Dunwoody Crier - June 29, 2023

Wildcat Park: Site on Roberts Drive get official name

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Perimeter cities to mark Fourth

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

NORTH METRO ATLANTA

— There are countless different ways to celebrate Independence Day in the Atlanta area, like backyard BBQs, pool parties, fireworks shows, fun runs and parades.

Dunwoody July 4th Parade

Beginning at 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, scores of floats, marching bands, clowns and antique cars will parade through Dunwoody during the Dunwoody Homeowners Association’s annual July 4th Parade.

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

From left, Receptionist Damien Johnson, Assistant Finance Director Delisha Robinson, Accountant Laurie Wargo, Accountant Sima Hojjaty, Accountant II Donica Williams, Accounting Manager Dawn Dryden, Purchasing Manager John Gates, City Manager Eric Linton, Finance Director Richard Platto and Risk Manager Chris Murphy.

Dunwoody adds up honors

City recognized for financial reporting excellence

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA.

City officials said the awards are the highest recognition in

governmental accounting and financial reporting and represent the city’s commitment to sound government budgeting.

“We dedicate these awards to our former finance director, Linda Nabers, who lost a brave battle against cancer earlier this year,” Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said. “Our finance

team is like a family. Everyone worked together under difficult circumstances to carry on Linda’s example.”

Dunwoody has received these recognitions every year since its incorporation and is vetted each year by a panel of GFOA judges.

See CITY, Page 8

But if you’re looking for a truly great way to celebrate the nation’s 247th birthday, here are two fan-favorite July 4th events in the Perimeter area this year.

This year, the parade will honor Dunwoody High School’s 50th anniversary with the theme, “50 years of Wildcat Pride, celebrating Dunwoody High School’s past, present and future.”

See EVENTS, Page 8

Police probe fentanyl-laced parcel

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police are investigating a suspicious package recently sent to a local salon employee to the hospital for fentanyl exposure.

Employees of Salon Colour on Chamblee Dunwoody Road were forced to call for

police and an ambulance on June 20, when a stylist collapsed after opening a suspicious package that had been sent to the business.

Stylist Penny Boaz said her co-worker, who did not wish to be identified, collapsed at about 2 p.m. after opening a package mailer

See FENTANYL, Page 4

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Dunwoody officers cleared in 2022 Perimeter Center shooting

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Investigators have cleared two Dunwoody police officers of any wrongdoing from an officerinvolved shooting near Perimeter Mall in late 2022.

Dunwoody Police Sgt. Michael Cheek said June 20 that internal investigations by their department and the Sandy Springs Police Department have ruled Det. Jordan Laverty and Officer Eddie Estes were justified in using deadly force against an armed suspect on Dec. 8,

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Doraville man arrested on drug, weapons charges

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police arrested a 22-year-old Doraville man June 14 after he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia and a firearm during a traffic stop.

Reports said officers conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevy Cruze traveling northbound on Ashford Dunwoody Road at about 2 a.m. after the vehicle was observed making several lane changes without using its turn signal.

During the traffic stop, officers allegedly smelled marijuana and were told there was “just a little bit of weed” inside the vehicle.

After the driver was detained and the vehicle was searched, officers seized 44.1 grams of marijuana from

2022.

Prior to the shooting, officers were called to 124 Perimeter Center West at about 3 p.m., responding to a “trouble unknown call” and reported finding an armed suspect at the scene. The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officers, Cheek said at the time.

“The two officers on scene fired shots at the suspect and missed him,” he said. “Moments later, the offender was taken into custody without further incident.”

Neither the officers nor the suspect were injured in the shooting, but the

the vehicle along with a Glock pistol, multiple clear baggies, a scale and $500 in cash.

The driver was charged with possession of marijuana and weapon offenses and was transported to the DeKalb County Jail

Police arrest Atlanta man claiming to be Lincoln

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police have arrested a 25-year-old Atlanta man who allegedly exposed himself in public on Ashford Dunwoody Road and claimed to be President Abraham Lincoln.

Officers responded to Perimeter Center North and Ashford Dunwoody Road at 11 a.m. June 14 after receiving a report of public indecency. Police located a suspect described to 911 operators, reports said.

When questioned, the man told officers he had no identification but said, “My name is Abraham Lincoln I was born in 1881.”

Officers noted that the man was exposed throughout the entire encounter.

Police learned the man’s identity through his fingerprints and placed him under arrest for public indecency and

Dunwoody Police Department submitted the incident for independent review from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Cheek said the GBI declined to investigate the incident because there were no injuries, but the Sandy Springs Police Department agreed to investigate.

“Their review was done concurrently with Dunwoody’s and resulted in the same findings,” Cheek said. “All documents have been forwarded to the Dekalb County DA’s Office for their review.”

making false representations to police. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

Police arrest suspect in property damage case

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody police have charged a 20-year-old Atlanta man for allegedly causing over $1,000 in damage to the Dunwoody Tavern on Chamblee Dunwoody Road in May.

Reports said the man was arrested after an investigation into an incident at the restaurant May 24, where the suspect allegedly attempted to buy alcohol with a fake ID and was asked to leave the restaurant.

The restaurant’s owner said after the suspect was asked to leave, he broke the men’s room faucets and the establishment’s front door, which cost more than $1,000 to repair.

Police learned the suspect had been using a fake ID card stolen from an Albany, Ga., woman who died recently.

The suspect was located using police records from the Sandy Springs Police Department and has been charged with felony fraud and criminal damage to property.

Wildcat Park: Roberts Drive site has official name

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials have officially named a park space on Roberts Drive “Wildcat Park” after several months of public discussion.

The Dunwoody City Council approved the new park name at its June meeting in a 6-1 vote, with Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch opposed.

During a presentation prior to the vote, council members learned the city generated a list of eight possible names for the park on Roberts Drive, which until now has been referred to as “Roberts Drive Park.”

The city’s master plan shows that officials expect to spend nearly $10.5 million to develop the 12-acre park on the site of the former Austin Elementary School which was demolished in 2020. The funding is contingent on whether residents pass a $60 million parks bond this November.

Dunwoody acquired the property from the DeKalb County School District in 2016 in a land swap deal which traded land near the Dunwoody Nature Center, now used for the new Austin Elementary School on Roberts Drive for the former school grounds.

Village Crossing Park and Wildcat Park were the two top names selected by both

Dunwoody leaders and the public, Recreation and Parks Director Brent Walker said. However, the City Council also considered the name “Promenade Park” which was submitted by Post 6 Councilman John Heneghan.

Wildcat Park, named for Wildcat

Creek, which runs near the area, was ultimately approved but caused a serious discussion about how the city names its parks.

The park naming was initially expected at a meeting in May but was postponed after several possible names were shot

down over various concerns.

Once completed, the park would include a multi-use sports field, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a 50-foot splash pad, an ADA/Sensory playground, basketball courts, public art and nature trails.

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CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

A map provided by the City of Dunwoody shows how local officials intend to upgrade and expand the newly dubbed “Wildcat Park” on Roberts Drive in Dunwoody. Improvements will be completed using funding from the proposed 2023 Dunwoody Parks Bond.

Fentanyl:

Continued from Page 1

marked “return to sender” with the salon’s address and finding a clear envelope filled with white powder inside.

“We had an envelope that looked like it was from the post office that had sat on our coffee bar, which is where the mail is normally delivered, for several weeks,” Boaz said. “I didn't see the post person put it there. But it's been there it's been kind of lying there”

After opening the package, the victim reportedly felt something was wrong immediately and told his co-workers they should call Dunwoody police.

“The next thing I know, the owner and several other people are rushing to his side ... and he's unresponsive,” she

said. “I thought the man had had either a stroke or was having a seizure, so we call 911.”

First responders arrived at the salon at the Shops at Dunwoody and quickly revived the man before transporting him to a local hospital.

Sgt. Michael Cheek of the Dunwoody Police Department said investigators have since confirmed the suspicious package contained powdered fentanyl, which triggered a reaction in the victim.

Cheek said investigators aren’t sure of the motive but are trying to track the package to its origins.

“Our detectives are going to investigate and see if they can determine where the substance came from,” he said.

Police have not identified any suspects in this case, but Boaz said that her co-worker has since made a full recovery and is back at work.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

A suspicious package sent to Salon Colour on Chamblee Dunwoody Road caused an employee to be hospitalized for fentanyl exposure June 20, Dunwoody officials said.

‘System-wide failure’ creates water outage

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Thousands of homes in Sandy Springs were left without water for more than 24 hours last week after a water line breach caused low water pressure and water boil advisories throughout the entire city.

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management announced a water boil advisory for nearly all of Sandy Springs at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 18, so a transmission main breach near Riverside Road and Don White Memorial Park could be investigated.

Watershed Management officials discovered the water transmission line that feeds Sandy Springs water from the City of Johns Creek was breached at a point under the Chattahoochee River, which required divers to fix.

Ultimately the water line was repaired after an overnight lightning storm delay, and the advisory was lifted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 20.

Sampling conducted after the water line was fixed confirmed that there was no contamination of the system, water system officials said.

Speaking at the Sandy Springs City Council meeting June 20, Mayor Rusty Paul said city leaders were left flat-footed by this situation, which turned into a city-wide “water crisis,” due to a breakdown in communication between Atlanta officials, Sandy Springs officials and members of the public.

“I do want to apologize to our community,” Paul said. “We generally are pretty good at communicating during emergencies and I think we did okay at communicating but we didn’t live up to our normal standards.”

Following this incident, Sandy Springs elected leaders met with city staff and Atlanta representatives to

assess where things went wrong and how problems can be resolved better in the future.

“Tragically, this is the second time in about the last decade, where we had a system-wide failure that affected virtually all of the city,” Paul said.

At the city’s annual retreat held in January, Sandy Springs officials said that improving local water reliability would be one of their top priorities for 2023.

City Attorney Dan Lee said that since the city’s inception in 2005, it

has purchased its water from the City of Atlanta, using various systems built by different developers over the years, including some installed when Sandy Springs was part of unincorporated Fulton County.

“When developers wanted to leave Atlanta and go to unincorporated Fulton County, Fulton County would not provide water, so Atlanta was the only source,” Lee said. “To their credit, they allowed developers to build out their system and turn it over to the city.”

This mish-mash infrastructure of

the city’s water system has caused countless headaches, Lee said. Without intervention, the city could face massive problems.

But until now, Lee said officials in Atlanta and Fulton County have been unwilling to take up the city’s concerns about water delivery, leading to multiple lawsuits, arbitration and appeals to the Georgia Supreme Court.

“We’ve prevailed on all five actions to get to the point of letting our experts go examine the system of Atlanta,” he said.

That examination produced a 1,100-page report on the water system, showing Sandy Spring’s water actually comes from the City of Johns Creek and the system needs roughly $50 million in immediate repairs.

“There has been no real improvement to the water system in 50 years,” he said.

But under Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Lee said Atlanta officials have been open to new negotiations over the city’s water contract, and Sandy Springs leaders believe a positive resolution is on the horizon in the next year.

Paul said after meeting with Dickens on Tuesday, they feel as if they have reached a better understanding of how to communicate in the case of a water emergency.

“I also want to thank the mayor of Atlanta. The city manager and I went down and met with Mayor Dickens today, within 48 hours after the event to sit down and do some Monday morning quarterbacking,” he said. “So, if something like this happens again, we know who to call and they know who to call.”

In the future, Paul said that city residents should make sure they are signed up for Sandy Springs emergency alerts, which can be found by visiting sandyspringsga.gov/ sandy-springs-alerts.

King and Queen buildings glow for Muscular Dystrophy Day

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The iconic King and Queen towers at the Concourse in Sandy Springs were illuminated orange June 20 in honor of the 8th annual World FSH Muscular Dystrophy Day.

Officials said the Atlanta Chapter of the FSHD Society, the world’s largest research-focused patient organization for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, organized the lighting.

“The buildings are a prime focal

point for the North Atlanta Perimeter, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody areas,” said Christiane Wyckoff, whose daughter, Carden, has FSHD. “We’re so grateful to the people at King and Queen building management for recognizing the need and helping promote awareness in a positive way for FSHD.”

On World FSHD Day, advocacy groups ask community members to raise awareness and support for

people suffering from the debilitating, genetic muscle-weakening condition, which affects nearly a million people worldwide.

In addition to the building lighting, supporters are asked each year to post photos on social media “using an orange slice in place of their smile” to draw attention to a symptom experienced by many people suffering from FSHD — loss of the ability to smile.

“It’s a slow disease that gradually

robs people of muscle in their face, shoulders and upper body,” Atlanta FSHD Chapter Founder Jack Gerblick said. “It takes things away like being able to get dishes down from the top shelf, wash your hair, the ability to smile and other activities most people take for granted.”

For more information about the Atlanta Chapter of the FSHD Society visit www.fshdsociety.org/connect/ local-chapters/atlanta-chapter.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs officials said that thousands of homes in the city went without water for more than 24 hours after a breach in a main water transmission line was discovered under the Chattahoochee River near Don White Memorial Park.

BRIDGE LESSONS Learn New Tricks.

Sandy Springs officials pass ’24 spending plan

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After weeks of meetings and public hearings, Sandy Springs officials have approved a budget of more than $141 million, which will guide city projects and expenses in the coming year.

In addition, the budget outlines another $300 million in transportation and capital spending.

City leaders unanimously approved the 2024 budget without any further discussion at a June 20 City Council meeting, following a final public hearing that passed with no comments from the community.

“There have been no changes in the proposed budget since our last meeting on June 6,” City Manager Eden Freeman said.

The 2024 budget calls for an increase in spending of $5 million –or 4 percent – more in day-to-day operations. The general fund budget of $141 million pays for items like salaries and utilities. The budget also anticipates revenues to increase by $8.8 million.

Highlights of the 2024 budget include 12 new full-time staff positions, technology and equipment upgrades for the Police Department and Fire Department, upgrades to city parks and the Performing Arts Center, and increased funding for local non-profit groups.

These projects and initiatives were based on a series of priorities relating to resident satisfaction and safety that the City Council adopted at its annual retreat in January.

As part of the 2024 budget, Sandy Springs will give all city employees a 6 percent cost of living raise and will absorb an expected 11 percent increase in health insurance premiums.

“We believe very strongly in being the highest paid in the region so that we can continue to attract and retain the highest quality talent to serve our community,” Freeman said.

In addition to the city’s general

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA

The Sandy Springs City Council has approved a $141 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1. Highlights include 12 new full-time staff positions, technology and equipment upgrades, park improvements and increased funding for local non-profit groups.

operation fund, city leaders have approved $221.5 million in spending through the county transportation sales tax and $74 million in spending from the 2024 capital improvement budget.

Some of the big-ticket capital projects include $1.2 million for intersection improvement at Lake Forrest

Drive and Allen Road, $1.5 million for improvements at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex and $1.4 million for enhancements to the Abernathy Greenway.

Prior to the first public hearing, city leaders announced the 2024 budget will be based on a millage rate of 4.731 mills.

Act3 Productions posts 2023-24 season lineup

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs recently announced the lineup of shows and performances for the 2023-24 season. Officials said the season will open Sept. 8 with the musical comedy “Xanadu.” It will also feature a comedy from Atlanta playwright Topher Payne, a musical comedy revue, and a comedic farce.

Shows included in the 2023-24 season will include the following performances:

• “Xanadu” directed by Charlie Miller –Sept. 8 to 24

• “Perfect Arrangement” directed by Amy Cain – Oct. 13 to 29

• “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” directed by Cathe Hall Payne –Feb. 9 to 25

• “Lend Me a Tenor” directed by Jared Wright – March 15 to 31 Season ticket packages are available for the 2023-24 season and can be purchased for between $68 and $108.

For more information about Act3 Productions and upcoming shows, visit www.act3prod.org or call the box office at 770-241-1905.

— Alexander Popp

City:

Continued from Page 1

“Transparency and attention to detail are part of Linda’s lasting legacy, and I’m honored to lead this team as we continue a tradition of excellence,” Finance Director Richard Platto said. “We hold ourselves to the highest of standards and work to provide outstanding service to the city.”

The city’s annual comprehensive financial report can be accessed by visiting dunwoodyga.gov/government/departments/finance and clicking on Financial Reports and Financial Transparency.

— Alexander Popp

Events:

Continued from Page 1

Along with the floats, marching bands and other performers, people should expect to see a “less commercialized” side of the event, with students riding bikes, teams from the high school, and more of a “neighborhood feel,” event co-Chair Matt Webber said at an HOA meeting in February.

“Hopefully we’re going to be able to bring a lot of the high school into the parade,” he said. “That’s one thing we’re really trying to do to make it younger.”

Webber and event co-Chair Penny Forman also announced Dunwoody High School Principal “Coach” Tom Bass and teacher Steve Fortenberry will serve as grand marshals. The parade will start at Jett Ferry and Mt Vernon roads and will continue down Mt Vernon to Dunwoody Village.

More information about the parade and its route will be released through the Dunwoody Homeowners Association website, dunwoodyga.org.

Stars and Stripes Fireworks

The City of Sandy Springs will light up the night sky over City Springs July 4 during the annual Stars and Stripes Fireworks Celebration.

Festivities will begin on the City Springs lawn in downtown Sandy Springs at 4 p.m., with music from the Platinum Band Atlanta starting at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

“The turnout for this year’s

events has been spectacular,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said. “I’m thrilled to welcome the crowd back to City Springs to celebrate our nation’s 247th birthday under the stars.”

Food trucks will start serving at 6 p.m., but visitors can bring their own food or purchase food from nearby restaurants. Alcohol will be permitted during the event, but only if purchased from on-site vendors.

Tents and personal speakers will not be permitted at the event, officials said. For more information about the celebration, where to park, road closures and recommended viewing areas, visit citysprings.com/ starsandstripes.

Always helpful and kind, that was Ken Anderson

Soon after I began writing Past Tense for the Dunwoody Crier in 2006, I learned about Ken Anderson.

Local historian and cofounder of Dunwoody Preservation Trust

Lynne Byrd told me that Ken had lived in Dunwoody his entire life and was happy to share his memories. He enthusiastically shared memories and stories of the families he descended from. There was the Anderson and Carpenter families, but his ancestors also married into the Spruill, Eison (or Eidson), Donaldson and Copeland families.

I could always call Ken and ask what he knew about any subject. He helped me with articles, my “Images of America: Dunwoody” book and any other project on my list. Many of the photographs in the book were provided by Ken Anderson. He also told the history behind each photograph.

I remember asking him if he would come to the DPT History Booth several years ago to share his memories with visitors of Lemonade Days. He not only spent time in the booth, but he also brought old photographs of the original Dunwoody

School. His sisters Carolyn Anderson Parker and Jane Anderson Autry also joined us one year in the booth. Visitors to the booth enjoyed hearing about early Dunwoody from those who grew up in the community.

The roots of Ken Anderson’s family in Dunwoody go back to the first half of the

19th century. Many stories were passed down through the family. There was the story of the day Union soldiers showed up on the family farm looking for food. Susan Carpenter gathered meat from a pot in her apron only to be told by the soldiers that she could put it back. They were not going to take food from her children.

Calhoun and Effie Mae Spruill Carpenter sold eggs, butter, vegetables,and peaches from the farm on a two-horse wagon they drove to Atlanta.

Ken’s mother told of the old Dunwoody Depot being placed on logs and rolled up the road to become a store and post office on the southwest corner of Chamblee Dunwoody and Mount Vernon Roads.

In 1958, Ken married Alvilene Price, whose family had moved to Dunwoody when she was a child. Both Ken and Alvi, as she is called, attended Dunwoody School.

Ken worked at General Motors for 28 years. While still working at GM, he began working part-time at Dunwoody Baptist Church. Later he became Director of Operations at the church, staying for 40 years until retirement in 2016.

For a few years, Ken was in his director role, and I taught preschool. It was nice to be able to stop by his office after the pre-

school day ended to talk history.

On June 15, 2023, I attended the memorial service for Ken and heard many more stories of the kind and compassionate man that he was. He was always helping others, both family and friends. As a lifelong member of Dunwoody Baptist Church who was also always there as a volunteer or an employee, Ken was usually making sure things ran smoothly during the services. He helped wherever he was needed, including changing a flat tire in the church parking lot.

Many memories were shared at the service, but the one that seems to sum up Ken Anderson is “He would give you the shirt off his back.”

December 12 was proclaimed Ken Anderson Day by Denis Shortal and the Dunwoody City Council in 2016. He was recognized for his “selfless service to the ministry of Dunwoody Baptist Church, his contributions to our community, and the inspiration he has provided to his colleagues, friends, and family.”

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

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VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist

Ken and Alvilene Price Anderson on their wedding day in 1958.

A pair of mysteries by Elly Griffiths

I stumbled across British author Elly Griffiths years ago and read quite a few of her Ruth Galloway books. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who teaches and works on digs around England, some locally and some a bit farther afield. Why I haven’t kept up with the series is a mystery to me as I never fail to enjoy them.

The first book, “The Crossing Places,” won the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and there are 14 more to read after that. As I started this column, I googled the author and found her words on how she came up with the idea for that first mystery.

“We were on holiday in Norfolk, walking across Titchwell Marsh, when [my husband] mentioned that prehistoric man had thought that marshland

was sacred. Because it’s neither land nor sea, but something in-between, they saw it as a kind of bridge to the afterlife … As he said those words, the entire plot of ‘The Crossing Places’ appeared, full formed, in my head and, walking towards me out of the mist, I saw Dr. Ruth Galloway.”

I admit, I’m now waiting for the plot of my next book to spring fully formed from my head. I suspect I’ll be waiting quite a while for that miracle. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to read Griffiths works, both her series and her standalone novels. I’ve read one of each in the past month.

“A

Dying Fall”

In Book V, Ruth Galloway travels to Lancashire to investigate the find of an old university friend. He died shortly after writing her about his discovery.

I couldn’t put this one down because it concerns Arthurian legend. I always get hooked on books about the legendary king. Who knew that the

Raven King was an ancient name for King Arthur? Given how many books I’ve read about him, I was surprised and delighted to learn something new.

Did Ruth’s friend find the remains of King Arthur? What happened to the bones he unearthed? As is the case in any good series, the relationships among the ongoing cast of characters are as important as the mystery. Ruth is a single mother who’s trying to juggle a new romantic relationship, the presence of her little girl’s father, and her job.

If you haven’t read the series, I suggest you start with Book I so you can more easily follow the ups and downs of Ruth’s personal and professional life.

“Bleeding Heart Yard”

The main character in this book, billed as a thriller, is DI Harbinder Kaur. She has appeared in two previous Elly Griffiths books, though the three are not described as a series. Still, it’s interesting to follow Harbind -

er’s career progression from a post in Shoreham to a position as a DI in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police. For the first time, she has a team to manage, and she’s only just arrived in London when she has a murder to investigate—a high-profile murder of an MP.

This one kept me guessing. The murder takes place at a school reunion, and another death, one that happened nearly 20 years ago, keeps coming up. At the time, it was deemed a drug-related suicide, and the friends of that earlier victim are still haunted by it. When Harbinder arrives on the scene, she finds that her detective sergeant, Cassie Fitzgerald is one of the attendees. Is that a pro or a con? Will Cassie help the investigation or hinder it?

The deceased MP and Cassie Fitzgerald are both part of a group of close-knit friends, or at least they were close when the first death oc -

See PENN, Page 12

KATHY MANOS PENN Columnist

The real challenges in finding purpose

On radio and television you constantly hear ads about planning for a wellfunded retirement. Suppose with the help of a financial advisor, and/or through pluck and true grit, you do it. You wake up on Day One of your next 10 years in retirement (whatever that is), and you, and the one you love, if a couple is involved, have all the money you ever needed, more than enough to do whatever you want. What would you do?

A longtime friend, prolific author, speaker, and trainer, Mitch Anthony, author of “The New Retirementality” and other books on both the meaningful and destructive uses of money, has said that in retirement you need enough money to sleep soundly at night, but you also need a purpose to wake up to in the morning. Lack of purpose is destructive. So, what is purpose?

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), British statesman, Scottish essayist, historian and philosopher, wrote, “A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder ─ a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.” Substitute woman or person for “man” if you wish, but you get the point. Life without purpose leaves one adrift.

Life expectancy in England in the 1800s was approximately 40 years, which included high numbers of infant deaths. Life was hard and most people did not contemplate retirement as we know it today. They worked until

Penn:

Continued from Page 10

curred. The relationships have shifted over 20 years. In alternating chapters, Harbinder, Cassie, and Anna — another classmate — share the narrative. The shifting perspectives set up a well-plotted whodunit with plenty of red herrings.

“Bleeding Heart Yard” is an Amazon Editor’s Pick, and I can see why. I’m hoping the author has another Harbinder Kaur book planned. Until

they dropped. Very few lived into their 50s, let alone their 80s as Carlyle did. In the long history of mankind’s struggles, that you have the option of contemplating longevity, and actualizing a well-funded retirement, is a gift from your Creator. And He has a plan for overcoming boredom, a by-product of retirement.

Boredom is the downside of having ample time on your hands sans a plan to use it well with energy-bolstering purpose.

When a person is asked what retirement looks like to them, most answer with a laundry list of activities...travel, play more golf, fish or hunt, spend time with children and grandchildren, move to a retirement community, etc. These are activities, what a friend called “excessive leisure.” After sleeping, eating, grooming, and taking care of other daily necessities, over the average day you will have about 14 hours to fill, 5,110 hours in a year, 153,300 hours over a potential 30-year retirement. Beyond the activities listed above, which are fine but cannot be done to excess, what are you going to do to bring meaning and purpose into your life outside of “busy work?” What happens if you wake up morning after morning with ample money but no purpose? Boredom, loss of energy, physical and mental deterioration, restlessness, destructive behavior, drinking to excess, filing for divorce in search of something new, are potential results, but not positive outcomes!

Lots of things go into having a sense of purpose. Being useful and appreciated, perseverance, for example. Another British statesman, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), opined, “The secret to success is constancy of purpose.” The apostle Paul was verbally abused, stoned, beaten and driven away by skeptics and disbelievers, but he persisted in his mission aided by

then, I’ll continue with the next Ruth Galloway tale.

Note: Are you in a book club? Would you like to have a local author speak to your group? Contact me to arrange a date! inkpenn119@gmail. com

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

the Holy Spirit. Hardship and resistance often brings greater resolve to a purpose-fueled quest. Tenacity is a sign of dedication and purpose.

The “Baltimore Catechism” was published in 1885 as a compendium of Christian doctrine, posing a series of questions and answers. Question 1 affirmed that God made the world. Question 6 dealt with our purpose on earth, asking, “Why did God make you?” The answer: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him, and to be happy with Him for ever in Heaven.”

That explains the purpose God had in mind for us when we were given the gift of life. Jesus gave us two great commandments that underpin purpose. The first was, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” The second was to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:3739).

Folks who are not religious certainly can find purpose and meaning in life. For all of us, God’s commandments about loving and selfless giving can aid us in our quest for purpose. All around us are worthy charities that can benefit from your skills as a volunteer. Financial donations are welcome, but personal involvement will further bolster your sense of satisfaction and purpose. At a recent conference, this writer was asked what my guiding purpose was. “My purpose,” I said, “is to get to Heaven and take as many people with me as I can.” Supporting charities

that do God’s work on earth is part of my mission.

An unknown author noted, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” In addition to outreach efforts sponsored by houses of worship, we are blessed with charities in our community that provide essential services such as Atlanta Mission, Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, North Fulton Community Charities, no-kill animal shelters and pet rescue, and so on. Countless testimonials from volunteers attest to the power of God’s grace and the energy one receives from service. Giving, whether time and/ or money, feels good. Loving one’s neighbor as oneself as Our Lord commanded is a proven antidote to boredom, listlessness, and a nagging lack of purpose, all silent killers of the spirit. Worthy causes are all around you. They need you!

Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-4413553; lewis@capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

THE CITY OF DUNWOODY, GEORGIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council of Chambers of Dunwoody City Hall, located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, for the purpose of due process of the following:

ZBA 23-11, 1476 Valley View Road: Variance from Sec. 27-269 to allow a retaining wall to encroach into the side setback.

Should you have any questions or comments, or would like to view the application and supporting materials, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Members of the public are encouraged to call or schedule a meeting with the staff in advance of the Public Hearing if they have questions or are unfamiliar with the process. The staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP

Columnist

The Investment Coach

Human Resources Manager

Handles all employee-related processes and procedures. This role will be responsible for Recruitment and Onboarding, Job Design, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Employment Compliance, Total Rewards and Talent Management. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and will interact with the entire management team by providing guidance on all Human Resources related topics at NFCC. Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in multiple HR disciplines required. Please visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/ to see the full job description. To apply, submit a resume to sholiday@nfcchelp.org and to mburton@nfcchelp.org.

Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for developing programs and services for NFCC clients and students seeking employment, post-secondary education, or other career options. The workforce development coordinator collaborates with local employers to help match job seekers to open positions. They work directly with clients on the job application, resumes, and interview preparations and provide tips for successfully securing and improving employment to foster financial stability.  Bachelor’s degree in a human services, human resources, or other related field required and 2 years of professional experience in human services, human resources or career counseling preferred.

To view the entire listing visit https://nfcchelp.org/ work-at-nfcc/. To apply, please submit resume to Carol Swan at cswan@nfcchelp.org.

Part-time

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY ROUTE

Director of Childrens Ministry

Seeking Director of Children’s Ministry for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Part-time position with benefits. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Also have classroom or work experience in education and/or children’s ministry. Work with children’s ministry leaders to provide meaningful and engaging Sunday School and additional programs for children. Collaborate with committee, recommend curriculum to Session for approval and provide the curriculum for children’s Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School.

Recruit, train and supervise all Children’s Ministry teachers and volunteers (this includes providing “child safety training” and assuring compliance with that policy).

• A person of mature Christian faith who will work collegially with others in support of the overall mission of the church.

Appen Newspapers is looking for one or two folks to help deliver our newspapers. Work is part time and flexible. Routes can be done at night or during the day - on your schedule - within our deadlines. Comfortably earn $550 or more a month on your own schedule.

This is a great way to get out as well as contribute to helping your local newspaper! Perfect for retired person who wants to stay active or a parent with school-aged kids - deliver during school hours. Also good way to earn supplemental income at night. We have had many retired couples deliver our papers and almost all have managed a route well and enjoyed the time and the work.

Requirements include reliable vehicle, clean driving record, availability, reliability, and honesty. Prior delivery experience is good, but not required. It helps if you live relatively close as papers are picked up to be bagged and delivered from our office in Alpharetta. Delivery areas can be Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, South Forsyth, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs typically - depending on open routes.

Please contact our Office Manager Heidi to set up an appointment to come in and fill in paper work or start the process via Email!

Community Events Manager

The Community Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of NFCC’s community events, from inception through execution, including helping secure sponsorships. Events may include annual golf tournament, annual fundraising gala, community engagement events, donor recognition events, and other community events. Position requires a highly organized, creative, and motivated person to lead event planning, sponsorship, and community engagement. Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years special events and fundraising experience. To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/workat-nfcc/  To apply, send a resume to Sandy Holiday, sholiday@nfcchelp.org.

INCOME TAX PREPARER

Carmichael, Brasher, Tuvell & Company is hiring an Income Tax Preparer, Corporate and Individual. Great pay and flexible, relaxed work environment. Seeking full and/or part-time individual for individual and corporate tax preparation and accounting. Prior tax preparation required and have working knowledge of QuickBooks. Our office is located in the heart of Dunwoody and work from home is an option. To apply email your resume to ccarmichael@cbtcpa.com.

BOOTH RENTALS AVAILABLE

Fun hair salon in Dunwoody, FREE 1st MONTH RENT 770-912-7151

Handyman

MATTHEW THE HANDYMAN

Carpentry, Painting, Drywall, Plumbing, Electrical and Small Jobs.

404-547-2079

Cemetary

SANDY SPRINGS-Arlington Memorial Park

2 Niches, side by side

Sunrise Chapel Mausoleum

Valued at 5K each, asking $2500 each 404-403-9134

• A person of outstanding character and strong relational skills who is approachable, compassionate, energetic, honest, dependable, creative, joyful, fun, motivated and humble.

• A dynamic and grace-filled leader who is a role model for children and their families.

• Someone who is committed to setting an inspiring example, serving others, making disciples, and equipping the saints for ministry.

Qualified candidates please send resumes to alpharettajobopening@gmail.com.

Garage Doors

Dunwoody Door Lift Co.

The

Call 770-442-3278 and ask for Heidi or Email Heidi@AppenMedia.com

Donor Operations Associate

The Donor Operations Associate greets and removes donations from vehicles and sorts merchandise in a designated area.  They are responsible for keeping the merchandise secure, all areas free of debris and the donor door area neat and clean.  This position is the face of NFCC so they are expected to provide excellent customer service and treat each donor with a professional and friendly demeanor.  High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Ability to perform low to moderate facility maintenance tasks.  To view entire listing visit: https://nfcchelp.org/work-atnfcc/  To apply, please complete an application for employment and email to Marten Jallad,  mjallad@nfcchelp.org.

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