Dunwoody Crier - January 2, 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Recapping year for Dunwoody PAGE 3 Mayor, police chief, sheriff look ahead PAGES 4-5

Januar y 2, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

2024

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The City of Dunwoody brightened residents’ years with community traditions and the completion of its largest public works project to date.

Clockwise from top left: The Dunwoody Preservation Trust’s leadership team gather around Sarah Massey, front center, who was named 2024 Honorary Miss Lemonade Days during the mid-April festival. Each year, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust honors a volunteer who has contributed to historical preservation in the city.

From left, Alpharetta resident Regina Taylor; Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch; Stockbridge resident Kimberley Miller;

and Dunwoody resident Gwen Kovar stand with shovels and a sapling at Brook Run Park during the city’s eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 15. Registration for the 2025 Day of Service is now open.

David Abes, grand marshal of the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, waves to crowds in Dunwoody Village. Abes, founder of DASH Hospitality, helped create the Village’s entertainment district with his restaurant group.

City officials join civic and business leaders at the unveiling of “The Landscape of Dunwoody” March 20 at Chamblee Dunwoody and Womack roads. The mural is one of a few additions at the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center.

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Target store security stops alleged shoplifter

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DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 40-year-old Marietta woman Dec. 21 after she allegedly attempted to shoplift more than $2,000 from the Target off Perimeter Center Place.

A police officer said he spoke with a loss prevention employee who said the suspect began selecting merchandise, totaling $2,183, from various displays and passed all points of sale without paying.

The employee said he stopped the offender, escorted her back to the loss prevention office and recovered all the merchandise.

Officers said Target employees showed them security footage of the incident, which confirmed their initial statements.

The suspect allegedly told officers that she did not mean to walk out of the store with the merchandise and intended to pay for the items.

Officers said they obtained an arrest warrant for felony shoplifting and transported her to DeKalb County Jail.

County records show the suspect was bonded out Dec. 24.

— Hayden Sumlin

Store employees alerted after fraudulent return DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 34-year-old Clarkston woman Dec. 19 for alleged shoplifting and theft by deception after Target loss prevention caught on to the scheme.

Store employees told officers that

the suspect initially entered the store and began concealing numerous makeup items. Loss prevention also said the suspect selected a jewelry box, brought it to the front desk with a receipt of one she had bought at another store and received money for the stolen item.

Officers said loss prevention stopped the suspect as she was exiting the store with her 4-year-old son.

According to the report, the suspect’s son and her personal items were released to the child’s godmother.

Loss prevention said the concealed items totaled $239 and the fraudulent return was $42.

Officers said they secured warrants for misdemeanor shoplifting and theft by deception before transporting her to DeKalb County Jail.

County records show the suspect was released on her own recognizance Dec. 20.

police headquarters, the man said he began to fall asleep at the wheel behind the 18-wheeler and struck the other vehicle when attempting to avoid a collision. Police said they found no reason why the driver did not report the accident.

Officers secured warrants for hit and run, improper lane usage, reckless driving, driving while license suspended and no insurance, then transported him to DeKalb County Jail.

County records show the suspect was bonded out Dec. 22.

— Hayden Sumlin

— Hayden Sumlin

Police arrest Atlanta man following crash on I-285 DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 27-year-old Atlanta man Dec. 21 after he allegedly fled the scene of a car crash along I-285 eastbound.

An officer said he first spoke with three occupants of a vehicle struck by the suspect’s BMW 535i GT sedan.

The officer said all three occupants confirmed that the BMW was driving behind an 18-wheeler when it swerved into their vehicle, causing them to crash into the interstate median.

According to the report, officers located the suspect’s BMW stalled in the right lane about a mile down the highway. While running the driver’s name through crime databases, officers said the man’s license had been suspended and he had an active arrest warrant out of the Sandy Springs Police Department for failure to appear for traffic offenses.

After transporting the suspect to

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NEWS

DUNWOODY IN 2024

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City appoints new department heads Infrastructure, path networks enjoy major improvements

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Classic community traditions, like the Preservation Trust’s Lemonade Days and the Homeowner Association’s 4th of July Parade, made 2024 a great year in Dunwoody.

A host of other gatherings, including Holiday Lights, the Dunwoody Arts Festival and the MLK Day of Service, kept residents engaged and active.

While Dunwoody voters shot down a bond referendum for parks and paths in November 2023, residents supporting the efforts have organized and made their support known at city meetings this year.

At the same time, other residents have voiced concerns over spending and incomplete projects.

City continues community support The city cut the ribbon on several projects, like the new mosaic, “The

Landscape of Dunwoody,” near the city’s Cultural Arts Center.

The city and the Spruill Center for the Arts celebrated completion of a joint funding effort and opened a new 8,300-square-foot wing, adding seven new studios to meet increasing demand for arts programming.

The Dunwoody Nature Center, also in partnership with the city, completed its stormwater improvements around the Crean Eco Classroom to prevent flooding and further erosion.

For the first half of 2025, stream stabilization and wetland restoration around Wildcat Creek at the Nature Center will keep folks off trails.

To cap off 2024, the city successfully completed the largest infrastructure project in its history along Chamblee Dunwoody Road, installing multi-use paths that connect surrounding parks and installing utilities set to last for the next 50 years.

Elsewhere around the city,

work crews wrapped up phase one of a multi-use path along Ashford Dunwoody Road. Throughout the year, city officials took steps to move forward with path projects to attract redevelopment and corporations to the city.

The next municipal election is in November, where three seats on the City Council will be on the ballot: Councilwoman Cathrine Lautenbacher in District 1, Councilman Rob Price in District 2 and Councilman Tom Lambert in District 3.

New faces around town Dunwoody named two new department heads in 2024.

After former Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker took a position in neighboring Sandy Springs at the end of 2023, the city promoted Rachel Waldron to the position in early January.

While the failure of the November 2023 bond referendum leaves the

department with less funding for upgrades and expansions, smaller projects are still getting done.

The city expects to cut the ribbon at the new Waterford Park playground and new shade structures over Two Bridges Park early next year.

For the fourth year in a row, Dunwoody received the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association’s District 6 Agency of the Year Award.

The Dunwoody Police Department also turned over leadership in 2024 after Police Chief Billy Grogan announced his retirement in January.

City Manager Eric Linton promoted former Deputy Chief Mike Carlson to head the department beginning June 1.

Since that time, Carlson has reduced the number of vacancies of sworn officers in the department, opened the city’s state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center and rolled out a civilian Public Safety Ambassadors

See DUNWOODY, Page 13

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OPINION

Initiatives provide momentum for Dunwoody to prosper in 2025

LYNN DEUTSCH Dunwoody Mayor

Happy New Year Dunwoody!

As 2024 comes to an end, we have an opportunity to reflect on the opportunities and challenges we faced along the way.

• We promoted Mike Carlson, a key member of the Dunwoody Police Department since the city’s inception.

His transition to police chief has been seamless, and he leads an outstanding, experienced team.

• We remain laser -focused on public safety. We continue to support our Police Department with competitive pay and benefits, cutting-edge technology and amazing community support.

• The opening of the Real-Time Crime Center is a game changer, enhancing public safety with technology that improves emergency response and aids in crime prevention and investigation.

• We deployed a dedicated advanced life support vehicle, paid for with federal funds, to address the continual challenges related to slow ambulance response times. We are seeing improvements, but challenges remain. Along with Council, we are committed to a long-term solution.

• The long-planned Georgetown Gateway Project has been completed, making the corridor safer, more accessible, and more welcoming.

• Phase One of the Ashford Dunwoody Path has been completed.

Located in front of Perimeter Mall, this is an important step in making Perimeter safer and more inviting for those walking or cycling through the area.

• Along with paving roads, we added pedestrian hybrid beacon crossings in two locations, including at Chesnut Elementary School. Look for more of these in the future.

• Brook Run Park now hosts a Vietnam War Memorial, built with private funds from the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association and the Vietnamese American Community of Georgia, honoring both American and South Vietnamese soldiers.

• Dunwoody’s Parks Department welcomed record crowds to several events, added new programs,

provided volunteer opportunities and opened a new playground at Waterford Park.

• Our public art program continues to flourish with the addition of a beautiful mosaic and more green art light installations.

• We welcomed dozens of new businesses to Dunwoody.

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important that we build on the momentum created by private investment in Dunwoody Village and the Perimeter. Over the past few years, Dunwoody Village has evolved into a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, and community gatherings. Thanks to strong partnerships between the city, property owners and entrepreneurs, the transformation of the Village has been nothing short of remarkable.

Just five years ago, Dunwoody wasn’t on the radar for many new businesses. Today, it’s a prime location.

With the openings of High Street and Campus 244, along with completed and/or planned renovations at Park Place and Ashford Lane, we are benefiting from hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment. There is now so much that you can do inside our own city limits with new restaurants and new entertainment venues like Putt Shack and Game Show Battle Room.

Almost all of these developments have privately-owned public spaces that provide pocket parks, gathering spots and programming opportunities. If you haven’t explored Perimeter lately, I encourage you to visit.

The changing office market presents opportunities for Dunwoody.

When we completed the Dunwoody Edge City 2.0 study, we couldn’t have anticipated how quickly its findings would become relevant. Some office buildings may be repurposed, while others may be torn down. Thanks to the Edge City study, Dunwoody has a distinct advantage over other communities. With this strategic blueprint for growth, we’re wellpositioned to demonstrate our vision and expectations for the future of Perimeter to property owners and developers.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead in Dunwoody! Let’s continue to grow, innovate and thrive together in 2025.

LOOKING FORWARD

OPINION

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Dunwoody Police strengthens commitment for safer community As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for what our Police Department has accomplished and the promise of what lies ahead MIKE CARLSON in 2025. This Dunwoody Chief of Police year has been one of transformation, growth and renewed focus on building a safer community.

When I was selected to step into the role of police chief earlier this year, I knew the challenges would be many, but the opportunities to make a lasting impact were even greater. Together with our officers, staff and community partners, we have achieved milestones that set the stage for sustained success.

As a new chief, I prioritized listening and communicating directly to our officers, community members and key stakeholders.

These conversations reaffirmed that public safety is a shared responsibility, requiring transparency, accountability and trust. Guided by this understanding, we committed to proactive policing strategies, community engagement and fostering a culture of innovation and

inclusivity within the department. I also feel it is important to be active in the community. I have been a member of the Dunwoody Veterans of Foreign Wars for several years, and I recently joined the Dunwoody Rotary where I share my passion for the Special Olympics. I’m also a new member of the Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

One of the most significant accomplishments this year was the opening of our Real-Time Crime Center (R TCC). This cutting-edge facility has revolutionized how we approach crime prevention and response. By integrating advanced technology, live surveillance and data-driven analysis, the R TCC enables officers to respond faster and smarter, enhancing public safety in real time. Early successes from the center include reduced response times, increased officer safety and increased solvability factors to address crimes.

Staffing shortages have been a persistent challenge for police departments nationwide, and we are no exception. However, I am thrilled to report that we have made tremendous progress. Thanks to focused recruitment efforts, competitive benefits and a renewed commitment to officer wellness and development, we are closer than ever to being fully staffed.

In 2025, our department will build our momentum with several key initiatives: • Expanding the Impact of the RTCC: We plan to further integrate the Real-Time Crime Center with community safety programs and regional partners, ensuring its benefits extend across all neighborhoods and businesses. Our drone will also become operational.

• Community Policing: Strengthening relationships with the community will remain a top priority. Expect more outreach events, youth programs, and open forums to enhance communication.

• Enhancing Officer Training: Continuous training in deescalation, cultural awareness, and mental health crisis response will ensure our officers are prepared for the complexities of modern policing.

We are also focusing on our officers within the department with peer support and assistance when needed.

As we prepare for 2025, I am confident in our department’s ability to meet new challenges utilizing our core values: Service, Integrity, Courage, Professionalism, Respect and Teamwork. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community, city leaders and the dedicated men and women of our Police Department.

A LOOK AHEAD

Security, recruitment top sheriff’s initiatives A commitment to innovation characterizes ways the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office worked to provide consistent and reliable professional service to the citizens of MELODY MADDOX DeKalb County this DeKalb County Sheriff past year.

In cooperation with our law enforcement and justice partners, we maintain a secure adult detention facility to keep residents and visitors safe from persons suspected of criminal activity.

In 2024, we continued several

important operational initiatives: Our “evergreen” approach to agency policies and procedures – a practice began during my first term to ensure there is never a lack of public trust in the integrity of the agency and its staff.

• Aggressive recruitment and retention of qualified staff – raising salaries and increasing career path promotions for sworn and civilian staff, and incentivizing jail officers who work around the clock.

• Maintenance and security upgrades at our nearly 30 year-old facility – increasing security patrols and fencing areas around the jail to deter contraband drops and escape attempts. The goal remains a new

jail that addresses today’s detention facility requirements.

• Unwavering quality care and custody of inmates during all phases of incarceration – creating behavioral and educational programs to improve after -release outcome and curb recidivism, providing safe transports to and from court, and ensuring healthy and humane living environments for DeKalb County Jail inmates.

Finally, I remain aware that the support of our community is integral to the effectiveness of the sheriff’s office as a public service agency, so we welcome your comments and concerns as we move forward and into a new year.

PALS PERIMETER ADULT LEARNING & SERVICES

WINTER 2025 JANUARY 6th – MARCH 3rd

Dunwoody United Methodist Church No class January 20th (MLK Day) 10:00 – 11:00 CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN TROUBLING TIMES -- Bob Wynn will conduct a class focusing on the U.S. Criminal Justice System. i.e., the history, evolution and implementation of criminal law in the courts. Topics such as capital punishment, sentencing, bail reform as well as events from today’s headlines will be discussed.

We will also cross-reference data from the legal systems of other countries and discuss the possible reasons behind the differences.

Come join us for an entertaining, insightful, enlightening, and hopefully very active discussion.

10:00 – 11:00 HATE HAS NO PLACE -- Karen Colbert and Rabbi Scott Colbert will examine the history, manifestation, prevalence and consequence of anti-Semitism, the oldest hatred in the world and how it impacts our society. Utilizing cinema and discussion, we will learn terms, expressions and misconceptions that will help you recognize anti-Semitism so that you can become part of the global effort to fight it and eliminate it from our community. The class will also use this new understanding to recognize and fight other kinds of hate (LGBYQ, racism and Islamophobia) among others.

10:00 – 3:00 OPEN MAH JONGG – Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session.

10:00 – 12:00 OPEN CANASTA – Bring your score sheet and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session.

11:30 – 12:30 HOAXES, IMPOSTERS, FORGERIES, FAKES AND OTHER WAYS “THEY” TRY TO FOOL “US!”– Betsy Jones asks – Do you know how to detect a “fake”, or an “imposter?” From time immemorial people have had the tendency to dupe and be duped. Some of the incidents were meticulously planned in hopes of striking it rich. A few were accidental consequences of otherwise harmless actions while others were perpetrated to be either funny or malicious, and still others were done to prove a point. We will examine a number of the more famous such incidents in history to see how they were pulled off and their consequences.

11:30 – 12:30 JANE AUSTIN ON SCREEN -- Michele Friedman will lead a discussion of whether Jane Austen’s work was the start of the “chic lit” or had the depth of understanding of questions of moral behavior and social norms and her explorations of epistemology to be some of the most insightful in the literary canon for men and women. Come decide for yourself and enjoy her caustic wit along the way as we view her works s portrayed in the movies.

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Two Metro Atlanta residents plant a downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) at Brook Run Park Jan. 15, 2024, with Trees Atlanta for Dunwoody’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Dunwoody gears up for MLK service day DUNWOODY, Ga. — Volunteers are encouraged to register for Dunwoody’s 9th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Jan. 20.

The Parks and Recreation Department partners with the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America to recognize the national holiday with volunteer service projects, a community food drive and blood donations.

Taking place on the third Monday in January, the MLK Jr. Day is the only federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service. In line with King’s vision, the annual event is designed to empower individuals, bridge barriers, solve problems and strengthen communities.

Denise Daisy, president of the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, said her organization looks forward to building on the enthusiasm and success of the volunteer projects each year.

“It’s important that we take inspiration from Dr. King and invest in the communities in which we live,” Daisey said.

Volunteer opportunities include the following: • Planting of 100 trees at Brook Run Park in coordination with Trees Atlanta • Planting 5,000 daffodils at Brook Run Park in coordination with the Daffodil Project • Cleaning up and rebuilding raised beds at the Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard • Cleaning up, mulching trails and removing invasive plants at the Dunwoody Nature Center • Donating blood through the

See SERVICE, Page 13

7 | Dunwoody Crier | January 2, 2025

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 2, 2025 | 11

Spruill Center for the Arts enters 50th year Dunwoody backs goal to create artistic hub

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — After a citybacked expansion of its educational facilities, the Spruill Center for the Arts is bringing more people through Dunwoody than ever.

Spruill is on the short list of major art centers in Metro Atlanta, joining Gwinnett County’s Hudgens Center for Art & Learning and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center just inside Atlanta.

CEO Alan Mothner said the Spruill Center for the Arts has been “out of space” since about 2018, with demand outpacing its space within the old North DeKalb Cultural Center off Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

In 2020, the Spruill Center rolled out its first strategic plan to manage operations during and after the pandemic with the expansion still in mind.

“That post-COVID era was also contingent upon this expanded space,” Mothner said. “The goal was to begin this expansion in 2023, which is exactly what we did.”

In March, Dunwoody’s elected officials joined with the city’s Art Commission at the Spruill Center to cut the ribbon for the new 8,300-square-foot expansion, including seven new art studios, a community room and revamped courtyard.

The city pitched in $1 million for the project’s $3.4 million cost, with the remaining funds generated through Spruill’s fundraising, activities and workshops.

After breaking ground in March 2023, Mothner and his team were ready for another strategic plan with a focus on operating its new facilities.

“We had, before we expanded, hundreds of students on the waitlist each semester that we offer classes,” Mothner said. “Once we’re able to accommodate that demand, how do we reach out to the broader community to get everybody engaged and involved in the arts?”

Free community workshops offer a “Taste of Spruill” and are a part of a larger effort to grow the nonprofit’s programing after its expansion. The roadmap is laid out in the Spruill Center’s 2024-26 Strategic Plan with the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary celebration smack dab in the middle.

“The free workshops are one of several programs that are designed to enhance our focus on being a

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Students work on their holiday creations at a printmaking workshop Dec. 14 at the Spruill Center for the Arts. Instructor Tatiana Craig, right, coaches a student through their etching and engraving. Craig, a first-time instructor at Spruill, said her students at the Chastain Art Center in north Atlanta recommended she teach at the Dunwoody-based community hub. community center based on the arts,” Mothner said. “We have really seen a need for these social connections in the community.”

Workshops draw diverse talent The Spruill Center for the Arts schedules its classes quarterly, offering youth and teen programs, camps and adult courses nearly yearround.

Instructors, often professional artists, teachers or college professors, cater to students of all skill levels.

“Taste of Spruill” classes give Metro Atlantans an opportunity to try out a new art form, sample Dunwoody culture and, maybe, make a holiday gift.

Tatiana Craig, who taught her first printmaking class at Spruill Dec. 14, said her students at Atlanta’s Chastain Arts Center recommended she teach at Spruill after a untimely renovation shut down the facility for a few weeks.

Craig, an Atlanta native, graduated from Georgia State University a couple of years ago with an art education degree.

“The art community is all about this, the community,” she said. “It wasn’t until my second year of college when I took a printmaking class that I was like ‘woah, I really love it.’”

Craig’s students, an eclectic group of longtime students and first-time patrons, advised each other while she spent some on-on-one time.

Upstairs in one of the new classrooms, California native Carolina Cuevas was also teaching her first indigo dyeing class at Spruill. Cuevas

specialized in sculpture and textiles at the California College of the Arts.

She said she chose to teach the traditional Japanese method — shibori — to give students a more authentic experience than with more

commonplace Western tie-dyeing.

Kimm Martin, one of Cuevas’ students who serves on the Smyrna Arts Council, said she’ll make the trip east along I-285 anytime there’s a new and interesting course.

When Spruill gets feedback, patrons often say socializing, getting out of the house and meeting new people is as valuable as what they’re learning in class.

The free community workshops kicked off in September with typically four options Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Mothner said there are 48 classes on the books for 2025.

“The whole idea behind them is to get people out, engaged and more involved in their community,” he said.

“That’s us serving as a community center where we can get people to gather.”

Planning for the future The “Taste of Spruill” workshops aren’t going anywhere. On the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, there are typically a couple of options for free two-hour sessions with local

See SPRUILL, Page 15

12 | January 2, 2025 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

PAST TENSE

Dental training at Lawson General Hospital during World War II During World War II, more people with medical and dental training were needed, which led to the U.S. setting up Medical Department Technicians schools across the country. One VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF MDTS was at Lawson General Hospital in Columnist Chamblee.

MDTS began at Lawson General in 1942 and continued into 1945. MDTS started out with 50 people being trained as laboratory technicians, 50 in dental training, 125 in medical training, 125 in surgical training and 50 in X-ray training. By 1943, there were 106 dental trainees at Lawson. (achh.army.mil) Glenn H. Curtis began his training November 1942 at the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command in St. Petersburg, Florida.

From there, he was sent to Lawson General Hospital for dental training in December 1942.

Curtis was born Jan. GLENN CURTIS 28,1920, and was 21 years old when he completed his World War II registration card. He was employed as a driver for Hanna Market in Rochester, New York. His brother Robert registered on the same day and was sent to France.

Curtis did not share much with his family about his time at Lawson General Hospital. He did say he enjoyed his time training in Georgia, and he knew and sang the Georgia Tech fight song. Maybe that was because the Lawson General sports teams sometimes played against or at Georgia Tech.

Curtis’ childhood friend, Loren Brown, was also in the MDTS program at Lawson. Brown’s fiancé Lois Howell and Curtis’ girlfriend and later wife, Mildred, plus Curtis’ sister Joyce Curtis visited

Lois Howell, facing camera, and Mildred Curtis at the cottage they stayed in at Pierce Dairy Farm. the two men in Chamblee. They stayed in a cottage at W.O. Pierce Dairy in Chamblee. Visitors to patients and staff of Lawson General Hospital and trainees of MDTS usually stayed in nearby homes.

While Mildred was visiting, she and Glenn Curtis became engaged. They went to a jeweler on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta to buy her ring.

From Lawson, Curtis was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he was part of the 25th Training Group, Squad

C. Baseball teams were common at bases across the U.S., and Curtis was injured playing baseball. Curtis is documented as being at O’Reilly Hospital in Springfield, Mo., during the last part of 1943 and his son believes this may have been a result of the injury.

Once recovered, Curtis returned to Jefferson Barracks. His next assignment was in the 18th Replacement Wing in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 1944.

Then, he was sent to Walker Army Air

James Cook, 76, of Roswell, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Joseph Fiore, 71, of Roswell, passed away on December 12, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Lester Wooten, 92, of Roswell, passed away on December 16, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Daniel Feruck, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Terry Mathis, 81, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 19, 2024. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

DEATH NOTICES

GARY CURTIS/PROVIDED

Force Base in Victoria, Kansas. He also worked at Press Steel Car Company in Pennsylvania, a rail car manufacturing company that produced tanks during the war.

Curtis’ service continued at Sheppard Field in Texas from July to September 1945 as part of the 3706 Army Air Force Squad H and until February 1946 as part of the 1060 Army Air Force Squad E. The dental training he received would eventually be used for the difficult job of identifying victims in aircraft training crashes in the U.S. After the war, Curtis opened an Amoco gasoline station near his home in Rochester. He later worked for the post office, retiring after 17 years. He also ran an antique store with his wife.

I am grateful to Glenn Curtis’ son, Gary Curtis, for sharing this history, memories and photos.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

NEWS

Dunwoody: Continued from Page 3 program.

While crimes like shoplifting and motor vehicle thefts have crept up across the city, violent crime has decreased considerably since the pandemic.

When the Walmart off Ashford Dunwoody Road announced it was shuttering in late June, police were responding to an average of two 911 calls per day.

Speaking during a November meeting, Carlson said his priority is to continue fighting crime.

While the Dunwoody Police Department remains understaffed, Mayor L ynn Deutsch and elected officials have increased pay by more than 40 percent since 2021.

Managing growth and finances Because of Dunwoody’s growth, the city is hosting a series of community forums — “Edge City 2.0: Shaping Tomorrow’s Perimeter.”

The series, with more sessions scheduled in February and May, examines developing trends with residential and commercial real estate and how Dunwoody can create a roadmap for growth that enhances the community.

Dunwoody is looking at how to invest in its future, with mixeduse developments like High Street, Ashford Lane and Campus 244 beginning to draw more patrons.

Attracting more business is vital for a city locked into a property tax rate cap.

The 2024 budget marked the second consecutive year the city budgeted use of its reserves for operations.

A large task during the 2026 budget process will be figuring out how to pay for recurring city expenses, like its new ambulance, Police Department positions and other initiatives backed with federal dollars.

City Manager Linton and Mayor Deutsch have told Appen Media that community discussions about city revenues will continue.

In Memoriam

Clara Hutchison

January 29, 1931 – December 18, 2024

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA: Clara Joan Hutchison “Joan”, formerly of Dunwoody, GA, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Azalea Senior Care in Lawrenceville, GA. She was born January 29, 1931 in Columbus, OH, daughter of the late Oscar Roland & Vivian Lucille (Merchant) Mason. She and Donald Duane Hutchison were married on March 17, 1951, in Columbus, OH. He passed away on November 9, 2000.

Joan was a member of St. Lukes Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody for many years where she was very active - singing in the choir, helping with the wedding guild, attending Adult Sunday School, was a part of the Stephen Ministries, and helping in any way she could with all church activities. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to work in her yard, loved walking around her neighborhood and attending senior aqua aerobics classes.

She is survived by her four children, Sally (Gary) Pomeroy of Croswell, MI, Nancy (Augie) Deguffroy of Irwin, PA,

Tom (Karen) Hutchison of Ambler, PA, and Tracy (Art) Quirk of Peachtree Corners, GA. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren with #12 to make his appearance in February, a brother-in-law and sister-inlaw Joel & Joan Hutchison of MN, and several nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her sister and brother-inlaw Donna Jean & George Comerford, a brother-inlaw Richard Hutchison, and an infant grandson Shawn Michael Hutchison.

A Funeral Service was held 10 AM Saturday, December 28 at Hoge Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbus, OH. Pastor Tom Billman will officiate.

The family wishes to thank Atria North Point in Alpharetta, GA, and Azalea Senior Care and Capstone Hospice in Lawrenceville, GA for their excellent care and help.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www. alz.org, or charity of your choice. www.pomeroyfuneralhomes.com

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 2, 2025 | 13

In no particular order, here are the top 10 stories that drew the most interest from readers this year in Dunwoody, according to online traffic: •The Sneidermans and the Neumans, two families with different finances.

A story published more than a decade ago recounts the families involved in the infamous “Dunwoody Daycare killing.”

•Update: Dunwoody Elementary principal out after threat from student.

After a student’s threat went unreported to parents, the principal of Dunwoody Elementary School announced her resignation.

•Dunwoody High mourns on-campus death of 15-year-old. The Dunwoody community begins a dialogue on the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs after a local high school student overdoses during class.

•State agency investigating former Dunwoody police official. A state regulatory body opens an investigation into a former Dunwoody police lieutenant, who resigned in 2020 and is accused of sexually harassing subordinate officers.

•Ex-Dunwoody Police officer wins suit against supervisor. A DeKalb County jury awarded a former Dunwoody police

Service: Continued from Page 6 LifeSouth Blood Mobile at Brook Run Park To register for various service projects during Dunwoody’s MLK Jr. Day of Service, visit www. dunwoodyga.gov/community/ volunteer -mlk-jr -day.

To sign up for blood donations, open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit donors.lifesouth.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/850096.

The community is also invited to drop off non-perishable food

officer $180,000 in the civil case of former Dunwoody Police Lt. Fidel Espinoza.

•Dunwoody native goes viral at VP Harris rally. A Dunwoody High School graduate receives millions of views on social media platforms for his enthusiasm at a summer presidential campaign rally.

•Sneiderman freed from parole, home sold. A 2017 follow-up in the “Dunwoody Daycare killing” series follows those involved in the 2010 murder and posits a theory.

•Dunwoody officials question progress on upgrade to Peachtree Middle School sports field. Little has changed since a citizen-led committee identified turf installation at Peachtree Middle School’s athletic field as a key priority during the 2024 budget process.

•Dunwoody Homecoming Court overshadows tough gridiron loss. The Dunwoody High School community celebrates Homecoming despite a tough three-point loss to Lakeside in September.

•Dunwoody officials review 2025 budget with deficit looming. While the city passed a 2025 budget fully funding operations, some elected officials are concerned with upcoming shortfalls.

donations for Malachi’s Storehouse.

The city says bins will be available on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon inside Brook Run Park next to the BloodMobile, in the parking lot at the intersection of DeKalb Drive and Georgia Way South.

“We are truly thankful for the volunteers who show up each year with a spirit of generosity,” Mayor L ynn Deutsch said. “From fighting hunger to caring for our environment, these projects are a powerful reminder that we can honor his legacy by uniting as friends and neighbors to serve our community.”

— Hayden Sumlin

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Spruill: Continued from Page 11 artists.

Because of the diversity of artistic mediums and Spruill’s reputation in Metro Atlanta’s art community, prospective students will rarely see classes repeat.

The second weekend of January, options include introductions to crochet, drawing, iPhone photography and polymer clay techniques.

In fall 2024, around 2,300 people enrolled in classes. Enrollment throughout the year totaled more than 8,300.

Spruill is now serving 40 percent more people than it was pre-pandemic, and enrollment is expected to climb furtrher in 2025.

“We derive more than 50 percent of our students from outside the greater Dunwoody area … Sandy Springs, Doraville, Chamblee and Brookhaven,” Mothner said. “We draw regionally from throughout the area … students come from all over the place.”

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A half-century of serving In 1975, the community art center operated out of the basement of the Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

A group of local women would meet weekly for painting classes decades before the nonprofit moved to its second home off Roberts Drive.

The Spruill Center for the Arts has been in the same spot since 1993 at the multi-arts complex, now known as the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center.

The addition of seven classrooms brings Spruill to a total of 17 state-ofthe-art studios, including specialized spaces for jewelry making, ceramics and kiln-fused glass, blacksmithing and painting.

Mothner said anyone who signs up for a paid class has the ability to register for open studio classes.

“If you take a wheel class and you work on your projects from 7-9 p.m., you may want to get some extra time on the wheel or glaze a piece,” he said. “Because if you’re a student, you probably don’t have a wheel, kiln and all the glazes that we have.”

The new ceramics classrooms have more than doubled the open studio time Spruill can offer students.

A block of clay weighs around 20

pounds, and Mothner reported Spruill went through 31.35 tons of it in 2024.

Expansion plans at the Spruill Center for the Arts date back to 2008. During the Great Recession, building additional classrooms and expanding programs took a back seat along with many other things.

“We could not exist without the public-private partnership that we have with the City of Dunwoody,” Mothner said. “It allows us to grow and serve our community.”

Mothner is excited about the Spruill Center for the Arts’ upcoming 50th anniversary March 29, but he’s not ready to dive into details yet. He said people can expect a celebration of the arts and more community programs in 2025.

After awarding $63,000 in scholarships in 2024, prospective students should know the Spruill Center is continuing its effort to remove economic barriers.

“One of the big things that we want to focus on is to make sure the arts are accessible to all,” he said. “That primarily manifests in scholarships for students, as well as the free community workshops.”

Deadline to place a classified ad is Thursdays by 4pm

16 | January 2, 2025 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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