DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Manager Eric Linton released the city’s proposed 2026 budget, a $70.5 million plan calling for a slight decrease in overall spending from last year.
Deutsch and Linton say they developed the budget with a focus on public safety and customer service, while maintaining strong financial reserves.
The 2026 budget represents a 0.15 percent decrease in spending from the amended 2025 budget, which officials say reflects discipline and long-term fiscal stewardship.
The first presentation of the proposed budget is set for a special-called City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. There are also regularly scheduled council meetings at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 and Sept. 29.
Following the first presentation, there will be two required public hearings at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 and Oct. 27.
The budget period aligns with the calendar year. Elected officials must approve a spending plan before Nov. 1.
In their budget letter, Deutsch and Linton wrote that the city remains in a strong financial position heading into 2026 with a focus on staying adaptable for the future.
“Historical stewardship of funds has placed the city in a strong position as it moves forward,” the letter says. “This budget has been developed using all information, data and tools available at this time, but with the understanding that budgets are dynamic.”
Key highlights of the proposed budget include:
• General Fund: $38.0 million, representing a 2.71 percent increase, primarily for employee compensation, benefits, contract escalations and maintenance/utility costs.
• Public Safety Investment: $14.5 million for the Police Department, supporting personnel, technology and operational needs.
See BUDGET, Page 21
Beloved barber shop sustains small-town feel
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Longtime Dunwoody residents know Ernie “the Barber” Smith but have not been able to get a haircut from the local legend since he experienced health problems last May.
After 40 years of service in Dunwoody, residents only call Smith by his first name. Not too long ago, almost everyone in the city knew Ernie.
The barber shop is on the first floor of the
Dunwoody Professional Building at 5064 Nandina Lane next to the Shops of Dunwoody and the Village.
Former City Councilman Terry Nall, an active community member who routinely answers his neighbors’ questions on the Dunwoody Area Community Forum, said Ernie has had some serious health issues some 18 months ago.
“He is known to most people as just Ernie. I doubt many even know his last name,” Nall wrote.
See BARBER, Page 9
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From left, James and Mike Palumbo get a haircut from Kevin Lam, the new owner of the Dunwoody Barber Shop, after community legend Ernie “the Barber” Smith sold it amid health challenges last year. Lam said he needs the Dunwoody community’s support to keep the barber shop afloat.
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher DICK WILLIAMS Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
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.
Girl, 8, dies following Dunwoody crash; driver charged with DUI
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police responded to a fatal crash Sept. 6 and allege that it was caused by someone driving under the influence.
Police responded to a crash in front of the LaCota Apartments at 6664 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. around 9:25 p.m. Sept. 6. The crash involved a Toyota Tacoma and a Honda Civic.
"The preliminary investigation
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.
Repeat shoplifter arrested at Dunwoody retail store
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 63-year-old Macon man Aug. 27 after he allegedly shoplifted more than $500 in merchandise from the Nordstrom Rack off Hammond Drive.
An officer said he spoke with a loss prevention employee who told him the suspect entered around 1 p.m. and started placing clothing items into a Cole Hanns bag, which he also had grabbed from inside the store.
The employee said the suspect did not attempt to pay and was apprehended as he exited the store.
According to Nordstrom Rack, the merchandise totaled $591.64.
The officer said the suspect admitted to taking the merchandise while speaking with him in the loss prevention office.
Dispatch told the officer the suspect had an active arrest warrant out of the Fayette County Sherrif’s Office for a probation violation.
revealed the driver of the Honda Civic pulled out of the apartment complex and onto Peachtree Industrial Blvd.," the Dunwoody Police Department said in a news release. "Shortly after the Honda entered Peachtree Industrial Blvd., it was rear-ended by the Toyota. The driver of the Tacoma attempted to flee the scene on foot; however, he was detained by Doraville officers who responded to the area as well."
One of the passengers in the crash, an 8-year-old girl, was sent to
The suspect has also been arrested in DeKalb County more than 15 times since 1996. He was last arrested by the Brookhaven Police Department Aug. 6 for shoplifting.
The officer said he confirmed the warrant and transported the man to DeKalb County Jail.
Later, the officer said he secured warrants for felony shoplifting and trespassed the man from Nordstrom Rack.
According to jail records, the man was released Sept. 3. — Hayden Sumlin
Police arrest Atlanta man following theft of cleaner
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody Police arrested a 56-year-old Atlanta man Aug. 30 for inhaling keyboard cleaner he allegedly stole from the Best Buy off Hammond Drive.
An officer said he received a call about a man who passed out behind the shopping center in an alleyway, but before he arrived, the caller told him the man had stood up and walked toward Best Buy.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and died from her injuries. The driver of the Honda went to Grady Hospital. Her condition is not known.
Police identified the driver of the Tacoma as Jose Alejandro CuahuizoVarela.
He faces charges of felony homicide by vehicle, felony hit and run, DUI and reckless driving.
"This is an active investigation, and there are no other updates at this time," the news release said.
The officer learned that earlier that day, a man was transported to Northside Hospital after huffing compressed air cans near 100 Perimeter Center Place. He said he believed the suspect to be the same man.
Best Buy employees told the officer they counted six cans of keyboard cleaner missing from the display.
Shortly after, the officer said he found the suspect holding cannisters matching those sold at Best Buy while standing near Ashford Dunwoody Road. He also said the man was shaking and unable to respond for a few moments.
After confirming the suspect’s identity, the officer said he found an active arrest warrant out of the Gwinnett County Sherrif’s Office for public intoxication from inhaling glue.
The officer said the suspect claimed to have purchased the cannisters at an Office Depot in Sandy Springs, so he went to Best Buy to review security footage.
According to the officer, security footage shows the suspect take a two pack of air duster from the display rack at Best Buy on three separate occasions over the course of 90 minutes.
The officer transported the man to DeKalb County Jail and secured warrants for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting, false representations to police and disorderly under the influence.
According to jail records, he was released Sept. 5. — Hayden Sumlin
ASK APPEN
Georgia feeling fallout from economic anxiety
ATLANTA — Georgia is enduring its share of fallout from federal layoffs and spending cuts, less tourism from abroad to a pullback in film and TV spending by big Hollywood studios.
But the state’s multifaceted economy is also benefiting from a boom in data center construction, continued in-migration of retirees, and an expected boost to the aerospace industry due to European NATO nations pledging to boost defense spending in coming years, according to Rajeev Dhawan of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
Dhawan delivered the semi-annual forecast during his Aug. 28 conference.
Job additions in calendar year 2024 totaled 41,900, much lower than the 66,800 jobs added in 2023. This pace was incidentally half of the rate of job creation seen from 2017 to 2019. In the first half of 2025 the state added only 11,700 jobs.
The biggest reason for this sharp slowdown and anemic job growth performance, Dhawan said, is the stress seen in the white-collar, middlemanagement, service-sector jobs that are battling AI advances, iffy world economic growth, and the changing focus of filmand-television production, where notably Marvel Studios has pulled up stakes for London. Revenue growth in the first half of 2025 for Delta Air Lines, the state’s largest private employer with a big footprint in international travel, was an anemic 1.0 percent, with coach ticket sales dropping by 3.6 percent. “The bread-and-butter of middle-class jobs in three well-paying service sectors — corporate, information technology (including specialized movie production) and wholesale (B2B) — constitute almost one-fourth of the state’s employment base and have lost more than 37,000 jobs since Jan. 2023,” Dhawan said.
Following Dhawan’s “Triangle of
Economic highlights
Here are some key economic points from Rajeev Dhawan’s Aug. 28 Economic Forecast for Atlanta and Georgia:
• Georgia jobs: The state added 66,800 jobs in calendar year 2023 and that pace moderated to 41,900 jobs in 2024. Job additions will moderate further to 33,700 jobs in 2025 (3,400 premium). In 2026, the state will add 65,800 jobs (12,500 premium) and then 83,300 jobs in 2027 (19,200 premium).
• Income: Georgia’s nominal personal income will grow 5.4 percent in 2025, a similar rate of 5.3 percent in 2026, then 6 percent in 2027.
• Atlanta jobs: The metro area will add 24,800 jobs in 2025 (2,200 premium). As recovery
Money” logic, the impact of anemic job growth in high-paying service sectors that affects consumer spending is also evident in the rate of growth for sales tax collections at the state level. These collections grew at a solid double-digit level in 2022 but have since fallen to low single-digit levels. Turning to positives in the state’s multifaceted economy, a data center construction boom initiated by technology giants has created an arms race in AI computing. With Georgia having surpassed Northern Virginia as the nation’s most active market for data centers, Dhawan noted that the data center boom has expanded beyond metro Atlanta to locations including Bartow and Richmond counties (home to Cartersville and Augusta, respectively) in the search for cheap land and energy.
“This is good news for construction industry, and other supporting professions (e.g. HVAC technicians, ready-made concrete suppliers, and electricians) who have had steady work – more – and will continue to do so,” Dhawan said.
As electricity needs rise, more power plants will be constructed outside core Atlanta metro counties, along with the associated construction multiplier. In the interim, the state’s economy must ride the economic swells as best as it can before job growth starts to pick up by early 2026 as tariff rate structure settles, and the expected, and aggressive rate cuts by the Federal Reserve help the housing market.
The state’s aerospace and defense companies, including Lockhead Martin and Gulfstream Aerospace, will also benefit, Dhwan said, due to European NATO nations pledging to raise defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP. More demand for aerospace products will start its own multiplier for suppliers downstream that located all over Georgia.
takes hold in 2026, the metro area will add a respectable 44,300 jobs (9,900 premium), and 60,500 jobs (14,800 premium) in 2027.
• Housing market: Atlanta housing permitting activity grew by 4.7 percent in 2024; singlefamily permits increased by 6.5 percent and multifamily permits by 2.0 percent. Total permit numbers will fall by 21.5 percent in 2025 as multifamily permits experience a sharp drop of 40 percent and single-family permits also decrease by 10 percent. In 2026, total permit numbers inch up by 1.3 percent as single-family permits increase by 2.4 percent. Normalcy will return in 2027 when permit activity grows by 13 percent.
— Patrick Fox
DUNWOODY HOME TOUR
PAID CONTENT
A River Runs Through It - Chattahoochee Beauty
Provided by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club
A breathtaking view of the Chattahoochee awaits when you open the majestic front door of this stunning Sandy Springs home. The renovation of their riverfront home rewarded these homeowners with all they wanted including the backyard of their dreams.
This home is one of the beautiful homes featured in the 52nd Annual Home Tour set for Wednesday, Oct 8, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is hosted by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club. All profits from the home tour are used to fulfill the club’s charitable initiatives. Home tour tickets can be purchased several ways, as outlined below at the end of this article.
The long, straight driveway up to the home is full of anticipation. The gradual rise of the land greets the home which stands surrounded by towering pine and oak trees. Just beyond is the slow but steady lull of the Chattahoochee River.
The family room is front and center and features a modern fireplace with a cast limestone and steel surround. The dining room to the left of the foyer showcases a chandelier in Lucerne gold leaf and is dripping with natural crystals. Artwork includes a pair of Enzo circles the homeowner created with a friend as a nod to an ancient Japanese practice. This homeowner, while restricted by Covid lockdowns, did not think twice about getting decorating help from artists and designer friends and was willing to let her mama’s heirlooms steal the show.
The functional and stunning kitchen carries the Benjamin Moore color White Dove throughout the home. With smart sustainability in the forefront, existing cabinets received new hardware and updated doors. The 156-inch island is made from Calacutta Borghini marble and its swirling movement and soft color bleeds into a sleek, walnut butcher block finale.
Outside, visitors can enjoy an oasis for the ultimate in alfresco living. Features include a saltwater pool with built in hot tub, two fire pits, a shaded lounging area, meandering paths to the river and a renovated pool house that is home to a Mahjong Studio…the homeowners’ happy place!
More information
Purchase tickets now in any of the following ways:
• Online at www.dunwoodywomansclub. com/event-tickets/
• In person at The Enchanted Forest, located in the Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center or at Judy & Grace Boutique in the Shops of Dunwoody
• Directly from any member of the Dunwoody Woman’s Club
•Scan the QR Code on the right
•Will Call: Tickets purchased online can
This home showcases a grandmother’s exquisite sewing skills in the form of framed children’s dresses, fine linens and meaningful artwork. The homeowners deftly incorporated
be picked up on tour day Wednesday, October 8, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Spruill Center for the Arts (5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody)
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on tour day. We look forward to seeing you at the home tour and appreciate your support. Remember, profits of the tour help fund our charitable projects. Buy your tickets today! For more information about the Dunwoody Woman’s Club go to www.dunwoodywomansclub.com
their personal style and those of their family in a way that is timeless and elegant with a modern twist. They wanted to create a space with a “great backyard view.” Mission accomplished!
Back by Popular Demand: Our Raffle! Enter for a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes, each valued at $500 or more:
• A shopping spree at Lauderhill’s Fine Jewelry
• A luxurious Face Haven spa gift basket
• An original painting by the talented artist Pat Fiorello
Raffle tickets will be sold exclusively on tour day so be sure to bring cash or a credit card to enter for a chance to win.
FALL 2025
SEPTEMBER 8th – OCTOBER 27th
(No classes September 22nd)
Dunwoody Baptist Church 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338
10:00 – 11:00
SPIES, SABOTEURS and OTHER EXCITING STORIES of WW2 – DAN O’LONE will discuss discuss three of the most important female spies of WW2, the real James Bond and the D-Day deceptions. He will also present the stories of two men, one a diplomat from a country he’d never seen, the other a British spy, each of whom rescued over ten thousand Jews from the Holocaust.
NOTE: The first 2 weeks will feature a guest presenter dealing with similar topics.
10:00 – 11:00
FOLK MUSIC and the DOO-WOP YEARS (1946 - 1966) –
TOM DELL will finish up the history of Folk Music and then turn to the Doo-Wop years, a genre that began on street corners and subway stations as groups of teens used the natural reverberation of those locales to enhance the songs they created or copied. Some of these groups recorded their songs and became among others the Robins, The Flamingos, The Cadillacs, The Teenagers, The Dell-Vikings, The Midnighters, and The Coasters.
10:00 – 3:00
OPEN MAH JONGG – Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session. Play is based on the National Mah Jongg league rules
10:00 – 12:00
OPEN CANASTA – Bring your score sheet and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session.
11:30 – 12:30
THE HISTORY BEHIND -- BETSY JONES will tell us the whole story behind the song “We Shall Overcome,” which music is based on a 18th century hymn with words first added before the Civil War and then becoming a protest song in the 1940s; as well as “Hold the Line, “a song first sung by The Weavers about a long forgotten week of riots when Paul Robeson came to sing in the little town of Peekskill, NY. Another favorite story is called “The Bench,” a story of faith and perseverance that finally freed an inmate wrongly imprisoned for 18 years in Sing Sing prison. Other topics include the discovery of unknown and untrained great artists, the history behind famous - and sometimes tragic – photographs; and the centuries old source of a line in a Bugs Bunny cartoon!
11:30 – 12:30
PERSUASION -- MICHELE FRIEDMAN will present an exploration of the concept of PERSUASION from the perspectives of psychology, history, literature and film including Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
PAST TENSE
Map identified as 1860 landholders
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
A recent trip to the DeKalb History Center archives resulted in updated information about a map previously identified as representing landholders from the 1830s. A discussion between Robert Wittenstein, myself and Dunwoody Preservation Trust Curator and Archivist Vanessa Blanks brought the date of the map into question.
Wittenstein, a former Dunwoody City Council member, has been researching Dunwoody history for his upcoming book, “The Incorporation of the City of Dunwoody 2005-2011.”
“It will chronicle the effort to incorporate Dunwoody and document its early city formation,” Wittenstein said. “It will include an appendix with many of the newspaper articles, feasibility studies and documents generated during the incorporation effort.”
As part of his research, Wittenstein wanted to study the oldest maps available of Dunwoody.
Jennifer Blomquist, archivist for the DeKalb History Center, arranged for us to view the map in person. She explained the origin of the map as a combination of an 1860 map of DeKalb County land lots along with property records from that same year. The section shown here is just a portion of the original map.
Walter McCurdy, retired Decatur attorney, merged the 1860 land lot map with property records from the same year. He spent years researching property records at the DeKalb County Courthouse to identify the owner of each land lot in 1860. There were 900 land lots on the 1860 map. The resulting map was completed in 1986 and includes major street names from that year.
Bennie Wilkins and U.S. Army Col. James Bogle, amateur historians like McCurdy, began the research. McCurdy completed the work which resulted in the map. (Atlanta Journal, Feb. 17, 2000, “Historian just tries to tell it like it was”)
McCurdy believed adding names to the map, which previously only showed lot numbers, brought life to the history of DeKalb County. There is Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody and Doraville, and in 1860 Ebenezer and Stephen Tilly were landholders. James Ball and Peter Ball appear on the map, but Peter Ball had not yet acquired the land along what became known as Ball Mill Road and
Ball Mill Creek.
The 1821 land lottery sold off sections of land in 202.5-acre parcels. In DeKalb County, the land was home to Creek (Muscogee) people before they were forcibly removed.
Lottery winners often sold their new land quickly. Land lottery winner Redfield sold his property three years after the lottery to James Jones. Jones is shown as the landowner in 1860. In 1861, Jones sold to William Lambert, and in 1862 Lambert sold to C. (Charles) A. Dunwody. After years of ownership moving within the Dunwody family, the property was sold to Steve Moore in 1905 and then to Stephen Spruill in 1918. (“The Story of Dunwody,” 18211975, by Elizabeth L. Davis and Ethel W. Spruill)
The 1860 map shows Charles Dunwody owned land west of the intersection of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road, however there are no records to indicate he ever lived on that property. There is history that indicates Dunwody lived on the Redfield property.
I have written about many of these families in the past, and those articles can be found by conducting a search
for family names at appenmedia.com. I will return to the map and other historic records to share additional information about these 1860 DeKalb County landholders.
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.
DEKALB HISTORY CENTER ARCHIVES
This 1860 map with landholder names was prepared by Walter McCurdy and completed in 1986. This section of the map includes Dunwoody and parts of Brookhaven, Doraville and Chamblee.
As AJC newspaper closes, our newsroom has your back
The Atlanta JournalConstitution announced last week, through The New York Times, that the Dec. 31 print edition will be its last. After 157 years of newspapers, the company will cease to print.
You can read more about it in Atlanta's Saporta Report.
It's a bittersweet moment for everyone in the South, and those around the country who follow closely the local news industry. I'm sure you'll hear in coming weeks how AJC staff and readers are responding to the announcement.
I wanted to take the moment to share some good news in the face of today's alert: at Appen Media, we're growing. We are dedicated to doing what we can to support a robust news environment here in Metro Atlanta. It's critically important.
One specific bright spot? A few months after buying the staple Decaturish.com (and hiring on their staff) we launched a brand new newspaper - Decaturish Ink. That's right - print news. The best part? Twice in the last month or so Hans (our publisher and my brother) has had to
Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen leads a Q&A session for the newsroom’s “Listening Tour” in 2024.
increase the press runs for Ink. The paper has been so popular we have had trouble keeping the racks full and homes delivered.
The AJC's announcement said they currently have around 40,000 print subscribers. Today at Appen we deliver 114,000 papers. A couple years ago we were doing 75,000. Then we bought the Dunwoody Crier, started the Sandy Springs Crier and launched Decaturish Ink. It just goes to show that the appetite, importance and place of local news (including newspapers) isn't going anywhere. At least, not as long as our crew is around.
We're hiring a new staff reporter to
help cover local government. We're looking for delivery drivers to help distribute our papers. We're gearing up for a wildly busy municipal election season. We're in it for the long haul, but we're going to need your help.
In a few days we are launching two Fall Fundraisers. The Appen Press Club is trying to raise $25,000 to support our work in the "northern" region of our coverage - from Forsyth County down to Dunwoody. Decaturish Subscribers want to raise $40,000 for the "southern" regions. You'll hear more from the team about those campaigns soon, but you can get ahead of it today by
Support local news
You can help our newsroom by contributing to our fall fundraiser at appenmedia.com/join or mailing a check to Appen Media, 319 North Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009.
making a contribution to support:
• the northern regions via the Appen Press Club at appenmedia.com/join
• the southern regions via Decaturish Subscribers at Decaturish.com/support
Let me be clear. I have immense respect for the AJC crew. I've had the paper delivered to my house my entire life. Our Managing Editor (and one of the most brilliant, hard-working and influential news people I've known) Pat Fox spent a big part of his career at the AJC. Losing that newspaper will be a damper for us all. I hope the folks in charge are doing it for the right reasons, and I have no reason to think otherwise. I know our local newsroom will continue to have your back, as long as you have ours.
Consider showing your support today by giving to the Appen Press Club or the Decaturish Subscribers.
CARL APPEN Director of Content and Development carl@appenmedia.com
Spruill names finalists in mural competition
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Spruill Gallery’s sixth annual AMPLIFY mural competition received a record breaking 157 submissions this year with three finalists selected for the Oct. 25 unveiling.
Each year, the Spruill Center for the Arts’ Gallery seeks out a new mural to decorate the Smoke House off Ashford Dunwoody Road. The winning design will be revealed at the gallery’s Oct. 25 Spirits for Spruill celebration.
Spruill Center for the Arts CEO Alan Mothner said the nonprofit received an unprecedented outpouring of interest in AMPLIFY this year from artists in Atlanta and around the country.
“The submissions are incredibly impressive,” Mothner said. “We’re excited to reveal a brand-new piece of public art to the community.”
Spirits for Spruill is a ticked event open to the public and will feature food, drinks brewed across Georgia and live music.
Attendees will be able to be among the first to see the reveal of the new AMPLIFY mural.
Tickets are available to purchase on the Spruill website.
The three finalists include:
• Christina Kwan, a Florida-born, Atlanta-based artist and muralist known for her calligraphic, abstract works. Kwan has painted murals across the country, including Georgia, Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, California, Alabama and Washington.
• Danae Antoine, an Afro-Caribbean artist and Georgia State University graduate who has displayed work in prominent locations across Atlanta, including The Bakery and MINT Gallery.
• Chloe Alexander, an Atlanta-based printmaker and Georgia State University graduate whose prints have been exhibited nationally and internationally – including in Atlanta, New York and London.
— Hayden Sumlin
SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS/FACEBOOK
The current mural on-site at the Spruill Gallery’s Smoke House is “Rest and Rise,” from last year’s AMPLIFY winner Manty Dey. Spruill will announce this year’s winner at the Oct. 25 Spirits for Spruill celebration.
Barber:
Continued from Page 1
“Ernie’s fame by just his first name is similar to Nell, the owner and operator of Nell’s Produce Market in Dunwoody and [Johns Creek].”
Sadly, the Proctor family announced Nell’s passing Aug. 29.
Nall said he last heard from Ernie this summer. The community cornerstone lives north of the city in Gwinnett County.
Amid health challenges, Smith sold Ernie’s Barber Shop last May to his righthand man and fellow hairdresser Kevin Lam, who renamed it the Dunwoody Barber Shop.
The 17-year-old city has changed dramatically since incorporation, but it still has community cornerstones like the Dunwoody Barber Shop. Fewer people are out and about in the community, but that trend is changing after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nandina Lane, which connects Chamblee Dunwoody Road to Mount Vernon at the Village, is now a one-way street, causing more traffic congestion at the intersection. The city converted it last year to improve roadway safety and walkability, but traffic congestion remains an issue.
Dunwoody resident Mike Palumbo, who moved to Dunwoody from Gwinnett County just after the city incorporated in 2008, said he remembers seeing members of the Dunwoody City Council and the Crier’s founder
Dick Williams talking about local news, community rumors and Atlanta sports with a room packed full of neighbors and friends.
“When I go in … [Lam] says that business is slow, and people are still wondering what happened to Ernie,” Palumbo said.
“Due to the language barrier, he thinks people don’t fully understand what happened and that he was friends with Ernie and worked for him.”
Lam, a Woodstock resident, speaks and understands English, but it is not his native tongue. The Vietnamese entrepreneur fled political persecution and hardship via boat in 1980 following the end of American involvement in the war in 1975. Lam said it wasn’t too tough after his boat made it to a refugee camp in Indonesia.
“I’ve been cutting hair for more than
NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Name: Concept Home Rugs
Owner: Ebrahim Mahdavi
Description: With over 40 years of expertise in the oriental carpet industry, we’re excited to open our new showroom, offering a wide selection of authentic, high-quality handmade and power-loom rugs, new, semi antique and antique oriental rugs from around the world,
including Persia, India, China, Turkey, and Egypt.
Opened: July 2025
Address: 11266 State Bridge Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 678-404-7555
Web Address: https:// concepthomerugs.com/ Email: ebrahim@concepthomerugs. com
35 years,” he said. “I went to an old barber school.”
Lam told Appen Media he first started working with Ernie in 2013 after cutting hair up Ga. 400 in Cumming. He said Ernie was having a very hard time before he sold to him last May.
Lam said he wanted the community to know that Ernie’s Barber Shop is still open. With a new name and owner, he said he enjoys running a one-man operation.
With more support from the community, Lam said he could hire someone to help.
Palumbo said he has been a patron since moving to the city, and his 14-yearold son James got his first haircut from Ernie as a baby.
In early September, Appen Media met with the father-and-son duo at the barber shop for a routine cut.
“I started coming here because I’m from New York, so I like old school,” Palumbo said, letting his northern accent show a little. “I like the barber shop; I don’t like the Supercuts thing.”
James, an eighth grader at Peachtree Charter Middle School, said he gets good reviews from schoolmates after a fresh haircut.
More than a decade ago, the Dunwoody Crier’s office sat above the Barber Shop, serving as a central location near the Dunwoody Village for community members to hang out, get to know one another and enjoy each other’s company.
“Back when it was Ernie working here, all the city officials were coming,” Palumbo said, smiling as he recounted the shop’s former glory. “This was like the place you could find out a lot of that stuff going on in the community. There was a lot of people who came here … everybody knew Ernie.” There aren’t many barber shops left in Dunwoody, and many residents cross the county line into Sandy Springs for a haircut.
“There are no real barbershops around anymore, and we would hate to lose this one in the heart of our community where my kids received their first haircuts as small children many years ago by Ernie,” Palumbo said. “We all would love to thank Ernie for the many years of service!”
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
The Dunwoody Barber Shop, a four-chair traditional salon within in the Nandina Lane business park, is under the new ownership of Woodstock resident Kevin Lam.
Atlanta Hearing Associates is
Atlanta Hearing Associates is a large audiology practice that encompasses 5 different locations throughout Georgia. Our offices provide comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus assessments, ear cleaning, and hearing devices for all ages.
Every doctor you will meet is focused on your needs as a patient and works with every manufacturer to provide
a personalized fitting. Each location utilizes state of the art technology and family-oriented care to help guide our patients to the best hearing devices and information on hearing healthcare.
We also partner with different agencies to provide audiological care to veterans, ATF officers, reservists, police departments, Cochlear implants recipients, and community wellness groups.
We accept all major insurances for patients who have a hearing healthcare benefit that they are eligible to use.
Our offices are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Lake Oconee, and Milledgevile.
Keeping your balance with fall prevention
Brought to you by –
and North Atlanta Suburbs
September is National Falls Prevention and Awareness Month, an often underrated issue that is extremely important for you or your older loved one. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, with over 2.8 million emergency room visits annually. The National Commission On Aging (NCOA) reports that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall, and one in four seniors fall each year. Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.
Many of these falls result in serious injuries such as hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, which can have lasting consequences on independence and quality of life. More than 70% of all falls happen in the home, with bathrooms and bedrooms accounting for 80% of these incidents - highlighting the need to be proactive.
Be attentive to early warning signs in older loved ones, such as frequently holding onto chairs or walls while walking, struggling to rise from a seated position without support, or exhibiting muscle weakness. These behaviors can signal underlying balance or mobility challenges. Additional risk factors include adverse effects from multiple medications, vision issues, and problems with gait or dizziness from chronic health issues.
Often, the place that feels safest—one’s longtime home—can present
hidden dangers. Clutter, poorly arranged furniture, inadequate lighting, throw rugs and uneven stairs can all contribute to falls. Simple home modifications like grab bars, shower chairs, improved lighting and addressing health concerns can make a significant difference in reducing these risks.
A skilled, heart-centered Home Helpers caregiver can play a vital role in fall prevention. Caregivers can assist with bathing and grooming—two activities of daily living that present significant hazards, especially in slippery bathrooms. Their expertise helps minimize risks, ensuring these tasks are performed safely. They assist with all personal care, help around the house, can accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s support.
A dedicated caregiver can also provide support after a stroke, surgery or extended hospital stay. Encouraging balance and therapy exercises prescribed to improve strength and stability with consistent follow-up is essential for recovery and preserving mobility. For those in assisted living communities who become high fall risks, in-home care can make all the difference. With personalized care plans to meet individual needs, an older loved one can continue living in the community they love.
For a free consultation and exceptional care management from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and live-in care, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
Out of sight, still a threat: What we forget about prostate cancer
Brought to you by –Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller
Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.
The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-ofmind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner. That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.
At Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, we see too many men
surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:
• “Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.” Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.
• “I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”
Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters
• “Testing leads to side effects.”
Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slowgrowing cancers don’t need surgery— just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more
Men’s Health Reminder Checklist
•Over 50? Ask about PSA screening.
•Black men or those with a family history? Start the conversation even earlier, when you’re 45 if you’re Black, and 40 if you have a family history.
•Already tested? Know your number and track changes over time.
•Don’t wait for symptoms. They often come late.
•Have questions? Ask. Your health is worth it.
precise and less invasive than they used to be.
Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital. Think of it this way: you’d never
ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible? Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.
Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at wellstar. org/prostatecancer.
Ready to take action?
Visit wellstar.org/urology to find a location near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind. Learn more about cancer care at wellstar. org/northfultoncancercare.
MILLER
At Wellstar, you'll find a multidisciplinary team of cancer care experts built around your needs and dedicated to comprehensive, personalized treatment.
We are a leader in cancer care, embracing innovation to improve patient outcomes. Our cancer specialists will help you understand the type of prostate cancer you have and every option to move forward, from active surveillance to leading-edge treatments such as radiation therapies and robotic prostate removal procedures. We also offer genetic testing, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and clinical trials that offer promising treatment. wellstar.org/prostatecancer
Building ‘We-ness’: Fostering Partnership in Your Relationship
Brought
to you by
- Will Goodwin, M.A
One of the strongest indicators of relationship satisfaction and resilience is what researchers call we-ness — a sense of shared identity, partnership, and emotional connection. Couples who cultivate this sense of togetherness tend to weather life’s inevitable challenges with greater ease and maintain deeper emotional bonds over time. But how do you actually grow this “we” in the daily grind of a long-term relationship?
1. Prioritize shared meaning
The Gottman Institute emphasizes the importance of building shared meaning — the rituals, values, and goals that define your relationship. This could be as simple as weekly coffee dates, celebrating milestones, or aligning on family traditions. These shared experiences reinforce the sense that you’re building a life together, not just coexisting.
2. Communicate as a team
Adopt language that reflects partnership. Saying “We need to tackle this” instead of “You have to fix this” fosters unity. Regularly check in about both practical matters and emotional needs to stay aligned.
3. Celebrate wins and face challenges together
Couples with strong we-ness don’t just stick together during tough times; they actively celebrate small victories and express gratitude for each other. Facing challenges as a team — even the minor day-to-day ones — builds confidence in your partnership.
4. Maintain individuality while prioritizing connection
We-ness isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about blending individuality with partnership. Support each other’s personal growth while keeping your relationship a central, nurtured space.
5. Cultivate shared enjoyment
While there is much in life that requires us to maintain a certain level of seriousness, deep bonds between people are often formed and strengthened within the realm of pleasure and enjoyment in life. So whether it is a common hobby, a shared sense of humor, or a mutual topic of interest, investing in the experience of enjoyment as a couple can meaningfully contribute to your sense of we-ness in your relationship. In the end, growing we-ness is an intentional practice. With small, consistent efforts, couples can deepen their bond, creating a partnership that feels connected, resilient, and truly shared.
Seasonal skin care matters in Atlanta
Brought to you by – Dr. Kehinde Olumesi, Epiphany Dermatology
As we welcome September and National Skincare Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that your skin’s needs change with the seasons. Here in Atlanta, the transition from humid summer days to cooler, drier fall air often brings new challenges for the skin.
Dryness, eczema flare-ups, and contact dermatitis from seasonal triggers are especially common this time of year. For some, cooler air means tight, flaky skin. For others, the shift in weather can worsen chronic conditions, leaving them uncomfortable or even painful. Environmental changes, combined with irritants like pollen or fragrances, can also trigger bouts of contact dermatitis.
The good news is that with the right care, you can get ahead of these seasonal skin concerns. Partnering with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether that means adjusting your skincare regimen, prescribing targeted treatments for eczema, or identifying and avoiding triggers, we can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable year-round.
National Skincare Awareness Month is also the perfect reminder to schedule your annual skin exam. In addition to treating troublesome conditions, dermatologists play a vital role in detecting skin cancer early and helping you prevent long-term sun damage. And for those interested in cosmetic dermatology, this season is an ideal time to explore rejuvenating treatments before the busy holiday months.
Your skin is unique—treat it that way. Don’t wait until flare-ups disrupt your life. This fall, take proactive steps to protect, treat, and renew your skin.
Former CDC officials say public health now at risk
State reps call for backing agency, more discussions on gun violence
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — State legislators and former public health workers called on Republican politicians to stand against the violence directed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During a Sept. 2 event at the state Capitol, several former CDC employees warned of risks to public health when funding and staff are cut. Public health is embedded in many aspects of daily life, from food to clean drinking water and immunizations.
Legislators from DeKalb County held a roundtable discussion and press conference with former CDC employees on Sept. 2 to continue shedding light on the agency’s work amid the aftermath of an attack on the CDC. The CDC is located in DeKalb County, on Clifton Road near Emory University.
Six CDC buildings were shot almost 200 times as a shooter relinquished 500 bullets at the agency on Aug. 8. The shooter claimed the COVID-19 vaccine made him depressed and suicidal. The shooter, as well as DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, died during the incident.
Current and former CDC officials have demanded a stronger reaction from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Trump has not made a public statement about the shooting. In a statement posted on X following the shooting, Kennedy said, “We know how shaken our public health colleagues feel today. No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others.”
HHS Spokesperson Andrew Nixon has also accused the media of exploiting the shooting for political gain.
AFGE Local 2883, a union representing about 2,300 CDC employees, is calling for additional safety and security measures at the CDC facilities in Atlanta. The union has a list of demands for the agency, including having a seat at the table to reshape safety and security measures.
According to CNN, CDC employees must return to the office in Atlanta on Sept. 15. Many have worked remotely since the attack.
The legislators who represent the areas near and where the CDC is located called on Republican leaders in the General Assembly to take action to address gun violence.
Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (DDecatur) has said that gun violence
is the most partisan issue she has dealt with in the General Assembly. Throughout her political career, lawmakers have had bipartisan discussions about gun storage, liability and the need for gun violence prevention.
But legislation has not moved forward in the General Assembly to address gun safety.
“I call upon the Senate leader, Burt Jones, the House leader, Speaker Jon Burns to reconvene a bipartisan hearing and discussion about the bipartisan need for gun violence prevention,” Oliver said. “We are at a point where we know our constituents care about this issue, and we are at a point where an honest discussion is more needed now than it ever has been.”
Lawmakers also called on Gov. Brian Kemp to publicly support the CDC, create state-based public health strategies, build or join multi-state coalitions to defend science and share resources, and reaffirm a commitment to transparency and public trust when it comes to public health.
“On Aug. 8, Gov. Kemp rightly praised Officer Rose for his heroism during the attacks on the CDC campus, but he said nothing about the terror endured by CDC staff, the children and the caregivers at the on-site childcare center, or the ripple of fear felt across nearby institutions,” Rep. Saira Draper (D - Atlanta) said. “That silence matters.”
She added that legislators are calling on Kemp to support the CDC as a cornerstone of the state’s identity and global leadership.
“Express empathy for the staff who have been terrorized, dismissed and demoralized,” Draper said. “Stand with
Jernigan and the other former CDC employees in attendance said that science needs to be put first, and ideology second.
On Aug. 8, Jernigan was in one of the CDC buildings that was hit by gunfire. Employees hid in closets, barricaded offices, and crawled through hallways to avoid the gunshots and waited for hours to be escorted out of the buildings by law enforcement.
Jernigan said that while this was a physical attack, the CDC has been attacked by rhetoric and “the kinds of information put out there really does not lead us to better public health.”
The CDC is not perfect and constantly seeks ways to improve, making changes all the time, Jernigan said.
the scientists, the epidemiologists, the data analysts and the community of health workers who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours.”
Decisions about vaccine access are being politicized, and Georgia could develop a state-based vaccine access strategy for purchasing vaccines and allowing state-run clinics to offer essential vaccinations under physician guidance, she added.
‘Death by a 1,000 cuts’
In April, HHS sent layoff notices to thousands of health workers at the CDC and other federal agencies, which was part of an overhaul to shrink the agencies that protect and promote public health, according to CNN.
Those cuts included scientists, doctors, researchers, senior leaders and support staff. In August, about 600 CDC employees received permanent termination notices.
Recently, three directors at the CDC also resigned due to the politicization of public health, according to Healthbeat.
Dr. Dan Jernigan was one of them. He led the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases and worked for the CDC for 31 years. He worked through multiple agencies and presidents throughout his career.
He was able to get public health work done during that time, “but we find ourselves now with the difficulty in doing that because of the current secretary,” Jernigan said during the press conference Sept. 2.
“I think you can almost see this as a death by a 1,000 cuts,” Jernigan added. “We’re cutting staff. We’re cutting resources. We’re undercutting science, and that’s leading to the undermining of trust.”
“Right now, however, I was in a situation where I could not stay any longer because the current secretary, and the immediate offices of the secretary, were not following the existing executive order on transparency in gold standard science,” he said.
The public and officials need to trust and understand how studies are being done and that objective approaches are being followed, he said. Former CDC Director Susan Monarez’s firing was the final straw for Jernigan, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Dr. Deb Houry.
Houry had been asked to lead the transition to the Trump administration, which meant working with HHS to see how the department’s priorities and the CDC’s goals aligned.
“When I look at how, right now, decisions about vaccines are being made based on opinion and not data or science, that concerns me,” Houry said. “When I see how our noncommunicable diseases, like chronic disease and the work we’ve done on overdoses are being defunded and moved, I’m worried we’re not going to be prepared for those health threats as well.”
She is concerned about the loss of staff and funding to state and local health departments. The Georgia Department of Public Health and local agencies, like the DeKalb Board of Health, receive federal funding through the CDC.
When Houry was asked to remove scientific documents from the CDC website, she couldn’t do it. She and her colleagues couldn’t stand by as they watched life-saving work be politicized.
“You all matter to us, and we are here because now is the time to look at how we can work together, work as Republicans and Democrats, to make a difference in our community, right here in Atlanta and Georgia,” Houry said.
ZOE SEILER/APPEN MEDIA Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees Drs. Fiona Havers, Abby Tighe, Dan Jernigan and Deb Houry participate in a roundtable discussion regarding the CDC and public health Sept. 2 at the Georgia Capitol.
Tune-Up Projects
Kitchen Tune-Up
Paint Cabinets
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
New Backsplash
Cut Down 2-level
Island
Bathroom Tune-Up
New Countertops, Sink & Faucet
Enlarge Shower
Shower Glass
Shower Safety Full Remodel
Kitchen Remodel
Total Cabinet Replacement
Large Island
Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations
Open Concept –Move Walls
9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat
Showroom – Design Center
Projects
Bathroom Remodel
New Larger Shower
Vanity Replacement –Cabs, Counter, Sink
Free Standing Tub
Floor Tile, Wall Tile
Plumbing Fixtures
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!
MONSTER MASH
1. Comrade in arms. Exploding star. Scandinavian sea monster.
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 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 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 be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Clamorous. Abominable Snowman Oak dropping.
4. Mandolin relative. Kick out. Nordic demon
5. Boxing venue. Greek female monster. Egg holder
6. Japanese monster. Store sign. Hospital worker
7. Kind of community. Wild dog
Ticket includes top-shelf whiskey, bourbon & spirits, live music, a golf simulator, cigars, and delicious food from your favorite restaurants.
Get in early and skip the lines. PARKING
755 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
745 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
DC Aiken
Big Sky Franchise Team
David & Michelle Bertany
Amour & Duane Carthy
Adam Corder
Barbara Anderson
Kerry Arias
Scott Baynton
Joseph Bell
Rita Brown
Mark Casas
Carl Abernathy
Bruce Ackley
Salpi Adrouny
Alpharetta Lions Club
Omar Altalib
Dave Altman
Ron Altman
Joel Alvis
American Legion Post 201
Alice & Dr. Richard Appen
Gaye Armstrong
Mary Asbury
Bangkok Boxing LLC
Shannon Banna
Beth Barnes
Janet Bass
Caitlin Bates
Jannet Bauer
Barbara Bauschka
Miriam Beattie
Kathy Beck
Laura Bentley
Leslie Berry
Tom Billings
Caroline Blackmon
Tochie Blan
Ron Boddicker
Jodi Bogen
Sherri Bolles-Rogers
Helen Borland
Debra Bowen
Joe Bowen
Kenneth Bowman
Ryan Brainard
Mark Brandus
Mel Brannen
Carol Bright
Linda Brill
Dorothy Brouhard
Erendira Brumley
Bernhard Burgener
Alvin Burrell
Mike & Theresa Buscher
Mary Busman
Clea Calloway
Kirk Canaday
James Carr
Bridgette Carter
William Carter
William Cartwright
Join
Support Local News Join Appen Press Club
CHARTER MEMBER
Patrick Cressaty
Robert Flint
Robin Fricton
Zachary Hahn
Allison January
David Conti
Theodore Davis III
Maureen Drumm
Charlcie Forehand
Aileen Horton
Deborah Jackson
Linda & Frank Catroppa
Pat Check
Virginia Christman
Ann Coaloa
Kim Coggins
Evelyn Collazo
Michael Mackenzie
Communications
Joan Compton
Carol Cookerly
Terri Coons
Rhonda Cude
Connie Cunningham
Christopher Cupit
Duane DeBruler
Marilyn DeCusati
Rebecca Donlan
Tom Driscoll
Michael Dudgeon
Jeanette Dummer
DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Thomas Edmonds
William Edmundson
Denise Eicher
Mim Eisenberg
Danny Elkins
Su Ellis
Grady Evans
Carol Fain
Martha Fasse
Nell & Doug Fernandez
Daniel Fleck
Lee Fleck
Laura Floyd
Cathy Flynn
Paul Folger
Adrienne Fontaine
Mary Ford
Nanci Foster
Amy Frederick
Kelly Frommer
Carol Fry
Tracey Ganesh
Daniel Gay
John Gibbs
John Gilberto
Leslie Gilliam Bailey & Ryan Gladysz
Michelle Glotzbach
Harvey Goldberg
Michael Kenig
Roderick Liptrot
Bob Meyers
Claude Nardy
Cliff Oxford
MEMBER+
Ali Mahbod
Richard Matherly
Evan McElroy
Vickie McElroy
Patricia Miller
Anne Peer
MEMBER
Christopher Goodrich
Jim Gray
Ralph Griffin
Carolyn Hall
Marilee Hamilton
Susan Hanna
Marion Hannah
Roxanne Hazen
Joe Hirsch
Penn Hodge
Dianne & Steffan Holmquist
Joan Hostetter
Julie Hostetter
Austin Hughes
Jacqueline Hursh
Paul Huth
Sue Jacques
Lynn Johnson
Tyler Jones
Arthur Kebanli
Laura Keck
Mark Kelly
Nancy Kennell
Randall Kent
Carol Kerr
Allison Kloster
Dyna Kohler
Brett Koutnik
Larry Krueger
Jess & Chris Kysar
Malinda Lackey
Brandon Leach
Dennis Lee
Ken Leffingwell
Carol Lehan
Bonnie Lind
Francia Lindon
Harlan Little
Ross Long
Kyser Lough
Rita Loventhal
Brenda Lundy
Rita Loventhal
Karen Magill
Kyile Marshall
Julie Martin
Carla Masecar
Valerie Matthews
William Maxwell
Rachel McCord
& Lori Ramsey
Sarah Reiter
Mark Rundle
Matthew Sayle Lynn Thomas
Phillippi
Robert Popp
Dave Rhinehart
Sergey Savin
Kate Seng Kimberly Verska
Austin McCully
Diane McDonald
Karen McEnerny
Lynn McIntyre
Mike McLoughlin
Jennifer Mendoza
Al Merrill
Chris Miller
Christine Miller
Patricia Miller
Joe Modica
Fred Moeller
Sarah Moen
Catherine Moore
Carol Morgan
Kathy Morgan
Stu Moring
Leslie Mullis
Donna Murphy
Jack Murphy
Aileen Nakamura
Cindy Nolan
North
Fulton Master Gardners, Inc.
Tricia Novarro
Bob O’Brien
Diana O’Sullivan
Anne Pappas
Lynn Pennington
Jonathan Peters
Kurt & Leslie Phillips
Mary & Jan Phillips
James Potts
Debra Powell
Joyce Provissiero
Chuck Pugh
Robert Radloff
Raj Rajagopalan
Ashwin Ramaswami
Cheryl Rand
Jean Rearick
Joseph Reed
Righteous PR
Angie Rigney
Neil Robertson
Kimberly Robinson
Matt Rohs
Kim Romaner
Courtney Rozear
Kelly Sarmiento
Stephanie Schniederjan
To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
Truett
Wise Jr.
Whittall
The Schoenblum Family
Robert Scholz
Stephanie Schuette
Susan Searles
Frances Segars
Tracy Shealy
Tina Shelton
Lisa Shippel
Tom Simon
Cindy Simpson
Robert Singleton
Faye Sklar
Mitchel Skyer
Judith Slaughter
Andy Smith
Gena Spears
Donald Spencer
Melissa Spencer
Gloria Stathos
Robert Stevens
Wesley Stewart
Cathryn Stovall
Celeste Strohl
Diana Sullivan
Andy Sumlin
Carol Tall
Mike Tasos
Candice Teichert
The Small Business Advisor
Suzanne & Bob Thomas
William Tietjen
Lisa Tilt
Michael Townes
Trunnion LLC
Matthew Tyser
Ollie Wagner
Lewis Walker
Jonathan Washburn
Michael Watson
Michael Weiss
Herbert Wells
Sally White
Thom White
Umpika White
Christine Williams
Jamie Wimberly
Jonathan Winkie
Nancy & Dave Wistrand
Theresa Woolridge
Jonathan Young
St. Pius X takes down Northview
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — St. Pius X improved to 3-0 Sept. 5 with a 56-21 gridiron win over the Northview Titans.
It was tick upward for the Titans who lost last year’s matchup, 47-0.
Senior quarterback Dexter Mosley had a 19-yard rushing touchdown in St. Pius X’s ground-heavy offense. Running backs Scott Ivey II and Alex Nerbonne also scored on the Titans.
St. Pius X’s offense was steady down the stretch, and it didn’t hurt to get a rest when the Golden Lions defense made it to the end zone several times. The defense got their cardio for the day and then some.
The Golden Lions dominated the first half, scoring three touchdowns within nearly 20 seconds in the second quarter. The score at halftime was 42-7. The second half saw some of St. Pius X’s younger players get minutes with the starters sitting.
Golden Lions head coach Chad Garrison said the defense’s three touchdowns was the most he had seen
in his 26 years of coaching. Two picksixes and a fumble recovery return made for an energized crowd.
After returning only a few starters from last season, Garrison said he has been impressed with the “growing up” the team has done so far to go 3-0.
“I’m very proud of our young men,” he said. “A lot of great hustle. They earned this win tonight by the way they’ve been working for the last couple of weeks.”
In the huddle after the game, defensive end coach Camden Wooden was pleased with how the team played with poise.
“When you pay attention to the little things, great things happen every time,” he said.
The Titans won their preseason game against Johns Creek, then kicked off their season with a nail-biting 21-17 loss to West Hall. Community members have said the new coaching staff has brought an athletic intensity hoping to match Northview’s academic rigor.
First-year head coach Mario Drayton has brought a renewed energy after a 1-9 season last year. Coming from McNair
• Strong reserves: Maintains more than six months of fund balance, exceeding the City Charter’s four-month reserve requirement to ensure stability in emergencies.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Northview freshman Deuce Johnson takes down St. Pius X sophomore Ryder O’Malley at St. Pius X High School Sept. 5. Johnson later grabbed the Titans’ only interception of the game.
High School, where he broke a 24-game losing streak and a 17-year playoff drought, Drayton looks to revitalize
say Drayton has already been successful in stirring excitement about the program.
Junior wide receiver Cade Zeman pulled in two of the Titans’ touchdowns, and quarterback Drew Beane rushed for the third. Zeman leads Region 5 of Class 4A in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Beane threw 13-21 for 216 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Beane leads Region 5 of 4A in passing yards. The Titans have found success relying on the junior for offensive production.
Freshman Deuce Johnson was one of the strongest defensive backs, forcing multiple incomplete passes including the Titans’ one interception. Junior linebacker Wyatt Harper led the team in tackles with six solo and two assists. Senior Ghadi Sabra was another highlight of Northview’s defense, with five solo tackles and three assists.
• Infrastructure & Public Works: $21.0 million in combined funding, including DeKalb County SPLOST II funds and grants, to advance road, stormwater and capital improvement projects.
• Hotel/motel tax revenue: Projected to be around $5.9 million, representing a 3 percent increase amid high hotel occupancy rates.
The proposed 2026 budget is available for public review on the city’s website, dunwoodyga.gov.
Northview faces Marist at home Sept. 12. The Golden Lions will face off against
• Parks & Recreation: Just under $9.6 million allocated for facilities, programs and capital improvements to enhance quality of life.
Hayden Sumlin Continued from Page 1
Handyman
Matthew the Handyman - Carpentry, painting, drywall, plumbing. Electrical and small jobs. 404-547-2079.
FREE Qoute: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing
The Administrative & HR Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative support to the President and essential human resources functions to the Vice President of People and Culture. This dual role combines executive administrative duties including board meeting preparation, correspondence management, and event coordination with HR responsibilities such as recruitment support, benefits administration, and employee record maintenance.
The Administrative & HR Coordinator takes initiative, can multi-task and remain very organized. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
ESL Contractor Instructor (Evening)
NFCC is seeking an Evening ESL Contractor Instructor to teach English classes through our Adult Education program, serving students throughout North Fulton and surrounding counties. Our ESL Program runs three sessions annually, with comprehensive lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, along with regular assessments to track student progress.
We’re looking for an instructor who is available to teach evening classes. The ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining strong enrollment of at least ten students per class and who can create an engaging learning environment that supports adult learners in achieving their English language goals.
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics or applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Truck Driver
If you have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or another relevant field, at least two years of administrative experience and enjoy project management and coordination, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Education Manager
The Education Manager is responsible for coordinating the educational activities ranging from formal classroom to on-line programs, and workshops. Programming includes ESL, GED, Workforce Development and Financial Support events for families working toward financial stability. The Education Manager supervises NFCC team members within the program department including the Sr. Education Specialist, Workforce Development Coordinator and contract ESL Instructors.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education or other relevant field and 3 years’ experience in a non-profit program manager role or other relevant experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
NFCC is seeking a Truck Driver (Donor Operations Services Associate II) to join our Facilities team. Our Truck Driver collects scheduled donations from businesses, residential locations, and special events while serving as a key point of contact for donors to coordinate pickup appointments. As the face of NFCC during donor interactions, this role requires maintaining a professional and a welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values. Additionally, this position contributes to facility maintenance operations as needed.
The Truck Driver works Monday through Friday 9am – 2pm and periodically on Saturdays or Sundays for special events.
If you have 1-2 years of Box Truck delivery experience, maintain a valid Ga Driver’s License free of any traffic violations for the past 3 years and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org Part-time