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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.

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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

Sandy Springs holds millage at 4.731, sets tax hearings By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The city of Sandy Springs plans to keep its 2026 millage rate at 4.731, the rate set in the city’s charter. The city is advertising the rate as a property tax increase, which city officials say is required under state law because the rate will bring in more revenue. The city will hold three public hearings on the rate,

with the first at 6 p.m. Oct. 20. The others will be at 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 3. Each hearing will be held at Sandy Springs City Hall at 1 Galambos Way. The city’s rollback rate — the rate that would bring in the same revenue as last year, not counting new construction — is 4.7435 mills. Because the city’s tax digest grew, the 4.731-mill rate is still expected to bring in about $261,982 more than last year, according to the city’s legal notice.

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Traffic waits near a sign for the Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road intersection project, one of the Sandy Springs improvements paid for with transportation special purpose local option sales tax funds.

Sandy Springs touts TSPLOST sidewalk gains ahead of vote By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — With a third iteration of the transportation special purpose local option sales tax on the ballot in November, Sandy Springs officials are reminding residents that the extra 0.75%

levy has helped pay for new sidewalks and other projects since collections started in 2017. The tax — three-quarters of a penny on every dollar spent — is collected in Fulton County cities outside Atlanta. The money can only be spent on transportation projects, including congestion

relief, safety and operational improvements, sidewalks and bike facilities, bridges and road work. So far, the TSPLOST has funded $97.2 million in city projects, Sandy Springs officials said.

See TSPLOST, Page 18

DEAN HESSE/APPEN MEDIA

Sandy Springs City Hall is at 1 Galambos Way.

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2 | October 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

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.

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

Woman with dementia loses $14,500 to FTC impostor

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ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman called the Roswell Police Department Sept. 23 to report her mother, who has dementia, had been scammed out of $14,500. On Sept. 5, the mother got a call from someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission. The caller said they accidentally put $15,000 into her account instead of $500 and told her she would need to send back the difference. She was instructed to take out the amount in cash, place it inside a book and mail it to them. After shipping the money, she started getting calls asking her to send more. That’s when the mother realized she was being scammed. The daughter told police she has power of attorney over her mother’s affairs. The daughter said she does not know how her mother got to the Bank of America location on Alpharetta Highway or how clerks let her withdraw the money given her dementia. The daughter also told police she found a piece of mail showing a credit card had been opened in her mother’s name. The Barclays JetBlue credit card was opened Sept. 2 and had an $11,000 credit limit. There was a misspelling in the name on the card. It was never used. The daughter said she has spoken with the Federal Trade Commission and the Social Security Administration about the incident. She also asked Bank of America officials

PUBLIC SAFETY why they allowed her mother to take out that much cash and asked to see a copy of the currency transaction report, but the bank said they cannot give out that information. — Hannah Yahne

Officers hear gunshots during suspicious persons call ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police officers were dispatched to Roswell Creek Lane around 11:30 p.m. Sept. 21 after a resident reported a suspicious person pulling on the handles of vehicles and residences. When officers conducted a check of the area, they saw a 2007 Ford Explorer with its emergency lights flashing but did not observe any signs of forced entry or criminal activity involving the vehicle. While conducting the premises check, the officers heard around five gunshots coming from the woods behind one of the buildings. Additional officers responded to assist with checking the surrounding area for people who could have discharged the firearm. Due to potential risk to officer safety, they did not enter the wooded area. Instead, officers maintained positions around accessible portions of the area and monitored the surrounding locations to see if anyone would emerge from the woods. One officer made contact with several male residents seated outside their apartment. They reported seeing two subjects walking along the main entrance of the Roswell Creek apartment complex in the direction of the Holcomb Bridge Road entrance about 30 minutes before officers arrived on scene. Officers conducted an additional check of areas surrounding the apartment complex and from where

the gunshots were heard but were unable to locate any potential suspects or any individuals exiting the wooded area. — Hannah Yahne

Alpharetta man jailed for loitering, misrepresentation ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 45-yearold Alpharetta man was arrested on loitering and misrepresentation charges Sept. 2. Alpharetta police said officers were patrolling near a North Point Parkway hotel when they saw a vehicle parked with its windows open. Concerned because vehicle burglaries are common in the area, officers spoke with the driver. During the conversation, the man allegedly lied to officers about his residence, saying he was parked at the hotel for hours because he was fighting with his wife. Officers contacted the homeowner, who said the man no longer lived there. The man was charged and taken to the Alpharetta Detention Center. — Jon Wilcox

Conyers man charged for not paying restaurant bill ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 36-year -old Conyers man was charged with theft of service after he allegedly declined to pay a restaurant bill Sept. 5. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the Haynes Bridge Road business a little after midnight. Officers asked restaurant staff whether the man could wash dishes to pay for the meal but staff asked to press charges if they did not receive payment. The bill totaled more than $90.

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COMMUNITY

CAC gala raises $500K to keep families housed and fed By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — At its annual gala last month, the Community Assistance Center raised $500,000 to continue the nearly 40-year-old nonprofit organization’s mission of keeping families housed and with access to free, fresh food. The Sept. 19 event welcomed more than 400 attendees, including business and civic leaders, volunteers and other supporters. They celebrated the center’s impact and its holistic approach to supporting families. The center’s CEO, Francis K. Horton III, reflected on how the center has evolved from a crisis response organization to one increasingly focused on helping families move beyond immediate challenges and toward greater stability and long-term financial independence. “The needs we see coming through our doors every day are increasingly about how we can help a family move beyond a crisis and into a stable position,” Horton said. “That starts with keeping families housed and addressing their immediate needs, but it also means helping people build skills, access resources and pursue opportuni-

ties so they can move forward.” The gala also highlighted the early impact of Thrive, the center’s workforce development program that launched in 2025. It helps locals overcome barriers to career pathways and professional goals. Its participants have an average annual income 50% higher than their salaries before the program. Zaria Jett, one Thrive participant, shared her experience and how the program has solidified her path toward a career in nursing. “What I gained from this program goes far beyond certifications and career coaching,” Jett said. “I’ve gained confidence. I’ve gained stability. I’ve learned new skills that I can build on with more training and education.” She said the center’s work is a motivator in her life. “People don’t need someone to do everything for them,” Jett said. “They just need an opportunity, some support and someone willing to say, ‘I believe in you. Keep going.’” In 2025, the center served nearly 10,000 individuals, distributed 1.1 million pounds of food, provided more than $769,000 in financial assistance and helped prevent 1,108 evictions. So far in 2026, the center’s efforts have prevented 830 evictions, officials said.

During the gala, guests enjoyed a special performance by the City Springs Theatre Co., live and silent auctions, a raffle for a European vacation, dinner and stories highlighting the impact of the center. Lauren Baksh and Sue Appleyard served as gala chairs, and Mercedes-Benz USA was the gala’s presenting sponsor. “‘Bringing Community Together for Change’ was more than the theme of this year’s gala; it reflected exactly what happened in the room,” George Northrop, the center’s director of advancement, said. “Our community came together to invest in our neighbors and in programs that can create meaningful and transformational change. This support gives CAC the opportunity to respond to immediate needs while also helping people build a path forward.” The gala was part of the center’s three-year Compassion in Action campaign, which hopes to raise $18 million to address the growing needs of individuals and families in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and portions of Doraville served by Dunwoody schools. The center was founded in 1987 and is supported by more than 500 monthly volunteers and a network of community, corporate and congregational partners. Learn more at ourcac.org.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER/PROVIDED

Zaria Jett, a participant in the Community Assistance Center’s Thrive workforce program, speaks at the nonprofit organization’s annual gala Sept. 19 about how the program set her on a path toward a nursing career.

Gun Violence is the #1 killer of children in Georgia Why does Georgia consistently have one of the highest per capita rates of Gun Violence in the US? We have weaker laws than almost every other state. It’s not complicated. States with lower rates of Gun Violence have laws that work. Georgia can have that, too, with legislators who pledge to work on our Gun Violence Crisis. Georgia Majority thanks the following candidates who pledge to work on solutions:

Beth Fuller House District 53

To see who signed the pledge, visit georgiamajority.org.

Kevin Abel

Senate District 14

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | October 15, 2026 | 5

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PROVIDED

An exceptional start to an unstoppable future Brought to you by - The Davis Academy The years from Kindergarten Prep through 8th Grade are special, consequential, and deserving of intentional focus. These are the years when children are most open to exploring: as students, athletes, artists, friends, and leaders. It’s when students begin to set great expectations, and when they discover their inner self is as important as their academic development. It’s when children recognize their critical role within their family, their community, and the greater world. These are the formative years, and at The Davis Academy, they mean everything. As both a highly academic independent school and a Reform Jewish Day School, we are intentional about giving children an exceptional start to their school experience, providing students with individualized learning, well-rounded opportunities, and a loving community rooted in inclusive values.

We believe that when children are given an exceptional start to their school experience, they grow up to become: • Undeterred by academic challenge and confident in their abilities. • Understood and valued for both who they are and how they learn. • Unafraid to explore their purpose, try new things, develop their voice, advocate for themselves, and speak up for what is right. • United as part of a strong community built on L.O.V.E.—living our values every day. Our families say we’re a school with a soul. That’s because we’re not just a place for the child but for the generations. When your family joins Davis, you begin a life-changing journey together and find a support system for life. Welcome to The Davis Academy Kindergarten Prep - 8th Grade 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350 770-671-0085 davisacademy.org

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves. A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,210 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate. The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Applications are due February 1 Brought to you by – Springmont School As the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori experience that is extraordinary by design. Individualized learning inspires our diverse population of students to become creative, independent, and globally minded. Classrooms are large, light-filled, and thoughtfully prepared, while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons. Specially designed Montessori materials support children’s developmental needs and offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons, and concepts. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Multi-aged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates. Art, Music, Physical Education,

Outdoor Science Education, and Spanish are essential parts of the student experience. At Springmont, students are challenged to reach their fullest potential and empowered to help steer their own educations. Children’s innate curiosity grows into a life-long love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge. Middle School students run micro-economies and compete in regional academic competitions. Opportunities to hone timemanagement skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups make our Middle School Program a true capstone experience. Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Extraordinary by Design. Applications for the 2027-28 school year are due February 1! For more information or to schedule a tour, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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A commitment to excellence! Brought to you by – Dunwoody UMC Preschool Dunwoody UMC Preschool and Kindergarten earned the prestigious “Accredited with Merit” status from Cognia, a global school improvement organization. This top-tier designation recognizes early childhood education programs that exceed standard requirements by demonstrating highly effective leadership, consistent teaching practices, and strong learning cultures. Serving local families for over 60 years, the school continues its tradition of providing trusted early childhood education in the Dunwoody community. During the rigorous evaluation, Cognia reviewers observed classrooms, gathered feedback from families, and evaluated the learning environment. Evaluators highlighted the school’s joyful atmosphere, strong community relationships, and commitment to age-appropriate instruction. The program serves children from toddlers through kindergarten. Its curriculum prioritizes academic readiness alongside social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Key components of the experience include:

• Low student-teacher ratios: Classrooms are intentionally structured to ensure individual attention and tailored early instruction. • Play-based & academic curriculum: To foster a love of learning, the multi-sensory curriculum blends structured academics with creative play to build language, math, and motor skills. • Comprehensive kindergarten preparation: The specialized, half-day program ensures smooth transitions to local public or private elementary schools. • Flexible extended day programs: Families can utilize early drop-off and afternoon extensions to accommodate busy schedules. “This honor reflects the dedication of our teachers and the meaningful partnership between our families and church,” said Director Amy Rohan. “It affirms that our school is a safe, enriching environment and a true benchmark of educational quality for our preschool and kindergarten students.” For registration inquiries, visit www.dumcp.org or contact the administration team at preschool@ dunwoodyumc.org or (770) 394-2555.

14 | October 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

THE SAINT FRANCIS ADVANTAGE Known. Confident. Prepared.

At Saint Francis School, education is personal by design. Small classes, multiple academic pathways, structured support, and meaningful relationships allow students to be appropriately challenged while building the confidence and independence they need to succeed. And now, the Saint Francis Advantage is growing. Beginning in 2027–2028, Saint Francis will welcome 4th and 5th grades to our Milton Campus, creating an earlier pathway into our Middle School and High School programs. Founded in 1976, Saint Francis is an independent, non-sectarian, collegepreparatory school serving students across two campuses. Our Roswell Campus serves grades K–8, and our growing

Milton Campus will serve grades 4–12. From Elementary through High School, Saint Francis meets students where they are and challenges them to grow. Students benefit from strong academics and individualized support, plus opportunities in AP, Dual Enrollment, Honors, athletics, fine arts, STEM, robotics, clubs, and more. Across both campuses, students are known for who they are and how they learn. They become confident in their abilities and leave Saint Francis prepared for what comes next. ONE SCHOOL. TWO CAMPUSES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES. Discover the Saint Francis Advantage. SaintFrancisSchools.com.

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by – Eaton Academy Eaton Academy is a small private school, offering multiple programs, both in person and online. ACCESS, Eaton’s newest program, serves students with limited verbal communication skills – including those with apraxia. Teachers provide individualized instruction and responsive guidance. Students may use AAC devices and experience time in a sensory room. Other Academic Programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic chal-

lenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater selfsufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma. The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic

EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING

work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online. Post-Graduate Programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping. Supported Employment prepares

young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites. The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not quite ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive on-the-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently. Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • Programs for Neurotypical & Neurodivergent Learners • Attention to Individual Needs • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio • Independent Study Classes • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • Post-Graduate Options Available

CALL 770.645.2673 OR VISIT EATONACADEMY.ORG PHOTOS PROVIDED

16 | October 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

High Meadows School Baccalaureate (IB) World School offerInspiring future ing its renowned Primary Years Program students in preschool through fifth global citizens and for grade. High Meadows School’s accominnovative leaders plished and experienced faculty lead Brought to you by – High Meadows School & Camp There is no place like High Meadows School & Camp. Since 1973, High Meadows students in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immersive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, light-filled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive curriculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves. High Meadows lower years classrooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows is an accredited International

each student on this journey. Through interactive, inquiry-based instruction, supported by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learning opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!). When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspectives, an intuitive understanding of life’s interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age, we create within them a love of learning that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that? Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

High Meadows School & Camp inspires Pre-K through 8th grade students to think critically,

learn creatively, act globally and live compassionately. Applications are open now. Visit www.highmeadows.org to learn more and schedule a campus tour.

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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NEWS

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TSPLOST: Continued from Page 1 If voters decide to approve TSPLOST 3 on Nov. 3, the five-year tax could, at its highest projection, pay for around $129 million in projects. About $16 million of that, officials said, would be used to add 4.4 miles of new sidewalks. The city has used TSPLOST funding to add about 60,000 linear feet — around 11.4 miles — of new sidewalks since 2017. Those additions are part of an effort to make the city more walkable and to give residents more transportation options, Mayor Rusty Paul said. “We want to be able to build this connectivity across the community so more and more people are walking and have options besides getting in their cars,” he said. “The TSPLOST is vital to our ability to be able to do that.” A walkable community has been a goal of the city since its 2005 founding. Since then, city leaders have added 57.6 miles of public sidewalks. There is still much work to be done, Paul said, noting the city’s sidewalk network master plan. Approved in January 2024, the plan calls for 249 miles of sidewalks. Work underway across the city Over the summer, crews built

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a Colewood Way sidewalk, made significant progress on the Jett Ferry Road and Spalding Drive sidewalk, and continued work on the Mount Paran Road and Powers Ferry Road sidewalk. Projects to fill sidewalk gaps on Dunwoody Road, North River Drive and Northland Drive have moved forward, too, with the Dunwoody Road project now in the permitting process and a bid for construction contractors imminent. City staffers are working on right-ofway matters for the North River Drive project, and the Northland Drive project is expected to finish its design phase by the end of 2026. One project that has lingered on the city’s TSPLOST project list since 2016 is also moving toward completion. The Path 400 multiuse trail extension will lengthen an existing 5.1-mile path from Loridans Drive North to the Georgia 400/Interstate 285 interchange. The project is divided into three segments, and all three of those components are expected to be under construction over the fall. The additional 1.8 miles of trail is expected to be completed by 2029. Segment 1, which goes to Windsor Parkway, and Segment 3, which goes past Glenridge Connector, are set for completion by spring 2028. In April, the city council approved a construction agreement between Sandy Springs and the Georgia Department

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We want to be able to build this connectivity across the community so more and more people are walking and have options besides getting in their cars.”

for six years, is a fan of the city’s recent improvements to the Mount Vernon Highway corridor. That project, which is substantially complete as of September, added a multiuse path on the south side of the road and 6-foot-wide sidewalks on the north side, connecting pedestrians from the Sandy Springs Library to the Sandy Springs MARTA Station. The project also included new turn lanes and signal upgrades at five intersections. She said the improvements make it easier to walk down the busy road. Her friend, Hannah, lives in Dunwoody and said the sidewalks connect that city and Sandy Springs “very well.” Another resident, J.D., has lived in Sandy Springs for four years. She said it’s nice to see people using the sidewalks installed around Brandon Mill and Dalrymple roads. “Sandy Springs wants to walk,” she said. Jay, who has lived in the city for five years, said the new sidewalks have inspired him to walk more. “It is somewhat inspiring when I see people [walking places],” he said. “It makes me want to do it, too.” One resident, Drew, has lived in Sandy Springs for four years. He said he thinks the third iteration of TSPLOST will pass. When asked if he’ll support it, he said, “Absolutely.”

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AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | October 15, 2026 | 19

Labyrinths offer a unique feature for quiet reflection Labyrinths have always intrigued me whenever I see them in beach areas or sculpture gardens. Not to be confused with a maze, where one can get lost, a labyrinth guides you to the center and BARBARA OLSON back again. I have Guest Columnist seen them in England, Scandinavia and, most recently, in Ellsworth, Michigan, and at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan. There are more than 6,500 registered labyrinths worldwide. Chartres Cathedral in France has a 13th-century stone labyrinth inlaid into the floor of the nave, spanning the width of the building. Labyrinths have been in use for more than 4,000 years, and various patterns have been found in many ancient cultures. They were likely used for ceremonial or meditative purposes. Labyrinths can be made of many materials, such as stone, concrete or even small plants. In England and Scandinavia, I found turf labyrinths made of mounds of earth covered with grass. Labyrinths come in different sizes and can be elaborate, with many concentric circles, or small and simple. Today, labyrinths are experiencing a revival. There is even an annual World Labyrinth Day, celebrated on the first Saturday in May. Labyrinths are found in hospitals, schools, parks, churches, private gardens and many other settings. People walk them for stress relief, spiritual reflection, mindfulness and personal growth. The modern labyrinth movement, which began gaining popularity in the 1990s, emphasizes the labyrinth as a tool for healing and contemplation. The labyrinth's purpose today remains rooted in its symbolic design, which is based on the circle, the universal symbol for unity and wholeness. Many people use labyrinths as a form of walking meditation that helps quiet the mind and focus inward. Ultimately, the labyrinth offers a quiet, structured space for reflection. Across time and cultures, it remains a powerful symbol of the path we all walk, full of twists and turns, yet leading us forward. There are many ways to walk a labyrinth. Before stepping inside, take a moment to reflect on your life, focusing on something as simple as family, career or an upcoming choice. Although there is nothing magical about the layout itself, the physical journey allows your consciousness to open a little deeper. For many years, I had wanted to install a labyrinth in my own yard, but the

Learn More ·‘Walking a Sacred Path’ by Lauren Artress ·Building a Labyrinth - https:// discoverlabyrinths.com/ how-to-build-a-labrynth · Locate a Labyrinth - www. Labyrinthlocator.org

BARBARA OLSON/NORTH FULTON MASTER GARDENERS

A labyrinth on Smith Plantation grounds in Roswell. terrain was too hilly. While working on my first master gardener volunteer project on the grounds of the Archibald Smith Plantation Home and Museum in Roswell, I

located an area surrounded by trees that I thought would be an ideal spot. In the fall of 2016, I received permission from the museum staff to explore the possibility of

creating a labyrinth on the property. I started by raking leaves into a circular design and then raking them outward from the center to create the overall pattern. My husband then assisted me, and we placed logs we found on the property on top of the piles of leaves. This gave the design a little more permanence and kept the leaves from blowing away. The manager at Smith Plantation contracted a bricklayer to permanently lay bricks in place of the logs. In May 2017, the labyrinth at Smith Plantation opened to the public, and an informational sign was erected shortly afterward. The labyrinth at Archibald Smith Plantation is a simple one, surrounded by trees. As you walk this path, be mindful of your natural surroundings. Hear the quiet among the chirping birds, feel the breeze on your skin and slowly follow the path to the center. Use all your senses at this point and then slowly return along the same path to the entrance. This walkway connects directly with the Fernwood Forest path at Smith Plantation, where visitors can enjoy another beautiful walk. Whether you need a brief escape from a hectic schedule or a dedicated space to process a major life decision, the ancient structure of the labyrinth provides a timeless remedy. I encourage you to visit the brick labyrinth at Smith Plantation in Roswell or locate an installation near you to step off the beaten path and find your own inner peace. Happy gardening!

DEATH NOTICES Judith Erhardt, age 88, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Hampton Logan, age 83, of Milton, GA passed away on September 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory

Gail Gibson, age 86, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carolyn Smith, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bonita Tillman, age 94, of Roswell, GA passed away on October 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. June Thomas, age 88, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 24, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

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

PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA

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

Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell. A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.

Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show. “The kids love it,” John Hill said. Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.

See FOURTH, Page 23

OPINION

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Biscuit eatery rises to meet high demand

Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth

By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration. As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks. Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth. “It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.” Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company. “It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.” Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese. Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots. Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

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

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center. Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the

ROI

matters.

sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt. Rob Heagerty said. At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and

make changes to water heaters. The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said. The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,

gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises. The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.

See SHERIFF, Page 12

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County restores original funding to cultural arts

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17. While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay. The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.

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

Dunwoody opens doors to refine future land-use By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA

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

Commercial partners and city celebrate new path By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

See FULTON, Page 20

Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for allegedly using excessive force against prisoners. The 47-year-old sergeant is accused of repeatedly using tasers on compliant, nonresisting pre-trial detainees on three occa-

April 10, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

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By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

rights of all individuals, including those in custody.” “Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20

Life Time Perimeter revives health club site ► PAGE 4

Summer Veggies Annuals Pollinator Plants and So Much More! Friday April 11- Sunday April 13

Greenhouse complex- Across from the Skate Park in Brookrun Park, Dunwoody

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

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County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.

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County delays closing Alpharetta jail site

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang. Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks. Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.

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years behind bars for each false report. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

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

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

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path. “We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon

said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.” A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer

See PATH, Page 17

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul. City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.

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By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival. The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,

California, formed in 1988. They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.” The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m. In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.

See LIT, Page 9

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

Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection

CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED

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

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

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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light. The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely. Initially, city officials expected the project

to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given. Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door. The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.

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Wild Nest Bird Rehab finds roost at Legacy Park

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

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