CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
A map shows plans for a proposed sidepath along Roberts Drive in Sandy Springs’ North End. A resident who lives along the corridor is lobbying the city to reconsider plans for a 12-footwide path on Roberts Drive from Roswell Road to Dunwoody Place.
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs City Council discussed ways it might better prioritize commercial and residential areas in need of sidewalks Sept. 3.
At issue is millions of dollars in transportation sales tax money the city has programmed for pedestrian improvements.
Most existing sidewalks in Sandy Springs and Metro Atlanta are around 5 feet wide with a two-foot buffer.
With a drive for alternative transportation and walkability from the Atlanta Regional Commission, new multi-use trails or sidepaths can be anywhere from 8 to 12 feet wide. The terms sidepath or multi-use trail are used to designate a paved route wider than a sidewalk.
Bill Griffith, who has spoken at every
public comment opportunity since May 21, gave another set of “tweaks” to the city’s plan for an 8-foot-wide sidepath along Roberts Drive.
The city plans for an $11 million multi-use sidepath along the corridor from Roswell Road (Ga. 9) to Dunwoody Place.
Griffith, who lives on Roberts Drive, objects to the city’s scoping study for the proposed sidepath.
He said he uses the existing 5-footwide sidewalk on Roberts Drive multiple times a week with bicyclists and pedestrians passing one another without issue.
“This is important, a portion of the proposed sidepath is 8 feet wide with a two-foot-wide landscape strip,” he said. “However, much of the proposed sidepath is 12 feet wide with a 5-foot-wide landscape strip; that’s 17 feet, equivalent to one-and-a-half vehicle travel
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — When Shuler Hensley was growing up in Marietta and attending Westminster Schools in the early 1980s, there were few opportunities for young aspiring actors in Metro Atlanta.
Downtown Atlanta had the Fox Theatre and some private schools with theater programs, but there was nothing like the City Springs Theatre Conservatory’s Pre-Pro Company.
Created after City Springs Theatre Company’s first two performances of its 2018 inaugural season, the Conservancy’s youth training programs
prepare aspiring thespians for their first vocal, acting and dance auditions.
Hensley said the area’s young talent always impresses him when he returns from his work on Broadway. Today, there is a musical theater ecosystem in north Metro Atlanta, which simply didn’t exist a generation ago.
“Back in those days, if you had someone who could be a triple threat, which is great dancer, singer and actor all rolled into one person, that was considered extremely rare,” Hensley said. “Now, all these kids are triple threats … the PrePro program is so good at the practical things.”
See HENSLEY, Page 15
lanes.”
Grifith said 8-foot-wide sidepaths with 2-foot buffers along the corridor would avoid infringing on protected neighborhoods and cost escalation.
“That’s consistent with the goals of the [Roberts Drive scoping] study,” Griffith said. “And it will save a lot of money.”
The city has been forced to place sharper focus on sidewalk projects as the price of concrete has increased 40 percent since early 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sandy Springs Public Works Director Marty Martin said his staff is working on scoring sidewalk project candidates in preparation for next year’s update to the Sandy Springs Transportation Master Plan, which was funded in the 2025 budget.
See COUNCIL, Page 13
and
for the seventh season of productions at the
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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 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.
‘Sex
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center announced Candace Bushnell, best-selling novelist and the creative mind behind “Sex and the City,” will be at Byers Theatre Oct. 5.
Author of the "Sex and the City" column for the New York Observer, Bushnell inspired the HBO series of the same name, which aired from 1998 to 2004. The city invites the public to “an unforgettable girls' night out” with Bushnell, starting at 8 p.m.
Tickets cost $35-$60.
To celebrate the show, members of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and their guests are invited to a special pop-up gathering, “Sex and the CityBar & Cafe,” at 6 p.m. Sept. 18.
Members can purchase tickets to Bushnell’s Oct. 5 show during the pop-up event. The first 30 members to sign up receive a meet-and-greet with the novelist on the night of her performance.
Bushnell has also published several internationally acclaimed and New York Times bestselling novels, including “Four Blondes,” “Trading Up,” “Lipstick Jungle” and “One Fifth Avenue.”
In her onstage memoir, “True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City,” she shares stories about fashion, literature and her experiences with sex.
Tickets for “True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City” are available at citysprings.com/events/candacebushnell.
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center memberships start at $500.
To learn more about becoming a member and attending this event, visit citysprings.com/memberships/.
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Lynn Stallings, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Atlanta Workshop Players, said her work involves teaching people to love.
The performing arts organization provides weekly classes in improv, acting essentials and on-camera acting, allowing clients to perform recorded scenes in a living room, kitchen or school. It also boasts a movie musical company, so students can sing, dance and act to original music for the big screen and earn IMDB credits.
“When you can have an effect, a positive effect, on other people — I think that’s what our purpose as humans is in life, is to take care of each other,” Lynn said. “If you can teach people to hate, you can certainly teach people to love, and that’s what we do.”
Sitting across from her husband Don Stallings and daughter Ashlyn Stallings in the studio’s Blackbox Theatre off Holcomb Bridge Road, Lynn provided the origin story of the Atlanta Workshop Players. The theater, an intimate setting, hosts improv comedy nights on Saturdays.
It was 1981, and while teaching acting classes, Lynn saw a void in venues where her students could perform. With a motto of “Kids Changing the World One Audience at a Time,” she founded the performing arts company and began touring schools. The young actors would share “something of importance to say,” or PSAs on social issues they brain-
stormed themselves, through original musicals.
“We were the first company that I know of that paid their kids, the performing kids, for their tour shows,” Lynn said.
The group toured for decades, producing one of Lynn’s favorite projects called “Masquerade” which is being developed into a movie. It’s about bullying.
it up at their performing arts non-
Lynn, Don and Ashlyn spent a week in Florida to write the screenplay, with Don doing a lot of pacing. A former student of the nonprofit is slated as the film’s composer.
“It’s very entertaining and very funny and also very powerful, and it just grabs your heart,” Lynn said.
See PLAYERS, Page 11
Atlanta school districts have increased police patrols and presence on campuses in the wake of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County Sept. 4 that killed four people.
School officials in Fulton County and DeKalb County school districts said their priority is to ensure students are safe back in class moving forward.
Nationwide, Americans are grappling with the largest school shooting since the March 2023 massacre at Covenant School in Nashville, which left six people dead.
A 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, faces four counts of felony murder after he allegedly brought an AR-15 into Apalachee High School and killed two 14-year-olds and two teachers.
Nine other people injured in the attack are reported to be recovering in area hospitals.
Fulton County Schools’ Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes said the district is collaborating with local police jurisdictions to have increased patrols on campuses for the next few days to support the FCS Police Department and increase visibility.
Like many school districts in Metro Atlanta, Noyes said FCS has made significant investments in safety resources and tools over the past several years.
In a letter to parents and guardians, Fulton County Schools first put the focus on supporting the entire Barrow County School District during such challenging times.
“Whenever something as shocking
and tragic as this happens, it impacts us all … we understand that incidents like these are deeply unsettling,” the letter said. “Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”
The letter stresses that there will be increased awareness of existing safety protocols in schools. It also encourages parents and guardians to speak with their children about their thoughts and feelings.
The DeKalb County School District issued a similar response Sept. 5, first extending condolences to Apalachee High School families and the entire Barrow County community.
“In times like these, it is crucial that we come together in solidarity to support one another and provide the necessary resources and care to navigate the challenging road ahead,” the letter said. “Our school counselors, social workers and psychologists are available to assist students, staff and parents/guardians in need of support.”
Tracey Whaley, the school district’s executive director of Public Safety, ordered his command staff and officers Sept. 4 to be in a heightened state of alert, saying the precautionary measure is not related to any known threats in the area but out of an abundance of caution.
DeKalb County School District also provided resources through the National Association of School Psychologists about talking to children about school shootings and violence.
To access the association’s website, visit www.nasponline.org/.
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — East Lake Foundation President and CEO Ilham Askia ensures that the historic golf club lives up to its motto, “Golf with a Purpose.”
With the PGA Tour’s 30 best golfers competing for the 2024 FedEx Cup and its $100 million purse, Askia said the club’s new fan experiences and amenities brought a lot of people to east Atlanta for the tournament.
She also said her team has been working for weeks in the lead up to the Tour Championship, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.
Renovations of the historic East Lake Golf Club, permanent home of the PGA Tour Championship since 2004, began the day after last year’s tournament ended.
Around 11 months and $30 million later, designer Andrew Green completed the course restoration, which is based off the discovery of aerial photos from 1949.
In short, the renovation of East Lake means the topography of the course matches its look like it did a century ago.
Improvements include a new irrigation system, more than 100 acres of new grass, faster green surfaces and redesigned hazards.
“They incorporated some stuff from the 1940s and brought some modern stuff in from today,” Askia said. “They wanted to up the complexity for the pros but have it still playable for the members.”
A few alumni of the 2019 state champion Charles R. Drew Charter School recognized Askia from her work in the community and gave their thoughts on the final nine holes of the 72-hole tournament.
The local Drew Charter boys golf team vaulted into the national spotlight in 2019 when it won its first state title at Southern Landings in Warner Robins. The team became the first from Atlanta Public Schools and comprised entirely of Black players to win a state golf championship.
Chris McCrary, member of the state championship team and Georgia Tech alumni, said he and his friends had been watching Sahith Theegala.
“He had a great tee shot on No. 8,” McCrary said. “He can really bang that driver.”
McCrary and the Drew Charter alumni were looking to catch a glimpse of Scottie Scheffler’s final holes after back-to-back bogies on No. 7 and 8 dropped his lead to just a few strokes.
Season makes history
Scheffler is the winner of the 2024 Masters Tournament, The Players Championship and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.
On top of that, he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational March 10, RBC Heritage April 22, Memorial Tournament June 9, Travelers Championship June 23 and set an Olympic record of 19-under, 265,
across 72 holes on his way to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
It’s been an exceptional season for Scheffler, and he did not let down his fans Sept. 1.
When his last putt dropped in front of the historic two-story clubhouse, Scheffler raised his putter in the air with one arm. The gesture seemed to recognize the significance of his accomplishments in 2024: lowest scoring average in PGA Tour history, most victories and season earnings since Tiger Woods in 2006-07 and the first win at East Lake on the redesigned course.
But Scheffler’s year also includes some other notable milestones.
The Louisville Metro Police Department charged him with felony assault of an officer the morning of May 17 at the 2024 PGA Championship, only to drop it a few days later.
Scheffler, in conversation with NBC’s Mike Tirico, went over his shank out of a green-side bunker on No. 8 and how the PGA Tour Champion rebounded.
“It’s a challenging week starting with the lead,” Scheffler said. “[There were] a lot of talented guys behind me that were really pushing me and trying to catch me, but fortunately, I had a nice week and was able to take this trophy home.”
When Tirico compared Scheffler’s season to some of Tiger Woods’ early 2000s greatness, cheers rang out again throughout the crowd.
“It’s hard to put into words what this year has been like for me,” Scheffler said,
Ironically, the only person to ever achieve the Grand Slam did not play professional golf.
Like so many things today, golf has changed significantly since Jones donned hickory clubs and a neck tie as he strolled up and down fairways at East Lake Golf Club.
The great grandchildren of those who watched Jones play golf nearly a century ago made their way to the permanent home of The Tour Championship Sept. 1 to see if Scottie Scheffler could maintain his five-shot lead heading into the final round.
Some of the patrons walking around East Lake and enjoying the PGA Tour’s top talent would not have been able to do so a hundred years ago. In fact, many residents in the community, like the Drew Charter boys golf team, would have been removed.
Ninety-six years have passed since Jones lifted the U.S. Open trophy, and a lot has changed for the better in the East Lake community.
Foundation goes beyond golf
In Deepak Chopra’s “Golf for Enlightenment,” the global leader in mindfulness and alternative medicine gives a host of thought-provoking quotes about how to approach the game of golf.
cracking a smile. “It’s been pretty emotional, there’s been a lot of stuff that’s gone on outside of golf.”
Scheffler and his wife Meredith celebrated the birth of their son just nine days before.
When Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced Scheffler’s Olympic gold medal, USA chants rang out across the gallery and clubhouse.
“Now you’re standing up here as FedEx Cup Champions, a tournament it takes 34 weeks to win and a trophy I know you fought so hard to win,” Monahan said. “Most importantly, when I look at this year, you were a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf.”
History matters at East Lake
Scottie Scheffler, like each generation’s most successful players, is tied to golf’s history.
Atlanta resident Bobby Jones, one of the most successful golfers in history, won his first tournament at East Lake at age 6 in 1908, the same year the final hole was completed.
Today, professional golf’s Grand Slam requires victories at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and the British Open.
Jones, the only golfer to ever capture all of golf’s major championships in one calendar year, did so winning the British Amateur and Open, as well as the U.S. Open and Amateur.
“Freedom comes when you see the built-in contradiction of trying to manipulate something that is going right to begin with,” Chopra wrote. “Stop trying to steer the river.”
There is a lot going right around East Lake Golf Club, Foundation President and CEO Ilham Askia said.
“Next month will be my two-year anniversary with the foundation, although I’ve been a part of this community for more than 20 years,” Askia said. “If people who are coming home, returning citizens, had an opportunity to be a part of a community like this, it would reduce recidivism.”
The Foundation began construction of the Trust at East Lake, a 40-home affordable housing project that looks to address the crisis in east Atlanta.
The neighborhood’s great asset, East Lake Golf Club and its Foundation, helps subsidize the housing development and make it a reality.
“‘Golf with a Purpose,’ is what the club says, and it’s truly golf with a purpose,” Askia said. “A portion of the proceeds are donated to the East Lake Foundation and four other nonprofits.”
The funds go directly into the surrounding community, including early learning centers and Drew Charter High School.
“This is our 29th year as a foundation, we just had a huge initiative … to address housing inequities,” Askia said. “I just encourage everyone, see what we’re doing next year for our 30th.”
Provided by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club
Industrial meets contemporary in this spectacular, three-story, new construction home that stands out in a neighborhood redefining itself. Black light fixtures and trim against glistening white brick are softened by a splash of Brazilian wood siding and a sweeping, well-tended lawn. Were your visit at night, discreet solar columns would light your path down the driveway.
This home is one of the beautiful homes featured in the 51st Annual Home Tour set for Wednesday, Oct 9, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is hosted by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club. All profits from the home tour are used to fulfill the club’s charitable initiatives. Home tour tickets can be purchased several ways, as outlined below at the end of this article.
Once across the threshold, you are likely to catch your breath in awe of the interior’s open design and soaring ceilings. Whitewashed oak flooring anchors the floor plan, complemented by white and intersecting charcoal gray accent walls.
From the entry, urban L-shaped stairs take you up to three en-suite bedrooms with a large gathering area for the household’s young people. You’ll know from the decor and collectables that this family embraces travel and surfing. Downward heading stairs take you to recreation rooms, an office/guest suite, and exit to an in-ground pool.
The main floor, however, offers the gems in this home. To the left of the entrance is a study with towering windows capturing light from outside. Ahead and again to the left is a comfortable living area with beamed ceiling, tan leather seating, and a charcoal gray wall housing a fireplace with TV above, and cabinetry and shelving on both sides.
Across from this seating area is the home’s contemporary, openair kitchen with Bosch appliances. Ample cabinetry with a sueded gray look is by German manufacturer Leicht … sleek and with no door handles. A large island that seats six is surfaced with easy-to-care-for Carrara quartz as are the backsplashes.
Tucked behind the kitchen is a walkin pantry, resplendent with dozens of spices. Their fragrance will dazzle you.
Across the back of the main floor is a covered deck with blue furnish -
Home Tour tickets are available now and can be purchased:
•To buy tickets online go to www.dunwoodywomansclub.com/ event-tickets/
• WILL CALL for tickets purchased online – Pick up on October 9 tour day beginning at 9:30 am – at
ings overlooking a forested backyard, and the family dining room which features a butterfly table that seats eight. Do take note of the unique chandelier and inset, charcoal gray wall with shelving and fridge for fine wine.
To the right of the dining room is the owner’s suite. Stepping into this oasis of soft grays and whites, with a bank of windows overlooking
Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody.
• To buy tickets in person go to The Enchanted Forest in Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center.
• You can buy tickets from any member of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club
•Scan the QR Code at right.
70-year-old trees, you will feel at one with nature. A walk-through bath with soaking tub circles you around to a laundry room with Grecian floor tiles, mudroom, access to the garage, and return to the entry.
This is a home that speaks loudly of modern ways but holds true to the love of family.
Be sure to check out the exciting raffle on the day of the tour for
a chance to win one of three prizes, all valued at $500 or more: a shopping spree at Lauderhill’s Fine Jewelry, a Woodhouse Spa basket and gift card, or a 2-hour design consultation with Linda Rickles Interiors. Both cash and credit cards are accepted to enter the raffle.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on tour day. We look forward to seeing you at the home tour and appreciate your support. Remember, profits of the tour help fund our charitable projects. Buy your tickets today! For more information about the Dunwoody Woman’s Club go to www.dunwoodywomansclub.com
Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety
of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
PROMPT APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE IN BROOKHAVEN, GA GENERAL,
We all know the future holds changes in our lives as we age. This September is Healthy Aging month, a time to take stock of where we are and make lifestyle improvements to follow our passions in life and maintain as much independence as possible.
The key to healthy aging is healthy living. By 2030, 1 in every 6 Americans will be over 65. This is leading to a new ways to think about the aging process. Assessing changes and taking steps now to improve your physical and mental fitness lets you take charge of your well-being. Here are some actions to consider.
Be proactive about regular checkups and tests. Preventive tests can catch changes early and help keep issues in check. This includes your vision and dental appointments. Research shows the increasing impact vision deterioration and dental problems can have on your entire body. Whether it’s a vision issue that increases your fall risk or periodontal disease that can have dietary and systemic impacts, consistent care leads to a better long term result. Keep moving! Exercise is great as we age, while inactivity accelerates the aging process. Make sure your doctor is on board with any new exercise or dietary program. It’s so important to understand the role exercise and nutrition plays in staying strong.
Boost your mental health and learn something new. New skills can improve cognitive abilities, expand your social connections and open avenues for social activities and interactions. Exercise, diet, proactive health care, social activi-
ties and learning can all contribute to a better sleep cycle and help you get a good night’s sleep. It may get harder to fall and stay asleep as you get older but we all still need seven to nine hours each night.
Healthy aging means it’s also important to understand the signals that some assistance is necessary. ADLs, or activities of daily living, are those activities that you don't think much about until you or your older loved one has trouble with them. These are activities like walking safely around the house, eating nutritious meals, being able to perform basic grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting and move safely from one space to another.
Other signals are more subtle and may not occur daily. Can your older loved one do the laundry, handle basic house cleaning, meal preparation and grocery shopping, pay their bills, drive or take public transportation? Do they know when to take their pills or what to do in an emergency?
A Home Helpers caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. With a heart centered approach and positive spirit, they can also help pursue a hobby, enjoy outings and community activities, and build relationships that make for a longer and better life in the comfort of home.
We have a team with depth and skill that can provide the care you need from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
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This 1900 photo of R.J.
School, which was located on the west side of Roswell Road at Franklin Road is held in the Fulton County School Archives.
R. J. Guinn School was built in 1900 when A.A. Jones and Will Sentell each donated an acre of land on the west side of Roswell Road and Franklin Road. The school was named for a former Fulton County school superintendent and former president of the city and county boards of education.
Liberty Hall School opened in the early 1900s at Garmon Road and Mount Paran Road. The school was large enough for about 40 students and one teacher. (“Sandy Springs Past Tense,” by Lois Coogle)
Representatives of R.J. Guinn school appeared before the Fulton County School Board on May 1, 1928, to request that lights be installed at the school as soon as possible. (Fulton County School Archives)
Like many Georgia schools of the day, water was a problem. The R.J. Guinn School’s well had gone dry and had to be dug deeper.
By 1932, the school was still in use but considered unsafe. A window was boarded up to keep out the cold, and the stove had scorched the wall. Outside, a tree stump and log were being used as makeshift playground equipment. The school had three teachers for its 100 students. R.J. Guinn “requested that we either rebuild the school or take his name off of the building,” according to Jere A. Wells, county school superintendent. (Atlanta Constitution, March 3, 1932, “Antiquated housing, recreation facilities reveal necessity for county school bonds.”
A $700,000 bond for school buildings
and equipment throughout Fulton County was approved by voters in March 1932. By December of that same year, a cornerstone was being laid for a new school called Liberty Guinn on Long Island Drive, the consolidation of R.J. Guinn and Liberty Hall School.
Members of the Sardis Lodge and Judge E. D. Thomas performed the cornerstone ceremony. The Liberty Guinn PTA served a luncheon. Reverend Burdette read a history of Liberty Hall School and C. C. House read the history of R.J. Guinn School at the ceremony. The building was scheduled to be completed by Jan. 3 with Emma Burnett as principal. (Atlanta Journal, Dec. 18, 1932, “Liberty-Guinn School Lays Corner Stone”)
In the mid-1950s the simple clapboard frame school was replaced with a brick school. Martha Phifer, who had taught at Liberty Guinn for six years, was Fulton County Teacher of the Year in 1956 and 1957. She was also named to the McCall’s magazine “Honor Roll of Teachers” in 1957. (Atlanta Journal, Nov. 5, 1957, “Fulton County Schools Honors Two Teachers”) Liberty Guinn School closed in 1975. Today the former Liberty Guinn School is the Lower School Campus for Holy Spirit Preparatory School at 4820 Long Island Drive.
In her book, Lois Coogle says two rooms of the R.J. school were incorporated into a home. Whether that still exists, I do not know.
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.
STEVE HUDSON
Here’s a question for you: How far does one have to travel to have actually travelled?
Here’s another question. What is a fried cheese curd?
First question first: How far? Well, when she and I decide to “get outside, Georgia” ourselves, we may go no farther than the little creek a few miles down the road. That’s perfect when it’s close to suppertime. Other times, if we have a whole day, we might go north to the mountains or east to Athens or west to Tallapoosa, especially if I accidentally lose my legendary sense of direction.
But now and then, when we have a hankering for a bigger trip (or for grandkids), we’ll go farther.
Last week we had both hankering and time, so we journeyed up to Wisconsin, storied land of cows and (for the last year or so) home to some grandkids too.
As it turned out, it’s also the land of what they call “cheese curds.”
Cheese curds? I’d never heard of them, but it seemed that everyone else in the world knew of them and thought them celestially good.
What, exactly, is a cheese curd? According to the interweb, cheese curds are “moist pieces of curdled milk that are a natural part of the cheese-making process.” I further learned that they’re known for their squeaky texture (somehow tied to what one writer has described as “long strands of protein [that rub] against the enamel of teeth.” I further learn that
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Like her own daughter, Lynn entered the industry at a young age, touring across the country with her mother, a dancer who had a performing arts company. Lynn’s first role, at age 9, was in “Alice in Wonderland.”
But, she began to fall in love with behind-the-scenes work, eventually becoming a talent manager, a 24/7 job that ended once Ashlyn was born. Lynn said she has retained all the connections she found through her work, like casting directors and agents.
“We’re still connecting people to them and opening doors for our actors,” she said.
Lynn said hundreds of the nonprofit’s students have become professionals.
they can be eaten “fresh” (uncooked, in other words) or fried.
Which way is best? Well, I’m from Georgia. Do you even need to ask? Whatever they are, cheese curds (like oysters and chicken livers) must surely be elevated by a panful of hot fat.
But before we could explore this brave new world of cheesy goodness, we had to get to the airport. And before we could get to the airport, the oil in the car had to be changed.
You know how it is at oil-change places. You chat. You talk.
“Got any road trips coming up?” the fellow behind the counter asked.
“Matter of fact, we do,” I replied. “We’re going up to Wisconsin!”
His eyes lit up.
“Wisconsin?” I’m from Wisconsin! You’ll love it. What’s taking you there?”
Had I been in a certain frame of mind I might have said “an airplane.” But instead I simply said, “Grandkids!”
“Oh, yeah!” he said. “Grandkids for sure. You’ll have a good time. It’s pretty country. Do some hiking. And eat some fried cheese curds.”
At that very moment, as if he was receiving a vision from on high, an
For more information on Atlanta Workshop Players, visit https:// www.atlantaworkshopplayers.com.
The walls of Studio 13 are covered in posters of movies and shows former students had performed in. A comprehensive set of projects are detailed in a poster by the door, including “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Don played a kindly father in that one, a relief for him.
“I’m usually squirrely bad guys,” said Don, also a standup comedian. “It was nice to actually be — I was like, ‘Oh, a loving father who likes opera and poetry. Wow.’”
Don, who has been with the nonprofit almost the whole time, 42 out of the 43 years, met Lynn while auditioning for a show she was directing. They fell in love over “Ms. Pac-Man” during their breaks at a pizza restaurant.
illumined look came over his countenance. He smiled a celestial smile. And then he began to tell me how grand cheese curds were, how they were delightful in every way, how their texture was perfect (and squeaky) and how they pleased the palate, with nuances of flavor never to be forgotten and probably a favorite of God himself.
“Get ‘em fried,” he said again. “Did I tell you that? And dip ‘em in ranch dressing or marinara sauce. Nothing like ‘em. You’ll love ‘em. Guaranteed.”
Well, okay.
On the way home, the little car purred with that certain smoothness that only brand new oil can give. I savored it as I drove. But my attention was divided, for part of my mind was considering notions of cheese curdy goodness. What are they really like? Are they really as good as everyone said?
Long about Hickory Flat, I decided I had to take action. So I pulled over and called my son in Wisconsin. He answered on the second ring, and I got right to the point.
“We have to get cheese curds,” I said without preamble. “Everybody says we have to try them. Fried. With dipping sauce.”
“Yeah!” he said. “They’re a thing here. You’ll love ‘em. Guaranteed.”
Where had I heard that before?
And so, a day or two later, off we went to Wisconsin. We visited and laughed and told stories and played with grandkids. My wife taught the granddaughter to crochet. I allowed the grandson to beat me five-outof-six in chess. Then we all “got outside, Wisconsin!” We went on walks. We explored parks. We walked along rivers. We saw wildlife. We visited new places to eat.
During a tour of the 3,200-squarefoot studio, the trio lifted the curtain on a sound booth where clients can record “self-tapes,” or audition videos for movies, TV shows or commercials. That’s most auditions nowadays, though call-backs are either in person or on Zoom.
Lynn, who walked around barefoot donning a long, flowy shawl, said the nonprofit also redesigns resumes. Don takes the headshots, and he spent time that day helping a student with hers on his Canon.
“We help package people so that they can follow their dreams,” Lynn said.
The studio’s floors are whimsical, sort of like the family whose lives are spent pulling at others’ creativity, covered in splattered paint.
The on-camera room, set up this day for a screening, features a couch and other props like lockers, which also act as a soundproofing device. That night, they were showing “English Teacher,” a
And, yes, we tried cheese curds, fried and with dipping sauces. They came in the form of little cubes about an inch on a side; the sauces came in two of those ubiquitous little plastic cups. For the record, I preferred the marinara.
My wife took a bite.
“Mmmm,” she said. “Kind of like fried cheese sticks?” Uh huh.
Would I have them again? Sure.
And that reminded me:
Half the fun of travel, or of any journey really, is the “new” that it brings into your life. You’ve just got to be open to it, wherever or whenever or in whatever form it comes along.
Sometimes, it’s a road you never drove before. Sometimes it’s a previously unvisited waterfall or an unexplored trail –or maybe it’s a little one-inch cube of fried cheese.
You never know exactly what it will be. But it’s often new, usuallly fresh, always fun.
That’s the promise of travel, isn’t it? That’s the promise of exploring, the promise of taking a chance on something or someplace new. There’s always a payback.
And if you’re lucky, maybe once or twice in a lifetime, it’s so profound that it flat-out blows you away.
Those are ones you hope for. Those are the ones you hold on to for such a long, long time.
Steve Hudson writes about the southern outdoors from his home in Canton, Ga. His latest book, “Chattahoochee Trout” (Second Edition), is available from many outdoor shops or direct from the author at flybooks. net
newly released TV show featuring Scarlette Amber Hernandez, a student at the Atlanta Workshop Players.
The nonprofit will have another screening soon for a show called “Teacup,” set to premiere on Peacock in October. Lynn and Don worked as on-set acting coaches.
Excited to get up and go to work every day, Lynn said it’s a privilege to spend time with supportive, creative people.
“It is an environment that is safe and exciting and creative all at the same time, and people lift each other up,” she said.
Ashlyn, a professional actress who also leads classes, recently introduced “Voice and Movement,” intended to help clients tell stories through physicality. Another class was recently created for a 13-year-old with a knack for screenwriting, set to join the nonprofit’s professional courses. Lynn called her a “prodigy.”
“I think AWP is the space with that kind of safety because of who you are, too,” Ashlyn told her mother.
How do you get healthy gardens and yards? It all starts with healthy soil! How do we know if we have healthy soil? Just bring some soil to The University of Georgia (UGA) Extension office. They will have your soil tested to provide a report on the nutrients and pH of your soil and a detailed recommendation to improve the soil as needed. This report is an essential guide to maintaining healthy soil for whatever we want to grow.
Our yards and gardens need an annual or semiannual soil checkup. Our bodies deserve an annual checkup to make sure our organs are functioning as they should. Our swimming pools deserve a weekly checkup to make sure the chemical levels are balanced, and microbiological organisms are in check. In the same way, our yards and gardens deserve the benefit of a soil check for optimal maintenance. Our plants will gather nutrients from the soil and produce color, fruits, strength, and structure that cannot be obtained from weak or deficient soil.
What is healthy soil? First, healthy soil delivers structural support for the roots to grow and sustain the plant. Second, soil provides water and nutrients for your plants. The soil holds water and acts like a purification system as water passes through it. Healthy soil helps break down organic waste and recycles nutrients back to the environment. The soil also provides a habitat for beneficial microbes and animals. Finally, the soil is good for our ecology as it stores and releases beneficial gases like oxygen and nitrogen.
What do you get with a soil test from UGA Extension? You will get a professional analysis of your soil, which will indicate the pH (a measurement of acidity and alkalinity) and the measurement of key elements in your soil. Macronutrients are those that are required in larger amounts such as: Nitrogen(N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). Grass (sod) and garden areas should be sampled separately. You will get a professional recommendation of what
your soil needs and how to achieve it.
How do you collect soil samples?
Note: You only need about 1 pint (2 cups) of soil for each area!
• For each turf area (example: tall fescue or bermudagrass) you will collect 8 to 12 samples of soil. The samples should be taken from random locations in the yard using a zig-zag pattern. Collect a small “slice” of dirt from ground level to a depth of 4 inches. Put all the soil from the area being tested into a plastic (not metal) bucket, pulverize the soil, and mix thoroughly, and lay your sample on newspaper or a trash bag to air dry thoroughly. After your soil is dry, put this sample into a plastic zip lock bag.
• For each ornamental area (trees, roses, blueberries, etc.) gather several samples from inside the drip line (leaf/branch edge). Again, you will pulverize and mix the soil in a plastic bucket, let it air dry, and place it in a plastic zip lock bag. Note: Mark each bag clearly as you want an individual report for each desired location.
• Use this website for a more detailed explanation of “how to” soil collection instructions: https:// extension.uga.edu/publications/
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Rock Reed, a master gardener intern. Rock is a resident of Alpharetta, GA and recently retired. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from UCLA and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Walden University. Rock enjoys teaching, running, and (of course) gardening. He has experience with farming in Iowa, where large gardens are the norm. He has volunteered on Habitat for Humanity projects and leading children’s clubs and organizations.
detail.html?number=C896&title=soiltesting-for-home-lawns-gardens-andwildlife-food-plots
How do you submit a soil sample to UGA Extension? It’s easy! You can bring collected soil from important areas of your yard and garden to your local UGA Extension office. If you collected soil from multiple locations, please remember to have each sample clearly identified with the different
TABLE BY ROCK REED/PROVIDED Most of us rarely consider how each mineral in our soil makes a difference in how healthy our plants are! Different plants use and need specific nutrients and soil acidity (pH). As an example, above are some common plants and their pH requirements. Note: Expanded tests are available for more detailed testing and are usually used for commercial industrial applications. Please contact your local UGA Extension agent for more information.
locations in a zip lock bag. Bring your samples to your Fulton County Extension office (address and contact information below), and you will get a report back in 10-14 days at a cost of $12 per soil sample for a Routine Test. The analysis is a bit technical—it will give a detailed breakdown of current pH (soil acidity), minerals, and nutrients. However, the recommendations are easy to follow and implement. In laymen’s terms, they give specific nutrients to add and suggested amounts.
The test is easy, and the results will help bring you gardening success. Take out the speculation and become a garden guru without guessing what your garden needs.
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/ garden_buzz/.
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The city has $12.1 million in the capital sidewalk program funded through the 2021 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. From fiscal years 2021-24, Sandy Springs spent between $1.3 million and $4.4 million on sidewalk improvements.
The expenditure ranges are due to different project sizes, varying from filling small gaps to constructing an entirely new sidepath.
In the fiscal year 2025 budget, elected officials approved a $750,000 addition to the program’s budget.
The criteria change for the capital sidewalk program, which determines where future funds are spent on projects, comes from City Councilwoman Melody Kelley.
“It’s simply because I noticed in [District 2] there were just a couple areas where you essentially have thousands of families living on streets that are a part of the Sidewalk Master Plan,” Kelley said. “But that didn’t seem to be a consideration.”
Sandy Springs’ northernmost district, which Kelley represents, contains a significant portion of the city’s areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities.
City officials say that property owners along roadways where sidewalk projects are being considered have the largest say.
Martin said property owners in the area need to demonstrate their willingness to provide the required right-ofway to the city.
The issue on the North End is that many of the property owners are multi-family landlords.
“We’re executing the program based on priority that we have funds available for,” Martin said. “It will be
Heather Albro, 52, of Milton, passed away on September 1, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Lisa Clock, 62, of Roswell, passed away on August 30, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Elizabeth Cusick, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 1, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
A map of Sandy Springs shows six mixed-use and commercial districts, which are selected as a part of an effort to establish new architectural and urban design characteristics. Councilmembers cautioned city staff about making it too cumbersome for developers to invest in the city.
wholesale rescoring, nothing is locked or grandfathered outside of those projects that are funded right now.”
For now, when residents request additional sidewalk segments, the density of adjacent parcels will factor into its ranking.
Each segment receives a score of 1-5 for its density factor, which is based solely off the zoning classification of surrounding parcels. Other criteria include pedestrian activity, right-of-way availability and proximity
Lisa Emberger, 53, of Alpharetta, passed away on September 2, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gerald Fisher, 61, of Atlanta, passed away on August 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Mary Jane Hadley, 85, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 29, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
bied homeowners to donate right-ofway to allow for him to access nearby shopping centers. Paulson said he encourages residents to submit their requests now.
In other matters Sept. 3, the council approved a $300,000 contract with Georgia Power to install streetlights along Morgan Falls Road from Roswell Road to the Overlook Park.
Council members also approved a $280,000 contract with a design firm for the creation of design guideline for six areas of the city. Rhodeside & Harwell will work with city staff and the community to create architectural guidelines and potentially, new requirements for redevelopment in the city’s high-density commercial areas.
The districts include North End and Greater Sandy Springs along Roswell Road, Perimeter, Powers Ferry at the Cobb County border, Crossroads at I-285 and Neighborhood Village at the southern border.
Senior Planner Matthew Anspach said the project team will see what residents want in their community before making any decisions. Information on public input avenues has not yet been published.
Mayor Rusty Paul and City Councilman Andy Bauman said they would like to see city staff strike a balance with guidelines and requirements to encourage redevelopment of some of the city’s older commercial areas.
to schools and parks.
To access the request form, visit sandyspringsga.gov/sidewalks and click the bottom link.
Martin said his department is working on the criteria update before the next round of scoring is presented this winter. He said constructability and gap closure are important factors when considering sidewalk projects.
City Councilman John Paulson spoke of one handicapped resident on Jett Ferry Road in District 1 who lob -
Penelope Holder, 88, of Roswell, passed away on August 28, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Lucy McAlpine, 98, of Roswell, passed away on August 25, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Carrie Moss, 72, of Roswell, passed away on August 26, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
In other action, the Sandy Springs City Council approved six right-ofway acquisitions and easements for construction of the Hammond Drive widening and improvements project. Plans for the reconstruction of Hammond Drive from Glenridge to Boylston drives date back to 1999 when Fulton County identified the need for safety and mobility improvements along the corridor.
The city says the project will approach final design this spring, and construction remains a few years away.
David Shadeed, 67, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 27, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Mary Thornton, 80, of Roswell, passed away on September 2, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Bradley Wedge, 37, of Roswell, passed away on August 26, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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Like so much in Metro Atlanta, the musical theater industry has grown exponentially since the Tony Award-winning actor was a kid.
Hensley serves as artistic director of the City Springs Theatre Company. Its seventh season of productions in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre begins with “The Music Man,” running Sept. 6-22.
Hensley, who directs the musical, tapped Atlanta’s own Billy Harrington to star as Harold Hill and Broadway colleague Sara Edwards to choreograph.
The 2024-25 season for City Springs Theatre Company also features “Frozen: The Musical” Dec. 13-19; “Ragtime: The Musical” March 14-30; and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” May 2-18.
Hensley’s parents were born in southern Cobb County, and his life has taken cues from each of them.
His father is a former Georgia Tech football star and state senator. His mother, Iris Hensley, is a former ballerina and founder of the Georgia Ballet Professional Company.
“Being in the arts and giving back to the community was really important to her, and I feel like that’s where I found the spark to be that kind of artist,” Hensley said. “Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a performer are working with local kids and talent here in Atlanta.”
With more than 25 years of experience acting on Broadway, Hensley said he is focused on giving back through his role as artistic director of the local nonprofit — City Springs Theatre Company.
After ditching his baseball scholar -
The cast of the City Springs Theatre Company’s “The Music Man” includes local talent, Broadway stars and young Metro Atlantans in the CSTC’s Pre-Pro Company. The production of “The Music Man” runs Sept. 6-22 in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre.
ship at the University of Georgia, Hensley enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music and began his stage career in the early 1990s.
The move paid off for the 20-year-old Hensley, who now sports a Tony Award, numerous recognitions from national magazines and dozens of acclaimed performances.
His role as Jud Fry in “Oklahoma!” earned him the industry’s triple crown, the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.
In 2022, Hensley played Marcellus Washburn and starred alongside Hugh Jackman in a Broadway production of “The Music Man.”
“It’s funny, when the Broadway revival was supposed to happen, I had a contract signed in 2019, and we were going to start the next fall,” Hensley said, referencing the two-year shutdown during the pandemic.
“It’s one of those shows our patrons always talk about, there’s a big love of the classics.”
City Springs Theatre Company Executive Director Natalie DeLancey said that in a survey of audience members, “The Music Man” ranks in the top three of requested productions.
Now, it’s Metro Atlanta’s turn to see Meredith Willson’s Broadway hit and winner of five Tony Awards in 1957, featuring some homegrown talent like Hensley and a few of his Broadway colleagues.
“Our choreographer is a woman who I worked with on the Broadway revival of ‘The Music Man,’’ Hensley said. “If you’re in this business long enough, you come full circle with a lot of people.”
Hensley said he thinks the story is a timeless classic, and his experiences working on the 2022 Broadway production fueled his desire to bring it to local audiences.
Like productions of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Hensley said he thinks “The Music Man” is an industry standard and offers something every audience member can relate to.
“The reason these standards have been around for 70 years is because of the way they were constructed,” he said. “They have a great book, great music and a great story to tell, which is sort of universal.”
Another reason for the musical’s appeal is that everyone who grew up in the theater probably played a role in it growing up, Hensley said.
“I had never really seen a proper production of ‘The Music Man’ prior to the one we did on Broadway,” he said. “That one had been reworked and rewritten to provide more opportunity for our herald, Hugh Jackman, to be on stage.”
Helsey said the script is different from the one on Broadway, but he thinks the change makes the show fresh for audiences.
“To allow your artists to think and create for themselves is what I’m interested in doing,” Hensley said. “What really helps is if you can find things within the story that people are familiar with in their own lives.”
