are on the right path.

“I think the word fun is also something that is on top of my mind,” Werner said. “Over the weekend, we were quite busy, and I could hear people laughing, having a great time … it's not usually something you see too often, different ages, different people, from the youngest to the oldest, they are having a great time. This is really what I love about it.”

The Splatter Studio is in the Parkside Shops shopping center at 5920 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. To learn more about The Splatter Studio and how to book a session, visit thesplatterstudio. com.

TOP ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA, BOTTOM SPLATTER STUDIO/PROVIDED

At The Splatter Studio, a Contemporary Action Painting Experience in Sandy Springs, customers are given the opportunity to create one painting, or many, by flinging, shooting and throwing paint.

“It’s very therapeutic for people, a lot of people say that it’s kind of like unofficial art therapy.”

JENNA REES

Chief brand officer for The Splatter Studio

ALIVE IN ROSWELL

What: Alive in Roswell is a free familyfriendly monthly festival held every third Thursday evening from April through October, featuring music, food trucks, 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, Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Canton Street & Roswell Antique and Interiors lot, Roswell

More info: aliveinroswell.com

CITY GREEN LIVE: GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

What: Grand Funk Railroad, which laid the groundwork for bands like Foreigner, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard-driving sound and soulful vocals, will perform. The opening band will be Sailing to Denver. Lawn seating is free, and blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are allowed.

When: Friday, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

MILTON FARMERS MARKET

What: Every Saturday morning through October, more than a dozen vendors set up shop around Milton City Hall with fresh produce, fresh meat, sweets, coffee and tea, flowers, soaps, jewelry and more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Where: Milton City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton

More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

THE ROSWELL MUSIC CLUB AT MIMOSA HALL: DENIELLE WILSON

What: Presented as part of the monthly classical pop-up series at Mimosa Hall, cellist Denielle Wilson will perform. She has taught privately and publicly, and performed in solo, chamber and orchestral settings throughout

MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT: ‘THE LION KING’

What: Bring a picnic or choose your dinner from a food truck and enjoy “The Lion King” on the big screen at this free event. The movie begins after sunset.

When: Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

the Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte metropolitan areas. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

When: Sunday, Aug. 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Mimosa Hall, 127 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell

Cost: $35

More info: roswellartsfund.org/popup

MJCCA PRESENTS AUTHOR ALICE HOFFMAN

What: The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will host a discussion with Alice Hoffman, author of “The Invisible Hour.” Tickets include a presigned book.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Road, Dunwoody

Cost: $36

More info: atlantajcc.org

DUNWOODY FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS

What: Sweet and savory food trucks will be available at this weekly event.

When: Thursday, Aug. 24, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody

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.

AUGUST 17 AUGUST 27

More info: facebook.com/ dunwoodyfoodtruckthursdays

MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT:

‘THE LION KING’

What: Bring a picnic or choose your dinner from a food truck and enjoy “The Lion King” on the big screen at this free event. The movie begins after sunset.

When: Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Amphitheater Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

CHRIS STAPLETON’S ALL-AMERICAN ROAD SHOW

What: Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Chris Stapleton is an American singersongwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Stapleton has been recognized with several awards including eight Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards. He was also named the ACM’s Artist-Songwriter of the Decade.

When: Friday & Saturday, Aug. 25-26, 7 p.m.

Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre,

2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta

Cost: Tickets from $190

More info: livenation.com

RIVERSOUND SOUNDS: JAKE LA BOTZ

What: Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and friends for a night along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, filled with music from singer-songwriter Jake La Botz. Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverages, but there will also be vendors onsite, while supplies last.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell

More info: roswellgov.com

BJ WILBANKS

What: Georgia-based BJ Wilbanks’s exploration of love and the pursuit of enlightenment has been referred to as “Back Porch Soul,” fusing the musical roots of Americana, Motown and Delta Blues into a blend of Southern Rock.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 8-10 p.m.

Where: Matilda’s Music Under the Pines, 850 Hickory Flat Road, Milton Cost: $28.50

More info: matildasmusicvenue.com

I have shared the history of the Roswell Railroad in this column at least 10 times over the years. In case you missed it, the railroad traveled from Chamblee through Dunwoody and on toward Roswell twice a day from 1881 until 1921. Ike Roberts was engineer of the railroad for the entire 40 years.

Dinky was not the only Dinky

Stories of the Roswell Railroad tell of an engine that went by the name Buck or Old Buck and another engine called Dinky. However, Dinky is not a unique name for an engine. There have been Dinkys across the U.S., and as the name would suggest, they were small engines.

In 1942 a photo was taken of another nearby Dinky which ran from a rock quarry at Stone Mountain to the town of Stone Mountain. The train had a V for victory painted across it and was about to be cut up and contributed to the metal drive of World War II. (The DeKalb News Sun, July 22, 1981)

There is a Dinky on display in Conyers, Georgia, across from the original train depot. According to georgiaencyclopedia.org, the 1905 Rogers steam locomotive model is one of three remaining in the world.

There was a group several years ago that gathered at Heritage Sandy Springs to see if Roswell Railroad’s Dinky or Buck could be located. The group did not locate the original engines.

Roswell Railroad went to Roswell

The Roswell Railroad never crossed the Chattahoochee River and never went into Roswell. The original plan for the railroad would have taken it into the town of Roswell where Oxbo Road and Atlanta Street meet, according to historian Michael Hitt.

Stone embankments built along Vickery Creek were intended to accommodate the tracks. However, the cost of building a bridge across the Chattahoochee River was so great, it never happened. The Roswell Depot was built on the Sandy Springs side of the river, up on a hill across from engineer Ike Roberts’ house. The depot burned down in the 1950s. (Atlanta Constitution, June 1, 1994, “Historian tracks Roswell Railroad”)

Lesser-known facts about the Roswell Railroad

PROVIDED

A Roswell Railroad dog story

In 1961, 74-year-old Carl Wallace of Chamblee shared memories of the Roswell Railroad with The Neighbor Newspaper. He remembered how the sound of the train whistle would send his dog Bob running toward the engine to catch the evening paper as it was tossed to him.

Chamblee was Roswell Junction

According to “Ghost Trains and Depots of Georgia,” by Les H. Winn, it was the officials of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, owners of the Roswell Railroad at the time, who changed the name of the depot from Roswell Junction to Chamblee around 1887.

Winn says, “As the community around the depot grew and prospered, the name Chamblee stuck.”

When the Southern Railway was formed in 1894, the stock of Richmond and Danville Railroad became part of the assets of Southern Railway.

The Roswell Railroad carried mail

Lizzie Newhard recalled that her father Joberry Cheek had to drive a wagon to pick up Dunwoody mail before the Roswell Railroad was in operation. The Roswell Railroad’s Dinky,

“replaced the mail wagon in bringing postal service to the area.” Once the railroad stopped running, mail was again delivered by wagon and later by automobile.

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.

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

Columnist

The Roswell Depot was located on the Sandy Springs side of the Chattahoochee River. This 1912 photo appears in Les R. Winn’s “Ghost Trains & Depots of Georgia.”

This 1887 image of a Roswell Railroad schedule was shared by Douglas van Veelen, who studied and treasured railroad history.

PRESERVING THE PAST

The rise and fall of train travel

The Roswell Railroad and other considerations

The rise and fall of train travel, The Roswell Railroad and other considerations

Railroads played a vital role as the United States expanded westward in the 19th century. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was the first railroad chartered in the United States, and 14 miles of track were opened in 1830. It operated under horsepower until the following year when an Americanmade steam locomotive was put into service. The South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company completed a 136 mile railroad in 1833, making it the longest steam railroad in the world. New railroads came quickly, almost haphazardly, most of which were shortdistance passenger lines that were not profitable. They could not compete with canals and stagecoach operators, and some railroads were abandoned before they were completed. Railroads gradually proved their worth, however, and in 1869 the Intercontinental Railroad joining the east and west coasts of America was completed.

In Georgia, in response to anticipated competition from the South Carolina railroad, a group of Savannah businessmen established the Central Railroad and Canal Company which became the Central of Georgia Railway. After receiving a charter from the state Legislature in 1833, the company started construction in 1835, and a 190-mile line from Savannah to Macon was built.

The following years witnessed a frenzy of construction. The Georgia Railroad and Banking Company built a line from Augusta to Marthasville (later Atlanta) in 1845. In 1851, the Georgia state-owned Western and Atlantic Railroad connected Chattanooga with Terminus (also later Atlanta). By 1855, Georgia’s major cities and towns were linked by railroad.

After the Civil War, new railroads were built and existing lines were consolidated into larger systems. In 1892, Southern Railway was created by financier J. P. Morgan out of the financial ruin of two failed railroads. Southern became one of the leading systems in Georgia in the 20th century.

The golden age of railroading lasted from the 1880s to the 1920s when alternative modes of transportation eroded the railroads’ dominant position. Passenger service declined steadily beginning in 1920 due to the growing popularity of automobiles, which stimulated construction of new roads which facilitated the rise of truck freight hauling. Then came the airplane. In the 1960s and 1970s, railroad stations in many cities and towns were demolished or put to other uses.

Today in Georgia, rail freight is transported by two lines, CSX and Norfolk Southern. Passenger service is available on three Amtrack routes.

Roswell Railroad

The Roswell Railroad ran from south of Roswell to Chamblee. It was in operation from 1881 until 1921, inde-

pendently at first. Beginning in 1894 the line was operated by the Southern Railway.

Roswell Railroad was one of many short-line railroads in north Georgia, and like most similar railroads, it suffered economic challenges which were amply covered by the Atlanta Constitution newspaper. According to Michael Hitt, author of the book “History of the Roswell Railroad,” 1994, the railroad was originally going to go from Roswell to Atlanta. Work stopped during the Civil War near Roswell Junction (now Chamblee). It began operations almost 28 years after the idea for a railroad was first put forward.

The railroad was narrow gauge (3 foot) which cost about one fourth the amount of a standard gauge line (4 foot, 9 inches) to build and operate. The narrow gauge tracks were broadened in 1903 to standard gauge. The line was 9.8 miles long and had a rolling stock consisting of one locomotive nicknamed Buck, one passenger/baggage car, two box cars, and four flat cars. One of its primary purposes was to support the work of the fabric mills of the Roswell Manufacturing Company which until then required five wagons and 10 mules to deliver its products to market. With the railroad, one wagon and two mules were sufficient.

In 1894 Southern Railway Company took over operation of the Roswell Rail line. This was also the first year the name Chamblee was used instead of Roswell Junction. The people living around Roswell Junction wanted to have their own post office. Postal officials would not grant the request because its postmark could be confused with Roswell’s. So, the town’s name was changed to Chamblee

This postcard dates from circa 1900. The Roswell Railroad ran for 9.8 miles from a terminus south of Roswell to Chamblee, making four stops en route. It was in operation from 1881 until 1921 at first independently. Beginning in 1894 the Southern Railway took over operations. Note the pile of lumber in the foreground. Short line railroads often transported lumber on flatcars. The train was powered by a steam locomotive named “Buck.” Below: The Chamblee railroad station in 1908. The location was originally called Roswell Junction. To avoid confusion with Roswell, the town was named Chamblee.

BOB MEYERS

Columnist

ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY/PROVIDED

MICHAEL HITT/PROVIDED See MEYERS, Page 15

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Meyers:

Continued from Page 11

which is still used to this day.

In 1920 the Southern Company began efforts to discontinue the Roswell Railroad because it was a consistent money loser. Southern Company maintained that the increasing cost of operating a small line due to the development of a good road system and automobile and truck transportation had destroyed most of the line’s passenger and freight business. The line ceased service in 1921.

Today, only hardy explorers can find any traces of the old railroad, but it earned an important place in the history of north Fulton.

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.