Sandy Springs Crier - December 14, 2023

Development code sees rule changes ► PAGE 3

D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 , N o . 5 0

Wellstar’s Chatman elected board chair for hospital group

CHATMAN

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The crowd on Galambos Way watches the lighting of the Christmas tree at Sparkle Sandy Springs Dec. 3. The 3-story-tall tree is located outside of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

Sparkle Sandy Springs dazzles crowd

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The twinkling lights and magical nighttime parade at Sparkle Sandy Springs Dec. 3 were a huge draw for Metro Atlanta residents looking to dive into the holiday spirit.

The City of Sandy Springs estimates 5,000 people showed up to

City Springs Dec. 3 for the Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Celebration.

Festivities began at 4 p.m. with the opening of Sparkle Village, Skate City Springs and Sparkle Wonderland, as well as the gift market and food trucks for adults.

While Sparkle Village will remain open until Dec. 31, Skate City Springs continues until Jan. 21.

Signature Events Director Anna

Nikolas manages the production and coordination of the annual event. This year her team doubled the number of food trucks and added a cover overlay on the Christmas tree. The overlay, a new feature, displays 25 light patterns rotating every 15-20 seconds.

The Rupert’s Orchestra, a

See SPARKLE, Page 9

ATLANTA — Mary Chatman, the executive vice president of acute care operations for Wellstar Health System, was elected chair of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association Nov.

Chatman has served on the Georgia Hospital Associations Board since February 2020. She will lead the Board in developing strategies for association members, advocating for the highest quality of care for patients and supporting adequate reimbursement of hospitals.

Chatman succeeds Dan Owens, who most recently served as CEO of Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta and Emory University Hospital Smyrna.

Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Chatman to the state’s Healthcare Workforce Commission in 2021.

In her position as executive vice president, Chatman oversees operations for 11 Wellstar hospitals, rehabilitation and palliative services and emergency departments. In 2020, she led the opening of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center’s new

See CHATMAN, Page 4

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On April 1st, 2023 I responded to 1000 Johnson Ferry Road in reference to an assault incident.

The City of Sandy Springs’s Week in Review dashboard describes an event where officers responded to someone allegedly locked in the bathroom at Lost Corners Park. The document goes on to state that while police attempted to arrest the suspect, they fought back.

Eventually the “officer was able to subdue subject by taking them to the ground and then into custody.”

The official incident report, which is supposed to be an account of what took place when an officer responds to a

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to obtain full versions of some of those documents. Shown above is an example of one of these complete narratives.

The newspaper contends that these full reports exist for each incident and the city is withholding them unlawfully.

The Brandon Mill Road document also includes the code for Felony Obstruction.

Appen Media requested any associated arrest reports but the city did not furnish them, indicating that either an arrest was not made or the city was violating the Open Records Act.

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Appen Media and the Sandy Springs Crier filed a lawsuit against the City of Sandy Springs in May, alleging the newspaper has repeatedly been denied access to public documents. Since

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scene, shares a thinner narrative. In the document, provided to Appen Media in response to an Open Records request, features just one sentence; “On November 22, 2023, I responded to 7300 Brandon Mill Rd. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328 in response to being dispatched for a Welfare Check at the location.”

This sentence is similar to those found on other incident reports provided to Appen Media.

Months later Appen Media has been able

then, the news organization and the municipality have furnished materials, deposed witnesses and met with Fulton County Superior Court officials. Both parties have also attended mediation.

Appen Media has paid roughly $30,000 in pursuit of access to public documents while the city spends taxpayer dollars to counter the newspaper in court.

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Residents cheer development code updates

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After a 13-month comprehensive review of the city’s unified development code, the Sandy Springs City Council approved a series of updates Dec. 5.

About 40 people attended the public hearing, including leaders of community organizations, lawyers and small business owners.

The comprehensive review process, which began in November 2022, included a Sept. 26 open house and a submittal period, which allowed community input on development code updates.

The most contentious updates to the development code centered around the use provisions in Article 7 of the code relating to gas stations and neighborhood eateries.

Most speakers Dec. 5 said they wanted to preserve language that requires gas stations be located at least one-half mile apart. An earlier proposal had called for removing that requirement.

Rhonda Smith, president of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods, also served on the advisory committee for the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan.

Smith said there was overwhelming public opposition to removing the distance requirement for gas stations.

About 75 percent of the public comments received between Sept.

26 and Oct. 18 advocated against removing the distance requirement, the other 25 percent did not mention the proposed change, Smith said.

Representatives from the RaceTrac on Roswell Road spoke in favor of removing the half-mile distance requirement for gas stations.

“We are fully in support of the City of Sandy Springs, its past development initiatives and future development endeavors,” RaceTrac Real Estate Director John Priede said.

“RaceTrac would like to be a part of it.”

Priede argued that denying Article 7 and removing the half-mile restriction would spur competition.

While representatives said they’d like to see more flexibility, the council voted to keep the distance requirement.

Residents also raised concerns about another portion of Article 7 of the code that addressed eateries, particularly those that might increase density along Roswell Road.

The High Point Civic Association, a nonprofit organization of Sandy

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs Community Development Director Ginger Sottile presents development code recommendations from staff and the Planning Commission to the City Council Dec. 5. The updates are a part of the 5-Year Development Code Update to the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan.

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

A map of the Crossroads Small Area Plan 2023 Update provides a guide for development along Roswell Road south of I-285. The Crossroads was identified as an area to study during the 5-year update of the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan.

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Mayor Rusty Paul speaks during the presentation of amendments to the Sandy Springs Development Code at the Dec. 5 City Council meeting. Paul said he hopes modifications to the development code reflect the wishes of residents.

Springs residents south of I-285 and east of Roswell Road, has been engaged in the code review process throughout each phase.

Mary Ford, the organization’s president, spoke at multiple public hearing in the lead up to the Dec. 5 City Council meeting. She opposed changes to the office neighborhood

district, which uniquely affects High Point south of I-285 and would allow for neighborhood retail and eateries along Roswell Road.

Ford said the civic association was created over 30 years ago to protect the neighborhood’s interests as the surrounding community continued to grow. Specifically, the High Point

Civic Association fought against allowing the commercial development of Windsor Parkway and Roswell Road.

While the Community Development Department recommended approval of all development code amendments, the Planning Commission recommended some conditions for the updates.

One of the conditions, related to neighborhood eateries in office neighborhood, called for an amendment to require a community meeting and specific operating hours as a requirement.

Another amendment requires Community Development Director Ginger Sottile or another department member to conduct a physical inspection of construction zones that may impact existing trees.

In other business at the Dec. 5 meeting, the 5-year update of the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan also recommended a study of the Crossroads area within the Roswell Road Small Area Plan.

The 2023 update to the Crossroads Small Area Plan was approved by the council with Councilman Tibby DeJulio voting against the motion.

The plan seeks to preserve the surrounding multi-family residential apartments, while also setting development requirements at The Prado on Roswell Road.

DeJulio raised concerns about incentivizing property owners to sell to developers because of new zoning.

He recommended holding off until the council could discuss the matter further.

NEWS

4 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

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Police say man shot, killed home intruder SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A man was shot and killed after entering a residence on Spalding Drive Dec. 3 at 2:21 a.m.

The unidentified man unlawfully entered the residence and threatened to harm the homeowner, according to the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Sgt. Leon Millholland said officers were dispatched to the scene after another resident called 911.

Before officers could arrive, the homeowner shot the suspect in a

Chatman: Continued from Page 1

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emergency department, the largest in the Southeast.

Prior to serving in her current role, Chatman was the chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, where she was responsible for managing the 654-bed hospital and its nursing operations “Mary Chatman’s extensive leadership experience and skills make her well-equipped to lead our Board,” GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle said. “She is a strong patient advocate, and her experience will serve our members well.”

defense of himself and his family from bodily harm, police said.

By the time officers arrived at the residence, the suspect had died from his wounds.

The Sandy Springs Police Department said detectives responded to the scene for an investigation.

At the time of the department’s statement, the incident is believed to be isolated.

Sgt. Millholland could not be reached for comment on the investigation.

Atlanta Magazine named Chatman among the 2021 Women Making a Mark honorees, and Becker named her as one of the 75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know 2022. She was also named the 2020 West Cobb Citizen of the Year for serving on the frontlines in Cobb County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1929, the Hospital Association serves nearly 150 medical centers in Georgia and promotes its mission to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all state health care systems.

The association represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies, and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association.

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Vet offers preventative plans to Metro Atlanta pet owners

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — As more people look for cost-effective alternatives to traditional veterinary visits, Peach Vet Pet Wellness and PetCentric Health aim to make care accessible to Metro Atlanta pet owners.

Dr. Juliette Van Galder opened Peach Vet Pet Wellness, a boutique clinic in Suite 900 at 601 Houze Way in Roswell, in March 2022.

Peach Vet offers the standard array of veterinary care, including microchipping; spaying and neutering; wellness exams; surgeries; and diagnostics, as well as dental care.

But, Van Galder said the clinic is dedicated to making visits as fearless as possible for patients.

After opening, she said she offered her own primary care plans to help customers until partnering with PetCentric in June.

“I saw the value in what they could offer as a support system,” she said. “I feel like since we’re a small team, I just didn’t want to have too many caveats with managing the ‘what ifs’ with the care plan.”

Peach Vet’s partnership with PetCentric enables owners to come in sooner, so needed visits are not postponed because of cost barriers.

The primary care plans allow owners to budget and save up to 45 percent on annual wellness exams, preventative tests and vaccines.

“That’s always important to me to give someone an option, if they don’t have the budget to pay,” Van Galder said.

Peach Vet is the first Georgia and flagship Atlanta partner of PetCentric Health, a primary care and digital database manager for pet owners and veterinary clinics.

CEO Heather Moore founded PetCentric in mid-2022 to provide pet owners with plans that offer financial predictability, ensuring they can follow their vet’s recommendations without the concern of cost.

“PetCentric Health was founded to be an innovative solution as to traditional wellness,” Moore said. “So, we consider ourselves a subscriptionbased primary care company. So, we work with clinics to custom design an in-house health plan, primary health plan, for their patients that they can offer through a subscription-based method.”

Typically, owners visit the vet when their pet is sick, and vets charge owners on a traditional feebased model. If owners cannot afford treatment their vet recommends, it is

PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Dr. Juliette Van Galder owns Peach Vet Pet Wellness in Roswell. The boutique clinic opened at 601 Houze Way in March 2022 and offers primary care plans to help pet owners avoid large bills through preventative care.

Peach Vet Pet Wellness offers primary care plans for Metro Atlanta pets in Suite 900 at 601 Houze Way in Roswell. The clinic partnered with PetCentric Health in June to make preventative care more accessible to the community. often deferred, which can escalate into more expensive and life-threatening conditions.

“That model no longer meets pet parents or vets where they need to be,” Moore said. “Anything around health, human through pet, you see that the movement of our society, you know, we’re not a strong cash-based society.

We’re a subscription-based society.”

Owners can pay monthly or annually for primary care plans, which are geared toward preventative care to stop costs from becoming overwhelming if illnesses progress.

At Peach Vet, customers can choose between puppy, adult and senior dog plans based on their pet’s age and needs. The clinic also offers one feline primary care plan.

PetCentric’s plans differ from pet insurance, which often covers large, unexpected bills or compensates clients retroactively through reimbursement.

Although primary care plans do not cover emergency visits like insurance, PetCentric’s plans provide a pet flexible spend allowance that reserves money to be used on exams and expenses outside of routine wellness.

“It’s kind of a catch-all for minor issues for which pet insurance is still not really appropriate,” Moore said. “In fact, it might be below their deductible, or they don’t really need pet insurance, but it’s kind of that bucket that pet parents can use for whatever the individual needs are for their pet.”

Van Galder said she still recommends enrolling in pet insurance as early as possible. As primary care plans focus on preventative and routine check-ups, insurance can help owners navigate large emergency bills.

“I’ve had some situations where even young dogs are diagnosed with this rare disease, and they’re already on insurance, and it has covered and helped them get the treatment they need,” she said.

Moore also said inflation and rising medical costs put downward pressure on local vets, as raising the cost of services would make them inaccessible to many customers.

The primary care plans offered

by PetCentric help owners afford the services their pets need, while helping local vets retain their customers and remain competitive against big industry players like Chewy, which can undercut local operations with lower costs.

As primary care alternatives bring customers back to their local clinics, Moore said pets win by receiving important care, and veterinarians win by seeing the support of their local community.

PetCentric also offers local vet clinics digital services that would otherwise be managed in-house and place a heavy burden on clinic staff.

“We manage the pet parent subscriptions,” Moore said. “We manage all of the administrative items for the vet, and then we also create the digital experience for the pet parent.”

The digital experience is like the patient portal or virtual chart that a human would have. Owners can track their pet’s last vaccination dates, view real-time health data and see what is included in their health plan.

Van Galder said her main drive for offering the plans is to enable her customers to not wait until their pets are sick.

Above all, PetCentric’s plans ensure owners can get their pets the care they need.

“Health care for our pets is moving much more, more and more [to the] human health care arena,” Moore said. “We need to have better solutions for how people pay for their care than what’s out there or what has traditionally been available.”

To learn more about Peach Vet and its services, visit peachvet.com.

8 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

COMMUNITY

Local bird enthusiast publishes labor of love

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Local author and columnist Bob Meyers wants to put in a good word for birds with his newest coffee table book.

Released this year, Meyers’ “Celebrating Backyard Birds” is a love letter to some 40 species of birds photographed in his backyard in Crabapple over two years.

Although Meyers has always appreciated the beauty of birds, he said his interest was really sparked 10 years ago while visiting Florida to board a cruise ship.

“A lot of the ships would sail out of Cape Canaveral, and there are some birding areas there in that area,” he said.

Meyers said he would spend the day before departing shooting photos of water birds such as roseate spoonbills, which have a large population there.

“I think that birds make people healthier,” he said. “They make people more focused. If you’re interested in birds, you have to really listen. You have to observe where the birds are. In a sense, I think

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Local author and columnist Bob Meyers presents his new coffee table book “Celebrating Backyard Birds” at his home in Crabapple Nov. 30. Meyers shot photos of roughly 40 bird species for the book over two years in his backyard. birds are revealing themselves to us in the way they live. Each species of bird has a different history, and a different way of living.”

Meyers observed books about

birds are typically guidebooks, or they use scientific terms for those who are already familiar with the subject, but he wanted to take a different approach.

To write “Celebrating Backyard Birds,” he took notes from his first two books “Bygone Treasures and Timeless Beauties: Barns of Old Milton County” and “Irish Pubs in America: History, Lore and Recipes.”

“I had two previous books, which had followed a pattern,” Meyers said. “And, I felt comfortable with it.

So, I said, ‘I can do the same thing.

Each one of these birds will have a chapter, and each chapter will be unique.’”

Each chapter opens with a quote, lyric or excerpt, and includes notes about a different bird and its history or behavior. Some focus on the bird’s life cycle, while others focus on its feathers or its nesting habits.

There are also chapters featuring artwork to add historical and cultural context.

In the book’s section on the American goldfinch, Meyers includes Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch,” a Renaissance painting that depicts a young Jesus petting a goldfinch in the hands of John the Baptist at the feet of Mary.

“The European Goldfinch has a not a black spot, but a red spot,” Meyers said. “And they say that was from when Christ was carrying the cross up the hill, a [goldfinch] landed on him, and a drop of blood fell on the goldfinch. And so, his spot is red, where the American goldfinch, it’s

black.”

The chapter on the eastern bluebird includes lyrics from six songs demonstrating love for the thrush throughout the 20th century.

Although Meyers said his favorite bird is any that comes before his camera lens, if he had to pick a favorite species, it would be the bluebird.

“Bluebirds throughout history have been a magical bird in society after society,” he said.

Meyers said photography for “Celebrating Backyard Birds” was more challenging than in his previous two books, but he also said it was more fun.

“But I love the process,” he said.

“And nothing makes me happier than to get a great picture of a bird.”

Meyers took thousands of photos of his backyard birds over the two years he wrote the book. Reflecting his commitment to finding the perfect shot, readers can glimpse upon a squirrel having a dispute with a brown-headed cowbird, a “dancing” red-shouldered hawk or a hummingbird’s tongue fully extended.

But, “Celebrating Backyard Birds” was more than a photography passion project. Meyers said he learned throughout the process, and he used software to identify birds he did not know.

Meyers also thanked his wife Linda and his sister Jo for editing the text.

“There’s an old saying that a person who has himself as his lawyer has a fool for a lawyer,” Meyers said.

“And that’s true of writers, too. If you do your own editing, you have a fool for an editor.”

See MEYERS, Page 12

COMMUNITY

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

A group of elementary school kids wave flags from various nations across the globe during the Sparkle Parade Dec. 3. The float represents Sandy Springs’ diverse community.

Sparkle: Continued from Page 1 12-piece group from Atlanta, performed everything from “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” for 90 minutes before the parade stepped off.

The genesis of one of Metro Atlanta’s largest holiday celebrations came from the city’s founding mayor, the late Eva Galambos.

She advocated for the city to establish a signature holiday event, including a parade. Galambos served as the city’s first mayor from 2005-2014.

The first Sparkle Sandy Springs drew a crowd of around 150 to its 2017 kickoff. Originally, the annual event did not include a parade.

In a 2017 interview, Mayor Rusty Paul spoke about the wish list of Galambos, which included a holiday celebration for the City of Sandy Springs and its residents.

The city held the inaugural Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade in 2019, which completed Galambos’ wish list for the community’s own holiday event.

While the city’s first mayor passed away in 2015, officials have continued to grow the holiday event.

After the lighting of the menorah and Christmas tree, Mayor Paul said this year’s holiday celebration had the biggest crowd and longest parade in its history.

“It just shows something that we started five or six years ago has really grown into a huge community event,” Paul said.

There were three viewing areas, each with its own pros and cons.

The Sparkle Wonderland, a new attraction at this year’s event, had

the best view for the parade on Mount Vernon Highway, west of Sandy Springs Circle.

Attendees of Sparkle Wonderland had access to snow machines, largerthan-life parade balloons and buckets of hot cocoa. However, those at Sparkle Wonderland were a few blocks from the menorah and Christmas tree.

The Sparkle Parade, which stepped off from Mount Vernon Highway and Hildebrand Drive, proceeded down the street past City Green, before taking a left on Galambos Way. Both sides of Mount Vernon Highway, east of Sandy Springs Circle, were filled with Metro Atlanta families watching the procession.

Several local high school bands from DeKalb and Fulton counties were spread evenly throughout the parade.

Chamblee High School, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and The Davis Academy are some of the schools that participated.

Over 45 floats, including dancers and sponsors from around Metro Atlanta, joined the parade.

The third viewing area, in front of City Hall and the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, gave attendees the best spot for viewing the tree lighting.

As the parade circled Skate City Springs, Sparkle Village, hundreds of families perusing the food trucks and gift market off Blue Stone Road cheered for their favorite floats.

“It’s not just the parade,” Paul said.

“The tiny houses and the lighting of all the trees just really helps brings people together and create that community spirit.”

Paul said the city built the modern town center — City Springs — to create a place where Sandy Springs residents can come together as a community.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 9

Students in the City Springs Theatre Conservatory’s Pre-Pro Company perform Christmas songs in the Sparkle Parade at City Springs Dec. 3. The preprofessional program trains students ages 6-18 who are looking to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Santa Claus waves from his illuminated parade float during the Sparkle Parade Dec. 3. Over 45 floats and groups, all covered with twinkling lights, participated in the 2023 Sparkle Parade.

Rabbi Bradley Levenberg from Temple Sinai signals to light the menorah at Sparkle Sandy Springs Dec. 3. A menorah is a nine-branch candelabrum used on the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

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Have a decorating event - help with unpacking, setting up the tree and unwrapping treasured ornaments.

Make sure decorating is done safely, with clear walkways and access. Share a cookie baking session and listen to favorite carols. Take a drive to visit lighting displays. Preparations for holiday dinner can be exhausting, so help with the cooking and table setting.

Whether it’s reviving traditions or creating new ones, make sure to take holiday events at their pace. Perhaps they’ll actively engage and participate or just enjoy observing.

Shopping can be very difficult and stressful. You can help put together their shopping list, assist with online shopping that may be confusing, have

a “wrap party” and make sure you help keep the gift giving budget reasonable for seniors on a fixed income. A wonderful gift for your older loved one may be one that helps them continue to enjoy their home. Consider a bath chair or grab bars for their bath that provide safety and continued comfort.

As you think of the perfect gift, it may be time for the gift of care. The companionship and skills of a Home Helpers Caregiver can make a beautiful difference in their life. Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. Our carefully matched and talented caregivers not only bring skills, but a heart centered approach and positive spirit that boosts confidence and provides the best possible quality of life for our clients and their families. Whether it’s a few days a week, helping with recovery after surgery or coming home from a rehabilitation center, we’re here to help.

Don’t forget to bring some joy to the family caregiver on your list. A skilled caregiver can help provide some private time, lend balance and relieve some of the stress and burnout that comes with caring for a loved one.

For a free consultation and exceptional care management by a team with depth and skill from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 6810323.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 11

2023 2024

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12 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

COMMUNITY

Meyers:

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE CRIER?

Continued from Page 8

PHOTOS BY BOB MEYERS/PROVIDED

An eastern bluebird cleans its tailfeathers in Bob Meyers’ backyard in Crabapple. Meyers’ new coffee table book “Celebrating Backyard Birds” shares a history of bluebirds in music.

Switzerland Beth and Matt Allen travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, this fall, then attended the Rugby World Cup in Nice, France, and stayed in Turin, Italy, for a few days. The Crier was honored to tag along with the globetrotters.

Where in the world is the Crier?

If you’re headed on a trip, the Crier wants to sightsee, too. Take a copy with you and share the moment with folks back home. Send your travel photos with the Crier to newsroom@appenmedia.com

A red-shouldered hawk takes flight off Bob Meyers’ roof in Crabapple. Meyers said the photo is among his favorites in “Celebrating Backyard Birds” because it appears the hawk is dancing.

Meyers first shared the book at Scottsdale Farms’ annual Christmas Open House where it saw a very positive reception.

He also held a book signing Dec. 2 at Wild Birds Unlimited. A second signing will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Poe and Company Bookstore in Suite P-101 at 1890 Heritage Walk in Milton.

“Each variety of birds has its own story to tell,” he said. “So, I’m just fascinated by them. It’s another world, and it’s a beautiful one.”

“And that’s true of writers, too. If you do your own editing, you have a fool for an editor.”

Meyers first shared the book at Scottsdale Farms’ annual Christmas Open House where it saw a very positive reception.

He also held a book signing Dec. 2 at Wild Birds Unlimited. A second signing will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Poe and Company Bookstore in Suite P-101 at 1890 Heritage Walk in Milton.

“Each variety of birds has its own story to tell,” he said. “So, I’m just fascinated by them. It’s another world, and it’s a beautiful one.”

Offer valid now through 12/31/23. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not Valid on previous purchases or layaways. Some exclusions apply. Must present coupon. See store for details.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 13

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON This holiday season, consider giving your newspaper delivery person a tip for their weekly delivery of the free community newspaper to your driveway. These folks work hard to make sure you are informed of all the local happenings, rain or shine, week in and week out.

Importantly, at Appen Media, we have always been intentional about our desire to keep delivery of our newspapers free. That said, it would mean the world to us if you would consider tipping your newspaper delivery person so that they will have a little extra money for the holiday season.

If you can help us help these amazing people, we promise to keep delivering high quality news to your driveway, for free, every week. Free home delivery of 105,000 homes is hard work – and we couldn’t do it without our amazing delivery folks.

How you can give your delivery person a tip: 1 We have created an online portal at www.appenmedia.com/deliverytip.

100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.

2 If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to “Appen Media Group C/O Newspaper Delivery Tip” to 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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14 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

Calendar

DEC. 14 — DEC. 24

RAVINIA HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS

What: The fourth annual Ravinia Holiday in Lights, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Holiday Wishlist program, will have attractions including a holiday light display, holiday llamas as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus for those who bring a donation. While the event is free, tickets must be reserved.

When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Five Ravinia Drive, Ravinia Office & Retail Complex, Duwnoody More info: facebook.com/ RaviniaPerimeter

ROSWELL WINTER PUPPETS: THE NORTH POLE FA LA LA LA FOLLIES

What: Get ready for holiday high jinks as some residents of the North Pole perform in their annual talent show, a production that combines music, live vocal performances and a variety of hand and rod puppets.

When: Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 1416, times vary Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $10, free for ages 2 and under More info: roswell365.com

ATLANTA VOCAL PROJECT: RINGIN’ IN THE HOLIDAYS

What: The Atlanta Vocal Project brings Atlanta’s acclaimed a cappella community together for their annual holiday concert.

When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 p.m.

Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell Cost: $20 to $30 More info: roswell365.com

A KIDS’ CHRISTMAS

What: Join the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra for a sensory-friendly holiday concert where dancing, singalongs, Santa Claus and reindeer magic bring people of all abilities together to celebrate the holiday season.

When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $17 to $30

IRVING BERLIN’S ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

What: Based on the 1954 film, the musical “White Christmas” features veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow two beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.

When: Until Dec. 24, times vary Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $42 to $110 More info: cityspringstheatre.com

More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

‘SHE LOVES ME’

What: “She Loves Me” is a romanticcomedy musical based on Mike Lazlos’ play “Parfuemerie,” a production that has inspired many movie adaptations including “You’ve Got Mail’’ starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

When: Until Dec. 17, times vary Where: Act1 Theatre, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta Cost: $20 to $25 More info: act1theater.org

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

What: This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. When: Until Dec. 17, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $28 for adults; $20 for students; $15 for children More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

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.

‘NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION’ MOVIE PARTY What: In this immersive experience, the Sandy Springs Cinema & Taphouse will show a screening of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ alongside special props like pine tree air fresheners, yellow glow sticks and ugly neckties to help you feel like you’re an honorary Griswold.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

Where: The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, 5920 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs Cost: $18 More info: springscinema.com

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN

What: Join the Local Church Milton at the Christmas Eve “Eve” Candlelight Service. Sing carols, hear an inspirational message and light a candle with your friends and neighbors at this free, public event.

When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Green at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Rd, Milton More info: crabapplemarketga.com

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

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TONY THOMAS: ‘SCENES FROM MY TRAVELS’

What: See original drawings and paintings by local artist Tony Thomas, including of the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Multnomah Falls and Devils Tower National Monument.

When: Until Jan. 12, business hours Where: Community Gallery at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: alpharetta.ga.us

Happy Holidays

Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date Click the red button that reads “Create event” That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 15

Appen Press Club presents

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

AT

Wednesday December 20, 4–6pm Olde Blind Dog, 12650 Crabapple Rd #100, Milton, GA 30004

Join the Appen Media newsroom on December 20th from 4 – 6 pm at Olde Blind Dog in Milton for a chance to meet local journalists, ask them questions and pitch them story ideas, and to hear directly from them about some of the biggest stories they covered in 2023.

FREE TO ATTEND

(Appen Press Club members will receive a complimentary drink ticket)

TO JOIN

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level.

Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

16 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

Local News Is Growing This year, even more than ever before, the news is in crisis.

More than 17,000 news media jobs were cut just by June, at national and local outlets including at some of the biggest names like NPR, The Texas Tribune and Gannett. In fact, newsroom layoffs are up 20% from last year. Some of these outlets laid off more than 10% of their staff in the last few months — even as we head into a critical election year.

These are devastating numbers. But all is not lost.

Many local and independent newsrooms continue to launch across the country. Small newsrooms like ours continue to grow, adding new journalists and expanding reporting and investigations.

How is that possible? It’s all thanks to readers like you. Local news is different from other outlets: we’re strengthened by supporters who believe in the power of journalism that cares about its community.

Today, during our end-of-year campaign, consider supporting us. Our newsroom — and our community — will be stronger because of you.

Join your neighbors in support of local journalism

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AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 17

A Community of Advocates For Local Journalism Join today for $16/month

In 2022, Appen Media Group created the Appen Press Club, its mission driven news division dedicated to creating a sustainable infrastructure for local journalism in the north metro Atlanta area. Residents of that community, like you, join the Press Club by committing to small monthly or annual dues, 100% of which is dedicated to producing reliable, professional journalism on local issues that affect your lives.

Join your neighbors in support of local journalism CHARTER MEMBER Big Sky Franchise Team David & Michelle Bertany Amour & Duane Carthy

Adam Corder Robert Flint

Robin Fricton Roderick Liptrot

Tom McMurrain Bob Meyers

Ross & Lori Ramsey Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr.

Marie Gualtiere Vickie McElroy Anne Peer

Robert Popp Mark Rundle Carol Williams

Marilyn Colarossi-Woods

Fred Moeller Carol Morgan Kathy Morgan Stu Moring Jack Murphy Tricia Novarro Bob O’Brien Kurt & Leslie Phillips Joy Pooler Debra Powell Righteous PR Chuck Pugh Ashwin Ramaswami Cheryl Rand Jean Rearick Matt Rohs Jan Satterfield Stephanie Schuette Susan Searles Tina Shelton Lisa Shippel Joanne Simmons Cindy Simpson

Faye Sklar Judith Slaughter Andy Smith Wesley Stewart Cathryn Stovall Celeste Strohl Andy Sumlin Mike Tasos Candice Teichert Lisa Tilt Michael Townes Matthew Tyser Ollie Wagner Lewis Walker Jonathan Washburn Sally White Susan Wilson Jamie Wimberly Nancy & Dave Wistrand Carla York

Colt Whittall

MEMBER+ Kerry Arias Scott Baynton James Bennett

Amy Bergin Rita Brown Mark Casas

David Conti Theodore Davis III Charlcie Forehand

MEMBER Alpharetta Lions Club Omar Altalib Dave Altman Ron Altman American Legion Post 201 Barbara Anderson Mary Asbury Barbara Bauschka Kathy Beck Bill Bentley Leslie Berry Tom Billings Ron Boddicker Jodi Bogen Debra Bowen Joe Bowen Ryan Brainard Erendira Brumley Bernhard Burgener Mike & Theresa Buscher Mary Busman Gary Butterfield Clea Calloway

Carla Campbell Kirk Canaday James Carr Bridgette Carter William Cartwright Pat Check Christopher Cleary Ann Coaloa Evelyn Collazo Michael Mackenzie Communications Joan Compton Terri Coons David Davis Rebecca Donlan Tom Driscoll Michael Dudgeon Jeanette Dummer DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Mim Eisenberg Danny Elkins Martha Fasse Lee Fleck

Cathy Flynn Nanci Foster Amy Frederick Kelly Frommer Carol Fry Tracey Ganesh John Gilberto Leslie Gilliam Michelle Glotzbach Harvey Goldberg Christopher Goodrich Marilee Hamilton Susan Hanna Joe Hirsch Penn Hodge Dianne & Steffan Holmquist Joan Hostetter Lynn Johnson Tyler Jones Arthur Kebanli Mark Kelly Allison Kloster Dyna Kohler

Larry Krueger Jess & Chris Kysar Malinda Lackey Ken Leffingwell Carol Lehan Bonnie Lind Francia Lindon Harlan Little Ross Long Rita Loventhal Momma Nature Madan Karen Magill Kyile Marshall Valerie Matthews William Maxwell Rachel McCord Austin McCully Lynn McIntyre Mike McLoughlin Jennifer Mendoza Al Merrill Chris Miller Christine Miller

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join Appen Press Club

18 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

OPINION

Publix is doing fine just the way it is I heard about a new CEO at Publix this week – on the news somewhere.

Normally, something like that would not catch my attention; there are lots of corporate CEO changes all the RAY APPEN time. This was not, Publisher Emeritus however, just any company; it was Publix, and that is one company that I care about – a lot.

Often a new CEO means something is not working at a company, and the board of directors brings in a fix-it person who usually slashes expenses, lays off staff, and in general, changes a ton of stuff. The same thing often happens when a company acquires another company. Kroger buying Albertsons comes to mind. That “merger” will make the combined company a stronger no. 2 grocer (behind WalMart), but it will also probably mean that many stores will be closed if they overlap markets, and a ton of administrative personal will get the axe.

Elon Musk buying Twitter and then basically destroying it also came to mind, but that particular one is an

extreme case.

This is what I was worried about when I heard about a new CEO at Publix. I googled it and found out that essentially what appears to have happened is that there were a number of internal promotions including the current CEO moving to “executive chairman” and the existing president was moving to the CEO slot. Several other changes/promotions also occurred – all internal promotions for long-time employees. No one from the outside was involved. Most importantly – to me –it appears that what happened may not have been in response to something within Publix being broken. I hope I am right.

I love Publix. I don’t see anything broken about it. In fact, what I see when I contemplate Publix is a company that is still grounded in the core values of the founder – George Jenkins – and that those values are serving Publix well. When I go into a Publix, it feels like I am going home.

I see employees who genuinely care about my shopping experience and about me. I see happy employees who have pride in their store and in their contribution to their store. When I go into a Publix – and they are all the same in these aspects – I feel

Note: Publix is an advertiser with Appen Media.

comfortable; I feel welcomed; and I actually feel like part of the experience, instead of like a customer being sold a commodity that is driven only by pricepoints and nothing else.

When I shop in the other grocery stores – which I seldom do – I never feel like I have any sort of relationship with anything or anyone at the store.

They feel sterile and without any trace of humanity – all business, nameless, faceless, commodity-driven business.

That is the way of today in most businesses, especially service businesses. They are dehumanized, and the customer is no longer considered a priority, at least the way they used to be considered. Calls are answered by recordings instead of a person. Cashiers have given way to self-checkout with scanner machines. Customer service is routed to India instead of to someone who actually cares and will actually listen and try to fix what was broken for a customer. Cutting expenses at any cost is what tends to drive business today, even when it means alienating

customers and employees. This results in companies painting themselves into a corner where their only competitive advantage is reduced to only one variable – price. This approach also destroys brand, something that often has taken decades to create and sustain.

The Publix motto is: “Where shopping is a pleasure,” and guess what! This is actually what Publix still believes and what drives everything.

It is what sets Publix apart from every other competitor and what, in this commodity-driven culture, this “only price” mantra business environment that we know today, drives its success.

A few other businesses continue to operate like Publix, but not many.

Chick-fil-A comes to mind, as does Costco. Both are uber-successful.

Both companies treat employees and customers differently, and you can see it and feel it the instant you enter their store. I sometimes shop at the competitor’s stores, but that is because I am in a hurry and must, not because I want to. Shopping with them is never a pleasure. They are destinations that offer the least they possibly can and expect you to like that and be a loyal customer – not.

Thank you, Publix. Stay the course.

THE INK PENN

Don’t underestimate a senior sleuth this fall My latest mystery reads are set in England and have amateur sleuths as their main characters. If you’re a Miss Marple fan, you’re sure to enjoy these modernsenior sleuths.

KATHY MANOS PENN day And in the case of Columnist the second book, if you were a fan of Queen Elizabeth, you’ll be intrigued by the glimpses into the family life of the royals.

“The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman The fourth installment in The Thursday Murder Club series is spectacular. As always, the murder mystery is cleverly plotted. What makes this series for me, though, is the cast of characters—the retirees living at Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Ron, Ibrahim, Joyce, and Elizabeth enjoy the amenities at the posh village near the coast of England,

but more than that, they love solving murders.

This group of 70- and 80-year-olds meets every Thursday afternoon in the game room at the village, just like other retirees. But this quartet doesn’t play games. They work on murder cases. Way back in book one, it was unsolved cold cases. More recently, they’ve been drawn into an up-to-theminute case or two.

This time, the victim is an old friend of Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen. As the series has progressed, so has Stephen’s dementia. Elizabeth has always been the leader of the crime solving retirees, but as Stephen’s health deteriorates, her priorities shift. She’s on the case, but to a lesser extent, and this forces the others to step up. The result is a poignant portrayal of love, loyalty, and sacrifice wrapped around a murder mystery.

“Murder Most Royal” by SJ Bennett Queen Elizabeth II is the sleuth in this mystery, the third in the “Her

Majesty the Queen Investigates” series. “The Windsor Knot,” the first in the series, is set in the spring of 2016 at Windsor Castle, and this one transports the reader to Sandringham Hall for Christmas the same year.

I credit this series and Kate Quinn’s “The Rose Code” for piquing my curiosity about Prince Phillip.

While he’s not the main character in either, I enjoyed the glimpses of his personality in both. Yes, Queen Elizabeth is the star, but her staff and the prince are also key players in the mystery.

It’s the affection and humor in the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip that will surely warm your heart as it does mine. Does it tell you anything to learn that I ordered a biography of Prince Phillip after reading “The Windsor Knot”?

Have I read it yet? No. But perhaps one day.

In “Murder Most Royal,” I felt like a fly on the wall as I read about the holiday traditions of the royal family. What a treat to learn that Kate

Middleton is known for her humorous gifts, and that she once gave Harry a “grow your own girlfriend” kit. This was pre-Megan Markle—of course.

All three books kept me guessing, but more than that, they made me realize how very human the royal family is. As one review says, “Pitchperfect … If “The Crown” were crossed with Miss Marple … the result would probably be something like this charming whodunnit.” I’m eagerly awaiting Queen Elizabeth’s next sleuthing adventure.

I highly recommend you spend a winter evening or several visiting with the senior sleuths in these series.

Their intelligence and wit are a treat.

Award-winning author Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her cozy mysteries on Amazon or locally at The Enchanted Forest, Bookmiser, Tall Tales, and Johns Creek Books. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ KathyManosPennAuthor/.

PAST TENSE

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | December 14, 2023 | 19

Sgt. York and the “Other Sixteen,” Part 2 The 82nd Division of the U.S. Army was first organized at Camp Gordon in Chamblee, August 1917. The first men assigned to the 82nd were from VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

Columnist Most of these men were transferred to other divisions in October 1917. Their replacements came primarily from northeastern states. Alvin York was from Tennessee.

The other men were from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and other states.

In James P. Gregory’s “Unraveling the Myth of Sgt. Alvin York – The Other Sixteen,” the “Other Sixteen” are the men who were there on Oct. 8, 1918, with York. Sgt. York was credited with single-handedly killing 20 Germans, capturing 132 prisoners and eliminating 35 machine guns, then leading the men of the 328th Infantry Company G back to Allied lines. Evidence gathered from family members of the other men and researchers, such as James P Gregory, indicates that York did not act alone.

Gregory describes the events.

Sgt. Harry Parsons ordered acting Sgt. Bernard Early to take two squads, get behind the enemy line, and take out the machine guns that were firing on Company G. Early and the other men came up on a group of German soldiers and began firing until they realized they were unarmed.

As Company G took 80 Germans prisoner, York was ordered to check them for arms. He later ended up the farthest ahead of the prisoners and in a good position to shoot. Then, an unseen group of Bavarian soldiers opened fire on the Americans. Six Americans were killed and four injured, including Bernard Early.

York was shooting at the enemy, but Pvt. Percy Beardsley was also firing at the Germans until he ran out of ammunition. Then, he continued to fire with his service pistol. Finally, the Bavarians surrendered.

York was ordered to take the prisoners to regimental headquarters.

Five additional men were told to accompany him, but he was the only non-commissioned officer and received credit for the capture.

Robert D’Angelo became interested in the story of his Great Uncle Bernard Early in 1964, after reading an article in the local New Haven,

PHOTOS BY JAMES KNETTEL/ATLANTA’S CAMP GORDON/PROVIDED

Officers of the 328th Infantry photographed at Camp Gordon.

to go home. They didn’t want to spend time trying to prove that they played a crucial role in the events of Oct. 8,1918. It wasn’t until several years later that some men spoke up and the story was questioned.

Also, not many officers were needed after the war ended. That made it crucial for generals to show their rank was deserved, making the glorified story of Sgt. York as a hero beneficial to some.

“For this act of bravery, York not only received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to sergeant, but he also rose to fame and glory,” summarizes Gregory. “The 1941 movie ‘Sergeant York,’ starring Gary Cooper, solidified York as a legend and one of the most well-known military figures in American history.” (Presentation by James P. Gregory Jr. to the Kentucky Historical Society, August 7, 2023).

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.

Office Space for Lease To prepare for going overseas during WW I, Camp Gordon soldiers were taught French.

Conn., newspaper suggesting Bernard Early should share Sgt. Alvin York’s honors. D’Angelo began researching the records, and even went to France to walk the battlefield where his uncle fought. Early received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1929.

David Kornacki researched his grandfather Joseph Kornacki, another of the “Other Sixteen.” David Kornacki and James P. Gregory were invited to an archaeological dig at the battlefield in 2009 (ctinsider.com, May 17, 2023, “Two CT soldiers fought with WWI legend Sgt. York, now descendants are fighting for recognition for the forgotten heroes”) Gregory met with and reviewed the research collected by Ralph D’Angelo and Dave Kornacki. D’Angelo wrote the epilogue to Gregory’s book.

Pvt. Percy Beardsley was with Sgt. York when they came up on the German machine-gun battalion. In 1964, he recalled that when Sgt. Bernard Early was wounded, York was the next ranking man. Beardsley

became a Connecticut farmer following the war and did not contest York’s hero status. Beardsley said by October 1918, the Germans were anxious to surrender. (Vidette-Messenger of Porter County, Dec. 18, 1964, “A Veteran Recalls World War I and Epic Day with Sgt. York”).

After York received the Medal of Honor, a Saturday Evening Post article was published. It did not give credit to any of the other men. The article said the other men were injured, hiding in bushes and not engaging.

Pvt. George W. Wills lived in South Philadelphia in 1929 and said of that day in 1918, “It was like this, all us fellows made the capture and should be credited alike, but Sergeant York seems to have got all the glory.” (Columbus Ledger, Nov. 17, 1929, “The men who went through hell with Sergeant York”).

James P. Gregory points out factors that influenced the way the story of York was built up and excluded the other men. At the time the war ended, most of the men just wanted

Close to Downtown Alpharetta Small private office space (unfurnished) available in Appen Media Office close to Downtown Alpharetta (319 North Main Street, Alpharetta). All utilities included, Internet included (within reason), 24/7 access. Space is upstairs in area of Appen Newsroom. Private, quiet, and open. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (14’ x 14’). $/600 per month, first/ last/security deposit required as well as solid reliable references.

Space would be perfect for a bookkeeper or a self-employed person.

Contact via text or email: Ray Appen at 770-527-4042 or RayAppen@Gmail.com

20 | December 14, 2023 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

Fabulous fairy gardens offer a world of possibilities The mythical world of fairies is found throughout folklore, and related stories have been passed down through generations. A fairy garden is itself a story-telling scene that can include small plants, tiny MARTY THOMAS structures, miniature Guest Columnist furniture, tiny animals, rocks, fairies and gnomes. It can be in a container or a small, cultivated space in your yard, such as a flower bed, near a tree or retaining wall or in a raised bed.

Fairy gardens can have different themes, such as tea parties, a farmyard, the beach, a camping site, the forest, all holidays and seasonal gardens. Use your imagination and be creative!

Containers can be large or small. Some examples of large containers would be birdbaths, wheelbarrows, old wagons, old tires, half barrels and large pots. Smaller containers could be baskets, clay pots, clay saucers, pots and pans, and even teacups. A suggested miniature scale of 1:12 is recommended; a foot-tall plant in the real world would be an inch in the world of fairies. Supplies you might use could be buttons, beads, pebbles and stones, seeds and seed pods, silk flowers, miniature jewelry pieces, wooden craft birdhouses, wooden clothespins and pegs, twigs and leaves, pieces of pinecones and acorns, gourds, and plants, both live and artificial.

Miniature fairies, gnomes and furniture can be found at the local dollar store and craft stores. Amazon even has fairy garden

MARTY THOMAS/PROVIDED

One of many fairy gardens along a trail at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s Butterfly Garden. sets you can purchase online. Use your imagination by adding things to your fairy garden. A mini clothesline can be made from twine and twigs. You can embellish a fairy house by gluing on twigs, moss, pebbles and dried or silk flowers. You can turn a clay flowerpot into a gnome house by painting it or gluing on a purchased fairy door surrounded by pebbles. Then plant some pretty flowers in the pot. I always use E600 glue, found at craft stores, for these projects.

Creating a fairy garden is a great project to do with children. Let them create some of their own fairies using wooden clothespins or pegs they’ve painted, then attach silk flower petals for the wings. A mason jar can be painted a solid color, then paint on a door and windows. Or a clear jar can be filled with moss, artificial plants, fairies and twinkly lights. You can also coat a jar with Mod Podge, sprinkle on Epsom Salt to create a snowy look, and then put fairies and lights inside the jar for a wintery fairy nightlight.

Another creative design could be using

a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with potting soil, then adding a plant and some fairy items for a fall fairy garden. You could even paint the outside of your pumpkin to look like a fairy house and glue moss and flowers on the top. A cute, beach-themed fairy garden can be made by filling a large clay saucer with sand, adding blue gemstones (found at the Dollar Store) for water, then adding beach-themed fairy items. A tea party fairy garden can be made by lining a basket with dried moss, then adding a teacup and saucer with a plant in it and purchased fairy houses and fairies. Even a miniature teapot would be cute to add.

Mini fairy gardens can be put inside teacups. Gourds can be painted to look like a fairy house and then added to a container.

The possibilities are endless, especially if you let your children use their imagination to create their own design!

A fun activity for children would be to visit the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and walk through their butterfly garden filled with fairy houses. Some of their fairy houses were created from old tree stumps, adding a homemade roof to the top and adding a door and windows. The fairies and gnomes have been busy building fairy houses and whimsical gnome houses along the Chattahoochee Nature Center forested trails.

CNC’s Enchanted Woodland Trail opens Dec. 10 through Feb. 29.

For more ideas about fairy gardening, you can check out the links I shared in Resources or you can watch my presentation "Fabulous Fall Fairy Gardens" on the North Fulton Master Gardener YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xD1NEIdktuM?si=y_ fJ1Xl-yVmbBZVn.

About the author This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Marty Thomas, a Master Gardener since 2018 and a resident of Johns Creek. A former teacher, she continues working with children through substitute teaching and children’s art camps. Marty is on the board of directors for the Johns Creek Beautification Committee and a member of the American Hydrangea Society.

She leads a Bible study discussion group at her church and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

Learn more • https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/homelifestyle/gardening/g32599106/fairy-gardenideas/ • https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/100best-fairy-garden-ideas/ • https://www.pinterest.com/ melissapeterson/fabulous-fairy-gardens/

Happy Fairy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

DEATH NOTICES Joseph Bowen, 89, of Roswell, passed away on November 28, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dianne Hauser, 74, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Janet Nichols, 88, of Roswell, passed away on November 26, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Donnie Renfro, 89, of Roswell, passed away on December 1, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Dorothy Croom, 101, of Roswell, passed away on December 3, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Johannes Kiemes, 32, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 30, 2023. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Peters, 72, of Roswell, passed away on December 3, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Roger Rodden, 73, of Roswell, passed away on November 29, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Susan Daw, 54, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 26, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Stephen Mitchell, 74, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 30, 2023. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jane Divosevic, 71, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 2, 2023. Arrangements

by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Spencer Morrison, 82, Roswell, passed away on November 27, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Ouraiwan Phejlada, 91, of Alpharetta, passed away on November 28, 2023.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Raymond Young, 101, of Roswell, passed away on November 23, 2023.

Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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