Dunwoody Crier - January 1, 2026 by Appen Media Group

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Sculptures celebrate Dunwoody’s history ► PAGE 7 Januar y 1, 2026 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

A LOOK AHEAD

Dunwoody is old enough to chart course ahead

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody residents listen to candidates answer questions about local issues at the Dunwoody Homeowner Association’s City Council forum in October at Stage Door Theatre. Candidate forum questions revolved around the failure of the city’s 2023 bond referendum, city finances and property taxes, housing and development.

DUNWOODY IN 2025 City achieves stronger financial footing

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — For the first time in four years, the Dunwoody City Council passed a balanced budget for the coming year. City leaders also designated a chunk of its nearly $30 million reserve fund for capital projects. In July, the city announced it had eliminated the planned use of reserves to pay for 2025 operations after realizing increases to the city’s tax digest

through property values and other revenue streams, like franchise fees. Financial breathing room was some of the best news for the city in 2025. When approving the 2026 budget in October, the City Council voted unanimously to approve a $7.3 million amendment, allocating reserve funds to capital projects within the Parks and Recreation, Police and Public Works departments.

See REVIEW, Page 12

Dunwoody residents, including former elected officials, glued themselves to the city’s Comprehensive Plan update and zoning decisions this year, turning out in opposition to increased density near neighborhoods. Despite some backlash, the city appears supportive of increased density and apartments in the Central Perimeter business district.

Dunwoody is still a young city, but we’ve reached a moment where our focus must be less on how we got here and more on how we ensure a high quality of life for generations to come. Staying relevant, LYNN DEUTSCH vibrant and welcoming Dunwoody Mayor doesn’t happen by chance; it requires intention. In 2025, we built on our strengths while addressing real challenges, and as we look to 2026, we must keep moving forward. When it comes to economic development, employee recruitment and attracting new residents, our competition isn’t only our neighbors but cities across the country. That reality was underscored this year when TriNet, a Californiabased consulting firm, announced it will bring 750 jobs to High Street in Dunwoody. Selected after a nationwide search, Dunwoody continues to be seen as a destination for innovative companies and high-quality jobs. Other corporate relocations, including Marketwake’s move to Campus 244, are helping many of our office buildings perform well.

See DEUTSCH, Page 12

Happy Holidays from Robin Blass & Lauren Blass Solomon, REALTORS® Atlanta Perimeter Office • (C) 404-495-8233 • (O) 770-394-2131 RobinBlass.com • Robin.Blass@HarryNorman.com Harry Norman, REALTORS® is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties in Georgia. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license.

POLICE BLOTTER 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.

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Man charged in burglary of Perimeter Mall stores

319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher DICK WILLIAMS Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Dunwoody Crier or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278. CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

According to jail records, the man was booked Dec. 15 on three counts of second-degree burglary and three misdemeanor shoplifting charges. As of Dec. 22, he remains in jail. — Hayden Sumlin

Police arrest man wanted for assault DUNWOODY, GA. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 49-year -old Doraville man wanted by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for simple assault Dec. 16 after he failed to identify himself. During a domestic dispute investigation, an officer said he detained a man who was refusing to talk and would not provide any identification at the Lacota Apartments off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. During a search of the man, officers said they found his wallet containing a Guatemalan identification card that displayed a different name than he gave them verbally. After running a background check, officers said they found an active warrant for his arrest out of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear in court for a misdemeanor simple assault charge. After the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrant, officers said they transported the man to DeKalb County Jail. As of Dec. 22, he remains in jail. — Hayden Sumlin

Nordstrom Rack patron cited for wrecking displays DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested two 19-year -old Lithonia men Dec. 8 after they allegedly robbed a landscaping crew at gunpoint. Officers said they responded to a home near Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Magnolia Walk Circle around 1

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p.m. for an armed robbery call. A Dunwoody detective, first on scene, radioed officers that two landscapers had just been robbed, and the suspects fled in a large black SUV northbound on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Shortly after, the detective told officers he had stopped the suspects’ vehicle and detained two men. An officer said he interviewed the victims. One, a 21-year -old Loganville man, said he and his father were lying in the pine straw when a black SUV arrived in front of the property. When someone quickly got out and grabbed one of their leaf blowers, the Loganville 21-year -old said he sprang to retrieve it, but the suspect ran to the vehicle. As the 21-year -old was approaching, he said the driver pointed a pistol at him and drove off. The leaf blower was returned to the victims. The suspects were taken DeKalb County Jail. The 19-year -old Lithonia man who allegedly pointed the gun was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Both were charged with armed robbery. As of Dec. 17, both remain at DeKalb County Jail. — Hayden Sumlin

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DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 29-year -old man from Tacoma, Washington, in connection with burglarizing three stores at Perimeter Mall around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 12 An officer said he responded to a larceny in progress around 3:30 a.m., which quickly turned into a burglary investigation. Mall security said they were not certain whether the suspect was still inside the mall, but they saw multiple people walking around and believed them to be potential suspects. Officers said they did a sweep of the mall and food court area, failing to locate anyone who was not already supposed to be there. While reviewing security footage, an officer said he observed a man with a hood walking around the mall from 1:22 a.m. to 1:46 a.m., jumping behind the counter of different businesses and taking an iPad, cash and some merchandise. The officer said security cameras could not rewind past 1:22 a.m., and the suspect was last seen walking to the Dunwoody MAR TA station. The report does not explain how the man entered the mall. Mall security later said Great American Cookie was missing an iPad and roughly $110 from the cash register. They also said candy was taken from the Yummy Paradise store. While the officer’s Dec. 12 report concludes without an arrest, DeKalb County jail records show a suspect was arrested three days later by the Dunwoody Police Department.

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Three escaped DeKalb County inmates captured in Florida By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Three DeKalb County Jail inmates who escaped Dec. 21 have all been captured near Miami, Florida after taking a L yft together. At a news conference on Dec. 23, DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox announced the capture of inmates Stevenson Charles, 24, Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25, following a “breach” in the jail’s infrastructure. U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown stated that Charles called someone to pick the three up from outside the jail and take them to Minor’s girlfriend’s house. A woman, Gabriela Ortis, then ordered a L yft ride to take them to Florida. The L yft driver spoke with the investigators and had been “very traumatized” by the experience, according to Brown. The initial phone call Charles made had been recorded and later helped investigators locate the trio. An officer discovered the inmates had escaped when he performed a cell check during meal time. The officer noticed that a portion of the cell had been “compromised.” The police had alerted the public around four hours after the escape, according to DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins, because they wanted to understand the situation. “You just can't go out there and start sounding the alarm without figuring out what you have,” Atkins said. Two separate task forces were made with the U.S. Marshals Service seeking Charles, a federal inmate holding a felony life sentence for murder and armed robbery, and the Southeast Regional task force took over the search for the other two state inmates. Brown did not offer any specifics for how the U.S. Marshals Service tracked them down to Florida, but said that through the U.S. Marshals’ intelligence use, “we have ways.” Minor was in jail for two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Yohannes was in jail with charges of simple assault, arson and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution. Atkins said the compromised area has been fixed and that they are currently looking to fix other areas that could be compromised in the same way to further prevent escapes.

“We operate a 30+ year old facility… some of the infrastructure can be compromised with the effort by the inmates,” Atkins said. “That being the case in this instance, we would not like to be more specific as not to give out [further] ideas of how to further compromise this building, but we're making some adjustments.” Maddox further stressed that the aging facility is “deteriorating right before our eyes” and stressed that improvements are needed. “This was a breach. We’re not going to sit here and go back and forth and point blame. We’re going to focus on what we can do to stop it from happening in the future,” Maddox said. “We're going to look at improvements that are needed here. You know that it's going to cost money. We know what it costs, but we either pay now or it's going to be a pain later.” Maddox concluded the news conference by further stating that she is proud of the work the DeKalb County sheriffs have done. “They are asking me to make bricks out of straws, and we're doing the best we can with what we have,” Maddox said. The DeKalb County Commission approved $4.5 million for repairs at the county jail in November. During the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee meeting on Nov. 10, Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams said he’s had multiple conversations with Sheriff Melody Maddox since June about needed repairs at the jail. “What we have done is we have gone through the various requests and determined that these items… are the most critical and represent a down payment into a capital strategy and a capital plan to address various issues at the jail,” Williams said. Here’s a breakdown of the costs and vendors: • $900,000 to NBC to repair the roof in three areas. • $1.5 million to KONE to repair the elevators and bring them up to state code. • $1.5 million to Cornerstone to replace the jail locks. • $1.7 million to TKC to replace 1,534 toilets and replace 197 cell light fixtures. • $375,000 to Kissberg/Parker -Fry to remove and repair wood in the mental health and intake areas, and add temporary walls and cleaning. Assistant Editor Zoe Seiler contributed to this article.

JIM BASS/APPEN MEDIA

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox speaks at a news conference Dec. 23 about three escaped DeKalb County inmates now in custody in Florida.

celebrating 10 years of giving back dunwoodyga.gov | 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody GA 30338 | 678.382.6700

Dunwoody Parks and Recreation joins the Dunwoody chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for Dunwoody’s 10th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

January 19

January Highlights

1 6 Art Commission Meeting Committee 8 Sustainability Meeting City Hall closed New Year’s Day

City Hall | 7:30 a.m.

City Hall | 8 a.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m.

Gardener Talk: 10 Master Fruit Trees in Georgia

Dunwoody Community Garden & Orchard 11 a.m.

12 13 Planning Commission Meeting 15 Development Authority Meeting 17 DHA Farmers Market City Council Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m. City Hall | 6 p.m. City Hall | 5 p.m.

Season Opening Day Saturdays | Brook Run Park | 9 a.m. - noon

17 History Alive

Donaldon-Bannister Farm 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Crafternoon

Spruill Center for the Arts | Noon - 4 p.m.

Game Night

Donaldson-Bannister Farm | 5 - 10 p.m.

Luther King, Jr., Day of 19 Martin Service Brook Run Park & Dunwoody Nature Center | 9 a.m.- noon

City Hall closed Mahjongg for 26 American Beginners

Spruill Center for the Arts | 9:30 a.m.

City Council Meeting City Hall | 6 p.m.

Stroll the exhibit of 12 sculptures by local and near-local artists at Wildcat Park 5435 Roberts Dr.

4 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

A LOOK AHEAD

OPINION

Housing is not a side issue; It’s community infrastructure By KATHY SWAHN, NANCY DIAMOND, JACK MURPHY North Fulton Improvement Network Executive Team In North Fulton, housing is often framed as a debate about density or neighborhood character. That framing misses the point. Housing isn’t a niche issue or a political talking point — it’s the infrastructure that determines whether our communities can function. Jobs, schools, traffic, aging in place and economic competitiveness all run through housing. When working families, teachers, nurses and young professionals can’t afford to live near where they work, the consequences ripple outward. Commutes get longer. Schools lose enrollment and stability. Employers struggle to hire. Seniors are forced to move away from the communities they helped build. That’s why the North Fulton Improvement Network exists. Not to push ideology or specific projects, but to connect dots that are too often discussed in isolation. Financial stability in a community doesn’t happen by accident. It requires shared information, coordinated leadership and the willingness to plan ahead rather than react in crisis. This past year marked a turning point. Housing conversations in North Fulton have moved from awareness to influence. The language, data and framing around workforce housing are now showing

School enrollment is declining Affordable housing continues to be across parts of North Fulton, a serious issue across North Metro not because families don’t value Atlanta. Groups like the North Fulton education, but because many can Improvement Network are trying to help, no longer afford to stay. Teachers and Appen Media is dedicated to covering commute long distances. Employers the process. Send ideas, questions and report hiring delays. These aren’t feedback to newsroom@appenmedia.com. abstract warnings; they’re indicators of a system under strain. Progress also depends on convening the full system. Real clearly reflected in comprehensive housing solutions require more plans, continued alignment across up in public meetings, planning than good intentions — they agencies and sectors, and public documents and even local elections. require capital, policy alignment conversations that are informed That shift matters. It signals and implementation capacity. rather than reactive. that housing is no longer being When lenders, employers, school Residents have a role to play. discussed fearfully or abstractly, but systems, nonprofits and local Look at the local housing market thoughtfully and pragmatically. governments are in the same room, through the lens of area median One reason is timing. Longthe conversation shifts from “why income. How many move-in-ready term decisions about housing are this is hard” to “what can work homes are realistically available? shaped upstream, in comprehensive now.” Incremental solutions won’t What kinds of rentals exist for plans, long before individual solve everything, but they can move families? Then show up — to rezoning requests ever reach the needle. planning meetings, workshops city councils. When housing Just as important are lived and public discussions. Read your choices are considered early — experiences. Housing policy isn’t city’s comprehensive plan and ask alongside schools, transportation, theoretical to families choosing questions. and economic development — between rent and childcare, or There is no quick fix. That’s communities gain real options. to seniors trying to remain in what makes this work hard — and That’s how “missing middle” housing their homes. Grounding policy necessary. The path forward starts moves from a buzzword to a tool. discussions in real stories keeps with listening, learning and sharing Another reason is education. solutions tethered to reality and information. North Fulton doesn’t Housing debates often fail because values. need to agree on everything. But we people don’t understand the Encouragingly, voters are do need to move past reflexive “no” tradeoffs. When residents can beginning to ask better questions. and toward solutions we11:22 can agree 12-28-2016_HindsonMelton_01-19-11_HindsonMelton.qxp 12/15/16 11:22Page AM 1Page 12-28-2016_HindsonMelton_01-19-11_HindsonMelton.qxp 12/15/16 AM see how accessory dwelling units, In local elections, housing is will keep our communities strong. duplexes or cottage courts actually increasingly connected to quality Housing isn’t a side issue. It’s the look — and how they fit into existing of life rather than framed as a foundation beneath everything else. neighborhoods — fear subsides. threat. Success isn’t about who Clarity lowers the temperature. wins an election; it’s about raising Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond Visuals and shared data help people expectations for informed leadership and Jack Murphy are members evaluate solutions on their merits and honest planning. of North Fulton Improvement rather than assumptions. The next year will be telling. Real Network. Learn more at www. The data is sending clear signals. progress looks like housing options improvenorthfulton.org.

Housing isn’t a side issue. It’s the foundation beneath everything else.

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Puzzles

r 1/1/26 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 6, 4 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

Dunwoody Crier..............................................January 1, 2026 | 5

BY THE SEA 1. Sea between Greece and Turkey. Casino game. Cozy spot. 2. One-pot meal. Sea between Israel and Jordan. Oz bigshot. 3. Adhesive. Follower of Mary. Sea between Alaska and Siberia. 4. Kind of button. Sea NE of Australia. Jockey’s whip. 5. Hate. Shrinking Asian sea. Napoleon exile site. 6. Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. Exploding star. Safe place. 7. Snake speak. Witches’ assembly. PuzzleJunction.com Sea of the Orkney Islands..

2 3 4 5 6

/1/26 Sudoku7

By the Sea How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is

1. between Greece and Turkey. game.letter Cozy spot. giving you the correct number of letters for each the Sea first letter of the second answer, and so on.Casino The connecting is outlined,

answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually must contain the numbers to line. 9. bebox for the second or third answer in 1that it? Good luck! and 3. Adhesive. Follower of Mary. Sea Got between Alaska 2.ToOne-pot between Israel and Jordan. Oz bigshot. solve themeal. SudokuSea puzzle, each row, column and Siberia.

4. Kind of button. Sea NE of Australia. Jockey’s whip.

5 2 3

5. Hate. Shrinking Asian sea. Napoleon exile site.

6. Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. Exploding star. Safe place.

7. Snake speak. Witches’ assembly. Sea of the Orkney Islands.

5 1

8 3

6 9 7 1 6 8 2 4 9

4 5 3 8 6

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Solution 4 9 8 2 5 3 6 1 7

1 3 2 6 7 9 8 5 4

5 6 7 4 8 1 9 2 3

2 8 1 5 4 7 3 6 9

3 4 9 1 2 6 7 8 5

6 7 5 3 9 8 1 4 2

9 2 6 8 3 5 4 7 1

7 1 4 9 6 2 5 3 8

8 5 3 7 1 4 2 9 6

How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

Dunwoody Crier 1/1/26 Crossword

Across

1 LaBeouf of Transformers 5 Treat in a shell 8 Pavarotti solo 12 Line dance 14 Inlet 15 ___-pointe (ballet) 16 Like some buckets 17 Pizzeria ﬁxture 18 Obliterates 19 Rendezvous 20 Car dealer’s offering 22 Erie Canal mule 23 Hero type 25 Concert ﬁnale 27 One-spots 31 Perry’s creator 33 Fender blemish 34 Coarse jute fabric 36 Smithy’s tool 38 Greek letter 40 Many and different 44 Passé 46 Moon of Neptune 47 Palmist, e.g. 49 Hide well 51 Cravings 52 Amulets 54 Nonexistent 56 Chicken order 57 Melodies 59 Atmospheres 64 Paella pot 66 Red vegetable 67 Like krypton 68 Allege as fact

PuzzleJunction.com

23 27

39 44 47

52 56

46 50

51 55 59 67

40 45

69 Son of Aphrodite 70 Chain of hills 71 Etta of the comics 72 Director Howard 73 Tugboat sound Down 1 Highlander 2 Icy coating 3 Jet black 4 Many moons 5 Short story? 6 Eye layer 7 Uptight 8 Wood-shaping tool

9 Sanity 10 Bestow 11 Seating request 13 Pro’s foe 14 Amber or umber 21 Salad green 24 Train stop 26 Stew vegetable 27 Playwright Burrows 28 Recipe measurement 29 Hosp. areas 30 Pitcher’s pitch 32 Armageddon 35 Scares 37 Floor covering 39 Snout

41 Sandpiper 42 Sermon subject 43 Asner and Begley 45 Castle area 47 Put on hold 48 Young raptor 50 Corrodes 52 Flowing outer garment 53 Judicious 55 Hideout 58 Handel opera 60 Condo division 61 Make over 62 Jason’s ship 63 “Let it stand” 65 Frick collection

See puzzle solutions on Page 15

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6 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

PAST TENSE

Going to the movies in Atlanta since 1895 When the Cotton States and International Exposition of Georgia was held in 1895 at Piedmont Park, the event marked the first moving VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF pictures for the city of Atlanta. Columnist A movie theater was constructed along the midway. The opportunity to look at moving pictures was not popular at the expo, so the 25 cents entry fee was eliminated. People did stop by to take a quick rest. (Atlanta History: A Journal of Georgia and the South, 1995, “This Mighty Influence for Good or for Evil, The Movies in Atlanta, 1895-1920,” Atlanta History Center archives) According to Franklin Garrett’s “Atlanta and Environs,” the first movie house in Atlanta was opened in 1904. It was called The Star and was located at 36 Decatur Street. It was successful enough for a second movie house called The Eldorado

Editor’s note: This is a reprint of a popular 2019 article. to open soon after at 146 Marietta Street. By 1907, 14 theatres were listed in the Atlanta directory. They were known as “electric” theatres and were typically small store front buildings with chairs nailed together to form a row. The early films usually lasted about 15 minutes. The Montgomery Theatre at 87 Peachtree Street opened in August of 1911, advertising a small balcony for vocal performers, an organ and an orchestra. This was the beginning of longer films with an actual story line. The venue was later known as Georgian, Odeon and Tudor Theatre. Talking movies came to Atlanta in 1928 with “The Jazz Singer” showing at the Metropolitan Theatre. The Metropolitan first opened in 1911 and was located at the intersection of Luckie Street and Broad Street. By 1929, several talking movies were

shown around Atlanta, including “The Virginian” starring Gary Cooper at the Paramount Theatre. The Paramount, located at 169 Peachtree Street, originally opened as a live theatre in 1920 and was known as Howard Theatre. “Gone With the Wind” premiered at Loews Grand Theatre in 1939 with stars of the film attending. The building was originally the home of DeGive’s Grand Opera House built in 1893. In 1972, a fire destroyed the Loews Grand Theatre. Other theatres included the Rialto on Forsyth Street, Buckhead Theatre on Roswell Road, Temple Theatre in Grant Park and Center Theatre (later Central) on Whitehall Street. The old Rhodes Theatre was located on Peachtree Road next to Rhodes Hall. It was not necessary to go downtown in the 1930s and 1940s to see a movie. Theatres away from Atlanta included Brookhaven Theater opening in 1938, Avondale Theater in Avondale Estates opening in 1938 and Decatur Theater opening in 1940. (cinematreasures.org)

Opinions: Appen Media aims to present a variety of views in its opinion pages. Send your thoughts, questions and letters to pat@appenmedia.com. Atlanta newspapers in 1965 advertised the film “The Sound of Music” at Martin’s Cinerama at 583 Peachtree Street. This theatre was built in 1927 and was originally a live playhouse called Erlanger Theatre. In the 1950s, it began showing movies and was called Tower Theatre, later becoming Martin’s Cinerama, Atlanta Theatre and then Columbia Theatre. It was demolished to make way for a parking lot in 1995. 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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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Spruill Center unveils sculptures celebrating city’s history DUNWOODY, Ga. — The city’s collection of public art is growing with the addition of two sculptures outside the Spruill Center for the Arts on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The sculptures take the form of two grazing horses, selected as a nod to Dunwoody’s pioneering Spruill family, which once occupied and worked the land surrounding the historic Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse just up the street from the arts center. “These sculptures offer us the opportunity to beautify Dunwoody’s landscape while also paying homage to the city’s history and honoring the family for whom our organization was named,” Spruill CEO Alan Mothner said. The horses, named Colorful and Spruce, are made of repurposed steel and were created by North Carolina artist Jonathan Bowling, whose sculptures have been purchased for and shown in cities across the Southeast and Midwest. Both sculptures will be displayed outside the Spruill Center for the Arts for the next 18 months. They are in the northeast corner of the parking lot of the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center, shared by Spruill, Stage Door Theatre and the Dunwoody Library, near the outdoor courtyard and stage. The Spruill Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization fostering creativity and social connections through the arts. The Spruill Education Center offers 300 classes and workshops each quarter for all ages and skill levels through its 17 dedicated studio spaces and features a variety of community-based programs. For more information, visit spruillarts.org. — Hayden Sumlin

SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS/PROVIDED

Two new sculptures at the Spruill Center for the Arts, Colorful and Spruce, pay homage to Dunwoody’s Spruill family, which once lived and worked the land surrounding the historic Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

DeKalb County Georgia

Water Rate Assistance Program “Ensuring Water Affordability For All DeKalb Residents.” 10% Water Rate Increase August 2025

8 | Dunwoody Crier | January 1, 2026

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10 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 1, 2026 | 11

PALS PERIMETER ADULT LEARNING & SERVICES

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Andrea Seidl of DeKalb Animal Shelter Advocates is flanked by DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, left, and DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, right, and surrounded by other DeKalb County and City of Chamblee elected officials and other collaborators as she cuts the ribbon to celebrate the DeKalb Animal Shelter expansion.

DeKalb Animal Shelter celebrates new pet neighborhood By CLARE S. RICHIE decaturish@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Inside a warm event tent near the DeKalb Animal Shelter’s 10 new modular kennel buildings, the county and animal advocates celebrated the grand opening of the much-needed “pet neighborhood.” Each kennel serves 12 dogs with individual indoor and outdoor spaces. DeKalb County and City of Chamblee elected officials and staff, LifeLine Animal Project staff and volunteers, DeKalb Animal Shelter Advocates and community members were on hand for the grand opening on Dec. 17. “This is a landmark day,” DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said. “It is no secret that we have suffered from overcrowding. With the 10 pods that house 120 animals, we are no longer overcrowded, but we are at capacity.” The shelter capacity is 475 dogs and about 100 cats, DeKalb County Animal Services Director Annie Alder said. The expansion was made possible by funds from the DeKalb County Special Purpose Local Option sales tax and capital improvement project. The project’s budget was $4 million. “Where one chooses to place their money tells you where their priorities lie,” Cochran-Johnson said. LifeLine Animal Project CEO Rebecca Guinn said that pets are like family.

“This represents a major investment in families in DeKalb County,” Guinn said. “We are lucky to have all of you in our corner.” When LifeLine began managing the DeKalb County Animal Services Shelter in 2013, the animal save rate was 60 percent. “Today, despite having a higher intake, increased by 30% over the past two years, we are averaging a 90% animal save rate,” Guinn said. Officials shared their personal stories. DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry adopted two kittens after filming a promotional video for LifeLine with them. The project was the result of collaboration and cooperation between local governments and private organizations. “There is so much more that we can do for our furry friends…to create the lives we want for animals in our community,” DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears said. She spoke about the 2025 litter registry ordinance to help curb overpopulation of cats, dogs and domestic rabbits. Andrea Seidl, representing the DeKalb Animal Shelter Advocates, said there is still work to do. “This morning we celebrate, but this afternoon we need to get back to work on prevention,” Seidl said. She called for accessible spay and neuter services, supporting pet owner families

in crisis, moving quickly on animals involved in court cases, enforcing existing ordinances and following up with repeat violators. She and her fellow advocates are known for wearing red shirts to court cases of dog owners charged with abuse and neglect. As the owner goes through the court process, the dog is held in the county shelter and is not available for adoption. “An owner may or may not get the dog back. That’s up to a judge,” Alder said. DeKalb County State Court Judge Alvin Wong encouraged animal advocates to continue showing up in these court cases. “Please continue coming [to court], because that puts the focus on the issue,” Wong said. “There are ways we can shorten the time these animals stay in custody, but it takes legislation and resources.” For example, asking the judge to consider requiring the pet owner to pay the cost of care to the shelter or forfeit rights to the animal has helped expedite the process, Alder said. As of Dec. 17, there are 42 court case dogs at the shelter, down from 82 a year ago. More work lies ahead, but today, the many collaborators stood alongside Seidl as she cut the ribbon and then toured the pet neighborhood, visiting the dogs, talking with excited volunteers, and acknowledging the progress made.

10:00 – 11:00 NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS - Kemal Budak will delve into the history, sociology and cultural significance of new religious movements (NRMs), often referred to as cults. Among the themes explored will be charismatic leadership, the psychological and social factors influencing recruitment and conversion, as well as the mechanisms of control and indoctrination. The portrayal of NRMs in the media as well as legal conflicts will be discussed. 10:00 – 11:00 00 THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE AMERICAN MUSICAL part 1 – Michele Friedman will help explore the deeper meanings behind the most renowned musicals. 10:00 – 3:00 OPEN MAH JONGG – Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session. There will be an experience player group and a beginners group. Play is based on National Mah Jongg league rules. 11:30 – 12:30 THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE AMERICAN MUSICAL part 2 – Michele Friedman will continue exploration of the deeper meanings behind the best known musicals. 11:30 – 12:30 THE HEAVENS ABOVE – NASA Solar System Ambassadors Tom Dworshak and John Baumbusch will take us on an epic journey into the heavens to explore the cosmic architecture (our solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy and deep space), past and future space exploration and the Hubble and Webb telescopes. 11:30 – 12:30 THE SECOND RUSSIAN REVOLUTION– Bill Fisher will present an engaging romp through Russia’s recent roller ride from Communism to Capitalism to Authoritarianism. Among the characters we will encounter are Leonid Brezhnev, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin, with a particular emphasis on Putin and what may lie ahead for Russia, the United States and the world.

12 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

Review: Continued from Page 1 While its initial budgets haven’t been balanced, Dunwoody has managed to stay financially disciplined since the outset of the pandemic, avoiding reserve spending and adding $7 million to its rainy-day fund since 2022. Despite pushback from City Councilman John Heneghan on controversial projects separate from the spending amendment, like the new Brook Run Park facility and Peeler Road path, other elected officials indicated support for them. The reserve spendings’ big-ticket item, $5 million for the full buildout of Homecoming Park, has Dunwoody High School volleyball players and their coaches excited about the city’s first sand court. “This year was the first really good year we’ve had since I’ve been mayor,” Deutsch said during October budget hearings. “We’re hopeful that it will continue, but I’m still not convinced that we’re on easy street.” Residents back incumbents All three council members with their seats up for reelection held onto them after this November’s election, signaling community support of the city’s ongoing work. The local 2025 election was the first since the failure of the 2023 bond referendum and served as a litmus test for the community’s support of council priorities. Council members Tom Lambert and Rob Price knocked off challengers David Ziskind and Wendi Taylor, who criticized the officials’ track record and support for controversial projects. City Councilwoman Catherine Lautenbacher was unchallenged for her reelection to the Post 1 seat. Some things changed throughout the year, including elected officials’ willingness to increase city revenue. During the Dunwoody Homeowner Association’s candidate forum, none of the candidates endorsed creating a special tax district, raising the city’s millage rate cap

Deutsch: Continued from Page 1 At the same time, the commercial real estate market is evolving. City Council has considered zoning applications to repurpose some properties, including approving a project that will convert two underperforming office buildings into housing. One will feature a 55-plus independent living community and the other a condominium tower. Guided by our Comprehensive Plan, we are working toward commercial districts that are more connected, walkable and responsive to how people live and work today.

NEWS

or putting another bond referendum on ballots. For the most part candidates agreed with one another on key issues like zoning and density, public safety and working with the Central Perimeter business community. The city, led by Communications Director Jennifer Boettcher, rolled out the free “Dunwoody 101: All Aboard” program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at City Hall and visiting city landmarks during a trolley ride. “I saw the city in a new light,” one participant said. “I enjoyed seeing what the future goals are for Dunwoody — from parks [and] new commercial redevelopment to forward-thinking ways of keeping Dunwoody thriving in the future.” Zoning battles show pattern Dunwoody spent most of the year finalizing its 2025-45 Comprehensive Plan, which shows the public, neighbors and developers, the city’s long-term vision. While a comprehensive plan does not directly regulate private property through zoning and is not legally enforceable, the city’s ongoing code rewrite could have more of an impact on development. The Unified Development Ordinance, set for approval by the end of 2026, combines all development-related regulations into one document. That will include new regulations governing zoning and overlay districts, permitted uses and regulations, development standards and the review process. Through zoning decisions, the Dunwoody City Council made it clear in 2025 that high-density developments are more likely to be approved if they match the existing character of the surrounding area. Take two zoning cases for apartments. The one with a higher density of residential units was approved with little backlash from residents because the development proposes a renovation of defunct office buildings along I-285 in Central Perimeter. Dominium Apartment’s proposal to build age-restricted, affordable housing north of City Hall at Ashford Dunwoody For Dunwoody to thrive, our commercial areas must reflect the quality and vitality we expect. In Dunwoody Village, investments by business and property owners, along with support from the Dunwoody Development Authority, have created a true community gathering place. New businesses, such as Steak and Grace, Summit Coffee, The Wine Shop and Prelude Bookstore, demonstrate the confidence local and regional entrepreneurs have in our city. The Georgetown Gateway Project has also enhanced its surrounding area. Improved safety has increased pedestrian activity, and residents are using the new path regularly. New property owners have taken notice, purchasing underutilized

Road and Ashford Center Parkway was met with strong opposition from former elected officials and residents. While the operator’s proposal reduced building height and density throughout the process, the City Council eventually shot it down because it did not match the surrounding infrastructure. Avoiding drive-thrus A couple of years ago, the city amended its code to require all new drive-thrus to obtain a special land use permit, allowing proper review of potential negative impacts. In December, the City Council denied two drive-thru permits, one for a Raising Cane’s along Ashford Dunwoody Road and the other for a Zaxby’s along Perimeter Center West. While some council members expressed interest in approving drive-thrus that do not negatively impact surrounding businesses, others made it clear that carcentric development and infrastructure don’t match their vision. Instead of fast food and more carbon dioxide-producing vehicles, city leaders are hoping developers can find a more suitable use for both properties, that are currently vacant with old bank buildings. Celebrating new projects In April, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, the City of Dunwoody and Perimeter Mall celebrated the completion of phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Path, a crucial piece of the city’s trail network. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer with a wider, ADA-compliant sidewalk, new bus shelter, pedestrian lighting and landscaping improvement. Phase two is set to extend the path north from Perimeter Center West to Ashford Center Parkway, one element the mayor cited for her opposition to the Raising Cane’s drive-thru. Many Dunwoody residents want to avoid having Ashford Dunwoody Road resemble Roswell Road (Ga. 9) in Sandy properties with an eye toward the future. Businesses like Wa’Haka and Lucky Goat Coffee have opened and have been warmly welcomed by the community. In the Jett Ferry area, I am confident that Big Play, which recently opened, will help spark additional investment and vitality. This area holds tremendous potential, anchored by many successful small businesses that are locally owned or operated. For entrepreneurs with a new idea or an established business looking to grow, Jett Ferry could be the right fit. In the Winters Chapel area, we continue to work collaboratively with the City of Peachtree Corners to explore options and opportunities that will benefit both communities. When our commercial

Springs with its density of drive-thru businesses. Art and outdoors The Spruill Center for the Arts, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, has grown its collection of public art this year with a new AMPLIFY mural and two new sculptures of bronze horses outside its classrooms off Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The city also unveiled its “Art for All” exhibit at Wildcat Park, featuring a diverse collection of sculptures, and giant metal “D” at Two Bridges Park off Perimeter Center East. The Dunwoody Garden Club also debuted its Study Time statue, depicting a young girl reading, at the city’s own DeKalb County Library branch next to the Spruill Center. In November, the Dunwoody Nature Center celebrated its new and improved wooden boardwalk along Wildcat Creek. The upgrades make it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy the natural environment, replacing the more than 20-year-old walkway with a winding boardwalk above the 100-year floodplain. The city and the Dunwoody Nature Center also broke ground in July on the new Wildcat Creek Learning Lab, a twostory facility with classrooms for expanded hands-on learning within the 25-acre park. Construction is expected to conclude by March. Home for the Wildcats Late in the fall, the DeKalb County School Board’s approved Ryan Seacrest’s name on Dunwoody High School’s soonto-be-renovated stadium. The stadium’s construction is pending a community fundraising goal through the “Bring It Home” campaign. The football Wildcats have never hosted a game. “Bring It Home” hopes to expand the existing field to seat 3,000. Campaign organizers, including faculty, parents and community members seek to raise $1.5 million for the project. areas thrive, the benefits extend to every neighborhood by supporting city services, enhancing quality of life and strengthening our community as a whole. As we look ahead, the work before us is clear. Elevating our commercial areas isn’t change for change’s sake. It’s about protecting Dunwoody’s quality of life and ensuring we remain competitive. We are investing in public safety, infrastructure, and connectivity, and partnering with businesses and property owners. Together, we are shaping commercial districts that reflect who we are and where we’re going. Dunwoody’s future will be defined by the choices we make now, and I am confident we are moving in the right direction.

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 1, 2026 | 13

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14 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | January 1, 2026 | 15

7 SOLUTIONS

Full-time

Solution

6 Donor Operations Supervisor The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized. The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity! If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

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16 | January 1, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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