reporternewspapers.net
APRIL 2020 • VOL. 12— NO. 4
Brookhaven Reporter WORTH KNOWING
Neighbors start helping neighbors P5
Mountain Living PAGE 12
BY JOHN RUCH
COVID-19 pandemic changes local life
johnruch@reporternewspapers.net
Life in Brookhaven changed fast. For how long and how much remain questions as the city joins the world in responding to a global pandemic of a new coronavirus and its potentially deadly COVID-19 disease. As March began, the city was planning its massive annual Cherry Blossom Festival with such performers as Better Than Ezra. The big public safety news was progress on a new Buford Highway ambulance station. By March 14, City Hall was shut down
Carol Niemi is a marketing consultant who lives on the Dunwoody-Sandy Springs line and writes about people whose lives inspire others. Contact her at worthknowingnow@gmail.com.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Arts economy takes a big hit P6
See COVID-19 on page 23
A note to our readers
Carol Niemi is a marketing consultant who lives on the DunwoodySandy Springs line and writes about people whose lives inspire others. Contact her at worthknowingnow@gmail.com.
COMMENTARY
Teleworking may stick around P10
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PAGES 16-19
PHIL MOSIER
Customers wear latex gloves while stocking up at the Publix grocery store at Town Brookhaven on Peachtree Road on March 14 as the pandemic shutdowns began in earnest.
Life under self-quarantine A city staffer and a journalist describe their experiences City Hall abruptly shut down March 14 with the news that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Mayor John Ernst said he was going into self-quarantine or self-mon-
itoring, and urged anyone who had been at City Hall to do the same. That included Ann Marie Quill, the city’s communications manager, and Kevin C. Madigan, a freelance journalist who covered a City Council meeting for the Reporter. See LIFE on page 22
As this issue went to press, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic was affecting all aspects of life in the Reporter communities. Residents and local officials—as well as our editorial team—are dealing with fast-moving developments. As a result, the news and stories in this issue reflect a snapshot of the early moments of this extraordinary time. Our writers and editors are covering events on a daily basis, posting breaking news and updates on our website, ReporterNewspapers.net. Check the website often for new stories and announcements and sign up for daily emails with community news. It is our ongoing mission to provide hyperlocal news and information that connect our readers to their neighborhoods and communities. To that end, please share your stories and experiences with us, or let us know of others who deserve recognition, by emailing editor@reporternewspapers.net. Thank you to our readers and advertisers for continuing to rely on Reporter Newspapers for their community connection. — Steve Levene, Publisher
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