Empty Nest - March 2026

Appen Media Group

March Special Section

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Moving soon? Don’t get caught in the “Transition Gap” Brought to you by – Senior Source Medicare Solutions When you move outside of your plan’s service area (county, group of counties, or possibly the entire state), you will need to check your Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan. Both types of plans might require you to change depending on how far away you move.

Plan ahead with Medicare Advantage plans!

You want to have coverage for healthcare in your current location and as you transition into the new location.

Some plans, like HMO plans, only cover you in or around your current location for routine care, and will cover emergencies/urgent care outside of the service area. If you move, and the new plan doesn’t begin until the first of the next month, are you okay having only emergency/urgent care coverage with your current plan until the new plan begins?

Medicare Advantage plans right now offer great networks of doctors, and a lot of extra benefits; but when moving, make sure you don’t fall into

this transition gap of having a doctor network in your current location, but not the new one.

A few tips to setup a smooth plan change when moving: 1. When possible, move near or at the end of the month in order to close the plan transition gap. New plans will typically begin on the first day of the next month, unless you specify otherwise.

2. Set up appointments with doctors in the new location only once you know the effective date of the new plan.

3. Have an ample supply of medication during the plan transition.

It can take a week or longer for an application to process into the new plan’s computer system. Don’t get caught needing a prescription refill during this processing time, plan ahead!

We are licensed in most states across the Southeast and many others throughout the United States. We can help with your Medicare Plan change when you move. Give us a call today at (770) 913-6464 or send us a message online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/ contact-seniorsource.

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A return to oral medications?

Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology From spray sunscreens to creams, ointments, lotions, and foams, dermatologists love the fact that we can often recommend products and treatments that don’t require systemic exposure. When a patient must take a pill or receive an injection, the entire body is exposed, which increases the risk of side effects compared with most topical treatments.

Sometimes, however, a pill is exactly the breakthrough treatment we’ve been waiting for. Many people are unaware of the creative and innovative oral treatments now available to treat skin conditions.

What follows is a brief overview of some of dermatology’s oral medication trends and highlights.

Some of these medicines are “offlabel” or are supplements. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of any of these options with a dermatologist before starting treatment.

We start off with “melasma,” a condition in which an individual’s face develops stubborn dark patches.

Traditional topical medications like hydroquinone and azelaic acid are often only partially effective.

Increasingly, dermatologists are turning to oral tranexamic acid as an option that can be used alongside or instead of topical medications.

Tranexamic acid is a medication originally used to decrease bleeding but was later discovered to also reduce pigmentation in the skin.

Because of its anti-bleeding properties, it cannot be taken by patients prone to blood clots or those with an increased risk of clotting. For many people suffering from melasma, however, tranexamic acid can be a game changer.

For those experiencing hair loss, topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) can be frustrating to use. Once- or twicedaily application of a foam or liquid on the scalp can leave hair greasy and create styling challenges. Oral minoxidil is increasingly used as an alternative and is often very effective.

In addition, Nutrafol® supplements are commonly used as an adjunct, particularly for patients seeking a more holistic or natural approach to hair loss treatment.

Oral therapies are also gaining attention for preventing skin cancer and reducing sun damage. A form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide has been shown to reduce rates of certain skin cancers in many patients.

Another supplement, polypodium leucotomos (PLE), is an extract from

a tropical fern that reduces sunburns and may help decrease skin cancer development. Its protective effect is modest—likely comparable to an SPF 4 sunscreen for a few hours after ingestion. Therefore, polypodium is intriguing as an addition to traditional sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing.

Because polypodium acts as an antioxidant and mild sunscreen, it may also help patients with sunsensitivity disorders as well as those with melasma and other disorders of pigmentation.

The list of oral medications continues to grow. For patients with chronic hives (urticaria) the new pill remibrutinib inhibits an enzyme called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, which plays an important role in the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. Meanwhile, for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and alopecia areata, oral medications that inhibit enzymes known as Janus kinases (so-called “JAK inhibitors”) have proven extremely effective.

Although it is not a new medication, isotretinoin—better known as Accutane®—deserves mention in any discussion of stateof-the-art dermatologic treatments.

Isotretinoin has been used for decades to treat severe acne, but concerns about potential links to suicidality and other possible side effects have caused some patients and physicians to hesitate before considering it. In 2023, however, a publication that combined the data of twenty-four prior studies for a grand total of 1,625,891 isotretinoin patients found no increased risk of psychiatric disorders. In fact, the study showed that people who had taken isotretinoin were less likely than the general population to attempt suicide two to four years after treatment. Other concerns such as the importance of not becoming pregnant while taking isotretinoin must be discussed before taking this medication. Still, isotretinoin remains an outstanding and often lifechanging option for people suffering from acne. For isotretinoin, the pill may not be new, but we continue to receive new and repetitively reassuring safety data.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a dermatologic condition—or simply wants to explore treatments to look and feel your best—consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, are honored to care for patients and families throughout our community.

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Insist on the BEST Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

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Dr. Brent Taylor

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

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Importance of skin checks for mature skin Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology Brookhaven As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.

Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.

In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being.

Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting longterm skin health and vitality.

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Moving soon? Don’t get caught in the “Transition Gap” Brought to you by – Senior Source When you move outside of your plan’s service area (county, group of counties, or possibly the entire state), you will need to check your Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan. Both types of plans might require you to change depending on how far away you move.

Plan ahead with Medicare Advantage plans!

You want to have coverage for healthcare in your current location and as you transition into the new location. Some plans, like HMO plans, only cover you in or around your current location for routine care, and will cover emergencies/urgent care outside of the service area. If you move, and the new plan doesn’t begin until the first of the next month, are you okay having only emergency/urgent care coverage with your current plan until the new plan begins?

Medicare Advantage plans right now offer great networks of doctors, and a lot of extra benefits; but when moving, make sure you don’t fall into this transition gap of having a doctor network in

your current location, but not the new one.

A few tips to setup a smooth plan change when moving: 1. When possible, move near or at the end of the month in order to close the plan transition gap. New plans will typically begin on the first day of the next month, unless you specify otherwise.

2. Set up appointments with doctors in the new location only once you know the effective date of the new plan.

3. Have an ample supply of medication during the plan transition.

It can take a week or longer for an application to process into the new plan’s computer system. Don’t get caught needing a prescription refill during this processing time, plan ahead!

We are licensed in most states across the Southeast and many others throughout the United States. We can help with your Medicare Plan change when you move. Give us a call today at (770) 315-8145 or send us a message online at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/ contact-seniorsource.

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www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.

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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

A girl waves an American flag as she dances to music by Davis and the Love at Roswell Area Park July 4.

PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

Kendall, from left, John, Brooks and Reid Hill sit on a picnic blanket at Roswell Area Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday

By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell.

A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.

Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show.

“The kids love it,” John Hill said.

Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.

See FOURTH, Page 23

OPINION

See FIREWORKS, Page 24

Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.

Business owner crafts calm in the chaos

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

From left, Traci Foreman, Chris Foreman and John Hanley watch fireworks in Wills Park July 4.

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration.

As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks.

Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth.

“It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.”

Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company.

“It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.”

Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese.

Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots.

Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center.

Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the

ROI

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County restores original funding to cultural arts

Children play in the lawn at Newtown Park during a Juneteenth celebration in Johns Creek June 21.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.

sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt.

Rob Heagerty said.

At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and

make changes to water heaters.

The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said.

The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,

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gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises.

The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.

See SHERIFF, Page 12

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept.

17.

While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay.

The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.

See JUNETEENTH, Page 10

See FULTON, Page 20

Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for allegedly using excessive force against prisoners.

The 47-year-old sergeant is accused of repeatedly using tasers on compliant, nonresisting pre-trial detainees on three occa-

sions last January and writing false reports about each of the incidents.

“The (Justice Department’s) Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional

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rights of all individuals, including those in custody.”

“Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20

years behind bars for each false report.

The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

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Dunwoody opens doors to refine future land-use

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Front center, Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, holds the ribbon for phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 while City Councilman Tom Lambert, front right, gets ready to cut it. The Perimeter CIDs and Dunwoody split the project’s $1.5 million construction cost.

Commercial partners and city celebrate new path

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

A look down the completed phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 shows the two-way cycle track parallel to the revamped sidewalk.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path.

“We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon

said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.”

A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking.

Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer

See PATH, Page 17

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul.

City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan.

Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept.

26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival.

The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept.

26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,

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HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

Motorists line up at the Boylston Drive signal to turn left onto Hammond Drive Aug. 14. Sandy Springs will begin work in September to realign Boylston to the east and eliminate a nearby traffic light.

Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Award-winning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light.

The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely.

Initially, city officials expected the project

to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given.

Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door.

The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.

Indicted superintendent resigns

Residents trying to pump brakes on I-285 express lane

404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131 O RobinBlass.com

Early voting ends Oct. 31 for municipal elections ► PAGE 4

See story on Page 22

Wild Nest Bird Rehab finds roost at Legacy Park

► PAGE 24

See BOYLSTON, Page 8

Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Atlanta, GA 30338

Hundreds attend Intown Ace Hardware’s annual Ladies Night ► PAGE 14

DeKalb School Board faces tough questions as district finds itself at crossroads

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California, formed in 1988.

They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.”

The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m.

In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.

See LIT, Page 9

October 23, 2025 | Decaturish.com | Locally Sourced News | An Appen Media Group Publication | Volume 1, No. 13

solicitation. All data believed to be accurate but not warranted.

Equal housing opportunity. If you have an existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. All data believed to be accurate but not warranted.

ROBIN BLASS

GEORGIA RAE HART | REALTOR® c: 678.266.8241 o: 404.480.HOME

ANSLEYRE.COM | 404.480.HOME | 3035 PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 30305 Equal housing opportunity. If you have an existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. All data believed to be accurate but not warranted.

ANSLEYRE.COM | 404.480.HOME 3035 PEACHTREE| ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 30305 ANSLEYRE.COM 404.480.HOME 3035 PEACHTREE| ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 30305 ANSLEYRE.COM Equal housing opportunity. If you404.480.HOME have an existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a 3035housing PEACHTREE SUITE 202,relationship, ATLANTA, GA 30305 solicitation.

All opportunity. data believed to ROAD, be accurate but not warranted.

Equal If you have an existing brokerage this is not intended as a

Billboard Music Award winner to headline Sandy Springs fest

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

Put Our Experience To Work For You JAN HART | REALTOR® c: 678.596.3684 o: 404.480.HOME

A u g u s t 2 1 , 2 0 2 5 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 4 , N o . 3 4

See REFINE, Page 17

About 30 residents fill a dining room at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road April 1 to hear a presentation by TSW Design planner Allison Stewart-Harris, who spoke on the city’s future land-use strategy.

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Ross: City should have residents pick fiscal fate

2025

Miniature goldendoodle Lexi cools off at the Milton city pool on Sept. 13. Canine companions gathered there to celebrate summer’s end. See the story and more photos from Sarah Donehoo on page 18.

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See BISCUIT, Page 6

2024 DR. JOHN REYES

Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth

County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility

County delays closing Alpharetta jail site

Pitts: Raising millage rate would be mistake

► PAGE 4

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang.

Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks.

Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.

J u n e 2 6 , 2 0 2 5 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 9 , N o . 2 6

M ay 1 , 2 0 2 5 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 9 , N o . 1 8

Biscuit eatery rises to meet high demand

Soaring high Atlanta International School set to open new campus, marks 40th anniversary Pages 20-22

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