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Spruill Center outlines 50th anniversary plans DUNWOODY, Ga. — Spruill Center for the Arts announced this year’s Artistic Affair fundraiser will be March 29 from 5:30-9 p.m. to mark the beginning of its 50th year serving the community. In addition to the traditional live and silent auctions featuring artwork from Spruill Center instructors, this year’s event will honor the 50-year history of the arts nonprofit. There will be major announcements planned, luminaries from Spruill’s past in attendance and milestones to reminisce about. The Spruill Center’s mission is to foster creativity and social connections. It offers 300 classes and workshops each quarter for all ages and skill levels through its 17 dedicated studio spaces. Also, the Spruill Gallery’s curated exhibitions and programs unite artists and patrons, creating space for all to grow and expand their understanding of contemporary art. To commemorate five decades in the community, the annual celebration will be a ’70s-themed party with timeless music from DJ Bismark, disco balls and a “Best Dressed” competition. Tickets are $100 and include buffet dinner, open bar, valet parking and access to a host of experiences including henna tattoo artists, the Georgia Bubbleman, illusionist Chris Moorman and live painting from Leslie Cannon.
See SPRUILL, Page 17
SCREENSHOT
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson discusses proposed water rate increases of 10 percent each year over the next decade at a meeting Feb. 3 at Dunwoody City Hall. Cochran-Johnson said a federal consent decree virtually forces the county to make significant investments in its water and sewer system.
DeKalb County CEO pushes water rate hikes at Dunwoody town hall By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoodians play corn hole at the Spruill Art Center for the Arts’ new turfed courtyard next to its expanded classroom and community building Dec. 14.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — With a federal mandate looming, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson says there are few options but to raise rates for upgrading the county’s tattered water and sewer system. Speaking at a public gathering Feb. 3 at Dunwoody City Hall, Cochran-Johnson said customers should expect a 10 percent rate increase each year over the next decade. “We’re here tonight because we have failed to increase water rates gradually,” she said. “I want con-
sumers and residents to understand that it is not an option when you are under a federal consent decree.” The county entered the consent decree in 2011, which set a 2020 deadline for the county to make over $1 billion in repairs to its sewer system. In 2021, a federal judge approved an extension, extending the deadline to 2027. The Dunwoody town hall was the first of three across the county to discuss a proposed water and sewer rate increase that has been in the works for several months.
See WATER, Page 17
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