Sandy Springs Crier - October 20, 2022

Foundation raises over $5,000 following K9 shooting death

Graduation rates improve

Lifetime of love

Couple celebrates 75th wedding anniversary

By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — It’s been more than 75 years since Harold Banister sent his future wife a note asking her out on a date, but he says they are more in love than ever.

Harold, 94, and Louise Young Banister, 91, live in Sandy Springs. However, their story began on July 6, 1947, in Wil liamston, South Carolina. World War II had ended two years prior.

At the time, Harold said sugar was the last commodity to be removed from rationing, gasoline was 13 cents a gallon and the average annual income was $2,854. He added that an average new car cost about $1,290, while an average new house cost $6,550.

The South was covered by family farms, and gospel songs were all the hype. On the Sunday afternoon the couple met, Harold said he talked a friend into hitch-hiking 8 miles north from his hometown in Belton to Williamston, South Carolina, to attend a gospel singing at the local high school.

Cities, county in stalemate over sales tax

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

Harold and Louise Banister are celebrating their 75th wed ding anniversary on Nov. 28

Louise and her friend arrived late, and as they looked around the school’s gymnasium for a seat, Harold said he convinced his friend to give his up and entertain the other girl. Harold wasted no time asking Louise for a date. But, to get rid of him, she told him that

See BANISTERS,

Blaze damages Roswell residence

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Fire De partment responded to a call on Powell Drive at around 12:55 p.m. on Oct. 13, where they found heavy smoke coming from the roof of a two-story house.

While no injuries were reported, the inside of the home sustained significant damage.

Roswell Fire Department spokesman Chad Miller said a resident called 911 to report smoke coming from inside his house after his smoke alarm activated.

The extent of the damage was not im mediately available.

— Chamian Cruz

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Negotiations over distribution of the countywide local option sales tax appear to have reached an impasse.

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts indicated that the county isn’t prepared to budge on its drive for a greater share of the pie following a second round of negotiations with cities Oct. 7 in Atlanta.

Representatives the 15 cities met with county officials at the Georgia Mu nicipal Association offices for the second time to haggle over how an estimated $3 billion in sales tax revenue will be distributed over the next 10 years.

Every decade, the county and its cities renegotiate how money collected

See IMPASSE,

ROBIN BLASS

Top 10 Atlanta Board of Realtors Top Producers 404-403-6561

ROBIN BLASS Top 10 Atlanta Board of Realtors Top Producers 404-403-6561 C

ROBIN BLASS Top 10 Atlanta Board of Realtors Top Producers 404-403-6561 C | 770-394-2131

770-394-2131

770-394-2131

RobinBlass.com

RobinBlass.com

RobinBlass.com

BANISTER FAMILY/PROVIDED

FILE PHOTO

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul speaks at a town hall event Sept. 21.

ROSWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT/PROVIDED

Roswell firefighters battle a blaze on Powell Drive on Oct. 13.

therapist expands

Metro Atlanta school systems mark climb in graduation rates

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Graduation rates for coun ties in north Metro Atlanta are on the rise, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Education Oct. 6.

Data for Georgia’s high-school gradu ation rate in 2022 shows that many north metro school districts, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett counties, experienced significant gradu ation rate increases compared to 2021, mirroring the rise seen at the state level.

Georgia’s statewide graduation rate rose from 83. 7 percent in 2021 to 84.2 percent in 2022 — an all-time high since Georgia began using the graduation rate calculation required by federal law, state officials said.

Of the major Metro Atlanta counties, Fulton reported the largest increase to its graduation rate, with an increase from 87.7 percent in 2021 to 89.3 percent in 2022.

“We are so proud of our incredible students, teachers and administrators who have pulled through two extremely challenging years showing tenacity in the face of uncertainty,” Fulton County Superintendent Mike Looney said.

“Fulton County Schools continues to concentrate our efforts on recovery and progress with the goal of graduation

always in our sights.”

Forsyth County’s graduation rate held steady in 2022. However, system of ficials said the district has held a 96 per cent graduation rate, one of the highest in the state, for three consecutive years.

Here’s how major metro-Atlanta counties did in 2022:

• Statewide – 0.5 percent increase – 84.2 graduation rate

• Cobb County – 0.2 percent in crease – 87.4 graduation rate

• DeKalb County – 0.8 percent increase – 76.2 graduation rate

• Forsyth County – 0 percent in crease – 96.4 graduation rate

• Fulton County – 1.6 percent in crease – 87.7 graduation rate

• Gwinnett County – 0.7 percent increase – 83.2 graduation rate

“Teachers and students who perse vered through the challenges of the last several years deserve credit for Georgia’s graduation rate increasing and other re cent positive indicators, like Georgia stu dents beating the SAT national average once again,” State School Superinten dent Richard Woods said. “I commend Georgia’s educators and the class of 2022 and am confident we will continue to see improvements as we expand op portunities for students and invest in

Sandy Springs #1 Kitchen

SUPPORT

Physical therapist sets mission to treat the ‘everyday athlete’

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Lauren Sok was a preteen when she knew she wanted to go into physical therapy. At age 12, she broke her elbow. To this day, she can’t fully bend her arm due to a botched physical therapy experience.

Sok, who owns Functionize Health & Physical Therapy in Decatur and Dunwoody, might just fit the stereotype of someone who would own a physical therapy clinic. With a pixie cut, athletic attire and a powerful stance and voice that fill up a room, despite short stat ure, Sok said her childhood injury and resulting physical therapy experience launched her on a path to becoming a physical therapist.

She decided she never wanted someone to go to physical therapy and not meet their goals. Nor did she want someone to go through the same pain of rehabbing something, like she did with her elbow.

After high school, Sok went straight into a physical therapy fast-track mas ter’s program, earning her degree in 2000. Since then, she’s earned certifica tions in Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Trigger Point Dry Needling, Women’s Health and Stott Pilates.

Functionize first opened in Decatur in 2015. And in March, Sok opened a second location in Dunwoody on Nan dina Lane. Sok’s business idea was sparked by frustrations in her 16 years of partnering with traditional physical therapy companies, where one-on-one with clients wasn’t the norm.

Before opening Functionize, she began doing concierge physical therapy. She recalled going door-to-door around Atlanta, carrying her table and a bag of supplies that she would use to treat peo ple. When Sok built a sizable client base, she branched out with an established clinic to treat the “everyday athlete.”

Sok said a big misconception about physical therapy is that it’s just for injuries.

LOCAL

“We believe if you have a body, you’re an athlete,” Sok said. “Just like every athlete should perform at a high level, so should you — whether you like doing cross stitching or cross fitting or cross country. You can do the whole thing. We just have to help you get there.”

Well-rounded care

While Functionize focuses on physi cal therapy, Sok approaches her work by accounting for all four pillars of healthy living and thriving: exercise, nutrition,

sleep and relaxation.

There’s five physical therapists onstaff, including Sok, in addition to a nutritionist who clients can see virtually. Staff also regularly work with functional medicine doctors to provide additional insight into client care. If the Function ize team concludes that a client needs more attention in a certain area, they refer out to specialists, like orthopedists or psychologists.

At Functionize, physical therapy encompasses a wide range of specialties, like postpartum and pelvic therapy, dry needling, temporomandibular joint dis orders (TMJ) and vestibular rehabilita tion. Staff also uses the Redcord Neurac system, which helps restore proper alignment and muscular control.

Functionize therapists also help cli ents within different performance areas, providing general performance assess ments, clinical Pilates and assessments for swimming and golf.

A mainstay at Functionize is its running assessments. With the clinic’s Fit Run Shop, Functionize combines the expertise of Pose-certified physi cal therapists and the newest footwear technology from Atlanta-based Big Peach Running Co.

An avid runner, Drew Whitcomb wanted to address hamstring and ankle pain he’d been experiencing. Friends suggested he see a running-specialized

physical therapist.

So, Whitcomb sought care from Functionize after hearing Sok and Jake Reynolds, another physical therapist on staff, on a podcast with Big Peach. Whit comb is also the COO and co-founder of a WearTesters, a running shoe review website, and has worked in the running industry for years.

He said his running form has improved after each Functionize visit, documenting the difference in pictures from past races.

“It’s been a process, but every time I’m just feeling better and better,” Whit comb said.

A cash-based system

For Sok, one important feature of Functionize is its cash-based system, which avoids the pitfalls associated with insurance companies.

The Functionize website explains the cash-based model and its benefits.

“In our 25+ years of combined experi ence, third-party payers pressuring for fast diagnosis, insisting on canned treat ments, and obstructing the therapy we want to provide often hurts the patient’s progress.”

Sok said insurance companies typically require patients to visit prac titioners two to three times a week,

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Lauren Sok, owner of Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, stands next to her business sign at the Dunwoody location Oct. 11. Sok started her physical therapy business in Decatur in 2015, then expanded to Dunwoody this year.

Therapy:

which calls for co-pays or full costs if deductibles aren’t met. Plus, in-network companies often entail a cookie-cutter approach filled with standard protocols that overlook individualized needs and goals, she said.

And when Sok worked with tradi tional companies, she typically tended to multiple people at the same time, people of different ages and with differ ent needs.

“I always said it was like daycare,” Sok said. “You were keeping people occupied basically, and not thinking through it.”

Whitcomb, who has seen many physi cal therapists over the years, said Func tionize is different from all the others.

“[With] every other physical thera pist, you go in there for an hour, and you usually are sharing the time with at least one other patient, where they’re bouncing back and forth between you and that other patient,” Whitcomb said. “That’s been my experience with every single physical therapy place I’ve been to, but then with Functionize, you’re not.”

He also said treatment at Functionize is not much more expensive than other companies, where you have multiple

co-pays.

Sok said the average cost per visit, and there’s usually around 10 per client, runs from $200 to $249.

But clients have the option to submit the itemized bill to insurance for reim bursement.

Building a health community

Sok is focused on building commu nity in Dunwoody. During a tour of the facility Oct. 11, Sok talked about the room behind the group exercise studio. She plans to lease it as a coffee shop, to bring community through coffee.

The room is empty, save for a colorful art piece hanging on the wall that asks, “Are you living your dream or still dream ing of living?” Sok saw the painting before she started her business and said it’s a big part of her inspiration. She wrote about the painting for one of her newslet ters, which she writes regularly.

“It was like the light bulb moment,” she said. “Like, okay, ‘This bright, color ful painting is telling you something. I’m ready to start living my dream.’”

Some of Sok’s clients are members of Run the Wood, a local running group that meets on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Sok, who lives in Dunwoody, formed the group last year after observing many solo runners in the Dunwoody community.

“People always say, ‘The hardest part is an adult is making friends.’”

Allison Thornton, another Function

A colorful painting that asks, “Are you living your dream or are you still dreaming of living?” hangs on the wall in an empty backroom behind the group exercise studio. Functionize Owner Lauren Sok, who wants to lease the space out as a coffee shop to build community, said the painting was an important piece of inspiration for starting Functionize.

ize client, said she’s been a part of the group since it started.

“I know some friendships have formed out of that group,” Thornton said.

Thornton sought treatment from the Functionize team this year for hip and shoulder pain. Because she’s had improve ment over the course of her visits, Thorn ton goes sporadically, as needed. Her hus band and daughter also go to Functionize.

Thornton has also used the small group exercise classes offered at Func

tionalize.

She attended the Strength Founda tions group exercise class, led by Jesse Brown, a physical therapist on staff. She has also attended Sok’s Mat Pilates class.

“Between those two classes, I just feel like I’m overall stronger, maybe more than I have been in my whole life,” Thornton said.

For more information about Func tionize, visit functionizehealth.com or call (404) 907-4196.

Read Now at AppenMedia.com

AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

FUNCTIONIZE/PROVIDED

Jesse Brown, a physical therapist at Functionize, leads the Strength Foundations class. Participants learn the principles of resistance training using a variety of barbell/dumbbell exercises.

Halloween events coming to town

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — If you’re look ing for a spooky Halloween event to get in the mood for a night of trick or treat ing, look no further than these events with costumes, candy and music in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.

The Abernathy Greenway parking lot will close at 9 a.m. on Oct. 22 for event setup. Abernathy Greenway Park is at 70 Abernathy Road NW in Sandy Springs.

Starting on Saturday, Oct. 22, the City of Sandy Springs will host Spooky Springs, a free trick-or-treat event at the Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park.

Spooky Springs will start at 5 p.m. and will feature candy stations, face painting, fog machines, a DJ, and food trucks.

Parking for the event will be at Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Road in Sandy Springs. There will be handicapped parking at the event and limited parking at Sandy Springs Chris tian Church. Residents of surrounding neighborhoods are strongly encouraged to walk to the event.

A second event will be hosted in Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park on Thurs day, Oct. 27 by the Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department, Dunwoody Police Department and Dunwoody Homeowners Association.

“Truck or Treat” will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and will feature music from The Adrian Duke Project and police depart ment “treat trucks” for local kids.

“Every year, we look forward to col laborating on this family tradition with great food, music, costumes and treats,” Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Direc tor Brent Walker said. “It’s a fun way to gather as a community and kick off the weekend leading up to Halloween.”

Kids and families will also be issued clip-on, safety flashers by the Dunwoody Police Department during the event, to promote the department’s Halloween safety, “See & Be Seen on Halloween” initiative.

“This is community policing at its best,” Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Gro gan said. “We enjoy the opportunity to connect with families and share impor tant reminders about Halloween safety.”

Brook Run Park is at 4770 North Peachtree Road in Dunwoody.

See more events on the calendar

Book festival includes noted authors

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The 31st edition of the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) will take place Nov. 3-19.

This year’s festival boasts an im pressive schedule of events featuring some of the world’s most recognizable personalities and local authors repre senting a broad spectrum of speakers, ensuring something fascinating for everyone.

The festival is returning to in-person programming and expects to welcome thousands of attendees from across the Southeast.

Keynote festival authors include:

• Nikki R. Haley, former United States ambassador to the United Nations & Governor of South Carolina

• Melissa Rivers, award-winning television personality & pro ducer as well as the daughter of Hollywood icon Joan Rivers

• Andrew Young/Ernie Suggs,

LOCAL NEWS

Ambassador to the United Na tions/award-winning Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter

• Julia Haart, former CEO & coowner of global modeling agency Elite World Group as well as star of the hit Netflix reality series My Unorthodox Life

• Nyle DiMarco, winner of Danc ing with the Stars & America’s Next Top Model, Deaf and LG BTQ activist

• Clea Newman Soderlund, daughter of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

• Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prizewinning biographer

• Bernie Marcus, The Home Depot co-founder and global philan thropist

Also, Benjamin Netanyahu (former Israeli prime minister, virtual event), Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (best selling authors), Michael Oren (former Israeli ambassador to the United States)

Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan are set to speak at the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Commu nity Center of Atlanta in November.

and Melissa Clark (New York Times writer and James Beard Award winner), will all be speaking during the Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA.

All Book Festival of the MJCCA events will be held at the MJCCA at 5342 Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody. For more information, visit the official MJCCA Book Festival event page.

Read Now at AppenMedia.com

PROVIDED

Impasse:

from LOST is distributed. Over the past 10 years, the pot has generally been ap portioned based on each city’s popula tion, while the county has kept about 5 percent for administrative fees.

And even though the two par ties were once again unable to reach an agreement to negotiate in an open forum, Fulton County officials shared a public opening statement with the city negotiating team for the first time since talks began earlier this year.

County speaks publicly

Speaking to the gathered officials on Friday, Pitts said the county provides services to 1.2 million residents and nearly as many visitors each day. No matter where they are from, Pitts said Fulton County has to provide services they depend on.

“The formation of cities had zero im pact, no impact, on countywide services, those services continue,” Pitts said.

He said the county is responsible for providing health services, senior services, animal services, elections, li braries and many other services, which all have rising costs.

Fulton County is also facing crises in the world of public health and public

safety with the closing of two metro-At lanta hospitals and overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail, he said.

“We believe that the work of the cities is clearly important,” he said. “But we know, without a doubt that the services Fulton County provides are important. In fact, in most cases they are a matter of life and death for many people.”

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul re acted saying the cities want to reach an agreement with Fulton County, but they still object to multiple points the county maintains.

Paul pointed to the $70 million in American Rescue Plan Funding that Fulton County Used to help it’s court system and a $130 investment made by the state government to help the Grady Hospital System in Fulton County.

“Yet the county really hasn’t ac knowledged any of that in our conversa

tions,” he said.

Paul also pointed out Fulton County has a $234 million fund balance at it’s disposal and recently cut it’s millage rate.

“If money were that important, if you were really that short of cash, why are you cutting your millage rate and then putting the mayors in a position where we have to raise it?” he asked. “The mayors are united in believing the public needs to be able to see and hear what’s going on in these discussions, it’s their revenue, not ours.”

Where negotiations stand

Following statements from Pitts and District 2 County Commissioner Bob El lis, the two parties took up negotiations.

So far there have been multiple offers and counteroffers between the two sides, including the county’s initial offer which would have taken their share of proceeds

from 4.97 percent to 35 percent.

“Fulton County has made no less than four offers since then, including offers that allow the cities to maintain current fund ing and would also increase the county’s funding over time,” Pitts said. “At the end of the day, it’s not really about more for the cities and less for us or more for us and less for the cities, it’s about doing the right thing to meet the needs of the people we’re all here to serve.”

However, city negotiators have rejected the offers, holding to counterof fers that would incrementally increase county shares to about 8 percent over the 10-year life of the tax.

On Friday, city officials were pre sented with a similar offer to a pro posal made at the Sept. 23 mediation session, which essentially would raise the county’s share of LOST distribu tions from the current 4.97 percent to 7 percent and then up to 15 percent over 10 years. The offer was not countered at Friday’s session.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin said the city negotiating teams were once again disappointed at the offer, which mayors say will have large detrimental impacts on city budgets.

Gilvin said even with the new num bers offered by Fulton County, Al pharetta would face a $3 million loss, a condition he finds unacceptable.

“They refuse to budge, and they are not negotiating in good faith,” he said.

Solutions for every room in your home

Complimentary Consultation

Quick 1-3 Day Install*

Custom Design

Affordable Financing

“The mayors are united in believing the public needs to be able to see and hear what’s going on in these discussions, it’s their revenue, not ours.”

RUSTY PAUL Mayor of Sandy Springs

Banisters:

she never considered dating a boy un less he asked her in writing. Not expect ing to hear from him, Louise gave Harold her address.

She found a letter in her mailbox two days later.

Harold said he believes what hap pened next was like God arranging them on a blind date. While Louise looked over the letter with her mother and younger sister on their front porch one day trying to decide what to do next, one of Harold’s relatives happened to stop by for a visit.

After a few minutes of conversation, Louise’s mother asked the relative if she knew Harold. She replied with an em phatic “yes” and a positive recommenda tion. Harold received the girl’s reply the following Thursday. It was a “yes,” with

directions to her house and a time – Sat urday, July 12, 1947, at 6 p.m.

Harold said he would have walked, if necessary, but he and another high school classmate who owned a car and his girlfriend ended up going on a double date. The date went so well, Harold said, that Louise told him he could come back the next Saturday.

Harold bought a used car that same week and proceeded to visit Louise ev ery Saturday for four months, which is when they married. They sold the car to purchase furniture. Shortly before their fourth wedding anniversary, however, Harold was drafted into the Korean War.

Louise supported him during that time, moving to Mississippi and other states just to be with him. As Harold rose through the ranks, so did Louise in her various jobs. After many years, Har old left the Air Force to spend the next 52 years working at IBM.

Today, the couple’s son, Mark, lives 11

APPEN PRESS CLUB

miles from their home in Sandy Springs, and they are looking forward to celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary on Nov. 28.

Harold says Louise is the prettiest 91-year-old he’s ever seen.

“We believe God had something to do with our meeting and the life He has given us,” Harold said. “I had been to Louise’s hometown on business but never socially. Why that Sunday? Why did the relative show up while the letter was being discussed? Only God knows.”

Allen Jackson, senior pastor at Dunwoody Baptist Church, said he’s known the couple for almost 35 years. He described them as “incredibly sweet” and “just magical.” The church plans to honor Harold and Louise at the 8:30 a.m. ser vice the Sunday before their anniversary.

“If any of us make 75 years old, it’s sort of a mile marker, but to be married 75 years and still be in love,” Jackson said. “It’s apparent that they’re still in love. They defer to each other. They finish each other’s sentences. It’s just adorable.”

Jackson said Harold visits the church every Monday morning to deliver a spread sheet of its attendance, patterns and trends for the week. He joked that it’s hard for any one to get any work done when he’s in the office, because they all love talking to him.

He thinks what’s helped Harold and Louise’s marriage last for so long is their faithful spirit. Jackson also said that Har old is a good listener and a great friend.

“I would definitely say that his faith is a big part of his steadiness in marriage and work, life, all of it,” Jackson said.

CHARTER MEMBER

Fricton

MEMBER

MEMBER (Cont.)

Hodge

Is

MEMBER+

Brown

Change lives, change the world

Brought to you by - Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intel lect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choos ing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible educa tion for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, rein forces the value of hard work, and em phasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and pro vides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesley an’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 environ ment, 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-ofthe-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,171 students in grades K-12 for the 2021-2022 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 6:00 p.m. at an affordable rate.

Wesleyan School

5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS

SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

Sandy Springs Crier | October 20, 2022

PROVIDED

Springmont…Atlanta’s First Montessori School

Brought to you by - Springmont School

Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers stu dents 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 materi als 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 individu alized 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, Out

door Science Education, and Span ish 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 microeconomies and compete in regional ac ademic competitions. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experi ence active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both indepen dently and in diverse groups make our Middle School Program a true capstone experience.

Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, pre pared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Ex traordinary by Design.

Applications for the 2023-24 school year are being accepted now through February 1. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, call 404-2523910 or visit springmont.com

PROVIDED

High expectations. Low anxiety.

Brought to you by – The Galloway School

Located in historic Chastain Park, The Galloway School is a community where learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged. Galloway students in Pre-K3 - 12th grade confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.

Galloway provides students with an innovative symbiotic learning experi ence that defies traditional, transac tional learning. For over 50 years, we have been committed to providing a rigorous program that fosters creativ ity, collaboration, and cultural com petency. Our philosophy of engaged and experiential learning encourages students to be ever curious about the world around them and to develop a critical mind.

With an environment that both challenges and supports our students, Galloway encourages each student to

grow at their own pace while develop ing a sense of personal agency. Your family is invited to discover Galloway at our open house on Sunday, Decem ber 4. Register today at gallowayschool. org/visit !

Marist School – Forming faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders

Brought to you by – Marist School

Founded in 1901, Marist School is an independent, Catholic, college-prepara tory day school enrolling 1,100 boys and girls in grades 7-12.

Marist School’s mission is to form the whole person in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in reli gious values, the teachings of the Catho lic Church, and the spirit of the Society of Mary. We realize our mission through the communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership, and service programs.

Marist offers a dynamic and expe riential curriculum, balancing leadingedge innovation with a comprehensive course of study that engages students with the spirituality and heritage of a Catholic education. Students have op portunities to explore interests and hone leadership skills through athletics, fine arts, campus ministry, and other extra curricular activities.

Our remarkable campus includes 78 in-town acres replete with top-notch facilities, a hilltop chapel, and an overall atmosphere that encourages learn

ing and collaboration. Marist recently opened the Goizueta Center for Immer sive Experience and Design, which helps students build empathy through explor ing the intersection between global and humane studies and STEAM areas.

The Marist educational experience culminates with graduates who have the strength of character and skills they need to make a difference in the world. https://www.marist.com/

Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.

– GRADE 12

Discover Galloway at our open house! Sunday, December 4. Register at gallowayschool.org/visit.

Serving grades 7 12, Marist School provides an unparalleled Catholic education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by an extensive college-preparatory curriculum and an array of extracurricular activities to prepare them to be faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, December 4, 1 –4 p.m.

Learn. Lead. Ser ve. marist.com/admissions

Holy Spirit Prep: Discover the classical Catholic school for all ages

Brought to you by – Holy Spirit Prepara tory School

Holy Spirit Preparatory School is a nationally recognized, award-winning independent Catholic school serving children 6 months -12th grade by pro viding a classical, Catholic, and com plete education with a focus on forming our students in virtue. At Holy Spirit Prep, we offer an education that is the comprehensive formation of students in mind, heart, body, and soul, so that they will be prepared to live the lives to which God uniquely calls them. We have adopted a student-centered, familyoriented educational model in which our students thrive.

Our school’s approach to Catholic education is rooted in Catholic tradition and morality. We provide both spiritual formation and intellectual formation. Our faith is at the core of everything we do. We offer a classical curriculum based on grammar, logic, and rhetoric, along with a classical approach which provides academic excellence with a moral frame work. It encourages students to pursue

the why, how and who of ideas and deci sions in addition to the what and helps develop young people who own their power to enrich their lives and the lives of others.

As a smaller school, Holy Spirit Prep affords our students several benefits that are difficult to find at larger schools. The smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention from teachers, and our students develop more authen tic relationships with their peers. The opportunities to participate in multiple extracurricular activities such as band, choir, and several athletic teams are not only more available but are actually encouraged.

Our school community is a family. It is evident throughout campus that joy is truly experienced daily as we form leaders grounded in faith and reason, supported by God’s grace.

Schedule a private tour today, so you can see for yourself all that we have to offer!

holyspiritprep.org 678-904-2811

Providing an authentic Catholic, Classical, and Complete education to prepare students 6 months through the 12th grade for college, life, and Eternity

Schedule a tour today! holyspiritprep.org

PROVIDED

DCS adds middle school, new leaders, scholarships

Brought to you by – Dunwoody Chris tian School

Dunwoody Christian School is an accredited, non-denominational K-8th grade independent school, located on a beautiful 18+ acre campus in the heart of Dunwoody. DCS opened in Fall 2018 to 11 students across three grade levels. After steadily growing one grade per year, DCS launched a full middle school program through 8th grade in Fall 2022 after hiring Middle School Principal and Associate Head of School, Mrs. Mei Fan.

DCS now serves nearly 100 stu dents from Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and surrounding areas. DCS is known for its covenant Christian environment with Christ-centered values, small class sizes with excellent teach ers, and affordable tuition. In 2022, DCS partnered with Pay It Forward, a statefunded scholarship program for students attending private school, providing nearly $60,000 in scholarships to DCS families.

DCS recently made headlines when

for Cornerstone Christian Academy, as the next Head of School. With his wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart for Christ, Dr. Jenkins is well-equipped to position DCS for long-term success.

Join DCS at an open house Nov. 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM. RSVP and learn

Admissions at OLA Catholic School

Brought to you by – Our Lady of the As sumption Catholic School

Since 1951 when the school opened its doors, Our Lady of the Assumption Catho lic School has demonstrated a passion for learning. The school exists to teach and to engender the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. In keeping with the tradition of Catholic schools, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School seeks to create a nurturing environment, which provides for the spiritual and academic development of each child.

As an Archdiocese of Atlanta parish school, OLA Catholic School is proud to be part of the network of Catholic schools in the Atlanta area. We provide an excep tional and challenging Pre-K-eighth grade curriculum that is dedicated to the suc cess of all students. OLA has been twice recognized as a National Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Depart ment of Education and is fully accredited by Cognia through district-wide accredita tion as part of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

OLA completed an expansion in November 2018, which included a new front office and administrative suite, Pre-K classrooms, cafeteria with commercial grade kitchen, dedicated middle school wing, STEM lab, and computer lab. OLA

provides a computing device to every student on a 1:1 basis. Students in Pre-K through second grade are assigned iPads, while all students in grades three through eight are provided with Chromebooks.

Located in Brookhaven, Georgia, OLA serves over 580 students in grades Pre-K through eight. Ninety-three percent of our students are Catholic and come from over 15 Catholic parishes. The Open House for prospective students is November 10 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Space is limited so visit our website to sign up for the eve ning. We are happy to offer school tours each Thursday at 9:30am from November through January. Please visit our Admis sions page on the website to sign up for a tour. For more information, please email Kathryn Brown at kbrown@olaschool.org.

Mount Vernon is where inquiry and innovation create impact

Brought to you by - The Mount Vernon School

Grounded in Christian values, Mount Vernon prepares all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. Ranked in the top 10 of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Largest Private-Independent Schools, the School, founded in 1972, is a destination for stu dents who want to design a better world.

Mount Vernon’s approach to learning is centered around cultivating student curiosities. From a Kindergarten stu dent’s question to learn the names of all the trees on the Lower Campus to Upper School students designing virtual travel destinations in the VR lab for the residents of a local senior center, and everything in between – at Mount Vernon, curiosity drives learning to create impact.

From Preschool to Grade 12, Mount Vernon students grow, ex plore, create, and design. Graduates include National Merit Commended Scholars, Morehead-Cain Finalists,

QuestBridge Finalists, STAMPS Schol ars, and signed collegiate athletes. Alumni go on to attend some of the most prestigious colleges and uni versities in the United States includ ing: Cornell,Columbia, UPenn, US Naval Academy, Brown, Yale, USC, Dartmouth, Virginia Tech, Tulane, UNC,Morehouse, Davidson, SCAD, Colorado, Auburn, Michigan, Pepper dine, and many more.

We welcome all to come visit and learn more about the Mount Vernon School and our dedicated community.

Location: Sandy Springs Phone: (404) 252-3448 Website: mountvernonschool.org

Accreditations/Memberships: NAIS, NAEYC, AdvancED/SACS, Ashoka

Changemaker Schools Network, GHSA, IDEO Teachers Guild, SAIS, FolioCollabora tive, EdLeader21, MISBO, MODA, MTC (Mastery Tran script Consortium), GISA

Tuition: Please visit website

EDUCATION Innovating

from Preschool to Grade 12

At Mount Vernon, learning is amplified through real-world problem solving. Your student will be empowered to explore, discover, learn, design, create, and effect change.

SCHEDULE

YOUR VISIT mountvernonschool.org/ admissions

PROVIDED

High Meadows School –Inspiring future global citizens and innovative leaders

Brought to you by - High Meadows School

There is no place like High Meadows School. Since 1973, High Meadows stu dents in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immer sive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, lightfilled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive cur riculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves.

High Meadows lower years class rooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recog nized and award-winning leader in pro gressive education, High Meadows is an

accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering its renowned Primary Years Program for students in preschool through fifth grade.

High Meadows School’s accomplished and experienced faculty lead each stu dent on this journey. Through interac tive, inquiry-based instruction, support ed 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 learn ing opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!).

When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspec tives, 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 learn ing that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that?

Come see how all this comes to life.

Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

Open House

PROVIDED

OPINION

Baseball an Atlanta pastime during World War II

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

During World War II, the Atlanta Ama teur Baseball League included not only businesses, but teams representing military bases and military op erations of Atlanta, as well as military hos pital Lawson General. Atlanta was divided into the City League and the Scott League.

City League included baseball teams from Lawson General Hospital, Georgia Power, Whittier Mills (cotton mill along the Chattahoochee River on west side of Atlanta), Bell Bombers (Bell Aircraft Corporation), Camp Conley Ordnance Depot and Naval Air Station Atlanta.

The Scott League included Army Air Base, Lawson MDTS (Medical Department Technicians School), Optimists, 17th Ma chine Records (Fort McPherson), Genuine Parts, and Hapeville. The Optimists team represented the Atlanta Optimists Club.

Naval Air Station Atlanta first began in 1941 as U.S. Naval Aviation Reserve Base and was located where Chamblee’s DeKalb Peachtree Airport is today. Law son General Hospital was constructed and opened April 1941 next door to the naval base where the IRS and CDC Chamblee are located. During World War II, both places had teams participating in amateur sports. In addition to barracks, hospital wards, mess hall, headquarters and the MDTS building, Lawson General Hospital had a baseball field.

On Sunday, May 24, 1942, Naval Avia

tion Reserve Base played Army Air Base of Candler Field. The game took place at Ponce de Leon Ballpark, home of the At lanta Crackers. The Navy planned to bring their mascot billy goat to the game, while the Army would bring their mule. On May 25, the newspapers reported that Navy beat Army 8 to 5 in front of 3,000 fans.

The fifth annual tournament of At lanta Amateur Baseball Federation was held at Ponce de Leon Park on August 24, 1943. Whittier Mills beat Georgia Power 8 to 4, and Naval Air Station At

In his long-awaited return to the airwaves, Caddy partners with his new co-host – and wife! - Donna, to bring his loyal listeners everything they’ve come to expect and love from Cadillac Jack.

lanta beat Southern Railway 16 to 6.

In July of 1944, Naval Air Station Atlanta and Lawson General Hospital were scheduled to play each other at Ponce de Leon Ballpark. The price of admission was proof of a war bond pur chase. Following the game, an exhibition of warfare was planned. The winner of the game would go on to play the Camp Siebert team of Gadsden, Alabama.

Both teams had former professional baseball players who had been called to duty. John Pesky, who was the Ameri

can League rookie of the year in 1942 and played for the Boston Red Sox, was on the Naval Air Station team. Bobby Kennedy of the Chicago White Sox played third base for Naval Air Station. He had recently won his wings as a Ma rine flier at Pensacola base, before being transferred to Atlanta. Former Atlanta Crackers Larry Miller and Buddy Bates were also on the Naval Air Station team.

Luke Appling, a former Atlanta Crack er and Chicago White Sox player, led the Lawson General Hospital team. He was the American League batting champion of 1943 and later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Another former Cracker playing for Lawson was Johnny Hill.

The Atlanta Crackers minor league baseball team and the Atlanta Black Crackers also played during the years of World War II. Baseball was segre gated, with Black players and teams not recognized by professional base ball in the U.S. That changed after 1947, when Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Atlanta Black Crackers played games at Ponce de Leon Ballpark only when the Atlanta Crackers were on the road. Other times they played at Morris Brown College, Morehouse College and Luther Wil liams Field in Macon.

for Everyone!

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a columnist for Appen Media, the Dunwoody Crier and now, the Sandy Springs Crier. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

The Georgia Politics

Podcast focuses on all things under the gold dome. Show host Preston

Thompson covers the most noteworthy updates to the legislative session of Georgia’s House of Representatives and State Senate.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE

The baseball field of World War II Lawson General Hospital can be seen on the right side of this aerial view.

STUDIO SERIES: RANDALL BRAMBLETT

What: Known for his “swampy, sweaty Southern-fried funk,” Randall Bramblett continues the Studio Series with an exploration of his discography and a few stories along the way about his work with legends like Bonnie Raitt and Levon Helm.

When: Thursday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.

Where: Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs

Cost: Tickets start at $10 More info: citysprings.com

FEATURED:

SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

What: Shop for fresh produce and arti san foods from more than 30 vendors every Saturday morning through Nov. 12 at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-noon

Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs More info: citysprings.com

OUT AND ABOUT:

ALIVE IN ROSWELL

What: A family-friendly festival featuring music, food trucks, hundreds of interac tive vendors, kids’ games, entertainment and more.

When: Thursday, Oct. 20, 5-9 p.m. Where: Historic Canton Street, Roswell Antique and Interiors Lot and Historic Roswell Town Square, Roswell More info: roswellgov.com

ATLANTA KOSHER BBQ FESTIVAL

What: Get a taste of barbecue at this strictly Kosher festival, where more than 23 teams will compete for best brisket, beef ribs, chicken and chili.

When: Sunday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody

Cost: Taste tickets for 1 oz. containers are $1.25; 20 tickets are $25; 40 tickets are $50

More info: theatlantakosherbbq.com

FESTIVE:

SPOOKY SPRINGS

What: Come to this safe, family-friendly event for young trick-or-treaters. There will be trick-or-treat candy stations, face painting stations, fog machines, a DJ and food trucks.

When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m.

Where: Abernathy Greenway Play able Art Park, limited parking at Sandy Springs Christian Church, 301 Johnson Ferry Rd, Sandy Springs

Cost: Free

More info: sandyspringsga.gov

What: Experience the mystery of a guided night hike. The 37th annual Halloween Hike takes you through the forest to meet woodland creatures and hear about how they live. Take part in world music, crafts, campfire, face painting, Monster Mash dance party and other festival fun. Arrive 30 minutes before the hike.

When: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 21, 22, 28 & 29, 6 p.m.

Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell

Cost: $25 for general public/$20 for CNC members (children 2 and under are free)

More info: CNC members can by tickets online; for non-CNC members, ticket sales open Oct. 10, www.chattnature center.org

“ZOMBIE PROM”

What: A girl-loves-ghoul rock ‘n’ roll mu sical set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. When family pressure forces Toffee to end the romance, he charges off on his motor cycle to the nuclear waste dump. He re turns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee’s heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom.

When: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 28-30, times vary

Where: Stage Door Theatre, 5339 Cham blee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for kids

More info: stagedoortheatrega.org/zom bie-prom/

DUNWOODY FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS

What: Sweet and savory food trucks with live music every Thursday through the end of October.

When: Thursdays, Oct. 20 & 27, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody More info: facebook.com/dunwoodyfood truckthursdays/

ROSWELL GHOST TOUR

What: Join this 2 1/2 ghost tour with paranormal investigators who describe current paranormal phenomena rou tinely experienced by Roswell residents, businesses and other tour-goers.

When: Every night, as long as there are 6 willing participants, 8 or 8:30 p.m. Private tours unavailable Oct. 21, 22, 28 & 29.

Where: Tours depart from the bandstand in the Roswell town square, across from the Roswell Visitor’s Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell

Cost: $20, $10 for children 12 and un der

More info: Book reservation online, roswellghosttour.com. Sign liability waiver and pay cash for tickets upon arrival.

HALLOWEEN HIKES

HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET

What: A fall craft market with goods from Northbrook Crafters. Proceeds from the sale benefit church missions and are distributed to charities in the North Fulton area.

When: Friday, Nov. 4, noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun day, Nov. 6, before and after 11 a.m. church service

Where: Northbrook United Methodist Church, 11225 Crabapple Road, Roswell

More info: Parking and signage to direct shoppers to Simmons Hall, facebook. com/northbrookcrafters

BOOK FESTIVAL OF THE MJCCA

What: The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will host its 31st an nual book festival with over 40 renowned authors.

When: Nov. 3-19

Where: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody

More info: atlantajcc.org/our-programs/

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ONLINE AND IN PRINT!

It’s even easier now than ever to promote your event to hundreds of thousands of people, whether online, through our newsletters or in the Crier and Herald newspapers.

To promote your event, follow these easy steps:

1. Visit AppenMedia.com/Calendar;

2. Provide the details for your event including title, description, location and date;

3. Click the red button that reads “Create event”

4. That’s it! Submissions are free, though there are paid opportunities to promote your event in print and online.

to

Full-time

POOL TECHNICIANS WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

Part Time

Building/Facilities Assistant Manager

Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday. Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired.

Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

Cemetery

ARLINGTON Side by side lawn crypts, Serenity Section, $16,000/both. 678-596-7455

ARLINGTON 2 plots, Garden G. Valued at $9800. Asking $6500. 404-285-0977

Musical Instruments

SPINET PIANO –lovely, plus bench. Maple finish. Free to good home! 770-451-9464

Deadline to place a Classified ad is Thursday at 5 pm

MARTINEZ MASONRY

Electricians

Electric

Garage Sale

SCAVENGER HUNT still lives!

in Chamblee;

Peachtree Rd 30341.

DUNWOODY

Multi family. Hidden Branches Subdivision; 1250 Winding Branch Circle 30338. Fri day10/21 and Saturday 10/22, 9AM-4PM. Furniture, clothes, kids’ toys & bikes, home ac cessories, Christmas decor with ornaments & collegiate items; and much more, don’t miss it!

Retaining Walls

or Wood

Brian Iroff GIA Graduate Gemologist