PARENTS GRUMBLE AT DRAFT REDISTRICTING PLAN
Save Spalding Drive Elementary effort appears doomed
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appemedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With the final School Board vote set for Feb. 20 on the closure of Spalding Drive Elementary, parents are still scrambling to understand
redistricting impacts.
A small crowd at Riverwood High School Dec. 9 met for the third and final meeting and reflected the community’s growing frustration that Fulton County Schools have not heard their concerns.
At the Nov. 4 meeting, the com -
munity received three alternative proposals for elementary school attendance zones, or districts.
Tarika Peeks, executive director of operational planning at Fulton County Schools, said staff incorporated 464 in-person and 755 online comments in advance
of creating the newest proposal.
Fulton County Schools released its draft plan showing the closure of Spalding Drive Elementary a few hours before the Dec. 9 community meeting. The Save Spalding Drive Elementary School Committee pushed back on the news.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Sandy Springs elementary school patrons review a draft redistricting plan unveiled by Fulton County Schools Dec. 9 at Riverwood High School.
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Sandy Springs Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
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.
Milton’s insurer taps former chief justice in wrongful death case
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s fight against a $35 million wrongful death judgment, upheld in September by the state Court of Appeals, just got a boost.
City Manager Steve Krokoff told Appen Media Dec. 5 that the agency providing Milton’s legal representation has retained the former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.
Harold Melton, who served as chief justice from 2018-21, and his firm Troutman Pepper will now help lead a drive to have the case reviewed by the Georgia Supreme Court.
The city’s representation in the case is through the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency, which is affiliated with the Georgia Municipal Association.
In 2016, Joshua Chang, a senior with a full-ride scholarship to Yale University, died after hitting a concrete planter along Batesville Road in Milton on his way home during Thanksgiving break.
Chang’s parents sued the city for wrongful death, ultimately receiving a Superior Court judgement for $35 million.
The Court of Appeals upheld the ruling.
The Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency is tapping Harold D. Melton, former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, and his firm, Troutman Pepper, to lead its effort to have the state’s highest court overturn an appellate court’s $35 million judgement against the City of Milton.
Some residents, citing the $10,000 in post-judgement interest accruing each day, asked the city and its insurer to stop fighting the case after the verdict came in this fall.
But, it appears the fight isn’t ending soon.
Through amicus briefs, surrounding cities joined Milton to petition the Supreme Court to overturn the decision in November. The cities say the judgement risks putting municipal residents across the state on the hook if a person leaves the road, hits an object and is killed or seriously injured.
Melton also serves as the Sanders Scholar in Political Leadership at the University of Georgia’s School of Law and teaches a seminar there. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his law degree from UGA.
Krokoff said Troutman Pepper attorneys are skilled in presenting complex legal arguments and have a track record of success in appellate litigation, particularly in high-stakes and precedent-setting cases.
“Their legal sophistication makes them a valuable asset in advocating before the state's highest court,” Krokoff said. “Yesterday, former Chief Justice Melton filed a petition … with the Georgia Supreme Court, formally requesting the court to review the case.”
He said a decision on whether the court will hear the case is typically expected within 90 to 120 days.
During a Nov. 18 City Council meeting, Milton Families First President Adam Hollingsworth raised questions about the city’s allowing Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) to represent them in the wrongful death lawsuit.
“The decisions made — from selecting underqualified legal counsel to rejecting reasonable settlement offers — have left the City of Milton and its citizens bearing an unconscionable financial burden,” Hollingworth wrote. “This case not only raises serious doubts about GIRMA’s ability to serve its members effectively but also highlights systemic issues that jeopardize public trust.”
The development is likely to raise spirits throughout Milton, though.
“The City of Milton is pleased that GIRMA has taken the steps to retain former Justice Melton and Troutman Pepper,” Krokoff said. “The talent that he and his firm bring will result in Milton putting its absolute best case before the Georgia Supreme Court to hopefully persuade [it] to take the case and weigh in on a judgment that has monumental adverse consequences for cities throughout Georgia.”
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SCHOOL OF LAW/PROVIDED
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
James Bennett
Join
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
CHARTER MEMBER
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Zachary Hahn
Allison January
Michael Kenig
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Cliff Oxford Ross & Lori Ramsey
MEMBER+
Charlcie Forehand
Michael Gavin
Aileen Horton
Deborah Jackson
Ali Mahbod
MEMBER
Carl Abernathy
Bruce Ackley
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Jannet Bauer
Barbara Bauschka
Kathy Beck
Laura Bentley
William Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Carol Bright
Linda Brill
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
William Cartwright
Sarah Carver
Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Christopher Cleary
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Carol Cookerly
Terri Coons
Rafik Cressaty
Rhonda Cude
Connie Cunningham
Christopher Cupit
David Davis
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Lee Fleck
Cathy Flynn
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam
Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Christopher Goodrich
Phyllis Goodrich
Ralph Griffin
Elaine Gwynn
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Ashley Herd
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
Austin McCully
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Lynn Thomas
Kim Truett
Roger Wise Jr.
Richard Matherly
Evan McElroy
Vickie McElroy
Patricia Miller
Anne Peer
Diane McDonald
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Tracy Morton
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Cindy Nolan
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
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.
Business Journal recognizes events in Sandy Springs
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs secured two Best of Georgia awards for Sparkle Sandy Springs and the weekly Farmers Market at City Springs during this year’s Georgia Business Journal competition.
Robert Popp
Sergey Savin
Helen Scherrer
Kate Seng
Carol Williams
Sparkle Sandy Springs, which occurs annually the first weekend of December, is a regional winner in the festivals category, while the Sandy Springs Farmers Market claims the Best of Georgia title in the produce markets and local farms category for the second consecutive year.
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Joanne Simmons
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Marcia Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Melissa Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Kanyatta Walker
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Michael Weiss
Tony White
Umpika White
Susan Wilson
Jamie Wimberly
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Jonathan Young
Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club
Best of Georgia is an annual recognition of the state’s top products and services. Readers of the Georgia Business Journal vote for their favorites across a variety of categories, with the editors also weighing in. Winners are announced online and featured in the January print issue.
Sparkle Sandy Springs, a first-time winner, has captivated the community since its debut in 2017. The holiday celebration, complete with a nighttime parade, has grown from an attendance of 500 its first year to a record-setting 6,500 Dec. 8.
Mayor Rusty Paul said Sandy Springs is proud to be recognized by the readers of the Georgia Business Journal.
“Both Sparkle Sandy Springs and our Sandy Springs Farmers Market have grown tremendously over the years, evolving into signature community events that draw visitors from all over the Metro Atlanta area,” Paul said. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams that make these outstanding events happen each year.”
The Sandy Springs Farmers Market recently wrapped up its 14th season. From April to November each year, the market features a variety of unique vendors around the City Green at the open-air City Springs District. The city-led market’s arts and crafts activities for children and live music from local musicians has become a beloved staple in the community.
For more information and a full list of events, visit www.sandyspringsga. gov/events.
To follow the city on social media, visit facebook.com/SandySpringsGA and instagram.com/CityofSandySprings.
— Hayden Sumlin
Colt Whittall
City Springs lights up for the holidays, Sparkle Parade
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs set another attendance record at the Dec. 8 Sparkle Parade, a sprawling holiday celebration across the downtown City Springs district.
Mayor Rusty Paul said around 6,500 people turned out for the festivities from 4-8 p.m.
Patrons spent their time enjoying live music, ice skating, giant inflatables throughout Sparkle Wonderland, food trucks and the Christmas light display around City Hall.
By the time the parade stepped off at 6 p.m., thousands lined up along Mount Vernon Highway and Galambos Way for a chance to watch their friends, family and neighbors.
Some of the most popular groups were marching bands from local high schools, performers from Namari Dance Center and participants dispensing faux snow.
Some of the boys in the crowd went wild when Star Wars cosplay characters rounded the corner in front of City Hall with lightsabers in tow.
There was a lot of local talent on display in the parade from more than 50 participating organizations.
Just about every elementary schooler in the crowd was focused on the Sparkle Parade’s caboose — Santa Claus with his reindeer and sleigh.
In the inaugural Sparkle Village contest, covering a sprawling collection of miniature decorated homes around the City Green, The Davis Academy took home first place.
Patrons at Sparkle Sandy Springs had the option to vote for their favorite miniatures throughout the evening. The Sandy Springs Police Department was runner-up, and High Point Elementary School took third.
Following the announcement of winners in the Sparkle Village, Mayor Paul and Or Hadash Rabbi Lauren Henderson led the community in countdowns for the Hanukkah menorah and Christmas tree lighting. The lighting ceremony with thousands gathered in front of City Hall went off without a hitch.
The Sparkle Village will remain around the City Green through New Year’s Eve. Skate Sandy Springs, the city’s own ice rink, continues operations through Jan. 20. And of course, the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah along Galambos Way will stay illuminated through the holiday season.
For a calendar of events throughout Sandy Springs, check www.visitsandysprings.org/events.
More Online
See more photos at appenmedia.com
A kaleidoscope of butterflies proceeds down Galambos Way during the 2024 Sparkle Parade Dec. 8. Just a few days prior, Sparkle Sandy Springs won a regional award in this year’s Georgia Business Journal competition.
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Santa Claus and one of his elves take a sleigh ride through City Springs Dec. 8 in advance of their busy Christmas Eve schedule. Santa made his appearance to cap off the Sparkle Parade, causing a frenzy among the youngest Sandy Springers looking to get on
Saint Nick’s nice list.
The Christmas tree in the middle of the Galambos Way roundabout lights up with color-changing bulbs, wowing the crowd at the Dec. 8 Sparkle Sandy Springs celebration and parade. Mayor Rusty Paul and Or Hadash Rabbi Lauren Henderson led the countdown for the lighting ceremony.
Fulton County Schools lists schools accepting transfers
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Schools has identified 80 schools that can accept transfer students for the 2025-26 school year under the Change of School Assignment process.
The process, governed by School Board “Policy JBCD,” took effect in August. It allows student transfers for any reason. Previously, students had to file with a hardship or through options made available by state law.
Only schools with available space, defined as 95-percent enrollment or below stated capacity over a three-year projection, are COSA-eligible.
The application deadline is Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Acceptance or denial decisions for COSA applications are expected to be emailed in late January. If the application is approved, parents must respond by the stated deadline to have their child enrolled at the new school in 2025-26.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www. fultonschools.org.
— Amber Perry
School:
“Despite a drumbeat of dissent, support from a bipartisan group of lawmakers and overwhelming data supporting the contrary, a final redistricting map released Monday by Fulton County Schools would still result in the closure of Spalding Drive Elementary School,” the group said in a statement. “Closing our school will fundamentally disrupt our community and eliminate a high-performing school without justification.”
Fulton County Schools staff has remained consistent, pointing to School Board-approved policy in 2000 that calls for the redistricting process when a school is being considered for closure.
The parameters established by the school district allow parents to comment on geographic proximity, instructional capacity, projected enrollment and other secondary criteria like school feeder alignment.
If taxpayers want to ask about academic performance, the financial aspect of the decision or “questionable” data, Fulton County Schools staff redirects them to the criteria.
The school district is doing its job, but many Sandy Springs parents are furious.
Accepting schools
High
Alpharetta High School
Banneker High School
Cambridge High School
Centennial High School
Chattahoochee High School
Johns Creek High School
North Springs High School
Northview High School
Riverwood High School
Tri-Cities High School
Middle
Autrey Mill Middle School
Camp Creek Middle School
Crabapple Middle School
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Haynes Bridge Middle School
Holcomb Bridge Middle School
Hopewell Middle School
McNair Middle School
Paul D. West Middle School
Renaissance Middle School
Ridgeview Middle School
Sandtown Middle School
Sandy Springs Middle School
Taylor Road Middle School
Woodland Middle School
Jules Tompkins, mother of a Spalding Drive student, said her son is currently drawn to attend Heards Ferry next year with around 15 percent of the elementary school’s population.
“According to Fulton County feeder pattern data, he would be among the 8 percent of Heards Ferry students who would be districted for Sandy Springs Middle School,” Tompkins said. “They're destined to be academic nomads.”
The proposed map, showing attendance zones for the city’s seven elementary schools, assumes the closure of Spalding Drive with its students going to either Woodland, east of Ga. 400, or Heards Ferry, south of I-285.
Students living on the west side of Brandon Mill Road would attend Heards Ferry, while those on the east side would go to Woodland.
Meanwhile, the attendance zone for Ison Springs would expand south to include Woodland students living north of Dalrymple Road and west of Ga. 400.
Attendance zones are not changing for all Sandy Springs elementary schools. Districts for Dunwoody Springs, High Point and Lake Forest remain the same.
Elementary
Abbotts Hill Elementary School
Alpharetta Elementary School
A. Philip Randolph Elementary School
Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School
Barnwell Elementary School
Bethune Elementary School
Birmingham Falls Elementary School
Brookview Elementary School
Campbell Elementary School
Cliftondale Elementary School
Cogburn Woods Elementary School
College Park Elementary School
Conley Hills Elementary School
Crabapple Crossing Elementary School
Creek View Elementary School
Dolvin Elementary School
Dunwoody Springs Elementary School
Esther Jackson Elementary School
Evoline C. West Elementary School
Feldwood Elementary School
Findley Oaks Elementary School
Gullatt Elementary School
Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School
Hapeville Elementary School
Heards Ferry Elementary School
Hembree Springs Elementary School
Heritage Elementary School
High Point Elementary School
Yngrid Jones-Huff, deputy chief operations officers at Fulton County Schools, told the crowd that the Jan. 14 final recommendation to the School Board may not be the same map presented at the public meeting.
“A recommendation will be made to the board based on the feedback tonight,” she said. “They will say at that meeting whether they would like to proceed with the closure of this school … then staff does have to assume that Spalding Drive would close.”
After meeting, Jones-Huff said if the School Board gives staff the goahead to close Spalding Drive Elementary, then all schools with changing attendance zones would be removed from consideration at the Jan. 15 deadline for change of school assignment.
Given the draft plan unveiled Dec. 9, open enrollment would not be available at Spalding Drive, Heards Ferry, Ison Springs and Woodland.
“If the board says they do not want to proceed with the closure, then Spalding and every other school that is impacted by any change on this map will then be allowed to be eligible for change of school assignment,” Jones-Huff said. “If the board says they are not proceeding with the closure, Spalding Drive will remain an
Hillside Elementary School
Ison Springs Elementary School
Lake Forest Elementary School
Lake Windward Elementary School
Liberty Point Elementary School
Love T. Nolan Elementary School
Manning Oaks Elementary School
Medlock Bridge Elementary School
Mimosa Elementary School
Mountain Park Elementary School
New Prospect Elementary School
Northwood Elementary School
Oakley Elementary School
Ocee Elementary School
Palmetto Elementary School
Parklane Elementary School
River Eves Elementary School
Seaborn Lee Elementary School
Shakerag Elementary School
Spalding Drive Elementary School
State Bridge Crossing Elementary School
Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Summit Hill Elementary School
Sweet Apple Elementary School
Vickery Mill Elementary School
Wolf Creek Elementary School
Woodland Elementary School
eligible school … that is a done deal.”
The comments from Fulton County Schools leadership highlight the importance of the Jan. 14 final recommendation. Parents have consistently questioned why allowing open enrollment at Spalding Drive does not solve the school district’s enrollment challenges. As far as the building’s condition goes, parents point to $1.9 million invested in past five years.
If staff gets the go-ahead Jan. 14, there will be public hearings for the school closure before the final vote Feb. 20. Notifications to parents applying for a change of school assignment will be sent sometime in March.
Sandy Springs City Councilman John Paulson, whose two children attended Woodland Elementary on their way to graduating from North Springs High, said he sees declining public school enrollment and increasing numbers at private schools around the city.
“It is disappointing that the solution proposed by Fulton County Schools is to close a high performing elementary school, which will drive more students into the private school arena, the very thing they are responding to,” Paulson said.
A map shows Fulton County Schools’ draft proposal to shutter Spalding Drive Elementary and shuffle its students to nearby Woodland and Heards Ferry. Based off feedback received Nov. 9 during the final round of community meetings, Fulton County Schools staff will make a final recommendation Jan. 14 and receive guidance from the Fulton County School Board.
School:
Continued from Page 8
Two mothers of Woodland students, Abbi Saltzman and Yasmine Malone, said they are trying to figure out what do next after the draft map showed their kids attending Ison Springs next year.
Malone, the mother of a second grader, said she will look to get her son into another nearby school, probably within Fulton County, because of the larger classrooms sizes and drop in quality.
Saltzman, mother of three children
attending Woodland, said she won’t try the change of school assignment because she must carpool and take care of her kids while she finishes up her college degree. Her kids walk to Woodland Elementary now, and the redistricting throws a wrench in her family’s plans.
The community meeting ended with parents questioning the data Fulton County Schools uses to justify closing Spalding Drive Elementary. School district leadership said they stand by the data.
Once parents discovered those from all seven elementary schools made it out to the meeting, there was a more positive feeling in the room.
SPALDING DRIVE ELEMENTARY & SANDY SPRINGS REDISTRICTING TIMELINE
Sept. 10: Fulton County Schools staff recommends closure of Spalding Drive Elementary due to an aging building and declining enrollment
Sept. 18: Closure announcement sparks community meeting hosted by Fulton County School Board member Michelle Morancie
Oct. 7: Fulton County Schools hosts the first public meeting for redistricting Sandy Springs’ elementary schools
Nov. 4: Fulton County Schools unveils three alternative proposals for new attendance zones at Sandy Springs elementary schools
Nov. 12: Elected officials announce support to keep Spalding Drive Elementary open
Dec. 9: Fulton County Schools staff present a draft plan for new attendance zones at Sandy Springs elementary schools
Jan. 14: Fulton County Schools staff to present the final recommendation map for attendance zone changes to the School Board in a first reading. School closure public hearing dates to be determined
Jan. 15: Deadline to apply for open enrollment
Feb. 20: School Board members scheduled to vote on final attendance zone changes
The Save Spalding Drive Elementary School Committee is calling on Fulton County Schools to grant a five-year extension for Spalding Drive Elementary, allowing time for comprehensive planning and meaningful community engagement. The committee says an extension would enable the district to address enrollment challenges across Sandy Springs holistically and align its policies with long-term goals.
Online comments were scheduled to end midnight Dec. 14.
Check www.appenmedia.com for updates on the Jan. 14 School Board meeting and the final recommended attendance zone map for Sandy Springs elementary schools.
For more information about the redistricting process in the Fulton County School District, visit https://www.fultonschools.org/ all-departments/operations/ operational-planning/mapping-andredistricting/redistricting-process.
COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
FlameTree Glass teaches art of scorching medium
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — Maureen Buckley McRorie and her husband Lance McRorie take great care in their craft and dedicate much of their business to sharing it with others.
They specialize in glass blowing at the torch, rather than the older technique of the furnace, and have built their lives around it for more than two decades.
The McRories’ shop FlameTree Glass, Inc. off Warsaw Road in Roswell is part gallery and part workshop space. They also sell glass supplies, but on a small scale, for mostly locals. Competition became nearly impossible when glass supply warehouses, equipped with forklifts, entered the scene.
Maureen said glass blowing is a meditative and therapeutic process. Working with a hot flame requires a certain level of attention.
“It puts you in the moment, and you just start melting, and then two hours have gone by like that,” she said, snapping her fingers. “So that’s why people get real addicted to it.”
Lance called the process a “Zen space,” so long as everything is going to plan.
“Glass is moving, right, and it keeps you present because you have to move with it,” he said. “And, when you’re in that state, time is not linear anymore. All the problems of the world are gone. You’re relaxed, and you’re immersed in this.”
They took up the craft in 1999.
Maureen was into beading, buying her supplies from Beads by Design in Marietta, and found out she could make her own. So, she and Lance signed up for a beadclass, and from there, their beads started selling, and people began asking to take classes.
“We were like, ‘No way,’” Maureen said.
They made a couple of moves since then, from Orlando, Florida, to a shopping center off South Atlanta Street. Maureen and Lance found the current location in 2017, opening two years later but closed soon afterward when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Impact of pandemic
The business hasn’t totally recovered from the pandemic, with only a couple of people stopping by that day. Maureen and Lance also used to hold master classes, but
Maureen Buckley McRorie and her husband Lance McRorie, owners of FlameTree Glass, Inc. off Warsaw Road, specialize in glass blowing at the torch. They sell finished pieces, do commissions within any budget, and offer a variety of classes at all levels.
student interest has waned.
“The whole industry after COVID has just really gone down,” Maureen said.
The signatures of all the expert glass craftspeople who led master classes at FlameTree are spread out along the metal hood over the studio table.
Lance said he has always participated in the master classes held at the shop, working to build his skill.
“They’re just at such a high level,” he said. “Every time they come back in front of me, I feel like an infant.”
Meanwhile, he said Maureen has only taken two to three official classes but manages to pick up the skill nearinstantly.
She loves sculpting and works mostly in soft glass, as it’s less fussy and stubborn than hard glass, which has a slower heating process and quicker cooling process, forcing you to work, or blow, fast.
Intricate lamps are one of her specialties, building a metal armature frame then attaching glass, made on the wire.
“A lot of this is recycled out of the trash bucket,” she said.
Some can be seen on the walls in the gift shop, along with her watercolor paintings and fabric work, also an abundance of glass jewelry pieces. There’s finished pieces, but they offer commissioned work for any budget.
Hard glass is a medium Lance uses often because of his knack for goblets, forging whimsical stems of different
animals and other shapes. Dozens are on display in the shop.
He takes influence from Asian culture, at one point flipping through a book showcasing Chinese folk art. Loren Stump, a master, captivated Lance with his own interest and experiences teaching in Japan.
Joy in teaching
While business isn’t what it used to be, they do have a busy schedule this time of year, teaching students how to blow their own holiday decorations.
In the studio downstairs, Lance was preparing icicles at his workstation, an organized mess of tools in all shapes and sizes and with different uses at the end of a long table where students approach a series of small torches. Kilns of all sizes are tucked in different places.
Icicle-making was the main event the next day.
Lance demonstrated how traditional ball ornaments are made, another class, focusing the flame on a hard glass stem that he prepared in advance. After a few minutes of even rotations in the flame, the bulbous end softened and was malleable enough to blow out into the spherical shape often seen on Christmas trees.
The stem is then cut, leaving an opening to be topped with a metal ornament cap.
Lance said students have to start with the basics and foundation — there’s a lot to it. He and Maureen mapped out the different styles of glass making on the studio chalkboard, accompanied by a history lesson in the craft.
Lance said it’s a difficult medium to teach.
“Well, most people don’t get it,” Maureen added. “... They’re terrified … but then they realize, if you just listen and follow safety instructions, it’s fine … As seasoned veterans, we still have to pay attention because we can still get hurt.”
Maureen and Lance, collectively, have a lot of cuts and burns.
“Sometimes you get a cut, and then you cauterize it with the burn on top,” she said, laughing.
Maureen said she enjoys getting students over the fear but also frustration, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
“They get into that space, and it’s healing,” Lance added. “Because in this frenetic world that we live in, right — fast, frenetic, flashing pictures on an iPad, cars driving — they learn how to be calm…”
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
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. 1 2
tool
Estate planning and mental health
As we navigate the complexities of estate planning, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is mental health. It’s a topic that deserves our attention, especially as we think about the future not just for our assets, but for our loved ones' well-being. Life can bring unexpected challenges, and mental health issues can arise at any stage. When creating an estate plan, it’s important to consider the possibility that beneficiaries may need support during difficult times. This might mean setting aside funds specifically for mental health care, or perhaps even designating a trusted individual to help advocate for their needs. Open conversations about mental health within families can foster understanding and support. Encourage discussions about emotional wellness and ensure your loved ones know they’re not alone in facing life's challenges. It can be incredibly empowering for beneficiaries to know
they have a plan in place should they need mental health resources. Additionally, as we age, our own mental health can come into play. Planning for our own wellbeing—whether through advance directives or appointing a power of attorney—can ensure that our voices are heard, even when we may not be able to articulate our wishes. Remember, estate planning is not just about distributing wealth; it’s about safeguarding the emotional and psychological health of those we care about. Let’s prioritize mental wellness as we plan for the future. After all, true legacy goes beyond assets— it's about the love, support, and care we pass on to the next generation.
•
•
•
•
HOLLY GEERDES Estate Law Center USA Top 5% Super Lawyer in Georgia
OPINION
100 most influential people #41 - #50
People and things that have impacted our world
RAY APPEN
Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
Here’s another batch of names in my continuing series exploring the most influential people and topics in history
No. 41 Money
The pursuit of money as the end goal is toxic, and it makes the list. Pure capitalism without intervention can be just as destructive as it can be productive. There needs to be balance. Of course, much of the struggle between the two political parties centers upon the responsibility of society to provide for its citizens – who, how much, why, when. Observation: When the primary common denominator in a system, society, or organization becomes money, it will inevitably fail and implode upon itself. We are way down that road already.
No. 42: The “New Coke” (April 1985 to July 2002)
Loyalty to the “old Coke” – the emotional attachment – was generally given as one of the primary reasons for the failure of “New Coke.” That is, Coke underestimated the brand loyalty to the “old” Coke. Points go to then Coke CEO Roberto Goizueta who had the guts to change the formula for Coke after 99 years of use. You don’t get to be CEO if you are afraid to roll the dice.
No. 43: Brands (see #42)
What do all these products have in common: Crest, Cascade, Comet, Zest, Pampers, Gillette, Tide, Febreze, Vicks, Charmin, Tampax, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Bounty, Scope, Pantene, Dawn, Ivory, Gain, Pepto Bismol, Mr. Clean? If you guessed that they are all Procter & Gamble brands you would be correct. Procter & Gamble has historically spent more money “brand advertising” than any other retailer worldwide. Brand advertising/consistency is a massively wise investment.
Ask someone to sit with you and write down the first thing that comes to mind as you read this list to them: “a toothpaste, a dishwasher detergent, a laundry detergent, a brand of toilet paper, a tampon brand, a brand of razor, a shampoo, something for upset stomach, a general-purpose cleaner.” See if 80 percent (or more) of the products they name are these - after decades and decades!
No. 44: “Apocalypse Now”
Francis Fords Coppola’s movie makes the list. It is arguably the “greatest” war movie of all time. What script writers come up with lines like these: “You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill”, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” “Who is the commanding officer here?” Soldier: “Ain’t you?” and my favorite, “Charlie don’t surf.”
The scene, complete with go-go dancers and CCR’s Susie Q blasting in the background – about “75 klicks above the Do Luong bridge” – Coppola’s rendition of Dante’s hell – is just one of many scenes that allowed “Apocalypse Now” to check more boxes than almost all other contemporary movies. Incidentally, while the movie
was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella “Heart of Darkness,” it is safe to say that the bulk of the script for Apocalypse Now was “borrowed” from Michael Herr’s seminal journal/book on Vietnam, “Dispatches.”
No. 45: Cast of “Apocalypse Now”
What can you say. I just want to see more movies with casts composed of acting gods. Coppola’s cast: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, Laurence Fishburne, Harrison Ford, Robert Duval, Charlie Sheen and more.
No. 46: The Odds Online gambling is now legal. It is reported that one online betting platform has
already – one week prior to November 5 –taken in over $100 million in election bets. Another platform reports taking in $2.5 billion so far. From casinos to government lotteries, to now online betting, we seem to be increasingly allowing something that is inherently toxic into our humanity. Surely this won’t end well. All for the almighty buck.
No. 47: Pop-tops
The pull-top can, also called “ring-top,” was invented by Ermal Fraze in the early 1960s and discontinued in 1975 because too many people swallowed them or cut their fingers on them. Someone else figured out how to modify the tab so that it stayed on the can. So, it makes the list because it represents the good ole American “can-do” attitude.
No. 48: Bill Gates
I have mixed emotions adding Bill to the list. He now has some questionable history, it seems. On the other hand, he has channeled much of his wealth toward worthy outreaches, from poverty, health, agriculture, education, and more, to the benefit of millions, if not billions, of people worldwide. Another aspect of his impact on our world has been his efforts, along with Warren Buffet, to encourage other billionaires to commit to using their wealth to better the world at large. And no, Gates has not implanted chips in anyone, nor did he fund, plan, or initiate COVID 19. Come on people.
No. 49: Glenn Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Barbra Streisand, MJ Art, including especially music, surely is the counterbalance to the pursuit of money. Yes, money often ends up ruining those who create the art, but that art is the magic that reminds us who we are, grounds us, makes us remember what is important, and tempers so many of our default responses to the world in which we live. Art/music is our healing magic.
No. 50: COVID 19
What is there to say that we don’t already know? It changed everything. It killed millions. It came close to destroying the world’s economy. But how will we deal with the next pandemic? Vaccines work. Distancing helps stop the spread. But the pandemic became the epicenter of disinformation that is still out there. Perhaps the greatest victim of COVID 19 was the public’s trust in the federal government and especially the CDC. That can’t be, or we won’t survive the next pandemic.
us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak
or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell.
North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE
Roofing
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
& Painting
Excellent Referrals
Free Estimate
25+ Years of
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
