Dunwoody Crier - June 11, 2026

Dunwoody Police Department enhances retention strategy ► PAGE 2

County approves increase to parking deck rates

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Commission, at its May 26 meeting, approved an increased to the rates at the courthouse parking deck in downtown Decatur from a $6 flat rate to a time-based scale.

The rates increase over the next few years, but start at $6 for up to two hours, $9 for up to three hours and $12 for four hours or more.

In a few years, that would go up to $10 for up to two hours, $14 for up

to three hours and $18 for four hours or more.

“This new rate structure is intended to provide fairer pricing based on length of stay, while supporting the continued maintenance and overall quality of the parking facility,” the agenda item said.

The rates for the Maloof and Camp Circle parking lots will remain flat, but increase from $6 to $8 over time.

Commissioners have discussed providing the option to validate parking for individuals attending

commission meetings once the meetings move back to the Maloof Auditorium.

Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams said the staff is prepared to have that conversation with the parking vendor, Universal Parking Management.

Commissioner Nicole Massiah raised concerns about raising the rates, given previous issues with entry and exit and a lack of on-site parking attendants.

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is proposing to maintain its property tax rate at 3.040 mills for 2026.

The levy will continue to include a one-mill reduction for all homestead properties, lowering the effective rate to 2.040. The city will also continue to freeze assessed values for homesteaded properties.

Although the millage rate would remain the same, rising property assessments in DeKalb County are expected to increase overall tax collections by 0.50 percent over the rollback millage rate, requiring the city to advertise the proposal as a tax increase under Georgia law.

But Dunwoody has a property assessment freeze mandated in its charter, so no homestead property owners in Dunwoody will see a city tax bill increase this year, according to a city spokesperson. Only commercial properties, rental properties and properties without a homestead exception will pay higher taxes.

“State law requires the value of assessments to be shown against last year’s values even if the city has a hard property assessment freeze,” according to a statement from the city.

RATE, Page 16

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Let’s turn the lights back on in the City of Dunwoody

I recently came across this photograph from the early days of Dunwoody’s cityhood movement. At first glance, it appears to be a group of citizens celebrating a milestone. But looking at it today, I see something much more important. We were turning on the lights of a new city. Not just streetlights. Not just city services. We were illuminating a new vision of local government.

Those of us involved in the cityhood movement believed government worked best when it was close to the people. We believed citizens should not have to fight to be heard. We believed elected officials should be accessible, responsive and engaged with the community they served.

We also understood that there would be times when elected officials needed to recuse themselves from matters to avoid conflicts of interest, but recusal was never intended to prevent communication or dialogue with the citizens they represent.

We never envisioned a system where citizens were told that communication should flow only through attorneys. Legal counsel was an important role, especially when complex issues arise, but the foundation of cityhood was direct engagement between citizens and their

elected representatives. The goal was always to encourage conversation, not limit it.

Many people contributed to making cityhood a reality. Citizens organized, volunteers worked tirelessly, elected

officials provided leadership, and attorneys offered on the legal and legislative complexities required to create a new city. It was truly a collaborative effort.

Most of all, we believed in dialogue.

DRIVEWAYS

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.

• We won’t publish your letter or name without explicitly getting your approval.

The promise of cityhood was not simply that decisions would be made locally. The promise was that citizens and government would work together. Dialogue was not a byproduct of cityhood. Dialogue was the reason for cityhood. When citizens are close to their government, conversations happen. Questions get asked. Concerns get heard. Ideas are exchanged. Trust is built. That is called dialogue.

See ROSS, Page 5

TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Of missing sidewalks and our city’s priorities

This week I walked from Meadowlake to Kingsley. My route took me on Mt. Vernon Road, Mt. Vernon Place and Tilly Mill Road, and it highlighted some specific key frustrations I've faced as well as heard from many in Dunwoody –and they all tie back into priorities.

First, there are sections of missing sidewalk throughout the city. Missing, as in a few hundred feet. On my walk, the specific examples are Mt. Vernon Road (south side) between Meadowlake Drive and Mt. Vernon Place, and Mt. Vernon Place at Tilly Mill Road. These are opportunities to provide high-impact,

Ross:

Continued from Page 4

Dialogue does not require agreement. In fact, disagreement is often where the most important conversations begin. Reasonable people can look at the same facts and reach different conclusions. What matters is a willingness to listen.

Over the years, I have also been involved in efforts that promote dialogue

low-cost solutions to improve existing connectivity.

Second, there are several intersections throughout the city that would benefit from safety improvements. A notable one is Mt. Vernon Place and Tilly Mill Road. How many times have you seen someone run the stop sign going south on Tilly Mill Road? We have seen accidents here, some severe, for as long as we've lived in Meadowlake (going on 12 years now), and just the other day I almost got clobbered here – unfortunately a regular occurrence, at least once a week. A decade ago,

between people of different faith traditions. One lesson stands above all others: Dialogue is not about winning. It is about understanding. It is about recognizing that people can disagree and still sit down at the same table.

The same principle applies to local government. Communities become stronger when citizens feel heard. Governments become stronger when leaders are willing to and able to listen. Even when agreement is not possible, dialogue builds trust and preserves

I asked for a simple solution of a flashing stop sign (similar to Jett Ferry Road/Dunwoody Club Drive) and was rebuffed. This seems like a high-impact, low-cost solution that could potentially reduce collisions at this location.

Third, there are crosswalks missing throughout our city, many at intersections which are no-brainers. One other location I've heard from many people is the MJCCA at Tilly Mill Road. There are numerous walkers and bus riders who cross busy Tilly Mill in front of the JCC. To go a step further, perhaps even a signalized intersection would be

relationships. Looking at this photograph today, I am reminded of what we hoped Dunwoody would become: a city with government closer to the people, a city where citizens have a voice, a city where difficult issues are met with conversation rather than silence, a city where civic engagement is valued, a city where leaders and citizens work together to solve problems. Those were the lights we turned on!

Over the years, that light helped build trust between citizens and their

helpful, given the traffic in and out of the JCC. Again, another area we have seen several collisions. But back to the crosswalks for a minute – yet another high-impact, low-cost solution.

Instead, our city continues to prioritize 12-foot-wide paths at significant cost, while neglecting these low-cost, high-impact, incremental improvements that will directly impact people today, that citizens have been requesting for decades.

government. It helped create a community where public service was viewed as a partnership rather than a transaction. The strength of a community is not measured by the absence of disagreement. It is measured by its willingness to talk, listen and work together. That was the founders’ vision.

It’s time to turn the lights back on.

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!

DOUBLE FIRSTS

1. Cummerbund. Honshu port. De Mille or Morehead.

2. Wanderer. Martin or Cain. Railroad station.

3. Newman or Giamatti. Psychiatrist. Castle part.

4. Musical notation. Smell bad. Dinklage or Falk.

5. Writing on the wall. Redford or Duvall. Threesome.

6. Truman or Belafonte. Sweater eater. Axiom.

7. Cast of thousands film. Like an old mattress. Burnett or Lynley.

1 Cummerbund. Honshu port. De Mille or Morehead.

2. Wanderer. Martin or Cain. Railroad station

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. Newman or Giamatti. Psychiatrist. Castle part.

4. Musical notation. Smell bad. Dinklage or Falk

5. Writing on the wall. Redford or Duvall. Threesome

6. Truman or Belafonte. Sweater eater. Axiom

7. Cast of thousands film. Like an old mattress.

each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

AUSTIN

This is AUSTIN (ID# 59784252), and he has powers (like Austin Powers.) His powers are smiling, walking enthusiastically, getting pets, being affectionate and giving awesome kisses. Austin is 3+ years old, 55 pounds and was found dodging cars and almost got hit multiple times until a kind person got him into their car. Volunteers have been getting to know him and love his exuberant spirit. They say he’s quite the playful cutie pie, curious about what’s going on and sniffs everything. Austin also enjoys playing with other dogs (if you were thinking of adding to your pack.) Right now, Austin would like you to use your special powers and take him on home. Expand your family by four furry little feet; meet Austin and have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. All you have to do is provide the love and security that every shelter animal deserves! If you would like more information about

PROVIDED

Austin or if you have questions about adopting, fostering or volunteering please email adoption@ dekalbanimalservices.com or call 404294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Austin goes to a good home.

Come visit Austin and hundreds of other adoptable pets at DeKalb County Animal Services today -- no appointment needed! Our address is 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30340. We look forward to helping you find your new best friend!

If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering temporarily or come take one of our pups for a fun day out with our Dog for the Day program. This program is a great way to borrow a canine companion for a hike, a trip to the park, or a lazy day at home. Email foster@ dekalbanimalservices.com for more information about Dog for the Day. Your love and kindness can make all the difference.

Emory’s business school sees increase in military veterans

By LYDIA MAGALLANES decaturish@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — In 2026, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School significantly increased its veteran graduates across its Master in Business for Veterans, full-time MBA and working professional programs.

The number of veteran graduates increased by roughly 47 percent, from about 55 to more than 80.

The shift is part of Emory’s continued investment in the veteran community. Goizueta began offering an alternative 12-month program, the Master in Business for Veterans (MBV), in 2024. The specialized track is designed for “active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve personnel to leverage their military leadership expertise and pair it with business knowledge for a successful career in the business world.”

The 2026 school year also marks the first time Emory has named an executive director of veterans initiatives for the entire campus. Retired Maj. Gen. Matt Smith is the first to fill the position, building on the legacy of retired Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, who is now an associate professor emeritus. Smith said the year-to-year increase in veteran enrollment at Goizueta was “a little bit of a halo effect” of promoting the MBV program.

The only other MBV available in the country is at the University of Southern California. Retired Air Force Combat Systems Officer Grant Kimmel, a 2026 MBV graduate, said he came to Emory to translate decades of military leadership to the private sector.

“When you were in the military, you were either in a position of authority or you had a rank that equals some level of authority,” explains Kimmel. “But then when you go into the private sector, you know that that doesn’t necessarily exist, and so now you have to figure out ways to earn trust, or, how do you influence people without having direct authority over someone else?”

Kimmel, originally from North Carolina, is living with his family in Smyrna. The Goizueta MBV helped him translate his experience in Air Force Special Operations to a remote government position at Viasat, a California-based satellite communications company.

Smith said veterans are highly sought after by companies because of their tested leadership skills.

“I think senior business leaders in Atlanta and the Southeast understand the non-tangible benefits that veterans bring to a team,” Smith

said. “The discipline, the valuesbased decision making, the ability to operate in ambiguous, friction-filled environments.”

Smith adds that Emory offers something that “can’t be replicated.”

The nationally ranked MBA program is a pipeline to heavy-hitting companies with military hiring programs, such as Delta, UPS, and Home Depot, all just a few hours from several large military installations.

Staying in Atlanta

That localized corporate demand is part of why many of the 2026 Goizueta veterans are staying in the area. A closer look at the class of 2026 fulltime MBA veteran cohort alone (which is different from the MBV) reveals that three-quarters will be working and living in the Atlanta area, including DeKalb and Fulton counties.

Atlanta native Dan Heckman, an Army veteran and 2026 full-time MBA graduate, landed a job at an Atlanta Fortune 500 company to work in finance and technology. But attending Emory was also an opportunity to put

one of the top three management consulting firms in the world, Boston Consulting Group. Titus joked he could spot his fellow veterans right away because of the “haircuts and Garmin watches.”

But that network served as a sort of safety net for Titus. Like many of his peers, he had to readjust to civilian life. Despite using various veteran employment resources, working in production at an Atlanta concrete plant and later in the supply chain at Home Depot, Titus said he still had impostor syndrome going into business school. “I remember I barely passed corporate finance in undergrad, and (at Emory) that was the second class we ever sat in. I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m cooked.’”

For Titus, the past couple of years offered a welcome change of pace, allowing for personal growth. He’s seeing a therapist to better handle that “impostor syndrome,” and addressing his service-related anxiety and mild depression.

“Whether it was in training or on deployment, some of that stuff comes out of nowhere,” he said. “Nothing I saw was horrific, but it comes back and can put you down for a few days, or not make you feel like yourself.”

As stressful as it is to be in a high-stakes environment for years, that experience, like leading troops in combat and being solely responsible for expensive equipment, gives veterans an edge in the business world.

down roots after a decade of service. His young family is living in Roswell, where his wife is from.

Aside from location, Heckman said Emory was the right fit because of the Yellow Ribbon program, which provides government funding to cover remaining school tuition and fees for eligible veterans after the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Heckman said the university’s veteran network had the most impact on his life.

He said second-year students guided students through the recruiting process. They identified companies that value veteran resumes and offered advice during the interview process.

“Alumni in Atlanta working in finance, consulting, defense, and operations, responded quickly to outreach, often because they had received similar help,” he said.

A safety net

Fellow 2026 full-time MBA graduate Sean Titus, a former Army field artillery officer, is living in Brookhaven with his wife, who is originally from Johns Creek. He secured a job at

Tyler Fortenberry, a 2026 fulltime MBA graduate and former Army armor officer, said that precision under pressure is a superpower.

“You have tanks, you have a limited amount of ammo, you have a limited amount of miles,” Fortenberry said. “It takes millions of dollars to operate this machine for just a few days. There’s so much more depth and attention to detail.”

Fortenberry is living in Buckhead with his wife and is on track to become a Chick-fil-A franchisee.

Many 2026 Goizueta veterans plan on sharing their experiences with the next class. Kimmel is staying connected to the Goizueta MBV program.

“I just want to pay it back to the program and the people that supported me and allowed me to grow,” he said. “It helped me stay positive, stay engaged, and just overcome some of the adversity with trying to figure out what that next career looked like.”

Titus agreed.

“I hope we keep our group chats alive,” Titus said. “I love spending time with these guys … Emory gave us a whole new set of friends, and I really want to make sure we stay in touch.”

Georgia primary runoff voting will take place June 16

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Several primary elections are in runoffs. Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, June 16.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes open later if there are technical problems. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote. On Election Day, you must vote at the precinct listed on your voter registration.

Races on the ballot include DeKalb County School Board District 4 and County Commission District 3, state House District 94 and state Senate District 10. To see the Decaturish voters guide for these races, visit decaturish. com/voter_guide/.

There are also statewide runoffs for lieutenant governor and secretary of state for both parties, and Republican candidates for governor, Public Service Commission District 5 and U.S. Senate.

Early voting

Early voting ends Friday, June 12. In DeKalb and Fulton counties, polls will be open for early voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 12.

Fulton County provided 20 polling locations and seven absentee ballot drop boxes. DeKalb County also had 20 polling locations and five drop boxes.

To see a list of the early voting locations, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ advanced-voting-location-information and search for your county of residence.

Absentee voting

Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day, June 16.

Absentee ballot drop boxes will be available at the Berean Christian Church, Belulah Missionary Baptist Church, Dunwoody Library, SalemPanola Library and Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library. During early voting, absentee ballots can be turned in at any drop box.

After early voting ends, absentee ballots can be returned to the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office during its business hours on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

How do I see what’s on my ballot and see my polling place?

The Georgia Secretary of State’s

My Voter Page will show you your sample ballot and polling location. Visit that page at mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

To see the general sample ballot with all candidates, visit the DeKalb VRE website at dekalbvotes.com.

What to bring when you vote

DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections said all voters need to

bring the following items when they show up to early voting or at the polls on Election Day.

• A valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.

• Your absentee ballot, if you want to vote in person instead. If you do not have your absentee ballot, you will need to sign an affidavit stating that you are instead casting your ballot in person.

Prioritizing skin health during Men’s Health Month

Brought to you by

– Dr. Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, Epiphany Dermatology

June is Men’s Health Month—a time to focus on preventive care and long-term wellness. While many men prioritize their overall health, skin health is often overlooked. As a dermatologist, I encourage men of all backgrounds and skin tones to take a proactive approach to caring for their skin.

Skin cancer remains one of the most important concerns. While it is often perceived as less common in men with darker skin tones, it is frequently diagnosed at later stages—making awareness and early detection critical. In addition, conditions such as acne, folliculitis (especially related to shaving), eczema, and psoriasis are common in men. For those with skin of color, concerns like hyperpigmentation or razor bumps can be particularly persistent and require specialized care.

One of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take is wearing sunscreen daily. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps protect against harmful UV rays, which contribute not only to skin cancer but also to uneven skin tone and premature aging. Sunscreen is essential for every skin type and tone.

Equally important is establishing care with a boardcertified dermatologist. Annual skin screenings allow for early detection of skin cancer and provide an opportunity to address concerns involving your skin, hair, and nails with a personalized approach.

This Men’s Health Month, take charge of your skin health. Prevention, protection, and expert care can make all the difference. Call our office at (470) 903-8886 to set up an appointment!

Find comprehensive breast care with Wellstar in North Fulton

Brought to you by - Dr.

Jessica Bilz, Wellstar breast surgeon

Breast health is an important part of every woman’s overall wellness.

Routine breast cancer screening and timely evaluation of breast concerns can lead to earlier detection, more treatment options and improved outcomes. At Wellstar, we are committed to helping women feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their breast health journey.

Catch cancer early

Regular screening mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. If you’re at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your care team may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a screening plan.

In addition to annual screening, our team helps women understand their individual breast cancer risk and personal screening recommendations. Whether you are coming in for a routine screening, evaluation of a breast symptom or guidance regarding elevated cancer risk, our goal is to provide compassionate, expert care.

Care for benign conditions and cancer

Our breast health specialists provide evaluation and treatment for a range of breast conditions, from common benign concerns to newly diagnosed breast cancer. We understand that any breast abnormality can create anxiety, and we work closely with you to provide clear communication and individualized care plans.

We treat many benign breast conditions, including:

• Breast cysts

• Fibroadenomas

• Breast pain

• Dense breasts

• Nipple discharge

• Breast infections and abscesses

• High-risk and atypical breast lesions

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, we provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and guide you through each step of diagnosis,

treatment and beyond. We also care for women who are considered high-risk for breast cancer, including those with significant family histories, prior highrisk breast lesions or inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes. Our team works closely with you to develop personalized surveillance and riskreduction strategies tailored to your individual needs.

Advanced breast surgical care

At Wellstar, women have access to advanced breast surgical care delivered with a focus on precision, safety and cosmetic outcomes whenever possible. We offer procedures to diagnose and treat breast conditions using evidencebased surgical techniques. Our surgical services include:

• In-office ultrasound-guided breast

biopsies

• Excisional breast biopsies

• Duct excisions

• Partial mastectomies (lumpectomies)

• Sentinel lymph node biopsies and targeted axillary dissections

• Mastectomies with flat aesthetic closures

• Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies

• Breast reconstruction in collaboration with plastic surgery specialists

We aim to streamline care and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. If you require breast cancer surgery, our surgeons utilize best-inclass techniques designed to achieve excellent oncologic outcomes while also preserving appearance and quality of life.

Patient-centered approach to breast care

We believe exceptional breast care goes beyond medical treatment alone. Everyone deserves compassionate, personalized care in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and concerns are heard. From the first consultation through follow-up care, our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable, informed and confident in your care plan. We recognize that navigating breast concerns or a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We strive to make the process as seamless as possible through coordinated care, patient education and ongoing support.

Call (470) 956-4270 to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon in Roswell.

Knowing the signs of trauma in children

– Maddie McGarrah, M.Ed., Summit Counseling

Recognizing signs of trauma in children is an important but challenging task for parents, caregivers, and educators. Traumatic experiences can deeply affect a child’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Since children often lack the language or coping skills to express their feelings, trauma may manifest in both subtle and obvious ways. In some cases, trauma can even lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding these signs is crucial for providing appropriate support and creating a safe environment for healing.

The DSM-5-TR defines trauma as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This can occur through direct experience, witnessing, or learning about an event involving a close family member or friend. Trauma can also result from repeated or extreme exposure to disturbing details of such events. Signs that a child may be struggling with trauma include:

• Increased or obsessive thoughts about death or safety. Sometimes a hyper-focus on mortality.

• Sleep or eating disturbances, such as too little or too much sleep, or changes in appetite.

• Increased times of unexplained irritability or anger outbursts.

• Difficulty concentrating and staying focused during tasks or conversations, which may resemble ADHD but is a response to the trauma.

• Hypervigilance such as being easily startled or reacting strongly to stimuli.

• Symptoms resembling an anxiety disorder, like excessive worry or difficulty separating from parents.

• Symptoms resembling a depressive disorder such as difficulty experiencing positive emotions, like happiness, satisfaction, or love.

Maddie McGarrah, M.Ed.

• Intrusive symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or unexpected memories of the traumatic event.

• Increased symptoms triggered by reminders of the event, such as anniversaries, visual or auditory cues, and even smells.

• Negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.

• Lastly, stress and trauma can manifest differently in girls and boys. Although this can vary, boys often react more quickly and with more irritation and anger, while girls can have delayed reactions that are more internal.

Recognizing these signs early is essential for providing timely support and helping children begin the healing process. If you have observed your child experiencing some of these after a potentially, seeking therapy can provide children with the tools and support they need to heal and navigate their trauma in a safe and constructive way.

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Travel smart with mobility devices: tips from the pros!

Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta

Think traveling with a mobility device will slow you down? Think again! Read on to find out how to travel safer and smarter:

Accommodations – There are so many accessible destinations in the world! Make sure that your accommodations have doorways that are at least 24” wide, and an access ramp that is 30”-34” wide if you will be riding a mobility scooter or powerchair into your rental unit. Check the specs of your hotel entrances, exits, and bathroom doorways! Older hotels abroad may not be as easy to navigate so research carefully before you book. A blog like this one, dedicated to accessible travel can save you time online: www.wheeltheworld.com

Renting vs. purchasing – Our customers love zipping through the airport with their own devices, skipping to the front of security, and checking their scooters and powerchairs at the gate of the plane. Purchasing a device can save money in the long run, make keeping up with extended family at home much easier, and can allow for more independence from the very start of the trip to the finish. Consider how you will manage long treks through airports, cruise ports or train stations if you choose to rent your mobility device at your destination instead of taking

it with you. Not sure you are ready to invest in a mobility device just yet? Rent lightweight, folding scooters and powerchairs from us to take on your trip! This allows you to “try before you buy” and have the device with you from the moment you leave the house.

Travel features - Travel-ready mobility devices often fold flat, weigh 27-45 lbs. And have FAA and cruising approved lithium batteries. The max weight capacity on travel equipment is usually 250-300lbs. Additionally, they can travel 7 to 18 miles on one charge. Choosing to purchase from a local mobility equipment dealer at home will ensure that you get a proper fit, and the features that matter most to you. Buying a high-quality, namebrand product with a global network of authorized dealers will ensure peace of mind should you have a service and repair need abroad. Your local dealer can often provide you with a referral to an authorized service provider near your travel destination, so you are prepared in advance! Additionally, they can prep and laminate wheelchair forms in advance with an easy-to-read format for baggage handlers. This can significantly reduce risk of device damage!

Ready to start exploring? Visit Mobility Plus Alpharetta Monday-Friday 10am-5pm or Saturdays 9am-1pm. We look forward to helping you “go where you want to go!”

Area communities schedule Juneteenth celebrations

BY ELLE GIRARD elizabeth@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — With mid-June around the corner, many communities are planning Juneteenth festivals and events.

Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free.

President Abraham Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 and it went into effect on Jan. 1, 1863. But the slaves in Galveston weren’t informed until June 19, 1865.

While the federal holiday is on Friday, June 19, celebrations will take place throughout the month.

Here is a list of events celebrating the holiday across DeKalb County:

• The City of Clarkston is hosting its annual Juneteenth festival on Friday, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Downtown Clarkston’s Market St. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature live entertainment, food

vendors, local businesses, and a kids area.

• The City of Chamblee is hosting a Juneteenth concert titled “The Evolution of Beyonce” as part of its Chamblee Rocks summer concert series. It will take place on Friday, June 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

• The City of Stonecrest is hosting its fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom on Saturday, June 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. at the Southeast Athletic Complex. It is free and open to the public, and will feature a performance by Groove Dimensions.

• The City of Stone Mountain is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 922 Main St. The city is also hosting a “Lift Every Voice Drone & Light Show” from June 18 to 21, starting at 9:30 p.m. each night on the Memorial Lawn. Both events are free and open to the public.

• The fifth annual Tucker Juneteenth Jubilee celebration is on Saturday,

set to expire on June 11.

Continued from Page 1

“I understand that we’ve done some renovations, and I’m sure the folks that are working in the courthouse are thankful for that as well, but I would respectfully request that we look into the parking procedures, particularly at the courthouse, before we consider raising rates, considering some of the troublesomeness of entering and exiting that parking deck,” Massiah said.

In other business, the county commission:

• Extended a moratorium on new adult stores through Sept. 3. It was

The moratorium first went into effect in October 2024, and the county planning department has been reviewing possible updates to the county code related to adult stores that sell sexual devices, including sex toys, adult novelties and marital aids, the resolution said.

Planning Deputy Director Rachel Bragg said the staff should have an ordinance to present at the next meeting.

• Approved installing solar panels at county facilities on Sams Street in Decatur. Cherry Street Asset Management Holdings will fund the installation in exchange for the county purchasing power generated by the solar panels.

June 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northlake Mall. It will feature live music, dance performances, inflatables and games. The event is free and open to the public.

• The NAACP DeKalb County Branch is hosting a Juneteenth Community Expo on Saturday, June 20, at the Rainbow Park Baptist Church. A community market will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an expo from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can reserve a free spot here.

• Bloom Everyday is hosting a Juneteenth and Father’s Day Grill-Off on Saturday, June 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 6516 Rockbridge Road SW in Stone Mountain. It will feature a grilling competition, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities. The event is free and attendees can reserve a spot here.

• L&L Crafty Finds is hosting a Juneteenth Wine and Wood-Burning Experience on Friday, June 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring bottles of wine and can burn custom wood pieces. Tickets can be purchased here.

The program will increase the county’s renewable energy capacity, reduce energy costs, create workforce development opportunities and serve as a model to other communities, the agenda packet said.

• Approved a $550,000 contract with Kovalus Separation Solutions to upgrade membranes at the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The commission also approved a $658,789 change order with CDM Smith to design an expansion of the Snapfinger Treatment Facility, and a $3 million change order with Compliance EnviroSystems to assess and clean sewer pipes connected to the Snapfinger vault.

• Approved a change to the

Rate:

Continued from Page 1

“Due to an increase in DeKalb County’s revaluation of real property tax assessments, the city has filed a notice of a 0.50 percent increase in property taxes using the same 3.040 millage rate as recent years,” a city spokesperson said. “The proposed tax increase for a home with a basic homestead exemption and a fair market value of $650,000, not factoring in an assessment freeze, is approximately $3.75.”

DeKalb County Public Library events

• The Scott Candler Library is hosting a performance by author and percussionist Jerry G. White as part of the “Juneteenth: Breaking Ground” event. It will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to noon and is free to attend. Audience members will have an opportunity to learn about the history of the holiday.

• The Salem-Panola Library is hosting a “Beadweaving for Juneteenth” event for children ages 9 to 13 on Wednesday, June 10, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• A “Juneteenth Take and Make Craft” event provides materials to make magnets at the Flat Shoals Library on Monday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• An “Art Out Loud” open mic variety show will take place at the LithoniaDavidson Library on Saturday, June 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature poets, singers, and musicians under the library’s gazebo. It is free and open to the public.

commission’s standard procedural rules to limit the time commissioners can speak. Each commissioner can speak up to two times on each agenda item.

They could previously speak for up to 20 minutes on each item, but that was changed to 5 minutes in the first round of discussion and to 3 minutes in the second.

• Deferred a $13 million change order to a contract for the Oracle Cloud Services platform. The contract would be extended through Dec. 31, 2029. This would be the ninth change order to this contract. In total, the contract has totaled about $23.2 million since it was first approved. The county has worked with Oracle for more than 20 years.

More than 85 percent of Dunwoody’s approximate 12,500 homeowners have a homestead exemption, automatically lowering the rate to 2.04 mills. A tax rate of 1 mill represents a tax liability of $1 per $1,000 of assessed value on property. Most of the homesteaded properties also have an assessment freeze thanks to the mandate in the city’s charter.

The city has scheduled three public hearings on the 2026 millage rate at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road:

• Monday, June 15, 2026, at 8 a.m.

• Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.

OPINION

The old man and the vampire romantasy

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Life sometimes both amazes and humbles me. And lately, it keeps teaching me lessons that broaden my horizons and make "day to day" simply more fun. I offer this example. I am a sentimental old fool. It is just who I am. I cling to connections to the past — especially old friends and "childhood." I go to class reunions. I write Christmas cards. I pick up the phone and call. I help out the children of old friends when I have the opportunity. I go to funerals; I always show up for funerals, no matter how far away — usually the parents of my childhood friends, but increasingly, my childhood friends themselves.

So, when one of my childhood friends called me recently and told me that her younger adult daughter, Natalie, had written a book and asked if I would consider editing it for her, I responded, "Of course." "It's kind of long," she said, to which I replied, "That's OK."

So, I thought to myself, "Just because you publish newspapers, people think you can edit."

Well, I can, sort of. I am not sure, however, I would rely on myself to edit a book I wrote, but what the heck, she asked, so I will do my best.

So, I emailed Natalie. In hindsight, I should have called. I am determined to stop emailing and texting people instead of calling or visiting face-to-face, but that is another story.

"It's a long book," she said. OK, the second time I have heard that. Little alarms should have started ringing but didn't. "That's OK, Natalie."

"It's about vampires," she said.

More alarm bells; I don't think I have ever read a book about vampires and generally don't read fantasy (except for "Harry Potter," "Dune," and "Lord of the Rings," but they don't count; those aren't about vampires, sort of).

"That's OK," I replied again. What was I thinking?

"How do you want me to send it to you?" Natalie asked. "I can put it on Google Drive. Would that work for you?"

Now, everyone knows that newspaper people know about Google Drive and how to use it to edit novels, right? Of course. So, I naturally replied with — you guessed it — "of course." But not that "of course" —

the "of course" that means "No, I have no idea how Google Drive works, and I am too embarrassed to admit it, much less suggest that 'editing' is not necessarily a skill that I was born with or formally trained to do."

And, yes, of course, if the book is only around 350 pages, sure, why not?

So, we set up Google Drive, but first, Natalie asks how much I charge to edit. I did appreciate the question, but I growled at her in response.

"Natalie, you are family and family doesn't charge family — for anything."

That would never enter my mind, although what did go through my mind was how long — how much of my precious time — I just committed. Gzzzeezz.

"What about sex?" she asked next.

"OK," I think, "What?"

"It has sex," Natalie said. "Do you want me to leave those chapters out?"

"Natalie, I'm 71," I said. "This is a book. I can handle it. But thank you for asking. You don't have to leave out the sex."

Fast forward about four weeks.

Natalie has asked me to finish editing by the end of July so she can send the manuscript to potential publishers as soon as possible. So, I double up on my editing timeline.

I now get up early every day — or try

to — and spend about an hour on Natalie's book, and I edit twice as many chapters. I am now past the halfway point of the book, through Chapter 50. And, well, wow.

So here is the thing. This book is actually really good — I mean, like it is publishable, I think. And I don't even like vampire novels. Granted, I have no idea what publishers are looking for and what the market is for vampire-romance-fantasy novels, also known as "romantasies."

I am excited because I volunteered to help Natalie, committing to take on a rather substantial body of work. History says that I don't usually finish these types of projects. I start them, then just stop. I know this.

I took the project on because I want to fix myself — fix this character flaw. That's what I am trying to do now, in my 71st year — get better, become more intentional, and be more willing to step outside my comfort zone and engage.

That is, do things that I would have avoided in the past. Because who wants to just fade away? Not me.

And the icing on the cake? Well, how cool would it be to get a mention — one of those dust jacket or "after the last page" thank-yous on a new best seller! "Very," I think to myself. Next?

Will Wall Street buy the Fed’s new inflation math?

For decades, investors, economists and policymakers have relied on familiar inflation gauges such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index to help determine the direction of monetary policy. While neither measure is perfect, both have served as the common language through which inflation has been discussed, debated and ultimately confronted.

Now, Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh appears ready to change the conversation.

During his April confirmation proceedings, Warsh argued that policymakers should place greater emphasis on “trimmed mean” inflation measures indexes that remove the largest monthly price increases and declines before calculating the overall inflation rate. The goal is to strip away temporary

distortions caused by energy shocks, supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, weather events and other shortterm anomalies in order to reveal the economy’s underlying inflation trend.

From a theoretical standpoint, the argument has merit. Monetary policy operates with long and variable lags, making it poorly suited to react to every temporary spike in gasoline prices or every disruption in global shipping lanes. Central bankers are supposed to focus on persistent inflationary pressures, not every headline that flashes across a financial news terminal.

Yet economic theory often becomes more complicated when it encounters reality.

The central question is deceptively simple: When does a temporary shock stop being temporary?

If gasoline prices surge for a month, most economists would agree that the increase represents an outlier. But what if prices remain elevated for three months? Six months? A year? At what point does a statistical anomaly become an economic trend? More importantly, when does a cost repeatedly paid by consumers become too economically

significant to be dismissed as noise?

That question is arriving at a politically sensitive moment.

Just weeks ago, President Trump publicly expressed confidence in Warsh’s judgment regarding the future path of interest rates. Since then, however, the White House has become increasingly vocal in its desire for lower borrowing costs. The coincidence is difficult to ignore. If policymakers place greater emphasis on inflation measures that exclude the most extreme price movements, inflation may appear more subdued than traditional headline measures suggest. And if inflation appears lower, the justification for cutting interest rates becomes easier to make.

To be clear, trimmed-mean inflation is not a statistical gimmick. Economists have studied and utilized such measures for decades. Supporters argue that they provide a cleaner signal, helping policymakers avoid overreacting to temporary volatility.

Critics counter with a straightforward observation: Households do not live in a trimmed-mean economy.

Families pay actual prices for

groceries, gasoline, insurance, rent and utilities. They experience inflation in real time, not after economists remove the inconvenient data points. If elevated costs persist long enough to alter household budgets and consumer behavior, excluding those costs may improve statistical precision while diminishing public credibility.

But perhaps the most important question is not whether consumers will accept the new measure. It is whether Wall Street will.

Financial markets ultimately determine long-term borrowing costs. The Federal Reserve directly controls overnight interest rates, but mortgage rates, corporate borrowing costs, and Treasury yields are heavily influenced by bond investors’ expectations for future inflation.

If investors conclude that inflation is genuinely falling, lower short-term rates could translate into lower long-term rates. But if markets view a shift toward trimmed-mean inflation as an attempt to redefine inflation rather than defeat it, the result could be exactly the opposite.

Want to replace those prickly, overgrown hollies? Ouch!

If you have lived in your house for at least 10 to 15 years, you probably have some foundation plantings you would like to replace, especially if they are the sticky, hard-tomaintain hollies.

When most houses were built, unless you hired a landscape designer or landscape architect, the foundation plantings were chosen by the builder to soften the line between the house and the land. The plants may have been selected because they were inexpensive or chosen for their size because at the time they filled up the space. Most landscaping budgets are inadequate for the number and types of plants needed.

Plants, shrubs and trees should be chosen for their mature size; otherwise, they will eventually outgrow their space. This is the plight of many foundation plantings. Once trees and shrubs start blocking windows and walkways, interfering with roofs and gutters, or causing damage to the foundation, it is time to make a change.

The foundation plantings in your garden are the plants you put around the house, close to the walls, under the windows and beside the doors. These plants are used in landscape design to blend a building with its setting and obscure any undesirable features of the foundation.

Most landscapers suggest two to four different types of evergreen shrubs in a foundation landscape. Choose one or two types of vertical plants to anchor a corner or for tall vertical spaces on the front of a house. Choose one or two types of round or mounding evergreens for under windows. If your home is symmetrical, you can repeat the same pattern on the other side. Another rule of thumb is using odd numbers, such as one, three or five of the same plant, to create visual balance in the landscape.

Too many different types of shrubs can make the design very busy and distract from, rather than accent, your house. My preference is to first choose the majority of foundation plantings as evergreens in order to add structure and year-round interest.

Once you have planted your evergreen shrubs, you can then add shrubs that have foliage colors other than green, which may also flower in different seasons. Small pockets in your design can also be left open for smaller perennials and annual flowers for seasonal color. If you have the right space in your design, plant several vertical shrubs for interest. There is a high demand for dwarf shrubs

that fit under low windows and are great for smaller homes and landscapes. Many new and exciting shrubs on the market far outperform what was routinely used in the past and fulfill the needs of today’s homeowners. If planted with their mature size in mind, they will not outgrow their space.

When choosing a new tree or shrub, remember its mature size before planting. Place the center of the plant no closer to the foundation (or the plant next to it) equal to half of its mature width plus 1 foot. For example, a 6-footwide mature shrub should be planted at least 4 feet (3 plus 1) away.

Below are 10 of my favorite foundation plantings. I have listed the smallest size variety to the largest within each plant name. They are all evergreen except for the Japanese maples. In addition, these shrubs can have foliage colors other than green and may also flower in different seasons.

1. Distylium (Full sun to part shade): Has a range of leaf color and growth habits. Cultivars include Little Champ, Cinnamon Girl, Swing Low, Emerald Heights, Vintage Jade and Linebacker.

include BananAppeal and Florida Sunshine.

8. 'Inkberry' holly (Full sun to part shade): A native plant. Suggested cultivars include Strongbox and Gem Box Prime.

9. Dwarf pieris (Part shade to full shade): Produces white blooms in spring. Suggested cultivars include Cavertine, Mt. Snow and Prelude.

10. Evergreen ferns (Part shade to full shade): Add fine texture and interest, fill in small spaces and are deer-resistant. Suggested cultivars include the Autumn Brilliance fern, East Indian holly fern and Christmas fern.

Your home's landscape should be an inviting frame, not an overgrown barrier. Take a walk around your yard this week to evaluate which legacy shrubs have overstayed their welcome. Swapping out a few high-maintenance hollies for a dynamic mix of colorful, evergreens is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your home's value and neighborhood curb appeal.

Happy Gardening!

2. Camellia sasanqua (Part shade): Slim and trim. Flowers in the fall and is a good candidate for an espalier, meaning it can be trained to grow flat against the house. Suggested cultivars include the October Magic series, which features 11 varieties.

3. Arborvitae (Full sun to part shade): The cultivars Fire Chief, Golden Child and Tater Tot are round in shape. The cultivars North Pole, Emerald Green, Sling and Forever Goldy provide vertical interest.

4. Japanese maple (Part shade): A small tree used as a specimen or focal point, offering vibrant fall color. Cultivars include Tamukeyama, Red Dragon and Crimson Queen.

5. Boxwood (Full sun to part shade): Used as low borders and hedges. Suggested cultivars include Franklins Gem, Little Missy, Green Velvet, Wintergreen, Sprinter, Green Tower and Graham Blandy.

6. 'Blue Point' juniper (Full sun): Provides vertical interest and blue-green foliage.

7. Yellow anise tree (Illicium parviflorum, part shade to full shade): Features a fragrant licorice or anise scent and yellow foliage in all seasons. Cultivars

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. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia.com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.

Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market every other weekend. We will also have a booth at the Crabapple Festival in Milton on Oct. 3, 2026.

Learn more at nfmg.net.

About the author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Roswell resident Pat Camp. Pat has been a Master Gardener for 26 years, has worked as a landscape designer at a local nursery and is a Georgia Certified Plant Professional. Her cutting garden, which she started five years ago, is her newest passion where she continues to add new and interesting flowers every year. Her flower garden is a virtual banquet for a multitude of pollinators. Pat enjoys making flower bouquets from her garden for her home and to share. Pat enjoys sharing her love of nature and flowers with others, especially her grandchildren.

RE:

Parcel ID 18 349 05 002

125 Perimeter Center W Atlanta, GA 30346

YOU CAN USE LOCAL NEWS

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To Whom It May Concern:

SmartMED, LLC. is seeking a Special Land Use Permit from the City of Dunwoody for a medical practice with a drive-thru care component.

Please accept this written notice of an applicant-initiated meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Ashford Lane to discuss the scope of services/project.

Former PNC Bldg.

125 Perimeter Center W Atlanta, GA 30346

For questions, please contact Stacy Lathrop at stacy.lathrop@ smartmeddrivethru.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody City Council will meet Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338 for the purpose of due process of the following:

RZ 26-01 & SLUP 26-01, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road: The Kroger Co. requests a rezoning to modify the zoning conditions for the property to allow the development of a grocery store with an associated gas station; a Special Land Use Permit for a drive-through pharmacy; and 4 concurrent variances to allow relief from design standards for drive-throughs and gas stations, streetscape requirements, and pedestrian circulation requirements.

MMSP 26-01, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road: The applicant, The Kroger Co., seeks a Major Master Sign Plan for 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA, 30338.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Dunwoody Planning Commission will meet Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Dunwoody City Hall, which is located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338 for the purpose of due process of the following:

RZ 26-04, 209, 211, 219 & 223 Perimeter Center Parkway and 1051 Hammond Drive: High Street Development, LLC requests to modify the zoning conditions for the property to amend the site plan and ratio of approved uses for Block 6 of the High Street development.

RZ 26-05, 1200 & 1240 Ashwood Parkway and 4754 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Ashwood Grove LLC requests a rezoning from the O-I district to the PD district to allow the development of 122 attached homes.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department at 678-382-6800. Staff is available to answer questions, discuss the decision-making process, and receive comments and concerns.

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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.

Part-Time

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.

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

Continued from Page 17

Aiken: SHOP LOCAL

Bond investors may demand higher yields to compensate for perceived inflation risk, pushing long-term Treasury rates and mortgage rates higher even as the Federal Reserve cuts short-term rates.

In other words, the policy could backfire.

Economics has always depended on confidence. Inflation measures work because people trust them. Monetary policy works because markets believe it. The Federal Reserve is certainly free to change the “ruler” it uses to measure inflation.

The question is whether investors will accept the new measurements or decide that the “ruler” itself has become part of the problem.

DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.

The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates.