Dunwoody Crier - April 16, 2026

Sandy Springs officials question GDOT plan for major interchange ► PAGE 8

April 16, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody High School golf teams swept the DeKalb County golf championship, taking home first place for both the girls and boys teams for the second straight year. It was the boys’ 19th championship win and the girls’ eighth and the seventh sweep.

At the county tournament held at Mystery Valley Golf Club in Lithonia, two Dunwoody

sophomores scored the lowest totals over the 18 holes.

Elizabeth Hanlon posted her second straight top score in the DeKalb championship, improving from 87 to 82 this year. She led her team to its third straight county championship.

The girls’ team lost three seniors last year who were major contributors, but this year the Wildcats have shown no signs of letting up.

See GOLF, Page 16

Local law enforcement join torch run for Special Olympics Dunwoody Golf teams sweep County titles

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Police from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody took part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics March 31, raising more than $1,000 for the Georgia Special Olympics.

The Dunwoody Police Department organizes the annual event that includes family members and community supporters. Joining Dunwoody and Sandy Springs were members of the Brookhaven, Norcross and Hapeville Police Departments.

Georgia Special Olympics will be held May 22-24 at Emory University in Atlanta. More than 3,000 people will compete in cheerleading, flag football, gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, soccer and volleyball.

— Dyana Bagby

Members of the Sandy Springs Police Department join to celebrate their participation in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics March 31.

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Health influencer sues spa after alleged sexual assault

By ATLANTA NEWS FIRST STAFF

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First) — A metro Atlanta influencer is suing a Dunwoody massage business, claiming she was sexually assaulted by one of its employees on Valentine’s Day in 2022.

The civil lawsuit, filed on behalf of health podcaster Melanie Avalon, claims JiaJia Massage Inc., the company that owns Tokyo Massage and Spa, hired an unlicensed employee to perform fullbody massages.

The filing names the business owner, two managers and an employee,

claiming they failed to conduct a background check and verify licensure and allowed unsupervised access to customers.

“On Valentine’s Day, our client went to a massage spa to treat herself to a relaxing massage. Instead of tranquility, she was traumatized,” attorney Mawuli Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm said. “We are deeply concerned about the growing number of assaults against women in massage spas.”

Avalon’s attorneys said they are seeking compensation and punitive damages for negligence, premises

liability and sexual battery. The law firm said it represented two other women in another lawsuit against one of the same defendants named in this case, resulting in a $13 million jury verdict.

Avalon said she is speaking publicly to encourage others to come forward.

“What I experienced was traumatic and deeply personal, and I refuse to let it be hidden,” Avalon said. “I believe this is a systemic issue, and that many women are afraid to speak up.”

Appen Media partner Atlanta News First provided this story.

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TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Stormwater, responsibility and the question of consistency

When the City of Dunwoody was formed in 2008, it was built on a simple but powerful idea. Local decisions should be made transparently, consistently, and in the best interest of the community. That principle is now being tested in a way that deserves thoughtful public discussion.

At a recent City Council meeting, stormwater repair projects in the Redfield and Davantry neighborhoods were approved on the consent agenda without discussion. These projects were treated as routine responsibilities of a city maintaining its stormwater system. That is as it should be. Stormwater infrastructure is essential. When systems fail, the city acts to protect residents and downstream property. At the same time, a different conclusion has been reached regarding Kingsley Lake.

Kingsley receives stormwater from multiple city inlets and drains that collect runoff from a large (650 acres) upstream area. Water enters the lake carrying sediment, flows across it, and exits over a spillway into a detention pond owned by the city. From there, it continues through the stormwater system toward the Chattahoochee River. In function, Kingsley operates as part of that system.

The city’s stormwater ordinance recognizes that stormwater infrastructure is not limited to pipes and culverts. It includes

TALK BACK TO THE CRIER: You talk, we listen. The Crier is parking the Talk Back section at the front of the paper for the foreseeable future. Send your letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com by Sunday night and they’ll end up here that week. Park locations, tree-lined medians and backyard chickens welcome.

Rules of engagement:

• Typically we restrict letters to 300 words. To limit fury from the copy desk, try and stay below that line.

• We normally do not publish letters written in response to other letters. We are going to waive that policy for the time being.

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systems that convey and manage water across the landscape, including lakes and ponds that serve a stormwater function.

The ordinance also gives the city authority to address conditions that affect public health, safety and downstream impacts. That authority has been exercised in other neighborhoods. The question before us is whether it is being applied consistently.

One explanation offered for the difference in treatment is the existence of a historical special services tax district associated with Redfield. That structure was created by DeKalb County decades ago to fund general services such as police, roads, parks and stormwater across all municipalities in the county.

That framework was not neighborhood specific, nor did it create a promise that particular properties would receive future repairs. It was a broad funding mechanism tied to services provided at the time by the county.

When Dunwoody incorporated and assumed responsibility for stormwater management, that responsibility shifted to the city. If a special tax structure still exists today and is being used to justify different treatment, it should be reflected in current city agreements, tax records or budget practices.

To date, no such documentation has been presented. Without a clear, current connection between that historical tax

DRIVEWAYS

structure and the city’s present day stormwater decisions, it is difficult to see how it provides a basis for treating one neighborhood differently from another.

This raises a straightforward question. If the city has the authority to address stormwater system issues in one location, what is the basis for declining to do so in another that functions as part of the same system? This is not a question of special treatment. It is a question of consistent treatment.

Residents across Dunwoody pay stormwater fees with the expectation that the system will be maintained in a way that protects the entire community. That system does not begin or end at property lines. It flows across neighborhoods, through pipes, creeks and lakes. Consistency in how we manage that system is essential to maintaining both public trust and the effectiveness of the infrastructure itself.

Dunwoody has long prided itself on thoughtful governance and strong community engagement. This is an opportunity to reaffirm those values by clearly articulating how stormwater responsibilities are defined and applied. Clarity leads to confidence. Consistency builds trust. Both are worth preserving.

St. Pius X caps undefeated season with 4A title

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA, Ga. — St. Pius X boys basketball made program history with its first GHSA title, putting an exclamation point on the team’s 33-0 undefeated record after the title game at the Macon Coliseum March 12.

Defeating Pace 54-51 in the championship made good on a unanimous goal set on a team camping trip of filling in a blank spot on the banner hanging in the gym.

After falling in the second round last year, the Golden Lions knew from preseason games at LakePoint Sports that this year would be an exceptional season.

They improved their loss total by 10 from last season’s 20-10 finish. Fourstar recruit Harris Reynolds was out of the lineup due to injury for all but six games last year. When he returned, he played with a vengeance and allowed no one to count him out of consideration.

Teammates described Reynolds as “one of the best players in the state of Georgia,” and “the best leader [they’d] ever played with.”

Taking home the Atlanta Tip-Off Club’s Metro Player of the Year along with 4A All-State Player of the Year from numerous outlets including Sandy’s Spiel, the AJC and the GBCA, the Grayson native started the season by committing to play in college for Clemson and ended averaging 25 points a game and holding a trophy high.

Together with other members of the class of 2026, a strong band of senior leadership formed early in the season, and it took the team the distance.

Senior shooting guard Westin Keppen, a Roswell native, said the championship and undefeated season were “a once-in-a-lifetime feeling.” He reflected on how special it was to win alongside his brothers after playing with most of them since seventh grade and how the Pius community responded.

“Everywhere I go, I see people come up to me and congratulate me,” he said. “It’s really a moment that you cherish forever and that you’re going to remember forever, and I mean, it’s pretty special.”

Keppen said a team camping trip in Tennessee at the beginning of the season brought the brotherhood closer than ever before. He described the team’s identity this season as being selfless and building up younger teammates.

Fellow senior, forward D’Marley Elliott agreed that the team identity being so established set them apart from other top teams in the state.

“For us to come back this year, have all of our guys back and just

ST PIUS X BOYS BASKETBALL/PROVIDED

St. Pius X boys basketball coach and Atlanta Tip-Off Club 4A Coach of the Year Will Cloyd hoists the championship trophy at the Macon Coliseum March 12. After graduating from Pius in 2008, Cloyd is in his second year as the program head.

locked in as a team and really became a brotherhood,” Elliott said. “It just boosted our team chemistry on and off the court and that’s what really got it done.”

Elliott has known most of his teammates since middle school, but the Snellville resident goes back with Reynolds all the way to kindergarten.

Elliott was named to the all-region first team last year after stepping up in Reynolds’ absence. In a different role this season, he embraced leadership and took a light-hearted approach to relieving tense situations on the court.

A four-year varsity player, he said he picked up on principles of leadership from the seniors during his freshman year. The mentorship the senior class has provided this year will be felt for seasons to come.

Head coach Will Cloyd won 4A AllState Coach of the Year in his second year at the helm. Cloyd is an East Atlanta native who started at Pius after his mom got a job teaching there.

Both his parents are educators, leading him back to his alma mater after getting into coaching at his college.

“I was lucky to step into a program where we already had a great culture,” Cloyd said. “We have great fans and community around our team.”

He said playing fast and playing to his team’s strengths allowed them to maximize their potential, which ended up being not losing a single game.

Cloyd discussed several turningpoint games where it started to set in what the team could achieve. Their last game before Christmas was against Calvary Day, the only game the Golden Lions played this season that went to overtime. Although the overtime period ended in a 10-point victory, it was the first of two games that tested the team’s resolve.

In their second matchup with region foe Southwest DeKalb Jan. 20, the Golden Lions pulled out a close 1-point victory at SWD. Every game this season, even when facing a deficit, Pius found a way to finish strong and come out on top.

Harris Reynolds described the 1-point win over Southwest DeKalb as “a wake-up call.”

Reynolds said the first teammate he celebrated with was likely Elliott, if not him then the fourth senior in the starting lineup, Thomas Rogers.

“We were definitely expecting the championship,” Reynolds told Appen Media. “It definitely means a lot, it’s very emotional. Everybody’s been working so hard, and we’ve been together for so long, to finally get there, it’s great.”

Reynolds swished two free throws in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of the championship game to put the Golden Lions up by three points. Pace couldn’t overcome the deficit, and Pius took home the program’s first state title and undefeated season.

Reynolds said he realized there was a real chance of finishing undefeated when they beat SWD for the third time – second in the tough environment of the Panthers’ home gym – to advance to the region championship.

Other players also started to get that feeling around the region title. Coach Cloyd, on the other hand, knew it may be in the cards after the Golden Lions’ 10-point win over Walton Jan. 9. Keppen was in the same boat as his coach.

Reynolds said he expects the team to run it back next season. Cloyd said to keep your eye out for rising senior Max Etienne, who was the fifth starter this year as a junior.

SPRING 2026

MONDAYS – APRIL 13 – JUNE 1, 2026

Dunwoody Baptist Church

1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338

10:00am – 11:00am

INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVORIAL ECONOMICS – Shai Robkin introduces students to key concepts designed to help people and organizations make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls that result from instinctive human behaviors. Behavioral economists start by asking how humans actually behave in the real world. The course covers basic theories of evolutionary psychology, automatic vs. controlled thinking, heuristics (simple procedures that people use unconsciously to reach decisions on difficult questions), prospect theory and inaccurate perceptions of risk, the role of chance, public policy and choice architecture, and when and when not to trust experts.

10:00am – 11:00am

HOLLYWOOD THE RISE AND FALL OF JEWISH DOMINANCE

– Rabbi Scott and Karen Colbert will show, through film and discussion how immigrant Jewish entrepreneurs built the American film industry and shaped U.S. culture, identity and mythology through the Hollywood studio system; and how the “Jewish moguls’” obsession with acceptance led to the end of their dominance in the industry.

10:00am – 3:00pm

OPEN MAH JONGG – Bring your own Mah Jongg card and come play. There is no instructor for this weekly session. Play is bases on National Mah Jongg league rules.

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

MAH JONGG (NEW) – Rhea Berger will guide in playing with the 2026 Mah Jongg card. Become familiar with the new card and learn strategies for winning. Class size is limited to 10 attendees. Prerequisite:6+ months playing Mah Jongg. This is NOT a beginner’s class. Play is based on National Mah Jongg league rules.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

EVOLUTION 101 – Clive Gillon presents an introduction to the Theory of Evolution Topics include “What is Evolution?”, “How Evolution Works,” “Natural Selection,” “Human Evolution” and “Evolution & Viruses.” We will also learn about Charles Darwin and the infamous Darwin Awards.

11:30 am- 12:30 pm

DEMONSTRATIONS/STRIKES/PROTESTS/REBELLIONS – Betsy Jones will cover the Haitian Rebellion of 1798 (the first time an enslaved people rose up and won their freedom); the Lawrenceville Strike of 1912 when thousands of immigrants from dozens of countries went on strike demanding better pay and better working conditions ---- first time a Union defeated management; the 1899 Newsboy strike; Gandhi’s Salt March; and the French Revolution as taught from the ColdPlay song Viva La Vita (on the way to the guillotine -- King Louis supposedly gave a speech sharing his love for the French people hoping they would understand what he had tried to do for them...the speech was drowned out by the raucous crowd but enough was heard that 200 some years later it made a great song).

Tuition is $60 for 2 classes.

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

CITIES OVERSEAS

1. Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.

2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance.

3. Bone-dry. City of NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.

4. Honshu city. Resting place. Building material.

5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city of the Strait of Dover.

6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada.

7. City in the Asian part of Russia. Big sandwich. Flashy.

1 Rock bottom. Hindu princess. City near Oberhausen.

2. Port city in NE Brazil. Fencing sword. Fragrance

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Bone-dry. City in NW Syria. Gumbo vegetable.

4. Honshu city. Resting place Building material.

5. Barber’s supply. Halt. French city on the Strait of Dover.

6. City of central Poland. Kind of bee. Nada

7. City in the Asian part of Russia. Big sandwich. Flashy

contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Sandy Springs firefighters reunite child with mother

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Firefighters in Sandy Springs helped reunite a nonverbal child with her mother after finding the girl walking alone in the street, authorities said.

A fire crew was returning from a call April 1 when they spotted a young child by herself in a roadway and stopped to help. When firefighters attempted to approach, the girl ran away, officials said in a social media post.

Firefighters followed the child at a distance. A captain was able to eventually make contact with the child

and realized she was nonverbal and very frightened. The captain walked with her for nearly a mile while other firefighters contacted the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Police officers later informed the crew that the girl’s mother had already reported her missing and was searching for her. The child was safely reunited with her mother a short time later.

“We were able to quickly reunite mother and child,” the Fire Department said in a statement.

— Dyana Bagby

Sandy Springs officials blast GDOT plan for I-285, Roswell Road interchange

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A preliminary design for a diverging diamond interchange that could ease congestion at I- 285 and Roswell Road has sparked alarm among some Sandy Springs officials about potential harm to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

The City Council heard about the concept plan from Georgia Department of Transportation officials at its March 17 work session. GDOT officials said replacing the existing interchange with a diverging diamond was the best option to reduce traffic and improve safety.

GDOT officials also said the interchange project could be tied to the planned I-285 top-end express lanes, which would add toll lanes in each direction and include replacing the existing bridge. A bid for the first phase of the topend express lanes is expected to be awarded by the end of the year. Phase one includes I-285 westbound from Henderson Road to Northside Drive, and Ga. 400

northbound from Johnson Ferry Road to Abernathy Road NE. There is no timeline when the I-285 bridge at Roswell Road will be replaced as part of the top-end express lane project.

The diverging diamond project is estimated to cost between $70 million to $85 million. Only the $1.25 million scoping study, presented at the work session, is funded so far. Sandy Springs contributed $150,000 toward that study.

Preliminary engineering, right of way acquisition and construction funds have not been secured, and full buildout remains years away, according to GDOT officials.

“This is simply a scoping study,” Joel Seagraves, an engineer with Gresham Smith and GDOT representative, said at the work session. “The only deliverable right now is an approved concept.”

City Council not on board City Council members told GDOT they do not yet accept the concept.

A pedestrian walks across the I-285 bridge at Roswell Road, the busy interchange supporting more than 50,000 vehicles a day, according to Georgia Department of Transportation data. GDOT is proposing a diverging diamond interchange at the interchange to reduce congestion, but Sandy Springs City Council members are raising concerns about walkability and access to businesses. See PLAN, Page 11

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All irrevocable trusts are not the same

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Plan:

Continued from Page 8

The preliminary design identifies 23 affected parcels including apartment complexes and commercial properties. At least one parcel — a gas station on the south side of I-285 — faces likely displacement. Several local streets could be “cul-de-sacked,” cutting off neighborhood connectivity and potentially hindering emergency response times, council members said.

Councilman Andrew Chinsky, who represents District 6 on the south side of the interchange, told Appen Media recently he and the council understand something needs to be done to improve traffic flow at the interchange. But, he said, he fears GDOT is not considering the residents and businesses.

“This is a very high pedestrian area, and a lot of folks in that area take the MARTA bus which goes up and down Roswell Road,” Chinsky said. He noted the city is constructing sidewalks along roads near the interchange to improve pedestrian safety for those living and working there.

Local businesses that rely on

patrons having direct access to their venues from the interstate and Roswell Road could be negatively impacted by a diverging diamond interchange, Chinsky said.

“We recognize the need to improve that intersection, given the volume of traffic, but more thought needs to be given to how to minimize negative impact to our nearby residents and small business community,” he said. “This is a hugely impactful project that is going to require [GDOT] to go above and beyond even what they normally do.”

The existing interchange carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily.

Roswell Road alone sees about 40,000 vehicles a day, according to GDOT. The area is also densely developed, with hundreds of housing units, dozens of commercial properties and heavy pedestrian and transit use.

‘A terrible design’

At last month’s work session, Councilman John Paulson criticized the GDOT concept.

“This is a terrible design, in my opinion,” Paulson said. “This doesn’t appear to be a workable plan for a lot of these businesses. If you make customers go a half mile out of their way instead of just turning in, these businesses are going to go under.”

This doesn’t appear to be a workable plan for a lot of these businesses.

If you make customers go a half mile out of their way instead of just turning in, these businesses are going to go under.”

JOHN PAULSON

Sandy Springs Councilmember

District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Mular, who represents the north side of the interchange, said the project must balance vehicle efficiency with quality of life for nearby residents.

“We all agree this is a chronically congested intersection,” Mular said. “But are we improving vehicular flow while worsening local conditions for neighborhoods, businesses and

pedestrians?”

Mular noted that the broader study area includes more than 300 homes, 650 apartment units — including senior housing — and more than 20 commercial properties.

Transportation officials acknowledged the concerns and said the project remains in an early stage and that detailed impacts will become clearer after additional surveying and design work.

Mular said diverging diamond interchanges work effectively at other locations, including I-285 at Ashford-Dunwoody Road and Georgia 400 at Abernathy Road.

“What is different here is that this proposed DDI sits in a very dense business and residential corridor,” she said.

City leaders are pushing for more community outreach before plans are finalized. GDOT officials said they would look at holding a public open house later this year, perhaps in the summer.

Councilman Chinsky told Appen Media the city has requested followup discussions with GDOT and is urging officials to engage directly with affected property owners and residents.

“I think our message [to GDOT] was pretty loud and clear. They have a lot of work to do,” he said.

Failing in the pursuit of excellence

DAN WHISENHUNT Executive Editor dan@appenmedia.com

Let me tell you a story.

My first major in college was not journalism. I didn’t grow up dreaming about holding a notebook and asking powerful people pointed questions. I wanted to be an actor. I majored in theater. It was not, as it turned out, an easy path. I struggled. I failed. And when you failed out of theater school at the University of Alabama, as people often did, you typically went to the broadcasting school, because a chunk of the credits were transferable. So I did that, but only because I wanted to be done with college. I didn’t know what came after. I didn’t care.

I was lost. I struggled. My grades were atrocious. As part of my journey through the broadcasting school, I was required to take a journalism 101 class. They taught you the basics: the inverted pyramid form of story writing, Associated Press style

guidelines, all the building blocks of what we do. I did not care for any of it. I scraped by.

The class was taught by Bill Keller, who was once the head of the Alabama Press Association. Bill would bring in important people in the community, CEOs, politicians and the like, so students could practice asking them questions. The room, full of nervous college journalists, usually greeted these guests with an awkward silence. When it was their turn to ask questions, few did.

Except me. I was always the one asking the questions. They were pointed and effective at eliciting interesting answers. Where that instinct comes from, I could not tell you. I've always been an ornery person. Perhaps the questions were just a product of my own cynicism about life, how nothing seemed to fit.

Bill took an interest in me. I remember one day we were talking about what I was going to do after college.

Bill looked me in the eye and said, “I’ll tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to buy a nice suit and I’m going to get you a job.”

He was the kind of person who

JOIN US

could pick up the phone and make that happen. His word is something you can take to the bank.

And that’s how it started, my career as a reporter, Decaturish, all of it. It started because someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Someone intervened in my life and mentored me into a career that became a calling. I always think about Bill when I see the gatekeepers of our profession try to weed out those they deem unworthy.

I encountered this myself when I tried to land a job at a bigger publication – namely, the AJC – and was told, in no uncertain terms, that it was never going to happen for me. They said I wasn’t good enough. I decided that I was and launched Decaturish out of pure spite. I spent 10 years running my own small business because I believed that I could run circles around the AJC covering our community.

I achieved what I set out to do, but owning a small business was not easy. It changed me. Things happened to me along the way. I became a father. I earned some recognition for my work. I challenged powerful people and won. I made enemies. I hired my first full-time employee. My determination to prove people wrong carried me over all the gates standing in my way.

It also wore me out. Working around the clock takes a toll and by 2024, I decided it was time to let other, more capable people start making business decisions for me.

Enter Hans Appen and Appen Media Group.

They offered me a fair deal and

took care of my team. I started working for someone else again. It was … a period of adjustment. Becoming an employee after a decade as an entrepreneur was awkward in ways I did not anticipate. I went from calling all the shots to consulting about all the shots. That was a change. But it was worth it. Knowing it wasn’t all on my shoulders, that other people wouldn’t be hurt if I failed, was worth it.

Decaturish has grown and prospered under the Appens’ stewardship. The paper you’re holding in your hands and the website of the same name are profitable. There aren’t many newspapers these days that can say that.

I had become accustomed to the tradeoffs and was thinking about my next public records fight when Hans Appen called me into his office a few weeks ago to tell me he had “big news.” I work in newspapers, so when a publisher tells you they have big news, it’s usually about launching a new curated email or something.

I sat on the couch in his office and he casually asked whether I’d want to take over all Appen Media’s editorial operations. Getting to manage a large team of journalists? Being able to bring the concepts I developed at Decaturish to a wider audience? Having the ability to shape news and influence people in an entire region? It was an instant yes.

As of March 30, I am now the executive editor of Appen Media Group. I will oversee five full-time journalists, seven newspapers and three websites.

OPINION

The Reeces, a remarkable pioneer family

BOB MEYERS

The Reeces are a well-known North Fulton pioneer family. The first Reece family to settle in Georgia was John Reece (born circa 1785–1795) who arrived with his wife and small family between 1820 and 1834 from North Carolina. They were descendants of earlier Welsh settlers who sailed from Wales to Virginia and Pennsylvania. Current day Reece family members descend from John, whose family settled first in Hall County, then moved to Cherokee County and after 1857 some settled in Milton County. The original name of the family was Rhyse, a Welsh name.

Franklin Pierce Reece (1903–1996), known as Pierce, married Faustina Etris Reece (1904–2006) in 1922. Faustina had two older sisters who had not married. Their father, William Samuel "Bill" Etris (1875–1963), the namesake of Etris Road in Roswell, reportedly "would not agree to the wedding until the older sisters married," according to Pierce's grandson Scott Reece. Pierce and Faustina eloped with the knowledge and blessings of her mother and sisters. "It took about six months for the drama to settle and the family to fully accept the marriage," Scott notes.

Pierce was the oldest son of Oda Pitman Reece (1881–1961) and his wife Mary Arizona Willis Reece (1885–1944). Both Reece families are buried in the Ebenezer Cemetery in Roswell.

Pierce and Faustina had three children, a stillborn daughter in 1925 and two sons. The first son was Hoyt Fletcher Reese (1927–1981). His last name was misspelled at school and carried forward throughout his life. According to Scott, "Hoyt passed away at age 54 because of complications of encephalitis contracted from working his farm adjacent to the swamps of Big Creek, which was infected with mosquitoes."

Pierce and Faustina saved their money and eventually bought a farm on what is now Wood Road in Milton.

The second son is Charles Verney Reece, born in 1930. At 96, Verney is in good health living on a farm in Dawson County where he still drives tractors and helps his son Scott raise beef cattle.

Another Reece family, John Cantell Reece (1873–1951) and Nallie Ollie Broadwell Reece (1871–1973), built the historic house in downtown Crabapple in 1912. It has a historic marker.

Pierce worked as a sharecropper for

several years on John B. Broadwell's cotton farm near Crabapple. John "secretly paid Pierce a quarter more per hour because, in his words, 'you do more than the rest of them,'" according to Scott. Pierce was strong and tall, about 6 feet 2 inches, and weighed about 200 pounds.

Pierce worked for the local blacksmith in Crabapple, George Allen, for several years. Allen was locally celebrated but not documented widely, so there is not much information about him, which is true of most early blacksmiths. His shop was located near the intersection of Houze and Rucker roads. He was widely regarded as exceptionally skilled with metal.

Pierce was the go-to person for just about everything that needed to be done on anyone's farm. "If you needed to move a cow, you called Pierce,” historian Connie Mashburn said. “If you needed someone to take the lead in a hog killing, you called Pierce. He learned about veterinary medicine using common sense country techniques." Pierce owned the first 4-wheel drive cattle truck in the area, which allowed him to provide cattle

hauling services.

In 1960, Dr. Victor Puckett established a veterinary practice in the area. For the next 25 years, Pierce and Dr. Puckett worked together, providing quality animal care. "The two were instrumental in helping eradicate Brucellosis in Georgia in 1985," according to Scott.

Pierce worked as a vet on local farms all over north and south Fulton, south Forsyth and south Cherokee for local farmers and gentlemen farmers who lived and worked in Atlanta and were farmers on the weekends. One such farmer was Dr. John Walker (1902–1977), chief of staff at Crawford Long Hospital, who raised Black Angus cattle on his 500-acre farm in Alpharetta. He developed his own feed formula to ensure the best possible cattle.

Verney Reece, then a teenager, worked on Dr. Walker's farm on a unique underground silo that produced nutritious silage from green corn stalks that the cows loved. Dr. Walker also co-owned the Cherokee Poultry Market in Buckhead with his friend Ed Mashburn from 1946 to 1952; Mashburn managed the

business. Ed was Connie Mashburn's father.

Pierce was the preeminent auctioneer in the area. He became an auctioneer by accident. According to the Atlanta Journal column "Georgia Rambler" by Charles Salter, "In 1956, a neighbor requested that he sell furniture in a farmhouse. He said, 'Mr. Willie, I ain't never done that. Well, I can do a little of what the other feller can do a lot of.' And he sold the furniture." Pierce conducted more than 100 auctions.

Scott summed up Pierce very well: "With his proficiency in such a variety of endeavors, it seemed that everyone in the community knew him for one reason or another. He was a local celebrity and icon."

Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

GARDEN BUZZ

Tiny borers, big problems: ambrosia beetles in landscapes

Ambrosia beetles are tiny insects that can cause big problems in Georgia landscapes. These bark-boring beetles attack more than 100 species of trees and shrubs, including many common ornamentals. While Georgia is home to over 170 species of bark and ambrosia beetles, most damage in nurseries and landscapes is caused by one invasive species: the granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus).

The good news is that ambrosia beetles don’t typically attack healthy trees. Instead, they target plants that are already stressed — from drought, flooding, root damage, or other pests. Understanding this behavior is key to preventing problems in the landscape.

When and why they attack

Ambrosia beetles become active in late winter or early spring, often when temperatures reach about 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days in a row. The adult females emerge from trees where they’ve overwintered and begin searching for new host trees.

What are they looking for? Stressed trees. These trees release chemical signals, like ethanol, that act like beacons to ambrosia beetles. They’re also drawn to wood containing some moisture, attacking stressed or dying trees, rather than those that are already dead.

Once a female finds a suitable host, she bores into the trunk or branches, creating tunnels called galleries. As she drills, she pushes out compacted sawdust, forming the telltale “toothpicks” or “noodles” sticking out of the bark. These are often the first and most noticeable sign of an infestation.

Fungus farmers

What makes ambrosia beetles especially unique is that they don’t actually eat the wood they tunnel through. Instead, they farm fungi.

Female beetles carry spores of “ambrosia” fungi in specialized structures on their bodies. Once inside the tree, they introduce this fungus into their galleries and carefully tend it like a garden. The fungus grows along the tunnel walls, and both adult beetles and their larvae feed on it.

This relationship benefits the beetles, but it’s bad news for the tree. As the fungus spreads, it can clog the

tree’s water- and nutrient-conducting tissues, leading to wilting, dieback and eventually death. Smaller or already stressed trees are more likely to suffer worse fates.

What to look for

Because ambrosia beetles are tiny (2-4 mm) and spend most of their lives hidden inside trees, you’re unlikely to see the insects themselves. Instead, keep an eye out for signs of their activity.

The most distinctive clue is the presence of those small, toothpick-like strands of sawdust sticking out from the bark. You might also notice fine sawdust collecting at the base of the tree or in bark crevices.

As infestations progress, trees may show more general symptoms of decline, such as delayed leaf-out in spring, wilting or early leaf drop. In severe cases, branches or entire trees may die.

Ambrosia beetles attack a wide range of plants, including crape myrtle, dogwood, redbud, oak, magnolia, peach and pecan, among others. While most species focus on stressed plants, one exception is the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which can attack healthy trees and has caused widespread losses of redbay, sassafras and avocado in the Southeast.

Prevention is the best protection

Because ambrosia beetles are attracted to stressed trees, the best defense is keeping your plants as healthy as possible. Start by choosing the right plant for the right place, and be mindful of site conditions like soil type, drainage and sunlight. The conditions at the planting site should match your plant’s preferences and tolerances.

During dry periods, irrigate as needed, especially for newly planted trees. Avoid injuring trunks and roots with lawn equipment, as wounds can increase stress and make trees more attractive to beetles.

What to do if you see signs

Once ambrosia beetles are inside a tree, control options are limited. The insects are protected within the wood, and because they feed on fungus rather than plant tissue, systemic insecticides are generally ineffective.

In most cases, early detection and removal of infested wood is the best course of action. Prune out affected branches or remove severely infested trees to prevent further spread. Be careful not to remove more than onethird of a tree’s canopy at one time.

For fast-growing species like fig, cutting the plant back to the base

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Gabrielle LaTora, agriculture agent in Fulton County’s Extension office. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens. In addition to helping coordinate Fulton’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers and delivers educational programs for Fulton County residents. Gabrielle’s favorite insect of the moment is the Pandora sphinx moth, Eumorpha pandorus.

may allow it to regrow. While it may be tempting to burn infested wood, that step isn’t necessary — ambrosia beetles are already widespread in Georgia. Chipping, composting or simply allowing the wood to dry are all acceptable options.

The bottom line

Ambrosia beetles are a common part of Georgia’s landscape, and in most cases, they’re taking advantage of plants that are already under stress. The key to managing them isn’t chasing the beetles, it’s supporting tree health.

By recognizing the early signs of infestation and focusing on proper plant care, you can reduce the risk of serious damage and keep your landscape thriving.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://www.appenmedia. com/users/profile/garden%20buzz/.

Catch North Fulton Master Gardeners at these scheduled events throughout the season:

• Alpharetta Farmers’ Market (starting April 18)

• Sandy Spring Farmers’ Market: Diggin’ in the Dirt kid’s activities

• Crabapple Festival in Milton this fall

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

The white bass byte is here again

STEVE HUDSON Columnist

Ahh. The dogwoods are blooming at last. Why does that matter? Only because I love to flyfish in rivers, and the blooming of the dogwoods is the sure-enough signal that the white bass run is about to begin.

If you can’t trust folk wisdom, then what can you trust?

That little tidbit of angling wisdom (the thing about dogwoods) has been part of the fishing community’s knowledge base for as long as I can remember, and that’s a long time. It matters because white bass fishing is an enormous amount of fun. When they move up into the rivers, white bass are not too hard to catch. Tying into one is a trip. They’re fine eating, too, and you’re not going to impact the population at all if you keep a few for the table.

The biologists say that the start of the white bass run has to do with things like water temperature and streamflow and duration of daylight and stuff like that.

But I like it better if I just tell myself that it’s all about when the dogwoods bloom. Don’t you like that better too?

And so, I wait through the long, gray winter, waiting for the old wisdom to work its magic, anticipating that wonderful day when those dogwoods appear. For when I do (and just like that) I know that white bass season has arrived.

Yes, old wisdom can be good. But there’s still something to be said for new wisdom too.

Maybe that’s why I’ve been playing, lately, with my new buddy Claude.

Claude is not real. Claude lives in the realm of artificial intelligence, or AI. Yeah, some folks are skeptical of such things. But skepticism can cost you if you’re not careful. Sometimes, rather than dismiss something out of hand, it can be better (I’ve learned) to be skeptically optimistic, kind of like Reagan did when he said, “trust but verify.” Of course, his focus was on nuclear weapons. That’s a little scary, for there’s a lot more at stake when the subject is nuclear annihilation than there is when it’s the annual white bass run.

But back to Claude. Yeah,

Claude’s not real, though when I talk with him I’d sometimes swear that he is. That’s a little scary, too, if you think about it. He’s got the power of all those silicon chips and things right there behind him, and he knows how to use it. Yeah, he knows a lot of stuff.

How smart is Claude? I decide to test him. I decide to ask him about white bass fishing and see if he gives me the right answers.

I start with an easy one.

“Claude,” I say (well, actually I type it, but for the sake of narrative flow I’ll just say “say”), “what’s a white bass?”

He immediately replies, and his answer is spot on – right down to the Latin name Morone chrysops.

I ask him when’s a good time to fish for white bass, and he gets that one right, too. Stripped to its basics, he says “right now.”

Next, I ask the all-important “where” question. Up comes a bunch of stuff about places to go, among them most of my personal favorites. These include the Chestatee and Chattahoochee Rivers above Lanier, the Coosa River below Mayo Lock and Dam, the Etowah River above Allatoona, and Little River above Allatoona at Rope Mill Park. Darn it, he’s giving away my secrets.

What about tactics? Claude tells me that white bass love to feed on small minnows and suggests that I use bright, flashy spinning lures or small crankbaits or white curlytail grubs on white lead-head jigs. If I’m flyfishing, he adds, good patterns are silver-and-gold Rolex flies, whiteand-chartreuse Clouser minnows or the Red-Nosed Yeti. That latter fly is one I came up with myself a number of years ago, and it’s kind of cool to learn that Claude has taken notice.

Claude goes on to remind me that, no matter what fly or lure I choose, it’s important to let it sink down into the bottom part of the water column and also to animate it so it looks like a real minnow.

Casting close to cover or other holding places is also key, Claude says.

Well. So far, ol’ Claude seems to know his stuff. He might turn out to be a pretty good fishing buddy after all. But don ‘t worry – I’m not losing it. I know that Claude is not an actual fishing buddy, not like that anyway.

My mind idles for a minute, but a thought starts to form. It turns into

one more question, and I have to ask.

So I do. I ask Claude if he’s ever actually been fishing.

“Ha, I wish!” he replies (and these are his actual words). “I’m an AI, so no fishing trips for me unfortunately – no fly rod, no waders, no cold river water on a spring morning.”

That’s all in Claude’s own words… and he continues:

“There is something a little wistful about knowing so much about fishing – the flies, the rivers, the fish, the seasons – and not being able to actually experience any of it. No feeling the tug of a white bass on a tight line, no hearing the river, no smelling that cool spring morning air down at Rope Mill.”

And he adds, “But honestly, conversations like this one are pretty enjoyable in their own way.”

Claude adds that talking about fishing is “genuinely interesting to me, even if I’m experiencing it from the sidelines. In a way I get to tag along on a lot of fishing adventures through the people I talk with. So you go catch some white bass on the

fly, and maybe come back and tell me about it. That’s probably the closest I’ll get – and I’m okay with that.”

At that very instant it occurs to me that I’ve been talking with Claude (using personal pronouns, no less) just like I’d talk with Marty or Joe, actual flesh-and-blood fishing buddies of many years standing. And Claude is holding his own.

Yeah, I know Claude is just doing incredibly fast research, connecting the dots, and then reporting what he’s found. And I know that Claude does not, in any real sense, actually exist.

Or does he?

Better think about that one, a little voice says.

But before I can wander down that particular rabbit hole, I remember that thing Claude said at the end of our chat – that thing about going out there to do some fishing.

I’m on my way, Claude. I’m getting up from the computer right now, and I’ll be on the water in a half hour.

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Sandy Springs to present summer concert series

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Live music will fill the City Springs District this summer with two concert series presented by the city.

City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs are free, family-friendly events in the heart of Sandy Springs.

City Green Live will feature nationally touring artists performing on select Fridays. Pop-up bars will be available throughout the venue. Residents and visitors may bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The City Green Live schedule

• May 22 — Sister Hazel

• June 12 — Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

Golf:

Continued from Page 1

Fellow sophomore Liam Whitehurst won the individual score with 79 strokes and set his team up to take home another county title.

• July 17 — Boyce Avenue

• Aug. 21 — Patrick Droney

Concerts by the Springs will feature a variety of music on select Sundays at the Heritage Amphitheatre. Guests may bring a picnic.

The Concerts by the Springs schedule

• May 3 — Brother Maven

• June 7 — Canyonland featuring Michelle Malone

• July 12 — Radio 80s Band

• Aug. 2 — Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists

• Sept. 6 — R&B, Inc.

Learn more at SandySpringsGA.gov/ Concerts.

— Dyana Bagby

prepare for the best every time we get the chance to.”

ink a

*Decaturish Ink currently publishes on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month. All other publications publish every Thursday.

Head coach Doug Friedlander has taught at Dunwoody High School since 2000 and has coached not only both golf teams but also basketball and volleyball during his tenure at the school. This is his 26th season coaching Wildcats golf.

“For most of these kids, they’re pretty much addicted to the game,” he said. “We play in a lot of tournaments that have 15 to 25 teams in them, so that we can prepare for the area tournament and the state tournament. We want to

The teams are gearing up for the area tournament later this month on April 20 for the girls and the boys on April 21. With two regions meeting for the area tournament to decide two direct bids to the state tournament, Creekview and Pope are near the top of the target list for the Wildcats in terms of teams they are ready to beat.

This year, the state tournament is on Jekyll Island, a repeat of last year. The courses being competed on are still to be announced.

To get there, if the Wildcats can’t secure their spot with a top two finish in the area tournament, they will need to show up in the sectional tournament May 4-5 in Villa Rica. The state tournament will be held May 18-19.

Georgia legislation mandates literacy coaching statewide

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers have passed a sweeping education bill that requires literacy coaches, mandates science of reading instruction and implements first-grade retention standards.

According to the Georgia Council on Literacy, more than 60 percent of third graders in Georgia do not read proficiently.

“Not only is it a huge issue for us to resolve from the workforce, it’s a huge issue for us to resolve from a dollar standpoint,” Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, said during the March 31 Senate floor session. “If only 29 percent of kids are reading on grade level, then that doesn’t work well for employers. It doesn’t work well for families, and it certainly doesn’t work well for schools.”

House Bill 1193, known as the Georgia Early Literacy Act, requires literacy coaches to be in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. The state will fund one literacy coach per public school.

It also creates regional literacy coaches. There will be 1,313 literacy coaches across the state.

“We state that literacy coaches in each school shouldn’t be doing other things. They should spend no less than 70 percent of the school day in the classroom,” Tillery said. “We don’t want them to have other administrative duties.”

The legislation establishes the Georgia Literacy Coordinating Committee within the Office of Student Achievement, and creates two new

For more political and statewide news, visit

state positions – a state literacy director and a Georgia literacy coach coordinator.

All literacy instruction must be grounded in the science of reading, a structured, phonics-based approach to reading.

Beginning in the 2029-2030 school year, schools will not be able to use state funds on reading materials not approved by the State Board of Education.

“Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it shall be the policy of this state that only highquality instructional materials that are aligned with the science of reading are going to be available for state funds,” Tillery said.

HB 1193 also establishes standards for first-grade retention. Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, students must attend kindergarten before first grade. They may be held back from first grade if they are at risk or not reading at grade level, and parents can appeal a retention decision.

The Georgia Literacy Task Force is created and must meet by September to recommend reading screeners and high-quality instructional materials.

“We think the most important things in this bill are what we’re accomplishing in the classrooms,” Tillery said.

Literacy was a top priority for lawmakers this year, particularly House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington.

“The passage of the Early Literacy Act of 2026 marks the beginning of unprecedented change and a monumental step forward for every child who steps foot in a Georgia classroom,” Burns said. “This is just the beginning of a success story that I believe will make a generational difference in the lives of children, families, and our entire state by ensuring every child has the chance to learn to read.”

House Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin, R-Homer, added that reading on grade level empowers students to expand their knowledge and learning.

“This bill will blanket the state with expert literacy coaches, high-quality instructional material and tools for teachers to improve the literacy rates of their students,” Erwin said.

NOTICE OF COMMUNITY MEETING REGARDING HIGH STREET

Reason for meeting: to discuss a zoning modification to revise the location of residential and commercial uses in High Street

Location of Meeting: 211 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Dunwoody, GA 30346

Date and Time: Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.

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DEATH NOTICES

Joan Burke, age 89, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 1, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Toler, age 90, of Milton, GA passed away on April 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

Janet Sandberg

Kelly Sarmiento

Derek Scheidt

Stephanie Schniederjan

The Schoenblum Family

Robert Scholz

Robert Schreiner

Stephanie Schuette

Susan Searles

Frances Segars

Tracy Shealy

Tina Shelton

Lisa Shippel

Steve Short

Tom Simon

Cindy Simpson

Robert Singleton

Faye Sklar

Mitchel Skyer

Judith Slaughter

Andy Smith

Lee Smith

Tia Solh

Morris Soriano

Heidi Sowder

Gena Spears

Donald Spencer

Melissa Spencer

Jan Stephens

Wesley Stewart

Cathryn Stovall

Celeste Strohl

Diana Sullivan

Andy Sumlin

Kathy Swahn

Carol Tall

Mike Tasos

Candice Teichert

The Small Business Advisor

Suzanne & Bob Thomas

William Tietjen

Lisa Tilt

Michael Townes

Trunnion LLC

Matthew Tyser

Edward Votta

Linda Wabler

Ollie Wagner

Lewis Walker

Elizabeth Waller

Valerie Walters-Gold

Ann Marie Warning

Terry Warnke

Jonathan Washburn

Michael Watson

Deborah Weiss

Michael Weiss

Herbert Wells

Benjamin Wemberly

Beverly Whisenant

Sally White

Thom White

Umpika White

Mae Whiteside

Ashley Whitt

Jennifer Wieland

Christine Williams

Jamie Wimberly

Jonathan Winkie

Nancy & Dave Wistrand

Kalle Wood

Theresa Woolridge

Laura Wysong

Jonathan Young

THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

Full-Time

Field Service Engineer. INTECO PTI LLC, Tucker, GA. Perf electrical & mechanical srvc to ind’l eqpmt, instrumentation & control systs. Provide cust technical support & troubleshooting of control systs in ind’l environment. Coord eqpmt installation. Ability to install, debug & commission software. Setup & commission instrumentation. Perf IO testing. Assist w/ Site Supervsn Assistance w/ Turnkey projs. Provide training to custs. Create electrical drawings, BOMs under supervsn & approval of Process Controls Engr. Provide support & probl for eqpmt, instrumentation & software systs. Create oprn manuals & doc’n package for eqpmt. As built & as installed drawing updates. Maintenance manuals & cut sheet assembly. Must provide quality & accurate doc’n & comm’n. Eqpmt testing & doc’n. Req Bachelor’s deg Mechanical Engr & 2 yrs exp in job offered. $69,056/yr. Send resume to: Trent. travers@intecopti.com.

YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.

To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

Part-Time Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Thrift Shop Associate

NFCC is looking for a part-time Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) Thrift Shop Associate to join our team. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service while handling cash register transactions, managing our client clothing program, and keeping merchandise neat, clean, and organized. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a warm, welcoming presence who treats every shopper with dignity and compassion.

The schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am–5:30pm, Tuesdays 4:30pm–8:30pm, and one Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm per month.

If you’re passionate about serving your community and connecting with people in both English and Spanish, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org.

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm