Issuu

Put Our Experience To Work For You

JAN HART | REALTOR® c: 678.596.3684 o: 404.480.HOME

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

GEORGIA RAE HART | REALTOR® Sandy Springs holds annual c: 678.266.8241 o: 404.480.HOME National Night Out event

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.

► PAGE 6 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. A u g u s t 1 3 , 2 0 2 6 | 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 5 , N o . 3 3

JANHARTGROUP.COM

Put Our Experience To Work For Y

JANHARTGROUP.COM JAN HART | REALTOR® GEORGIA c: 678.596.3684 o: 404.480.HOME c: 678.26

ANSLEYRE.COM | 404.480.HOME | 3035 PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 303 Equal housing opportunity. If you have an existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. A

‘Relishing’ the Wienermobile’s visit to Sandy Springs Farmers Market By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

John Gorman and his wife Sharon celebrate his 90th birthday while visiting the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market Aug. 1. The Wienermobile tradition is also 90 this year.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The day the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile came to the Sandy Springs Farmers Market is one many won’t forget. Seeing the 27-foot-long mobile hot dog in person sticks with you. Just ask Cathy, a Sandy Springs resident who first saw the brand’s wiener-on-wheels in their shared hometown of Chicago in 1962. “I had to come see it,” Cathy

said while visiting the iconic brandmobile during its Aug. 1 stop at the Sandy Springs outdoor market. “It brings people together, and I think that’s what I loved about seeing it when I was 7…the happiness that it brought all ages of people.” She remembers getting a miniature red whistle shaped like a hot dog that one can only get after seeing the Wienermobile in person.

2026 High School Football Preview ► STARTS ON PAGE 15

See MAYER, Page 10

City OKs 10-year, $280M transportation master plan By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — In a 5-1 vote Aug. 4, Sandy Springs City Council members approved the city’s transportation master plan, which outlines $280 million in investment projects over the next 10 years. Funding for the plan relies largely on recurring Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or TSPLOST, collections. At the Tuesday council meeting, city staff members said Sandy Springs has benefited from around $200 million in TSPLOST collections since the tax began in 2017. Fulton County residents outside of the city of Atlanta will vote in November on continuing the tax with a third iteration. If approved, that TSPLOST is estimated to

bring in $129 million to Sandy Springs by 2032. Cities are required to update their transportation master plans every five years to remain eligible for federal funding administered through the Atlanta Regional Commission. The update is taking place at the same time the city is revising its comprehensive plan and recreation and parks master plan. Council Member Andrew Chinsky, who voted against the transportation master plan, said he doesn’t want the plan to become obsolete. City staff members were instructed to ensure that any transportation improvements included in the comprehensive plan update are added to the transportation plan. During the council’s discussion on the item, Chinsky further outlined his

reasons for opposing the plan, which he said centered on its skewed vision and its lack of policies desired by residents. He said residents want increased walkability and reduced traffic congestion, particularly during peak school hours. Chinsky said he thinks the plan focuses less on helping connect residents and neighborhoods in the city and more on convenience for motorists driving through Sandy Springs. Mayor Rusty Paul said there is an incentive to align the city’s transportation master plan with the regional commission’s transportation improvement program to help ensure projects are funded. He said the plan needs to fit within the context of the region and not Sandy Springs alone.

See PLAN, Page 10

#1 TEAM COMPANYWIDE 2025 THE ROBIN BLASS GROUP

Atlanta Perimeter Office | 4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 | HarryNorman.com | (D) 404-495-8233 (O) 770-394-2131 | Harry Norman, REALTORS® is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties in Georgia. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license.

45+ YEARS IN ATLANTA

2 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

PUBLIC SAFETY

Ex-custodian broke into multiple Fulton schools By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Sandy Springs 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.

MILTON, Ga. — Milton police officers recently apprehended a man suspected of unlawfully entering multiple Fulton County schools and allegedly stealing items from those campuses. According to police, the most recent intrusion happened at Cambridge High School on the evening of July 29, four days before students returned to the campus for the 2026-27 school year. The man, the former head custodian at Northwestern Middle School, was issued a criminal trespass warning barring him from all properties operated by the Fulton County School System. His expired employee identification badge and its accompanying lanyard were confiscated by police. A Milton officer arrived at Cambridge High July 29 after a Flock camera alerted police about a 2006 Ford Explorer entering the school property around 7:45 p.m. While the officer

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.

RES NP S

UB CL

APPE

Man allegedly found with methamphetamine in Alpharetta jail

appenmedia.com/join

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police allegedly discovered methamphetamine in the sock of an inmate who was being held at the Alpharetta Detention Center July 18. Alpharetta police said a sergeant searched the socks of a 40-year-old Whitnell, Tenn., man while moving him to another unit because of his erratic behavior. The sergeant became suspicious of the socks after noticing they were black. The detention center does not issue black socks to inmates. A search found a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal substance. The man had been at the jail for longer than 24 hours. A field test confirmed the substance contained methamphetamine. Police were unable to determine when the drug entered the jail. The man, who was admitted into the jail on a disorderly conduct charge, was charged with going inside the guard line with drugs and possession of a Schedule II substance. — Jon Wilcox

waited by the Ford Explorer, a Fulton County school resource officer called Milton authorities to report the man, who was alleged to have unlawfully entered the school and committed theft. The Ford Explorer was previously pictured on security cameras at North Springs High School on July 21 and Elkins Pointe Middle School on July 20. Camera footage from July 29 determined the man entered Cambridge High from a side door that was locked when officers arrived. Police officers found the man wandering a hallway in the school. The man told police he was there because he was starting a security company and wanted to walk around and check the school’s security system. Officials from Fulton County Schools sent an email to parents July 31 notifying them of the alleged theft at Cambridge High and a broader investigation involving alleged property theft on multiple campuses. A parent of a Cambridge High

student told Appen Media that extracurricular activities, like marching band and volleyball practice, were being held at the school July 29. The high school hosted its open house for students and parents July 30. The school system said in the email to parents that the investigation is ongoing and that multiple law enforcement agencies are involved. “We are grateful for the prompt actions of our officers and staff and remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students and employees,” the email noted. In an email response to a different Cambridge parent, Superintendent Mike Looney said they are looking into why the suspect still had a contractor identification badge despite resigning from his custodial position on May 27. He also said there was no evidence that the man posed a threat to students or staff and is cooperating with investigators.

Alpharetta man threatens to kill Roswell cops during arrest

During transport and while at the hospital, the man continued threatening to kill the officers, they said. He was transported to the Fulton County Jail and charged with public indecency, public drunkenness, making terroristic threats and acts, and felony obstruction of officers. — Hannah Yahne

ROSWELL, Ga. — An Alpharetta man allegedly threatened to kill Roswell officers and kicked one in the head multiple times at a bus stop on Holcomb Bridge Road while under arrest for public indecency. The man called police himself before 11:30 p.m. July 29 to report he had fallen. While officers were en route to the site, dispatchers said they observed the individual through a camera at the traffic intersection and reported they saw him exposing himself to drivers while urinating at the bus stop. Responding officers viewed the footage themselves while the man was undergoing a medical evaluation. The man was placed under arrest for public indecency. He allegedly had slurred speech and lacked balance, which prompted the officer to ask the man how many drinks he had consumed. The incident reports said the man began yelling and became unruly while threatening to fight the officers. Officers said they had to physically control the man while he allegedly shouted expletives at them and threatened to kill them. After officers said the man refused verbal demands to get in the patrol car, they went to grab the man to force him into the backseat. According to the responding officers, the man kicked an officer in the head multiple times, causing them to restrain his legs. Officers dragged him into the vehicle and said the man continued kicking the car door.

Roswell employee charged with forging company checks ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell-based contracting company said an employee wrote herself three checks totaling $7,099, forged the manager’s signature and cashed them without authorization. The employee allegedly tried to cash a fourth check the afternoon of Aug. 3, but the manager canceled the transaction. He then called Roswell police to report that the money was stolen from the company throughout July. Police confirmed the manager’s signature was forged on the checks. Only the manager, assistant manager and the employee in question knew where the company’s checks were kept. The manager told police the employee had worked at the company for a few months and had a key to the office. He said there had been times she entered the building unsupervised and spent the night. Police obtained three warrants charging her with forgery in the third degree, accusing her of altering and delivering checks worth more than $1,500 without authority. — Hannah Yahne

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 3

For Roswell senior, Meals on Wheels means more than food By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — William “Tommy” Bloodworth Jr. knows there are days he would have gone hungry without access to Meals on Wheels through Senior Services North Fulton. Bloodworth, who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2014, estimates he spends 30% of his monthly disability check on medications. He needs them to live. His financial situation was even more dire at the time of his diagnosis. Some months, after spending $200 on blood thinners, he said there was little money left for food. The Fulton nonprofit, which delivers nutritious meals to seniors in need of them, filled the gap. “I think I was getting $1,400 a month then,” he said, referring to his Social Security Administration disability benefit. “That doesn’t go very far when you don’t have insurance to buy the medicine you need.” Bloodworth struggled to make ends meet while applying and waiting for Medicaid approval. It took several years for him to get enrolled in the federal health insurance program. “Once I started getting meals from Meals on Wheels, my food situation didn’t become so tight anymore,” Bloodworth said. “I was able to relax a little bit.” The 71-year-old Roswell senior is not alone in his financial struggles. Local seniors are experiencing food insecurity at rapidly increasing rates. In the past six months, participation in the North Fulton Meals on Wheels program has jumped by 20%, according to officials with the nonprofit. Michelle Williams, the organization’s director of meals and volunteer services, said every meal delivery enables seniors to allocate more of their fixed income toward rent, medications and other essentials. The meals also offer seniors something else to look forward to — companionship. After years as a Meals on Wheels client, Bloodworth said he is always excited to see the volunteers who bring by those meals. He knows them on a first-name basis. “People have always been there for me,” Bloodworth said. “Some of my best friends are people who come and bring me a meal five days a week.” Once a month, those volunteers also bring food to Bloodworth’s house for his cat, Princess Cleo, through the Meals on Wheels for Pets program. “I’m very grateful … not just for the food,” Bloodworth said. “It’s the people caring enough to come that means a lot to me.” In April, Bloodworth was hospitalized and was also in rehabilitation after a

! T F E L S DAY

Only

! e v a S o t e c n a h Last C

SALE

ENDS AUG 15t h

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS MOWAA / LINDSAY GARRETT

A volunteer with Senior Services North Fulton’s Meals on Wheels program brings a client her lunch. The nonprofit organization served more than 59,000 meals throughout Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs in 2025.

health scare. Meals on Wheels volunteers checked in on him throughout that ordeal. “They didn’t have to do that,” Bloodworth said. “But it was nice to see a friendly face … I’m just extremely grateful.” On pleasant afternoons, Bloodworth said he waits on his back porch for the familiar cars to roll up his driveway. He knows “his friend from Meals” is on the way. “Until you’ve been in that situation, you don’t know what it’s like,” Bloodworth said, referring to his financial crisis after his diagnosis. However, he now takes comfort in his friends at Meals on Wheels — and in knowing that he will “never be stuck without food.” Williams said Senior Services North Fulton’s work would not be possible without the organization’s more than 500 volunteers. The majority of those serve through the Meals on Wheels program, she noted. “Their commitment allows hundreds of meals to be delivered throughout North Fulton each week, helping older adults maintain their independence [while] reducing feelings of isolation,” Williams added. Senior Services North Fulton offers more than just meals, she said. In 2025, the organization provided more than 2,000 rides to medical appointments, thousands of hours of personal care assistance and homemaker services, and more than 1,240 hours of programing at their seven senior centers throughout North Fulton. As demand increases, Williams said the nonprofit remains committed to ensuring that no older adult has to choose between buying food, paying rent or filling a prescription. To donate or learn more about Senior Services North Fulton, visit ssnorthfulton.org.

TOTAL LIQUIDATION SALE!

EVERYTHING IS IN STOCK & READY TO TAKE HOME! GO! Y E H T OUTHAIRS - Reclinerrse,l, ALL C Lift Chairs, Bar l! Powerdinavian, Swive Scan

OUT T ALL POWEHEY GO! Sofas, LoRveMOTION Sleepers & seats, Sectionals

MAKE AN OFFER! THAT’S RIGHT!

NO REASONABLE OFFERS REFUSED! EVEN SOME UNREASONABLE OFFERS MAY BE TAKEN! Management reserves the right to determine all reasonable offers

OUT T EY GO ALL ACCH E S AREA RU SORIES, ! WE MUST SELL IT MIRRORS GS, LAMPS, ALL REGARDLESS & PICTUR ES OF COST OR LOSS! FINAL HOURS:

Since 1992 TODAY & FRIDAY 9am to 7pm SAT, AUG.15 9am to 8pm

AND MORE!

1101 Alpharetta Street in Historic Roswell 770-518-8518

Visit us online at theComfortableChairSale.com *Discounts are off original and regular prices which may or may not have resulted in prior sales. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. All merchandise sold “as-is”. No Lay-Aways. Quantities are limited. First come, first to save. All prior sales and previous discounts excluded. Not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. See store for further details.

4 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

COMMUNITY

Free prostate screenings offered at Men’s Health Tailgate ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis is asking North Fulton men to prioritize their health by seeking preventative care at a Men’s Health Tailgate on Thursday, Aug. 27. From 9 a.m until 3 p.m. at Fulton County Health & Human Services — North in Alpharetta, men can receive free blood test prostate cancer screenings from the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, connect with doctors, talk to a registered dietitian and learn about mental health services. “Lots of guys won’t see a doctor unless we absolutely must,” Ellis said. “Thanks to our partnership with the Winship Cancer Institute, our Men’s Health Tailgate event will make it free, easy and convenient for men to get a prostate cancer screening. A few minutes can save a life.” Ellis was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and credits early detection with giving him access to doctors and a treatment plan that worked for him. A man in the U.S. learns he has prostate cancer every 90 seconds. In Georgia, an estimated 6,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, with more than 700 deaths. Screenings and early diagnosis improve a patient’s quality of life and their chances for survival, medical professionals say. Preregistration for the Men’s Health Tailgate is encouraged but not required. To learn more about this free men’s health event or to register, go to MensHealthTailgate.eventbrite.com. The Fulton County Health & Human Services — North facility is located at 4700 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta. — Hannah Yahne

PROVIDED

Puzzles

rier 8/13/26 Connect

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 4 and 5 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!

Sandy Springs Crier................................August 13, 2026 | 5

WORLD CITIES

Dunwoody Crier 8/13/26 Crossword

Across

PuzzleJunction.com

1. Australian eucalyptus eater. City on the Loire. Fine fabric. 2. Coffee order. Dallas, Texas suburb. Loser. 3. Astronaut’s insignia. Milky gem. City in W. Netherlands. 4. Seventh Heaven. City in central Poland. Beach find. 5. City in SW Missouri. Go it alone. Evening TV offering. 6. Slightly open. Difficult program. City on India’s Yamuna River 7. Young hooter. Norway’s capital city. Motif. PuzzleJunction.com

12 13 14 15 1 Nile reptiles 5 Pool exercise 16 17 18 19 9 Protrude 20 21 22 23 12 Bryce Canyon 3 locale 24 25 26 27 28 13 Jai ___ 14 Strays 32 33 34 29 30 31 4 16 Curly cabbage 35 36 37 17 Norma Rae actress 5 38 39 40 41 42 43 20 Old west’s Starr 22 Buffoon 44 45 46 23 Kind of pie 6 47 48 49 50 24 Huge 27 Suspect’s record, 53 54 51 52 at times /13/26 Sudoku7 29 Partitioned 55 56 57 58 59 60 World Cities Crier 8/13/26 Kakuro PuzzleJunction.com 32 Legal matter How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 61 62 63 64 65 66 34 Corn units 1. Australian eucalyptus eater. on the Loire. Fine fabric. the first letter of the second answer, andCity so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each 35 Not at home 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 67 68 69 Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A 36 number 2. the Coffee Dallas, Texas Loser. Monroe of Some for 3 answers on the line. But here’ssuburb. the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually To solve theorder. Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum Like It Hot 70 71 72 be the second or thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Got Good luck! boxfor must contain the to 9. of the City whiteit? squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence. 3. Astronaut’s insignia. Milky gem. in W. Netherlands. 38 Thickness Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com 39 Family 4. Seventh Heaven. City in central Poland. Beach find. 40 Poetic 10 Mentalist Geller 68 Roman emperor 42 Japanese sash 5. City in SW Missouri. Go it alone. Evening TV offering. contraction 11 Palpitation 69 Shredded 43 Honey maker 41 Sea gull 15 Aspersions 70 Hither’s partner 44 Grad's wear 6. Slightly open. Difficult problem. City on India’s Yamuna 44 Murphy Brown’s 18 Jabber 71 Retain 45 Psyches River. Bergen 19 Periodontist’s deg. 46 All About Eve 72 Sicilian volcano 7. Young hooter. Norway’s capital city. Motif. 46 Ice ___ 21 Boy actress Holm 47 Exploit 25 Rio ___ Down 47 Burger side order 49 Tokyo, formerly 26 Always, in verse 48 Uninhibited 50 Eagle’s nest 28 At Seventeen 1 Razor-billed bird 50 Completely 51 Lined charts singer Janis 2 Knife 51 See 18 Down 53 Opposite of 24 29 Nuke 3 Blanched 52 Blue Across 30 Wise one 4 Cheers actress 54 Fable writer 55 Ventilate 31 Dissenting vote Long 57 After river or 56 Family dog, for 33 TV show type, 5 Modern surgical piggy short shortly tool 59 Congeal 58 Vote into ofﬁce 36 Hr. part 6 ___ mode 60 Sea swallow 61 Now Voyager 7 Buddy 37 Fish story 62 Furthermore actress 39 Body Heat actress 63 Neckline shape 8 Fodder holder 65 Toboggan 9 TV’s Topper Turner 64 Anger 67 Loafer, e.g. 41 Mongrel actress Anne 66 Genetic material How to Solve:Copyright Kakuro,©2026 also PuzzleJunction.com known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

7 4 1 8 8 3 5 4 8 7 1 2 2 9

7 9

2 3 4 9 5 6 7 1

See puzzle solutions on Page 29

ASK APPEN Solution

Solution 9 5 2 4 1 7 8 3 6

6 4 8 2 9 3 1 5 7

7 1 3 5 8 6 2 9 4

3 8 5 6 4 2 7 1 9

4 9 1 3 7 8 6 2 5

2 6 7 9 5 1 4 8 3

5 7 9 8 2 4 3 6 1

8 3 4 1 6 9 5 7 2

What do you want to know about the community? 1 2 6 7 3 5 9 4 8

Submit questions at appenmedia.com/ask or scan QR code.

6 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

COMMUNITY

PHOTOS BY: DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

An SSPD-stickered Lamborghini, loaned by Motorcars of Atlanta for the annual Sandy Springs Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out, is on display at City Springs Aug. 4.

Sandy Springs holds Back-to-School Bash, National Night Out By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Big crowds came to City Springs on Aug. 4 for the annual Sandy Springs Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out. Attendees had the opportunity to meet local first responders and explore emergency vehicles from Sandy Springs police and fire departments, neighboring agencies, and federal law

Darren Mack holds his daughter Minnie at the annual Sandy Springs Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

enforcement and first responder agencies. The evening included a live DJ, a dinosaur experience, free hot dogs and snow cones, inflatables and games. National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships throughout the United States. The free, family-friendly event was hosted by the city of Sandy Springs.

Finn, 4, takes a swing at a clear shield held by Sandy Springs Police Det. Nanoff during the annual Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 7

PHOTOS BY: DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

8-year-old Violet gives a thumbs-up while checking out gear in MARTA’s rail rescue vehicle at the Sandy Springs Back to School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

MARTA Police Officer Curry of the Specialized Patrol Unit poses on her Harley-Davidson Road King at the Sandy Springs Back to School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

A costumed dinosaur roams City Springs during the annual Sandy Springs Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out Aug. 4.

Sandy Springs Fire Inspector Kian Pittman helps 8-year-old Jupiter Brown on a fire hose during a game at the annual Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

Volunteers with the Sandy Springs Police Citizens on Patrol (COP) program — Nate Padula, Mayrin Sanchez, civilian volunteer coordinator Maj. Dan Nable (ret.), Krissy Williams and Melanie Dalton — pose for a photo at the annual Back-to-School Bash and National Night Out at City Springs Aug. 4.

COMMUNITY

8 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

Art tour spotlights Milton brothers born with cleft lip By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — Artist Katie Manning believes babies born with cleft lip — a common birth difference where the upper lip does not close all the way during pregnancy — are uniquely themselves and worth celebrating. She is providing Atlanta with 100 reasons why through her 100 Cleft Portraits tour, a traveling art and education exhibition featuring drawn and painted portraits of people born with cleft from around the world. The portraits are currently featured at two Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals, Arthur M. Blank on North Druid Hills Road and Scottish Rite on Johnson Ferry Road. Portraits of two Milton brothers are included in the series, and they were formally presented to the brothers and their family members by Manning on Aug. 8 at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta. The portraits and accompanying tour are part of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. The month serves as a time to advocate on behalf of patients with cleft lip — and also to celebrate them and their health journeys. The American Cleft Palate Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are among the tour’s sponsors. The Milton brothers have been under the care of Dr. Joseph K. Williams, a pediatric plastic surgeon and director of Children’s Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders, since birth. Williams said Manning’s work creates visibility for patients with cleft lip while also highlighting the artist’s own journey with the birth difference. Manning’s son was born with a bilateral cleft lip and

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs

$250 OFF

Mention ad for $250 Off. New Driveway. Cannot combine coupons.

BBB A+ Rating

ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. 678-250-4546 | FREE QUOTES • Landscaping Residential & Commercial • Tree Services • Sprikler Systems • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch • Over 25 Years of Experience • Many Local References • Fair Prices for Professional Work • Maintenance & Installation Pine Straw & Mulch • Reliable, Punctual, Honest

SUBMITTED/CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

Portraits of patients born with cleft lip by artist Katie Manning are on display at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite Hospital. The portraits, which include depictions of two brothers from Milton, are designed to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of each patient, the artist noted. palate. “This is a mom who … needed to understand how to deal with that internally, the emotions and guilt that a lot of these families have,” Williams said. “She went back to what was in her core, which is to be an artist.” A surgeon for 30 years, Williams said a common

CONCRETE

Driveways • Patios • Walls • More McKemey concrete $250 OFF* Any job $2500 or more

Competitive Pricing Many Local References

ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.

DRIVEWAYS

NEW or REPAIR and Patios • Slabs • Walls Sidewalks • Pool Decks McKemey concrete $250 OFF

Any job $2500 or more

Bobby Albritton

Master Licensed Electrician Bobby Albritton

Residential & Commercial Services Master Licensed Electrician

CallResidential for a FREE Estimate &

404-519-8635 Commercial Services bgalbritton@live.com

Many Local References

10% OFF

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Any job $500 or more.

*Offer expires 10 days after publication

Ask for Dave McKemey

678-648-2010 | FREE QUOTES

678-506-0006 | FREE QUOTES

ROOF REPAIR & REPLACE

Fruit Trees NOT Producing Fruit?

STOP LEAKS

Serving North Atlanta Since 1983. Affordable Quality Roofing. Based in Roswell.

98 • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding

• Full Insured • Free Mulch • Emergency 24/7

$150 OFF

$200 Leak Repairs or 10% OFF New Roof *Offer expires 10 days after publication

770-450-8188 | FREE QUOTES

Fruit Tree Pruning Fruit Tree Planting  Soil Care



$200 leak repair. Up to 8 penetrations. (1-story house, up to 7/12 pitch). Some restrictions apply

jobs $1500 or more

770-771-5432 | FREE QUOTES

misconception about patients born with cleft lip is that it is a life-altering condition. He acknowledged, however, that treating the birth difference is a lengthy process and one that can be challenging for families. “I think when that happens twice, in a situation like this [with the brothers from Milton], the burden of care becomes formidable,” Williams said. “It is undoubtedly an enormous stress on the family and the family dynamics.” He said cleft repair involves an 18-year treatment plan with an average of five to seven surgeries. Surgeries start in a patient’s first year of life and are followed by speech and dental development evaluations. Other procedures could later be necessary, including reconstruction of the gums, revisions of the lip and nose, and jaw surgery. Patients meet a number of health care specialists — surgeons, dentists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists and even psychologists — during their journey, Williams added. The surgeon said a prenatal, or before birth, diagnosis can be helpful both to medical teams and families. With that information, parents can prepare for the process and be provided with sufficient information to make decisions and adapt to potential challenges. “We can ease their mind and make sure they understand that this is a well-worn path and there are a lot of people that are there to take care of it,” Williams said. He said medical advancements are helping shorten recovery times. One bright spot, he noted, is that lab-created materials, instead of bone taken from a patient’s hip, can now be used to repair a bone gap.

770-284-3123 | FREE QUOTES

Specialized Fruit Tree Prunning and Care

bloom and fruit

bloomandfruit.net

info@bloomandfruit.com

BUSINESS

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 9

Roaring Social selling $10K martini with diamond necklace By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Roaring Social in Alpharetta and Decatur has partnered with Solomon Brothers Jewelers to create a $10,000 martini experience that pairs a crafted martini topped with a spoonful of beluga caviar and a 5-carat diamond necklace. Guests can now order the Roaring Jewel Martini accompanied by the Roaring Social bottle experience featuring a custom marquee sign and sparkler presentation. The signature martini is made with Beluga Gold Line vodka, a dry vermouth rinse, a float of Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Réserve. It’s topped with a spoonfull of premium beluga caviar. The drink is accompanied by a full bottle of Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Réserve and a 5-carat natural diamond tennis necklace in 14K white gold from Solomon Brothers Jewelers. The necklace is valued at $11,700. “Roaring Social is built around creating extraordinary experiences, and we wanted to bring our guests something truly exceptional,” said Brian Harper, chief operating officer of Competitive Social Ventures, the parent company of Roaring Social.

“This collaboration celebrates the art of indulgence, pairing our signature hospitality with the timeless elegance of Solomon Brothers Jewelers. Whether marking a milestone, raising a glass for a special occasion, or simply embracing an unforgettable moment, this is an experience unlike anything else in Atlanta.” The Roaring Jewel Martini is available at both the Alpharetta and Decatur Roaring Social locations. Upon purchase, guests receive a certificate of purchase, a cubic zirconia replica necklace and pickup instructions. The necklace can be redeemed at any of Solomon Brothers’ three locations in Sharpsburg, Buckhead or Alpharetta. “We’re excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind luxury experience in the city we proudly call home,” Solmon Brothers Jewelers President Jaron Solomon said. “Partnering with Roaring Social felt like a natural fit, not only because we’re both rooted in Atlanta, but because we share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.” Roaring Social is also launching its specialty martini list alongside the Roaring Jewel Martini, introducing six new martinis that put a twist on the classic martini or limoncello.

SOLOMON BROTHERS JEWELERS AND ROARING SOCIAL/PROVIDED

The Roaring Jewel Martini, now offered at Roaring Social in Alpharetta and Decatur, is a $10K crafted martini topped with a spoonful of beluga caviar with paired with a 5-carat diamond necklace valued at more than $11,0000 that guests can redeem at a Solomon Brothers location.

Famous Dave’s barbecue chain to open in Johns Creek By JOSHUA WILSON joshua@appenmedia.com

PHOTO COURTESY FAMOUSDAVES.COM

Famous Dave’s will soon bring its signature barbecue spread to Johns Creek. The Minnesota-based chain is opening a location on State Bridge Road this fall.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek will be the site of a new location for a Minnesota-based barbecue chain. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que will open at 10710 State Bridge Road, Suite 150 — an Alpharetta address within the Johns Creek city limits — in the fall. It is operated by a group called The Georgia Partnership, which includes Dr. Derek S. Scott, operations developer Vetra A. Stephens and growth strategist Lord Bryan DeGraffenreid. The new location will be the “flagship location for long-term growth across Georgia,” according to a press release from the group. Famous Dave’s was founded in 1994 in Hayward, Wisconsin, and now has 111 locations in 30 states as well as a Winnipeg, Canada, branch and three locations in the United Arab Emirates. The menu offers “the kind of barbecue that tastes as though it has been carefully tended for hours, allowing seasoning, smoke, and time to create unmistakable flavor,” according to the release. Entrees range from St. Louis-style ribs to Texas beef brisket, Georgia chopped pork and country-roasted chicken. Made-from-scratch sides include coleslaw, the restaurant’s own take on beans and fries, and cornbread muffins. The quick-service eatery is also known for its signature barbecue sauces, with flavors ranging from sweet and zesty to bold and spicy. The menu items and flavors, operators said, turn “an ordinary meal into an experience worth remembering.” Visit famousdaves.com for more information.

10 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

Mayer:

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 1 She said she was happy to see they are still being handed out today. One visitor recounted a story of his newlywed parents in 1960 who believed that if you dropped the plastic whistle in the water while boiling hot dogs, it would sound when they were finished cooking. The boiling water did not mix well with plastic, the man said with a laugh, but he said he still has the melted whistle. Sheri and Ben Perkins of Roswell brought their dachshunds to see the spectacle. Marshall Evans’ parents raved about the Weinermobile after it stopped in Monroe, so he too drove down from Roswell with his kids to see it. The unique vehicle earned a thumbs-up from his son. John Gorman, 90, came to visit the Wienermobile with his wife, Sharon, as part of a belated birthday celebration. He noted the Wienermobile tradition turned 90 this year, too. Carly Bowden, known as “Corn Dog Carly” to her fellow brand ambassadors, said the main goal of being a “hotdogger” is to bring smiles and connect generations across Oscar Mayer’s 90-year history. There are 12 hotdoggers each summer. They are divided into pairs and assigned regions of the country, where they drive one of the six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles to different communities. Family members of two hotdoggers serving in other regions ventured to Sandy Springs to support Bowden and her road partner, Evie “Grill Ready Evie” Serda. Carey McCallar, mother of

Plan: Continued from Page 1 Paul also addressed Chinsky’s concern that the plan is car-centric with an emphasis on building additional travel lanes on major corridors. He said the lanes would be used by cars in the short term while also allowing Sandy Springs to build the infrastructure necessary to expand bus routes and other regional transit options when they can afford it. After council members saw the draft plan in June, staff members were asked to broaden the city’s curb management policies to include different types of delivery and e-commerce vehicles to ensure the protection of pedestrians and the flow of traffic. Council members also wanted to

PHOTOS BY: HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Katie Caldwell grins while holding her dog Gus for a photo with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market Aug. 1. hotdogger “Cookout Caroline,” and Carol Michaels, Caroline’s grandmother, drove from Cumming and said they were happy to see the Wienermobile and its drivers. “Cookout Caroline” is representing Oscar Mayer in other parts of the South, they said. Bill Webb, stepfather to West Coast-based hotdogger “All Beef Aiden,” also stopped by to mingle and take pictures with Bowden and Serda. Bowden said it is special to hear stories from people about when they last saw the Wienermobile and witness those moments shared with younger generations who may be seeing it for the first time. “We’re lucky dogs that a lot of people love to come up and meet us,” Bowden said. expand traffic congestion management, specifically at schools. Traffic and Transportation Unit Manager Kristen Wescott said the city will look into expanding the number of off-duty police officers that are providing traffic control. Roswell Road improvements During the meeting, council members approved the purchase of the right of way and temporary construction easements necessary to make significant improvements to the sidewalk system near the intersection of Roswell and Franklin roads. Public Works Director William Martin said the city and property owners came to an “amicable” settlement agreement of $465,000, which is roughly 12% more than the city’s initial estimate of fair market value. The city is responsible for

Hotdogger Evie “Grill Ready Evie” Serda, left, plays the Oscar Mayer Wiener Whistle with Marshall Evans of Roswell at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market Aug. 1. funding 20% of the project. Funds granted through the Federal Transit Administration and distributed locally by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will cover the remaining 80%. During the meeting’s consent agenda, the council approved a $30,000 acquisition of a second right of way and temporary easement on Roswell Road that will continue the Roswell Road Streetscape Improvements Project. Fiber line installation More than 9 miles of fiber internet lines will be installed to connect 22 existing traffic signals to the city’s communication network after council members approved a $1.5 million contract with Smart Road Technology. The project also includes installing a new fiber trunk line and replacing some existing fiber lines at major corridors, like at Roswell Road and Glenridge

Drive, Peachtree Dunwoody and Ashford Dunwoody roads, and on portions of Hammond Drive. The council approved reallocating $400,000 in TSPLOST 2021 collections to pay for the project. Other business Council members also: • Approved a memorandum of understanding between the city and Georgia Gwinnett College to allow the college’s third- and fourth-year criminal justice students to participate in the Sandy Springs Police Department’s internship program. The program accepts three interns each semester. • Approved renewing its landscaping contract with White Oak Landscape Co. for $500,932. The cost, according to officials, represents a less than 5% increase from last year and factors in maintenance costs for Burdette Park.

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 11

VISIT THE APPEN MEDIA STORE Support local journalism by visiting appenmediastore.com – every purchase directly funds the vital work of the Appen Media newsroom.

SHOP AT APPENMEDIASTORE.COM AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

12 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

Southeast Pollinator Census is this month

ANNE WISKIND

Do you look forward to delicious fresh peaches, golden zucchini and luscious tomatoes every summer? Then thank the bees and other insect pollinators! They pollinate over 85% of wild flowering plants, more than 75% of agricultural crops and are essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Guest Columnist

Why is pollination so important? Pollination allows plants to develop seeds, which then produce flowers, fruits or vegetables. It requires the transfer of pollen from the male flower part (the stamen) to the female flower part (the ovule), which then forms the seed. The problem is that some flowers may have only male or female parts, so they require pollinators to move pollen. Research shows that a single flower requires eight separate pollinator visits to develop properly shaped fruit. Talk about busy bees! Flowers produce both nectar and pollen. Nectar is a sugar-rich fluid packed with energy to attract pollinators. Pollen is a protein-rich powder that contains the plant’s male genetic material. Bees are considered the most efficient pollinators because they collect and transport both pollen and nectar. They are also “fuzzy,” and pollen collects on their hair or on special collection structures on their legs. Wasps, flies, butterflies, beetles and ladybugs are more accidental pollinators. They are primarily after the nectar and may transport pollen collected on their legs, but their true benefit is as predators that eat harmful insects such as aphids, mites, thrips, leafhoppers and insect larvae. Most insects are not aggressive and are just interested in the nectar or pollen, but it is best not to touch them. Using the magnifying feature on your phone may help with insect identification. Insect populations have been declining since the 1930s. This trend is widespread, not only in developing areas of the world but also in remote locations. Scientists believe this insect decline is due to habitat loss, light pollution, microplastics, pesticide use, disease and climate change. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently lists more than 50 species of pollinators as threatened or endangered. The loss of insect communities may have a disastrous effect on food webs. The University of Georgia Extension developed and launched the Great Georgia Pollinator Census in 2017 to track insect pollinator populations in Georgia to measure the effects of pollinator habitat restoration. The initiative has since expanded throughout the Southeast to include South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and, for the first time this year, Mississippi. Now known as the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (gsepc.org), it is the nation’s largest pollinator counting effort. The project also features an educational component designed to augment STEM curriculum in elementary schools. Anyone can participate in the GSEPC on either Friday, Aug. 21, or Saturday, Aug. 22, and all ages are welcome! Participants simply pick a pollinator plant and count the number of insect visits to that single plant in a 15-minute window. Participants can complete multiple counts using a separate tally sheet. The census tracks insects across eight different categories: bumble bees, carpenter bees, honeybees, small

Leafcutter bee on mountain mint. bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and others, such as beetles, ladybugs, dragonflies and lacewings. The tallies are then loaded onto the GSEPC website for analysis. A pollinator plant is any blooming native or nonnative plant that shows insect activity. The GSEPC tally sheets feature pictures of the different insects to assist with identification, and an identification guide on the website helps participants understand differences between the pollinator groups. This year, the Fulton County Extension Office is hosting census events at four locations on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026: • Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Summerour House Garden, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Chastain Park Native Plant Garden, 4001 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, 9 a.m. to noon. • GROWL Garden at Camp Truitt, 4300 Herschel Road, College Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Little Diggers Booth at Sandy Springs Farmers Market, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Fulton County Master Gardeners will be at these locations and will host free, family-friendly educational activities to help everyone learn about the importance

UGA EXTENSION SERVICE/PROVIDED

of pollinators in nature. You will find everything you need to participate in the census, including tally sheets and insect ID guides. You can also participate in your own yard or local park, any place with flowers! You will find all the necessary information and forms at gsepc.org. Consider joining their Facebook page: Southeast Pollinator Census or follow on Instagram @SoutheastPollinators. So Bee on the lookout for pollinators! Happy Gardening! North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/opinion/ columnists/garden_buzz/.

Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmer’s Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays through October or the Sandy Springs Farmer’s Market the 3rd Saturday of the month through October.

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 13

Bears, water, and putting things back together Remember the flood? No, not that one. The one at Hacienda Hudson and all the sogginess that followed. We talked about it last time. Who would have thought a little water could disrupt things so much? STEVE HUDSON As we speak (I Columnist hope), they’re putting down new carpet. It’ll be nice and fresh and won’t make squishing sounds when you walk on it. Since carpet isn’t supposed to squish, that will be a good thing. We have temporarily relocated while this work is underway. This particular “elsewhere” is north, up in the hills a ways. There are deer (tens of thousands of them) in the woods and some giant bream in the lake nearby. So it’s not too bad. Not really. But what has made it stand out most is the bear family that wanders by every few days. I think bear sightings are incredibly neat, and I’ve gotten to enjoy two of them over the last few days. Both times I got to see momma bear and her three cubs as they meandered through the woods on the steep hillside just beyond the back deck. Momma just kind of ambles along, purposefully and patiently, while the kids gambol back and forth behind her and run all over the place like kids of all species and persuasions are want to do. Sometimes one or the other of them will stop for a minute and paw at a tree stump or dig for some unseen something in the dirt. Momma puts up with it for a while but soon looks over her shoulder to remind the little ones to keep moving. Then the cubs kind of jump to attention and take off full-speed through the trees back toward Momma, where the whole cycle repeats again. They move along that way, starting and stopping, until they eventually wander out of view. It’s neat to see, and seeing it makes me happy. I wonder where the bears go on these walkabouts? Do they have a route they follow? Do they have familiar places they like to visit and things they like to see? And (since water has been on my mind so recently) I find myself wondering what they do when it rains. That’s actually a timely question, for (let me tell you) it rained the night before last. It was a storm of Biblical proportions. From the safety of inside, it was kind of neat – sort of like watching bears at a distance. But then somebody turned the wind up to 10, and the sky lit up in shades of electric blue and gold. Then the tornado siren started wailing and urgent warnings began popping up on the cellphone. All of a sudden it wasn’t so much fun anymore.

STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA

A lightning strike damaged the Oglethorpe Monument in downtown Jasper, Ga. The lightning grew stronger and more frequent. I stepped outside to check it out (I know, I know) and found myself beneath a firmament that flashed and flickered, sparking and sputtering like a hyperactive street light, accompanied by a soundtrack of deep-toned rumbles from somewhere in the glowing darkness above. Did it sound like a freight train? I listened. Maybe it did. I thought fleetingly of my buddies the bears. Without cellphones (at least I assume bears don’t have cellphones), how would they know what was going on? But about that time there was an especially bright flash from over yonder, over in the direction of the town of Jasper. Ooh, I thought, that was a big one. I went back inside then, safe behind the closed door, and I wondered again about the bears. As quickly as it started, the mayhem began to recede. The siren wound down. Wind eased up. Rain slowed and stopped. The light show faded. And soon, comfortable again in the relative safety of relative calm, I turned off the porch light and turned in. The next morning, checking the news, one story caught my eye. It was a storm

story, a story about an historic monument that had been hit by lightning and partially blown to pieces in the nearby town of Jasper. “Jasper’s just down the road,” I said as she set out sausage gravy and warm biscuits for breakfast. “Let’s go see it after lunch.” “Okay,” she said, and we did. Lunch was at a place called Last Catch, a new-to-us seafood restaurant that came highly recommended by a friend. I had blackened catfish. She had clams. We shared a bowl of she-crab soup, and it was about as good as any I’d ever had. It was good to eat well in the wake of the nearmiss the night before. Then we meandered on over to check out the lightninged monument. The site of the strike was easy to find. Golden-yellow police tape surrounded it, and a car with flashing blue lights was parked close by just in case the tape didn’t catch your eye. The monument, what was left of it, stood there looking kind of sad. Three serious-looking folks were checking it closely. Could I join them for a closer look? No, one

said, because we don’t know if it might fall. It is not good to be fallen-on by a monument. A nearby historic marker, close enough to be read from outside the barrier, told the monument’s story. Known as the Oglethorpe Monument, it is (was?) 38 feet tall. Designed in 1930 by Colonel Sam Tate of the Georgia Marble Company, it honors Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of the Georgia colony. Sculptor James Watt carved it from solid Georgia marble, and at first it was located on nearby Grassy Knob. But that location made it a prime target for vandalism. Some folks even used it for target practice, and it was getting into pretty bad shape. But then it was restored and moved to Jasper around the turn of the century, where it stood until the other night. Lightning is strange stuff. Sometimes it starts fires. But other times it just makes things blow up. Someone knowledgeable in that area once told me that the explosion occurs when the lightning bolt’s electric blast encounters some water. The water explodes violently into steam, he explained, and it’s the steam explosion that blows things to bits. Well, apparently there was water in the way when that lightning bolt hit the monument. This water thing has implications all around, doesn’t it? Anyway, the strike blasted some of the carved panels from the obelisk, leaving the area around its base littered with smashed and broken bits of history. One moment the monument was just standing there, and the next a golden blast from out of nowhere hit hard and everything was changed. Just like that. Lesson: Beware golden blasts, even if you think you’re strong as stone. So what happens next? On the monument side, I’m hearing that there’s already talk of restoration. Most things can be put back together, after all. I hope that will happen there too. And the bears? I imagine they’ll keep making their circuits through the woods, dealing with wind and water in their own bearish way. The cubs will grow into adults and start wandering their own territories, I guess. Maybe our paths will cross again. Meanwhile, I just learned that the home front water-damage restoration should be completed sometime next week. It will be good to be back in familiar territory, though I admit that I’ll miss the bears. Again, I remind myself: Even in the middle of chaos, and no matter how bizarre things may seem for a season, most everything can be put back together if that’s what you want to do. I hope so.

Sponsored Section

August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | 14

Personalized Home Care – Going Above & Beyond 2021-2026 WINNER

2017-2025 WINNER

Best Of Perimeter

Best Of North Atlanta

Dunwoody • Sandy Springs Brookhaven

Presented By

PROVIDED

Empowering independence through in-home senior care

Presented By

Brought to you by – Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

At Home Helpers, our focus every day is matching the right caregiver with each of our clients. We guarantee a good match. Finding the right caregiver is much more than just seeking a professional with great skills. It’s about finding a caregiver with the heart and spirit to make a difference in someone’s life.

Serving Communities North of Atlanta www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta

For a free consultation, please call 770-681-0323

Greg and Hilary Eldridge,

Owners – Home Helpers of Alpharetta Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)® Each office is independently owned and operated.

This is National Wellness Month, a time to encourage all of us to focus on important aspects of wellbeing - from stress management and the creation of wholesome habits to self-care. For older adults, wellness is the framework to maintain independence, dignity and their best quality of life. While aging presents natural physical and cognitive changes, professional inhome care acts as a powerful catalyst for senior wellness within the comfort of home. By focusing on preventive health, regular physical movement, mental stimulation and emotional fulfillment, wellness can become not just a theme but an everyday reality. This is also the perfect opportunity to reassess the care needs of aging loved ones. The beauty of professional in-home care lies in its adaptive nature. As personal care needs advance, it’s built to evolve. From basic, occasional assistance to comprehensive support, it matches the aging journey of your loved one while avoiding the “transfer trauma” and anxiety and confusion often caused by having to leave the home they love. Here are just some of the ways a Home Helpers heart-centered, skilled caregiver can help. Proper nutrition and hydration are the foundation of healthy aging, but due to fatigue, mobility issues, or cognitive decline it’s often a struggle. Caregivers can assist with healthy meal preparation and watch fluid intake to prevent dehydration. This is a leading cause of UTI’s (urinary tract infections) and confusion. Regular movement preserves flexibility,

muscle mass and bone density but fear of falling often keeps an older loved one sedentary. A caregiver can provide support with neighborhood walks, following prescribed stretching routines or encourage physical therapy exercises critical to maintain mobility and vitality. As physical limitations increase, help with Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, dressing, grooming and fall prevention are important to reduce injury risks. Medication reminders can help ensure that they’re taken at the right intervals as prescribed. Light housekeeping and assistance with daily chores help keep a clean and clutterfree home. Social isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depression and rapid physical decline. A well-matched caregiver offers genuine companionship, aids family communication, and provides a link to their community and friends or help with transportation to events or appointments. Your personalized Home Helpers care plan can adapt to health shifts and safely speed up recovery from surgery, assist after a return home from a rehabilitation stay or a stroke. We can also provide the specialized care needed for a loved one with the advanced care needs of Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s. As an added support system for families, we have now added Nursing services. From four hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, we’re here to help. We can also provide live-in care alternatives that may be a more economical choice. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta at (770) 681-0323.

August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication

2026 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

16 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2026

FO OT B AL L S C H ED UL ES

High school football around the region kicks off in earnest this month, renewing a fall tradition that has bred heart-stopping action and long-standing rivalries. Enjoy this special section from North Atlanta Now powered by Appen Media, bringing you a list of games to watch this season. Support the work of your local community newsroom today at appenmedia.com/join.

On the cover The photos featured in the cover collage are credited to: • ANNABELLE REITER • WMSPORTOGRAPHY • JSM PRODUCTIONS • KEN LANGLEY

► NORTH SPRINGS 8/21

7:30 PM

@ Riverwood

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Creekview

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Woodland

9/11

7:00 PM

vs. Kennesaw Mountain

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Westminster

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Pace Academy

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Salem

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Greater Atlanta Christian

10/30

7:00 PM

@ Stephenson

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Douglass

► RIVERWOOD 8/21

7:30 PM

vs. North Springs

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Dunwoody

9/10

7:30 PM

vs. Pebblebrook

9/18

7:30 PM

@ Westminster

10/2

7:30 PM

@ Alpharetta

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Lanier

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Gainesville

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Roswell

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Milton

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Johns Creek

► MOUNT VERNON 8/21

4:30 PM

vs. McNair

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Whitefield Academy

9/4

4:30 PM

@ Holy Innocents Episcopal

9/11

7:30 PM

@ St. Anne-Pacelli

9/18

4:15 PM

vs. MBCA

9/25

7:30 PM

@ King’s Ridge

10/2

3:45 PM

vs. Fellowship Christian

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Walker

10/30

3:45 PM

vs. Mount Paran Christian

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Mount Pisgah Christian

► ROSWELL 8/13

8:00 PM

vs. Walton

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Newton

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Etowah

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Archer

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Lanier

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Gainesville

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Alpharetta

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Johns Creek

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. Riverwood

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Milton

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AppenMedia.com | August 13, 2026 | 17

Metro Atlanta high schools preview 2026 football season By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Teams in the north Atlanta metro are historically known to play high-level football, but don’t think current coaches or players are resting on the laurels of their reputations. They’re hungry and looking for success this season. The Fulton County School System hosted a media day for their football teams at the College Football Hall of Fame on July 24. Sixteen public schools gave a briefing on their teams and their gridiron hopes and dreams. Director of Athletics Lamarr Glenn, school board Vice President Kristin McCabe, and Superintendent Mike Looney spoke, followed by a keynote speech by Fulton County Schools graduate and former NFL defensive tackle Andre Fluellen. Each team’s head coach then had the opportunity to take the podium to provide an update on how their offseason has progressed and what to expect from them this year. Alpharetta Alpharetta’s Danny Carlisle was the first program lead to take the stage.

Carlisle has faced a rocky first few months with the Raiders. Alpharetta High has been undergoing construction all summer, forcing the team to complete all their workouts while exposed to the elements. The coach said it takes the team an hour and a half to set up equipment and take it down after practice, but the players have accepted the challenge as an opportunity for the development they wished for. Nick DePietro, the 2024 Region 7-5A second-team running back, rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore at Johns Creek before transferring to Alpharetta last year and playing on the junior varsity squad to comply with GHSA transfer guidelines. Carlisle told media day attendees he expects DePietro to be the team’s “workhorse.” “I’m excited to see us come together,” DiPietro said. “We’re all confident in our coaching staff and to see how far we can go.” Carlisle also brought junior lineman Calvin Landy Jr. to media day. He has been pulling in numerous Power 4 offers this year. Landy told Appen Media his top schools are Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech and North Carolina.

► DENMARK

He said he wants scouts to know he is “very coachable and very versatile” and able to play “all five” spots on the line. Roswell Centennial Head Coach Adam Miller is the first coach of the last six to make it to their fourth season with the school. The school launched its own feeder football program for kindergarten and up this season. “We’re excited to get rolling,” Miller said. Players said they are most excited for the matchup with Cambridge this year. Miller said the Sept. 18 contest will be one that speaks volumes about his team’s capabilities. Senior Atticus Cordes, who also plays lacrosse, said the team is more bought in than ever before. The shuffling of regions this year has brought Marist, St. Pius X, Sprayberry and Chattahoochee into Centennial’s group that retained Blessed Trinity and Cambridge but parted from Westminster and Kell. Coach Jonathan Thompson at Roswell High is beginning his second year at the helm. After forging Lee County into a record-breaking offense as the coordinator until 2024, the Hornets put up over

43 points per game last season during their semifinal playoff run. Had they won in the Final Four, they would have faced a familiar foe, Gainesville, in the title game, whom they had beaten 37-35 earlier in the season. The Hornets will face off against Walton in Week 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s 30-28 Roswell win. The Hornets will scrimmage against Cambridge Aug. 6 to prepare for the Corky Kell. Thompson played golf with his running backs coach and Bears program head, Tyler Jones, and his offensive coordinator ahead of the match several weeks ago. Roswell’s biggest wins last season came in close games, and one of the questions facing the team is whether they can widen the gap this year. New additions that may hold promise for accomplishing that include former Alpharetta quarterback Matthew Schletty to replace current Furman freshman Trey Smith; another former Raider, three-star edge Jaxon Holly; and Peachtree Ridge transfer Elijah Thompson. The Hornets have several returning players on both sides of the ball ready to step up into new roles.

See PREVIEW, Page 18

► CENTENNIAL vs Sequoyah

8/20

4:30 PM

vs. Dunwoody

7:30 PM

@ Alpharetta

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Johns Creek

7:30 PM

vs. Campbell

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Alpharetta

7:30 PM

@ Cambridge

9/11

7:30 PM

@ South Forsyth

7:30 PM

@ Peachtree Ridge

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Cambridge

9/24

7:30 PM

vs. Forsyth Central

10/2

7:30 PM

@ Blessed Trinity

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. South Forsyth

10/9

7:30 PM

@ St. Pius X

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Lambert

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. Sprayberry

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. North Forsyth

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Marist

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. West Forsyth

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Chattahoochee

8/21

7:30 PM

8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18

► JOHNS CREEK

► ALPHARETTA

8/21

7:30 PM

@ Northview

8/21

7:30 PM

@ Kennesaw Mountain

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Centennial

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Denmark

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Mountain View

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Centennial

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Chattahoochee

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Duluth

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Milton

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Gainesville

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Gainesville

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Riverwood

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Roswell

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Roswell

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Lanier

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Milton

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Alpharetta

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Johns Creek

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Riverwood

11/06

7:30 PM

vs. Lanier

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

18 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

Preview:

► CAMBRIDGE 8/13

5:30 PM

vs. Brookwood

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Woodstock

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Milton

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Denmark

9/18

7:30 PM

@ Centennial

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Sprayberry

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Marist

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Chattahoocheel

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. St. Pius X

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Blessed Trinity

► CHATTAHOOCHEE 8/21

7:30 PM

@ West Hall

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Forsyth Central

9/11

7:30 PM

@ Johns Creek

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Sprayberry

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. St. Pius X

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Northview

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Cambridge

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. Marist

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Blessed Trinity

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Centennial

► WEST FORSYTH 8/21

8:00 PM

vs. Houston County

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Norcross

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Lanier

9/11

7:30 PM

@ Cartersville

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Parkview

9/24

7:30 PM

@ North Forysth

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Lambert

10/15

7:30 PM

vs. Forsyth Central

10/30

7:30 PM

@ South Forsyth

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Denmark

► MILTON 8/21

7:30 PM

vs. North Cobb

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Blessed Trinity

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Cambridge

9/11

7:00 PM

@ Battle Ground Academy

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Johns Creek

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Lanier

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Alpharetta

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Gainesville

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Riverwood

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Roswell

Continued from Page 17 Senior Dre Cousey recorded over 1,100 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns last season. Offensive lineman Miller Westerfield committed to UGA over the summer ahead of his senior year. He is ranked No. 33 in Georgia’s senior class by On3 and No. 50 by 247 Sports. Coach Thompson flagged junior tight end Sean Smith as one on breakout watch. Milton Milton Head Coach Ben Reaves used his opening moments at the podium to give flowers to the entire county. His Eagles may have made up two of the last four, but it takes going back 12 more years to find another four champions like the ones from Fulton in the last four seasons. Milton kicked off the season with a scrimmage against Grayson before the opener against North Cobb. The Eagles will go on another outof-state trip Sept. 11 to face off against Battle Ground Academy of Franklin, Tennessee. Reaves brought four seniors to media day, biting at the chance to leave a legacy. Aside from quarterback Derrick Baker, who transferred from Florida last season, the other three players have championship-level experience from the Eagles’ back-to-back state titles. They all have committed to SEC, ACC and Big 10 programs and are ranked in 247 Sports’ Top 200 players in Georgia’s senior class. Baker sat out for nearly the entire season last year after injuring his wrist in the season opener against Buford. The Tennessee commit told Appen Media he is ready to get back on the field with his brothers. He said the team had a workout several weeks ago put on by an Army representative. Baker said team bonding exercises like that have strengthened the team on and off the field. Milton’s QB1 concluded his OT7 career earlier this year. He etched his name in the California seven-on-seven league’s records book with 105 passing touchdowns and bested the passing yards record. Baker participated with Cam Newton’s team and said Newton has become an irreplaceable mentor. Reaves described the Eagles’ 8-4 season and second-round finish last year as “a good cleanse” and said it was exactly what the team needed to catapult them back to state championship heights, even if it didn’t measure up to the program’s standards. One big difference from last year will be the usage rate of four-star tight end Grant Haviland. The Vanderbilt commit took on a different role last year, but with

some new additions to the offensive line, Haviland will have more opportunity to score this season, according to Reaves and Baker. Milton is returning 15 of 22 starters from last year, including junior cornerback Keelan Wonsley, who is shaping up to potentially be the third Eagle recruited by the Volunteers’ DB staff. He has already received an offer to join Milton alumni Dylan Lewis and Ty Redmond, who are entering their sophomore years at Tennessee. Redmond has been tabbed as one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in one of the best defensive back cores in college football. Cambridge Head Coach Tyler Jones said his team is ready to compete at a high level despite being the newest school in Fulton County. This year’s team is young, too, but the senior captains Jones brought to media day are leading by example. They said they are prepared to show up big at Mercedes-Benz in their Week 1 matchup with Brookwood at the Corky Kell Classic. Star receiver Craig Dandridge is the latest Bear wideout to go on to suit up for UGA after graduating last year, leaving running back Brooks Malone to carry the offense. Malone rushed for 15 touchdowns and over 1,150 yards in his junior season and said he is ready to leave his mark this year. Cambridge’s defensive line is anchored this year by senior Luke Huffman and the son of a former Falcon, Kroy (K.J.) Biermann Jr. Biermann made the all-region second team as a freshman last year and hopes to see his younger brother Kash return from injury for his freshman year. K.J. told Appen Media at practice his dad didn’t let him or his brothers play football until seventh grade. Before middle school, it was only wrestling, baseball and basketball. Kane Biermann began his football career this season for the junior Bears, playing offensive guard and defensive tackle, per K.J. K.J. said even with an NFL veteran dad, there’s no pressure on his shoulders. His motivation comes from a drive to “be better than” his dad. When the brothers began to display their athletic awards on the wall next to their father’s, it only intensified their desire to be the best athletes in the family. “Get ready to see a lot of sacks and great defense and a great offense this year,” K.J. said. Johns Creek Northview Head Coach Mario Drayton told Appen Media he is prepared to launch a campaign to revitalize the energy around football in Johns Creek.

See PREVIEW, Page 19

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Preview: Continued from Page 18 He said that starts with creating a rivalry between his Titans, the Chattahoochee Cougars and the Johns Creek Gladiators. Drayton said he felt the game against North Springs last year had an encouraging impact on the team, showing them what they are capable of and who they are striving to be as a team. He brought his four team captains to the Hall and told Appen Media that all the work the team put in last year is propelling them into this season. “The kids have been working extremely hard,” Drayton said. “That last game, through adversity and what happened to our quarterback, we got to stretch it out and that really galvanized us and really got us to where we are right now.” Drayton said the team has grown immensely and became a family. The Titans’ first game of the season is Aug. 21 at home against Johns Creek. Drayton said he plans to schedule the Gladiators every year to maintain a new cross-town rivalry. Johns Creek Head Coach Jason Tester took over this year after the departure of Jim Rowell prior to the Gladiators’ last game of the season in 2025. “Everything is about building … getting

closer as a group and these guys seeing the fruits of their labor,” Tester told Appen Media. Tester said last year’s young team has progressed leaps and bounds this offseason. He highlighted two players in the spring game. Two-way playmaker Elijah Antoine had several tackles for loss and receiver/defensive back Ben Feigin notched a receiving touchdown. Junior Jake Blackwell is entering his third year starting at quarterback for the Gladiators. Tester said he is one of the team's major leaders. Chattahoochee High’s recently promoted Head Coach Austin Hamilton has brought a renewed energy to the team after moving into his new role from co-offensive coordinator last year. He said his former post as the junior varsity head coach also helped him adjust to the new position. The Cougars hosted their own media day July 18, where they not only took team photos but also held a mock postgame press conference. Players received media training earlier in the week to prepare for how to approach questions. Hamilton said the team has already begun to see the fruits of their labor this offseason from padded camps, but he knows the reality of the situation as a new head coach. Much is up in the air and can only be settled on the field. “It’s all fun and games, but we got to put a good product on Friday nights,”

7:00 PM 7:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Hamilton said. Hamilton is a former offensive lineman for Grayson High and West Georgia. At Fulton County media day, he brought four seniors, including a center and a guard. His team is ready to redefine what it means to be a Chattahoochee Cougar. The coaching staff said the difference from last year is “night and day,” especially in the weight room. Many of the coaches are alumni of the school. Several transfers joined the team for the first time in several years this season, and the Cougars are looking to capitalize. Sandy Springs Riverwood Head Coach Josh Coffey joined the program in January, coming from Denmark High, where he served as the offensive coordinator. He held the same position at Union Grove and Lamar County and also made stops at Chattahoochee and Spalding. Coffey said the offseason has been coming along well. He brought quarterback and defensive end Jake Kaplan, along with two other seniors and one sophomore who is returning to the varsity squad after making the team as a freshman. Kaplan agreed with Coffey’s assessments of how the summer has gone. He said the community can expect a lot of fight in this team.

“I think things have been coming along great,” Kaplan said. “I would say we’ve come a long way since we started working out in the winter. I’ve seen a toughness in my team that I’ve never seen among my teammates before, and we’ve done a really great job just coming out every day, waking up early and getting after it.” One of Coffey’s biggest undertakings has been establishing this team’s identity as their own and not based on years past. “Our base pillar is perseverance, that fight through, that overcome something,” Coffey said. “That’s something that these seniors have really taken and run with, and they’ve answered every call I’ve made. They’ve stepped up, they’ve fought through it, they’ve gone to the level of perseverance that they’ve had to.” County Athletic Director Lamarr Glenn said he is excited for the five new head coaches in the county and to see what they can lead their teams to. “It’s always exciting to see the next players step up,” Glenn said. “The expectation of Fulton County is here. It’s not going anywhere. The anticipation is that Fulton County is going to have somebody special each year.” Glenn’s take on Fulton teams to watch this year are Creekside, Milton, Langston Hughes and Roswell. It’s never safe to count these teams out, so fans may be in for a fifth straight state title from Fulton this year.

► BLESSED TRINITY

► NORTH ATLANTA 8/13 8/21 8/27 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/30 11/6

AppenMedia.com | August 13, 2026 | 19

vs. Westlake @ Langston Hughes @ Midtown @ Jackson vs. Norcross @ McEachern vs. Harrison @ Kennesaw Mountain @ Hillgrove vs. Campbell vs. Pebblebrook

8/20

7:30 PM

vs. Decatur

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Milton

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Hebron Christian

9/11

7:30 PM

@ Lambert

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Marist

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Centennial

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Sprayberry

10/16

7:30 PM

@ St. Pius X

10/31

7:30 PM

vs. Chattahoochee

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Cambridge

► MT. BETHEL

► MARIST 8/21

7:30 PM

@ Woodward Academy

8/28

7:00 PM

vs. Druid Hills

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Brookwood

9/18

7:30 PM

@ Campbell

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Blessed Trinity

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Cambridge

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Sprayberry

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Chattahoochee

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Centennial

11/6

7:30 PM

@ St. Pius X

8/15 8/29 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/2 10/10 10/16 10/23 10/31 11/6

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 3:45 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM

@ Varsity Opponent @ Copper Basin @ UAA vs. Towers @ Mount Vernon vs. Walker vs. SFA @ Mount Paran Christian vs. Mount Pisgah Christian vs. King’s Ridge @ Fellowship Christian

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

20 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

► FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN

PREVIEWS FROM OTHER METRO AREAS

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Trinity Christian

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Lovett

9/11

7:30 PM

@ Savannah Christian

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Prince Avenue Christian

10/2

3:45 PM

@ Mount Vernon

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Mount Paran Christian

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Mount Pisgah Christian

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. King’s Ridge

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Walker

11/6

7:000 PM

vs. MBCA

► DUNWOODY 8/20

4:30 PM

@ Centennial

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Riverwood

9/11

7:00 PM

@ Chamblee

9/18

7:00 PM

vs. Midtown

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Alcovy

10/2

7:00 PM

vs. Lakeside

10/16

7:00 PM

vs. Shiloh

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Decatur

10/30

7:00 PM

vs. Heritage

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Meadowcreek

► HOLY INNOCENTS 8/21

7:30 PM

@ Pace Academy

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Athens Academy

9/4

4:30 PM

vs. Mount Vernon

9/11

7:30 PM

@ Haralson County

9/18

8:00 PM

@ Therrell

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Temple

10/2

6:30 PM

vs. Lovett

10/9

4:00 PM

vs. Wesleyan

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. KIPP Atlanta Collegiate

11/6

7:30 PM

@ North Cobb Christian

► NORTH FORSYTH 8/21

7:30 PM

@Jackson County

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Archer

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Dacula

9/11

7:30 PM

@Campbell

9/18

7:30 PM

@Norcross

9/24

7:30 PM

vs. West Forsyth

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Forsyth Central

10/16

7:30 PM

@South Forsyth

10/30

7:30 PM

@Denmark

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Lambert

Forsyth County West Forsyth High will represent Forsyth Co. in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. The Wolverines will face off against Houston County in the last game of the tournament’s final day, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. With the new shuffling of regions, all of the Forsyth teams, except East, are grouped together in Region 6-7A. East Forsyth is not slated to play any area teams in the regular season this year. The six teams in Region 6-7A will all play one another, so there’s no need to publish rankings. The region standings will speak for themselves. The toughest non-conference schedules belong to West and Lambert.

Dunwoody After suffering a loss to Class 5A runners-up Gainesville in the first round last season, Dunwoody is ready to rebound. Players’ Instagram bios indicate the team is out to avenge last year’s 5-6 record. They held a spring scrimmage May 14 against North Atlanta and have a fall scrimmage slated for Aug. 13 against Wesleyan. The Wildcats will open their season Aug. 20 at the Corky Kell Classic at Blessed Trinity High School against Centennial. Dunwoody is playing in their second straight Corky Kell after losing to St. Pius X 15-12 last year at Mercedes-Benz.Head Coach Matt Schmitz said he knows Centennial is well-coached after pulling off one of the biggest playoff upsets in the state last year. “We know we’re gonna have to be ready,” Schmitz said at Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic media day. At Score Atlanta’s media day ahead of the memorial tournament, players said they have immense pride in wearing their hometown across their chest. One of Dunwoody’s most highly anticipated games is their matchup with rival Chamblee. Only a few miles apart, these schools always bring their best game against each other no matter what sport. The Wildcats hope to extend their winning streak to four games after besting the Bulldogs the last three seasons. The series has gone back and forth, with Chamblee taking three straight before the Wildcats took over. Dunwoody won six straight in the 2010s and is looking to extend the

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

Dunwoody quarterback Jack Quartararo hands off to running back Cameron Irastorza at Decatur High School Sept. 26, 2025. winning streak back to that point. Quarterback Jack Quartararo is one of several major returners for the Wildcats. Offensive lineman Grant Pearch has pulled in offers from Penn, Cornell, Air Force, Georgia State and Middle Tennessee, among others.

Decatur Head Coach William Felton is preparing his Bulldogs to make their first-ever appearance in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. They will play against Blessed Trinity at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 to open their season. Felton took over in 2020 and is looking to improve on the Bulldogs’ 4-6 finish last year. To prepare for the Corky Kell, Decatur will scrimmage against Miller Grove on Aug. 14. He said the matchup is a major opportunity and platform for his team and players. He said it’s imperative for them to “demonstrate that they belong.” Felton brought six seniors with him to the Score Atlanta media day and they all said they were excited to get on the field with their brothers and make the most of their final year as a Bulldog. Several said they are eager to make a playoff appearance. In 2024, Decatur went 9-2, but Felton has been recently scheduling teams that will challenge his players. He said that although they may not be guaranteed to win against elite teams, he’s satisfied with what the team will get from the hours they put in. “At the end of the day, hard work and dedication don’t guarantee you a W,” Felton said. “But it does guarantee you an opportunity to compete for [it].”

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

► MOUNT PISGAH

AppenMedia.com | August 13, 2026 | 21

► NORTHVIEW

8/21

7:30 PM

@ Lake Oconee Academy

8/21

7:30 PM

8/28

7:30 PM

@ CCA

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Drew

9/11

7:30 PM

@ PCA

9/4

7:30 PM

@ Berkmar

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Mount Paran Christian

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. King’s Ridge

9/25

7:30 PM

@ Walker

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Trion

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. King’s Ridge

10/1

6:30 PM

@ Towers

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Fellowship Christian

10/9

7:30 PM

vs. Chattahoochee

10/23

3:45 PM

@ MBCA

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Clarkston

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Towers

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Johnson

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. Mount Vernon

11/6

7:30 PM

@ Banks County

► WESLEYAN 8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Johns Creek

► WOODWARD ACADEMY vs. Whitefield Academy

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Marist

7:30 PM

@Chapel Hill

8/28

7:30 PM

@Elbert County

8/28

9/11

7:30 PM

@North Cobb Christian

9/11

7:30 PM

@Tri-Cities

7:30 PM

vs. McIntosh

9/18

7:30 PM

@Lovett

9/18

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Gilmer

9/25

7:30 PM

@Northside

7:30 PM

vs. Newnan

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Haralson County

10/9

4:00 PM

@Holy Innocents

10/16

7:30 PM

@Langston Hughes

7:30 PM

vs. Morrow

10/23

7:30 PM

@Therrell

10/23

10/31

4:00 PM

@KIPP Atlanta Collegiate

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Lovejoy

vs. Temple

11/6

7:30 PM

@Creekside

11/6

7:30 PM

► FORSYTH CENTRAL

► EAST FORSYTH

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Creekview

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Cherokee Bluff

8/28

7:30 PM

@Pope

8/28

7:30 PM

@Dawson County

9/4

7:30 PM

@Chattahoochee

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Pope

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Veterans

9/11

7:30 PM

@Pickens

9/18

7:30 PM

@Cherokee Bluff

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Lumpkin County

9/24

7:30 PM

vs. Denmark

10/2

7:30 PM

@Madison County

10/9

7:30 PM

@North Forsyth

10/9

7:30 PM

@Jefferson

10/15

7:30 PM

@West Forsyth

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. North Oconee

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Lambert

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. Flowery Branch

11/6

7:30 PM

vs. South Forsyth

11/6

7:30 PM

@Winder-Barrow

► LAMBERT

► SOUTH FORSYTH 8/21

7:00 PM

@Duluth

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Peachtree Ridge

7:30 PM

@Sequoyah

8/28

7:30 PM

@Cherokee

8/28

9/4

7:30 PM

@Allatoona

9/4

7:30 PM

@Tift County

7:30 PM

vs. Blessed Trinity

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Centennial

9/11

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Starr’s Mill

9/18

7:30 PM

vs. Lanier

7:30 PM

vs. South Forsyth

9/24

7:30 PM

@Lambert

9/24

10/9

7:30 PM

@Denmark

10/9

7:30 PM

@West Forsyth

7:30 PM

vs. Denmark

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. North Forsyth

10/16

10/30

7:30 PM

vs. West Forsyth

10/30

7:30 PM

@Forsyth Central

11/6

7:30 PM

@ North Forsyth

11/6

7:30 PM

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

22 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

► KING’S RIDGE 8/14 8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/31 11/6

7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM

► PINECREST vs. Haralson County @ Westover vs. Westminster vs. Lakeview Academy @ Northview vs. Mount Vernon vs. Mount Paran Christian @ Mount Pisgah Christian @ Fellowship Christian @ MBCA vs. Walker

8/14

7:30 PM

@ Cherokee Christian

8/21

7:30 PM

vs. Central Christian

8/28

7:30 PM

vs. Harvester Christian

9/11

7:30 PM

@ St. Francis

9/18

7:30 PM

@ Msgr. Donovan Catholic

9/25

7:30 PM

vs. Covenant Christian

10/9

7:30 PM

@ Unity Christian

10/16

7:30 PM

vs. Horizon Christian Academy

10/23

7:30 PM

@ Johnson Ferry

► JOHNSON FERRY CHRISTIAN

► ST. FRANCIS 8/14

7:30 PM

vs. Covenant Christian

8/21

7:30 PM

@ N. Ga Homeschool Tribe

8/21

7:30 PM

@Skipstone Academy

8/28

7:30 PM

@ Fideles

9/4

7:30 PM

vs. Georgia Force Christian

7:30 PM

vs. Msgr. Donovan Catholic

9/11

7:30 PM

vs. Pinecrest Academy

9/11

9/18

7:30 PM

@ New Creations

9/18

7:30 PM

@Lanier Christian Academy

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. N. Ga Homeschool Tribe

10/2

7:30 PM

vs. Lafayette Christian

10/16

7:30 PM

@ Johnson Ferry

10/23

7:30 PM

vs. Unity Christian

10/30

7:30 PM

@ Horizon Christian

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AppenMedia.com | August 13, 2026 | 23

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

24 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA

From left, bass clarinet players Trenton Leach and Aubri Franklin, and saxophone players Alexander Amar, Sebastien Laurent and Parker Brown practice on the field during marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia July 17.

For band students, summer camp builds more than music By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Before most students have cracked open a textbook this fall, hundreds of teenagers across Fulton and Forsyth counties will have already spent two weeks together in the summer heat, learning drill formations, memorizing music and, in many cases, finding the friend group that will carry them through high school. Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell and the Forsyth County high schools were among the programs running fullensemble band camps in mid-to-late July, ahead of the fall football season and competition marching band. For band directors, the two-week stretch is logistics and rehearsal. For families, it’s something more. “When they were coming into ninth grade, band camp had already happened,” said Amy Kingry, whose two sons are percussionists. “When they came into school the first day, they already had friends, they already knew where everything was in the school, they already had a family started.” Tara Glaspey, whose sons play

trombone and French horn, described the same effect. “You’ve got a family already of people that have your back,” she said. “It’s a support system.” For the students themselves, the appeal is less about strategy and more about connection. Sydney Godoy, drum major and senior clarinet player, said the band offers something few other school activities can match. “Music is the universal language,” Godoy said. “Everybody can get into music, and there are so many different kinds of music, and you just find your people here.” Cooper Glaspey, a sophomore French horn player and section leader, said band has taught him skills that go beyond music. “It helps with people,” Glaspey said. “You get to meet all kinds of new people. You can be in the leadership, learn how to lead, learn how to communicate. I think it helps with other things like school because you learn how to manage your time.” The research bears out at least part of what parents suspect. According to data published by the College Board from its Student Descriptive Questionnaire, students with

coursework in music performance have historically scored dozens of points higher on both the verbal and math sections of the SAT than students with no arts participation — a gap that has shown up consistently across multiple years of College Board reporting. Some researchers caution that the relationship is correlational, since students drawn to music also tend to come from backgrounds associated with higher academic performance. But directors and parents in North Atlanta say the daily habits built in band — practicing outside of class, managing a packed schedule, learning music that doesn’t come easily — mirror the discipline colleges look for. Randy McDow, executive director of the Stamps Scholars Program and a former staffer for the Georgia Tech President’s Scholarship Program, said music students often arrive at college already equipped for its demands. “You’re used to having regularly scheduled lessons, practice or homework outside of that session, working together with others who may be just like you or might not be just like you,” McDow said. He added that music, like competitive sports, teaches students to

keep working at something they aren’t immediately good at. “You eventually run up against a piece of music that forces you to really dig deep and work on it, to master it,” he said. “Those are very good experiences, leadership-wise, habit-building type situations.” Glaspey said that the lesson in discipline is something she tells other parents directly. “There’s also just the discipline aspect — to be able to be on the field and march a show, you have to practice. You can’t just show up and make it happen,” she said. “In the culture we live in now, with instant gratification from our phones, we’re missing out on a lot of that discipline.” For Godoy, who plans to study music composition at the University of Georgia, the payoff is already clear. “I think everyone should play an instrument,” she said. “The way it makes you feel, the act of doing it — I fell in love with everything about music.” Directors say the two weeks of long, hot rehearsals are laying groundwork that goes well beyond the football field — for students who, in many cases, haven’t even started their freshman year.

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AppenMedia.com | August 13, 2026 | 25

PHOTOS BY: STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA

Inemesit Ubom practices during a trumpet sectional at marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell July 17.

From left, Winston Scoggins, Ethan Young, Hayden Kingry and Finn Kingry practice during a drum sectional at marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia July 17, as instructor Sarah Mottram Nesbitt works with Bella Izquierdo.

Kaylee Roselli plays bass drum during marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell July 17.

Stephen Gheen and Nat Vincent play sousaphone during marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia July 17.

A drone view shows the full marching band rehearsing on the practice field during marching band camp at Roswell High School in Roswell July 17.

26 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Appen Media Proudly Supports Local Athletics From kickoff to post-game, athletes don’t stop working. We’ll be right there to help cheer them on and honor their efforts.

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 770.442.3278 | AppenMedia.com

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 27

North Fulton and Atlanta – a story of boundaries and growth In 2010, the population of Atlanta was about 420,000. The current population, according to the latest US Census Bureau estimate, is about 530,000. The unincorporated BOB MEYERS Fulton County Columnist population in 2010, the first year of statistics, was about 147,000, which by 2024 had grown to about 176,000. It is said that it is easy to lie with statistics, so take any stats with a grain of salt. The point is that Atlanta has grown from a small town to a large metropolis for many reasons. The area that is North Fulton County today played a role in that process and is also a major population and employment center in its own right. For some time, North Fulton has been an engine for growth in the Atlanta region. Alpharetta, for example, is home to more than 700 technology companies and other organizations. It is a major employment center for the Atlanta metro area. A few noteworthy companies with operations in Alpharetta are ADP (Automatic Data Processing), Jackson Healthcare, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Equifax, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Honeywell, Morgan Stanley, Verizon, McKesson and Siemens. Atlanta’s growth was driven by its early status as a major railroad hub, its aggressive post-Civil War focus on rebuilding and its sustained infrastructure investment. In the 1800s, Georgia Tech and Morehouse College were founded during the postwar Reconstruction, and Atlanta became known as the “Capital of the New South.” More recently, Atlanta’s growth was stimulated by the development of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport beginning in the 1920s and the Downtown Connector, which began in 1952 and linked the early portions of what would become Interstate 75 and Interstate 85, and the 1996 Olympics, among other notable developments. Henry W. Grady (1850-1889) was a key leader of the movement to rebuild Atlanta. As managing editor of the Atlanta Constitution, he branded the city as the “Capital of the New South.” He was a strong proponent of industrialization. He promoted the construction of large buildings to distinguish Atlanta from other wardevastated cities. He promoted Northern investment by saying that the “Old South, built on slavery and agriculture,” had to give way to a “New South,”

C. W. MOTES/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Henry W. Grady, called the “Spokesman of the New South,” was managing editor of the Atlanta Constitution in the 1880s. He promoted Atlanta’s post-Civil War growth and encouraged Northern investment in the city. Grady Hospital is named after him. although he personally endorsed white supremacy. A key to Atlanta’s growth has been its annexation policy, particularly its 1952 “Plan of Improvement,” when Atlanta annexed about 82 square miles, including Buckhead, Adams Park, Southwest Atlanta and Lakewood. This action tripled the city’s area, added about 100,000 new residents and strengthened Atlanta’s economic base. Challenges by some residents who wanted to remain unincorporated went nowhere. Annexation began as early as 1847, when Atlanta was a small rail town with a one-mile radius. After the Civil War, the city began to expand by absorbing

some residential and industrial districts. Nothing compared, however, to the 1952 expansion with up to 19 unincorporated communities and neighborhoods, depending on the definition. Annexation was Atlanta’s strategy for growth. It brought talented new people to the city and increased property tax revenues, which supported improved public services. It helped make Atlanta a regional powerhouse. Unincorporated North Fulton engaged in its own annexation. It was a quiet farming area with towns too small and too far away to interest Atlanta. In 2005, Sandy Springs was the first North Fulton community to be incorporated. It had sought that status

for many years, partly because of fear that Atlanta would annex it. This fear, combined with dissatisfaction with Fulton County services, led to its incorporation. Its success stimulated other communities to incorporate. Since the county could no longer argue that new cities could not work, Milton and Johns Creek incorporated on Dec. 1, 2006, after local referendums. Small towns and settlements began to disappear into those municipalities to avoid annexation by Alpharetta and Roswell. Alpharetta had already annexed Freemansville, Windward and parts of Crabapple. Roswell had annexed Big Creek and Pine Grove. On Dec. 1, 2006, all unincorporated communities in eastern North Fulton, including Ocee, Warsaw, Newtown, Shakerag, Medlock Bridge and Autrey Mill, were absorbed into the new city of Johns Creek. Also, on the same date, Milton absorbed Birmingham, a portion of Crabapple, Hopewell, Providence, Dinsmore, Coker, Mazeppa and the areas of Arnold and Stovall. Some communities had disappeared before 2006, including Union Hill and Hardscrabble. In 1900, Atlanta had a population of 90,000. Today it is half a million. The region surrounding the city, including North Fulton, today boasts a population of more than 6 million. The stories of Atlanta and North Fulton are complex and to some extent intertwined, resulting in a metropolis. Note: Thanks to historian Connie Mashburn for his assistance with this column. He always has the answer. Bob is a member of the Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

DEATH NOTICES Rosemary Blackington, age 93, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 21, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. Laverne Calvert, age 84, of Milton, GA passed away on July 26, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Mildred Gergelyi, age 89, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 20, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Archella Pelletier, age 56, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 22, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Clyde “Drew” Ludwick, age 76, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 27, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alice Pruet, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on August 2, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

28 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

N A E V A H T N E M E C N U O N AN S H A R E ? TO

Join today for $16/month

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club CHARTER MEMBER

DC Aiken Big Sky Franchise Team David & Michelle Bertany Amour & Duane Carthy Scott Childress Adam Corder

Patrick Cressaty Lindsay DeFranco Robert Flint Robin Fricton Zachary Hahn Allison January

Michael Kenig Roderick Liptrot Bob Meyers Claude Nardy Cliff Oxford Bruce Paulk

Ross & Lori Ramsey Sarah Reiter Mark Rundle Matthew Sayle Lynn Thomas Kim Truett

Roger Wise Jr. Colt Whittall

Robert Popp Dave Rhinehart Sergey Savin Heather Sawyer Kate Seng Karen Shih Bob Stevens

Kimberly Verska Carol Williams

Thomas Edmonds William Edmundson Denise Eicher Mim Eisenberg Danny Elkins Su Ellis Grady Evans Leslie Ann Everett Steve Fabian Carol Fain Martha Fasse Nell & Doug Fernandez Renai Fitzpatrick Daniel Fleck Lee Fleck Laura Floyd Andrew Flynn Cathy Flynn Paul Folger Adrienne Fontaine Mary Ford Nanci Foster Amy Frederick Kelly Frommer Carol Fry Tim Fulton Andrew Garner Tracey Ganesh Steve Garrett Daniel Gay Matthew Geller John Gibbs

John Gilberto Leslie Gilliam Bailey & Ryan Gladysz Michelle Glotzbach Harvey Goldberg Christopher Goodrich Jim Gray Ralph Griffin Rihard Griffiths Elaine Gwynn Carolyn Hall Marilee Hamilton Susan Hanna Marion Hannah Chris Harrell Roxanne Hazen Joe Hirsch Penn Hodge Dianne & Steffan Holmquist Joan Hostetter Julie Hostetter Krista Howland Austin Hughes Jason Hunyar Jacqueline Hursh Susan Huss Paul Huth Jeffrey Hyde J. Craig Inman Sandra Jacobs Sue Jacques Lynn Johnson

MEMBER+

Run it in the newspaper! WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHS DEATHS To submit your announcement visit

appenmedia.com/submit

Barbara Anderson Kerry Arias Scott Baynton Joseph Bell Rita Brown SM Buscher Mark Casas

David Conti Theodore Davis III Maureen Drumm Charlcie Forehand Aileen Horton Deborah Jackson David Johnson

Ali Mahbod Richard Matherly Evan McElroy Vickie McElroy Anne Peer Helen Perry Jennifer Phillippi

MEMBER Carl Abernathy Bruce Ackley Salpi Adrouny Alpharetta Lions Club Omar Altalib Dave Altman Ron Altman Joel Alvis American Legion Post 201 Ken Amos Alice & Dr. Richard Appen Stewart Applbaum Gaye Armstrong Mary Asbury Amy Auffant Bonnie Avera Carolyn Axt Bangkok Boxing LLC Sandra Balmer Shannon Banna Beth Barnes Michael Baron Janet Bass Caitlin Bates Jannet Bauer Barbara Bauschka Miriam Beattie Kathy Beck Laura Bentley William Bentley Steve Berman Leslie Berry

Tom Billings Caroline Blackmon Tochie Blan Ron Boddicker Jodi Bogen Sherri Bolles-Rogers Katherine Bolt Helen Borland Debra Bowen Joe Bowen Kenneth Bowman David Boy Ryan Brainard Mark Brandus Mel Brannen Amy Bratten Carol Bright Linda Brill Dorothy Brouhard Mary Anne Brown Erendira Brumley Zack Buchanan Bernhard Burgener Alvin Burrell Mike & Theresa Buscher Mary Busman Clea Calloway Kirk Canaday James Carr Bridgette Carter William Carter William Cartwright

Linda & Frank Catroppa Pat Check Virginia Christman Adam Cleveland Ann Coaloa Kim Coggins Michael Cohen Evelyn Collazo Michael Mackenzie Communications Joan Compton Kathleen Cook Carol Cookerly Terri Coons Sarah Cox Cynthia Crawford Rhonda Cude Connie Cunningham Christopher Cupit Bart Dean David Dean Duane DeBruler Marilyn DeCusati Kathleen DeMartino Nancy Diamond Sarah Donehoo Rebecca Donlan James Dorsey Tom Driscoll Michael Dudgeon Jeanette Dummer DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

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.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

4 7 7 1 8 SOLUTIONS Solution 9 8 3 5 3 2 4 Dunwoody Crier 8/13/26 Kakuro 4 9 8 7 Candice Teichert The Small Business Advisor Suzanne & Bob Thomas 5 1 2 William Tietjen Lisa Tilt Michael Townes 6 7 2 Trunnion LLC Matthew Tyser Connect-It Solution Edward Votta 1 9 Linda Wabler AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 29

Join today for $16/month

Support Local News Join Appen Press Club MEMBER (CONT.)

Tyler Jones Zach Jones Patricia Kachur Amy Kanderis Arthur Kebanli Laura Keck Mark Kelly Nancy Kennell Randall Kent Carol Kerr Sally Klaskala Allison Kloster Dyna Kohler Brett Koutnik Larry Krueger Jess & Chris Kysar Malinda Lackey Sarah Lamm Daniel Lashinsky Richard Lapin Christine Law Brandon Leach Dennis Lee Ken Leffingwell Carol Lehan Melissa Libby Bonnie Lind Francia Lindon Karen Lippert Harlan Little Jarrett Long Ross Long Kyser Lough Rita Loventhal Jerry Lucas Brenda Lundy Harry Lutz Rita Loventhal Karen Magill

Freda Manning-Rumph Kyile Marshall Julie Martin Linda & Todd Martinez Carla Masecar Valerie Matthews Theresea Mattioli William Maxwell Nicole Mayer Rachel McCord Austin McCully Diane McDonald Evan McElroy Karen McEnerny Jack McGinnis Lynn McIntyre Mike McLoughlin Margaret McManus Jennifer Mendoza Al Merrill Chris Miller Christine Miller Patricia Miller Milton Animal Hospital George Mobley Joe Modica Fred Moeller Sarah Moen Catherine Moore Ralph Moore Carol Morgan Kathy Morgan Stu Moring Leslie Mullis Donna Murphy Jack Murphy Aileen Nakamura George Nathan Caroline Naughton

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

Richard Nichols Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardeners, 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 Seth Price Joyce Provissiero Chuck Pugh Patricia Rackliffe Robert Radloff Raj Rajagopalan Pankaj Rajankar Ashwin Ramaswami Cheryl Rand Manu Rao James Rasmussen Paula Rattray Lori Rausch Jean Rearick Joseph Reed Scarlett Reynolds Righteous PR Angie Rigney Sean Riley Neil Robertson Kimberly Robinson Matt Rohs Kim Romaner Courtney Rozear Fran Russell

Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

Janet Sandberg Kelly Sarmiento Fran Schefer Derek Scheidt Dorothy Scherr Stephanie Schniederjan The Schoenblum Family Robert Scholz Robert Schreiner Stephanie Schuette Susan Searles Frances Segars Tracy Shealy Tina Shelton Lisa Shippel Steve Short Tom Simon Cindy Simpson Robert Singleton Faye Sklar Mitchel Skyer Judith Slaughter Andy Smith Lee Smith Tia Solh Morris Soriano Heidi Sowder Gena Spears Donald Spencer Melissa Spencer Jan Stephens Wesley Stewart Cathryn Stovall Celeste Strohl Diana Sullivan Andy Sumlin Kathy Swahn Carol Tall Mike Tasos

J U T L A P S A S P S E R R S A L A I U T A H S A L L Y F I E L D K A L E M U D O A F B E L L E P R I O R S L A R G E E A R S R E S Z O N E D M A R I L Y N A W A Y C O B T I S K I N P L Y E grid. The rules a C U B style C E in a crossword D I solved A N puzzle, Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challengingCnumber E I R E A O D E T A E F below the dia number A it. of right the to squares white the above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of M A1 toL9, Land a digit can only be used on S digits P H A may G it.R You onlySuse the of the white squares in the sequence below E L E C T L A B A I R S L E D B E T T E D A V I S T O R N N E R O S H O E E T N A K E E P Y O N Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

Ollie Wagner Lewis Walker Elizabeth Waller Valerie Walters-Gold Ann Marie Warning Terry Warnke Jonathan Washburn Michael Watson Deborah Weiss Michael Weiss Herbert Wells Benjamin Wemberly Beverly Whisenant Sally White Thom White Umpika White Mae Whiteside Ashley Whitt Jennifer Wieland Christine Williams Jamie Wimberly Jonathan Winkie Nancy & Dave Wistrand Kalle Wood Theresa Woolridge Laura Wysong Jonathan Young

THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

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.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

I L K O A L A 1 T O U R S PuzzleJunction.com

2 D E C A F L O P L A N O 3 O P A L E I D E N A S A 4 B L I S S H E L L O D Z

5 J O P L I N E W S O L O

6 E N I G M A G R A J A R

Solution

7 O S L O W L E T H E M E

9 5 2 4 1 7 8 3 6

1 2 6 7 3 5 9 4 8

30 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

SERVICE DIRECTORY Landscaping

Pressure Washing

AwArd winning LAndscApes

20 years of Keeping Dunwoody Green

Installation Maintenance Seasonal Color

Ogletree Enterprises

a MALTA Award Winning Firm Ken Ogletree

770.840.8884

Servicing the Dunwoody area since 1981, with more than 1000 established references available.

CELEBRATING MY 45TH YEAR! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU! • Competitive Pricing: Ext. house wash, fences, pool/patio decks & driveways (ASK ME ABOUT MY

TWO-COAT HAND BRUSHED EXTERIOR PAINTING)

MY EXPERIENCE ACHIEVES OPTIMAL RESULTS!!!

Licensed • Insured • References Concrete/Asphalt

Roofing

ALEX FRASER MASONRY INC.

ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

• BRICK • CONCRETE Alex Fraser, President www.alexfrasermasonry.com E-Mail: afrasermasonry@aol.com

• BLOCK • STONEWORK FULLY INSURED

Cell: (404) 281-0539

Driveways $250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Home Improvement

Garage Doors

ROT-DOC

Dunwoody Door Lift Co.

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.

Don’t waste good paint on rotten wood. Minor repairs make a major difference!

We sell, install and repair garage doors and openers.

Miscellaneous

Rot Repair Technician

Interior/Exterior Painting Pressure Washing Rotten Wood Deck Repair Free Estimates

Thurman | 770.899.1354 | www.rot-doc.com

The ONLY garage door company in Dunwoody!

Authorized Genie Dealer serving Dunwoody since 1973.

Budget Fabrics And Upholstery

770-393-1652

If you can’t lift your door, let Dunwoody Door Lift it!

*DISCOUNT PRICES*

-FREE Design Consultation• Thousands of designer 770-396-6891 fabrics IN STOCK 770-396-6824 Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-3

Electricians

Belco Electric

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians

Check out our new website:

770-455-4556 BelcoInc.com

and follow us on:

Handyman Matthew the Handyman - Carpentry, painting, drywall, plumbing. Electrical and small jobs. 404-547-2079.

Tutoring Math & Science Tutoring: In person, Online, @ home. Math all topics up to grade 12 & SAT,ACT. AP(Pre Calc,Calc,Physics,Chemistry). With 40+ years of experience. M: 470-861-7972

Your North Atlanta News & Podcast Source AppenMedia.com

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | August 13, 2026 | 31

Full-Time

NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the full-time Food Pantry Manager position. Under the direction of the Food Pantry Director, the Food Pantry Manager leads back of house food pantry operations including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys managing people and process! Volunteer and inventory management, operations and data entry are primary responsibilities of this role. The applicant should have a desire to join the team of a mission-driven non-profit where we work to ease hardship and build financial stability throughout our community. We offer one of the most competitive total rewards packages among Atlanta’s nonprofit organizations, making this role both meaningful and rewarding. Please send resumes to jobs@nfcchelp.org

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm

Appen Media Group publishes 7 award winning publications, home-delivered, with a combined circulation of 114,000 every week* and is the #1 source for hyper-local news in the areas we serve. Are you a business owner/manager looking to increase sales & gain new customers/clients? Learn how to reach this attentive and affluent audience with a customized marketing plan just for you! Call 770-442-3278 or email: advertising@appenmedia.com to get started!

Decaturish

ink

Food Pantry Manager

Technical Project & Systems Managers, Kennesaw, GA area. Project Planning & Execution: Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders; ERP Optimization: Manage implementation and maintenance of cloud base ERP system for better production tracking and efficiency. Telecommuting permissible. Send res to: Freedom Electronics LLC, 170 Chastain Meadows Ct NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

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

32 | August 13, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

THE REMODELING AUTHORITY

Let’s Discuss Your Project. 678.459.2292 Tune-Up Projects

Full Remodel Projects

Bathroom Tune-Up New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Kitchen Remodel Total Cabinet Replacement

Enlarge Shower

Large Island

Vanity Replacement – Cabs, Counter, Sink

New Backsplash

Shower Glass

Cut Down 2-level Island

Shower Safety

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Free Standing Tub Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Kitchen Tune-Up Paint Cabinets New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Open Concept – Move Walls

Bathroom Remodel New Larger Shower

Plumbing Fixtures

Great Ideas Huge Showroom Open to the Public OPEN SATURDAYS 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)

BKGalleria.com

ALPHARETTA