Collin
Sammie
Katie Burkholder, Bob Pepalis, Logan C. Ritchie, Sarra Sedghi
Contributors
Isadora Pennington
WESLEYAN MARKET
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. HOSTED
EDITOR'S NOTE
EDITOR'S NOTE
CATHY COBBS
Welcome to the April print issue of Reporter Newspapers. As I started working on this column, I found that I was falling into the worst black hole that journalists dread over the course of their careers - writer’s block.
It’s kind of like the “yips” that many athletes experience, when you just can’t seem to do your job, no matter the fact that you’ve done it over years, even decades.
For example, Jon Lester, a Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher who had an incredible command of the strike zone, couldn’t seem to make a simple toss to first.
Hall of fame golfer Tom Watson revealed a little-know fact – that his short game, plagued by the yips, cost
him at least one major victory each year over his most dominant decade as a pro golfer.
Seven-footer Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant big man in the NBA, but he had a profound weakness – his free-throw shooting. He made only 52 percent of his attempted shots over his 19-year NBA career.
Experts suggested Shaq try the “granny-style” method, which meant launching it underhanded. To me, this feels like a real insult for grannies, who could probably shoot better than him at any age.
Consider this: Lester, knowing that he just couldn’t do it, sometimes threw his entire glove (with the ball securely tucked away in it) to his first baseman so as to not give easy runs to the Cubs’ opponents. Shaq, on the other hand, said he’d rather shoot zero percent from the line than lower himself to trying a method endorsed by elderly people.
My writer’s block couldn’t have come at a worse time – with less than 24 hours before the paper goes to the printer. So I’ve decided to go with the “Lester” method by highlighting the work of our talented journalists who have written really good stories for the April issue.
Collin Kelley has done a great job recounting 10 years of CHaRM, DeKalb’s hard-to-recycle facility that is expanding its operations to a third location (story on page 8). In our Brookhaven special section, Beth McKibben discusses MARTA-friendly dining choices in Brookhaven and beyond (page 25). We’ve also got a lot of real estate news spread throughout the paper and, for a change, it’s mostly positive.
Bob Pepalis and Logan C. Ritchie have the scoop on Sandy Spring and Brookhaven on our city-focused pages. And back when I possessed the ability to put words together, I wrote a Tucker-based story about a stolen goat (page 18). But that was in the good old days (AKA a week ago).
Well, this too shall pass, as the grannies say. In the meantime, thanks, as always, for reading all of our offerings, whether print or digital, and supporting local journalism.
Ten years of CHaRM
Recycling center marks milestone with two locations and a third on the way
By Collin Kelley
The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials – or CHaRM – is marking its 10th anniversary with a series of events at its DeKalb location and news of a third location coming to the Westside of Atlanta.
Managed by local environmental nonprofit Live Thrive, CHaRM was the brainchild of executive director Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe after her parents passed away and she was tasked with cleaning out their home.
“My parents were gardeners and they
had old pesticides and herbicides and there was nowhere to recycle them,” Ratcliffe recalled. “So, CHaRM started as a personal need and became a passion.”
The original Grant Park location opened a decade ago and collected more than six million pounds of hard-torecycle materials, including plastics, paint, chemicals, cardboard, appliances, and more.
Nearly one year ago, the DeKalb location opened on Columbia Drive in Decatur and has already proven to be popular with residents. Ratcliffe said plastics have been the most collected item,
WHAT IGNITES YOUR CREATIVE SPARK?
with more than 107,000 pounds collected since the center opened last June.
“Decatur folks are so dedicated to their recycling,” Ratcliffe said. “We get more plastic than anything else. Styrofoam, grocery bags, plastic straws, and utensils all get separated and recycled here.”
CHaRM DeKalb is also an educational destination with more than 400 third to fifth-graders, as well as summer camp kids, visiting so far to learn more about recycling.
There was concern that the Decatur location would drain away recyclers from Grant Park, but Ratcliffe said that never materialized with more than 5,000 residents bringing items in 2024.
When mind, body, soul, and senses all play together, you’re living the creative life.
At The Piedmont at Buckhead retirement living, you’ll encounter fascinating neighbors, stylish ambiance, chef-crafted cuisine, and an array of creative activities and clubs to embrace. If the dance of life has a hub, this is it. Please call for a tour or to RSVP for our upcoming event.
APPETIZERS & ANSWERS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 th • 11AM-1PM
Meet the team and have your questions answered. Please call (470) 868-4578 to RSVP.
THE PIEDMONT
Buckhead residents might remember that CHaRM was hosting a regular pop-up partially funded by the Atlanta City Council. The pop-up fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
However, Ratcliffe said Live Thrive is working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to open a third location of CHaRM near the redevelopment of the Bowen Homes site on the Westside. She said funding was obtained before the Trump Administration began freezing and slashing grants.
CHaRM location for weighing and proper recycling. The class or school with the highest weight of plastic collected will receive a cash prize toward its STE(A)M and environmental education.
Ratcliffe acknowledged that the next four years would be challenging, but said Live Thrive would be counting on recycling fees from residents, local grants and corporate sponsorships to keep the program alive.
As part of the 10th-anniversary celebration and to mark Earth Day, CHaRm DeKalb is hosting a series of events, including a free kids’ day on April 26 at 9 a.m.featuring interactive and educational activities.
A plastic collection contest is also set to take place at local schools in the three weeks leading up to Earth Day on April 22. Live Thrive will pick up all collected plastic from each school and take it to a
Student artists in grades K-8 are also encouraged to enter the annual Earth Day t-shirt contest. More details can be found at livethrive.org/t-shirt-contest. And the CHaRM Corporate Challenge will mark its fifth year, which encourages local corporations and their employees to recycle. Over the last four years, the challenge has collected 480,000 pounds of material, Ratcliffe said.
Companies can register on the Live Thrive website, and throughout the challenge, each drop-off will be weighed and recorded, so the total number of pounds diverted can be determined. Current 2025 Corporate Challenge participants include Chick-fil-A, CocaCola Bottling Company United Inc., Cox Enterprises Inc., Delta Air Lines, EY, Interface, Monarch Private Capital, Novelis, Oldcastle Infrastructure, Printpack, and The Home Depot Foundation. For more information on any of the events and to find out more about recyclables accepted at the CHaRM facilities, visit livethrive.org.
Lauren Galucki-Hoade brings recyclables to CHaRM DeKalb. (Photo by Isadora Pennington)
Workers sort through recyclables at the CHaRM facility. (Photo by Isadora Pennington)
Crime is down, traffic is surging in new survey results
By Collin Kelley
Paul & Suzie Prante
Nonprofit Livable Buckhead has released findings from its 2024 State of Buckhead Survey, providing a fresh look at how residents, businesses, and employees view the community now compared to previous years.
Conducted between September and November 2024, the survey builds on data collected in 2020 and 2022 to identify trends in the community.
According to executive director Denise Starling, two key findings in the survey were improved safety perceptions and a surge in concern about traffic issues.
Concerns about crime remain, but the percentage of people who feel safe in Buckhead has increased significantly since 2022, Starling said, continuing a steady improvement since 2020. This year, 48 percent of respondents report feeling “safe” or “very safe,” a notable increase from 41 percent in 2022 and 28 percent in 2020.
While crime remains the most important issue to survey respondents, it declined by 10 points since 2022 and 26 points since 2020.
“[The Atlanta Police Department] has done a fantastic job in crime reduction in Buckhead,” Starling said. “APD has much more of a presence in the community, and Simon Property Group has also done a fantastic job with increasing security at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.”
Starling said she believed another reason for the crime reduction is that more APD officers are now living in
Buckhead and there has been an effort by leaders to combat “fearmongering” videos and false information spread on social media.
Meanwhile, traffic congestion has surged in importance, increasing by 10 points since 2022.
Starling said Buckhead’s traffic woes are rooted in the challenge of affordable housing in the district. “Rents and home prices don’t match what people in Buckhead can afford,” Starling said.
She said a new pilot employerassisted housing program has been implemented with some local companies offering an incentive to workers who earn $41,000 to $62,000 to live in the community where they work.
As more workers are returning to offices following the pandemic, Livable Buckhead is encouraging commuters to use MARTA and the Buc Shuttle Service “People are returning to work, but not returning to transit,” Starling said. “That’s a problem we have to work on.”
Also on the minds of residents was more connectivity and greenspace in Buckhead. Starling said the Lenox Road boardwalk alongside the mall is well underway. The project is creating a linear park between the Lenox MARTA station and Peachtree Road.
HUB 404 – a park project that would cap a portion of GA 400 – is still in the design phase, while PATH 400 will be opening a new section of trail between Wieuca Road and Loridons Drive this summer.
For more details and to view the full survey findings, visit livablebuckhead. org.
A rendering of the Lenox Boardwalk project underway between Lenox MARTA station and Peachtree Road. (Courtesy of Buckhead CID)
Aria changing ownership, named James Beard finalist
By Beth McKibben
After more than 50 years in restaurants, acclaimed Atlanta chef Gerry Klaskala announced his retirement from the industry last month. This includes stepping down as owner and head chef of Aria, the Buckhead restaurant he opened in 2000 inside a converted house on East Paces Ferry Road.
But Aria isn’t closing. Instead, Klaskala and his business partners turned the keys to the Buckhead fine dining institution over to Aria’s long-tenured general manager and sommelier Andrés Loaiza. Klaskala, who will concentrate on his love of drawing and painting in retirement, will continue to lead the kitchen while Loaiza conducts a nationwide search for Aria’s next head chef.
Here, Klaskala cemented his status as one of Atlanta’s most revered chefs and transformed Aria into one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Aria is a perennial on local and national “best restaurants” lists for Atlanta, garnering numerous awards and accolades over the last 25 years.
Earlier this month, the James Beard Foundation named Aria a finalist for Outstanding Service, a fitting tribute to Klaskala and his ardent commitment to hospitality. Aria is also the lone Atlanta and Georgia representative at the 2025 James Beard Awards, known as the “Oscars of the food world.”
Gerry Klaskala of Aria (Provided by Aria)
FESTIVAL On The Town
BROOKHAVEN
Brookhaven buys blighted land for $1.8 million
By Logan C. Ritchie
The City of Brookhaven has acquired a blighted lot at the corner of Clairmont Road and Tobey Road for $1.8 million after years of complaints from neighbors about illegal handling of materials and a lack of safe environmental practices.
Records show years of issues documented by Brookhaven code enforcement officers at 3826 Clairmont Road. The one-acre, commercially-zoned property has housed several auto-related businesses: M&M Auto, Ortiz Auto Shop, Ortiz Auto Group, Automax Car Care, and Venus Auto Repair.
Market Vendors Popsicle Stand
In 2020, Tobey Road residents complained about the lack of safe environmental practices on the property. Michael Lennon wrote in an email to the city that “pollution is a major concern: no secondary containment for work being done outside, including changing oil, auto detailing, and painting. Any of this goes directly into the creek that runs alongside the property.”
Federal, state, and local laws prohibit allowing materials including paint, chemicals, auto fluids, or detergents into a storm sewer or stream.
Years later, the same issues remained. In November of 2023, Laura Lorenzemailed Brookhaven Code Enforcement with photographs she said provided “evidence of the improper disposal of used oil directly into the sewage system.” Lorenz said it was a practice she had witnessed on multiple occasions.
“These actions, coupled with other observed violations, pose a significant threat to our local environment. I urge prompt investigation and enforcement of necessary regulations to address these pressing concerns,” Lorenz wrote. “Your immediate attention to this matter is crucial.”
The city responded immediately. The same day Lorenz emailed, Brookhaven Deputy Director of Public Works Tom Roberts requested samples and source tracing from Integrated Science and Engineering.
“This extends across Clairmont to PDK Airport, so it’s possible this site isn’t the source. This system discharges into a creek running through Georgian Hills Park, and kids have contact with the water,” Roberts wrote.
However, Integrated Science and Engineering found that diesel range organics, a form of petroleum, were detected in the flow that traverses M&M Customs, confirming “what was noted from previous photos on facility property.”
And as recent as August 2024, code enforcement officers cited the property for a lack of an Occupation Tax Certificate (OTC).
Council member Jennifer Owens described the land as “on the city and neighborhood’s radar for a long time.” She thanked Mayor John Park and neighbors at the March 11 city council meeting for their continued vigilance and allowance of time to determine the best use for the land.
“I have to say, it’s been a blight in our neighborhood. It’s on a major road, it’s in the heart of Brookhaven, and we have had numerous issues,” Park said.
Park said he looks forward to hearing from the community about the future purpose of the land. The lot abuts Ashford Forest Preserve, a 33-acre green space.
A photo of 3826 Clairmont Road. (Provided by City of Brookhaven)
A photo of leaking chemicals at 3826 Clairmont Road submitted by Laura Lorenz. (Provided by the City of Brookhaven)
Woman to compete in sixth World Major Marathon in Boston
By Logan C. Ritchie
Brookhaven resident Daffany Fajardo Murphy doesn’t have an off switch. The corporate vice president, mom of two adult children, and athlete will complete her sixth major marathon on April 21 in Boston, Mass.
Fajardo Murphy considers the Boston area her hometown. Born in the Dominican Republic, she spent her adolescence in Lawrence, Mass., north of the city. After graduating from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., she started working for Enterprise and moved to metro Atlanta with the company to serve as the vice president of human resources for Enterprise Mobility.
“I love my job. Love it. I’ve been with the company for almost 27 years. I manage a big team. I do a lot of philanthropic work here locally, and for fun I run, travel, read, dance, all the fun things,” she said.
She started running at age 13 because she said she was “overweight [and] getting picked on at school.” She continued running through college, after the birth of her daughter, and she ran her first half marathon when her son, now 20, was six months old.
“That’s what got me hooked,” she said. “I ran my first full [marathon] when I turned 40. I wanted to do something monumental for myself, and I couldn’t think of anything else but a marathon.”
The World Marathon Majors is made up of six races: Tokyo, London, Berlin,
race as “floating on clouds” until she became dehydrated.
“At mile 20 all of a sudden, I had this insatiable desire for salt, so I was literally licking my arm, and I didn’t understand what was going on,” she laughed. “When I finished the race, it was very emotional. I was crying because I was like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m really doing this marathon thing.’”
She ran New York in 2019, Berlin in 2022, and Tokyo and London in 2024. She qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2024, but said “three full marathons, back to back, would have been bonkers.”
The crowd support she experienced in Chicago was tenfold in New York, where running across the bridges was hard. She lost a toenail during the race, but she felt energized by several friends who surprised her throughout the course. In Berlin, a former colleague met her to cheer her on.
Then came Tokyo, her fastest major marathon at 3:46. Fajardo Murphy said she can’t wait to go back to Japan.
“The Japanese showed up! It was a very different vibe. Definitely not as rowdy as the other races. They’re very respectful. [The Japanese people] don’t really cheer, but they’re present,” she said.
London was just a couple of weeks later. London is one of the races she said she would run again because the crowd was four or five rows deep across the city. Her daughter, who lives in Spain, came to watch her run.
“It was a perfect day,” she said. “I finished in a good time, but I didn’t check my watch once.”
Fajardo Murphy has saved Boston as a homecoming competition. Along the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton, Mass. to Copley Square in Boston, she plans to celebrate as she passes by friends and family members from around the world. Held on the third Monday of April, the Boston Marathon is notorious for unpredictable weather; one year it could be 45 degrees and raining, the next it’s 80 with blazing sun.
The Boston Marathon is sponsored in part by DanaFarber Cancer Institute. Fajardo Murphy said, as the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, she is running to honor the care provided to her mom, who was diagnosed at 50 years old. She has raised more than $15,000 for Dana-Farber.
“I knew that running Boston would be special in many ways. But most importantly, my mom has never watched me race, and she’ll get to come and watch me,” Fajarado Murphy said.
Chicago was her first race
She’ll end the marathon as she does all of the others, by drinking a cold beer at the finish line, getting a pedicure, and walking around the city.
Chicago, New York City and Boston. Fajardo Murphy has specific memories from each marathon.
of the majors. It will always have a special place in her heart, she said, because of the beautiful weather. She described her 2016
Daffany Fajardo Murphy at a run in London (Provided by family)
Daffany Fajardo Murphy with her medal from Tokyo (Provided by family)
Austin Elementary fifth grader wins state spelling bee (again)
By Cathy Cobbs
Austin Elementary School’s Sarv Dharavane is returning to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second year in a row, after winning the 64th Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee on March 21.
After District 7 winner Sarah Daoud missed the word “epaulierie,” a suit of armor covering the shoulders, Dharavane correctly spelled “berghan,” a bird of prey, then “compas,” a popular form of music in Haiti, to seal the victory.
Daoud, a seventh grader from Greenbrier Middle School, was the runner up in the District 7 competition held in January. Last year, Dharavane tied for 22nd
place in the national competition, which matched his expectations for his first year in the spotlight.
During the 2024 contest, he correctly spelled “motherrumbung,” knew what “reparations” were, nailed “mormorando,” knew how to spell “sagum,” correctly defined what an “ideogram,” was, but “stalace” was his downfall in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
He missed “stalace” – a central mass of cells in the root cap of some plants –instead spelling it “stallice.”
During a send-off celebration at Austin Elementary School in Dunwoody last May, Dharavane said he would be happy if he made it into the quarterfinals (which he did), but hoped for a place in
Monthly through October Season Opener: April 17 presented by the DHA at Brook Run Park
the semi-finals. At the time, Dharavane said no matter what happened in 2024, he was ready to compete again.
“I’ve got four more chances, so I’d like to go on to win it all someday,” he said.
With his second victory on March 21, he’s still on that trajectory. Daoud will join Dharavane on the national stage in Washington DC in late May.
Former Dunwoody football coach named July 4 grand marshal
By Cathy Cobbs
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association recognized outgoing Dunwoody High School football coach and athletic director Mike Nash with one of its highest honors – naming him this year’s Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade marshal.
At its March 23 meeting, the DHA heard from an emotional Nash, who said he “wasn’t going to a better place, but a different place.”
8 19 5
“There’s no better place in the world than Dunwoody,” he said. “I hope you all realize what a special place this is. You took us in and you loved us.”
During his decade of coaching at the school, Nash revitalized the program, achieving a 33-64 record with back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. On the social media platform X, Nash thanked the Dunwoody community for its support, but said “all good things must come to an end.”
for four years in the position.
He will assume head coaching position at Chattahoochee County High School in Cusseta. The Cougars were 5-5 for the 2023-24 season, and 3-7 in 2022-23.
The Dunwoody July 4 parade is the largest in the state of Georgia, attracting 2,000 participants and 30,000 spectators. Rough Draft Atlanta is one of its presenting sponsors.
In other news, Tim Brown, a Dunwoody resident since 1998, had his first official meeting as the president of the 55 year-old volunteer organization.
His priorities include establishing a higher social media presence, as well as encouraging more frequent communications with DHA members. Another one of his priorities, refreshing the organization’s logo, was discussed at the DHA’s March 23 meeting.
Brown, who was presiding over the group for the first time, circulated several versions of the logo, which attendees discussed before the executive committee retired to executive session to deliberate it, along with several other matters.
Fiscella, who is remaining on the executive board as vice president, said Brown is an excellent choice to help move the organization forward.
Brown replaces Bob Fiscella, who served
Sarv Dharavane with his state trophy (Provided by DeKalb County School District)
Mike Nash (center) and July 4 parade organizers Matt Weber and Penny Forman. (Photo by Cathy Cobbs)
“It’s fantastic to have Tim step up,” Fiscella said. “He’s been a vocal part of the community for 25+ years, has been a board member in the past, and he brings some fresh new ideas to the DHA.”
Brown, in an interview with Rough Draft, said Fiscella “left me in an excellent position for great success.”
The DHA, which acted much like a de facto government entity before Dunwoody became a city, has undergone a metamorphosis since then. It runs several long-running city traditions, including the parade, Light Up Dunwoody, a weekly farmer’s market at Brook Run Park, and its seasonal Food Truck Thursdays, also at the park.
Its meetings prior to incorporation were usually a “first stop” for commercial
and residential developers wanting to build within the city. Brown said even though the city handles these matters now, he still believes that the DHA “deserves a seat at the table” when it comes to future projects.
Representatives from Raising Canes recently made a presentation at a regular DHA meeting regarding their desire to build a double drive-though restaurant in the Perimeter area.
He said his other priorities include letting organizers of Dunwoody’s signature events continue to do their jobs without interference.
“You can’t do a better job than Su Ellis with the farmer’s market or Matt Weber and Penny Forman with the parade,” he said.
Dunwoody council listens to citizen complaints
By Cathy Cobbs
The Dunwoody City Council on March 10 reviewed a monthly report from city manager Eric Linton that included information about the Dunwoody Police Department’s first drone case success.
It also heard from a citizen who accused the city and a volunteer homeowners’ association of being elitist and racist.
Linton’s report said officers received a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) on Feb. 25 from the Roswell Police Department regarding “an armed and dangerous person” who was thought to be in the Perimeter Center area.
One of Dunwoody’s certified-drone officers dispatched the department’s drone, and located the suspect walking in the Olde Perimeter Way area, according to Dunwoody Public Information Officer Sgt. Michael Cheek.
“Two officers were able to approach the suspect and detain him without incident,” Linton’s report said, adding that a firearm was later found in the suspect’s car.
The council was also forced to take a 10-minute recess at the beginning of the meeting when a speaker, Zack Humphries, during public comment, refused to leave the podium while delivering a long diatribe accusing the city and other community members of malfeasance.
His remarks, spanning more than eight minutes, included accusations about the purpose and intentions of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, calling its 1970 formation “a deal with the devil,”
saying that he believes DHA, Dunwoody citizens and the city have “foundational relationships” with former members of the Ku Klux Klan, and blaming the actions of the DHA to his peers’ suicides and drug overdose deaths.
The council and most of the staff, with the exception of John Heneghan, left their seats during Humphries’ remarks. After the panel reconvened, Dunwoody Mayor Pro Tem Tom Lambert said the three-minute public comment time limit is designed so that all those who wish to express their views can speak their minds.
In other action, the council:
■ Discussed a contract amendment with Lowe Engineers for $104,000 to provide a part-time storm water project manager to expedite stormwater rehabilitation projects;
■ Heard a presentation regarding contracts with AKA Tree Service, Beasley Tree Experts and TriScapes for scheduled and emergency tree work;
■ Listened to several people during public comment speaking both for and against installing artificial turf at a field at Peachtree Middle School;
■ Heard that concrete that was poured at the way-finding sign sites – Roberts Drive, North Shallowford Road and North Peachtree Road – is taking longer to cure, thus delaying their installation. Several city council members expressed their frustration with the length of time it is taking to complete the project.
MAR 29–MAY 4
On the Hertz Stage
By JAKE BRASCH
A heartfelt new play intertwining Jewish customs with the universal themes of resilience and healing, capturing the essence of intergenerational bonds and the strength of community.
Zack Humphries (bottom right) airs concerns at the March Dunwoody City Council meeting. (Screenshot)
SANDY SPRINGS
Attorney seeks Sandy Springs Council post
By Bob Pepalis
Local attorney Andrew Chinsky announced his candidacy for Sandy Springs City Council District 6 on March 25.
The father of two young children and his wife reside in the Riverside neighborhood. He serves as in-house counsel for Aaron’s, following nearly a decade of experience at two global law firms, most recently King & Spalding.
Chinsky said in his announcement, that as the city turns 20 years old, he’s running for office to champion the city’s future and to ensure its next chapter remains bright.
“My kids will grow up here, and with four generations of my family living in the city or nearby, ranging in age from two to 92, I will bring new energy to build our city’s future without leaving anyone behind,” Chinsky said.
The candidate said he has long believed in local governments’ power. In college, he studied public policy with a focus on economic and community development. Chinksy said that unofficially meant that he majored in “local government.”
His background and approach as a pragmatic, forward-thinking leader and consensus builder will allow him to hit the ground running from day one, Chinksy said in the announcement.
The Chinsky family moved to Sandy Springs when Chinsky’s wife, Atlanta native Allie (Maron), got her “dream” job with the Atlanta Hawks. The
Chinsky family was drawn to the city’s safe streets, beautiful neighborhoods, active community, and proximity to family.
Chinsky graduated from the Leadership Perimeter Class of 2024 and the Sandy Springs Citizens’ Leadership Academy Class of 2025. He currently is in the Atidaynu program of Temple Sinai of Sandy Springs.
Chinsky earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
He is the first to announce for Sandy Springs City Council District 6. The district includes neighborhoods in the west and south parts of the city.
The District 6 seat is currently being held by Andy Bauman, who has filed preliminary paperwork with the Georgia Ethics Commission to run for mayor.
So far, incumbent Rusty Paul has officially thrown his hat in for mayor for what he said would be his final term. District 4 Council member Jody Reichel, as well as Dontaye Carter and Alex Somer are challenging Paul for the seat.
The qualifying period will occur at Sandy Springs City Hall from Monday, Aug. 18, through Thursday, Aug. 21, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
For more information about Chinsky, visit www.andrewchinsky.com.
The mayor and all six council seats will be up for election in the nonpartisan election on Nov. 4, with fouryear terms of office for each position.
Andrew and Allie Chinsky sit with their two children and their family dog. (Provided by Andrew Chinsky)
Leadership Perimeter team honors community’s centenarians
By Bob Pepalis
A Leadership Perimeter team celebrated community members who are 100 years old or older on March 19 at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex in Sandy Springs.
“We were able to choose any community service project of our preference,” said Kate Allen, one of the Leadership Perimeter team members. “And we wanted to honor our seniors, and specifically this special group of centenarians in our community. So today’s event is truly dedicated to celebrating our seniors and recognizing those who have reached the incredible milestone of 100 years of age.”
Seven honorees attended the Celebrating Centenarians event, which was the Leadership Perimeter team’s impact project. Another soon-to-be 100-year-old was also recognized. Three other centenarians scheduled to be honored, including a 109-year-old, were unable to attend.
Leadership Perimeter is a program for current and aspiring community leaders in metro Atlanta, specifically in the Perimeter area, which includes Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven. Leadership Perimeter graduates serve on nonprofits, city council, and leading local businesses. Participation helps them become more valuable members of their community and community champions, Allen said.
Other members of the Leadership Perimeter team included Sandy Springs City Council member Andy Bauman, Cecilia Guerra, Teyana Chaney, Wendy Turner, and Stacy Fialkow.
“For me, personally, at a time when there’s so much discord in the world, I wanted to bring people together for a sense of joy and celebration,” Fialkow said. “And there’s nothing that’s more meaningful than celebrating centenarians
who’ve been through so much. It’s a sign of resilience that they have made it to this time.”
Turner said the celebration was meaningful to her because a number of her relatives have longevity, including her great aunt, who lived to 104.
“I watched her model just a high sense of engagement all through her life,” Turner said. “And so to see these folks active, being able to get here, being able to chat with us, It’s just very inspirational and wonderful. And I think that is probably the biggest thing I’ll take away from it, and I know that our group feels the same way.”
The centenarians who were celebrated included:
■ Jean Bliss
■ Alice Harris
■ Dolores Peristein
■ Alice Plunkett
■ Genevieve Shiver
■ Frank Stovall
■ Geraldine Woodward
■ Nancy Droege
■ Peggy Cobb
■ Betty Grant
■ Jan Wilhite
At 103, Frank Stovall (left) was the oldest centenarian who attended the Leadership Perimeter team’s celebration. (Photo by Bob Pepalis)
Genevieve Shiver was one of the celebrated centenarians. (Photo by Bob Pepalis)
Tucker farm goat stolen on stormy March night
By Cathy Cobbs
Tucker’s Thomas Family Farm members have lost a member of their beloved menagerie, a 60-pound Nigerian dwarf goat named Clementine, whom they believe was stolen on a stormy March 15 evening.
Bill and Megan Thomas, whose eight-acre farm on Idlewood Road includes chickens, dogs, goats and sheep, has long been a destination for animal lovers. The couple has always welcomed visitors to the farm for a friendly encounter with their two- and four-legged pets. But that may all change soon with the disappearance of Clementine.
“We are absolutely heartbroken over this,” Megan said. “It’s so sad, but we feel like we are now going to have to make it so the goats are no longer accessible. We are scared these people are going to pick them off one by one.”
APRIL HAPPENINGS
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at Tucker City Hall, 1975 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 350B, Tucker, GA 30084
• APRIL 1, 7 PM
Zoning Board of Appeals
• APRIL 7, 6:30 PM Downtown Development Authority
• APRIL 12, 3-5 PM
Sip-N-Stroll
Tucker Nature Preserve
• APRIL 14, 7 PM
City Council Meeting
• APRIL 17, 7 PM Planning Commission
• APRIL 19, 10 AM-4 PM
ARTucker Festival Church Street Greenspace
• APRIL 28, 7 PM City Council Meeting
• MAY 2, 7 PM
First Friday Concert
The American Flyers Church Street Greenspace
• MAY 3, 9 AM-4 PM
Tucker Day Main Street
Clementine, a rare, blue-eyed, fully brown dwarf goat, holds a special place in the Thomas family’s hearts. Three years ago, they took in a nanny goat, unaware that she was pregnant. On Christmas Eve, the goat went into labor, but the three babies in her womb were breached.
Bill and Megan manually turned the kids in utero, saving their lives, as well as that of their mother. Clementine was the first of two healthy kids, “coming out with a mouth like crazy,” Megan said, but unfortunately, one of them was stillborn. Clementine’s sibling later died of a heart attack during a thunderstorm, which, according to Thomas, is fairly common.
Clementine became a farm favorite, a sweet goat who let people hand feed her, and was the “prissiest” of the nine other
goats on the farm. Along with the rest of the flock, she bonded with a sheep named Goose, who was particularly protective of her. That is why the Thomas’ feel that Clementine was stolen, rather than wandered away.
“Goats always stay together,” Bill said. “If one gets out, the others naturally follow. And we checked every part of the fence and there was no breach, fallen trees or holes where the goats could escape.”
In talking to police, Megan said that the most logical theory is that Clementine “became someone’s dinner or has ended up in someone’s freezer.”
“We are so sad, just because so many people just loved her,” Megan said. “So many families made it a daily ritual to come to the farm, feed the animals and visit.”
She said the other animals are feeling the pain of Clementine’s absence, especially Goose, who is “just not right.”
“He is walking in circles, acting very funny,” she said. “I really think he is looking for her.”
In the meantime, the couple is trying to find solace in their other farm animals. Their Maran chickens just started laying their brightly colored eggs, which the couple sells when available.
This is the second highprofile pet abduction in the Tucker area in the last two years. Jasper, a tiny terrier, disappeared during last July’s city fireworks celebration, never to be seen again, although the owners adopted Jasper’s doppelgänger from a county shelter.
Anyone with information about Clementine’s whereabouts can contact the Thomas Family Farm on its Facebook page.
Clementine as a baby (Family photo)
Clementine at three years old (Family photo)
Vandals deface church cemetery gravestones
By Cathy Cobbs
Vandals, sometime between 7 p.m. on March 13 and 1 p.m. on March 14, sprayed profanity-laced messages on at least 35 gravestones at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery on Chamblee-Tucker Road.
The messages on the gravestones included racial epitaphs, as well as profanity. One message scrawled on several areas said, “Crazy to be dead.” Other messages contained names, and still others indecipherable scrawls. A good number of vases and clay pots were also smashed.
“It’s a despicable act to dishonor the deceased,” said congregant Tina Graves, who is spearheading an effort to clean up the cemetery. “The act itself is horrible, but what was written on them is worse.”
More than 1,400 people are buried in the cemetery, representing four generations, said congregant Vicki Watkins.
A group from the church is trying to find a vendor to remove the graffiti, with preliminary estimates topping $10,000, Graves said.
The repair involves the application of a solvent called “elephant snot” which penetrates deeply into concrete, cement, brick, grout, and stone. The solvent alone will cost at least $500, she said.
While the volunteers are soliciting donations to help with the clean-up effort, they have asked people to not attempt to remove the paint themselves, as using the wrong solvent could cause increased damage.
Further complicating the matter is the fact that the church has no ownership over the plots – they are individually owned by the families whose relatives are buried there. The process of tracking down survivors has proven to be a complicated process, Graves said.
Pleasant Hill is a small congregation with an aging population who can’t always make it to weekly services, Watkins said.
MAY 6–10 | DOWNTOWN
Art lovers will have the chance to watch artists in action around our picturesque city with opportunities to purchase original art with hometown appeal, featuring locations such as Alpharetta City Center, parks, gardens and more.
SCAN HERE for more details and the schedule for this year’s events.
MAY 8 | 5PM-10PM | DOWNTOWN ALPHARETTA
Come for the FOOD, STAY for the community at the highly anticipated TASTE OF ALPHARETTA event in Downtown Alpharetta!
60+ RESTAURANTS | LIVE MUSIC | KIDZ ZONE BEVERAGE GARDEN | LOCALLY GROWN
SCAN HERE for more information and a list of participating restaurants.
Vandals defaced at least 35 gravestones at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. (Photos by Cathy Cobbs)
DeKalb Schools move forward with Cross Keys renovation
By Logan C. Ritchie
Cross Keys High School in Brookhaven, which was built in the 1950s, is finally moving forward with needed repairs and renovations that have been promised for nearly a decade by DeKalb
County School District officials.
During a 10-hour DeKalb County school board meeting on March 10, board members voted 6-1 to approve spending $148 million to modernize the building by using Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST V and VI).
Plans include upgrading the food science lab, restrooms and the courtyard; renovating the gymnasium; replacing HVAC systems; re-roofing existing buildings; and building a new auditorium and music suites.
DCSD COO Erick Hofstetter
Feds open probe into antisemitism allegations at Fulton County Schools
By Bob Pepalis
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is opening investigations into complaints against Fulton County Schools regarding antisemitism against students.
The complaints were filed by the Brandeis Center and the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC).
The two organizations filed a Title VI complaint with the OCR in August 2024, Rough Draft reported. The complaint said that antisemitic acts have taken place in the hallways, classrooms, buses, and schoolyards of elementary, middle, and high schools across the district.
“Fulton County Schools is deeply committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for all students,” a Fulton County Schools spokesperson said in a statement to Rough Draft Atlanta. “We take any allegations of discrimination or harassment seriously
and investigate all reported incidents thoroughly and we remain steadfast in our responsibility to uphold the rights and protections of every student. Our focus will always be on ensuring a school community where all students feel valued and supported.”
The complaint documents incidents the Brandeis Center and NJAC said showed how the school district fostered a hostile climate that has allowed antisemitism to thrive in its schools at the hands of students, teachers, and administrators.
It said the school district has ignored pleas from Jewish and Israeli parents whose children have faced increasing physical and verbal harassment, and the school district has denied the antisemitic nature of the incidents.
“We are thrilled that the Department of Education has opened an investigation into Fulton County, and we are encouraged that the OCR is not falling
for the typical excuses,” NJAC CEO Mark Goldfeder, according to the Brandeis Center release. “There is a difference between protected political speech and thinly veiled antisemitism, and this case highlights the very real danger of what can happen when perpetrators and administrators alike are allowed to confuse speech with acts and conflate politics with demonizing and discriminatory hatred.”
Kenneth L. Marcus, the Brandeis Center chairman and a former assistant secretary of education who ran OCR during two administrations, said changes to the department raised concerns on what it would mean for fighting campus and K-12 antisemitism.
“We are pleased to see the department continuing to move forward rapidly on Title VI complaints, and in some cases, they are well exceeding historical norms for prompt action,” Marcus said.
responded to criticism over the slowness of the project, stating that it can take 12 to 24 months to get to this point.
“These projects were the priorities of previous boards who made those agreements. We’re just now carrying those out, and the reprioritization that this board wants will change, but that’s how the process works,” Hofstetter said. “All our buildings have needs.”
The project, however, has been in the mix for nearly a decade. An ESPLOST V referendum was approved by voters in May 2016, and the DeKalb School Board approved a new addition and modernization at the Cross Keys High School site in December 2016.
In 2018, the school board approved a contract with Evergreen Construction Company for pre-construction services in the amount of $90,000. It wasn’t until May 2024 that school board members approved a $44 million budget associated with the construction of the addition and modernization of Cross Keys High School ESPLOST V project.
Between 2018 and 2024, the board discussed redistricting Cross Keys and moving the students to a different campus.
Longtime school board member Deirdre Pierce said the panel needed to “make sure that Cross Keys gets what they deserve.”
“[Cross Keys] has been a hot spot for 15 to 20 years. ... They’ve asked for many things and we have not given them what they’ve requested,” Pierce said.
School board member Whitney McGinnis argued against the approval, claiming that only $20 million is left from ESPLOST V fund during a time when the school board is proposing to withdraw $39 million. She said it was “not a surprise to anyone that we weren’t going to have enough money to fully fund this project.”
“I don’t know how all that squares,” said McGinnis, adding that the public deserves transparency. “We have not been open and honest with the public.”
McGinnis was the one dissenting vote.
“I’ve planted my flag,” she said. “I’m not going to approve these projects until there is a path forward that is believable.”
Cross Keys sits on a 26-acre lot on North Druid Hills Road in Brookhaven. It currently houses more than 1,200 students, who will remain on the campus while the building is under renovation.
Brookhaven’s Cross Keys High School. (Photo by Art Rudick)
NFA Burger, Fred’s among stalls at new Truist Park food hall
By Serra Sedghi
With major league baseball gearing up again in April, Braves’ Truist Park has revealed the latest additions to the gameday grub lineup available during the 2025 season.
Up first is a closer look at the new Outfield Market, a food hall with eight restaurant stalls launched in tandem with the Braves’ April 4 home opener against the Miami Marlins.
Easily accessible to baseball fans at the Chop House Gate, Outfield Market’s
vendors will offer pared-down, bleacher-friendly takes on popular dishes found at the full-sized versions of the restaurants, with a few exclusive specials only available at the food hall.
To select the food stalls for Outfield Market, the Braves organization reached out to a few restaurants and asked others to submit requests to join the food hall via an open call at the end of last year. The latter included Atlanta-based Sugar Shane’s, whose owners followed up this year after initially connecting with Truist Park back in 2021.
“[The Braves] were looking for some good local partners and we were just thrilled to be asked and to be a part of it,” Fred’s Meat & Bread co-owner, Ben Johnson, told Rough Draft during a media preview of the food hall.
Additional Atlanta restaurants at Outfield Market include NFA Burger, Pepper’s Hotdogs, and Taqueria Tsunami.
The full restaurant stall lineup for Outfield Market are listed below.
Coop’s Wings
Atlanta sports fans are already familiar with Coop’s Champion Chicken, which has an outpost at Truist Park. At the Outfield Market location, the focus is on wings and a rotating selection of sauces such as hot honey, lemon pepper wet, sweet tea, and Coca-Cola barbecue.
Fred’s
Meat & Bread
This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is no stranger to Truist Park — the Outfield Market outpost joins Fred’s locations at Top of the Chop and the Blue Moon Beer Garden. The food hall stall from Fred’s sticks to cheesesteaks, just like the Blue Moon location.
Giving Kitchen
Giving Kitchen will handle things a bit differently at Outfield Market, highlighting local chefs each month. However, representatives from Giving Kitchen told Rough Draft that they can’t share further information at this time on those potential chefs. In partnership with the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Braves Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from Giving Kitchen’s chef stall will directly benefit food service workers in crisis.
Steak and Grace opens in Dunwoody
By Rough Draft Atlanta
Steak and Grace, a brand new Atlanta steakhouse, opened its doors in Dunwoody Village on Friday, March 14.
Opening the meat-centric restaurant is Barry Mills, a longtime Atlanta restaurateur who is known for establishing local eateries like FLIP Burger Boutique, HD1 and Big B’s Fish Joint.
Mills’ aim with Steak and Grace is to “flip the script on the traditional steakhouse experience” by combining premium-grade food and service with “a more approachable atmosphere.”
“Our goal is for guests to experience elements of fine dining while still feeling relaxed,” Mills said. “Above all, Steak and Grace is a neighborhood gathering place. We want diners to feel welcome and confident that they can get a high-quality meal and a more diverse selection of dishes than what is generally found at a traditional steakhouse.”
In charge of the dishes at Steak and Grace is Executive Chef Conor O’Reilly, who previously worked for Fifth Group Restaurants.
According to a release, O’Reilly “favors composed plates over the a la carte approach to protein and side dishes presented at many steakhouses,” creating a menu that offers upscale food with diverse options, including gluten-free, keto and dairy-free dishes, among others.
Included on Steak and Grace’s menu are starters like cold water mussels, beef tartare and roasted squash soup, entrees such as braised beef short ribs, wagyu New York strip, Faroe Island salmon and dry-aged steak burger; along with desserts like a Meyer lemon tart or an éclair with pastry cream and dark chocolate ganache.
Among the design features found in the 3,500-square-foot restaurant include lighter hues, a large patio with an outdoor fireplace, as well as an abundant amount of windows to provide guests with plenty of natural lighting.
NFA Burger
The restaurant also features a wellcurated wine list with several by-the-glass options, along with classic cocktails and craft beers.
In addition to its affordable menu, Steak and Grace utilizes a unique design scheme that emphasizes “a more social and casual atmosphere.”
“We are excited to bring a restaurant with broad appeal to Dunwoody,” Mills said. “We invite guests to come for a quality meal and a warm, welcoming vibe but leave the coat and tie at home.”
Steak and Grace is located at 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway, next to Marlow’s Tavern.
Rather than one large burger, NFA Burger will offer three “NFA Minis” topped with pickles, mustard, cheese, and spicy sauce. “The idea is to do something unique for this part of the ballpark,” said NFA Burger owner Billy Kramer. “We want you to have a taste of what we do, [not] just come to the ballpark and eat.”
Pepper’s Hotdogs
Baseball and hot dogs are inseparable — luckily, Outfield Market patrons will have access to some of Atlanta’s best hot dogs, courtesy of Tarina Hodges and her pop-up, Pepper’s. Hodges conceptualized the location-specific ATL Dawg, which comes topped with carrot and celery pickles, blue cheese, ranch dressing, Cajun hot sauce, and lemon pepper. “I think this [hot dog] is a perfect representation of Atlanta,” Hodges said.
Taqueria Tsunami
Marietta-based Taqueria Tsunami will offer crispy wonton nacho plates topped with barbecue short rib, queso, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
The Sweet Spot
This sugar-centric stall is a quadruplewhammy, offering Mayfield ice cream, Mo’Bay beignets and dipping sauce, caramel and rainbow popcorn from Popcorn Remix, and cookies from Sugar Shane’s. Expect rotating flavors from each vendor. Pro tip: don’t sleep on Mo’Bay’s cinnamon dipping sauce.
Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco’s spicy chicken tikka taco gets a stadium-friendly update, incorporating fried chicken tenders rather than rotisserie chicken.
An open-air cocktail bar called the Closer’s Bar debuted on April 4 inside the Chop House gate entrance near the Coors Light Chop House. Outfield Market will be the second food hall at Battery Atlanta, albeit it’s only accessible to Braves ticket holders.
Ph’east food hall at Battery Atlanta features a full bar and six restaurant stalls serving everything from poke and ramen to Thai dishes and bubble tea.
Last year, a location of Sandy Springs gaming restaurant and bar Battle and Brew opened beside Ph’east. Shake Shack from restaurateur Danny Meyer will open at Battery Atlanta in 2025 in the former Wahlburgers space and include a full bar. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux opens this summer in the former Mac McGee’s space across from Battle and Brew.
Other local restaurants at Battery Atlanta include the Garden and Gun Club, El Super Pan, C. Ellet’s, Superica, Antico Pizza, H&F Burger, and Cultivate Food and Coffee.
Billy’s Classic with two smash-style patties, American cheese, French mustard, pickles, and “sassy sauce.” (Photo by Isadora Pennington)
Steak and Grace opened March 14 in Dunwoody. (Photo by Cathy Cobbs)
REAL ESTATE Developers propose office-to-condo conversion
By Cathy Cobbs
Community members on March 19 listened to a presentation about converting a 600,000 square-foot Perimeter Center office complex into multifamily residential housing.
The proposed development would involve the conversion of an existing 14-story office building at 64 Perimeter Center East into condominiums, along with the construction of townhomes and age-restricted apartments at 66 Perimeter Center East.
Peter Hansen of Workspace Property Trust and Charles Travis of Housing Studio discussed the project with about 15 attendees on the site, who voiced their support of the plan. Several members of the Dunwoody Development Authority and Dunwoody city staff attended the presentation.
State Farm occupied the office spaces until last year, officials said. The 64 Perimeter Center East building’s narrow layout and ample number of elevators make the conversion from office to condo an attractive and cost-effective effort.
“This trend of converting office space to residential is something that we are seeing all over the country,” Travis said. “We will
create community spaces like breakout rooms, guest suites, pickleball courts and a wellness area.”
The condo units will range in size from 900 square-foot to 1,600 square-feet, while the townhomes, which will be owneroccupied, will be primarily three stories high. The age-restricted apartments, with under-cover parking, will be a mixture of 750 square-foot, 1,050 square-foot and 1,450 square-foot units.
The developers planned to file an application to rezone the property from Office and Industrial (OI) to Planned Development (PD) on April 1, a process that will take at least six months. Construction could begin as soon as the first quarter of 2026.
This is the second proposal involving the conversion of an existing office building into residential in the last several weeks. A site at 56 Perimeter Center East, consisting of one 6.3-acre parcel, and a 357-space parking lot, is in the rezoning process for the construction of a 122-condominium complex.
The building, according to a zoning application filed with the city, has a vacancy rate of 37 percent, which is declining, it said, despite a recent renovation.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Encoding the infinite with ‘Ryoji Ikeda: data-verse’ at the High
By Isadora Pennington
Ryoji Ikeda’s exhibit “data-verse” is making its United States debut at the High Museum of Art now through Aug. 10. This multi-room installation offers an immersive light and sound experience constructed from an amalgamation of data.
Japanese artist Ikeda is one of the world’s leading contemporary composers and media artists and has developed this series of works by analyzing and recombining information. Visuals are built using open-source data from institutions such as NASA, CERN, and the Human Genome Project.
Situated in three “chapters,” data sets have been transformed via self-written programs into visual output. Ikeda then synchronized the visuals and composed an electronic score to accompany the projections.
Entering the first gallery was a bit of a shock to the system. From dimly lit to complete darkness, the small space felt tight and was surrounded by looming black walls. Centered around a pulsing light that seemingly shoots through a giant monolithic white structure, I found the experience of standing in such a confined and stark space jarring.
The next portion of the exhibit offered a significantly larger – but still very dark –room with a large glowing square on the floor. Pulsing circles radiate in and out atop the square while a cacophonous sound plays from somewhere near the ceiling.
The experience of walking through these first two rooms made me feel similar to the sensations of when I’m on an airplane that is mid-take off or landing. Whooshing sounds and pulsing lights seemed to trigger internal pressure changes that made it difficult to think about anything else; I remained singularly focused on the imagery in front of me.
Down a short hallway, what little ambient light there is fades away to nothing. At the end of the space is a tall, thin, glowing white line that reaches from floor to ceiling. While the sounds and lights from surrounding rooms could still be experienced from this space, I found the
dark and otherwise quiet hallway offered a moment of brief respite.
The main gallery of the “data-verse” exhibition offers a vastly different visual experience, with a long expansive space lined by three gigantic projections. Cycling through, at any given time, are visuals that swirl, build, and grow. Scenes that look like galaxies, planets, and fire explode, expand, disappear, reappear, and rotate across the screens. Data points form giant clouds, their details indecipherable but beautiful nevertheless.
Standing in this space, you feel small. And that kind of makes sense because you’re looking at a projected video of a galaxy that is mind-numbingly huge compared to one human. In a way, it recenters you, reminds you of the infiniteness of existence, and encourages you to seek some kind of connection or explanation for the data on the screens.
Through the main exhibition space and around another corner is another long hallway. Dimly lit, the more traditional white-walled gallery space serves as a gentle transition back to the world outside of the “data-verse.”
Visitors stopped in this hallway and stared at the mounted television screens that displayed data from the exhibit in an attempt to decipher what they had just seen. I learned later that Ikeda doesn’t like to tell viewers explicitly what his work means or the data’s meaning, and instead prefers for everyone to have their own experience with the work.
The last space in the exhibit featured light tables with negatives displaying charted data and loops or magnifiers that the artist may have used to analyze the data. On the walls surrounding the tables are striking black-and-white works that represent the data as fine art pieces.
The High’s Wieland Family Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Michael Rooks said he first experienced Ikeda’s work in Taipei seven years ago and said he was “delightfully taken by surprise.” Now, it is enjoying its first American debut at the High.
Describing the works as “an immersive sound and visual experience,” Rooks highlighted the difficulty of conveying some of the data included in this exhibit as a visual art form. “How do you express something that’s invisible or infinity?”
he wondered aloud.
Learn more about “data-verse” at high.org.
Alliance Theatre director moving to Lincoln Center
By Sammie Purcell
Managing Director Mike Schleifer is leaving the Alliance Theatre at the end of the year for The Big Apple.
After 11 years with the Alliance, Schleifer has been named managing director of Lincoln Center Theater in New York City, according to a press release.
As managing director for the Alliance, Schleifer oversees operational, marketing, financial, fundraising and shared services activities. Over the course of his tenure at the Alliance, he led the theater through two major renovation projects, more than 100 productions, and a global pandemic. He helped move four shows to Broadway, including last season’s “Water for Elephants” and this season’s “Maybe Happy Ending.”
Schleifer also serves on the boards of the collective bargaining association the League of Resident Theatres and Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.
In a joint statement Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses praised Schleifer’s ability to lead with “heart, vision, and humor.”
“Mike’s willingness to bet on our mission and invest in the extraordinary talent of the Alliance staff allowed us to realize aspirational dreams we never would have dared to dream without his encouragement and faith,” reads the statement. “We’ll miss him daily but cannot wait to witness the joy
he’ll bring to the Lincoln Center Theater.”
In his new role at Lincoln Center, Schleifer will oversee the theater’s financial and operational health, identify revenue opportunities, manage the theater’s union relationships, lead budgeting and marketing efforts, and more.
“It’s been a true honor and privilege to work, lead, and learn at the Alliance Theatre for the last 11 years,” Schleifer said in the release. “I’m deeply grateful to the staff, artists, and audiences of the Alliance Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center who have made this journey so rewarding.”
The Alliance is in the process of looking for the theater’s next managing director.
‘Ryoji Ikeda: data-verse on display at the High Museum of Art. (Photo by Isadora Pennington).
The final exhibition room in “data-verse” at the High Museum of Art. (Photo by Isadora Pennington)
Mike Schleifer is leaving for Lincoln Center Theatre (Photo by Greg Mooney).
ON BROOKHAVEN BUSINESS
Brookhaven dining guide highlights MARTA-friendly destinations
By Beth McKibben
Once part of unincorporated DeKalb County, Brookhaven officially became a city in 2012 when then-governor Nathan Deal signed it into existence after a lengthy legal process spanning nearly two years.
Bordered by Dunwoody to the north, Chamblee to the east, Buckhead to the west, and Atlanta to the south, Brookhaven has a population of just over 57,000 residents, making it the second largest city inside the Perimeter.
With neighborhoods nestled along tree-lined streets, a handful of public parks, and multi-use trails flanking the north fork of Peachtree Creek, Brookhaven also features a growing restaurant scene centered in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment districts close to the Brookhaven/ Oglethorpe MARTA station.
This dining guide spotlights seven Brookhaven restaurants easily accessible from the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA station on the Gold Line. All the restaurants listed are within short walking distance or a quick bus ride from the station located on Peachtree Road at Dresden Drive. The number 110 MARTA bus from Arts Center station in Midtown also stops at the Brookhaven-Oglethorpe station.
Terra Terroir ($$-$$$)
Brookhaven Plaza, 3974 Peachtree Road
■ Bistro with lunch and dinner; air-conditioned greenhouse patio; wine flights
■ Walking: 3 minutes or .1 miles Tucked away in an otherwise unremarkable retail complex on busy Peachtree Road, Terra Terroir is a surprising find – a restaurant many Brookhaven residents would prefer to keep under wraps. Casual with hints of fine dining, Terra Terroir leans hard into
classic neighborhood bistro fare. (Think pasta, bar steaks, fish entrees, duck confit, hearty salads, and burgers.) While heated in the winter, the lush greenhouse patio hidden behind the restaurant is the place to dine during warmer months.
What to eat: Jumbo lump crab cake; French country supper (duck confit, andouille sausage, haricots vert, and cannellini bean cassoulet)
What to drink: Old Fashioned; wine
C&S Oyster Bar ($$$-$$$$)
3930 Peachtree Road
■ Seafood; raw bar; lunch and dinner; happy hour; weekend brunch
■ Walking: 5 minutes or .2 miles
With three Metro Atlanta locations, including in Brookhaven, this popular seafood restaurant and raw bar needs no introduction. Head to C&S Oyster Bar for raw bar favorites like oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, and seafood towers, as well as entrees of redfish Pontchartrain, whole Maine lobster, and even New York strip steak.
What to eat: Oysters on the half shell; chargrilled oysters; swordfish au poivre
What to drink: Fancy G&T; N/A Aperol spritz
Grindhose Killer Burgers ($-$$)
2565 Apple Valley Road
■ Hamburgers; milkshakes; full bar; TVs; 21+ rooftop patio
■ Walking: 6 minutes or .3 miles
What started as a lunch counter serving classic burgers at Sweet Auburn Curb Market in 2009, has since grown to five Georgia locations, including four inside the Perimeter and two satellite locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Known for its boozy milkshakes and 21+ rooftop patios, Grindhouse features an eclectic burger menu, ranging from classic double cheeseburgers to burgers topped with green chilis and tortilla chips.
What to eat: Cowboy burger with cheddar cheese, applewood bacon, Vidalia onion rings, and barbecue sauce; Cheesy Poofs (fried pimento cheese nuggets); Texasstyle chili
What to drink: Cinnamon Toast Crunch milkshake (add rum)
Arnette’s Chop Shop ($$$$)
2700 Apple Valley Road
■ Steakhouse with rooftop bar; reservations; dress code
■ Walking: 12 minutes or .5 miles
Located in a converted warehouse, this vibey steakhouse with its rooftop bar and lounge has become an evening hotspot in Brookhaven. Start with oysters, Wagyu beef carpaccio, or caviar service, before indulging in prime cuts of steak like the dry-aged Porterhouse with the option to add lobster Oscar as an accompaniment. For its regulars, Arnette’s also offers personalized steak knives. Displayed in the knife library at the entrance, each custom-engraved knife is stored in a special pouch until the next visit, when it’s ceremoniously presented at the table with a person’s steak order.
What to eat: Bread service; roasted marrow; diver scallops and lobster Oscar or KC strip with dauphinoise and grilled asparagus
What to drink: Wine; Carnivore Martini (vodka, olive juice, and bacon and blue cheese-stuffed olives)
Dixie Q ($-$$)
2524 Caldwell Road
■ Barbecue; full bar; TVs; covered patio
■ Walking: 12 minutes or .6 miles
With meats smoked over oak and hickory, Dixie Q serves classic barbecue plates and sandwiches from a Texas roadhouse-style joint on the edge of Brookhaven Village. But don’t overlook some of Dixie Q’s less traditional barbecue options, like the OG salmon chips topped with house-smoked salmon or the indulgent chopped brisket grilled cheese.
What to eat: Meat combo tray; brisket grilled cheese; eggplant hushpuppies; white chocolate bread pudding
What to drink: Beer; Dixie Mary
The Ashford ($$$)
Village Place Brookhaven, 1418 Dresden Dr.
■ Southern/New American; happy hour; date night; weekend brunch
■ Walking: 12 minutes or .6 miles
A relative newcomer to Brookhaven Village, like local stalwart Terra Terroir on the other side of town, The Ashford leans casual in vibe with a menu offering
a variety of seasonal specials, shareable snacks, and classic bistro dishes. This is the spot for a quiet date night, a cocktail and snack after work, or low-key brunch on the weekend.
What to eat: Smoked gouda flatbread; dips and spreads; bistro steak frites with chimichurri
What to drink: Learning to Fly (rum, Montenegro amaro, Aperol, and lime); Manhattan
THERE Gastropub ($-$$)
Town Brookhaven, 305 Brookhaven Ave.
■ Neighborhood gastropub; lunch and dinner; cocktails; TVs
■ Walking: 1 mile or 23 minutes
■ Bus # 25: 13 minutes, 2 stops
THERE Gastropub requires a bit of a walk or hopping on the number 25 bus at the station, which makes two stops along the way. A chill, neighborhood spot located across the street from Costco, THERE serves a robust menu of pub classics, bar bites, and weekly entree specials. But the cocktails whipped up by owner Bill Brown might just steal the show here.
What to eat: Bison double cheeseburger; fish and chips; Buffalo chicken nuggets; rosemary garlic fries
What to drink: Draft beer; whatever cocktail Bill’s slinging behind the bar
(Provided by Arnette’s)
(Provided by C & S )
Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce: Supporting local businesses
By Logan C. Ritchie
The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce is more than mixers and networking – it’s a 13-year-old organization that works in tandem with the city and Explore Brookhaven to promote commerce in the international, environmentally conscious, still relatively young city of Brookhaven.
Evolving from the Brookhaven Community Connection, a monthly networking group, the group changed its name and began meeting on Jan. 1, 2013 as the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce.
Board chair Todd Lantier, executive director and CEO Arthur Freeman, and deputy director Terrell Carstens led the charge back then. Lantier, Freeman, and
Carstens advocated for Brookhaven to become a city.
Today, Brookhaven Chamber leadership includes President Alan Goodman, Business Development Manager Si Morris, and Board Chair Dennis Williams.
Barbara Barber, who worked as the chamber’s operation manager for six years, retired in 2023.
“We would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for the effort and loyalty that Barbara put into the Chamber,” Goodman said.
While the Brookhaven Chamber holds creative events like networking with the Greater Perimeter Chamber at the Braves game, it also hosts a monthly luncheon featuring elected leaders and business owners to discuss local and statewide
Saturday, Apr. 5
Community Yard Sale Briarwood Park, 11 a.m.
Friday, Apr. 11
Food Truck Fridays
Blackburn Park, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Apr. 12
Touch-A-Truck
Blackburn Park, 11 a.m.
issues.
In February, Brookhaven Chamber held its annual Black History Month event with newlyelected DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in conversation with Brookhaven City Council member John Funny. Cochran-Johnson talked about investing $10.4 million into the DeKalb Police Department and improving county infrastructure.
March featured Georgia Power Senior Vice President of External Affairs Audrey King to mark Women’s History Month, and on April 23, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger will speak at a multi-chamber event.
For more information about the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce, visit https:// brookhavencommerce.org.
Saturday, April 19 Blackburn Park
Special needs egg hunt 10AM beeping & magnetic eggs, sensory sensitive, wheelchair accessible
Easter egg scramble 11:30AM candy & toy filled eggs
Dog-gone egg hunt 12PM treat-filled eggs
Council member Funny appointed to transportation council
By Logan Ritchie
Brookhaven council member John Funny has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Council.
Funny has more than 30 years of professional experience in planning and engineering. In his role, Funny will provide insight and leadership from his professional and political experience in Brookhaven where he has supported initiatives to enhance the city’s transportation networks and ensure the infrastructure meets the growing needs of its residents and businesses.
City Council & Board Meetings, 4362 Peachtree Rd NE
Wednesday, Apr. 2
Planning Commission
7 p m (5:30 p m work session)
Tuesday, Apr. 8
City Council
6:30 p m (4:30 p m work session)
Wednesday, Apr. 9
Tuesday, Apr. 22 City Council 6:30 p m (4:30 p m work session) Family-Friendly Fun
Arts & Culture Commission
5:30 p m
Wednesday, Apr. 16
Board of Appeals
7 p m (5:30 p m work session)
NLC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Council is a group of local government leaders responsible for advising on policies related to infrastructure improvements, transportation innovations, and the development of sustainable, resilient cities.
The council includes 75 members from U.S. cities, representing nearly 20,000 cities, towns, and villages.
“I am honored to be selected for this important role and to work alongside fellow leaders in shaping the future of our nation’s transportation systems,” Funny said. “I look forward to contributing my professional engineering experience, along with Brookhaven’s successes and challenges, while advocating for innovative solutions that will benefit communities across the country.”
Funny will engage in discussions on essential issues such as mobility across all modes of transportation, safety, public transit, infrastructure funding, sustainable development, and emerging technologies in the transportation sector.
Funny’s district has several major transportation projects underway. North Druid Hills Road at I-85 is being reconstructed to a reverse intersection to control the flow of increased traffic, due to the area booming with new medical facilities like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. A pedestrian bridge to connect Executive Drive with the Peachtree Creek Greenway is in the planning stages.
“Councilman Funny’s appointment to this national council reflects his strong leadership in Brookhaven,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “He remains a dedicated public servant, working tirelessly to ensure that our city’s transportation infrastructure meets today’s needs and is prepared for tomorrow. His expertise will be a tremendous asset to the NLC.”
Funny’s new role with the NLC will also provide Brookhaven valuable opportunities to collaborate with cities nationwide and share best practices for enhancing local infrastructure initiatives.
As the president and CEO of Grice Consulting Group, Funny has worked in urban planning, traffic engineering, and transportation engineering consulting firm for nearly 35 years. The firm provides engineering and planning professional services to clients in the U.S., Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the U.K., Jamaica, Brussels, and beyond.
(Photo by City of Brookhaven)
Spring is in the air and so is the anticipation for the 2nd Annual Sip Brookhaven at Oglethorpe on April 12th from 3 to 6 PM. Sip is a delightful blend of wine, cocktails & mocktails, and craft beers paired with tasty bites from Brookhaven’s wonderful collection of restaurants. The success of the inaugural event has seen this year’s Sip grow to double in size both in pairings and space on the Oglethorpe Quad.
Beyond the beverages and bites, Sip Brookhaven offers a full sensory experience, with live music providing the perfect backdrop to the festivities. As attendees sip and savor their favorite drinks, they’ll be serenaded by Parker Smith, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the event.
Saturday, April 12th, 3 - 6 PM
Wine, cocktails/mocktails, and craft beers paired with bites from Brookhaven restaurants with live music and more!
The Quad at Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven
Purchase an all inclusive ticket* at www.SipBrookhaven.com
*Event is 21+ and is pet friendly
Moreover, Sip Brookhaven isn't just about indulgence—it's also about community. This year the event is partnering with Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit food rescue organization whose mission is to end hunger and food waste in the Metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, nutritious surplus food and distributing it to those in need which will distribute the leftover bites to their network.
Explore Brookhaven President & CEO Renée Areng described things best when she said, “Sip Brookhaven at Oglethorpe is a celebration of our vibrant community and its thriving culinary and beverage scene. This event offers an exceptional opportunity for restaurants to connect with
our engaged residents and visitors in a meaningful way while showcasing the very best that Brookhaven has to offer. “
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a hard cider enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good company and great vibes, Sip Brookhaven at Oglethorpe promises to be an event to remember.
AROUND ATLANTA
Atlanta Beltline details plan to take charge on Murphy Crossing project
By Katie Burkholder
Following several stalls in development, Atlanta Beltline Inc. (ABI) has detailed an “aggressive” plan forward with its Murphy Crossing redevelopment project.
At a community stakeholders meeting on March 11, members of ABI discussed the path forward for Murphy Crossing, a 20-acre industrial site adjacent to the Beltline’s Westside Trail purchased by ABI in 2014. The move comes after ABI announced a notice of termination with development finalists Culdesac Inc. and Urban Oasis Development in January, following two years of negotiations.
Dennis Richards, the Vice President of Housing Policy and Development at ABI, attributed the termination to “material changes to the project” that included a change from two development phases to six and 300 units of development to 105. Richards also said excessive project delays and the inability by the developers to secure necessary capital to advance predevelopment activities were also behind the termination.
“These factors… gave us little confidence that [the developers] would be able to advance all phases of this project in a timely manner and successfully deliver all promises made to you throughout their presentations,” Richards said at the meeting. “We decided that it’d be a more efficient use of public capital if we took a different approach to this.”
With two years of negotiation time down the drain, ABI is looking to move forward as efficiently as possible and minimize the risk for further stalls by taking on more of the development responsibility.
ABI will serve as the master planner and developer of the site; fund and lead site planning, entitlement, and community engagement; issue requests for proposals (RFPs) and select developer(s) and builders to execute all phases of the project; and fund and lead efforts to make the site developable, which include demolition, grading, putting in roadways and walkways, and putting in utilities like water, sewer, and buried electrical power.
With ABI acting as a co-developer on the project and off-loading some of the development risk and burden, the organization hopes to avoid another partnership collapse so that they can break ground by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027, abiding by the following timeline:
■ Q1 and Q2 of 2025: Continue planning and begin the Development of Regional Impact process.
■ Q2 of 2025: Finalize the phasing plan and release RFP for Phase 1
■ Q3 of 2025: Complete rezoning, select developer for Phase 1
■ Q1-3 of 2026: Continue horizontal development, begin Land Development Permit planning activities for Phase 1
■ Q4 of 2026/Q1 of 2027: Break ground on Phase 1
Camps
Atlanta Beltline Inc. will act as a co-developer moving forward with the project. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.)
June–July 2025 | Ages 2–17
Register
Two studio locations:
Virginia-Highland Centre 404-883-2178 Buckhead Centre 404-303-1501
Learn
Photos by Kim Kenney
