Dunwoody Crier - December 7, 2023

Siblings operate coffee shop from the grounds up ► PAGE 6 December 7, 2023 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

Officials focus on reducing road accidents

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Michael Alexander, COO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, leads a data-heavy presentation on topics like population growth, racial disparities and the housing market in Metro Atlanta in an event hosted by the Perimeter and Sandy Springs Perimeter chambers at Park Center in Dunwoody Nov. 30.

Housing issues dominate talk from regional commission rep

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Atlanta Regional Commission COO Michael Alexander calls some of the housing issues facing Metro Atlanta a “gut punch.”

Equipped with loads of data, Alexander explained a number of trends facing Metro Atlanta at an event hosted by the

Perimeter and Sandy Springs Perimeter chambers Nov. 30. More than 50 people attended, including Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and other elected officials.

Housing affordability was the key issue dominating the conversation that morning. The so-called “gut punch” is that 63 percent of Metro Atlanta residents can’t afford to move to another house or apartment in a neighborhood

where they currently live.

They’re stuck, but the racial disparities in accumulating wealth doesn’t help — an alarming figure that caught a few gasps around the room is that Black families have one egg in their baskets for every 10 that White families have.

See ARC, Page 10

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody officials say they hope to have taken the first step to cutting down on the number of crashes and roadway fatalities in the city.

The City Council voted unanimously Nov. 27 to adopt a Road Safety Action Plan which analyzed local roadways and proposed improvements.

A study from Toole Design consultants showed that from 2017-2021, the city recorded 5,541 total crashes, 45 of them fatal or serious-injury crashes.

Toole Design began working with the Dunwoody Community Development Department in April.

See COUNCIL, Page 20

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Jonathan DiGioia, Safe Streets program manager for the Community Development Department, is helping lead efforts to reduce roadway accidents in Dunwoody.

2 | December 7, 2023 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Missouri man arrested for meth possession DUNWOODY, Ga. — A 30-year-old Missouri man was arrested and transported to Dekalb County Jail Nov. 23 after entering an Old Navy store on Hammond Drive after hours.

Security footage from the store showed the suspect attempting to open two doors before entering through the main entrance.

The store’s manager gave the security footage to police after she ar rived at the scene. She said she had left Old Navy at 2 a.m. Nov. 23 under the impression all doors had been secured.

Officers said they did not see the suspect take any items or damage anything in the store.

Police were dispatched to an alarm at the store and found the front door open.

When an additional officer arrived, they searched the premises and found the suspect in the restroom.

The suspect provided the officers with no explanation for his presence.

A search of the suspect turned up a small baggie police later identified as methamphetamine.

After officers notified the suspect of his charges, the Missouri man screamed, cried, threw himself on the ground. While in the back of the patrol car, the suspect cut his forehead by slamming it against the partition.

Officers said members of DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 21 were able to clean and bandage the wound.

The police officer said he would obtain warrants for loitering and prowling, as well as the possession of a schedule II narcotic.

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PUBLIC SAFETY Mailed check altered for different amount DUNWOODY, Ga. — An 84-year-old Dunwoody man reported a case of check fraud Nov. 21, stemming from an incident at the Dunwoody Village Post Office.

The victim said he went to the post office Nov. 2 to mail a check for about $45 to his cable company.

The victim said he received a call Nov. 13 from the State Employees’ Credit Union in North Carolina asking whether he had written a check to a woman for $5,300.

The credit union said someone had attempted to make a mobile deposit with his check, but the transaction did not go through.

The victim said he had not issued the check. He said he also contacted the U.S. Postal Service.

Officers said the victim closed the bank account with the routing number from the check and opened a new one.

Man robbed at gunpoint near apartment complex DUNWOODY, Ga. — A 27-year-old Washington state man reported he had been robbed at gunpoint at the Dunwoody Glen apartments on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Nov. 21.

Officers arrived shortly after the incident occurred around 2 p.m.

The victim said he was unloading groceries from his truck in the parking lot when a black sedan pulled up to his truck.

Officers said they were unable to identify the vehicle or its occupants.

The victim said a man exited the vehicle, pointed a handgun at him and demanded his wallet.

After the victim gave the man his wallet, the suspect left the area in the black sedan.

Officers said the only items in the victim’s wallet were a debit card and a Washington state driver’s license.

The victim told officers he could possibly identify the suspect after seeing half of his face.

Two adjacent apartments to the victim’s

residence have security cameras, but officers were unable to access them.

Woman cited for alleged battery, obstruction ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta police charged a 54-year-old Stone Mountain woman with obstruction and battery Nov. 21 after she allegedly kicked an officer during arrest.

Officers reported the suspect was charged with DUI after she had crashed into a road sign on the northbound Ga. 400 Haynes Bridge Road exit ramp around 8:30 p.m.

Officers said the suspect was agitated, locked her doors and rolled up her windows as they tried to secure her a ride.

They contacted two people the suspect knew, but neither could make it to Alpharetta, the report states.

Officers reported offering the suspect a ride to the nearest gas station, but when they asked her to grab her things and exit the vehicle, she began yelling and refused to get out.

Officers then removed the suspect from the vehicle and placed her on the ground.

She reportedly “tucked her arms up to her chest and refused to release them.”

Three officers were able to pry the suspect’s arms out from under her chest to handcuff her, and she was transported to the North Fulton County Jail, the report states.

Officers reported the suspect screamed and kicked the rear driver’s side door in the patrol vehicle once they arrived, and she pushed herself out of her seat and onto the ground.

She reportedly tried to kick the arresting officer and continued yelling. Officers reported jail staff denied the suspect entry and said she must be transported to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta.

The suspect allegedly kicked an officer’s thigh before she was placed in leg restraints.

The suspect was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement officers and simple battery against a police officer.

She was released from the Fulton County Jail Nov. 22 on a $3,000 bond.

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Dunwoody parks director leaves for Sandy Springs DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker is leaving to take on the same role in Sandy Springs, replacing retiring director Michael Perry.

Perry, who spent 25 years as parks director in Alpharetta, has served as director of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks since January 2017.

Walker’s final day with the City of Dunwoody is Dec. 15.

“I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, but this was not an easy decision,” Walker said. “Dunwoody Parks and Rec is a close and committed team, and I will really miss that camaraderie.”

Walker is Dunwoody’s first and only Parks and Recreation director, taking on the position when the department formed in 2010. Over the years, he added nine staff members.

In October, the department was recognized by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association as the District 6 Agency of the Year for the third year in a row.

“I’ve learned so much over the years, and I’m grateful for the support of leadership, my colleagues and this

community,” Walker said.

Walker led the expansion of Brook Run Park and the creation of six new parks, including Two Bridges Park, which opened in May. He also ushered in Dunwoody tradiWALKER tions like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Since the department was formed, more than 2,400 trees and 45,000 daffodils have been planted at Brook Run Park.

What’s more, Walker oversaw the development of two dozen events, including the summer concert series Groovin’ on the Green and Holiday Lights, a walk-through light display during December.

Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton said he has begun the search for a department director.

“You can see Brent’s lasting impact everywhere you turn in our parks,” Linton said. “We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in this next step in his career.”

ACAP Atlanta schedules free class on caregiving SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta chapter of the Adult-Children of Aging Parents will offer its free monthly educational program, “Curating Your Life as a Caregiver,” on Dec. 13.

The in-person program meets at 8601 Dunwoody Place, Building 1, Suite 130, in Sandy Springs.

The December program will be presented by Mary Remmes, the chapter coordinator of ACAP Atlanta.

Remmes will discuss the common feelings of guilt and stress family-care partners often experience.

Remmes, who combines her experience in long-term care with life coaching skills, invites residents in Metro Atlanta to learn how you can balance your own life with the growing needs of your aging loved one.

ACAP Atlanta is one chapter of a nonprofit organization geared toward providing resources and support for adult children as they care for their aging parents and for themselves.

The organization launched in February 2023 with the sole purpose of supporting the one in six Americans who act as caregivers to someone over the age

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The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Town Square Sandy Springs Adult Day and Alzheimer’s Resource Center.

Registration and refreshments are available from 5 p.m. to the start of the program at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, or to register for this and other upcoming free programs, visit www.acapcommunity.org/ atlanta, or contact the chapter coordinator, at atlanta@acapcommunity.org

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NEWS

Columnist shares love of birds through new coffee table book

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA

Local author and columnist Bob Meyers presents his new coffee table book “Celebrating Backyard Birds” at his home in Crabapple Nov. 30. Meyers shot photos of roughly 40 bird species for the book over two years in his backyard.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Local author and columnist Bob Meyers wants to put in a good word for birds with his newest coffee table book.

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

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

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

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

“I think that birds make people healthier,” he said. “They make people more focused. If you're interested in birds, you have to really listen. You have to observe where the birds are. In a sense, I think birds are revealing themselves to us in the way they live. Each species of bird has a different history, and a different way of living.”

Meyers observed books about birds

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

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

“I had two previous books, which had followed a pattern,” Meyers said. “And, I felt comfortable with it. So, I said, ‘I can do the same thing. Each one of these birds will have a chapter, and each chapter will be unique.’”

Each chapter opens with a quote, lyric or excerpt, and includes notes about a different bird and its history or behavior.

Some focus on the bird’s life cycle, while others focus on its feathers or its nesting habits.

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

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

See MEYERS, Page 5

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Continued from Page 4 “The European Goldfinch has a not a black spot, but a red spot,” Meyers said. “And they say that was from when Christ was carrying the cross up the hill, a [goldfinch] landed on him, and a drop of blood fell on the goldfinch. And so, his spot is red, where the American goldfinch, it's black.”

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

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

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

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

“But I love the process,” he said. “And nothing makes me happier than to get a great picture of a bird.”

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

But, “Celebrating Backyard Birds” was more than a photography passion project.

Meyers said he learned throughout the process, and he used software to identify birds he did not know.

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

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

PHOTOS BY BOB MEYERS/PROVIDED

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

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An eastern bluebird cleans its tailfeathers in Bob Meyers’ backyard in Crabapple. Meyers’ new coffee table book “Celebrating Backyard Birds” shares a history of bluebirds in music. writers, too. If you do your own editing, you have a fool for an editor.”

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

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

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

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6 | December 7, 2023 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

NEWS

Pair runs coffee shop from the grounds up Brother and sister brew customer-friendly business

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — After leaving the corporate world of Los Angeles for Dunwoody nearly two years ago, Ark Coffeehaus co-owner John Yacoub is ready to give residents a taste of the new family-owned operation at 4448 Tilly Mill Road.

If you have any trouble finding the coffee shop, look for the pink car across the street at Dunwoody Automotive.

Ark Coffeehaus follows the trend of third-wave coffee, a movement toward higher-quality coffee, relationships with local farms and unique flavors.

The coffee shop rolls out a new menu each month. The Holiday Menu in December features house-made peppermint and gingerbread syrup; a Merry Shrub with cranberry, orange and champagne vinegar; and a dark chocolate and orange mocha.

Prior to his move, Yacoub was a broker and owner of a real estate group in California.

Yacoub co-owns Ark Coffeehaus with his sister, former Dunwoody resident Priscilla Wells, who previously left a corporate finance career in Metro Atlanta.

While Wells has been in Metro Atlanta for most of her professional life, Yacoub said he made the move to find a conducive place to raise his family.

Yacoub said the motivation to leave corporate culture behind is what spurred the brother-sister duo to open a coffee shop.

“We knew we wanted to operate something hospitality-oriented,” Yacoub said. “Craft coffee had been a hobby of mine for some time, and Priscilla has curated and mixed her own teas for some time.”

The COVID-19 pandemic provided the owners of Ark Coffehaus the opportunity to pursue their passion project, Yacoub said.

Ark Coffeehaus’ principles can be broken down into four concepts: regeneration, localism, hospitality and darn good coffee.

The regenerative and local aspects of their business model involve a partnership with Little Ebenezer Farm in Mansfield, about 50 miles east of Atlanta. The farm, founded by Priscilla and her husband, Jeremy, in 2021, promotes healthful foods produced through natural techniques.

Little Ebenezer Farm currently produces organic cage-free eggs, honey and dairy.

Jeremy created the artwork at the coffee shop, adding another layer to the family-owned business.

Yacoub said the Wells primarily live in Mansfield, but they always have a place to stay with him in Dunwoody.

As the coffee shop and the farm grow, Ark Coffeehaus will look to expand their selection of products from the Mansfield farm, Yacoub said.

All coffee grounds from the coffee shop are used at the farm for composting. What’s more, some of the food scraps from the shop are sent to feed the free-range chickens at Little Ebenezer Farm.

Yacoub said customers can also compost their coffee cups and coffee plugs, which are made from organic materials.

While localism and regeneration are cornerstones of third-wave coffee, hospitality and darn good coffee are not a guarantee at every new coffee shop that pops up in the

HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Ark Coffeehaus co-owner John Yacoub stands outside of his new third-wave coffee shop on Tilly Mill Road Nov. 29. Ark Coffeehaus had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the City of Dunwoody Nov. 15.

I like to say that our business is hospitality, and the medium is darn good coffee.”

JOHN YACOUB Ark Coffeehaus co-owner city.

“I like to say that our business is hospitality, and the medium is darn good coffee,” Yacoub said.

Yacoub said Ark Coffeehaus pays each of its employees a living wage, so customers do not have to tip. The idea is the coffee shop takes care of its employees, so customers do not have to stretch their pockets.

“The tips are going to people that are usually working hard for them,” Yacoub said. “We would just rather our people are taken care of, so that dilemma or frustration doesn’t rest on our people.”

To add to the co-owner’s emphasis on hospitality, they will offer three classes at 2 p.m. in December: Intro to Composting Dec. 6, Tea Tasting Dec. 8, and Planning Your Spring Garden Dec. 13.

Yacob said he would like to begin hosting local musicians and hiring outside of the family in January 2024.

“The name ‘Arc’ can mean a place of refuge, it can mean a place of safekeeping or preservation,” Yacoub said.

“So, we want to be a place where the city can gather to just

BEN PETERSON/PROVIDED

Ark Coffeehaus co-owner Priscilla Wells and her husband Jeremy taste some of the unique coffee blends offered at the shop. Jeremy and Priscilla Wells founded Little Ebenezer Farm in Mansfield. enjoy a good, quality coffee.”

Ark Coffeehaus held a soft opening of the family-owned business Oct. 31.

Representatives from Discover Dunwoody and the Perimeter Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Lynn Deutsch and other councilmembers, held the grand opening and ribbon-cutting Nov. 15.

Yacoub said support from the community, meeting councilmembers, and word-of-mouth has been essential for him as a new resident and his business.

“I’ve been here once,” Mayor Deutsch said. “I’m sure this will become my new meeting place.”

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AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | December 7, 2023 | 7

Giving Tuesday provides fuel for nonprofits serving needy

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com METRO ATLANTA — For nonprofits around north Metro Atlanta and the globe, the dollars that pour in on Giving Tuesday help fund a significant portion of their services and programs offered the next year.

Giving Tuesday, a worldwide generosity movement, acts to refocus from the shopping deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Rather than spending money on items for yourself, friends and family, Giving Tuesday promotes giving to those you may not know who are in need of help.

For North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC), a Roswell-based nonprofit celebrating its 40th year in service, Giving Tuesday is the biggest fundraising day of the year. On Nov. 28, NFCC raised more than $154,000, and it has more donations rolling in.

“It’s fun coming right after Thanksgiving because everybody’s kind of starting to get into that giving mode,” said Melissa Pinsky, NFCC director of marketing and communications.

With the Giving Tuesday donations, Pinsky said her organization intends to “stabilize” 130 families.

North Fulton Community Charities provides a wide range of services to those in emergency need, living in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell. The nonprofit offers food, clothing and financial assistance, various classes as well as goods from its food pantry and its thrift shop.

In Dunwoody, Spruill Center for the Arts raised $5,250 on Giving Tuesday but anticipates raising around $50,000 in its two-month fundraising campaign, concluding at the end of the year.

With Spruill’s new expansion in mind, CEO Alan Mothner said this year’s campaign is focusing on the future. The $2.7 million project, opening next year, will add seven studio spaces and a community center in the main courtyard, providing more space to programs designed to reach underserved communities.

In 2023, Mothner said Spruill awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships for camps and afterschool programs. He said the center also began a new scholarship program for adults to take classes.

Donations to Spruill will also go toward building out Creative Connections, a free community arts program

for those suffering with cognitive impairment and their caregivers, as well as replenishing supplies in Spruill’s community art closet which launched in November.

In Cumming, The Place at Forsyth raised around $65,000 on Giving Tuesday. Director of Development Robyn Rotunda said donations for that day could go toward any of The Place’s services, whether for the food pantry, the thrift store or for education.

But, Rotunda said financial assistance is one of the biggest needs right now. She said The Place filled more than 25,000 requests last year, though some were duplicate.

“We're basically like the front door to programs in the community for those who don't have and need help,” Rotunda said. “Not everybody’s gonna eventually get on their feet.”

Bills rise for elderly folks and their Social Security income stays the same, she said.

“We're able to provide a lot of the basic needs that people should get as well as provide opportunities for those who want to try to change the trajectory of their life,” Rotunda said.

Down the road at Bald Ridge Lodge, a Cumming-based nonprofit that serves

young men in need of stable surroundings, Executive Director Angela Dikes said Giving Tuesday is the “gun at the beginning of a race,” the start of a larger end-of-year fundraising campaign.

“Our fundraising at this time of year really does sustain us for months to come, really for the rest of the fiscal year to meet our budget and for all of our operations,” Dikes said.

For the campaign, Dikes said Bald Ridge will be focused on its independent living program, the nonprofit’s newest offering. The organization’s signature program is its 12-bed group home for young men facing adversity either as the result of abuse, neglect or other forms of trauma.

Dikes said she has heard that this year has been more difficult for donors financially, but emphasized her appreciation for those who continue to give at whatever level they are able to.

“We’re grateful and thankful and appreciative of how people are so generous, in spite of the tough economic times that we’re all facing right now,” she said. “We could not do the work of caring for these young men and helping them become thriving adults, if it weren’t for the people who give on Giving Tuesday and beyond.”

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North Fulton Community Charities’ (NFCC) anticipates serving more than 600 families in its Toyland Shop event this year, which runs from Dec. 11 to Dec. 16 at Roswell Presbyterian Church.

North Fulton Community Charities plans toy drive for annual program ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities will collect toys and gift cards for its annual Toyland Shop, which provides gifts for children in need in the community.

New toys, books, gifts and $25 gift cards can be dropped off Dec. 11 to Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Roswell Presbyterian Church on Mimosa Boulevard. Toy distribution will run from Dec. 14 to Dec. 16.

Last year, Toyland Shop provided more than 500 families with toys and gifts. With increases in demand for its other assistance services, North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) anticipates serving more than 600 families this year.

“For parents who are struggling fi-

nancially, the holidays can be a difficult time. Some may have to choose to pay for rent or food rather than toys,” said Sandy Holiday, NFCC executive director.

“This program invites parents to shop for free and provide the joy of the holidays for their children. Hundreds of families will shop at Toyland, and it’s wonderful to see the relief and smiles on their faces when they walk in the door and see the holiday marketplace.”

An Amazon wish list is also available to select toy and stocking stuffer donations. NFCC also welcomes financial contributions to the programs.

Lists of needed items, sign-up forms and other information can be found at https://nfcchelp.org/toyland-shop/

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Sandy Springs glides into season City Green converted into outdoor ice rink

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The City of Sandy Springs has rolled out Skate City Springs, a 5,000-square-foot ice rink on the City Green at 1 Galambos Way, open until Jan. 21.

Residents and visitors are invited to glide, spin, stride and laugh with friends as they skate, or just watch from the sidelines with a cup of hot cocoa.

The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center will operate Skate City Springs and the surrounding amenities on the City Green, a 4-acre park at the City Springs complex.

The park, decked out in holiday decorations, features a large lawn, covered seating, picnic tables, free WiFiand plenty of space for gathering.

Adult tickets are $15 per hour. Tickets for children (ages 2-10) are $13 per hour. Admission includes skate rental.

There are group discounts for parties of 10-50 people.

Attendees of Skate City Springs must purchase a timed admission online and arrive a few minutes early to pick up their skates.

The city encourages folks to bundle up and check availability before arriving.

According to the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s team, about 1,200 people showed up to skate on opening weekend, Nov. 24-26.

A member of the operations team said they have seen everything from Olympic athletes to toddlers during the first week.

The Arts Center team provides plastic skate trainers for inexperienced skaters and folks concerned about the slippery surface.

Tracy Martin is on the food and beverage operations team at the arts center, just a few quick paces from the ice rink.

While the operations team handles scheduling and cleaning the ice rink, the food and beverage team runs concessions and the beer garden.

“A lot of departments come together and work together to put on an operation like this,” Martin said.

After each 1-hour session on the ice, the operations team cleans the surface with a miniature Zamboni, or ice resurfacing machine.

“This is our first full week, so we’re still gauging,” Martin said. “This is our first year, so we will learn a lot of things.”

Other events at City Springs during December, like the Roswell Dance Starz’s

PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Mother and daughter Sara and Josie Panzer show off some of their spins and twirls at Skate City Springs Nov. 30.

Atlanta native Eleshea Jarmon and Maryland native Hilda Lule help attendees register for Skate City Springs and pick out their blades Nov. 30. production of “The Nutcracker,” Sparkle City Springs Dec. 3 and the City Springs Production Company’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” will bring more folks out to ice skate, Martin said.

The operations and concessions teams said they hope to learn how to improve Skate City Springs in future iterations.

The attendance trend during the

Cobb County resident Sharion Rodgers and Sandy Springs resident Laura Lanhan use plastic skate trainers at Skate City Springs Nov. 30. Rodgers and Lanhan found out about the ice rink on social media. first week of Skate City Springs shows more people are interested in ice skating on weekends. When schools release students for holiday break, the team at Skate City Springs expects more consistent attendance.

“So far, we’ve gotten a really good response,” Martin said.

The outside lounging area, full of

televisions and Christmas-themed decorations, has yet to attract Sandy Springs and Metro Atlanta residents. The operations team is working on providing outdoor heaters to make the area more comfortable.

Around 15 Metro Atlanta residents turned up to Skate City Springs Nov. 30 to enjoy the 7 p.m. time slot.

Mother and daughter Sara and Josie Panzer ran circles around others in that time slot by a wide margin.

Sara, a former Center Ice coach and professional ice-skater, spent the evening teaching her daughter some moves.

East Cobb residents Lane Rhoden and her two sons, Mack and Rollie, went to dinner at a nearby Sandy Springs restaurant and discovered the ice-skating rink on the City Green.

Liana Masih and Michael Pardo of Dunwoody said they enjoy ice skating and found out about Skate City Springs through an internet search. They said the ice rink is much more convenient than the one at Alpharetta’s Avalon.

“The last time I ice skated was on a cruise, I was telling her, and you can feel the waves,” Pardo joked. “It’s steady, it’s not moving.”

To schedule your time on the ice, visit https://citysprings.com/skate

NEWS

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

Michael Alexander, COO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, describes forecasted population shifts around Metro Atlanta at an event hosted by the Perimeter and Sandy Springs Perimeter chambers at Park Center in Dunwoody Nov. 30.

ARC: Continued from Page 1

What to do?

Dunwoody City Councilman Joe Seconder asked for action items on how to solve the problems at-hand.

Alexander said it’s going to take the focus of all levels of government.

“I’m very pro-market, but the markets have not in our history functioned in a way that provided housing for people that really needed it…” Alexander said.

Earlier, he had emphasized what local governments can and cannot do.

What local governments cannot do is control things like costs for land, material and labor. They also can’t control wages, interest rates and many other variables.

But, what they can do is control land use and building permits. They can create local programs to mitigate the problems, provide property tax relief, among other initiatives.

In a problem-solving effort, the Atlanta Regional Commission created a Local Leadership Housing Action Committee, consisting of 13 county commissioners and mayors committed to addressing the worsening state of housing affordability in Metro Atlanta. Mayor Deutsch is a member, along with Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.

One outcome, Alexander said, was that the City of Decatur adopted a “missing middle” ordinance, addressing the lack of diversity in housing.

“Mike Alexander, Decatur resident with his official hat off, was very supportive of that,” Alexander said. “And, the clouds didn’t turn dark, the world didn’t collapse, and it does give us a lot more flexibility.”

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But, people generally don’t think the conditions are that harsh.

According to Alexander’s data on wealth equity, if a typical White family has “100 units of overall wealth,” Black people believe Black families have 36 units.

And, White people? They believe Black families have nearly double that amount.

“I use this to say we don’t really understand how the system performs,” Alexander said.

Level of wealth is a cumulative impact, he said, and that from cradle to career, White people have the advantage.

He offered a personal anecdote. Alexander said his grandparents were given land by his great-grandparents — they got to build a house, never owned a mortgage, and his grandfather cut the wood himself after World War II. “They didn’t make any money, but they didn’t spend any money. They saved enough [so] that in critical moments, they gave me money to help me get through college.”

Alexander said this was a “critical advantage” for him.

“Many people, especially of color, didn’t have my grandfather, and it starts to add

up quickly,” Alexander said.

Following Alexander’s presentation, the audience had some questions but mostly insight.

One Black woman described the effects of gentrification in the City of Atlanta, in part because of when the Olympics came to town and broke up affordable housing. She said Black people have exceedingly limited options to build wealth.

But, a White man was more optimistic, tracking with the data Alexander provided.

He said the American Dream isn’t dead, but that it “couldn’t be more alive right now.”

The man commented on how owning a house builds wealth, whether “White or Black.” He said one of his four daughters owns one and that her wealth will grow 40 to 45 times more in a five- to seven-year period than that of another daughter who doesn’t own a house.

The man said the younger generation say they just don’t want the responsibility.

“When we think about homeownership, like what it’s done, how much wealth got generated — some people got left out,” Alexander said in response. “We gotta fix that.”

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Tu r n i n g C h a l l e n g e s i n t o O p p o r t u n i t i e s A sincere thank you for trusting us in 2023 with your Real Estate Dreams. We embraced many challenges together, and now it's time to celebrate our success and look forward to a new 2024!

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Calendar

DEC. 7 — DEC. 17

IRVING BERLIN’S ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

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

When: Dec. 8-24, times vary Where: Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs Cost: $42 to $110 More info: cityspringstheatre.com

PANCAKES WITH SANTA

What: Every year, Milton firefighters cook and serve breakfast with pancakes and bacon. At this free event, guests can also visit with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole to prepare for his big day. Registration is not required to attend and eat a pancake breakfast, but to visit Santa, please make a reservation for a 15-minute window.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 8-10 a.m.

Where: Fire Station 44, 13690 Ga. 9, Milton More info: miltonga.gov

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

What: Jolly Old St. Nick is visiting Johns Creek a little early and invites all the good girls and boys to a special breakfast with Santa. The event gives special guests time with the Big Elf himself, lots of delectable goodies, music and holiday crafts. Breakfast includes two seating times, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Registration is required.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

Where: Park Place in Newtown Park, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek Cost: $20 per resident child; $30 per non-resident child More info: johnscreekga.gov

HOLIDAY MARKET

What: Get that perfect present for your special someone, a must-have something for your home, or whatever else will brighten your holiday season

HOLIDAY MARKET

What: Get that perfect present for your special someone, a must-have something for your home, or whatever else will brighten your holiday season at Milton’s Holiday Market.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

at Milton’s Holiday Market.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: City Hall plaza, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton More info: facebook.com/ miltongafarmersmarket

SNOW DAY MOVIE MATINEE

What: Designed as an inclusive event for people with disabilities and their families, this free showing will feature the movie “Frozen,” hot chocolate and a snack bar. You can also meet the characters and take home a goodie bag.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs More info: sandyspringsga.gov

‘A KIDS’ CHRISTMAS’

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

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

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT! It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

Where: Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek Cost: $17 to $30 More info: johnscreeksymphony.org

5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $28 for adults; $20 for students; $15 for children More info: stagedoortheatrega.org

‘SHE LOVES ME’

CHRISTKINDLMARKET ROSWELL

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT BROOK RUN PARK

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

When: Until Dec. 17, times vary Where: Act1 Theatre, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta Cost: $20 to $25 More info: act1theater.org What: This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. When: Until Dec. 17, times vary Where: Stage Door Theatre,

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What: The first annual Christkindlmarket will be set up for your holiday season on the front lawn of Bulloch Hall with authentic food, crafts, drink and activities.

When: Until Dec. 24, times vary Where: Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell More info: roswellchristkindlmarket.com

What: Holiday Lights returns for a fourth year with a self-guided walkable display, ceremonial lighting, free hot cocoa and concessions from Top Job Beverages and DonutNV Atlanta.

When: Until Dec. 31, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: dunwoodyga.gov

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

OPINION

PAST TENSE

Sergeant Alvin York and the other 16, Part I Sergeant Alvin York reported to World War I Camp Gordon in Chamblee on Nov. 17, 1917. He was a well-known, decorated soldier whose fame multiplied when Gary Cooper played him in VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF the 1941 movie “SerColumnist geant York.”

The story that made him famous portrayed York as acting alone. Additional history with a different perspective has become available in recent years. What if York did not act alone, as military documents and the media of the time reported? Did other soldiers deserve recognition for the heroic actions that York was credited with?

Alvin York was born in 1887 in the mountains of Tennessee in a town called Pall Mall. He was called to serve and assigned to Camp Gordon in Chamblee, arriving along with many other recruits.

He was known as a marksman. At Norcross Rifle Range, where Camp Gordon recruits were sent to practice rifle skills, his commander was Capt. Peter Carey, who said of York, “He had substantial skills as a dead-eyed squirrel shooter but lacked any vestige of discipline requisite to becoming a skillful soldier.” (Interview with Chris Carey) York was a conscientious objector and at one point was given leave to return home. When he returned to Camp Gordon, he became part of the 82nd Division, 328th Infantry, Company G. On April 19, 1918, the 328th Infantry left Camp Gordon, traveling to Camp Upton in New York to board a ship for France.

The 328th participated in the MeuseArgonne offensive, in the Battle of ChatelChehery. The reports afterward claimed that on Oct. 8, 1918, York almost singlehandedly knocked out 35 machine guns, captured 132 German soldiers and killed 25 German soldiers.

Six American men were killed and four were injured in the battle. Other men were said to be no longer able to help. York was credited with saving the lives of many of his men, and he received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. He also received medals from France and Italy.

In James P. Gregory Jr.’s 2022 book “Unraveling the Myth of Sgt. Alvin York: The Other Sixteen,” he shares a different perspective on the incident. Gregory spoke to descendants of the other survivors of the battle to document history passed down to them.

Gregory’s work began with the previous research of Robert V. D’Angelo. D’Angelo

Sgt. Alvin York

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

and Kevin Early were both descendants of Corporal Early, another soldier who was present at the Oct. 8 battle. They tracked down other relatives of soldiers from the 328th.

The remaining “Other Sixteen” were Cpl. Murray L. Savage and privates Otis B. Merrithew, Joseph Kornacki, Percy Beardsley, Patrick Donohue, Maryan Dymowski,Thomas Johnson, Mario Muzzi, Michael Sacina, Feodor Sok, Carl Frederick Swanson, Fred Wareing, Ralph Weiler, George W. Wills and William Wine.

In addition to Sgt. York, these men all trained at Camp Gordon as part of the 82nd Division, 328th Infantry. In 1917 and 1918 they were training at Camp Gordon and at the Norcross Rifle Range.

Although York is an important part of what happened on Oct. 8, 1918, the recollections of others who were there indicate he did not act alone. The next Past Tense will have more on the story of that day and what happened in the years and decades later.

Thank you to Edward Shevenock for sharing this and other World War I history with me. Shevenock’s father was assigned to Camp Gordon and became part of the 82nd Division, 326th Infantry, who defended the position of the 328th on Oct. 8, 1918.

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.

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | December 7, 2023 | 17

It’s about time I never make new year’s resolutions and this year is going to be no exception. However, I did recently resolve to change something in my life that – in hindsight – I think may be a good deciRAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus sion if I can stick to it.

A few months ago, I decided that I would never be in a hurry again – as in never ever – for anything or anyone or for myself, unless of course there was some sort of medical emergency or similar.

The stimulus for my decision was simply my having stumbled upon a rhetorical question to myself – “why?”

“Why should I ever be in a hurry” was the rhetorical thought that occurred to me. Why? I stopped in my tracks and thought about that for a few moments. I couldn’t come up with a good answer. Exactly what was it that I gained by being in a hurry? Whatever it was, was it worth it?

Then I asked myself: “What does being in a hurry cost me? Ah, the $64,000 question! Any guesses?

How about the absolute most debilitating affliction going on in our modern world – “stress.” Yep, I thought, why would I want to deliberately increase the amount of stress in my already stressful life? Why would anyone do that?

The more I thought about it the more incredulous I became at the folly of allowing myself to be in a hurry.

It has now been several months since I banned “being in a hurry” from my life. I have to say that it feels good. I do notice it, a subtle change, and I expect that over time I will discover more ways in which my life will be changed and enriched by decreasing stress.

There are many simple, silly examples of not being in a hurry that I have been experiencing. For example, I no longer try to drive through late yellow lights; I just stop and let the light change and then wait for the next green. No big deal.

I don’t care about making it through an intersection a few seconds faster anymore. And since I no longer prioritize saving a few seconds at intersections, I have found myself letting more people in – those waiting to pull onto the road.

That feels good, and many of those folks seem a bit surprised at someone slowing down to let them in.

I don’t have to worry/stress about speed limits anymore because I don’t speed anymore to save a minute or two for no good reason. That sounds stupid, I know, but every instance of stress reduction adds up; less stress means

longer life and better life usually.

I do the same thing at the grocery.

Well, I have always done it, but now I do it even more – letting people in front of me who have fewer items than I do or who look like “they are in a hurry” and could use a few extra minutes gained by someone letting them in front.

And I am so happy that the other day when I almost “blinked” at my Publix and put my empty cart into one of the cart-stalls out in the parking lot to save time instead of walking it all the way back into the store. I have never left a cart in a Publix parking lot for a Publix employee to gather. Yep, that feels good and only takes me maybe two minutes.

Since I am no longer in a hurry, I find myself more willing to stop and help someone who looks like they need help for one reason or another. I chat more now – with friends and at times with total strangers because, well because I can, and because I am not worried about “losing time.” In fact, I posit that I am in fact “gaining time,” gaining quality time instead of losing frivolous time.

The older I get, the more I realize that everything comes full circle. I remember when I hiked the AT that I never took those side trails off the main trail because that would have slowed me down on completing that long hike. I didn’t have time to take those paths less trodden. And what, just what did I miss because of that? Who did I not meet? What did I not see? What experiences did I deny myself because I was in a hurry to get somewhere when “somewhere” was everywhere around me?

Since I am no longer in a hurry, I think that I value my time even more than before. I am more conscious of myself, my emotions, and what I allow into and out of my life. I have been reading to help me with this. Another buried treasure I think I may have found is how I manage my emotions – anger for example, or other negative emotions.

I have read that the typical emotional reaction to a negative stimulus lasts about 90 seconds and then is gone – unless one dwells on it, allows it to continue to be part of one’s “story.” So now, I am working on that time, those 90 seconds and what I do or not do with the intrusion after that. It is a conscious decision about how I manage myself and managing my time obviously is at the heart of that.

It’s all about time and how we manage it – or if we allow it to manage us.

“It’s (not) time to make a change Just relax, take it easy You’re still young, that’s your fault There’s so much you have to know” − Cat Stevens , “Father and Son”

18 | December 7, 2023 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

Bidding a fond farewell to a storied institution The Hunter Christmas Tree Farm on Wood Road in Milton has ceased operations after 33 years serving families from Fulton County, surrounding areas and Atlanta. Many people treasure memories of annual visits down a gravel road north of Crabapple to the tree farm to cut for themselves the perfect tree or to select one already cut. They entered the 25-acre properBOB MEYERS ty, drove on a dirt road past a pond of Columnist geese and ducks with its sign “Please Feed the Ducks” and up a hill to the parking lot. They came for the trees and to enjoy the special activities. The real Santa always made it a point to be there. Kids enjoyed pony rides, hot chocolate and cookies and making their own tree ornaments from pieces of wood cut from Christmas trees. Hayrides were a treat for the whole family.

In 1968 Gordon Hunter returned to the U.S. from the Vietnam War. He had served three deployments and flew 300 missions as a pilot of a Navy A-4 Skyhawk light bomber. He returned to the U.S. to be a Naval flight instructor at Lemoore Naval Air Station in California. While there, he received a call from Delta Airlines. They needed pilots.

Gordon spent the next 30 years flying for Delta.

Brooke Hunter grew up in Southern California. When she was a freshman at UCLA, the university offered the first modern dance degree in the U.S. Brooke majored in dance and was one of the first dancers in the country to receive a formal university degree in dance. Following graduation she taught dance at Fresno State University.

When the couple moved to Atlanta she taught dance at Spellman College until retiring to stay at home with her daughters.

In 1983 the couple bought some land in Milton and moved there from Stone Mountain with their four daughters, Janelle, Janine, Brenna and Meghann. Their initial business effort was to raise horses. One day when Gordon was a passenger on a Delta flight, he read an article about raising Christmas trees. “Trees,” he thought “don’t have to be fed every day and don’t have vet bills.” He attended a meeting of the Georgia Christmas Tree Association, then cleared some of his land and planted a few hundred Virginia pine seedlings. He would have to wait four or five years for them to grow, so he planted more trees every year and added some imported Frazer fir trees. Then he added Leyland cypress trees developed by Clemson University and some Carolina Saphire trees. The business officially opened the day after Thanksgiving in 1990.

The operation started small and gradually grew until in recent years 300 to 500 cars would come to the farm on any Saturday. They sold about 1,500 trees per year during the short season they were open, Monday through Saturday from the day after Thanksgiving to mid-December.

It was a labor-intensive effort. Every family member had a role, including the daughters and eventually the grandchildren. Grandson, Trevor Tencza, remembers helping customers beginning at age 11.

“They said they wanted to cut their own trees but quickly found that cutting was hard work and turned it over to me.”

Gradually over the past five years daughters, Janelle Tencza, director of preschool gymnastics for Cumming Recreation, and Janine Simpson, owner of Motus Dance Studio in Alpharetta took over the main operation of the business. Brenna Fillerup of Denver and Meghann Gavin, a yoga instructor in Johns Creek, would take part in train-

FAMILY/PROVIDED

The Hunter daughters took an active part in the operation of the Hunter Christmas Tree Farm, here shown with their parents and Santa himself. From left, are daughters Janelle Tencza, Brenna Fillerup, mom Brooke Hunter, Santa, dad Gordon Hunter, daughters Janine Simpson and Meghann Gavin.

FAMILY/PROVIDED

BOB MEYERS/DECEMBER 2023

Wedding portrait of LTJG Gordon and Brooke Hunter, July 2, 1966, prior to Gordon’s deployment to Vietnam as a pilot. The wedding took place in Woodland Hills, California.

After 32 years of bringing joy to thousands of people, the Hunter Christmas Tree Farm closed its gates to the public.

It contributed so much and will be missed by so many.

ing teen workers and helping where needed.

Such a large operation requires many hands to make it work. In the early years, the Hunters hired families who needed work. Next, they sponsored the Milton High School soccer team, the rowing team and the rugby club to get workers. As soon as the 15 Hunter grandkids were old enough to work, they became an integral part of the farm.

Several of the grandchildren have a dream of restarting the tree farm one day.

It is said that there is a season for everything, and the time came for the Hunter family to say goodbye. The girls are married with responsibilities and their parents are

semi-retired.

“It was a very tough decision,” says Gordon. “The farm was a special place and important to so many multi-generations of families.”

When asked if they would do it again, Gordon and Brooke say “absolutely.”

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | December 7, 2023 | 19

GARDEN BUZZ

Plant tulips this fall and be rewarded with beautiful spring flowers Are you looking for a pop of red, orange, yellow or pink color in your spring garden?

I have a suggestion, plant tulip bulbs in November or December and after enjoying cold winter weather, CAROLE MACMULLAN they will reward you with an uplifting and Guest Columnist elegant display of flowers in the spring. Locked inside a tulip (genus Tulipa) bulb is an embryo plant waiting for the opportunity to prosper and for flowers to grow.

The Dutch in the late 1500s discovered tulip and daffodil bulbs in Central Asia and Turkey and introduced them to Europe.

Even to this day, more than 400 years later, the Netherlands is the major supplier of spring bulbs and is considered the bulb capital of the world. Thousands of visitors flock to the Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam in late March and early April to see the approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted in the garden each year. Because bulbs contain their own food supply, they can be stored for several months and planted with almost 100% success. For this reason, they were one of the first flowering plants brought by the early settlers to the United States.

I love to look at the bulb catalogs I receive in the mail every year in the late summer. Unfortunately, some of the bulbs are not suited to Georgia gardens since we have mild winters with few days that reach temperatures below 32 degrees. Most tulips and daffodil bulbs, as well as lesserknown bulbs such as Allium and Fritillaria, need a period of 6-12 weeks of cold winter weather to stimulate the bulbs to develop into mature, flowering plants in the spring.

As a result, many of the fall bulbs found in catalogs are not recommended for Southern gardens.

When I moved from the Pittsburgh area to northern Atlanta 15 years ago, I naively planted Allium bulbs since they were a beautiful addition to my Pittsburgh gardens. After planting the Allium bulbs in the fall, I eagerly awaited them producing a 2-foot-long stem with one tennis ball sized, purple flower on top in late March or early April. What happened is not what I expected! The stem was only 1 foot tall and the much anticipated, eye-catching flower never formed! This stunning failure resulted in me reimagining my future garden and my determination to become an educated consumer and learn from my mistakes.

I have some suggestions so you do not miss the opportunity to enjoy tulips and have their dazzling array of spring color in your garden! In order to maximize their success, as well as the success of any fall

UGA EXTENSION/PROVIDED

Red tulip

About the author

Tulipa

BODIE PENNISI/UGA EXTENSION

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Carole MacMullan, a Master Gardener and a Milton resident.

She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. In 2014, after moving to Milton, Carole completed the Master Gardener training program and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG) and the Milton Garden Club.

Her favorite hobbies are gardening, hiking, biking, and reading. She also serves as the chair for two scholarship committees.

Learn more • https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B918&title= flowering-bulbs-for-georgia-gardens • https://site.extension.uga.edu/barrowanr/2020/09/bulbs-beyond-daffodils • https://www.almanac.com/flower-bulb-problems-and-solutions • https://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/tulip/ • https://www.britannica.com/plant/tulip • https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/how-to-grow-spring-bulbs-in-warm-climates • https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/7-tips-for-planting-tulips bulb, you need to provide the best environment for growth. Bulbs need finely textured soil that drains well and allows their root system to grow and obtain nutrients. Prior to planting, till the soil, break up clumps of soil, remove rocks and add compost or manure to the native soil. Add some bulb food or bone meal to your soil following the directions on the package. Most tulips

should be planted 6 inches below the surface in late November or December after the soil temperature drops to 55 degrees.

Tulips are annuals in the South and must be planted each year to enjoy their beauty every spring. After they bloom, they are easily removed to make way for your summer annuals.

Remember, fall bulbs like cold weather!

To encourage flowering and to simulate the cold winter conditions tulips prefer, I suggest placing your tulip bulbs in the refrigerator for 6-12 weeks prior to planting them in November or December when the ground is 55 degrees or less. According to my research, refrigerated bulbs should be planted immediately after you remove them the refrigerator and before they are exposed to temperatures above 45 degrees to maximize growth and flowering. Two things to add about refrigerating bulbs: Do not keep any fruit in the refrigerator while the bulbs are chilling. Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas that will damage the embryonic plant inside the bulbs. To prevent the bulbs from drying out, place them in ventilated plastic bags during the chilling period.

Tulips are prone to deer damage, unlike daffodils that have deer-resistant, poisonous bulbs. If you have a fenced-in area where deer cannot trespass, I strongly recommend tulips. If you have a garden that is visited by deer, there is a solution.

Please view this short video, https://www. longfield-gardens.com/article/how-toplant-tulip-bulbs/ to determine the best way to plant tulips to avoid deer damage.

I hope this article has piqued your interest in planting tulips and you are ready to begin planting. There are more than 100 varieties to choose from, just search through bulb catalogs or visit your favorite garden center to view your options.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https:// appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/garSolution den_buzz/.

E N I D P E S O S H A D E A L U M L O G E S B O D E O W L E T B A L L E R I N A K N E W E D O S H E L L A L M S I M P T S P S A T E I O N C O W A R E A R E M A R K A B L E R E I N S A I D E P E E S P O R T C U L L I S E R N S E R G Y E A S M O E U L T U L N A A M P P E A T Y R O A G I L E A L L I G A T O R A L I B I C L A D M E G A R E R U N T E S T Y T A C O A M O S

Council: Continued from Page 1 Bryon Rushing, a Toole Design planner, said some of the major changes include additional sidewalk and street policies, a readjusted timeframe of action items, and redesigned priority corridors and equity maps.

Rushing worked on the plan with Jonathan DiGioia, Safe Streets program manager in the Community Development Department.

“Jonathan and the Dunwoody staff have a better set of information for how to pick and choose design solutions that work well for different locations throughout the city,” Rushing said.

Focus on fatalities One goal of the Road Safety Action Plan is to ensure zero fatal and serious-injury crashes in Dunwoody by 2034. A more achievable goal of the plan is to secure regional and federal funding for transportation and safety projects in the city.

Rushing said his team focused on the fatal or serious-injury crashes.

“It was really valuable for our process to hear from Dunwoody residents on what they thought was most important, where they wanted to see emphasis, and then really getting coverage across the city,” Rushing said.

The top two safety concerns from resi-

NEWS

Connectivity is our number one priority, and safe streets are key to providing more options for our residents.”

LYNN DEUTSCH Dunwoody Mayor

dents were related to infrastructure and design, Rushing said.

City Councilman Joe Seconder asked about implementation and next steps. Seconder drew a connection between the Road Safety Action Plan and the BarryDunn study of the Police Department, which provide strategic plans but do not specify the actions that city officials will take.

A 40-page report, which analyzed city policies and rezoning ordinances, was referenced in the final presentation, but was not included in the report given to council.

Councilman John Heneghan asked the Toole Design team to send the report to the City Council.

“You’ve given us a nice report,” Heneghan said. “The question is: What’s next, what are we going to do with it,

what’s the implementation aspect of it, and I’m just trying to figure out next steps.”

Heneghan said he has received continuous complaints about the safety of Chestnut Elementary and Peachtree Middle School children as they walk to and from school.

Heneghan and Seconder appeared highly motivated to find practical solutions to public safety issues.

“The Dunwoody City Council is laserfocused on making our community safer for everyone,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch said.

“Connectivity is our number one priority, and safe streets are key to providing more options for our residents.”

While the City Council’s top priority may be connectivity, Dunwoody residents voted down a $60 million bond referendum in November that would have helped pay for construction of parks, trails and greenspace. It failed at the polls by a 57-43 margin.

Parks Department adds staff In other business at the meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker presented two items.

The council approved a $203,550 contract with Lowe Engineers to provide two new full-time positions approved in the 2024 budget: an operations associate and a recreation program leader.

The operations associate will work with the facilities coordinator and is responsible for upkeep and maintenance repairs, contracted services and enhancements to the

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city’s amenities.

The recreation leader will coordinate special events and programs, new opportunities for partnerships and the enhancement of the city’s recreational offerings.

The City Council also approved a contract with Action and Adventure to manage concessionaire services and programs at the Brook Run Skate Park. Elliot Smith and Anthny Wells represented Action and Adventure at the Nov. 27 council meeting.

The agreement stipulates Action and Adventure pay the city $350 per month with the option for renewal for five additional 12-month periods.

The skate park will be a free facility, and the city will benefit by not paying for management services, while also indirectly providing recreational programs and additional oversight of the skate park.

“The thing that stood out in their proposal was their experienced working with youth through the YMCA,” Walker said.

“I think it can be more than just a skate shop, I think it has an opportunity to do a lot in the community.”

Mayor Deutsch said she would like to see Action and Adventure maintain a safe environment for families at the park, as well as use the space to provide snack options for residents.

“Let’s first make it a community asset,” Deutsch said. “What I’d really like to see you do, and it sounds like you want to, is focus on youth, teaching kids how to skate and offering after-school classes.”

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

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