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► Local police differ on responses to shoplifting calls PAGE 4 ► Assembling the worst superhero team ever Robin’s Nest PAGE 10 FARMERS MARKETS RETURN | P19

Brook Run Park events may face fee hike, attendance cap BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

The city is considering significant rate hikes and attendance caps for private events, festivals and 5K runs at Brook Run Park to bring its fees in line with neighboring cities. Brook Run Park was the site for 41 special events last year, totaling more than 30,500 people, and 87 private facility rentals. But the city only received about $32,000 last year in event rental fee revenue. In 2016, 32 special events were hosted at Brook Run Park and 77 private facility rentals, bringing in slightly more than $23,000 in rental fee revenue. See BROOK on page 14 Kristen Rezac and her dog Co Co enter the costume contest at the third annual Rescue Dog Olympics March 17, one of many events held in Brook Run Park. Such events could see fee hikes and attendance caps under a city proposal.

Coping with a Crisis: Opioid addiction in the suburbs EXCLUSIVE SERIES

How a suburban mother started peddling fentanyl and became the target of federal prosecutors BY MAX BLAU

e knocked at the door with $1,400 in his pocket. Cathine Sellers welcomed her ex into the quiet of her red brick townhouse on Roswell’s Weatherburne Drive. He’d been there for drugs before. Now he was back to buy some more. The 38-year-old mother with hazel eyes offered up a selection of drugs, including counterfeit oxycodone pills full of the synthetic opioid known as fentanyl. “Customers have returned the pills because they’re too strong,” Sellers told the

man, according to federal court filings. “Try taking a quarter instead.” He bought about 100. Sellers later learned her ex was working as a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Administration and had informed for the Sandy Springs Police Department since 2016. On June 13, 2017, DEA special agents arrested Sellers at a gas station off Ga. 400 and raided her townhouse. There, they found another 100 fentanyl pills inside a dietary supplement vial and a loaded Glock 30 in a laundry hamper. Think of a drug dealer in Atlanta; the tra-

ditional picture that probably comes to mind is someone selling heroin on the streets of English Avenue. But who deals drugs — and how they deal drugs — has expanded to include doctors running pill mills and suburban mothers like Sellers. From police to prosecutors, authorities are not only grappling with this new breed of opioid sellers — but new kinds of opioids, too. Federal authorities charged Sellers with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a narcotic so potent it can kill someone exposed to a dose the size of a few grains See HOW on page 8

PHIL MOSIER

Grubb withdraws proposal for massive mixeduse project BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

Grubb Properties hurriedly withdrew its proposal for a massive mixeduse development on Perimeter Center East rather than face an outright rejection from the City Council on March 26. The developer intends to return months from now with a new plan. The withdrawal followed a failed vote to defer a decision at the council meeting. Voting against deferring were Mayor Denis Shortal and Councilmembers Terry Nall, Jim Riticher and Lynn Deutsch. Voting in favor of deferring were Councilmembers John Heneghan, See GRUBB on page 15

2 | Community

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Community Briefs

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The city will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tornado that devastated Dunwoody with a community gathering and treeplanting. The community gathering is set for Sunday, April 8, at 2 p.m. at the Kingsley RacSPECIAL quet and Swim Clubhouse, Jack Linder of Kingsland Drive took this photo 2325 North Peachtree Way. in the aftermath of the 1998 tornado that A panel of guests, includdestroyed acres of land in the city, toppled tens of ing former DeKalb Counthousands of trees and ruined 1,500 homes. ty CEO Liane Levetan, Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal and former members of DeKalb’s Public Works Department Tom Brown and Tom Black, will discuss the scope and rebuilding process that displaced 1,500 households and destroyed 750 acres of land following the 1998 tornado. A slide show of photos and archives will also be on exhibit. On Monday, April 9, the community is invited to a tree-planting and plaque presentation at 10 a.m. at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, to remember the Replant Dunwoody Forest initiative, which planted 20,000 new trees after the tornado.

CITY CONSIDERS BREWPUB LICENSING, REGULATION

The City Council heard on first read at its March 26 meeting a draft ordinance to license and regulate brewpubs and amend its ordinance on the sale of growlers in the city. City staff member Cory Betterson told council members a brewpub is interested in opening in Dunwoody, but the current alcohol ordinance does not address how to regulate such businesses. The proposed ordinance would allow brewpubs to sell beer for consumption on the premises with a valid consumption on premises license as well as by the package with a valid retail package license, he said. Growlers could be sold in bottles 68 ounces or less and must be sealed. Betterson and City Attorney Bill Riley said the ordinances are based on similar ordinances throughout the state. Mayor Denis Shortal asked the city’s Alcohol License Review Board to look over the draft ordinance. A fee structure will be delivered to the council before the second read, which could come at the April 9 council meeting.

DELIDO APARTMENT RENOVATIONS APPROVED

The City Council voted unanimously March 26 to approve a rezoning request from DeLido Apartments. The 8-acre parcel at 4685 Chamblee Dunwoody Road where the apartments are located was rezoned from RM-100 to RM-75 to allow for more units. RM-100 allows 12 units per acre while RM-75 allows for 18 units per acre. The DeLido complex currently has 12 two-story apartment buildings with a total of 102 residential units. Of the 102 units, 20 of them have four bedrooms. The owner plans to eliminate the four-bedroom units and replace them with reconfigured one- and two-bedroom units, raising the total number of units to 120. The total number of bedrooms would go from 295 to 264. The zoning request also caps the number of residential units at 122 units. Colored parking spaces, new landscaping and some exterior renovations of the buildings are also expected. Work is set to begin this summer on all renovations and be completed by early next year.

EARTH DAY STREAM CLEANUP SET FOR APRIL 21

The city of Dunwoody is hosting a stream cleanup along a portion of the Nancy Creek tributary on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Those interested will meet at Pernoshal Park, 4575 North Shallowford Road. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are recommended to wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Bug spray and sun block are also recommended. For questions or to register, contact Cody Dallas at cody.dallas@dunwoodyga.gov. DUN

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Paving and repaving, a nagging problem on some streets BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

A few cold, hard winter weather months this year wreaked havoc on some Dunwoody roads, with potholes sprouting here and there. Filling the potholes should be completed easily and quickly over the spring and summer as weather improves, according to the director of Public Works. But there are still a few consistent, nagging problems on city streets that irk some motorists.

Mount Vernon Road

In early March, city crews completed a few “spot repairs” to an approximately 150-foot section of Mount Vernon Road in front of the Panera Bread restaurant at the Chamblee-Dunwoody Road intersection, which had been cracking and buckling for more than two years. Public Works Director Michael Smith estimated the cost at about $20,000. But the real issue lies below the asphalt to the backfill used when a water main below the road was replaced in 2015. DeKalb County and the city entered into an agreement three years ago to share costs with the water main repair and the subsequent repaving of the road. GS Construction was hired to do the water main repair and repaving and has said the city should pay to repair the road. Alessandro Salvo, CEO of GS Construction, has said the city and county told him to fill the trench dug for the water main with loose rock rather than solid dirt. That loose rock is like a liquid underneath the road and will constantly be moving, affecting the road, Salvo said. To repair the road, the road needs to be completely dug up and the backfill replaced, he said. Smith said the city believes GS Construction should cover the permanent repairs and said the issue is a “pending legal matter.” “The city considers this a warranty issue. The problems surfaced in the one-year warranty,” Smith said. But the cracking and buckling had gotten to the point where “it was causing it to be rough through there” and temporary repaving in March was necessary, Smith said. “Our maintenance crews fixed it and we are still pursuing who will be eventually financially responsible,” Smith said. “We’re going to let the legal process play out.” Salvo could not be immediately reached for comment.

North Peachtree Road traffic calming

Traffic calming on North Peachtree Road is wrapping up, Smith said, but complaints continue about a mini traffic circle at the Saffron Drive intersection that had to be installed twice in early March. DUN

Community | 3

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Smith explained that the original design for the mini traffic circle included a landscape island, but further review determined that school buses would not be able to turn easily around the circle. Before any work was started, the city eliminated landscaping and told the contractor to build a cone-shaped cement lip around the island that would allow buses and large trucks to run over it easily, Smith said. The contractor instead built a flat surface that was hard on the tires of vehicles. Smith said the contractor acknowledged the mistake and made repairs at their cost. “We still wanted a barrier in the middle, but one that buses and big trucks can run over,” Smith said.

Wyntercreek Road

Originally paved late last year, Wyntercreek Road will have to be completely repaved this spring, Smith said. Wyntercreek Road is a short residential road off Roberts Drive near Dunwoody Park. “There are a few places we are really not satisfied with on the surface,” he said, “so we told the contractor to redo it.” Smith said the contractor will be required to mill down the entire road and pave a new surface at their own expense.

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4 | Public Safety

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Local police differ on responses to shoplifting calls BY EVELYN ANDREWS evelyn@reporternewspapers.net

Officers patrolling Buckhead have been instructed to make shoplifting a low priority by commanders citing an officer shortage and an uptick in more dangerous crimes. Other local police forces — including Dunwoody’s, which deals with a lot of shoplifting at Perimeter Mall — say they are not considering a similar policy. Atlanta Police Department officers in Buckhead’s Zone 2 will not be dispatched to most shoplifting calls unless an officer is available, and retailers will be instructed to file a report over the phone, said Zone 2 commander Maj. Barry Shaw. “Our goal is to be as efficient and effective as possible with our limited resources,” Shaw said. “Keeping police officers in service and available to respond to crimes in progress involving stolen autos, theft from vehicles, and violent crimes is our priority.” One on-duty car will be designated to handle shoplifting calls and can respond if they are not preoccupied, Shaw said. If available, an overtime officer specifically assigned to handle larceny calls will be dispatched, but it may not be immediate. Police departments in Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody said they have not considered making a similar change. A major destination in Dunwoody is Perimeter Mall and other retailers around it, which attract shoplifting, but Police Chief Billy Grogan said the department has not considered making enforcement a low priority. “In fact, we want shoplifters to know if they get arrested in Dunwoody for shoplifting, they will go to jail,” Grogan said in an email. A statement from the Atlanta Police Department said that shoplifting crimes, “which can be for something as simple as an item of clothing,” can tie up an officer for more than hour. “Chief [Erika] Shields expects that the time that officers save not responding to shoplifting calls will be better spent patrolling, which is in keeping with her priority to focus on reducing violent crime throughout the city,” the statement said. Buckhead has seen an uptick recently in crimes that pose a safety risk, including stolen vehicles, theft from vehicles and robberies, especially in south Buckhead, Shaw said. Officers’ focus will instead be on responding to those crimes and violent crime in general, he said. “Our goal is very clear, purposeful and straightforward: We must get a handle on

criminals who are comfortable engaging in straight lawlessness,” APD’s statement said. The change only applies to Buckhead’s zone, Zone 2, which is more affected by shoplifting than other areas in Atlanta due to the amount of retailers and cars in the area, Shaw said. Buckhead is also farther drive to the Atlanta City Detention Center, where officers take offenders, than most other areas, he said. Shoplifting arrest are rare because offenders normally escape before police arrive, and often result in a misSPECIAL Zone 2 Commander demeanor charge Maj. Barry Shaw. with little or no jail time, Shaw said. “There is not punishment associated with it. We’ve got make sure we’re putting the right priority on this,” he said. Police will also encourage retailers to develop a security plan so they have to rely less on the police department, the statement said. Shaw noted that big retailers, like Lenox Square mall, have their own security guards to address shoplifting. Shaw would prefer retailers try to deter shoplifting by installing cameras or hiring uniformed guards, he said. “We’re begging retailers to up security,” he said. Lenox Square and the Buckhead Business Association did not respond to requests for comment. The department has been communicating this change to retailers and has discussed it with major stores, Shaw said. “We ask retailers to be patient as we attempt to re-focus our efforts on calls that present a greater risk to safety,” the statement said. Sam Massell, the president of the Buckhead Coalition, a group of 100 CEOs and other leaders in the community, including some retailers, said he understands why the department made the change. “The bottom line is that they have to hire more officers. There is a real problem here,” Massell said. “I don’t fault them for thinking outside of the box.” Massell suggested the city look into a way to legally require retailers to take steps to curb shoplifting. “We require them to have sprinklers. Maybe we should require public safety officers or other measures,” he said.

CORRECTION The article “Sexual harassment cases hit home in local government, business” in the March 16 issue incorrectly identified the complainant who informally alleged an action by former Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis was sexual harassment. The allegation, which Davis denied, was made by former City Manager Marie Garrett.

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6 | Education

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Yash Kadadi, The Westminster Schools

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Out of thousands of submissions, freshteacher in middle school. Shabanowitc ofman Yash Kadadi was chosen as a finalist fered him space, equipment and props for in a competition sponsored by Bill Gates the video. for his explanation of a complex physics “He has a drive to lead and excel in anyconcept. thing he puts his mind to, and has a knack “I’ve been interested in math and scifor making concepts relatable to anyone,” ence from a very young age,” said Yash Shabanowitc said. “So when he came to me Kadadi, a freshman at The Westminster with his idea for the competition, I knew Schools in Buckhead who has been on his schools’ robotics teams since elementary school. The contest required Yash to create a short video explaining a complex physics concept in simple terms. More than 11,000 students from 178 that he was going to do a fantastic job with countries registered for the global compeit and I helped him any way I could. In the tition, Westminster said in a press release. end, he was able to take the complex conYash’s video on the Higgs Field was selectcept of the Higgs field and make it relatable ed as one of the 15 finalists. The Breakthrough Prize Foundation, which organized the STEM competition, was created by the founders of Google and Facebook. Winners were chosen based on their ability to explain SPECIAL complex scientifYash Kadadi, a freshman at The Westminster Schools, is shown in his video explaining a physics concept. ic ideas in “engaging, illuminating and imaginative ways” in a video, according to a Westminto others, and he taught me a little bit about ster press release. Harry Potter, a win-win.” Yash decided to tackle the Higgs field, a Although he did not win the competiconcept in physics, in his video. tion overall, Yash was still grateful for the “The Higgs field is basically an enerexperience, and hopes to enter it again. gy field that basically gives particles, like “If I was able to get that far once, with your electrons, your protons, mass. They this information I think it’s definitely posget their mass from interacting with it,” he sible that I could possibly win,” he said. said. Although his video demonstrated a Yash picked this concept because many physics concept, Yash said all of science is people are still largely unaware of it. Solid his passion. proof of the Higgs field was not discovered “I think all of science is very interestuntil 2013. ing, and it’s very important to see how the “I tried to think of things that were still world works,” he said. kind of new in the public’s eyes,” he said. To explain the concept, he used a Harry What’s next Potter analogy in the video. Yash is considering entering the Break“I decided on Harry Potter because it’s through Junior Challenge again and to something a lot of people know, especially continue his work on the school’s robotics kids,” Yash said. team this year. People with the competition judged the submissions based on categories including This article was written and reported by engagement, illumination, difficulty, and Sarah Kallis, a student at Holy Innocents’ creativity. Episcopal School. His video was then sent to the popular vote section, where he got enough “likes” to Editor’s Note: Through our “Standout Stumove onto the semi-finals before being sedent” series, Reporter Newspapers showcases lected as a finalist. some of the outstanding students at our local “I never thought I’d do that well,” he schools. To recommend a “Standout Student” said. for our series, please email editor@ReportAll of his filming was done in WestminerNewspapers.net with information about the ster’s STEAM Lab with the help of one of his student and why you think he or she should teachers, Tim Shabanowitc, who coached be featured. Yash in robotics and was his architecture

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Education Briefs F ULT ON WR A P S UP EN GAGEMEN T PR O CESS FO R N O R T H SP RI N GS H I GH REN O VATIO N

June 4 — August 3

Fulton County Schools recently concluded its engagement process for the North Springs Charter High School addition and renovation project with a presentation to the community on themes and surveys. District 3 Board Member Gail Dean said in the release that the community’s input helped focus the project. “We appreciate everyone’s support and participation in this process,” she said. “It took several months, but every step was necessary to make sure we are investing wisely in the future of North Springs High School.” The Fulton County Board of Education is expected to review a potential preliminary design concept from CDH Partners in April, according to the release. During the engagement process, Christian Long of visioning firm Wonder, by Design received input on what should North Springs keep as a priority, what should be changed and what should be added. “The goal is to coalesce around a shared identity on what North Springs should aspire to be. These activities helped everyone voice their vision for North Springs’ future, which will drive the design for improving the school’s physical environment,” Long said in the release. Common “hold onto” themes included keeping strong relationships between students, teachers and the community; collaboration with others; innovative technology use; and education offerings that prepare students for the real world. Rigid mindsets and schedules, such as a seven-period school day, was something members of each group felt should be changed. Things that the groups felt should be added were opportunities for more unstructured time and ‘brain rest,’ flexible school furnishings, spaces that inspire creativity and real-life connection, and more partnerships with corporations, academic institutions and local municipalities, the press release said. “This process encouraged participants to put aside preconceived notions and focus on the type of educational experience our students should have, not just for today but for the future,” said Scott Hanson, principal of North Springs High School, in the release. The full report is posted on fultonschools.org.

D EK A LB SOL I C ITI N G C OMMENT ON C ODE OF C ON DUC T C H ANG ES

The DeKalb County School District is asking for comments from parents and the community on the updated 2018-2019 Code of Student Conduct and student discipline. The code of conduct can be read at dekalbschoolga.org/student-relations. The Department of Student Relations will take suggestions until April 27, a press release said. The Code of Student Conduct outlines policies, rules and regulations on dress code, behavior, bus information, electronic devices, violence, threats, school personnel and more. Comments and recommendations may be sent to DCSD Student Relations Director Dr. Kishia Towns at kishia_k_towns@dekalbschoolsga.org. Suggestions can also be mailed in writing to the Department of Student Relations, 5823 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA, 30083.

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Coping with a Crisis: Opioid addiction in the suburbs

EXCLUSIVE SERIES

How a suburban mother started peddling fentanyl and became the target of federal prosecutors Continued from page 1 of sand. They also found her with several others kinds of synthetic opioids — including U-47700, a drug that was legal until late 2016, even though it makes morphine seem like aspirin — that exemplify the insidious evolution of the opioid crisis. Drug traffickers have resurrected obscure opioid recipes that were developed decades ago but never made out of a research lab. The makers of these new variants tweak drug compounds to avoid detection from law enforcement. The synthetics appear on the streets, often inside fake pain pills, like the ones Sellers sold. A legal game of cat-and-mouse ensues: Lawmakers outlaw one drug; traffickers make a new drug; cops find it on the streets; lawmakers pass a new law. Last year, synthetic opioids contributed to the deaths of two Buckhead apartmentdwellers and a Brookhaven doctor. In 2016, synthetics helped drive up fatal overdoses nationwide to a record number of 64,000, according to the Centers for Disease Con-

trol and Prevention. forcement and prosExperts believe those ecutors. We’re trying figures will rise again our best to stay ahead in 2017. it.” In recent weeks, President Trump From straight called for some drug A’s into drugs dealers selling synNothing in Sellers’ thetic opioids to face early life seems to sugthe death penalty if gest that she’d be at one of their customers the eye of this kind of fatally overdoses. It’s storm. Born in El Paso, a proposal that draws Texas, Sellers was an fierce criticism from Army brat who reloFULTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE drug policy experts, Cathine Sellers in a booking photo cated often but still and there was no evfrom a Jan. 13, 2017 arrest in Roswell. earned enough A’s to idence in court that attend college. In her early twenties, Sellany of Sellers’ customers died. But the iners moved to Georgia where she raised two tent of such a policy is to make dealers like kids largely on her own. Efforts to reach Sellers think twice about continuing to sell her family for comment were unsuccessful. synthetic opioids in metro Atlanta. But, according to letters her 14- and 11-year“It’s the perfect storm,” said Byung J. old children wrote to the court, she was a “BJay” Pak, the top federal prosecutor in doting mother. northern Georgia. “This is a fast moving [ep“She always make[s] sure we have everyidemic] presenting challenges to law en-

thing we need for school and always buys us the things we want. She always hangs out with us and take[s] us places. She plays around with us and likes to joke around with us,” wrote one of the children. Her mother, Diane Causby, wrote that Sellers “has continued her spirit of excellence with her children, in raising them to be at higher standards in their education, behavior and choice of friends.” It’s unclear, according to court records, whether the drugs, domestic violence or divorce came first. But about a decade after moving to metro Atlanta, she paid her bills by dancing as a stripper at the Cheetah, a gentleman’s club in downtown Atlanta, and sometimes used drugs. The Sellers family settled in Roswell in late 2016. On the night of Jan. 13, 2017, a Roswell cop pulled over Sellers after her white PT Cruiser allegedly drifted out of its lane. An officer who watched Sellers said she became defensive and argumentative. After noticing her glassy eyes, the officer asked her to perform a sobriety test. Eventually, the officer

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An excerpt of a letter one of Sellers’ children wrote to a federal court judge on her behalf.

found a folded $1 bill full of a white powdered substance inside her wallet. Tears streamed down her face. “[I] was exposed to a certain lifestyle,” she told the officer, according to the report. They weren’t her drugs this time, she said, but she admitted to using cocaine in the past. After getting arrested, Sellers entered a pre-trial diversion program. Four months later, though, she skipped a mandatory meeting and failed a drug test. She told her court-appointed officer she planned to vacation in New Jersey until this past August. Meanwhile, her name ended up in the news again: ajc.com published a story titled “Cops: Man with pills, syringes and $1,095 cash arrested in Alpharetta.” That man was Sellers’ fiancé, and she was in the car during the traffic stop in May 2017 that led to his arrest, though she was not charged. Then, a month later, the DEA raid happened. Her lawyers tried to get her released on bond so she could be with her children. But a federal judge denied the request, writing that, “the court can conceive of no condition or combination of conditions that would reasonably assure the safety of the community” even though there was “strong evidence from her family and friends that she is a good mother.”

New dealers, new threats to police Parents aren’t the only new target of police and prosecutors seeking to contain the suburban spread of opioids. The same month Sellers was arrested for cocaine possession, federal prosecutors charged Dr. Arnita Avery-Kelly, a licensed podiatrist, with the alleged illegal distribution of prescription opioids out of her clinic in Sandy Springs. In the nine months leading up to August 2015, she allegedly prescribed over 116,000 oxycodone pills, 41,000 hydro-

morphone pills and 400 fentanyl patches. Last year, Nisar A. Piracha, a 63-year-old former physician who ran the Piracha Wellness Clinic in Dunwoody, received a sentence of over seven years for prescribing opioids to people in exchange for cash. Some of his clients traveled up to 200 miles for his services. Keith Zgonc, deputy chief of the Sandy Springs Police Department, says the kinds of synthetic opioids found in Sellers’ home are as much of a threat to his officers as they are to residents. Because grains of synthetic opioids are so fine they can penetrate rubber gloves, narcotics officers have overdosed in some cities nationwide while investigating crime scenes — prompting some departments to call in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance in handling the drugs. “We don’t open it,” Zgonc said. “We’re not going to risk an overdose of one of our people to make a case.” Despite such risks, police and prosecutors are finding ways to make cases. On May 24, Sellers, who has pleaded guilty, is scheduled to make an appearance in a 21stfloor courtroom inside the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta. Sellers will stand in her jail-issued jumpsuit accompanied by her lawyer — who didn’t respond to requests for comment — hoping the judge will spare her the maximum sentence of 20 years. But prosecutors hope this is one catch they can make in the endless cat-and-mouse chase of a deadly crisis.

Max Blau is an Atlantabased journalist who has written about healthcare, drugs and addiction for such outlets as the Boston Globe and CNN.

Third of a 4-Part Series The combination of prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic opioids is killing people around the nation, including within Reporter Newspapers communities. In this exclusive four-part series, we will look at how local families, nurses, prosecutors, recovering addicts and others are responding to a growing epidemic that already kills more people than cars, guns or breast cancer each year. To share your thoughts and stories, email editor@reporternewspapers.net. To read previous stories in this series, visit ReporterNewspapers.net.

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C O NTA C T US Founder & Publisher Steve Levene stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net Editorial Managing Editor John Ruch johnruch@reporternewspapers.net INtown Editor: Collin Kelley Editor-at-Large Joe Earle Staff Writers Dyana Bagby, Evelyn Andrews Copy Editor: Donna Williams Lewis Creative and Production Creative Director Rico Figliolini rico@reporternewspapers.net Graphic Designer: Soojin Yang Advertising Director of Sales Development Amy Arno amyarno@reporternewspapers.net Sales Executives Melissa Kidd, Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter, Jim Speakman Office Manager Deborah Davis deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net Contributors Kate Awtrey, Max Blau, Robin Conte, Phil Mosier

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ILLUSTRATION BY SOOJIN YANG

lethal toenail boy

Assembling the worst superhero team ever As the superhero story goes, the XMen are a group of people with various X-gene mutations that give them EX-tra powers, and (while battling an assorted bunch of X-rivals) they endeavor to use these powers for the good of humanity. I have noticed that a bit of X-gene activity seems to have occurred in my own family, but our genes have mutated to powers of questionable worth. We are a bunch of the worst X-Men, ever. My youngest is Massive Toe-Gap Boy. You could park a car in the space between his first two toes. He uses this Massive Gap to stow his snacks and carry small appliances from room to room. If he keeps his socks on, he can smuggle a two-liter bottle of water onto an airplane. His twin also has a toe mutation. He is Lethal Toenail Boy. The nails of his big toes grow into virtual talons that will ruin floors and furniture and inflict stealth wounds when he walks around barefoot. If he ever finds himself stuck in a Moroccan prison, he can file his way out with his toenails. My daughter is Reflexio. She has the most coveted and useful ability in the family. She can knock a wine glass off a shelf and dive to the ground before it

breaks, all in less time than it takes me to finish my first curse word. She can catch any falling object from within an inch of its life — saving not only the object, but the skin of every sibling in the room. My oldest son is Viral Facial Hair Man. He has the ability to grow facial hair at superhuman speed … at viral video speed. He is very proud of this power because he thinks it’s rather manly. So, he’d prefer to be known as Virile Viral Facial Hair Man. Apparently, there is no barbershop where he lives, because he came home for Christmas looking like a small fur-bearing animal had died on his face. You could find his eyes only if you approached him slowly with a flashlight and a hand rake. I am Barometric Sinus Mom. I can predict the weather by the condition of my nasal passages. If I go through a box of Kleenex in less than eight hours, that means it’s going to rain. If I walk around all day rubbing my face and honking, a cold front is moving in. And if I’m curled up on the couch beneath a blanket, nursing a cup of hot tea, breathing through my mouth and completely miserable, you’d better bring in your pets and head to the basement because there’s a storm

Robin’s Nest

a-comin’. And my Robin Conte is a writer husband? He’s and mother of four who Obliviman, of lives in Dunwoody. She course. (Aren’t can be contacted at they all?) He robinjm@earthlink.net. has the ability to tune out an entire family dinner conversation of five people debating the lyrics of the latest Taylor Swift song by merely looking at his Android. Even more impressively, he can appear perfectly attentive and alert as I spend 15 minutes presenting a detailed rundown of our weekend schedule, while he in fact has zero idea of what I am saying and will ask me to repeat the entire thing as soon as I’ve finished. Put us all together and you will not have a team that will save the world. But in our own EX-tra mutant way, we make our little corner of it a bit more normal.

© 2018 with all rights reserved Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Reporter Newspapers or Springs Publishing, LLC.

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We are pround to welcome

New traffic center set up at City Hall A new traffic center at Dunwoody City Hall allows traffic engineers to watch in real time the progress of motorists through the city’s busiest areas and adjust traffic signals as necessary to try to mediate back ups at intersections. All with a few taps at a keyboard. Public Works DiDYANA BAGBY rector Michael Smith Public Works Director Michael Smith checks out timing on said a traffic engineer, traffic signals in the city at the new traffic center. The left screen is accessed with a few keystrokes and allows the user who can also easily acto tweak timing for better mobility through intersections on cess the traffic center traffic signals that are pictured on the screen to the right. through a home laptop, is able to watch traffic patterns via cameras placed throughout Perimeter Center and also via the Georgia Department Transportation’s cameras placed on I-285. If an accident happens on I-285 and traffic is pushed onto Cotillion Drive, the traffic engineer can also watch via cameras on how to time signals to ensure cars can move as smoothly as possible through Perimeter Center, Smith explained. If a significant traffic is backing up on Ashford-Dunwoody Road, for example, the engineer can key into the traffic center’s web system and tweak the timing of signals tied into the system to try to ease the backup. The city has six different master time-of-day plans it uses. --Dyana Bagby

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12 | Perimeter Business

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Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber celebrates 10 years

PHOTOS BY DYANA BAGBY

Atlanta Hearing Associates

Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber President and CEO Stephanie Freeman greets attendees to the annual meeting and 10th anniversary luncheon at Fogo de Chao on March 16. Villard Bastien is honored as the outgoing secretary of the chamber.

www.hearatlanta.com Like us on Facebook

BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

Irvin J. Johnson DeKalb County Tax Commissioner

STOP BY TODAY North Office 1358 Dresden Dr. Atlanta, GA 30319 Questions? Call (404) 298-4000 or email us at

proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov

ATTENTION DEKALB COUNTY HOMEOWNERS... HOMESTEAD DEADLINE IS April 2nd! If you own and reside in your home on January 1st, you may apply for a Homestead Exemption by April 2nd of this year. The home must be your primary and legal residence. Applications received after April 2nd will be processed for 2019. In addition to the basic homestead exemption, there are special exemptions for residents 62 and older, disabled veterans or their un-remarried surviving spouse, and other disabled residents. Eligibility is based upon age or disability, total household income, and must be applied for in-person. Bring your Federal and State income tax forms by the deadline to apply.

We are pleased to offer “An Introduction to Homestead Exemption.” This is a fr ee pr esentation informing homeowners & senior citizens on how they can save money on annual property taxes. If your Senior Center, HOA or other organization is interested in this free presentation, please contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office to schedule with us.

We also offer on-site exemption processing after the presentation. Attendees are encouraged to bring their driver’s license and State & Federal income tax forms, Social Security 1099, and any other forms of income you may receive for qualification requirements.

www.DeKalbTax.org

The Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber celebrated its 10th anniversary at its annual meeting March 16 with keynote speaker Kevin Blair, CFO of Synovus, a bank based in Columbus, Ga. The meeting was held at Fogo de Chao on Ashford-Dunwoody Road, located next to the Spruill Gallery and part of new development that also includes a Residence Inn by Marriott. Synovus recently acquired the former Bank of North Georgia. As part of the meeting, 2017 board chair David Toolan of Oldcastle, a manufacturer of building products and materials, passed the gavel to 2018 chair Jeanne Landry, vice president of Human Resources at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Board members whose terms expired at the end of 2017 were also honored: Villard S. Bastien of Law Offices of Villard Bastien, and Heyward Wescott, owner of Custom Signs Today. New board members are: Tim Cahill, director of sales and marketing at Crowne Plaza Ravinia; Brent Morris, insurance broker consultant at Peachtree Benefit Group; Shavonne Reed, marketing manager at Elekta; and Charles Shuler, general manager at Maggiano’s Little Italy. At the end of the meeting, Wescott delivered a toast to celebrate the chamber’s 10th anniversary. It was also announced the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber would be hosting a gubernatorial forum on June 15 with Cox Enterprises.

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Above, David Toolan of Oldcastle passes the gavel to 2018 chair Jeanne Landry of Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Inset, Heyward Wescott, a member of the chamber for 10 years, is honored as outgoing immediate past chair. Left, keynote speaker Kevin Blair, CFO of Synovus, gives the keynote speech.

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Brook Run Park events could see fee hike, attendance cap Continued from page 1 The City Council learned at its retreat in February one reason Brook Run Park is so popular with such events is due to the city’s much cheaper pricing compared to neighboring cities. Assistant City Manager Jessica Guinn presented the council with the idea of possibly raising fees. Currently, a sponsor of a small 5K race would pay the city about $1,600 to use Brook Run Park – and $900 of that is a refundable deposit. The proposed rate hikes include a separate 5K fee that jumps to $3,525. No decisions have been made on changing the fee schedule and no timetable is in place for when that might take place, according to city officials. In 2017, average attendance for festivals was 1,600 with an average of $1,150 fees for each. For 5Ks held last year at Brook Run Park, there was an average of 524 attendees and about $955 in fees for each, Guinn told the council in February. Guinn and staff suggested council cap special events at two per month and have tiered pricing for anticipated number of attendees. For example, a small event would include less than 400 people, a medium event be for more than 400 but less than 800, and a large festival would be for more than 800 and less than 1,200 attendees. Recommendations also include having a maximum number of festival attendees at 1,200 attendees, other than large annual events already scheduled to take place at the park such, as Lemonade Days and the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival, she said. Capping attendance can help lessen wear on the park and especially help with traffic control on the busy North Peachtree Road where the main entrance of the park is located. For 5Ks, city staff is also recommending capping attendees at 500, with an exemption for larger races already scheduled to use the park, including the annual Tartan Trot and Daffodil Dash. The current rate schedule to use Brook Run Park for an event with less than 300 people comes up to a total of about $1,600. Of that total, $800 is damage deposit fees that can be refunded. For events with more than 300 people, the current rate structure charges about $2,450. This includes up to $800 in refundable damage deposits. Private facility rentals at Brook Run Park (pavilion and event field) are a flat $100 fee. Dunwoody-based nonprofits also get a fee discount. Guinn also outlined fees charged by neighboring cities for use of its parks. In Chamblee, there is a $1,250 flat fee for events. The city of Johns Creek charges $3,000 for a nonprofit group to use its amphitheater and charges for-profit and commercial companies a $5,000 fee. The city of Roswell charges $1,200 for small events; $1,600 for large events and a $2,000 flat fee for road race with no more than 250 runners allowed. Surrounding cities also do not offer refundable deposits, she said.

The proposed fee scheduled presented at the February retreat:

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■ Small festival with a maximum of 400 people: $1,000 rental fee, $300 permit fee, $900 deposit, for a total of $2,200. ■ A medium-sized festival with 400 to 800 people would pay $1,500 facility rental fee, $425 permit fee and $1,100 deposit for a total of $3,025. ■ A large festival with 800 to 1,200 people would pay a $2,000 facility rental fee, $550 permit fee and $1,300 deposit for a total of $3,850. ■ 5Ks and other runs and walks would be allowed a maximum of 500 participants, pay a $2,000 facility rental fee, a $425 permit fee and $1,100 deposit for a total of $3,525.

The fees would not include city-sponsored events, such as Movie on the Meadow or MLK Jr. Day of Service, nor do they include events such as Lemonade Days and Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays, according to city officials.

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5| AtlantaSeniorLIFE.co MAY 2017 • Vol. 2 No. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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JUNE 2017 • Vol. 2 No. 6 | AtlantaSeniorLI FE.com

Theatre-To-Go delive rs Live Performance s

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Assistance League helps rebuild lives page 10

page 6

page 14

Leng A Lifetime of Learni ss is more page 12

By Donna Williams

Lewis

Methodist Dunwoody United Gil Yates, about to begin at for his classmate Coast Indians was making a beeline A class on Pacific strode into the room, Church when a man OK.” approached. “Shuffling’sbuddy, who would not front row, center. said, as the man his “No running!” Yates is a year older than all in good fun. Yates The teasing was age: 91. with Perimeter Adults but did share his classes this spring reveal his name, 175 students taking The men are among most of whom (PALS). By Kathy for senior adults, education Learning & Services continuing the start.Dean year of providing been members from PALS is in its 25th need for of Dunwoody, have Wethe hear takes care of it all and his wife, Dot, and this kind of are 60-plus. Yates rings especially the time: less is more. The to help other people, phrase true for older “People our age want made lifelong friends.” adults who are empty nests and Yates said. “We have facing are4 ready to Continued on page fellowship,” Dot of their enjoy the lives. Intown and north metro second half many comforta Atlanta offer ble options for them. “Baby boomers have spent much working and of their lives building said Dawn Anderson their wealth for retiremen t,” , Realtor, Dorsey “As retiremen Alston Realtors. t becomes more of a reality, they plan their transition begin to to downsize. Ease and affordability of life, proximity are certainly the goals of most downsizing common boomers.” The trend of continues to grow, 55+ active adult commun ities Anderson said. well qualified “Baby boomers buyers and know are looking for.” exactly what they are Kim Isaacs, aged Avalon in Alpharet 58, said that her townhom e in ta gives her everything they and her husband want. “We had home in Johns lived in our previous Creek for 19 years. left for college, When our last we child and really didn’t decided that we wanted a change need a large house of us,” she said. for just the two

ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS

DOWNSIZE TO ENJOY LIFE

Continued on

Read our monthly publication for active seniors! Pick up a copy around town or read online at atlantaseniorlife.com

page 4

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Grubb withdraws proposal for massive mixed-use project Continued from page 1 Pam Tallmadge and Tom Lambert. After the deferral vote failed, Clay Grubb, president of Grubb Properties, conferred quickly with his attorney, David Kirk. Kirk then spoke to the council and asked to “reluctantly” withdraw the project. The council then voted unanimously to accept the withdrawal. Grubb Properties can bring a new proposed project to the council in the near future. Had the council voted to deny the rezoning request, the developer would not be able to bring it back before the council for two years. Grubb Properties was originally seeking to rezone 19.5 acres at 41, 47, 53 Perimeter Center East, where the former City Hall was located. The zoning would have changed from office institution to Perimeter Center 2 to construct six residential buildings with a total of 1,200 units and a 19-story office tower. The project was planned to be built out in several phases over 10 to 15 years and included four parking decks, 12,000 square feet of new retail on the ground level of the buildings along with a central 2-acre park and trails and bike paths. Total residential and commercial space totaled more than 1 million square feet. In two previous meetings with the council, members balked at the density and the likely increase in traffic such a project would bring to Perimeter Center, an area already suffering from heavy congestion. Questions were also raised about the number of school children such a project could put in already overcrowded Dunwoody schools as well as the timeline of the project being spread out for so long. Some council members also raised their concerns that Grubb Properties could gain the rezoning and then sell off pieces of the property. To appease the council’s concerns, Grubb Properties at the March 26 meeting proposed to scale back their project considerably and build only one high rise building with 198 apartments. Plans were to then convert the apartments to condominiums five years after pulling permits to build. Grubb explained to the council the five years included a three-year construction timeline. If the apartments were not converted to condominiums within that time frame, Grubb Properties proposed to pay $3,000 per unsold unit to the DeKalb County School District. The intention would be then to come back over time to seek rezoning and approval for other areas of the projects, piece by piece, as the developer tried to seek trust with the City Council, Kirk DUN

and Grubb said. “We are anxious to get started … and we feel like this is in keeping with the original plan,” Grubb said of the scaled back proposal. “But the idea is to do this is bite-size pieces. Our original plan has a 15-year vision and we still believe that is the best vision.” Grubb added he understood the council’s reluctance to give up control of 19.5 acres over a 10- to 15-year timeline. “I think this is a massive change and might should go back to the Planning Commission,” Shortal said. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the original plans several months ago. City staff also recommended approval of the project with certain conditions. “This is supposedly a mixed-use area, but I don’t see any mixed use for any of those [198] units. I don’t see how that is keeping cars off the road when they don’t have any place to shop,” Shortal added. “I think it’s … to the point where it’s almost better for you to fold this and start over. But that’s your call.” Nall also said the project was “vastly different” than the original plans. “It’s pretty clear the scope is dramatically different than the original application.

Would it be your desire to withdraw or is your preference to continue with a deferral?” Nall asked. Kirk said if Grubb Properties withdrew its plans, rather than obtaining a preferred deferral, it would take another six to nine months to come up with a new plan. The developer has already spent nearly a year on the project, he noted. Grubb Properties purchased the 19.5 acres more than a year ago. Nall said this was the third time Grubb Properties has appeared before council and was still proposing rental units as opposed to owner-occupied units. “Is it still your intent to build rental units as your starting point?” he asked. Grubb said it would be “virtually impossible” at this time to finance a high rise filled with condominiums, but the intention would be to rent all the apartments within a year of completion of the building and then convert them to condos. And if the condos were not converted in that time, Grubb said his company would pay hefty fines imposed on itself to DeKalb Schools in trying to gain council approval. Shortal also asked several times if the developer wanted to defer the project or withdraw it. Kirk, the attor-

ney, asked if they could hear from the rest of the council what their opinions of the project were before making a choice. That’s when City Attorney Bill Riley interjected to say it would be inappropriate to poll the council. “No one said anything about a denial. There is no deferral motion on the table. The real question is, do you want to proceed?” Riley told Kirk. “I’m not telling you there would be a denial. I don’t know the vote,” Shortal added. A motion made by Heneghan to defer until as late as July to consider the new plans was seconded by Tallmadge. A voice vote was held but was not clear, so the mayor asked for a show of hands. The motion to defer failed in a 3-to-4 vote. After the vote, Deutsch told the developer she did not think their proposed project was meeting the needs of the community. “I’m not sure the niche you are seeking to fill I think needs to be filled,” she said. “You are proposing rows and rows of multi-units housing. I do not believe your proposal meets an unmet need in our community.”

16 | Art & Entertainment

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News Intermediate/advanced Zydeco dance class from 4:30-6 p.m. is $15. Free beginner’s dance lesson at 7 p.m. Info: aczadance.org or 877-338-2420.

COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m.

BROOKHAVEN

•

BUCKHEAD

•

DUNWOODY

•

SANDY SPRINGS

Join the Brookhaven Bike Alliance for community rides every third Sunday at varying locations. April 15 location is Murphey Candler Park, 1551 West Nancy Creek Drive, Brookhaven. Info: Brookhaven Bike Alliance on Facebook.

GET INTO THE COMMUNITY

GET ACTIVE

RHYTHM & BREWS

Saturday, April 7, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SWEEP THE HOOCH Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Back for its eighth year, Sweep the Hooch is an annual day of service to the Chattahoochee River watershed, mobilizing volunteers on foot, in waders, or kayak/canoe paddlers to remove trash at locations throughout the watershed. The 43 work locations along more than 70 miles of the river include three locations in Brookhaven’s Murphey Candler Park. To help clean those sites, use team name “MCPC” while registering. To volunteer at Morgan Falls Park, use team name “Keep Sandy Springs Beautiful.” Register: chattahoochee.org/sweep-the-hooch.

ZYDECO CONCERT AND DANCE Saturday, April 7, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association hosts the Atlanta debut of Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas at the Dorothy Benson Center. Cajun/Creole food for sale. All ages. 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs. $18; $14 active military; $5 students.

Heritage Sandy Springs announces the return of Rhythm & Brews, a community celebration of local bands and local beers. Food trucks, games, local artists/vendors and giveaways. Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green, 6110 Blue Stone Road N.E., Sandy Springs. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Heritage Sandy Springs organization. Ticket info: heritagesandysprings.org.

YOM HASHOAH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY Sunday, April 15, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This community ceremony features a performance by the Atlanta Men’s Choir, readings, memorial prayers, and the lighting of torches in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust. Free. Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at Zaban Park. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Info: atlantajcc.org.

KIDS AND FAMILIES SHEEP TO SHAWL

Saturday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The rural craft of cloth making comes to life during the Atlanta History Center’s annual Sheep to Shawl program. Guests can participate in the process of turning freshly

Make a Lantern & Join the Parade!

The parade lines up at 7:30pm at Steel Canyon Golf Club for a magical stroll to Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Lantern Workshops are April 14th & 15th. Learn more at VisitSandySprings.org/lanternparade

MARCH 30 - APRIL 12, 2018

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sheared wool into fabric. Other activities include open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and candle making at the 1860s Smith Farm and a kid-friendly zone with a petting zoo, train rides and carnival games. Included in cost of general admission. 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead. Ticket info: atlantahistorycenter.com.

BOOK DRIVE

Ongoing daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Book donation boxes have been placed at three Sandy Springs fire stations to benefit the Sandy Springs Education Force Mini Libraries program. The program provides new and used books to underprivileged youth in five Sandy Springs public schools. Elementary school level books are especially needed. Fire station locations: 6025 Raider Drive, 135 Johnson Ferry Road and 1425 Spalding Drive. Info: sandyspringseducationforce.org.

PERFORMANCES

Golf without attitude. • 18 hole Executive Course • Covered Driving Range • League Play • Lessons • Footgolf

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Three university choirs — the Georgia State University Singers, UGA Hodgson Singers and Emory University Concert Choir — perform together. Free. Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road N.E., Buckhead. Info: eventbrite.com.

460 Morgan Falls Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-390-0424 steelcanyongolfclub.com

“THE WEDDING SINGER”

Friday, April 13 to Saturday, April 28

Act3 Productions presents a throwback to the days when a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the Adam Sandler movie by the same name. 6285-R Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. Ticket info: act3productions.org. Continued on page 18

Our 1 Celebra 0th A ting nniv ersar y

CharterBank is Raising Interest in Food for our Community.

Community Assistance Center www.ourcac.org

Thank you to all of our patients and friends for embracing our practice. Our gift to you... Raffle prizes and amazing deals all month long!

April Product Special

10%

OFF

The entire Babcock Dermatology Product Line

$100 OFF

April Filler Special

$75 OFF

Each syringe of Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Refyne & Defyne

Filler Friday and Spectacular Saturday

Each syringe of Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Refyne and Defyne on every Friday and Saturday in April

April Dysport Special • Only $200/site! 4890 Roswell Rd, Ste B-10 • Atl, GA 30342 • (404) 835-3052

BabcockDermatology.com

Melissa Babcock, M.D.

Located at the corner of Roswell Road & Long Island Drive Same Day Appointments Available • Free Parking

HOW TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITY PARTNER:

We will have collection barrels for donated canned and nonperishable goods from March 12th to April 27th to help provide meals for children during the summer. 4600 Roswell Rd Ste E 150, Atlanta, Georgia 30342 678-244-2250 Georgia | Alabama | Florida |

www.charterbank.net

18 | Art & Entertainment

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News Continued from page 17

VISUAL ARTS ART EXHIBIT

Thursday, April 5, 6-8 p.m.

See what music looks like in paint on canvas at an opening reception for the artwork of Karen Mosbacher Clewell at Gallery 4945 at Highpoint Episcopal Community KAREN MOSBACHER CLEWELL Church, 4945 High Point Road, Sandy Springs. Info: highpointepiscopalchurch.org.

JEWISH LATINO FILM SERIES Sunday, April 8 to Saturday, April 14

Congregation Or Hadash and the Consulate General of Argentina present five films inspired by actual events in the Jewish-Latino experience: “Los Gauchos Judios/Jewish Gauchos,” “Anita,” “Los Abandonados/ The Abandoned Ones,” “Wakolda/The German Doctor,” and a dinner and a movie night featuring “Mi Primera Boda/My First Wedding.” $5-$36. 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs. RSVP: or-hadash.org/form/jlfs-cost.html.

GET TAX HELP

IRA BUMP-UP CD Term 60 Month IRA CD 48 Month IRA CD 36 Month IRA CD

AARP TAX ASSISTANCE

Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays though April 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interest Rate 2.95% 2.70% 2.46%

APY* 2.99% 2.74% 2.49%

Invest in an IRA Bump-Up Certificate of Deposit with Georgia Primary Bank. You may "Bump Up" or increase your interest rate twice during the term of the CD to our current rate for the same product and term. Minimum opening deposit $5,000.

404-231-4100

www.georgiaprimarybank.com

3880 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 *Annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of 2-16-2018. All CDs are single maturity. Product offering may be withdrawn at any time. Fees and other conditions may reduce earnings on accounts; ask for details. For other terms and conditions, please refer to account disclosures available at account opening and upon request. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service for lower-income and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to ages 60+. First-come, first served. Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. Info: dekalblibrary.org/events.

FREE TAX FILING

Ongoing through Saturday, April 14

The Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs offers free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, an initiative of the IRS and United Way. Certified VITA volunteers will prepare and file tax returns for households earning up to $55,000 in 2017. Appointments required. CAC also offers training for VITA volunteers. 1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs. Info: 770-552-4889, ext. 260 or email vita@ourcac.org.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT LISTING WITH US AT

calendar@Reporter Newspapers.net

MARCH 30 - APRIL 12, 2018

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Art & Entertainment | 19

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Farmers market season returns Clean out the fridge! Farmers market season is upon us. Some changes are in store for local markets, including a move to a new location for the Sandy Springs market. Here’s a list of area markets.

Visit us today to learn how you may qualify for up to

$1,600

BROOKHAVEN FARMERS MARKET

Discount

Saturdays, April 7 through Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to noon.

The market is open rain or shine. 1375 Fernwood Circle N.E., Brookhaven. Information: brookhavenfarmersmarket.com.

Valid thru 7/18/18.

SEWELL

DUNWOODY FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, May 5 through Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Newly revamped farmers market has signed more than 40 vendors. Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. Info: dunwoodyfarmersmkt.com.

HERITAGE SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, April 14 through early December, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Nearly 50 vendors offer local and organic produce, pasture-raised meat, farm fresh eggs and dairy products, and a wide variety of specialty and prepared foods. Century Springs, 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Sandy Springs. Market moves on May 12 to Mount Vernon Highway between Sandy Springs Circle and Roswell Road. Info: sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com or 404-851-9111, ext. 5.

For the way it’s Made

© Copyright 2008 Signage designs and drawings are the sole property of DeNyse Signs, Inc., and may not be reproduced, published, changed or used in any way without written permission and consent. In addition, all ideas, contents of

Douglasville | Orlando | Charlotte

1.800.941.7446 www.denysesigns.com

proposals, and all specifications of any project entered into with DeNyse Signs, Inc. are all rights reserved. The described information may not be used in securing price comparisons. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

7455 Trowbridge Rd, NE | Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-255-0640 | www.sewellappliance.com

fr ee book s Bid Number

Date

The Griffin Company

39028

06.17.2008

Property Name & Address

Project Manager

Revision Date

Sewell Appliance 7455 Trowbridge Road Sandy Springs, Ga

Richard Swartz

Management Company

Designer

HM JC

Customer Approval

06.24.08 08.01.08

Concept

Preliminary

Design Time

Page

Survey Required

5.5

Production

Filename

Sewell Appliance/ Pre/ Main Idv3

Change Order

a jEWISH THEMED BOOK FOR YOUR CHILD EVERY MONTH!

PEACHTREE ROAD FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, April 7 through Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon. (Opening time shifts to 9 a.m. beginning Oct. 6.)

Located in the parking lot at The Cathedral of St. Philip, the market is open rain or shine. Each week brings chef demonstrations and live music. The market accepts SNAP (food stamps) and doubles their dollar value. 2744 Peachtree Road N.W., Buckhead. Info: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.

jewishatlanta.org/pjlibrary

20 | Perimeter Business

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News

Ribbon-cuttings: Recent business openings The following are some of the new businesses that recently opened in Reporter Newspapers communities.

CLIP CULTURE BARBERSHOP

6309 Roswell Road, #2D, Sandy Springs Info: clipculturebarbershop.com or 404-458-2993

SPA SYDELL

4520 Olde Perimeter Way, Suite 200, in Perimeter Place, Dunwoody Info: spasydell.com or 404-255-7727

A little help. A big difference. The assisted living services at The Piedmont at Buckhead Senior Living Community are about the whole family and the whole YOU. Of course, we can help you with your daily needs. But did you know you will also have options for fitness, socializing, healthy fine dining, and more? And services are tailored to you, so you’ll get just the right amount of help you need, when you request it. But the best part? No matter if you need a little help or a lot, the difference you’ll feel will be amazing. Please call The Piedmont at Buckhead to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

SPECIAL

Cutting the ribbon at a new office of business data analysis company Axis Group at Sandy Springs’ Northpark 400 Tower March 15 were, from left, Erica Rocker-Wills, city’s Office of Economic Development; City Councilmember John Paulson; Axis CEO and founder Al Hughes; Scott Reedy, the office’s managing principal; Axis President Ranjan Sinha; Tom Mahaffey, CEO and president of Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Rusty Paul; and Chip Collins, chair of the chamber board. Info: axisgroup.com.

I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng

650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta, GA ThePiedmontatBuckhead.com • 404.381.1743

SPECIAL

Cutting the ribbon of OneLife Fitness at 1181 Hammond Drive in Dunwoody on March 1 were, from left, Corey Cristiano, Onelife Fitness Manager; Robert F. Dallas, chair of the Dunwoody Planning Commission; Mayor Denis Shortal; John Cristiano and Mindy Cristiano, OneLife’s Atlanta region co-founders; Scott Gaschler, OneLife’s regional director; Stephanie Freeman, president & CEO of the Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber of Commerce; and OneLife’s Jason Pelusi and Christin Toll. Info: onelifefitness.com.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 12, 2018

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Classifieds | 21

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Personal & Professional Services Directory

Reporter Classifieds HELP WANTED

REAL ESTATE Affordable Senior Condo for Sale/Lease – Affordable Senior Living Condos. Purchase or Rent - Mount Vernon Village in Sandy Springs HOA includes: All Utilities, 1 Meal/Day, Housekeeping, Laundry, + lots more. Call today Kim at Dunwoody Brokers 404-414-8307 or kim@dunwoodybrokers.com

SERVICES AVAILABLE Driveways & Walkways – Replaced or repaired. Masonry, grading, foundations repaired, waterproofing and retaining walls. Call Joe Sullivan 770-616-0576. Home Tending – Regular inspections of your unoccupied property…”0n market or just away”. Call Charles at 404-229-0490. Handyman Services – Moving and Delivery too! Free quotes. References Available. Local resident - call Cornell 803-608-0792.

TUTORING

CORPORATE GROUP HEADSHOTS

Software Engineers, full-time, Atlanta, GA. Apply: www.onetrust.com Administrative Assistant – Performs full administrative and general support duties to assist the manager and Board of Directors. Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook. Excellent people skills required. CINC experience a plus. Excellent starting compensation with benefits. Sandy Springs area. Email resume to: SandySpringsCondominium@gmail.com

LAWN CARE Landscaping, sod, maintenance, retaining walls, installation, planting and cleanup. Call 404-7872690.

CEMETERY PLOT Arlington Memorial Park – 3 lots in the Calvary Section. Asking $5,900 ea. or $17,000 for all. Email: mrmccabe@hotmail.com

Plan Ahead for Fall with Summer Tutoring - ACT/SAT Prep, Several Subjects. Visit: www.bobsayetutoring.com Email: sayebob@yahoo.com 404-723-9892.

We shoot on-location at your office. Fast. Efficient. Premium.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Food Pantry Coordinator Full time. Oversee daily operations, manage volunteers, purchasing, inventory, deliveries, stats. Includes driving and off-loading trucks, heavy lifting.

BUCKHEAD STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY www.thebuckheadstudio.com Peachtree Rd NE, Atl, GA 30326 • (404) 462-2385 We travel. Corporate, Group, Portrait, Environmental.

Customer Service / Information Coordinator Full time. Responsible for reception desk operations, supervising volunteers. Manage and maintain client records and databases.

With two professional in-house polishers, we can make your silver ﬂatware, tea sets, bowls and trays more beautiful than ever before. Bring it by or call us for an estimate today!

resume • letter • salary interest ceo@ourcac.org | www.ourcac.org No telephone calls please

REPORTER CLASSIFIEDS WORK FOR YOU!

Home Services Directory

To Advertise, call 404-917-2200 ext 110

Matthew’s Handy Services Small Jobs & Chores are My Specialties!

Shelves • Organizers • Carpentry Drywall • Painting • BBB rated

404-547-2079 Mwarren8328@gmail.com

Belco Electric

FREE ESTIMATES • LAWN SERVICE • STUMP GRINDING • TREE TRIMMING & PRUNING • TREE REMOVAL (24/7)

Licensed

• Family Owned since 1972 • Fast, Dependable Service by Professional, Uniformed Electricians

Bonded

770-455-4556

Check out our new website www.BelcoInc.com and follow us on

Kitchen Bathroom Basement

Showroom, Design, Build

SHOWROOM

IN HOME CONSULTATION

404-910-3969

www.RemodelingExpo.com

48 KING STREET ROSWELL, GA 30075

“Serving Metro Atlanta Since 1998”

• PAINTING • WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS

770-971-1577

www.paintingplus.com

Spring Clean-up Special

Atlanta’s Premier • Window Cleaning since 1968 • Gutter Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Family Owned • Licensed and Insured • Free Estimates

404.355.1901 www.WindowCleanAtl.com

• ROOFING

Appliance Repair ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Call Kevin 24/7 770.885.9210

• All Major Appliances & Brands FREE Service • Stoves, Ovens, Dishwashers • Refrigerators, Disposals Call with • Washers, Dryers Repair or $25 Service • 30 Years Experience Charge Servicing All of Metro Atlanta

Come Visit us in

Chamblee! WINDOWS

• Windows • Doors • Siding and more! • BBB A+ • Free Estimates • Family Business Established in 1980 3660 North Peachtree Road - Chamblee, GA 30341

770-939-5634 • www.quinnwindows.com

Tranquil Waters Lawn Care Aeration Leaf Blowing Power Washing Free Estimates . Senior/Veteran Discount No Contract Necessary . Commercial Residential

678-662-0767 Call Mike

www.UnitedTreeSvc.com 678-895-0851 justTRASHit!

JUNK REMOVAL & RECYCLING

We Haul Away: We Clean Out: *Furniture *Appliances *Construction *Pianos *Hot tubs *Paint cans

*Basements *Garages *Attics *Offices *Storage units *Estate sales

(770) 314-9867 www.justTRASHit.com

The Handyman Can • Plumbing • Electrical • Sheetrock • Floors • Tile • Framing • Kitchens • Painting • Roofwork • Concrete • Stained Glass • Antique Door Restoration as well as many other issues...

John Salvesen • 404-453-3438 thehandymancanatlanta@gmail.com

22 | Public Safety

Facebook.com/TheReporterNewspapers ■ twitter.com/Reporter_News

Now ce our 2 lebrating 6th y ear

AY* SUND N E P *O 12–5

Police expand recruitment efforts to include non-certified officers BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net

Soft or firm seats

Customizable options

Need a little help or advice? Sign up today for a complimentary in-home design consultation! Easy-to-clean fabrics

Fabric & leather

Reclining sofas

Incredibly comfortable sleepers

Articulating headrests & adjustible lumbars

Small-scale sofas & chairs

770-518-8518

Power LIFT chairs

30 E Crossville Rd (Hwy 92 @ Crabapple), Roswell Tues-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 • www.TheComfortableChairStore.com DIRECTIONS: Take Roswell Rd N & continue 1.5 mi N of Historic Roswell, OR take Exit 7B/Holcomb Br off GA400 & we’ll be 2.7 mi on the right

Six Historic Homes • Six Gardens Documentary Film • Archive Display

Dunwoody’s first two police officers who were not previously employed in law enforcement were sworn in at the March 26 City Council meeting, marking the beginning of a new wave of police recruitment in the city. Officers Theresa Hernandez and Slade Mehas were sworn in by Mayor Denis Shortal at the meeting. Chief Billy Grogan said Hernandez and Mehas are the two new officers hired by the city who were “noncertified” — meaning they had not been formally trained as a police officer before being hired by the DPD. The two recently wrapped up their mandatory police academy training at the Georgia Police Academy in Cherokee County. Hiring non-certified officers is a new venture for the city as the city continues to face a waning supply of people looking for work as police officers. “Since we’ve started our police department, we’ve only hired certified officers,” Grogan said in a recent interview. “Usually they’ve worked at another police department or were retired and wanting to come back, but were already POST [Peace Officer Standards and Training] certified. “And we did that very successfully. But over a number of years, probably in the past year or so, we were not getting as many highly qualified candidates as we wanted,” he said. Grogan said Dunwoody Police continue to receive many applicants, but most are screened out after background checks. Faced with this issue, Grogan decided it was time to hire non-certified officers. Hernandez and Mehas were hired late last year and put on the payroll, then sent in January to the Georgia Police Academy, part of the state’s Public Safety Training Center. Training is about 11 weeks. The officers are paid their approximately $43,000 salary while attending the academy, but there is no cost to the city to send recruits to the state police academy, Grogan explained.

Instead, their tuition was paid for by fees collected with every citation issued in the state, which go to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s budget used to train future police officers, he said. “Last year we made the decision to solicit applications from those who are not certified and send them to the academy,” he said. The new officers worked with veterans to train for the police academy and then return to the department for several months of additional training in the field with other officers. “This is new for Dunwoody. It’s at no cost to send them to the academy. We do pay their salary” while they are in training, he said. If an officer fails the academy, they can lose their job, he said. “Their job is to pass the academy,” he said. There is an emergency driving test that many officers do fail the first time but won’t lose their jobs, he added. Instead, they can take that portion of the academy again. There are currently 59 officers in Dunwoody’s ranks; another three officers are slated to be hired May 1 to bring the total to 62. Grogan said a major reason more people are not signing up to be police officers is because the country’s economy is doing well. When that happens, he said, more people are getting out of law enforcement and going into the private sector, where they can receive better pay and better hours. Police departments around the country are facing recruitment issues, Grogan noted. “Recruitment challenges have always been there for law enforcement, in metro Atlanta and the U.S.,” he said. “Recruiting and keeping officers is especially more difficult when the economy is doing well.” In Atlanta, for example, the department is down about 300 officers from a full force, according to Chief Erika Shields. She recently made the decision that Atlanta Police Department would not respond to as many shoplifting calls in Buckhead due to the severe shortage of officers in that zone.

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Bright Path GPS Program | 347 Carpenter Drive | Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Appointments Call: 850-443-4386 or 404-786-4440 | www.BrightPathProgram.com

DUN

MARCH 30 - APRIL 12, 2018

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Public Safety | 23

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Police Blotter / Dunwoody From Dunwoody Police reports dated March 18 through March 24. The following information was pulled from Dunwoody’s Police-2-Citizen website.

the afternoon, a man was arrested and accused of shoplifting.

B U R G L A RY

4300 block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road

5000 block of Happy Hollow Road —

On March 18, in the afternoon, a KitchenAid cooktop was stolen from a home. Entry was not forced. 2400 block of Stonington Road — On

March 18, in the evening, a forced-entry burglary was reported.

LARCENY/ SHOPLIFTING/ THEFT

— On March 23, in the evening, a woman was arrested and accused of shoplifting. 4400 block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road

— On March 24, in the morning, a woman was arrested and accused of shoplifting.

A S S AU LT

4400 block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road

1000 block of Perimeter Center Place

— On March 18, in the afternoon, the victim said his iPhone went missing while in a clothing store at Perimeter Mall.

— On March 18, in the morning, officers responded to a domestic dispute.

4700 block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road

— On March 18, in the evening, a woman was cleared of shoplifting $35 worth of merchandise from a discount superstore. 100 block of Perimeter Center West —

On March 19, around noon, a woman reported she was missing $100. 1100 block of Hammond Drive — On

March 19, in the afternoon, a 17-yearold man was accused of shoplifting and possessing half a gram of marijuana inside his backpack. 4400

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 20, in the afternoon, a man was arrested and accused of shoplifting from a department store and with possessing marijuana on his person. 1000 block of Crowne Pointe Parkway

— On March 20, in the evening, a man was arrested and accused of being found in possession of a stolen rental car and giving a false date of birth to police during the investigation. Another man was also arrested and accused of being in possession of stolen property; he was also found with fraudulent credit cards with the name “Shelby Wise” on them. 100 block of Perimeter Center Place —

On March 21, in the evening, a woman was arrested and accused of shoplifting clothing and lotion from a superstore. 100 block of Perimeter Center Place —

On March 22, in the morning, a woman was arrested and accused of shoplifting. 4700 block of Ashford-Dunwoody

Road — On March 23, in the afternoon, a woman was arrested and accused of shoplifting.

DUN

100 block of Perimeter Center East —

— On March 20, in the morning, a woman was arrested and accused of driving unlicensed.

On March 23, in the morning, a woman was arrested and accused of failing to appear in court.

5400 block of Chamblee-Dunwoody

4700 block of Winters Chapel Road —

Road — On March 20, in the afternoon, a man was arrested and accused of forging a check.

On March 23, in the evening, a man was arrested and accused of failing to appear in court.

1800 block of Cotillion Drive — On

4500 block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road

March 22, in the morning, a woman was arrested and accused of disorderly conduct.

— On March 23, at night, a man was arrested and accused of leaving the scene of an accident.

4700

Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 22, in the evening, a man was arrested and accused of forgery.

24, after midnight, a man was arrested and accused of driving under the influence.

ARRESTS 4500

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 18, at midnight, a man was arrested and accused of soliciting without a permit. 4800

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 18, in the early morning, a man was arrested and accused of failing to appear in court. 4400

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 18, in the morning, a man was arrested and accused of failing to appear in court. 2200 block of Peachford Circle — On

March 18, in the afternoon, a neighbor complained of smelling marijuana. A man was arrested and accused of possessing 3 grams of marijuana found in his apartment. 4700

block of Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 18, in the evening, during a traffic stop for an expired tag, a man was arrested and accused of marijuana possession. I-285 WB/ Ashford-Dunwoody Road —

On March 18, at night, a wanted person was located and arrested. 6600 block of Peachtree-Industrial

Boulevard — On March 18, at night, a man was arrested and accused of criminal trespass following a civil dispute. I-285/Chamblee-Dunwoody Road — On

March 19, in the morning, a 63-year-old man was arrested and accused of driving unlicensed after causing a traffic accident. 2200 block of Asbury Square — On

March 19, in the evening, a man was arrested and accused of disorderly conduct.

4300 block of

Ashford-Dunwoody Road — On March 23, in

I-285 WB/Peachtree-Dunwoody Road

READ MORE OF THE POLICE BLOTTER ONLINE AT

www.ReporterNewspapers.net

Coffee & Tour at Sandy Springs Place

You’re invited to our remarkable assisted living and memory care community for some good coffee and good company. While here, take a tour and experience all that Sandy Springs Place has to offer seniors.

Saturday April 7th | 10am to 2pm

Sandy Springs Place Senior Living

1260 Hightower Trail Atlanta, GA 30350 770-650-8200

enlivant.com

24 |

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OP E N A pri S l7

DRESDEN DRIVE | 1375 FERNWOOD CIRCLE BROOKH AV E N FA R M E RS MA RKET.CO M SPONSORED BY

DUN