Buckhead Reporter - October 2023

‘Stop Cop City’ referendum in legal limbo as petitions made public

By Dyana Bagby

Atlanta officials will scan and make public the petitions against the city's planned public safety training center but will not verify the signatures or advance the "Stop Cop City" referendum process as they await further guidance from a federal appellate court.

The Atlanta City Council voted 15-0 on Sept. 18 to approve a resolution directing the city clerk to scan the petitions that the Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition says contain 116,000 signatures of registered Atlanta voters, about twice the number required by state law to force a referendum.

The scanned documents will be saved as digital images and are to be posted on the city's website for public access.

Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, who opposes the 85-acre training center being built in the South River Forest, introduced the resolution after working fellow council members and with Stop Cop City coalition members on the wording.

The legislation is intended to put pressure on city officials to stop fighting the referendum and to allow public experts to verify signatures because the city says it cannot do so, Bakhtiari said.

The proposed referendum would allow

voters to choose if they want to repeal the ordinance that authorized the lease of roughly 300 acres of South River Forest land to the Atlanta Police Foundation. Mayor Andre Dickens along with city officials and state officials have called the petition drive “invalid” and “futile.”

On Sept. 11, organizers of the Vote to Stop Cop City coalition turned in 16 boxes filled with petitions to the city clerk. They were shocked when city officials handed them a memo that said they were prohibited from verifying the signatures because they were turned in too late.

The memo said the Sept. 1 decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to stay a July 27 federal district court’s preliminary injunction meant petitions needed to be turned in by the original Aug. 21 deadline. The city said it would have to wait for a final ruling by the 11th Circuit Court, likely to come in November, before it could decide to verify signatures.

Mayor Dickens said in a written statement he backs a transparent process for the petition drive.

“I fully support the action taken by City Council," Dickens said in a written statement. "As I have stated before, I support allowing the process to run its course in an

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open and transparent manner. Like many, I want to know exactly what is in those boxes and this moves us one step closer.”

Bakhtiari wanted to introduce legislation on Sept. 11 that would allow the City Council to put its own public safety training center referendum on the ballot but was told by city attorneys the legislation would be unconstitutional. The resolution on Monday was a new way to move the process forward, Bakhtiari told Rough Draft in an interview after the meeting.

"My intent was, if we are legally tied from being able to actually put something on the ballot, which are very much seems we are, to try to find another way to move this forward," Bakhtiari said.

"If I put it out in the public, then there are going to be experts that are able to verify [signatures] and can hold us accountable. I fully believe that they have the signatures," Bakhtiari said. "And by the mayor's own admission, he wants to see what is in the boxes. OK, let's see what's in the boxes."

Bakhtiari said if public experts are able to verify the signatures, that puts pressure on the city to "do what's right" and hopefully withdraw its appeal in the 11th Circuit Court.

"If we withdraw the appeal, my

understanding is that it'd be kicked back to [U.S. District Court] Judge Mark Cohen and we'd be able to move forward with the verification process and put this thing on the ballot," Bakhtiari said.

Bakhtiari's original motion wanted to redact voter information included in the petitions, such as addresses and phone numbers, to ensure people who signed the petition are not potentially harassed.

Councilmember Alex Wan succeeded in amending the motion to say redactions will conform with Georgia's open records law.

Wan said during the meeting that he has heard from many constituents who support the training center "but are enraged by the process." He said open records requests have already been made to the city for copies of the signatures.

Councilmember Keisha Sean Waites criticized how the city administration has handled the entire petition drive process.

"I feel like the process has been completely convoluted and lacks integrity," Waites said in an interview with Rough Draft. "The process of building the center has been secretive and clandestine. I fully support a public safety facility, but I just believe everything associated with the location is tainted."

Whether you are craving comfort food, the perfect place for your family to share a meal, or fine dining, Chamblee makes each meal a treat. So, treat yourself in Chamblee today.

New ordinance requires annual inspections for apartments

By Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs City Council unanimously approved development code amendments to require annual inspections of all multi-family rental housing units in the city.

“Currently, the code and third-party inspections are spread out over five years, making it difficult for all parties to keep track of which buildings have already been inspected,” Community Development Director Ginger Sottile told the City Council at its September meeting. “Furthermore, due to the large number of aging apartments without sprinklers there is a heightened risk of fire and potential loss of life,” Community Development Director Ginger Sottile told the city council.

The fire department, code enforcement, and the building division will jointly administer the program. Apartment complex owners or property management companies must schedule and pay for the annual third-party inspections.

In addition to the annual inspections, a separate inspection of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be required every five years to make sure that the equipment is properly maintained and operating within the manufacturer’s specifications, she said.

All owners and property managers must undergo training on the new ordinance. A code compliance certificate, Property Manager Certification, and certificate of insurance must be submitted with the application for a new or renewal of an occupational tax certificate.

Councilmember Melody Kelley asked why the apartment complexes must show their insurance coverage to the city.

“We believe it’s for the protection of the occupants of the apartments themselves. If, God forbid there was some kind of a catastrophic event and there was a loss of life and the families of those lost, would be compensated. Also in the event of loss of housing, it could be built back so that the occupants could at some point move back into the apartments that they once occupied,” Sottile said.

City Attorney Dan Lee said staff feels that the requirement is another level of inspection because the property couldn’t get insurance if it didn’t meet the code.

During public comment before the ordinance amendments were presented to the city council, Stephen Davis of the Atlanta Apartment Association asked for time to take the proposals back to members for review.

He said the insurance requirement wasn’t something that other cities asked to see. The requirement to take a class for third-party inspectors, owners or property managers was also unique and the association wanted to learn more about the classes.

The city has 98 apartment complexes with two more under construction, according to Sottile’s report to the city council. More than 25,000 rental units are in approximately 1,300 buildings. Of these structures, her report said 47 percent lack an automatic sprinkler system, 25 percent are partially covered by sprinklers, and 28 percent are fully covered.

Avia at North Springs apartments.

For more Sandy Springs headlines, subscribe to our daily newsletter at RoughDraftAtlanta.com/newsletters.

St. Martin’s school drops land deal for sports facility in Brookhaven

By Logan C. Ritchie

St. Martin’s Episcopal School terminated a contract to purchase seven acres of land for a controversial sports facility at 30743086 Osborne Road in Brookhaven.

The move is “purely economical,” St. Martin’s Board Chair Shara Sanders said on Sept. 20.

St. Martin’s had planned to build a gymnasium and field on the lot, which caused a stir in 2022. Lynwood neighbors fought the deal, arguing that a sports facility would bring trash and noise. The city of Brookhaven voted in November 2022 to change zoning to R-75 (residential).

An email to the school community written by Sanders said significant changes in the real estate market led to the decision. Moving forward with the purchase was “no longer in the best interest of St. Martin’s, as the materially higher borrowing costs (nearly double those originally budgeted) would put unnecessary stress and strain on the school and our families.”

The Osborne Road property was no longer the low-cost, low-risk option as when the school signed in 2022, the email stated.

“We all were disappointed, but it was our fiduciary duty and fiscal responsibility that led to the decision,” Sanders said.

Sanders said the private school, which

serves students from preschool to eighth grade, is not looking for a different property at this time.

“Right now we are looking to do some strategic planning. We already have our Ashford Dunwoody campus and our High Point campus. We also have a new head of school, so we are taking the time now to re-examine,” Sanders said.

In 2018, the school purchased a similarsized property for $3.1 million at 5455 Buford Highway in Doraville. When the Brookhaven property became available in 2022, St. Martin’s planned to sell the land in Doraville to finance the land in Brookhaven. Delays in selling the Doraville property and “a reduction in purchase price” led to Brookhaven falling through, the school said.

According to city of Doraville documents, St. Martin’s received a Conditional Use Permit in 2018 for athletic fields and associated facilities on these properties. That development never materialized. In 2020, the properties were originally included in the city-initiated rezoning of the entire corridor but were dropped at the request of St. Martin’s. Doraville documents show St. Martin’s sold the property to residential developer RangeWater, who will be breaking ground this month on a multifamily development.

City council weighs pros and cons of security cameras

By Logan C. Ritchie

The Brookhaven City Council is considering adding surveillance cameras around the city to enhance safety.

The discussion comes following the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passing an ordinance in 2022 requiring convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system. The Atlanta City Council passed a similar ordinance in August.

At the Sept. 12 meeting, Brookhaven City Attorney Jeremy Berry presented council members with the positives and negatives of placing security cameras around the city.

Councilmember Linley Jones said the discussion has been going on for years because a handful of Brookhaven businesses “are targeted repeatedly for either break-ins or for violent crime.”

“The genesis of the conversation is that these businesses are allowing the crime and break-ins to go unaddressed. They know that they have crime problems and they don’t have cameras. I don’t think there’s any reason to believe that they are going to be supportive of having cameras,” Jones said.

Berry said there are “significant legal concerns” with cameras around the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable search and seizure by the government.

“Putting a camera up allows the camera to capture what happened, but the police, of course, would need a warrant to be able to actually access that information,” said Berry.

Discussions include who would pay for camera equipment, which would cost approximately $2,600 per camera plus maintenance and footage storage; surveillance versus monitoring; and how to get businesses to comply with code enforcement.

“Do we look at a heat map of crimes where crimes are committed to inform that decision of where we require cameras? Do we look, for example, at convenience stores or apartment homes, hotels? There may be an overlap of the heat zones and those businesses, but we need to be thoughtful about where we actually require the cameras,” Berry said.

Brookhaven Deputy City Manager Steve Chapman plans to engage stakeholders including Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Apartment Association, ACLU and neighboring cities. The city of Dunwoody is considering a camera ordinance, said Berry, who has consulted Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley and Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan.

Staff plans to present a drafted ordinance to the council in December.

The piece of property on Osborne Road as shown on Google Maps.

‘Dinowoody’ residents show support for inflatables

By Cathy Cobbs

Dunwoody has transformed into “Dinowoody” thanks to an outpouring of community support as residents erect inflatables to support the Torres family’s fight to keep their yard decorations from going extinct.

Lisa Torres, whose family has been putting up holiday-themed dinosaurs and inspiring messages since 2020, had originally been told by the city of Dunwoody the inflatables needed to be deflated by Sept. 20 because of a complaint by a single person that they were in violation of the city’s sign ordinance.

The family has been given a 30-day reprieve while the city tries to find a compromise that will let them remain. That reprieve ends in early October.

Not willing to rest on that possibility, the community rallied to support the cause on Sept. 21, installing dozens of inflatables in their yards.

Dinosaurs have appeared in the Waterford, Holly Oak, Dunwoody North, and other subdivisions, along with encouraging messages posted on various social media outlets.

Torres said she and her family are overwhelmed by the show of support for the dinosaurs. She was even invited to

appear on Telemundo to talk about the inflatables.

“It’s just so stinking cute,” Torres said. “The community has come together, and we are so grateful.”

Because of the extension, Torres said she and her husband, Cesar, were able to proceed with their Halloween display, which went up the same day that the inflatables were originally to be taken down.

“I told the boys yesterday that Leo [the large T-rex that had been in their yard for their back-to-school display] was coming down, and my son said, ‘I thought you said we defeated the Grinch,’ and I said, ‘We did and now we can put up our Halloween display.’”

She said her children, Coby, 6, and Rex, 3, have realized that dinosaur displays’ significance has progressed far beyond their front yard.

“They used to think it was for them, but now they realize that it’s not theirs anymore,” she said. “They are sharing the

dinosaurs with the world.”

“They love seeing people’s reactions, and tell me all the time, ‘Look Mom, they like that one’ or ‘that dinosaur is that little girl’s favorite.’”

Torres said the message on the front of the Halloween display, “U R Spooktacular,” is for the hundreds of supporters “to let them know how much they appreciate them.”

She declined to comment on how much the family has spent on their inflatables, but said, “It was a painless expense.”

“You can’t buy a smile or happiness, but you can buy dinosaurs.”

GA legislator seeks best education practices on EU tour

By Collin Kelley

Dist. 39 State Senator Sonya Halpern traveled to Finland and Estonia as a member of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program hosted by The Hunt Institute.

Halpern’s mission was to uncover the secrets behind the educational success of the European Union nations.

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Annual Ceramic Bowl Sale Spruill Center for the Arts

The Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, now in its ninth cohort, is dedicated to cultivating leadership and informed policy development in the field of education.

“Education knows no borders, and much of the knowledge I gained and lessons learned abroad as a member of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows delegation can be skillfully applied to help transform Georgia to new heights,” Halpern said in a statement. “Embracing the policies and excellence I witnessed can propel Georgia to become a top tier state in education and unlock the door to workforce success and economic growth for every student.”

The tour began in Finland, a nation that has undergone a remarkable

transformation of its education system. In just 15 years, Finland has received international acclaim for its exceptional performance in mathematics, science, and reading on global assessments.

The next leg of the tour took the Fellows to Estonia, where substantial strides have been taken to bridge the achievement gap between the wealthiest and most underprivileged students. These efforts have yielded a more skilled, educated, and globally competitive workforce.

The Torres Family has decorated their front yard with inflatables for Halloween.

(Photo by Cathy Cobbs)

Sen. Sonya Halpern

Nominations now open for 20 Under 20

The 15th annual 20 Under 20 will appear in our January 2024 issue and we are now seeking nominations of students from public schools, private schools, and colleges ages 19 and younger who have contributed to the community in a significant way.

Nominations are welcome from teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, siblings, fellow students or community leaders.

Here’s the information we need:

■ Nominator (name, relationship to nominee, and contact information)

■ Nominee (Name, age, grade, school, parent or guardian names, contact information)

■ Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, and areas of interest to help illustrate your point.

■ A high-resolution photograph (1MB in size or more) of the student in any setting.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1, 2023. Please email your nominations to editor Collin Kelley at collin@roughdraftatlanta.com.

Downtown flooding highlights need for resilience

On the afternoon of Sept. 14, the unimaginable happened. The Georgia Aquarium on Baker Street in downtown Atlanta had to be evacuated because of too much water — not from leaky fish tanks, but from flash flooding

that seeped into the facility. Less than a mile away, a rain gauge near the office of the city’s watershed management department registered 1.34 inches of rain in fifteen minutes: an amount “usually observed in three hours,” according to Mikita Browning, the department’s commissioner.

landscape is transformed by urbanization into roads, rooftops, and other hard surfaces. The deluge slammed into pavement and rooftops before speeding downslope, pushing aside much in its way.

Sally Bethea

The isolated thunderstorm ultimately dumped nearly three inches of rain, providing a particularly graphic example of what can happen when the natural

Parked cars floated down streets. Moving cars had to be abandoned when their engines flooded. Dorms at Clark Atlanta University were evacuated as dirty stormwater entered buildings and rushed down hallways. First responders rescued people from water that was five feet deep in some areas. The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge nearest to the urban core — located on Proctor Creek in the Grove Park neighborhood — recorded an astonishingly rapid rise in water level from three feet to twelve and a half feet in less than an hour, followed by an equally rapid fall.

Heavier rainfall

Like many places around the planet, Atlanta is experiencing its own consequences of a hotter world: the increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. As storms travel across warmer oceans, they absorb more water vapor and heat leading to heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and more flooding. This past summer, oceans registered the highest temperatures in modern history.

Wet, stormy weather is not unusual in the South, as those of us who grew up here can attest; the 1960s was a particularly rainy decade. Nor is flooding in low-lying areas — such as Atlanta’s Vine City, Peoplestown, and Mechanicsville — unexpected. What is new are intense, flashy rainfall events over short periods of time. Municipal stormwater systems were not designed to handle these extreme events, which are more frequent due to climate change.

Tackling stormwater

In 2002, then-mayor Shirley Franklin created the Clean Water Atlanta Program: a response to the federal consent decree that settled the lawsuit filed by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and others in the mid-1990s to stop chronic overflows of untreated sewage and polluted stormwater into streams and rivers. The long-term goal of the program has been to meet the requirements of clean water laws and align the city’s wet weather strategies with sustainable solutions.

Mayor Franklin asked Wayne Clough, then-president of Georgia Tech, to convene an advisory panel of national experts to focus on technical aspects of

the city’s plan to fix its combined sewer and stormwater system. Pipes built nearly a century ago to serve downtown Atlanta conveyed sewage and stormwater — together — to facilities for treatment; however, by the 1990s, overflows were occurring sixty times per year on average. Downtown development, new pavement, and aging infrastructure combined to stress the system, resulting in increased flooding and pollution.

Among other solutions, the Clough panel endorsed the construction of deeprock tunnels in some areas to capture and detain storm runoff prior to treatment. According to Mikita Browning, these storage tunnels and several green (natural) infrastructure projects helped minimize flooding impacts during the recent flash flood event. Over the years, the watershed department has taken additional steps to slow and capture stormwater to reduce flooding and pollution. The city also passed a nationleading post-development stormwater ordinance in 2013 requiring developers to manage the first inch of stormwater that falls on their sites.

These initiatives have been supported by a portion of the municipal option sales tax (MOST) first passed by the state legislature nearly twenty years ago to help fund the mandated multi-billion-dollar overhaul of the city’s sewage system. To grapple with the extreme weather events associated with global heating and safeguard lives and property, a more robust budget is needed.

A game-changing strategy

The Clough panel’s report, delivered to Mayor Franklin in late 2002, recommended a five-point plan. It included a critical strategy to reduce stormwater pollution and flooding: a stormwater utility. Adopted by dozens of municipalities in Georgia, a stormwater utility can provide a steady and reliable source of revenue for reducing stormwater flooding and pollution with green and gray (engineered) infrastructure. Proposed several times over the past twenty years, Atlanta’s city council has not — yet — been able to muster the political will to implement a utility. Meanwhile, the storms keep coming.

In a press release issued after the recent downtown flash flooding event, Browning noted that her department is “evaluating the feasibility and approach for a stormwater utility while considering affordability.” She told me a utility would be a “game-changer” for managing

extreme weather events throughout Atlanta; she hopes to bring the utility proposal forward by next spring. This fall, she plans to introduce a measure that would require developers in the downtown area to store (and later release) more runoff than previously required to reduce peak storm volumes and rates.

A stormwater utility can ensure that everyone pays their fair share for their contributions to the flow of runoff from their developed (hardened) property into the community and nearby waterways. It’s past time for the city of Atlanta to embrace this practical, proven strategy. Let Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta City Council know that you are behind their efforts to make our city more resilient and protect people, property, and the environment with a stormwater utility.

Cars were swept up during the flooding near Clark Atlanta University on Sept. 14. (Courtesy WSB-TV)

Photo courtesy of the artist

Show Up & Show Out

Atlanta Pride Festival, annual parade set for Oct. 14-15

By Collin Kelley

With LGBTQ+ rights under threat during another fraught political season, this year’s Atlanta Pride Festival theme, “Show Up & Show Out,” is encouraging visibility in the face of adversity.

But like any Pride festival – the first iteration happening 52 years ago – there will also be a chance to mix, mingle, dance and have fun.

The Pride celebration begins on Oct. 13 with the Official Kickoff at the Georgia Aquarium. Hollywood superstar DJ Dawna Montell will headline the event with support from circuit icon DJ David Knapp and DJ Brian Rojas. Tickets and more details area available at georgiaaquarium.org/pridekickoff.

Piedmont Park will be the epicenter of festival weekend with music, arts, food, information and more.

Swedish pop duo Icona Pop, rapper Saucy Santana, and Australian singersongwriter G Flip will headline the music stages on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15

Two stages will feature entertainment in the park during the weekend –the Coca-Cola Main Stage and the Mercedes-Benz USA Stage.

Also on the lineup are Ashlee Keating, Outfront Theatre Company, Voices of Note Chorus, Shooting Start Carbaret, DJ Mike Q, Michel Jons Band, and the Starlight Cabaret will close out the weekend with the largest outdoor drag show in the country.

“The entertainment portion of the festival is always a huge draw,” said Chris McCain, executive director of the Atlanta Pride Committee. “We’re excited to welcome the community for what is

sure to be a high-energy experience. This year, we have something for every fan.”

The entertainment kicks off on the Mercedes-Benz USA Stage on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 12 p.m. with an eclectic mix of local artists and performers; entertainment on the Coca-Cola Main Stage starts at 2 p.m.

The annual Pride Parade will take place on Sunday at noon, making its way along Peachtree Street from Downtown to Piedmont Park. The parade usually attracts 100,000 to participate and watch, so be sure to find a viewing spot early along the route.

This year’s parade grand marshals are a mix of local organizations and individuals who have contributed to the LGBTQ+ community in significant ways. The marshals include All-1-Family, Danielle Bonanno, Aubri Escalera, Jim Farmer, Georgia Voice, Sergio Mendez, Jon Santos, Jennifer Slipakoff, Voices of Note and Toni-Michelle Williams.

“This year’s Grand Marshals are a diverse and powerful representation of metro Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community,” McCain said. “From politics to media, community services and entertainment, our Grand Marshals are well-deserving, and we can’t wait to watch them Show Out in this year’s parade.”

In addition to the main parade, three annual marches will also be held on Saturday. The Trans March is at 1:45 p.m., the Bi & Pan March is at 3:30 p.m., and the Dyke March at 5 p.m. All three marches will be held along 10th Street.

For more details about all of the events, visit atlantapride.org. Be sure to turn to Page 20 for an interview with Pride executive director Chris McCain.

Atlanta Pride Parade

Atlanta Trans March

Icona Pop

The 2023 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals

‘Visibility and solidarity’ remain goals of Atlanta Pride

By Dyana Bagby

When Chris McCain attended his first Atlanta Pride in 2012 at age 27, he felt a sense of awe at the tens of thousands of people packed into Piedmont Park.

“I just remember it being the largest space that I’ve ever seen so many queer people together, and also seeing all the artists and the entertainment,” he said.

“When you are part of a relatively small minority, it felt really inspiring and comforting to be around so many people who are like you.”

This year, McCain returns to Atlanta Pride – set for Oct. 14-15 at Piedmont Park – as the organization’s executive director, a job he started in May. He takes the helm as Atlanta Pride rebuilds itself after the festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.

The cancellations hurt the nonprofit organization financially and many volunteers did not return when Atlanta Pride came back to Piedmont Park in 2022.

McCain’s background in fundraising, philanthropy, social justice, and community outreach while working at jobs at Emory University, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund in Florida and, most recently, the Director of Philanthropy at The Bail Project in Los Angeles, made him the perfect fit to lead Atlanta Pride into its next chapter, according to Atlanta Pride Board Chair Crystal Stubbs.

“His passion for and commitment to social justice – particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community – along with his breadth of nonprofit leadership experience really impressed our search committee,” Stubbs said in a news release announcing his hiring.

McCain is a metro Atlanta native. He grew up in Gwinnett County and graduated from Norcross High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College in North Carolina and earned a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

“I came out after college in North Carolina and went to my first Pride, a much smaller Pride than Atlanta Pride, in Nashville while at Vanderbilt,” he said.

In 2018, he moved to L.A. to be with his boyfriend where he worked for five years at The Bail Project, a national nonprofit organization working to make sure that no one is sitting in jail pretrial because of their race or poverty. During those five years, McCain built a diversified fundraising program from the ground up, leading his team to raise more than $100 million over five years.

He and his boyfriend married last year at Joshua Tree. They decided this year to move back to Atlanta to be closer to their families. They also plan to adopt and felt Atlanta would be the best place to raise a family.

“What I love about Atlanta is that it is consistently a welcoming and inclusive place for queer people,” McCain said. “Atlanta is the queer capital of the South, if not the Southeast.”

Although Atlanta is known for welcoming LGBTQ people, the state of Georgia, like many states, is facing an

PROPERTY TAX 2ND INSTALLMENT DEADLINE NOV. 15

Customers paying their property tax bills at the Memorial Dr. tax office will use the UGA Extension Services entrance located at the front of the building from Nov 6–15, 2023, Monday–Friday, until 6:00 PM (extended hours).

Disabled customers may still use the Property Tax entrance off Northern Ave

Know before you go:

Second installment is due Nov 15; City of Atlanta-DeKalb is due Nov 15 Remember to bring your tax bill stub and a valid Georgia ID or Georgia driver’s license.

Acceptable payment methods include a credit/debit card, check or money order; processing fees apply for credit/debit card payments

onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation from socially conservative lawmakers, particularly against transgender people.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation into law this year banning hormone treatments for transgender children. LGBTQ advocates argued the law was medical discrimination.

Georgia Republicans also plan to renew debate on a “Don’t Say Gay” bill after it was tabled this year. The bill would require anyone acting in place of a parent, including teachers at public and private schools, church leaders or camp counselors, to get parental permission before offering “any curriculum or instruction addressing issues of gender identity, queer theory, gender ideology, or gender transition.”

“We are feeling a lot of pressure from the legislature, and there continues to be violence, especially against transgender members of our community,” McCain said.

“It’s during these moments when we need Atlanta Pride so people can come together for visibility and solidary,” he said.

This year’s theme for Atlanta Pride, “Show Up and Show Out,” is a direct reference to the backlash the LGBTQ community is facing. The theme lets people know Atlanta Pride is a place for LGBTQ people in Georgia and across the South “to show up for each other and to show out with acts of protest, activism, education, and celebration,” McCain said.

“There is a vital need for us to be together to show visibility and solidarity, especially as we are feeling under attack,” he said. He noted that Atlanta’s first Pride Parade was held in 1970 on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

“LGBTQ people still need spaces to find each other, to learn about equal employment, transgender healthcare and also to find friends and build relationships,” he said. “They are crucial for our well-being and our future.”

Parking is available near the UGA Extension Service lot facing Memorial Dr. Disabled customers may use the Property Tax entrance off Northern Ave Security screening is required for service

Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the responsibility of paying taxes due. Property owners who have not received their bill may contact the tax office for assistance, or access a copy of their bill online at https://dekalbtax org/property-information

AVOID LONG LINES AND WAIT TIMES

Please consider the following payment methods:

Online: dekalbtax.org/property-information. Credit/debit card payments are accepted; processing fees apply. There is no service fee for paying by e-Check. Drop box: 24-hour drop box available at all three office locations. Payment must be placed in the box by the due date; cash not accepted

Pay-by-phone: Call 770-336-7500, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Payment does not apply to prior year, delinquent payments Credit/debit card payments are accepted; processing fees apply

Mail: Mailed payment must be postmarked by the U S Postal Service by the due date to avoid late fees; metered or kiosk postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely payment

All payments made in the office or online may take 24-48 hours to appear on the website Due to volume, payments received by mail during payment season may take up to a week or longer to post once received DO NOT cancel payment Please contact the tax office for payment concerns to avoid late fees

Chris McCain

Fright Nights: Check out these Halloween happenings

By Jacob Nguyen

If you’re looking for something to do during the spooky season, check out this guide to upcoming events around Atlanta.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade

This year’s festival is set for Oct. 21-22 and features a 3D Haunted House, skate ramp, live music, art vendors, food, ghost tours, and the annual parade on Sunday at 2 p.m. More information at L5PHalloween.com.

Netherworld Haunted House

A Halloween tradition since 1997, Netherworld is open now through Nov. 11 in Stone Mountain. The haunted house, known for its terrifying special effects with themed scenarios, is recommended for adults and teens. Visit fearworld.com for details and tickets.

Scarecrows in the Garden

30 to Nov. 5. On Oct. 14, Ghostly Gatherings will offer after-hours access to Woodland Spirits, the special exhibit Vikings: Warriors of the Sea, Halloweenthemed activities, opportunities to meet live nocturnal animals with AWARE Wildlife Center, and more. Tickets and information are at FernbankMuseum.org.

The

Ghastly Dreadfuls & More

The Center for Puppetry Arts presents a puppet show, “The Ghastly Dreadfuls,” strictly for adults Oct. 11-28. For the kids, there’s “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow” Oct. 18-29 and a screening of the original “Child’s Play” on Oct. 21. Visit puppet.org for more information.

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween

Tours

Costumed docents guide visitors through Oakland Cemetery after dark, telling stories of some notable and notorious residents Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 26-29. There’s a special VIP event on Oct. 31. Tickets sell out quickly, so get yours now at OaklandCemetery.com.

26TH OCTOBER THURSDAY 6-8:30 PM

26TH OCTOBER THURSDAY 6-8:30 PM

Petting Zoo DIY Craft Activity

Petting Zoo DIY Craft Activity

Music Fall Photo Area Games

Music Fall Photo Area Games

The Atlanta Botanical Garden brings back its display of scarecrows created by local artists, crafters, and youth groups from Oct. 6 to 31. Other events include the Garden Spooktacular Day Camp for kids on Oct. 11, the Goblins in the Garden costume contest on Oct. 22, and the Great Pumpkin Carving Contest on Oct. 26. Visit the calendar at AtlantaBG.org for more details.

Spooky Springs

Apple Cider Stand Market Vendors

Apple Cider Stand Market Vendors

Legends and Lore at Rhodes Hall

This family-friendly event is set for Oct. 21 starting at 5 p.m. at Abernathy Greenway Park. There will be trick or treating, face painting, music, food trucks, and more. Find out more at citysprings. com/spooky.

Fairycakes

Halloween Character Meet & Greets

Halloween Character Meet & Greets

Kids, wear your Halloween costumes!

PETTINGZOO

www.townbrookhaven.net

The 1904 “Castle on Peachtree” opens to visitors 21 and over on Oct. 25, 27 and 30 for tours featuring tales from staff and guests about hauntings and ghostsightings in the mansion. New this year is the “Hidden Spaces” tour of parts of the mansion not generally open to the public. Find tickets and info at georgiatrust.org/ legends.

Woodland Spirits and Ghostly Gatherings

The Fernbank Museum’s outdoor exhibit, featuring a variety of ghostly figures lurking throughout WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, is open Sept.

What happens when those woodland fairies aren’t busy with the business of A Midsummer Night’s Dream? Why, it seems they all have jobs in some of our favorite fairy tales. Oct. 20-21 at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Fox Theatre Ghost Tours

The historic theatre will offer tours of its backstage, basement, and rarely-seen areas where staff members have felt ghostly presences and seen shadowy figures from Oct. 2-11 Visit foxtheatre.org for tickets.

Rhodes Hall

Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

Presented By

Live AuthorEvents, Q&As, and SigningsBook

Live AuthorEvents, Q&As, and SigningsBook

Barbara and Ed Mendel

Alison Rose Greenberg, author of ‘Maybe Once, Maybe Twice’

By Collin Kelley

Alison Rose Greenberg is a screenwriter who lives in Atlanta but is quick to say she was born in New York City. While attending The University of Southern California, Alison took her first screenwriting class and fell head over heels.

A journey from screenwriting led to marketing jobs, before coming full circle back to her first love. Alison speaks fluent rom-com, lives for 90’s WB dramas, cries to Taylor Swift, and is a proud single mom to her two incredible kids and one poorlytrained dog.

Her new novel, “Maybe Once, Maybe Twice” introduces readers to Maggie Vine, a 35-year-old singe contemplating motherhood with a fellow musician, until she finds out he’s engaged to someone else. Then an old flame enters her life and sets up a triangle straight out of a beloved rom-com. You’re originally from New York with a pitstop in California for college. How did you wind up in Atlanta and what’s your impression of the literary scene here?

Atlanta has always felt like home to me. I moved here when I was ten, and I graduated high school from Woodward Academy. After stints in New York and LA, I finally settled back in Atlanta permanently in 2012. The South is a boomerang: it tries to bring you back, and in this case, it succeeded. There’s a vibrant literary scene in Atlanta. There are some wonderful authors and folks on the book business side who live here, great independent bookstores, one of the best book festivals in the country, and I’ve met a nice group of local screenwriters during the WGA strike.

You’re an admitted rom-com junkie, so which shows or films are your favorite rewatches, and did any of them inspire your latest novel, “Maybe Once, Maybe Twice”?

I live for rom-coms. Some regular romcom rewatches are “When Harry Met Sally,” “Clueless,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Notting Hill,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Reality Bites,” “Jerry Maguire,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and everything by Nancy Meyers. As far as rom-com TV: “The Mindy Project,” “Fleabag,” and “High Fidelity” are some favorites. There wasn’t a particular film or TV show that inspired “Maybe Once, Maybe Twice,” although I would argue that “My Best Friend’s Wedding” is the holy grail when it comes to the marriage pact trope.

As a fellow Taylor Swift fan, what’s your favorite album, and did you make it to “The Eras Tour”? How does music, in

general, influence your writing?

Recently, a friend asked me to rank all of Taylor Swift’s albums, and that ranking was worse than “Sophie’s Choice.” Gun to my head, “Lover” might be my desert island album. But I could make the same argument for “Folklore,” “Red,” “Speak Now,” “Reputation,” “1989”... (I’m clearly horrible at picking favorites).

I was lucky enough to make it to The Eras Tour in a few cities, and if I could quit my life and follow Taylor Swift on tour, I would do just that. Music is such a significant part of my writing process. I often spend hours creating a specific playlist for the very thing I should be writing—I call it “necessary procrastination.” I always have music blasting through my headphones when I write. It’s usually my muse—Taylor Swift—or iconic 90s and early 2000’s tracks. I can only write to songs that I know like the back of my hand, and those songs give me a good dose of nostalgia and keep the flow going. The main character in my novel is a singersongwriter, so music was intertwined with writing this book. The corresponding “Maybe Once, Maybe Twice” Spotify playlist (which features an array of artists, from Dave Matthews Band to Paramore) is a wonderful companion to the book.

Your novel “Bad Luck Bridesmaid” is being turned into a feature film and you’re writing the script. What has that process been like turning the book into a screenplay?

I was a screenwriter before I began writing novels, so personally, the cherry on top of being an author is the ability to adapt my own IP. I wrote the book “Bad Luck Bridesmaid” around the same time I was writing the screenplay “Bad Luck Bridesmaid.” Writing a script is very different from writing prose—you don’t have to (and you shouldn’t) use all five senses to describe a scene. I had to turn off Screenwriter Mode and turn on Author Mode, and vice versa. Getting two different notes on the same characters (notes from a film producer and notes from my book editor) also caused some mental gymnastics. But that adaptation was so much fun.

What are you working on next?

As we speak, I am waiting (very impatiently) for the WGA strike to end. But in the meantime, I’ve been working on book number three.

Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Financial Innovations, LLC. Financial Innovations, LLC. is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC.

Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, CFP®

Bloom.

At Canterbury Court Senior Living Community, life can be as full and colorful as you’d like it to be. With our expanded 14-acre campus, embrace the start of each day from your elegantly finished apartment home. Enjoy enhanced amenities and services. Explore surrounding lush green spaces. And cherish great conversations with neighbors. All with the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?

To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at (404) 282-8934, visit CanterburyCourt.org/BookFest, or scan the QR code.

Prologue Events

Tuesday, October 10 • 7:30 pm

AUTHOR TALK & DESSERT RECEPTION

Chef Moshe Basson

The Eucalyptus Cookbook

Monday, October 23 • 7:30 pm

Edie Fraser, Robyn Freedman

Spizman, and Andi Simon, PhD

Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success

Book Festival Events

Saturday, October 28 • 8:00 pm

AUTHOR TALK, PHOTO LINE, & PRE-SIGNED BOOK

John Stamos

If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir

Sunday, October 29 • 1:00 pm

Benyamin Cohen

The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds

Sunday, October 29 • 7:30 pm

NO BOOK SIGNING • BOOKS ARE PRE-SIGNED

Stacey Abrams

Rogue Justice: A Novel

Monday, October 30 • 7:30 pm

Faris Cassell with Special Guests

Marion Lewin and Steven Hess

Inseparable: A Holocaust Survival Story

Wednesday, November 1 • 7:30 pm

AUTHOR TALK & DESSERT RECEPTION

Jake Cohen

I Could Nosh…Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day

Thursday, November 2 • 7:30 pm

Alison Rose Greenberg

Maybe Once, Maybe Twice: A Novel

Saturday, November 4 • 8:00 pm

Walter Isaacson

Elon Musk

Barbara and Ed Mendel

Presented By

Sunday, November 5 • 7:30 pm

AUTHOR TALK, PHOTO LINE, & PRE-SIGNED BOOK

Henry Winkler

Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond

Monday, November 6 • 12:00 pm

Rachel Beanland

The House is on Fire: A Novel

Julie Gerstenblatt

Daughters of Nantucket: A Novel

Monday, November 6 • 7:30 pm

7:00 PM KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION, BESSER HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL GARDEN

B.A. Van Sise

Invited to Life: Finding Hope After the Holocaust

Tuesday, November 7 • 7:30 pm

THE EVA & GEORGE STERN LECTURE

Dan Grunfeld

By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, A Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream

Wednesday, November 8 • 12:00 pm

Rosanne Leipzig, MD

Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life

Fayne L. Frey, MD

The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buying Lotions, Potions & Wrinkle Cream

Wednesday, November 8 • 7:30 pm

Joe Posnanski

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments

Adam Lazarus

The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams

Thursday, November 9 • 7:30 pm

BOOK CLUB NIGHT

Dani Shapiro

Signal Fires: A Novel

Saturday, November 11 • 8:00 pm

STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT

An Evening with Judy Gold

Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians We are

All in Trouble

Sunday, November 12 • 1:00 pm

LOCAL LITERATI PANEL

Andy Lipman

CF Warrior Project Volume 2

Scott Zucker

Battle for Life: A Novel

Daniel Quigley

Thunderstruck: A Novel

Sunday, November 12 • 7:30 pm

THE ESTHER G. LEVINE READ

Ari Shapiro

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening

Monday, November 13 • 7:30 pm

Simon Sebag Montefiore

The World: A Family History of Humanity

Tuesday, November 14 • 12:00 pm

Pam Jenoff

Code Name Sapphire: A Novel

Kristina McMorris

The Ways We Hide: A Novel

Tuesday, November 14 • 7:30 pm

CELEBRATING ISRAEL@75

Dan Senor

The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World

Wednesday, November 15 • 7:30 pm

AUTHOR TALK & STAND-UP COMEDY

Mark Schiff

Why Not: Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah

Friday, November 17 • 12:00 pm

SHABBAT LUNCHEON & AUTHOR TALK

Adeena Sussman

Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours

Saturday, November 18 • 8:00 pm

Adam Kinzinger

Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country

Sunday, November 19 • 7:30 pm

Sheila Johnson

Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph

Andy Lipman Q&A , author of ‘The CF Warrior Project Vol 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community’

By Collin Kelley

Andy Lipman has cystic fibrosis, but cystic fibrosis (CF) will never have him. On his 38th birthday, Andy passed the current median life expectancy for people with CF. At 49, his life expectancy now exceeds the expected. He defied all odds to become a college graduate, Olympic torch bearer, runner, advocate, author, husband, and father. He is dedicated to finding a cure for this genetic disease.

The second book of this inspirational series of memoirs is about people who live with the life-changing diagnosis of CF and those who advocate for those who fight the disease. Stories include people from around the globe who once lived with a childhood disease and are now living into their 50s, 60s, and 70s.

You’re celebrating the release of “The CF Warrior Project Vol 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community.” How did you decide whose stories to feature in both volumes of this inspiring series?

I certainly had a lot of decisions on my hands. There were a lot of incredibly inspiring entries. I chose candidates based on how I believed their stories might appeal to the reader. That’s not to say that some stories were better than others. I just mean

that I tried not to tell stories that were similar to others so that each reader could learn the different aspects of having cystic fibrosis or advocating for those with the disease.

Tell us about the Wish for Wendy Foundation, the nonprofit that is receiving proceeds from the book.

The Wish for Wendy Foundation, which is a nonprofit foundation that was founded in 2006, donates to CFrelated charities in order to not only find treatments and/or a cure for cystic fibrosis but also seeks to help those who are struggling with all aspects of the disease. We have raised approximately $5 million for CF-related causes.

Your first book “Alive at 25” chronicled your early years living with cystic fibrosis. What inspired you to pick up the pen then and what continues to inspire you?

I read an article when I was just a kid that stated “People with cystic fibrosis do not normally live to the age of 25.” I was distraught. I spent years dealing with anxiety just because of that statement. I woke up on my 25th birthday and decided that a book needed to be written to disprove that sentence. That’s what motivated me then. As far as now, I’m

motivated by all the people living their best lives with cystic fibrosis. I feel like I will never run out of inspiring stories to tell. Who has inspired you in your journey with CF and becoming a writer?

There are a lot of people who have inspired me along the way. My parents inspire me to live my dreams. My wife inspired me to fight for my life. My children inspire me to love every

moment. As far as the CF world, I would have to say that double-lung transplant survivor and sexagenarian Jerry Cahill has long inspired me to make a difference. As far as writing goes, I don’t know that anyone has really inspired me to write but I believe my dad had the funniest reaction when I told him I was writing my first book. I didn’t read much growing up so when I told him, he said, “You’re writing a book? I didn’t even know you could read.” Still makes me laugh.

When you’re not writing your own books, who do you like to read for pleasure or information? I might be one of the few writers who is not an avid reader. When I do read, I like to read books about those fighting cystic fibrosis. One of my favorites is “Breath from Salt” by Bijal P. Trivedi which details the story of how the CF Foundation came about and how the organization made a difference in the world of research for those fighting cystic fibrosis.

Adam Lazarus, author of ‘The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship between John Glenn and Ted Williams’

By Collin Kelley

Adam Lazarus has made his name as a writer of sports-themed non-fiction, taking deep dives into both teams and players. His latest, “The Wingmen,” tells the true story of the unique 50-year friendship between John Glenn, the unassailable pioneer of space exploration, and Ted Williams, indisputably the greatest hitter in baseball history.

Lazarus’ previous books include “Chasing Greatness,” “Super Bowl Monday,” “Best of Rivals, and “Hail to the Redskins: Gibbs, the Diesel, the Hogs, and the Glory Days of D.C.’s Football Dynasty.” His writing has also appeared in USA Today, ESPN the Magazine, and the Atlanta JournalConstitution, among other publications. Your books – including the latest, “The Wingmen” – tell sports stories that not every fan might have heard before. How do you choose your subjects and what drives you to bring their stories before a larger audience?

Like most fans, I am fascinated by compelling individuals in professional sports: not just the quote-unquote best and the most physically gifted or dominant, but those who have a flair for the dramatic. Just about all the central sports figures in my books fall under that category. Arnold Palmer, Joe Montana, and Ted Williams weren’t just the greatest players of their generation (or perhaps any generation) they always seemed to deliver in the biggest moments and they

did so with style. Furthermore, during the course of such long careers, they each overcame plenty of personal or professional setbacks and disappointments. But most giants of their respective sports have been written about at length over the years and decades.

A driving force for my career has been finding a way to write about these types of legends but largely showcase the “forgotten” or at least the less well-known episodes in their illustrious careers. And that’s true for the portions of “The Wingmen” that center

on John Glenn, who also had a flair for the dramatic: Take his Friendship 7 mission in which he re-entered the Earth’s orbit aboard a space capsule that the world believed had a faulty heat shield. Yet for all his international fame as a hero of World War II, a test pilot, an astronaut, and a senator, his service in the Korean War, and particularly his profound friendship with baseball’s Ted Williams, is not remembered nearly as well. So, while my books often focus on household names, they also focus on periods that shine new light on their stories.

On the surface, Ted Williams and John Glenn seem diametrically opposed but forged a friendship in wartime. What was the glue that held them together and was there anything you learned about their friendship that surprised you?

From the day they met Glenn and Williams developed a mutual respect for one another: Williams for Glenn’s calm yet daring demeanor in the cockpit; Glenn for Williams’s curiosity, courage, and sacrifice. That was the foundation of their friendship. But both men were obsessed with perfection and knew the only way to achieve that perfection was absolute dedication

to embracing and mastering nuance and minutiae. Neither man could tolerate laziness or carelessness in others and certainly not themselves: that’s how they reached a level of greatness that few others in history achieved. There was also a mutual understanding of their relationships to the general public and, for lack of a better word, their fans. As I say in the book, “From the moment John Glenn’s Friendship 7 space capsule safely fell from orbit, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean, he and Ted Williams also shared the crushing weight and unceasing burden of celebrity.” For decades both Glenn and Williams were members of a fraternity of celebrity that few people could understand or appreciate. As much as their friends, their family, or even themselves, Glenn and Williams each belonged to the public at large. Although I can’t speak from experience, that may be a lonely existence. John Glenn’s and Ted Williams’s friendship probably eased some of that loneliness for one another.

Still, Glenn and Williams shared very little in common in terms of their worldviews: Williams’s personal life was fractured repeatedly by infidelity, his relationship with his children was strained at best, he didn’t practice any organized religion, and he was a diehard Republican. Glenn was married happily to the same woman for 73 years, adored his children, was a devoted Presbyterian, and a four-term Democratic senator. And it’s in that political split that I learned something interesting

about their friendship.

For all the respect, admiration, and I’d even say love, that Ted Williams had for John Glenn, he would not publicly support Glenn’s run for the Democratic nomination in the 1984 Presidential Primary. Still, it’s a testament to their bond that this speed bump didn’t derail their friendship. And more importantly, Williams—stubborn and rarely capable of admitting fault—truly felt bad that he didn’t support Glenn. He even came close to offering Glenn an apology a few years later, something that would surprise anyone who knew him.

Although one should never assume, I am assuming that you’ve had a love of sports since childhood. Did you play or were you a fan?

I am a passionate fan of a few professional teams (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers) but playing sports is definitely a massive part of my identity. I began at a very young age and in some respects, I haven’t stopped. I started with baseball around the age of five, eventually advanced to Varsity baseball and

football in high school, and was fortunate to continue playing Varsity football for four seasons at Kenyon College in Ohio. After something of a hiatus during graduate school and the early years of marriage and parenting, I returned to playing somewhat competitive sports (emphasis on the “somewhat”), mostly modified fastpitch softball at the Jewish Community Center in Atlanta. Personally, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I am now the exact same age (41) that Ted Williams was when a pinched nerve in his neck caused him to hit a career-low .254 during the 1959 Major League Baseball season. I’ll remain optimistic, however, given that Williams bounced back the next year to hit .316 with 29 home runs. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of good days at the plate, but hopefully that fact about 42-year-old Ted Williams will motivate me in the coming years when I square off with some of the league’s better pitchers. And they know who they are.

Zucker, author of ‘Battle for Life’

Scott

By Teri Elam

After Scott Zucker’s father died in 2001, he happened upon a short piece of creative nonfiction his father had written. The story detailed his father’s World War II experience and his fears, faith, and how honored he was to serve his country. This moment shifted Zucker’s life trajectory—he knew one day he would have to share his father’s story.

Now, over twenty years later, Zucker, who you might spot with his wife, Melanie, on the Beltline walking their Labradoodles, is the author of three works of fiction: “Chain of Custody,” “Rally on Two,” and the recently released “Battle for Life.” He’s also the founding partner of the Atlanta law firm Weissmann Zucker Euster + Katz P.C. and has been practicing law since 1987. You said your latest book, ‘Battle For Life,’ was challenging to write. I know it blended fiction with your true story, but can you discuss why this was difficult and your writing process?

All families have some dysfunction; be it challenges from raising children and managing elderly parents or sibling relationships. I wanted to center my novel on the stress families experience daily, and at the same time incorporate my father’s real-life experience during World War II. My difficulty was how best to merge these two stories. I hope I’ve captured the intensity of my father’s experience on that historically fateful day, May 11, 1945, blended with

a fictional modern-day family’s life with the shared theme: Life can be a battle, but worth the fight.

How do art and creativity intersect your practices as an attorney and writer?

As a practicing lawyer of over thirty-five years, my writing is typically about factual events and, as a natural consequence, is not necessarily creative. I began writing stories to express myself differently, even though I use a similar structure in writing fiction as my legal briefs; linear and straightforward. I call my chapter structure “staccato writing,” short chapters designed to be a fun and quick read. I’m also inspired by other lawyers turned writers like John Grisham and Scott Turow. What advice would you share as an artist and attorney with our readers?

As an ethical will advocate, I want families to capture and share their family stories to survive for generations. They can keep these collected experiences, and the lessons learned alive, even after those family members are gone. Today, with our technology, these stories can be captured in writing, audio, or video. They range from creating art to recording songs, even letters shared at significant times. We all have something to say and stories to share; we just have to be courageous enough to share them. I believe you should start now. There is no reason to wait.

A Rough Draft Event

2023–2024 Book Festival of the MJCCA Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Barbara and Ed Mendel

PLATINUM SPONSORS

The Fagin/Danz Family

The Eva and George Stern Family

SILVER SPONSORS

Lisa and Ron Brill Charitable Trust

The Zaban Foundation

Cherie and Gary Aviv

Sheryl S. Blechner

Marcy Louza and Mike Kenig

The Hyman Foundation

BRONZE SPONSORS

Mindy Maitland

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Silver Streak By

Proud Member of the Jewish Book Council

Official Bookseller of the Book Festival of the MJCCA

— Special Thanks to Naomi Firestone-Teeter, Suzanne Swift, and Arielle Landau —

This project is supported by Georgia Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities and by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.

Future Fashionistas

MJCCA launches successful new youth fashion design program

By Isadora Pennington

On any given day, the sprawling grounds of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) are positively buzzing with life. Adults and children alike bustle back and forth between buildings and their cars, coming and going from classes and activities. For adults, seniors, and kids alike, the MJCCA has plenty to offer.

The 52-acre Zaban Park MJCCA campus in Dunwoody features an incredible array of amenities including fitness facilities, multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a 7,000-squarefoot gymnastics pavilion. Their offerings include multiple athletic facilities, day camps, a performing arts theater, a kosherstyle kitchen, a running trail, a boating and fishing lake, a Holocaust Memorial Garden, and a number of buildings including the Kuniansky Family Center where I found myself on one sunny Thursday evening.

I stepped through the glass doors into the brick building I was greeted by happy sounds of children laughing and talking in a nearby classroom. Inside, a flurry of activity surrounded instructor Karron English who worked diligently to help a student lace up a booklet while other children looked on.

This is the Future Fashionistas: The Art of Fashion Design Fall ‘23 class that is teaching kids how to design and create like a true designer.

When I visited, the students were hard at work on their croquis design, a roughly sketched fashion figure. These characters were also incorporated into a corresponding story written in handmade books. As I walked around the class, I saw a wide variety of designs and storylines. One student’s story dealt with bullying, while another was about a girl dressing up as a marshmallow in a school play.

Some designs were elegant, others were

fanciful, and some were just plain fun. The croquis designs were beautiful, no doubt, but it was especially inspiring to see those characters incorporated into their handwritten stories as well. Scenes from the Future Fashionistas class at MJCCA.

Photographs by Isadora Pennington.

Seeing that integration encapsulates exactly what English hopes to do with this class: inspire kids to draw connections between fashion and life.

“Fashion design is one thing, creativity is another,” English told me as we sat together after the end of her class. “I want them to think creatively, to think outside of the box, and to experiment. This is just one form of art, and that’s what I’d love for them to see.”

For English, fashion is really the throughline of her life. Originally from Queens in New York City, she first became involved in the fashion industry when she took a job at Bugle Boy Industries in 1997. Later, when her then-husband moved her and their children down to Atlanta, she landed a job working as an Associate Brand Alignment and Design Manager for Coca-Cola.

While the corporate world was certainly a great experience for English that taught her a lot about business, she found herself wanting more. And so, after seven years, she quit and started her own business, the English Design Laboratory.

For this program, English developed classes that taught computer fashion design, sewing, patternmaking, trend and portfolio development, and fashion styling for teens and tweens. Not only does she teach techniques, but she also offers insight into

the fashion industry and all of the jobs that are actually attainable for emerging designers and fashion lovers.

Always eager to learn, she decided to enroll at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where she received her MFA in Fashion Design in 2015. English also teaches Fashion at Bauder College and is a Professor of Fashion at the Art Institute of Atlanta since 2014.

And so, when English was casually discussing MJCCA with her friend Chef Lisa Long, Director of Culinary Arts, she mentioned that she thought a fashion class would be really successful there. “One day it just hit me, and I’m like, I really do know this well. I already have the program worked out,” said English.

The initial reception to the Fashionistas class was positive, to say the least. Initially, MJCCA Director of Arts & Authors Pam Morton had intended to enroll only eight

students, but when all spots were filled they started hearing from other parents who weren’t able to get their kids in.

”We had parents banging down the door, and even one dad who said ‘Please you will save my marriage if you enroll my child, I was supposed to enroll her and I missed the deadline.’” Morton recalled with a laugh.

And so, the first-ever Fashionistas class was launched at the MJCCA this summer. The eight-week course has been a hit and I overheard several parents mention that it was their child’s favorite camp when they were picking up their kids at the end of class. Morton mentioned that they are looking to open up a new round of the workshop towards the end of the year.

“Coming full circle, back to what I know and how to grow it, can do these great fashion classes and shows with the students,” said English. “I love working with these kids, they are so fresh. They are fresh about what they see and feel.”

This first session will wrap in October, with students having learned many aspects of fashion design including inspiration boards, fabric techniques, collaging, design, and assembly. On the last day of class they will present a fashion show featuring the pieces they constructed in the class.

“We are so lucky,” gushed Morton. “We feel so lucky to have Karron with us because she is so passionate, so enthusiastic, and so creative. We are hoping to keep going with this.”

If you’ve got a budding fashionista in your life who would like to pursue fashion design and work in the industry, you can keep an eye out for the next round of classes on the MJCCA at atlantajcc.org.

The MJCCA is open to people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds, and is located at 5342 Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody.

Fashion designer and educator Karron English has launched an innovative fashion design program at MJCCA.

(Photos by Isadora Pennington)

Lake Forest Principal feels outpouring of love

to Europe that will include cities such as Rome, Paris, and London that she plans to take with her son.

Ryan Seacrest doesn’t need to worry about losing his job when he takes over as host of “Wheel of Fortune” after this 41st season ends and Sajak retires. Nelson said she has no plans to become a game show host after her win like “Jeopardy” co-host Ken Jennings.

But she would definitely like to go back as a contestant again.

“I like my little school right here in Fulton County Schools. I have no desire to do anything like that,” Nelson said.

The day after the show aired, many students told Nelson they saw her on TV, which delighted her. She went to a watch party in her honor at Sandy Springs Cinema and Taphouse with some of the school’s staff and said she felt the love and outpouring of support from all of them.

By Bob Pepalis

Lake

Forest Elementary School

Principal Laryn Nelson won $24,250 in cash and prizes on “Wheel of Fortune” last month, and now she’s trying to live in the moment, take it all in, and still do her job. She said watching the show was a tradition with her grandmothers when she visited them as a child, and she remains a lifelong fan.

When Nelson saw the opportunity to become a contestant, she applied. In June she had a virtual audition and by July she was invited to be a contestant on Aug. 9 –the third day of the new school year.

“When I first got on the set,

immediately I was thinking of my grandmothers and of how they would have loved to see me here,” Nelson said.

She described her time on set as surreal and said her face hurt from all the smiling she did the entire time. The contestants were all having fun and cheering each other on. They even plan to keep in touch after the show.

The wheel turned out to be both heavier and smaller than she expected from viewing it on TV, Nelson reported.

All the time practicing with the wheel and calling out letters meant she wasn’t nervous during the taping, she said, but that changed when she advanced to the bonus round.

“When Pat Sajak came over to me and said I was the top winner, I don’t remember what he said,” Nelson said. “It was an ‘Oh, my God’ moment like no other.”

Nelson’s bonus question was “What are you doing?” She revealed 10 letters, but was flummoxed by the oddly phrased answer, “Obtaining my goals.”

About that scream she let out when Sajak showed her the bonus prize she could have won – a new car – Nelson said it was just “me being me.”

“It was the disappointment because, of course, you want to get big money or a car,” she said.

Her winnings include a 10-day trip

Laryn Nelson with Pat Sajak on “Wheel of Fortune.” (Courtesy Wheel of Fortune)

Nelson gets ready to spin the big wheel. (Photo courtesy Carol Kaelson/Wheel of Fortune)

Bernyce Stickle celebrates 102 years with Somerby Sandy Springs residents

“She makes a lot of them and she gives them to people. She’s one of our best designers for that,” Markley said.

But the biggest thing residents may get from her is inspiration, Markley said.

“The first word that popped into my head was hope. You know, when we first came to independent living, my husband was not in a good place, but Bernyce helped us recover and become involved in activities,” Cheryl Savris, past Somerby Resident Council president, said.

Somerby residents have been asked to wear that jewelry for today’s party. And they’ve been asked to present her with 102 small gifts and 102 birthday cards. They hope to have U.S. Marine Corps representation and will have all the veterans at Somerby line up to give her a salute.

Stickle’s parents were Norwegian immigrants who came to the United States, where they met. Her brother was born, and she followed two years later. Another brother born after her died in

infancy, and she had a sister born two years after that.

They survived the Depression in part because her father had a farm.

“But I felt I needed to do something more important than what I was doing,” she said.

Stickle decided to volunteer with the U.S. Marine Corps, where she would meet her husband at a party in 1945.

Stickle and her husband were active church members in Albany and later Port St. Joe, raising money for the church, reaching out to the community with food and the other things that churches do in smaller towns.

She said her faith sustained her through her son’s death and her sister’s death. Both of Champliss’ parents had a wide array of friends locally and across the country and anyone connected with her Norwegian family.

“And of course, she has outlived almost everyone that she’s ever known,” her daughter said.

By Bob Pepalis

Bernyce Stickle keeps herself busy every day, whether it’s running a bridge club at Somerby Sandy Springs Senior Living, designing and crafting jewelry, taking part in a book club or helping to organize bingo games for residents.

She’ll celebrate her 102nd birthday a few days early today, Sept. 7, with the help of her fellow Somerby residents. She attributes her long life to staying active.

“Besides drinking a glass of wine every day… I just keep busy, that’s what it is,” Bernyce said.

Her daughter, Sherry Champliss, said she believes her mother’s life is defined by involvement, whether it was the U.S. Marines, in the events she and her husband managed and attended, or the Georgia Pilot Club, for which she became its governor.

One of her greatest joys in life is being of service regardless of what kind of group it is, including the people at Somerby, Champliss said.

“She actually learned bridge in her 90s. She had never played bridge before,” she said.

Somerby brought in a bridge instructor for a few visits, but Stickler made sure she learned how to play and then “corralled everyone else” to play. Now she schedules residents for games, which Somerby

Resident Council President Maureen Markley said is a difficult task with the changing schedules of all the players. She introduced a variety of bingo games and still picks out which games and in what order they will be played.

She took up quilting in her 70s and made a quilt pattern called the Stickle, named after her father. Each square is a different fabric with a different color, with more than 1,000 pieces – all done by hand.

She also knits hats for babies in the hospital.

Many residents of Somerby have benefitted from another of her skills, which is handcrafting jewelry, and making necklaces and earrings.

Bernyce Stickle puts on her party hat to celebrate her 102nd birthday. (Photo by Maureen Markley)

Planning your European wine trip

It’s that time of year when travelers begin to think about their “next big adventure,” and if you have a deep love for wine like we do, then it's time to plan your dream European wine tasting trip.

It’s easy to read all the wine books and attend all the wine tastings at your local wine shop, but there's nothing quite like experiencing the magic of where it's made. Europe is a great place to start when you begin tapping into your wine travel bug. It is a treasure trove of wine regions, each with its unique charm, history, and flavors waiting to be explored.

The first step to planning your European wine trip is to select your hub - a major city like Barcelona, Venice, Provence, or Paris, each boasting incredible wine regions in close proximity. In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jessica Battista, expert travel advisor and owner of Ultreia Travel, to gain insights into the process of planning wine-centric getaways.

Jessica starts by saying, "For the typical traveler, the wine aspect usually isn't the primary focus of the trip; it's an added bonus for food and wine enthusiasts." She says that most people have a limited amount of vacation time, resulting in only

3-4 days reserved for wine exploration while the rest of the trip is spent exploring and sightseeing in the main city center. After deciding what country to visit, and the city you’ll be spending the most amount of time in, you’ll then need to define your wine preferences. In the process of organizing travel experiences for her clients, Jessica engages in a series of informative questions to help her gauge their wine preferences, accommodation choices, and

tour preferences, including whether they lean towards private or group tours.

Pick Paris

If you are heading to Paris, you have a number of options for the ultimate wine getaway. Champagne, France is a quick one-hour train ride and there are an endless number of Champagne tours available for an easy day trip of bubbly bliss.

Red wine drinker? A three- or fourday trip to Bordeaux is a great option for travelers who enjoy big, bold reds. Bordeaux, known for its structured, ageworthy red wines, is a top destination for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot enthusiasts.

A two-hour train ride from Paris and you’ll find yourself in one of the most picturesque cities you’ll ever visit. From the food, the art, the people watching, and the emerging cocktail and natural wine bars, Downtown Bordeaux is officially one of the hottest cities in France to visit. Nearby this bustling city, you'll discover some of the world's most renowned and prestigious wineries. Most of the chateau visits are by appointment only, so outside of doing your own research, you can either use a travel advisor to assist in setting up your wine tastings, or a reputable tour booking company. Your hotel can also make recommendations and reservations for you.

Getting around

Getting around Europe's wine regions can be an adventure in itself. We always recommend hiring a driver for the days

you are doing winery visits. While it is nice to have the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore the countryside and visit wineries at your own pace, it is imperative that someone in your group take turns being the designated driver. Jessica Battista always books a driver for her clients to ensure that they get the most out of their tastings.

Jessica also advises that you obtain an International Driver’s Permit which is required or highly recommended in many countries. The International Driver’s Permit is not necessary for the rental car companies, but this is required by law if you plan to operate a vehicle in Italy, for example. You can apply for this permit at the AAA office for only $20.

Joining guided wine tours that provide transportation, expert guides, and curated winery visits make for a very stress-free experience. Jessica frequently uses Florencetown, a private and small group provider for Italian winery tours and experiences. Whether you use a travel advisor or tour company, always plan your transportation in advance, as Uber, Bolt, and taxis are not as readily available when you are outside of the city centers.

Where to stay?

Choosing the right accommodations is essential for a memorable wine travel experience. Look for accommodations near the wineries or in wine regions themselves. Many vineyards offer charming guesthouses or bed-and-breakfast options where you can wake up surrounded by breathtaking vineyards.

Hotels in the area may offer an additional layer of convenience given they can book transportation, tastings, dinner reservations, and even laundry services.

Usually, villas or apartment flats come with longer stay requirements, but the benefit is having a kitchen available for preparing meals at your convenience. You can then explore the outdoor markets and shop for all the ingredients your heart desires!

While planning the ultimate wine adventure can be exciting, it can also get overwhelming. Where to start, how much to budget, where to go? Use the staff at your local wine shop to help in making some of these decisions. Many wine professionals have visited properties and can provide firsthand insights and experiences. There are also huge benefits of seeking guidance from a travel advisor.

So there you have it – a quick guide to planning your European wine tasting trip. Cheers to unforgettable experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And don’t forget your Wine Skin! We can assure you that you’ll be bringing a few bottles of wine back with you.

WOMEN + WINE

Katie Rice & Sarah Pierre

Photo by Polina Kovaleva/Pexels

How nonprofit Bagel Rescue grew out of a family project

to provide hunger relief to those in need and to help lessen the negative effect that food waste has on the environment.

By Sammie Purcell

Erin Stieglitz may be the founder of Bagel Rescue, but the inspiration really came from her son.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Stieglitz left her career in communications to focus on her children. Because of COVID restrictions that year, the family’s annual holiday service project looked a little different.

The family decided to shift their charity focus to first responders and ended up delivering breakfast to staff at Northside Hospital. Stieglitz’s first instinct was to pick up bulk bagels from the store, but her oldest son – who was 9 at the time – had a different idea.

“Why would we get bulk bagels?” He asked his mom, confused as to why they wouldn’t go to their normal bagel shop, Goldbergs Fine Foods in Dunwoody, to pick up a fresh spread. He ended up calling the manager at Goldbergs, who said that while they couldn’t help with freshly made bagels, they’d be happy to give the family the leftover bagels from the day before.

When Stieglitz showed up for the pickup, she was shocked to find hundreds of bagels waiting on her.

“I mean, I had my backup plan ready,” she said. “I was like – if we need to go buy more bagels, this is where I’m going to go because I was thinking it wasn’t going to be that much!”

The family finished their service project, and that could have been the end of things. But the number of bagels left over at Goldbergs kept needling at Stieglitz. She got back in touch with the manager at Greenbergs and asked if she could continue to bring the leftover bagels to the hospital once a week. But still, the same question kept popping up in her mind – what were other bagel shops doing with their leftovers?

“We discovered that all the bagel shops had waste, and none of them wanted to throw it away,” Stieglitz said. “They hated throwing it away. They just didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with it.”

From that simple discovery, the nonprofit Bagel Rescue was born. Stieglitz started reaching out to other bagel shops and making connections between those shops and local feeding programs and food pantries. Three years later, Bagel Rescue works with 32 bagel shops and delivers to more than 100 feeding programs each week. The organization has over 100 volunteers and has rescued over a million bagels since its inception in an effort

“I just feel like I had to do something,” Stieglitz said. “We’re watching our community in this horrible situation, and for those of us who were fortunate enough to have enough to eat, and to have a home, what can we be doing? This felt like something we could do.”

Steve Jones, who is retired, doesn’t remember how he learned about Bagel Rescue, but said it might have been from the weekly volunteering opportunities in one of Rough Draft Atlanta’s daily newsletters. He volunteers one day a week on Tuesday mornings but has been thinking about adding another day to his rotation.

“The first time I went to Bagelicious, I bet I got 200 bagels from them that afternoon,” Jones said. “They were throwing them in the dumpster! It’s such a waste. So that’s another thing that’s really good about this, just repurposing food that was going to get thrown away.”

Lauren Bacon, the pantry manager at Suthers Center for Christian Outreach in Brookhaven, called Stieglitz and Bagel Rescue a real asset to their overall food supply system. Suthers gets most of their bread and pastry supply from the nonprofit food rescue Second Helpings Atlanta, but Bacon said Stieglitz is always willing to help them in a pinch.

“Today, we didn’t get enough bread through our means, so I just contacted her and asked her, can you give me more? And she always gives us more,” Bacon said. “She’s an important part of our process now.”

Bagels have essentially taken over Stieglitz’s life at this point. Her car always smells like bagels, and her kids know that if they’re going anywhere, they’re probably going to make a pick-up or a drop-off on the way. But ever since her son’s first call to Goldbergs in 2020, Bagel Rescue has become somewhat of a family affair. Stieglitz said her son helps her make social media videos and helps her keep their website updated.

“He stays involved,” she said. “He has great ideas, and he’s curious. This whole thing got started because he was curious.”

As far as what’s next for Bagel Rescue, Stieglitz said she hopes the nonprofit is able to go beyond the bagel and tap into other semi-perishable food sources. She also hopes to extend the organization’s reach beyond Atlanta.

“I feel like we have a very replicable model that would work in other cities,” she said. “It just takes some passionate people who are willing to do the research and make the connections.”

For more about the organization, visit facebook.com/BagelRescue.

Erin Stieglitz

The Bronx Bagel Buggy goes from farmers markets to storefront

By Sammie Purcell

The Bronx Bagel Buggy, a popular staple at Atlanta area farmers markets, is moving into a permanent space.

Owners Julie Dragich and Steven Novotny officially started selling their homemade bagels at farmers markets in July of 2021, but started playing around with recipes earlier that year. Novotny, a native New Yorker, had forever been decrying the lack of good bagel shops in the Atlanta area. Then a family member sent them a bagel recipe.

“They turned out horrible,” Dragich said of her first attempt to make the beloved breakfast staple. “I mean, they were terrible.”

For anyone who has had a bagel from the Bronx Bagel Buggy, that might sound surprising. But Dragich said she was never a born baker. She loved cooking and entertaining, but although her grandparents on both sides loved baking, it never really landed with her. When she had a catering business in the 1990s, the only baked good on the menu that she felt comfortable with was carrot cake.

“I never really picked up on baking, you know?” she said. “I liked cooking.”

But after that first disastrous attempt at bagels, the Brookhaven-based husband and wife team kept pushing on. Thus, the Bronx Bagel Buggy was born. For roughly six months, they would make bagels together and have friends over on Sundays to taste test different recipes. The first farmers market they went to was down in Serenbe –“If it doesn’t go well, at least it’s nobody we know from Atlanta,” Dragich joked.

But it did go well. According to Dragich, they sold out Serenbe in about an hour. When they tried the Brookhaven Farmers Market the next weekend, and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market the weekend after that, they sold out in 20 and 30

minutes respectively.

During their farmers market run, the two were working out of Leaven Kitchen, a shared kitchen in Decatur.

“We were starting to realize after a year that if we really want to pursue this and take this to the next level, we probably need to have our own space,” Novotny said.

So, in April of 2023, the pair signed a lease for a space at 5494 Peachtree Road in Chamblee. They don’t have an official opening date yet but hope to be up and running by mid-October.

“For six or seven months, all of our customers were saying to us, when are you getting a brick and mortar? So really, in all honesty, I think our customers in the Brookhaven and Chamblee communities, they really urged and cheered us on to do this,” Dragich said. “I don’t know that we would have done it if we hadn’t gotten constant urging from the community.”

There are many different items on the Bronx Bagel Buggy’s menu, but Dragich said her favorite is one she doesn’t make too often – a pretzel bagel bomb with sweet and spicy mustard cream cheese. Novotny, however, likes to stick to the basics.

“I really feel we have a good product,” he said. “That’s why the bagel is, to me, the real core of this whole thing.”

You can learn more about the Bronx Bagel Buggy’s menu at thebronxbagelbuggy. com.

The Rusty Nail closes in Brookhaven

The beloved Brookhaven dive bar The Rusty Nail had its last call on Sept. 23.

Opened by Nick Cardellino and Pete Hayes in 1974 when the stretch of Buford Highway was still part of unincorporated DeKalb, the bar was billed as being “the South’s version of Cheers” and was recognized

by the giant, gun-shaped smoker outside.

The bar also had a location in Sandy Springs, which closed its doors last year.

According to a report from Tomorrow’s News Today, the owners of the property plan to sell it for redevelopment.

Sammie Purcell

Julie Dragich and Steven Novotny are preparing to open Bronx Bagel Buggy in Chamblee.

Fall Color

Head to North Georgia, North Carolina for spectacular foliage and more

By Collin Kelley

Mid-October to early November is prime time to see the fall foliage at its peak color, so set aside a weekend for a drive to North Georgia or North Carolina.

According to the Fall Foliage Prediction Map at smokymountains.com, leaves will peak in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina between Oct. 2-16, while Oct. 30-Nov. 6 will offer the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in North Georgia.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, these are the parks to check out the best foliage color along with some recommended hikes and activities. Check out gastateparks.org/leafwatch for more information.

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

An hour north of Atlanta in Dawsonville, you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views. There’s also an easy-to-reach overlook at the top. For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the steep staircase.

Black Rock Mountain State Park

At an altitude of 3,640 feet, Black Rock Mountain in Clayton is Georgia’s highest state park (Brasstown Bald is the state’s

highest peak). Roadside overlooks and the summit visitor center offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail is a good choice for a short, moderate hike. For an all-day challenge, take the 7.2-mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Trail.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Located in Rising Fawn, one of Georgia’s most beautiful parks offers easy-to-reach rim overlooks and challenging trails. A

favorite hike takes you down a staircase to the bottom of the canyon, where you’ll find two waterfalls. The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Many people are surprised to find hardwood forests and rolling mountains south of Atlanta. The 6.7-mile Wolf Den Loop is a favorite section of the longer Pine Mountain Trail. For a touch of history, drive

to Dowdell’s Knob to see a life-size bronze sculpture of President F.D. Roosevelt and views of the forested valley. Ga. Hwy. 190 is a pretty driving route.

Fort Mountain State Park

This park in Chatsworth is best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountaintop, plus a variety of trails. For the easiest walk, take the 1.2-mile loop around the park’s green lake. For a challenging, all-day hike, choose the 8-mile Gahuti Trail. Mountain bikers have more than 14 miles to explore. Hwy. 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks worth stopping to see the view.

Moccasin Creek State Park

Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous Lake Burton. Guests can choose from the 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail or 1-mile Non-Game Trail with a wildlife observation tower. Hwy. 197 is a particularly pretty road, passing Mark of the Potter and other popular attractions.

Smithgall Woods State Park

Protecting more than 6,000 acres around Dukes Creek, this is the perfect spot for fly fishing while enjoying fall color. Day visitors can picnic near the creek, and overnight guests can hike a private trail to Dukes Creek Falls. A 1.6-mile loop climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mt. Yonah once most leaves are off the trees. Smithgall Woods has some of the park system’s most sought-after cabins and is near wineries and Helen’s Oktoberfest.

Continued on page 34

Tallulah Gorge

Camping at FDR State Park

Great Smoky Mountains

Local expertise that reaches around the world.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge near Clayton is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast, and you can choose from easy or difficult trails. Hike along the rim to several overlooks with waterfall views, or hike to the bottom of the gorge for a bigger challenge.

Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Ziplines take you high above the forest canopy for a unique view of leaves near Helen. If you’re up for a steep hike, take the 4.8-mile Smith Creek Trail up to Anna Ruby Falls. Unicoi offers a lodge and restaurant.

Vogel State Park

Near Blairsville, the 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering a birds-eye view of the park’s lake. For an easier walk, follow the Lake Loop to a small waterfall below the dam. The twisting roads around Vogel, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, offer some of north Georgia’s prettiest fall scenery.

North Carolina

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

At press time, the annual Cashiers Valley

Leaf Festival at Village Green in downtown Cashiers was still on for Oct. 6-8. More than 100 Artisans, food, entertainment and more are staples of the event. Visit villagegreencashiersnc.com for more information.

Highlands

While the leaves will be past their peak, the annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival (highlandsfoodandwine.com) returns Nov. 9-12 with music, tastings, dinners, and more. Highlands also offers great shopping, dining, and the chance to explore the scenic surroundings. Visit highlandschamber.org for more information.

Asheville

Enjoy dining and shopping, visit the Biltmore Estate, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, or have a drink at one of the breweries or distilleries. The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is set for Oct. 19 and Oct. 22 in downtown. Visit romanticasheville.com for more information.

LEAF Festival

A short drive from Asheville, just below Mt. Mitchell and near Black Mountain, the music festival features African, Latin, Appalachian, Cajun, Celtic, Blues, Bluegrass, and more Oct. 19-22. Visit theleaf.org for tickets and information.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Continued from page 32

Brasstown Bald

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

A Weekend in Greenville, SC

Food, art, and a gorgeous riverwalk just two hours from Atlanta

By Jacob Nguyen

Greenville, South Carolina might not come to mind if you’re thinking of a weekend getaway but hear me out. If you’re looking for cool shopping, dining, and outdoor experiences, then this nearby city should definitely be on your itinerary.

Greenville’s effort to revitalize its downtown after decades of neglect is obvious the moment you pull into town – just a little over two hours up I-85 from Atlanta.

You’ll definitely want to park your car and explore downtown on foot to get the full experience. But first, let’s get you checked into a hotel that’s easy on the budget and has an incredible view.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn at Riverplace (hamptoninnsuites.com), which is right in the heart of Greenville’s most spectacular area – Falls Park on the Reedy. Make sure you ask for a room with a view when you make a reservation.

Walk out of the hotel and you’re in the heart of the park. The view from the Eugenia Duke Bridge offers an incredible view of the Reedy River as it cascades over the falls.

You’re also just steps from Main Street and its shops and restaurants, including Halls Chophouse (hallschophouse. com), which offers a delicious steak with an equally stunning view of the river.

If you want to grab coffee and dessert, walk across Main to Spill the Beans (stbdowntown.com), which offers gourmet roasts and ice cream and, you guessed it, amazing views of the falls.

There are numerous paths to stroll along the river and check out the public art there and be sure to check and see what’s happening at the Peace Center (peacecenter.org), which is just on the other side of the river from the hotel. The concert hall hosts everything from concerts, to

comedy, to musicals.

While you’re at the Peace Center, but sure to check out the historic Wyche Pavilion, which is all that remains of the Duke’s Mayonnaise factory. The shell of the 119-year-old building has been preserved and now plays host to outdoor concerts, weddings, and other events.

If you want to walk off dinner, take a stroll along one of the trails along the Reedy River. Head south and you’ll come to the main part of the falls and the beautiful Liberty Bridge that spans it. It’s a great spot for selfies and taking in nature.

If you get into town on the first Friday of the month like we did, you don’t want to miss the First Friday Art Crawl (greenvillearts.com/first-Fridays). Galleries all over town – and especially along Main Street – are open from 6 to 9 p.m. with special exhibitions, art for sale, and more.

Saturdays are definitely a good day to visit Greenville for a couple of reasons. The Saturday Market on Main Street is open from May through October with local

The historic Wyche Pavilion.

Pastries at Bake Room in The Commons Food Hall.

vendors selling produce, bread, sweets, and more. Another is the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Library (shoelessjoejackson. org). If you’re a fan of baseball – or even just the “Field of Dreams” movie – this museum is only open on Saturdays and it’s a fascinating look at one of Greenville’s most famous native sons.

On Sunday, we took a visit to The Commons (commonsgvl.com), a food hall with some of Greenville’s best local eateries. We just managed to grab some sinfully good pastries and bread from Bake Room (facebook.com/bakeroomsc) before it sold out and grab a coffee at Methodical Coffee (methodcialcoffee.com).

And if you need some more outdoor adventure before you head home, the Swamp Rabbit Trail might be what you’re looking for. You can walk or bike the 22mile trail all the way from Greenville to Travelers Rest.

To find out more about visiting Greenville, check out visitgreenvillesc.com.

when you book & pay in full.

• Receive up to EUR 300 in Journey Experience Credit per suite.

• Benefit from a reduced, refundable 10% deposit on all new bookings.

Falls on the Reedy in Greenville, SC.

(Photo courtesy Visit Greenville)

Head to Helen for Oktoberfest merriment, Christmas shopping

THOMAS CHOIR OF MEN AND BOYS

By Collin Kelley

Oktoberfest in Helen, GA is such a big deal – and draws so many visitors –that it actually started in early September. The merrymaking continues through Oct. 30 with dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer.

Most of the Oktoberfest action is centered around the riverside Helen Festhalle at 1074 Edelweiss Street, but there are events happening all over the Bavarian-style village.

A traveling Oktoberfest keg-tapping ceremony on Saturdays rotates to various biergartens, restaurants and taverns. Popup events throughout the town add plenty of fun, while shops and restaurants create their own festival ambience.

In the Festhalle, visitors will see performers in traditional dirndls, Tyrolean hats and lederhosen, sample the beers and the best of the wurst (six kinds), German potato salad, red cabbage, potato cakes, American dogs and more.

The Festhalle is open daily from Sept. 29 to Oct. 30. Hours are 6-10 p.m. during the week, until midnight on Fridays, from 1p.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and 1-7 p.m. on Sundays.

Admission is $8 during the week, $10 on Saturday and free on Sunday.

As soon as beer steins are put away, the Christmas decorations come out. Helen has become so well-known as a holiday destination that Lifetime has filmed two of its Christmas movies there.

From the day after Thanksgiving through Feb. 19, the village is dressed up and illuminated every night. The town’s specialty retailers and restaurants stay open late during this period to accommodate the crowds.

If you’re looking for something completely different on New Year’s Eve, check out the Dropping of the Edelweiss, a fuzzy white star-petaled flower that is a symbol of courage and devotion in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. There’s also plenty of food, music, dancing and more from 8 p.m. to midnight.

And you can go ahead and mark your calendars for Feb. 18-19, 2024 for the annual WinterFest and Sautee Nachoochee Arts Festival. More than 175 artists will be at four locations – Helen Arts & Heritage Center, Hardman Farm Historic Site, the Sautee Nacoochee Center and Unicoi State Park & Lodge.

For more details about all the upcoming events in Helen, visit HelenGA. org.

Photo by Scott Heins

Oktoberfest means plenty of beer and dancing in Helen. (Helen/White County CVB)