Candidates qualify to run for council
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Foundation sets 20th anniversary gala
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Tickets are on sale for “Celebrate Sandy Springs,” an evening of celebration, connection and culture Oct. 9 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
The evening marks the Sandy Springs Foundation’s debut event and a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of the City of Sandy Springs.
Since 2005, organizers with the city and its nonprofit say Sandy
Springs has grown into a vibrant hub for arts, culture and recreation.
The Sandy Springs Foundation supports signature events like the Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival, City Green Live concerts, Juneteenth, Lantern Parade and Sparkle Sandy Springs.
Proceeds from the gala will help enhance community events and maximize the potential of venues including the Performing Arts Center, City Green, Heritage Amphitheater and local parks.
Sponsors for the event include Sherry and David Abney, Trish and Ken Byers, and Sunny K. Park, as well as Crown Jewel Sponsor Lee Brant.
Sandy Springs Foundation Chairwoman Christine Propst said Celebrate Sandy Springs is about more than marking 20 years of cityhood.
“It’s about bringing our community together to honor our shared history, celebrate our accomplishments and look ahead to the future,” Propst said.
Judge rules county must approve slate of GOP nominees to
Elections Board
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — A State Superior Court Judge has found the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and imposed a $10,000 per day fine beginning Friday, Aug. 29, unless Republican nominees are appointed to the County Elections Board.
In his Aug. 27 court order, Senior Superior Court Judge David Emerson wrote “local legislation does not include language authorizing the Commission to veto the selection of any qualified nominee.”
He wrote that the legislation provides that the County Commission “shall” appoint the nominees submitted by the party executive officer if they are otherwise qualified.
“As was recently the argument by the defendant Fulton County in Adams v. Fulton County, [Julie] Adams had a mandatory duty to certify election results because of the word ‘shall’ is ‘generally a word of command,’” the judge wrote.
The months-long scrummage between the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the Registration
See GALA, Page 12 See CONTEMPT, Page 12
FILE PHOTO
The Sandy Springs Foundation, a new local nonprofit focused connecting the community through cultural celebrations, is hosting its inaugural Celebrate Sandy Springs gala at City Springs Oct. 9 for the city’s upcoming 20th anniversary.
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Incumbents, challengers qualify for November election
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After a weeklong qualifying period in mid-August, Sandy Springs residents can expect at least three new faces on the City Council next year.
The qualifying period wrapped at noon Aug. 22 with four candidates qualifying to run for mayor and a contested race in each of the city’s six districts.
City Clerk Raquel Gonzales confirmed that 19 candidates are running across each of the city’s seven elected positions after the qualification period wrapped.
Two sitting council members, Jody Reichel and Andy Bauman, announced mayoral campaigns earlier this year, challenging the incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul, who is running for a fourth term.
The fourth mayoral candidate is Dontaye Carter, CEO of his own public relations and media firm, who received just over 30 percent of the vote as the sole mayoral candidate running against the incumbent Paul in 2021.
Also, City Councilman Tibby DeJulio announced in April he would not be seeking reelection to the District 5 seat after his 20 years of service.
That means there will be a minimum of three new faces on the Sandy Springs City Council, representing districts 4 through 6.
At the same time, Paul is facing the most competitive race of his incumbency.
Sandy Springs holds nonpartisan municipal elections every four years.
Qualified Sandy Springs candidates
Mayor
• Andy Bauman, three-term District 6 council member
• Dontaye Carter, the 2021 runner-up
• Rusty Paul, incumbent running for a fourth term
• Jody Reichel, two-term District 4 council member
City Council - District 1
• Lorri Connor
• John Paulson, incumbent running for a fifth term
City Council - District 2
• Melody Kelley, incumbent running for a second term
• Lauren Locke
All seats on the City Council and the mayor’s position are up for election at the same time. There are no staggered terms.
City Council races are determined by district, and voters may only cast a ballot for candidates running in the district where they reside. The mayoral race is citywide.
To view a map, visit sandyspringsga.gov/council-membersand-council-districts.
The city set a qualifying record in 2025 with 19 candidates dropping by Sandy Springs City Hall to qualify for the Nov. 4 municipal election. In 2021, 17 candidates qualified.
Competitive City Council and mayoral races in the state’s seventh
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City Council - District 3
• Melissa Mular, incumbent running for a second term
• Tara Overzat
City Council - District 4
• Dave Flynn
• Steven D. Hickey
• Frank Roberts
• Michelle Sullivan
City Council - District 5
• Kristen Daddow-Rodriguez
• Mary Ford
• Colin Andrew Hubbard
City Council - District 6
• Andrew J. Chinsky
• Tesula Stewart
most populous city are new. In 2017, nine candidates qualified to run across all seven elected positions with five incumbents unchallenged. The only election held that year was in District 4 between City Councilwoman Reichel and Le’Dor Milteer.
This November, each City Council race has at least two candidates competing.
In District 1, encompassing most of the city’s panhandle region east of Ga. 400 and north of the city of Dunwoody, incumbent City Councilman John Paulson is running against challenger Lorri Connor.
Paulson is seeking his fifth term in the District 5 seat. Connor is a retired teacher and vice chair of the North
Fulton Democrats.
In District 2, which includes the northwestern corner of the city down to Marsh Creek, incumbent City Councilwoman Melody Kelley is facing one challenger, Lauren Locke.
In District 3, encompassing the City Springs downtown district and surrounding neighborhoods, incumbent City Councilwoman Melissa Mular is facing off against Tara Overzat.
The District 4 seat, being vacated by mayoral candidate Reichel, is the most competitive race in Sandy Springs this year with four candidates competing: Dave Flynn, Steven Hickey, Frank Roberts and Michelle Sullivan. That district is centrally located including both sides of Ga. 400 in east Sandy Springs.
In District 5, which includes the High Point neighborhood south of I-285 and east of Roswell Road (Ga. 9), there are three candidates running for the open seat, Mary Ford, Colin Hubbard and Kristen DaddowRodriguez, who announced her run Aug. 18 via Facebook.
Finally, the competition for the open District 6 is between Andrew Chinsky and Tesula Stewart.
Residents can register to vote up until Oct. 6. Advanced voting will occur Oct. 14 to 31.
Check your voter registration status and find more information at vote.gov.
Appen Media will be working to educate voters about their candidates. Send questions and what is on your mind as you head to the ballot box to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
Appen Media launches online merch store supporting journalism
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group announced Aug. 19 the launch of its official online merchandise store, available at appenmediastore. com. The new store gives readers, supporters, and community members a way to show their pride in local journalism while directly funding the work of Appen’s newsroom.
All proceeds from the store will go toward supporting Appen Media’s mission of delivering trusted, independent reporting across North Fulton, south Forsyth and DeKalb counties.
“Local journalism is at the heart of our communities, and this store provides a new way for readers to
take part in sustaining that mission,” said Hans Appen, Publisher of Appen Media Group. “Every shirt, mug, or tote bag purchased helps ensure we can continue telling the stories that matter most to our neighbors.”
The store offers a variety of branded items designed to celebrate both community pride and support for independent journalism. Purchases not only help expand Appen Media’s reporting resources but also serve as a visible reminder of the importance of local news.
To shop the collection and support local journalism, visit appenmediastore.com.
— Hans Appen
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, 5 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
1. Links hazard. Ceiling brace. Breakfast item.
2. Hacienda brick. Foe. Polynesian rain dance.
3. Lacking taste, flavor or tang. Accounting entry. Roofing material.
4. Garden resident. Cement. Coffee, to some.
5. Wildcat. Ford flop. Fireplace material.
6. Hot rum drink. Window and door material. Seasonal visitor.
7. Adhesive. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians. Clapboard.
1 Links hazard. Ceiling brace. Breakfast item
2. Hacienda brick. Foe. Polynesian rain dance
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. Lacking taste, flavor or tang. Accounting entry. Roofing material.
4. Garden resident. Cement. Coffee, to some
5. Wildcat. Ford flop. Fireplace material
6. Hot rum drink. Window and door material.
Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo set for Performing Arts Center
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — As the busy fall hiring season gets underway, jobseekers have an opportunity Sept. 10 to connect directly with employers at the Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo.
The semi-annual career fair returns Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at Mount Vernon Highway and Roswell Road (Ga. 9).
The City of Sandy Springs, the Greater Perimeter Chamber of Commerce (GPC) and the Community Assistance Center’s (CAC) Career Center are partnering to host the free in-person event. The three-hour expo offers local talent and employers the opportunity to step away from job boards and automated portals to have intentional conversations that go beyond the resume and accelerate the job and candidate search processes.
The March 2025 expo drew nearly 300 jobseekers and 20 local employers from industries including healthcare, education, hospitality and insurance. Participating companies in September include United Parcel Service, State Farm, Graphic Packaging International, InterContinental Hotels and Fulton County Schools.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul
said the city is proud to support the Community Assistance Center’s initiative.
“Our robust local economy is creating high-quality career opportunities,” Paul said. “The Sandy
Springs Connects! Career Expo is an excellent platform to connect many of our top companies with our city’s qualified and diverse workforce.”
Janet Dahlstrom is an empowerment manager for the Community Assistance Center.
“In today’s digital-first job market, this expo gives our residents the rare chance to make personal connections with local employers and show their value beyond their resume,” Dahlstrom said. “Through Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo, we are linking jobseekers with employers and career tracks offering competitive salaries, benefits and room for growth.”
Sandy Springs is home to six Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of mid-size companies, and thousands of small businesses that offer a wide range of career and industry opportunities. The average participating employer at Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo is recruiting for several roles in areas such as IT, sales, marketing, human resources, medical, legal and accounting departments among others.
Jobseekers and companies interested in attending the Sept. 10 Sandy Springs Connects! Career Expo can register at sandyspringsconnects. com.
Jobseekers are encouraged to register in advance. However, the Community Assistance Center says walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event.
— Hayden Sumlin
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER/PROVIDED
Authors signing session to benefit Jesse’s House
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com
CUMMING, Ga — On Sept. 11, New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin will help kick off Harvesting Hope, a three-day affair benefiting Jesse’s House, a Cumming nonprofit providing a safe haven for at-risk girls.
Giffin, whose dozen novels have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, will headline a free sip and sign event during the fundraiser’s
Monday, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 29, Ann Hite with her new release, “I Am a Georgia Girl: The Life of Lucille Selig Frank, 1888-1957.”
On Sept. 8, Carolyn Curry will moderate and Bookmiser will partner with the Cobb Library Foundation for the book’s release. Free. 6 p.m. Switzer Library, 266 Roswell St. NE, Marietta. On Sept. 29, Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host Hite at 6 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/ events.html
Thursday, Sept. 11, Books and Bourbon Fundraiser for Jesse’s House featuring Emily Giffin and other area authors. 5 p.m. Free. Optional bourbon tasting with snacks, $55. Hosted by Poe and Company Bookstore at Stoney J. Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Thursday, Sept. 11, Create Cheesy Comics with Shanda McCloskey. The local author-illustrator will help children create their own four-panel “cheesy” comic. All supplies provided. 5:30 p.m. $35. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com
Tuesday, Sept. 16, Michael Ludden, Anne Echols and Todd Sullivan. A Novel Idea presents the trio discussing their novels, “The Street King,” “Roland’s Labyrinth,” and “Blood Stew,” respectively. 7 p.m. Free. Roswell Junction, 340 S. Atlanta St., Roswell. anovelidea.us.
Thursday, Sept. 18, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater with author Laura Elizabeth. 6 p.m. $60. Poe &
Books and Bourbon evening. She will be joined by a host of other Atlanta-area writers, including Kimberly Brock, Emily Carpenter, Jessica Handler and Michael L. Thurmond.
Details about Harvesting Hope and other September author events are at right.
Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-7975566. Poeandcompanybookstore. com
Saturday, Sept. 20, Novel 101 with Sally Kilpatrick. The USA Today bestselling author will share secrets to writing a novel, answer questions about the writing process, and explore her latest release, “Nobody’s Perfect,” purchase of which is required. 3 p.m. $16.99. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com
Friday, Saturday and Monday, Sept. 26, 27 and 29, Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale. See website for hours and details. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-612-9700. forl.net
Sunday, Sept. 28, McCracken Poston Jr. examining “Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom.” Poston, a former Georgia state legislator and criminal defense attorney, will probe his nonfiction work about a murder trial in a small Georgia town. 2 p.m. Free. Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega St, Cumming. 770-781-9840. forsythpl.org/ event/14162881
Tuesday, Sept. 30, Madeline Martin joins a book club discussion of her new title, “The Secret Book Society.” 1 p.m. Free. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks. com.
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.
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When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
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Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Sandy Springs releases lineup for September music festival
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival returns to City Springs Sept. 26 and 27 with invitations extended to the public free of charge.
The downtown fall festival features nationally acclaimed musical acts taking the stage each evening, drawing in crowds to the heart of Sandy Springs for a two-day celebration.
Earlier this month, the city announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at 8:30 p.m.
The Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival transforms City Springs into a lively, four-block showcase of creativity and sound. With music stages at the City Green and off Hilderbrand Drive, music is slated from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days.
Visitors can expect more than 60 vendors, amusement rides, entertainment for all ages and food and drinks.
The Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival is produced by the City of Sandy Springs with the generous support of VEG ER for Pets, a 24hour emergency veterinary hospital; IvyBrook Academy Sandy Springs, dedicated to fostering an innovative and nurturing environment for children ages 18 months to 6 years; and Cornhole ATL, which has more
CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Awardwinning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.
than 12,000 players annually across four divisions designed for beginners, casual players and intermediate competitors.
For more details, visit bluestonefest.com.
— Hayden Sumlin
Blue Stone Festival Lineup
Friday, Sept. 26:
Festival Attractions
• 4 p.m. - Festival kicks off
City Green Stage
• 5:30 p.m. - Search Engine (variety party hits)
• 7 p.m. - Rusted Soul (classic rock & soul)
• 8:30 p.m. - Lit (Headliner - (’90s rock band/pop punk)
Hilderbrand Stage
• 4:30 p.m. - Mack & Micheal (fatherdaughter duo)
• 5:30 p.m. - Risky Biscuit (variety pop)
• 7 p.m. - Letterbomb (tribute to Green Day)
Saturday, Sept. 27:
Blue Stone 5K-9
• 8 a.m. - Race steps off
Festival Attractions
• 11 a.m. - Festival kicks off
City Green Stage
• 1 p.m. - Across the Wide (Americana)
• 2:30 p.m. - Gurufish (funk)
• 4 p.m. - Run Katie Run (Pop Americana)
• 5:30 p.m. - Brother Maven (American rock & soul)
• 7 p.m. - Joslyn and the Sweet Compression (0riginal funk & soul)
• 8:30 p.m. - Rumours ATL – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute (headliner)
Hilderbrand Stage
• 11 a.m. - Rick Hubbard Kazoobie (family entertainment)
• 11:45 a.m.- Lady Bug (preschool entertainment)
• 12:30 p.m. - The Bean and the Bear Show (magic & puppetry)
• 1:15 p.m. - Rick Hubbard Kazoobie
• 2:15 p.m. - School of Rock (community youth band)
• 3:30 p.m. - No Filter (variety cover band)
• 5 p.m. - B4Y2K (’90s party)
• 6:45 p.m. - The New Respects (harmonious alternative indie)
FALL 2025
SEPTEMBER 8th – OCTOBER 27th
(No classes September 22nd)
Dunwoody Baptist Church 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338
10:00 – 11:00
SPIES, SABOTEURS and OTHER EXCITING STORIES of WW2 – DAN O’LONE will discuss discuss three of the most important female spies of WW2, the real James Bond and the D-Day deceptions. He will also present the stories of two men, one a diplomat from a country he’d never seen, the other a British spy, each of whom rescued over ten thousand Jews from the Holocaust.
NOTE: The first 2 weeks will feature a guest presenter dealing with similar topics.
10:00 – 11:00
FOLK MUSIC and the DOO-WOP YEARS (1946 - 1966) –
TOM DELL will finish up the history of Folk Music and then turn to the Doo-Wop years, a genre that began on street corners and subway stations as groups of teens used the natural reverberation of those locales to enhance the songs they created or copied. Some of these groups recorded their songs and became among others the Robins, The Flamingos, The Cadillacs, The Teenagers, The Dell-Vikings, The Midnighters, and The Coasters.
10:00 – 3:00
OPEN MAH JONGG – Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session. Play is based on the National Mah Jongg league rules
10:00 – 12:00
OPEN CANASTA – Bring your score sheet and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session.
11:30 – 12:30
THE HISTORY BEHIND -- BETSY JONES will tell us the whole story behind the song “We Shall Overcome,” which music is based on a 18th century hymn with words first added before the Civil War and then becoming a protest song in the 1940s; as well as “Hold the Line, “a song first sung by The Weavers about a long forgotten week of riots when Paul Robeson came to sing in the little town of Peekskill, NY. Another favorite story is called “The Bench,” a story of faith and perseverance that finally freed an inmate wrongly imprisoned for 18 years in Sing Sing prison. Other topics include the discovery of unknown and untrained great artists, the history behind famous - and sometimes tragic – photographs; and the centuries old source of a line in a Bugs Bunny cartoon!
11:30 – 12:30
PERSUASION -- MICHELE FRIEDMAN will present an exploration of the concept of PERSUASION from the perspectives of psychology, history, literature and film including Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Milton leads Chamblee volleyball tri-match
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
CHAMBLEE, Ga. — Chamblee High School hosted Milton and Riverwood volleyball for a triple header Aug. 21 where Milton went 2-0, Chamblee split 1-1 and Riverwood lost both matches.
Milton had the first two matches of the evening, facing Chamblee first and then Riverwood. After graduating 11 seniors in May, the Eagles have found success starting three freshmen in their outside hitter Macurdy Harden, setter Abigail Mowbray and right side London Estes.
Despite losing their starting libero Aubrey White to an ankle injury after a collision with a teammate in the first match, junior Sheza Maan stepped up to fill the absence and the Eagles went on to defeat Riverwood.
Harden was the highlight of the night, posting 26 kills, 15 digs, four aces and two blocks. The freshman filled in the cracks, both on the stat sheet and otherwise, serving as the floor captain in White’s unavailability.
Milton coach Missey Hall praised Harden’s defense and shot selection.
“She’s true six-rotation, a complete package,” Hall said. “[The team] has just been amazing, they’ve worked hard, they’ve embraced the youngest
on the team with our freshmen. Our veterans are supporting the younger girls incredibly.”
Freshman setter Abigail Mowbray put up 45 assists with a pair each of kills, digs and aces. Her older sister, senior outside hitter Mia, logged 15 kills, five digs and one block.
The Eagles swept both teams, never requiring a third set. Against Chamblee, the first set was neckand-neck, ending 25-23. At the end of the second set, Chamblee was up 20-18 score was tied at twenty apiece after another competitive stretch. The Eagles then went on a 7-0 run with three blocks, two Chamblee errors and a pair of kills by Mia Mowbray.
Down three of their strongest hitters, Riverwood found their stride as the night went on. The score of the first set against Milton was 16-25 but improved to 19-25 in the second, the deficit reaching just two near the end.
Junior Sasha Francis led the Raiders with 16 kills. Sophomore Kendall Saunders was not far behind with 10. Setter Syler Lewis, who led the team in aces the last two seasons, posted four on the night and three kills.
Despite struggling at times, Riverwood was able to push the final match of the night against Chamblee
to three sets.
The Bulldogs won the first set of the match 25-22 after a back-andforth down the stretch. Riverwood came out with a fire for the second set, maintaining a comfortable lead and staving off Chamblee’s lastminute push at the end, final score 25-21.
Chamblee came out hot in the third set and didn’t slow down. The final score was 15-7. Sophomore outside hitters led the team in kills and posted four aces each. CeCe Curran put up 17 kills and Yana Barga had 12. Libero Trinity Robins was another high point for the Bulldogs, with several seemingly gravity-defying digs.
Chamblee coach Lorrie Reynolds said that in a rebuilding year, winning the mental battle has made the difference in their success.
“I’m so happy for them because they finally proved to themselves that they could come back from that,” she said. “They’re supporting each other, talking and communicating better, moving better together. This season we’ve gone up against a lot of good teams, we’ve come close to a lot of them, and it really is just a matter of them starting to figure it out and believe in themselves and believe they actually can do it.”
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Milton’s Lilly Ferraraccio, Abigail Mowbray and Sheza Maan prepare to receive Riverwood’s serve at Chamblee High School Aug. 21.
1800s singing school tradition
VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Columnist
According to the Library of Congress, “the singing school was a common fixture in many American communities during the nineteenth century.” The invention of shapenote or Sacred Harp singing helped the singing school movement further in the mid-1800s.
Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, now closed, is in Sandy Springs and on the edge of Dunwoody. The church followed the tradition of Sacred Harp singing. Primitive Baptist churches do not use accompanying musical instruments. The voice is the instrument.
Singing instructors traveled to various locations to conduct schools and teach musical sight reading. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, singing schools were often held at a local church or school. Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church sometimes hosted these events, as well as Sacred Harp Singing Festivals.
The photo that accompanies this article was among the archives of the Anderson family. They were shared with me by Ken Anderson in 2009. He did not know the identity of the building where Webb’s singing school was held, but the assumption is it was a Dunwoody School. It could have been Dunwoody, Tilly, Chestnut or Ebenezer School. Chestnut and Ebenezer were in Milton County, just over the line from DeKalb. Ebenezer School was on church property.
The location could also be Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church. The two front doors in the photo are typical of
churches in the late 1800s. Men and women entered the church separately.
Professor J. L. Webb of Alpharetta conducted the 1892 Dunwoody singing school. He had been leading singing schools since at least 1881. On October 26, 1881, the Weekly Gwinnett Herald announced an upcoming singing event. “I have been requested by Mr. J. L. Webb, professor of vocal music, and who has taught several classes in the county recently, to say that arrangements have been made to organize a Vocal Musical convention for this county (Gwinnett).”
The event was held at Chestnut Grove Church near Lawrenceville. “All singing schools, societies or classes are requested to send four delegates. All teachers of leaders in vocal music are invited to be present. In fact, everybody that feels interested are cordially invited to come.”
Webb offered his singing school program in 1885 at the Mt. Zion Church in Canton, Georgia. “Professor J. L. Webb of Alpharetta conducted an excellent singing at Mt. Zion Church Sunday.” (The Cherokee Advance, Canton, GA, May 22, 1885)
A shape-note songbook, “The Sacred Harp,” was published in 1844 by B. F. White and E.J. King of Georgia. A Georgia historical marker dedicated to Sacred Harp singing is located on the property of Holly Springs Church in Bremen, Georgia. The marker recognizes White and King for compiling a songbook that would continue the Sacred Harp singing tradition.
Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.
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On August 11, 1892, children and adults gather for singing school in Dunwoody, led by instructor J. L. Webb.
Contempt:
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and Elections Board, elected officials on both sides and the courts revolves around the 2020 presidential election, several lawsuits against the county and partisan politics.
In June, commissioners voted along party lines and failed to reappoint sitting board member Julie Adams and twice-nominated Jason Frazier, both Republicans. Democratic commissioners questioned the nominees’ ethics, qualifications and records of questioning election results and challenging registrations.
The Fulton County Republican Party filed suit in response to compel the Board of Commissioners to accept the nominations of Adams and Frazier. The Board then appealed the lawsuit after Emerson ruled that state law requires it to approve GOP nominations.
At the Aug. 20 Board of Commissioners meeting, three Democrat commissioners were absent the nomination votes – Chairman Robb Pitts and commissioners Marvin Arrington Jr. and Khadijah Abdur-
Gala:
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“This is a night for everyone who loves Sandy Springs to come together and be part of the celebration.”
Community leaders and champions of Sandy Springs whose support and presence reflect the spirit of the milestone anniversary are set to host the inaugural Celebrate Sandy Springs gala. Organizers say their participation highlights the city’s strong tradition of civic engagement and community pride.
Tickets are expected to sell
DEATH NOTICES
Carlos Bosch, 61, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 14, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Clara Cruz, 94, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 18, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Rahman.
North Fulton commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, the only two Republicans on the sevenmember board, split the vote with commissioners Dana Barrett and Mo Ivory. Because four votes are needed for board approval, both nominations failed.
Thorne, who has accused the county of election fraud herself, pointed to the Adams v. Fulton County case, which found that Registrations and Election Board members are required to certify elections. She said the appointment of Election Board members is similar, and the court’s interpretation of the word “shall” should be applied consistently.
Ivory represents midtown and downtown Atlanta, Hapeville and portions of East Point and College Park in District 4. Barrett represents Buckhead, parts of midtown Atlanta and southern Sandy Springs in District 3.
The two commissioners held a press conference an hour before the Aug. 27 emergency hearing after the Fulton County Republican Party requested all five Democrat commissioners be held in contempt of court. They discussed why they think
quickly for this evening featuring dinner, live entertainment, raffle, auction and special guests.
To donate or purchase tickets visit, givebutter.com/c/SS20th
Raffle tickets are available for two prizes: a seven-night stay for two in Bali, Kauai, Costa del Sol or another exciting destination, and a $5,000 custom jewelry piece designed exclusively for the winner by Dunwoody-based Jewelry Artisans.
The drawing will be at the Oct. 9 celebration, but attendance is not required to win.
Bidding for the silent auction opens Oct. 1 and residents can preview available items now. Participation is open to everyone
Melinda Harmon, 79, of Roswell, passed away on August 14, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Murray Mann, 74, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 12, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
the lawsuit threatens local election integrity and highlighted its broader local and national implications.
Barrett echoed comments made during the Aug. 20 discussion, saying she would rather face jail time and fines than appoint the Republican nominees. The court declined to hold anyone in criminal contempt.
Ivory released a statement after the Aug. 27 court order, saying she “carefully reviewed the nominees and reached a decision that [she] believe[s] best protects the integrity of our election system and the interests of Fulton County’s voters.”
“Today’s court ruling is deeply concerning because it attempts to strip elected officials of the very power and discretion that come with the office,” Ivory said. “If our role is reduced to automatic approval, then the voice of the people who chose us is silenced.”
Earlier this year, Ivory said Adams sowed “discord and chaos” when she refused to certify the county’s primary results last year. She also cited comments from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about the county’s well-run 2024 election, saying she can work with some Republicans.
Democratic commissioners made
— attendance at the gala is not required to bid and win. Highlights include “VIP City Experiences” like a chance to lead the Lantern Parade or a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
Trips up for bid include a week at a private villa in Provence, five nights in the Greek Isles or an Aspen Ski getaway. Fabulous Dining includes an in-home gourmet dinner prepared by the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Executive Chef Karl Elliott or an exclusive wine tasting at Mayor Rusty Paul’s house. For more information about the Sandy Springs Foundation, visit sandyspringsfoundation.org.
Barbara Murphy, 87, of Roswell, passed away on August 14, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Gil Rhee, 63, of Milton, passed away on August 17, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
similar comments about Frazier, saying he has “an egregious record of voter suppression.”
Frazier characterizes his work as “fighting for election integrity,” showing one of the stark divides in American politics.
Gabriel Sterling, a Sandy Springs resident who recently stepped down as chief operating officer for Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, said the fine of $10,000 per day comes from the pocket of county taxpayers.
Sterling received nationwide coverage for his denunciation of President Donald Trump’s false claims about voter fraud during the 2020 presential election. The Republican civil servant and former city councilman criticized members of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in an Aug. 27 X post at 4:18 p.m.
“Judge also says they have been ‘stubbornly litigious’ and ‘acted in bad faith,’” Sterling wrote. “[The Fulton County Commission] must seat the GOP nominees to the Board of Elections and allow their challenge to work its way through the court system. Their lawlessness and irresponsible behavior needs to end.”
PRESSCLU
Ronald Robichaud, 80, of Alpharetta, passed away on August 17, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Arlene Struchtemeyer, 79, of Roswell, passed away on August 18, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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