Central Perimeter cities honor nation’s veterans
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
PERIMETER, Ga. — In Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, hundreds of residents turned out on Veterans Day Nov. 11 to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who served in the United States military.
In Dunwoody, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Wayne Radloff gave the keynote speech at Brook Run Park
centered around this year’s Veterans Day theme, “Service to Our Nation.”
“We are all gathered here today on what will soon be the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” Radloff said. “A moment in time when the guns of World War I fell silent in 1918. That day, originally called Armistice Day, has since evolved into what we now proudly call Veterans Day.”
While Memorial Day is one for
mourning, Radloff said Veterans Day is to honor and appreciate those who served. He also made sure to remember the veterans who have passed, like former state Sen. Jim Tysinger who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Dunwoody resident Cecil Hannaford who fought at the Battle of the Bulge and many others.
See VETERANS, Page 9
Centennial boys, girls sweep North Springs
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. —
Centennial boys and girls basketball came out victorious over the North Springs Spartans Nov. 11.
The girls kicked off the evening with a 49-33 comeback win, and the boys sealed it with a 65-52 victory.
The Lady Spartans got out to an early lead thanks to an aggressive playstyle that yielded a steady lead down the stretch, but it also gave the Knights a chance
to narrow the margin at the free throw line.
Spartan point guard Leila Madesko, who is also an all-region softball player, led the team through the first half and into the second until she and two North Springs teammates fouled out of the game in the third quarter.
Centennial freshman London Booker-Daniel was tasked with guarding Madesko for most of the second half and led her team in scoring with 11 points.
See SPARTANS, Page 9
REITER/APPEN MEDIA Centennial and North Springs boys basketball teams duke it out as sophomore Jeremiah Galloway, right, weighs his inbounds options at Centennial High School Nov. 11.
ANNABELLE
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Wayne Radloff, a longtime Dunwoody resident who served more than 30 years as a flight officer, speaks at Dunwoody’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the Brook Run Park memorial.
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School district reacts to passage of senior tax exemptions
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. —
Fulton County voters approved two property tax exemptions Nov. 4 that reduce the taxable value of a senior's qualified homestead by a percentage, thereby lowering the amount they owe to the school district.
The Fulton County School Board says it understands and appreciates the financial concerns of senior citizens, but has remarked the school district is facing significant financial pressures.
The first exemption, for residents who are 65 or older, takes 25 percent off a home's assessed value. The second one, for residents who are 70 or older, reduces it by 50 percent.
Both exemptions passed easily with more than 75 percent of the roughly 125,000 votes across the county.
Fulton County Schools has one of the lowest millage rates in metro Atlanta, and the school district says the tax exemptions were developed with its legislative partners as a part of ongoing efforts to address the impact rising housing assessments have had on seniors.
“The impact of the passage of the
Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs was one of the two elementary schools closed by Fulton County Schools this academic year due to declining enrollment.
exemptions cannot be addressed in isolation,” the district’s statement says. “The loss from local tax dollars the senior exemptions bring (estimated at approximately $50 million) will be compounded by a loss of state dollars. At the same time, the district is managing higher costs for health benefits, employee compensation and inflation.”
The school district has been planning for exemptions, along with general cost escalations and declining enrollment.
Through its GLIDE initiative, officials say they can minimize the impact to classrooms and staff. The initiative (coined Growth Opportunities, Lean Operations, Investment in Innovation, Diversify Revenue and Enhance Efficiency) uses data and projections to prepare for a $93–95 million fiscal adjustment over five years, ensuring FCS can continue delivering essential services while honoring its commitments to students and the community.
As the Sandy Springs and East
Point communities are aware, Fulton County Schools closed two elementary schools this academic year due to declining enrollment and underutilization of facilities in the region. Rising operational costs and dwindling revenues also played a role.
“Further decisions about capacity are being considered and will be discussed in the coming years,” the statement says. “There are no immediate plans for action for closure or consolidation for the upcoming fiscal year.”
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS/PROVIDED
St. Luke’s Presbyterian pastor reflects on 30 years at church
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Rev. Shannon Dill, whose more than 31 years at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody is ending in December, says it’s hard leaving a fantastic congregation.
Her pastoral ministry at Saint Luke’s ends on Christmas Eve. After the holidays, Dill and her husband plan to stick around Dunwoody as retirees and empty nesters.
Dunwoody resident and church member Wayne Radloff, slated as featured speaker at the city’s Veterans Day ceremony, recommended Dill be a part of the celebration.
“For decades, she has been the glue that has held the church together,” Radloff said. “I thought it fitting to ask her to offer the invocation and benediction at the Veterans Day ceremony.”
Appen Media spoke with Dill about her time at the church before the congregation’s ceremonial vote Nov. 9 to bless the next phase of her life. She and her husband have always planned to retire together, and they’re following through.
Dill got her start at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian as the associate pastor of youth ministries, seeing church leadership transitions with two new senior pastors and some new buildings pop up. She joined the ministry at Saint Luke’s in 1994 after some time with a Unitarian church in Decatur.
“I have a passion for youth ministry, but I was also excited to help the church grow,” she said. “And over the years, as needs arose … I would pick up other duties. I feel like what I’ve
From left, Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. David Lower and Associate Pastor the Rev. Shannon Dill, greet guests during a service in Cuba. Set to join her husband in retirement at year’s end, Dill shared her experiences and wisdom after 31 years at St. Luke’s.
done in that in that time is not only have I evolved as a pastor, but I’ve also helped the church evolve and grow.”
Saint Luke’s Presbyterian built its Christian Education building, Sheppard Hall, in 1995.
“I’ve baptized babies who then grew up, went off to college,” Dill said. “I then officiated their weddings and now have baptized their babies. So, it’s really … it is difficult. You know, ministers typically are supposed to leave a church and not look back, right?”
She said those rules are not written for pastors who’ve been a part of a congregation for 31 years.
“I’ve got lots of people in that church who are now almost lifelong friends, and so those relationships will continue, but in a very different way,”
Dill said. “I laughed to our governing body about this, but I said it is maybe hard to believe, but sometimes when I get together with people who are also church members, we don’t even talk about church.”
Shannon Dill and her husband Don have two daughters who grew up in the church, Maddie and Callie.
“[They] were not even blips on the radar, really, when I started at Saint Luke’s,” Dill said, crediting Don, Maddie and Callie for her success. “It's really a gift in ministry to have a family who is so supportive and encouraging, and not just of me, but of the place where I spend a lot of my time and energy.”
Her oldest, Maddie, lives with her husband in Seattle, Wash., while working for the Gates Foundation.
Callie lives in Chicago where she works for the collegiate athletic Big Ten Conference. Both attended the University of Georgia.
“So, you know, assuming that grandchildren will be in our future, you know, not too terribly long away,” Dill said, laughing to herself. “We’ll just see where they are in a couple years after we’ve done a lot of travel and that sort of thing and then make a decision about where we're going to go.”
Saint Luke’s Presbyterian sits on the northwest corner of Mount Vernon and Vermack roads in the heart of Dunwoody’s sprawling neighborhood. It was founded in 1970, the same year the Dunwoody Homeowners Association was created.
“Dunwoody, over 31 years, has really morphed in a good way into a very much more diverse place in a way that seems more exciting and healthier,” Dill said. “Saint Luke’s has had a long-standing partnership with Temple Emanu-El, and now in the last several years, that has also grown to include the Atlantic Institute.”
The Atlantic Institute is an Atlantabased nonprofit focused on interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.
Saint Luke’s Presbyterian is holding a Friendsgiving Nov. 18, inviting Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations from all over the city to socialize and be a part of the broader Dunwoody community.
“That is a beautiful new movement,” Dill said. “I would encourage the community to continue to look for those opportunities. I mean, they’re everywhere, if we just pay attention and be a part of, you know, God moving through all of it.”
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SAINT LUKE’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/PROVIDED
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!
ON THE MENU
1. Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel's favorite snack.
2. Panda's dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape.
3. Spare tire. Beaver's snack. Mountain peaks.
4. Blue whale's dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge.
5. Hot spot. Horse's meal. Extra-large.
6. Pillow covering. Otter's dish. Wall painting.
7. Victory's margin. Bear's feast. Hurl.
1 African desert. Operatic solo. Supreme god of ancient Greece.
2. Spiraled-horned African antelope. Bunsen burner. To-do
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Deep hole. Settee. African howler
4. Sleep interrupter. African dry river bed. Chatty bird
5. Skin disorder. Flu symptom. African river
6. African republic on the Gulf of Guinea. Drink garnish. Small goose.
Democrats upend incumbents on Public Service Commission
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Democrats flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission on Election Day, Nov. 4. Peter Hubbard defeated incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson for District 3, and Alicia Johnson replaces Republican incumbent Tim Echols for District 2.
According to the Georgia Recorder, the double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006, reshaping the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
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The PSC is a five-member board that regulates power, energy, natural gas, broadband and railroads. It regulates major utility companies, like Georgia Power. The PSC approves rates and plans from the utilities. The commissioners run for a specific district but are elected statewide.
Echols has served on the PSC since 2011, and Johnson has been a commissioner since 2021.
PSC elections were last held in 2020 and have been on hold since 2022 due to a federal lawsuit alleging the election process for commissioners violates the Voting Rights Act, according to WABE.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger officially called for the pair of special elections in February, but the plan to put the two commission districts on the ballot this year was created by state lawmakers last year, according to the Georgia Recorder.
Alicia Johnson received 977,923 votes, and Echols garnered 581,347 votes. District 2 includes much of east and southeast Georgia that includes Athens, Augusta and Savannah.
“We did it, Georgia,” Johnson said in a Facebook post. “I am profoundly grateful for the partnerships, prayers, and persistence that carried us across the finish line.”
She also thanked everyone who worked on her campaign.
“This victory isn’t just mine, it’s ours. It’s for the single mother choosing between groceries and her power bill, the senior trying to keep the lights on, and the young voter who showed up believing that their voice matters,” she said.
The work starts now, she added.
“I’m going to the Public Service Commission to ensure that every Georgian has a voice at the table, to lower costs, modernize our grid, and make energy policy that works for the people, not just the powerful,” Alicia Johnson said.
Hubbard ended with 979,642 votes, and Echols received 577,406 votes. District 3 includes the Metro Atlanta counties of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton. Hubbard, a clean energy advocate, ousted Fitz Johnson in the District 3 race. In a statement, Hubbard framed the results as a clear mandate from voters frustrated by soaring power costs. Fitz Johnson intends to run for the PSC again in 2026, when the seat will be up for election.
Decaturish did not receive a comment from Hubbard. The other candidates have also not made public statements on social media.
Locally, in Decatur, some residents have been involved with the PSC election and get-out-the-vote efforts. Residents Lisa Coronado and Preeti Jaggi were pleased to see the results. Coronado and Jaggi shared their reactions in a joint statement.
“We are thrilled that Alicia and Peter won and that so many people engaged in this election. Many spent countless hours informing others about the importance of this race, neighbors talked to neighbors, and then people showed up to vote,” they said.
Coronado and Jaggi are looking forward to more discussions on the board and said that Alicia Johnson and Hubbard could force votes on clean, reliable energy sourcing and efficiency programs.
“Past Commissioners have not considered the health and climate impacts of burning fossil fuels in their energy sourcing decisions, despite thousands of Georgians pleading with them to do so,” they said. “Peter and Alicia will now be able to make sure that these impacts and associated costs will be part of the discussion and deliberation going forward.”
PSC, Page 10
DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA
A DeKalb County voter shows their sticker on Nov. 4.
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Sandy Springs lists lineup for annual Sparkle Parade
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Everyone is invited to Sparkle Sandy Springs, the city’s annual holiday celebration and parade Sunday, Dec. 7 through the City Springs downtown district.
The festivities will transform the City Springs district into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday traditions and a glowing nighttime parade, culminating with the lighting of a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah.
Festivities at City Springs begin at 4 p.m., where guests can enjoy hot cocoa, falling snow, a gift market, live holiday music by Ansley Stewart and ice skating.
Over at Sparkle Wonderland along Mount Vernon Highway just west of City Springs, families can catch the best uninterrupted views of the parade while sipping hot cocoa, playing in the snow and posing with larger-than-life inflatable characters like Santa
Claus, The Grinch and Rudolph.
The Sparkle Village around the City Green will feature another display of miniature houses decorated by local schools and nonprofits. Each home twinkles with lights and festive flair. Guests can vote for their favorite house, and winners will be announced.
The award-winning Sparkle Parade begins at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Lake Forrest Drive just after 6 p.m. and ends at Sandy Springs City Hall.
The city says this year’s parade will include more floats than ever before.
The evening culminates in a community countdown led by the mayor to light the Christmas tree and menorah.
For the full event schedule, parade map, vendor list and voting info, visit sandyspringsga.gov/ sparkle.
—
Hayden Sumlin
First Santa with Down syndrome continues to inspire holiday cheer
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta announced the return of Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa Claus with Down syndrome, to its Dec. 13 Holiday Party.
Donning his Santa robes, Carlisle made his debut as Mr. Claus at last year’s celebration, touching hearts across the community and inspiring countless families.
Carlisle, 36, lives independently in his own apartment in Dunwoody and embodies the joy, warmth and inclusive spirit of the holiday season.
His portrayal of Santa Claus last year brought an outpouring of emotion from families and
attendees. Many parents were moved to tears seeing a Santa who reflected the beauty and diversity of their own children.
“It was magical,” one parent said after last year’s event. “For our kids to see Santa and realize he looked like them — It meant more than words can express.”
Bradley’s return as Santa this year promises even more joy and connection. His story has become a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion, showing that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in beloved traditions.
The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Holiday Party will take
place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Christ Church Presbyterian in midtown Atlanta.
The event will feature festive activities, family fun and the opportunity for children and families to meet Santa Bradley once again.
“We are so proud of Bradley and what his presence as Santa means for our community,” Executive Director Sheryl Arno said. “He shows that joy, kindness and Christmas spirit truly know no limits.”
For more information about the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, visit dsaatl.org.
— Hayden Sumlin
Dunwoody resident Bradley Carlisle is preparing for his second year spreading holiday cheer as Santa at the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Dec. 13 Holiday Party at ChristChurch Presbyterian in Atlanta.
North Fulton charity schedules coat, Thanksgiving food drive
ROSWELL, Ga. — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) is bringing back its annual CoatsGiving program, presented by Nalley Automotive, Nov. 17-22, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell. The initiative provides warm winter clothing and Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families across North Fulton.
Donation drop-off will run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Nov. 17-19. Family distribution will take place Nov. 20-22.
With rising costs and limited resources, many families are turning to NFCC for help, and the nonprofit expects to serve roughly 600 families during CoatsGiving. The organization is specifically seeking coats for young children, from infants to 11-yearolds, to meet the growing demand.
“CoatsGiving is a beautiful example of what happens when a community comes together,” said Sylvia Cardona, vice president of community engagement at NFCC. “A warm coat and a holiday meal may
seem simple, but they represent dignity, care and connection for families who are working hard to make ends meet.”
CoatsGiving combines two longstanding NFCC traditions: the Thanksgiving food program that was started in 1984, and the Warm Coats drive, launched in 1994 by a local Girl Scout Troop. The programs merged in 2024 to better serve families in one convenient experience.
Here is how to give:
• Donate nonperishable food items, such as canned vegetables, dry potatoes, dry beans, cranberries, stuffing or dessert mixes.
• Provide new or gently used coats and winter accessories in all sizes, especially for young children.
• Contribute gift cards from Kroger or Walmart.
For donation guidelines, sign-up forms and more information, visit nfcchelp.org/coatsgiving/.
— Hannah Yahne
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA/PROVIDED
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A float in Sandy Springs 2024 Sparkle Parade rounds the corner along Galambos Way in front of City Hall. This year’s annual holiday festivities begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at City Springs.
Veterans:
Continued from Page 1
Radloff highlighted the military branches celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2025, including the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
“The theme pays tribute to all veterans, regardless of when or where they served, and emphasizes that service to the nation is not confined to one battlefield or one generation,” Radloff said. “There is no mystery behind the endurance of American liberty. It is because in every generation, from the revolutionary period to this very hour, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the armed forces.”
Radloff and his wife Debbie, who met her husband during her eight years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next year. Their son, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Radloff, is continuing the tradition.
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said he is “a tremendous asset,” citing his involvement on city committees and Citizens on Patrol.
“He has quite a record of service in the military, he did great things,” Deutsch said. “But what I know is that he is a fantastic contributor to our community.”
In Sandy Springs, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Weisser detailed some of the behind-the-scenes work of Blue Angel Aviators.
Weisser grew up in the city and graduated from North Springs High School. Mayor Rusty Paul said he watched him grow up at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church.
“He joined the Blue Angels in 2007 and has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours and nearly 500 carrier landings,” Paul said.
Spartans:
Continued from Page 1
Knights head coach Dana Smith highlighted Booker-Daniel and another freshman, Morgan McCranie, along with sophomore Iyanna Boykin who was a major spark on the boards.
“I told [the team] they gotta protect the shield at all costs,” she said. “I told them, make sure they play every game like it’s their last. And so that’s what they did, they played every second, every minute together and they fought hard, they demanded the respect of their opponents.”
Smith is in her second year as Knights’ head coach, coming from Midtown High and previously serving
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
North Springs High School graduate and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Weisser talks about his flights as a Blue Angel Aviator during the Nov. 11 Sandy Springs Veterans Day Tribute in the Byers Theatre at the Performing Arts Center.
“He was deployed to combat three separate times and flew in the front seat as the F-18 pilot for some of the most memorable scenes in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’”
Weisser said his primary emotion on Veterans Day is gratitude for a variety of reasons, including his chance and privilege to serve his country, the trust he received at a young age and his “brothers and sisters in arms” in the north Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.
“There’s some really important stuff happening right at this exact moment so that we can be here and celebrate,” Weisser said. “I would just ask you to do what you’re doing and you celebrate the veterans, but most importantly, you look for the ones that
as an assistant coach at Centennial for five years.
The Knights caught up with the Spartans by the end of the third quarter and held North Springs to just five points in the final period.
The fourth quarter saw Centennial nearly double its score, with sophomore Lucy White putting up 10 points in the period.
In the boys game, North Springs battled hard against a well-coached Knights squad but, like their female counterparts, found themselves in foul trouble in the second half.
Sophomore Jaiden BocachicaSanders, whose father is the head coach of Overtime Elite’s City Reapers team, was a force on the glass when he could stay on the court. Containing a Georgia top-20 center in Ford Felton,
Aare still suffering.”
Weisser’s keynote address weaved through “Top Gun: Maverick” scenes and Blue Angels footage while he explained some of the trust and perspective he gained from the highrisk maneuvers.
Later, the crowd joined the Sandy Springs and Spalding garden clubs to unveil a new Blue Star Memorial at Veterans Park across Roswell Road from the Performing Arts Center with support from the Garden Club of Georgia and Dogwood District.
Bocachica-Sanders got into foul trouble early.
North Springs guards Brian Marks and Damani Corley displayed a tough style of play that kept the game competitive even after the lead stretched to more than 10 points and the Knights finished 13 points ahead at the buzzer.
After losing seven seniors to graduation, the Knights are not letting up. Head coach Matt Barksdale said his team has taken it personally that many would assume they are in a rebuild year.
“They always play hard, no matter what the score is, they flat out get after it,” he said. “We knew [North Springs] would play aggressive, and I’m proud of our composure. The gameplan wasn’t to draw fouls but to
be strong through the fouls, and we want challenging games like this in the beginning of the season.”
Combo guard Corey Dyches suffered a season-ending injury last year, spending much of his junior season learning from the class of 2025 that left such a legacy.
He said he is looking forward to surpassing expectations this season and the transition to a senior role has been smooth.
“I had to become stronger in my leadership,” Dyches said. “Barksdale is a great coach, he keeps us levelheaded and gets us to regroup. We’re a new team, but we’re gonna shock a lot of people.”
Dyches and junior guard Jeremiah Bellamy led the team with game-high 16 points apiece.
Dunwoody officials and residents gather around the new Veterans Memorial, replacing a decrepit building at the site and connecting to the nearby Vietnam War Memorial, at Brook Run Park Nov. 11. The city contributed just under $500,000 to complete the redesign with $100,000 from the DeKalb County Commission.
The Spalding and Sandy Springs garden clubs unveil a Blue Star Memorial Nov. 11 at Veterans Park where Mount Vernon Highway meets Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads.
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Crier readers lend hands contributing road history
In 1997, Dunwoody Crier Past Tense author Jim Perkins asked readers for help with the origin of road names. A list of road names published in the newspaper resulted in new information.
Bernadette Bondell wrote in with the history of Auden Trail and Spender Trace. She said these streets were named for poets W. H. Auden and Stephen Spender. Bondell was living on another road at the time but had previously lived on Auden Trail.
Katherine Kilgore shared the source of the name Kellogg Springs Drive. The Kellogg family lived on the land before North Springs subdivision was built. A
spring on the property was filled in to prepare for construction.
Since that time, I discovered Forrest and Allie Kellogg moved to Dunwoody from Wisconsin. The entire family were active members of the community. Their daughter Dorothy won six first prizes for canning at the Southeastern Fair in 1928. Canning was a part of vocational and home economics training at Chamblee High School, which Dorothy attended.
The street named Shadow Bend was named for a horse called Shadow. Shadow belonged to Roy and Anna Head who lived along Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Their land is now the location of the Buckline Crossing and Boxwood neighborhoods. Jane Mobley shared this history with Perkins.
Luray Drive, Front Royal Court and Strasburg Court, three streets that are
located off Peeler Road, are all towns in northwestern Virginia. Karen LaBar reported the source of these names.
Bunky Way, located in the Mill Glen neighborhood, was named by developer R. W. Tills. Bunky Wilder was a farming contractor who previously lived at the northwest corner of Chateau Drive and Chamblee Dunwoody Road. This information was contributed to Perkins by Malcolm Powell.
Powell also shared that Martina Way and Martina Drive were named for the previous owner of the land, Martina Doster.
After several years of research and asking local citizens, Jim Perkins uncovered the origin of the name Vanderlyn, as in Vanderlyn Drive and Vanderlyn Elementary School. Bruce Newman suggested that Jim talk to Moe Wammock, who had worked with
Newman in the early development of the community. Wammock told Jim Perkins the name came from a street in Boston, Massachusetts.
There are street names for which Perkins never received community input. Those streets include Aurora Court, Mockwell Court, Northwold Drive, Weldstone Court, Sandell Drive, Saffron Drive, Mary Briggs Court, and Cherring Drive.
If you know the source and history of any of these names or are curious about another local road name, please write to me at pasttensega@gmail.com.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
Will anyone ever beat Pistol Pete’s record?
When I was a kid – now some 50+ or so years ago—the first thing I would do every morning before anyone else in the house was up, would be to go outside and get the newspaper. I would bring it into the living room and spread it out over the floor and find the sports section and anxiously thumb through it to see how many points Pistol Pete Maravich scored the night before. And even though I know that it wasn’t actually like that, I recall that almost every time I found a new story about Pete, the number of points he scored the night before always seemed to increase. For the record, Pete averaged 44.2
points per game at LSU. And that, of course, was before the 3-point rule was in place in basketball. General consensus is that his average would have been around 54 to 57 points per game on average had the rule been in place. Yep, mid 50s.
But, in all fairness to Pistol, his record occurred not only before the 3-point rule was in place, but also before the shot clock rule was used. The shot-clock basically forced a team to take a shot within 30 seconds of possession, so teams prior to the 30 second rule often played a “slow-down” offense and deliberately held the ball as long as possible to limit the number of times a great offensive player like Pete would get his hands on the ball. So, Pete got his average of 44.2 prior to the 3-point thing and prior to the shot clock, which allowed that stall tactic (which, obviously, didn’t work against
Pete very well).
It is estimated that had the shot clock been in place during Pete’s day, he would have gotten possession of the ball more times which would have added an estimated 3–6 additional points to his average.
So, playing in today’s game – with the 3-point shot and the shot clock – Pete would have perhaps averaged instead of 54-57 points per game, somewhere around 57 to 63 points per game. Per game.
Let’s put that in perspective a little.
I asked ChatGPT on average – today - in a single year, how many times does a college basketball player score 50 points or more in a game. Chat replied that since 2010 – in the last 15 years - “only 14 times has a college player dropped 50 or more against another Division 1 team – so, roughly one 50 point game per season – in all of
Division 1 college basketball.
So, today on average, one player in all of college Division 1 basketball in an entire year scores 50 points or more in a game - compared to Pete’s estimated projected average of 57 to 63 points per game – in his 83 college games had the 3-point and shot clock rules been in place.
Talk about sports records that will probably never be broken.
Maybe there are some other sports records that may be harder to beat – DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played, Edwin Moses’ 10-year streak in the 400 meter hurdles (122 consecutive races ) – or perhaps (for “modern baseball”) Robin Roberts’ Major League record of 305 complete games pitched (out of 609 starts) from 1948 to 1966, but I think I have to go with the Pistol. What do you think?
Continued from Page 6
They are excited about the results, but added that the ability to enact change will depend on the outcome of next year’s election, as well as continued advocacy and public scrutiny.
“We will need to re-elect Peter – this election only allows him to finish out the final year of a vacated seat – and
we must elect one more candidate who will put the public interest over maximizing Georgia Power’s profits,” Coronado and Jaggi said. “Then, with a three-person majority on the fiveperson commission, true progress can be made on lowering our electricity bills and protecting our climate and our health.”
Georgia Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, celebrated Hubbard and Alicia Johnson’s victories.
“The message of this election is
unmistakable: Georgians demand an end to utility bill rate hikes and corporate politics as usual on the PSC,” GCV Executive Director Brionté McCorkle said in a news release.
“Georgia Conservation Voters and our affiliated entities invested over $3 million in these elections, marking our largest investment ever because we had to make sure voters knew the stakes at the ballot box – from utility bills to corporate polluters.”
Georgia Conservation Voters Action Fund executed its largest electoral
campaign, raising more than $2.3 million, a news release said. All of GCV’s affiliated entities combined invested over $3 million to educate the voters on the stakes and turn them out in this critical election.
“I’m thrilled we could play a critical role in electing Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard to the Public Service Commission, where I know they will be partners in the fight for clean air, clean water, and lower costs for all Georgians,” GCVAF Deputy Director Allie Brown said.
RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
OPINION
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden
AMY MAGNER Guest Columnist
As temperatures drop and many plants go dormant, it is easy to assume that your garden enters a quiet, lifeless phase. But winter can be a time of surprising vibrancy and ecological value, especially if you intentionally create a haven for birds and pollinators. In Georgia’s relatively mild climate, it’s possible to support local wildlife year-round with just a few strategic choices.
Attracting birds and pollinators to your winter garden doesn’t just benefit the environment, it also adds life, movement and interest to the garden during what might otherwise be a dull season. Here’s how to make your outdoor space a welcoming winter habitat.
Why attract wildlife in winter?
Winter is a critical time for many species. Birds and pollinators face food shortages, fewer water sources and the loss of natural habitat due to development and tidy landscaping. By offering food, shelter and water, your garden becomes a vital sanctuary. In return, it’s possible to enjoy bird song, pollinator activity on warmer days and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Plant with purpose: winter food
Native plants are the most important building blocks for supporting Georgia’s wildlife. While flowers may be fewer in winter, native seed heads, berries and evergreen plants offer much-needed sustenance.
Plant winter-blooming flowers
Select plants with blooms or berries in the winter to provide a much-needed food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some non-native winter-blooming options for Atlanta gardens include:
• Camellias: These evergreen shrubs produce vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red and white from fall to spring. They attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
• Hellebores (lenten roses): Evergreen foliage and winter blooms in shades of white, pink and purple make hellebores an excellent choice for attracting early bees and buzz pollinators like bumblebees.
• Juniper: This evergreen shrub provides both nectar for pollinators and berries that feed birds throughout the winter.
Use native plants
Choosing native plants not only supports local wildlife but also helps
maintain the ecosystem’s balance. Native plants have co-evolved with local wildlife, providing the best possible food and habitat. Some Georgia native plants that attract birds and pollinators include:
• Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Yaupon supports pollinators and provides yearround shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Its red berries continue through winter, providing a crucial food source for birds. Robins, mockingbirds, thrashers, wrens and more feed on these berries.
• Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum): This plant produces clusters of dark blue berries that persist into winter, providing an essential food source for birds when other food is scarce. Mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds and waxwings are known to feed on these berries.
• Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis): Wild indigo produces seed pods that provide food for goldfinches and pine siskins in winter.
• Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): This legume produces small, peanut-like seeds that are a valuable food source for mourning doves, quails and sparrows.
Other plants for winter wildlife
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): With vibrant purple berries, this native shrub is a magnet for cardinals and mockingbirds.
• Hollies (Ilex spp.): Both evergreen and deciduous varieties provide dense cover and berries for food.
• Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Offers winter berries loved by cedar waxwings.
• Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans (Echinacea and Rudbeckia): Leave seed heads standing; finches will thank you.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Even after blooming, goldenrod stems and seeds feed small birds and provide overwintering shelter for beneficial insects.
Provide shelter
Many pollinators, including native bees, overwinter in leaf litter, hollow stems or soil. Don’t over-clean your garden; a bit of wildness is healthy. Resist the urge to rake everything away, especially in naturalized parts of your garden. Here are a few shelter tips:
• Leave brush piles or stacked logs in a corner of the garden, creating ideal nesting sites.
• Avoid cutting back dried perennials and ornamental grasses, which can house overwintering insects and provide cover for birds.
• Add birdhouses or roosting boxes, which offer insulation from the cold and
safety from predators.
• Trees and shrubs with dense foliage offer excellent shelter.
• Evergreen shrubs and dense hedges are valuable as natural shelter. It would be beneficial if at least 25 percent of the trees and shrubs in your landscape were evergreen.
Don’t forget the water
Water sources can be scarce in winter, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Birds and insects need clean, accessible water every day.
As far as water sources go, the vessels should be filled no more than two to three inches deep (while changing the water frequently) and elevated in the middle of an open area to minimize predation by cats and other animals. Here are a few suggestions for adding water to your yard:
• Birdbaths: Use a heated birdbath or add warm water daily to keep it from freezing.
• Shallow dishes with stones: These are ideal for small birds or insects on mild days.
• Dripping water sources: Even a slowdripping container can attract birds.
By incorporating these practices into your Atlanta-area winter garden, you’ll create a welcoming haven for birds and pollinators. Enjoy the beauty and satisfaction that comes from supporting local wildlife and preserving biodiversity.
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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
About the Author
This Week’s “Garden Buzz” features Amy Magner, a Master Gardener since 2014. As a member of North Fulton Master Gardeners and Sandy Springs resident, she has taught various classes, including cancer wellness, at Farm Chastain. She is also a certified health coach, speaker and creator of the “Changing Aging” program.
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Front Desk Intake Specialist (Bilingual-Spanish)
NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the part-time Front Desk Intake Specialist position. The Front Desk Intake Specialist is responsible for connecting clients to the programs and services that NFCC offers. The role includes data entry, updating clients’ applications, and keeping clients and students informed of programs and service enhancements. As the face of NFCC at the Intake desk, this role requires maintaining a professional and welcoming presence that reflects the organization’s values.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Spanish are required. Experience using Salesforce or other CRM systems is a plus.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
