reporternewspapers.net
APRIL 2020 • VOL. 11 — NO. 4
Dunwoody Reporter WORTH KNOWING
Neighbors start helping neighbors P5
Mountain Living PAGE 12
COVID-19 pandemic changes local life
BY JOHN RUCH johnruch@reporternewspapers.net
Life in Dunwoody 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 big local concern was impacts from I-285 toll lanes. New Mayor Lynn Deutsch planned a community-friendly “State of the City” event at a local church. The annual Lemonade Days festival was approaching, and, looking ahead to springtime entertainments,
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 22 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.
A note to our readers
of “social distancing” and shutdowns for the coronavirus pandemic, with no definite end in sight. The Reporter asked some of them how their lives have changed.
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.
See LOCALS on page 22
— Steve Levene, Publisher
COMMENTARY
Teleworking may stick around P10
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PAGES 16-19
PHIL MOSIER
On March 14, shoppers cleared out entire aisles at the Kroger at the Orchard Park shopping center on Dunwoody Club Drive as the pandemic shutdowns began in earnest.
Locals adjust to shutdowns, ‘distancing’ BY DYANA BAGBY AND JOHN RUCH In a blink of an eye, residents in local communities had to adjust to a new lifestyle
POSTAL CUSTOMER
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