Dunwoody Crier - May 14, 2026

Artists, crowds flock to Dunwoody festival

By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The popular and award-winning Dunwoody Art Festival returned to Dunwoody Village Parkway for Mother’s Day weekend, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant outdoor celebration of art, music and community.

Located just minutes from Perimeter Mall and behind the Dunwoody Post Office, the festival stretched along picturesque Dunwoody Village Parkway, where artists and artisans from across the country showcased paintings, photography, folk art, glasswork, metalwork, fiber art, ceramics and culinary creations.

“The businesses in the Village area love having the big crowds in front of their doors to help showcase their shops and restaurants, and we are excited to let the fun artisans and vendors hang out in the Parkway,” said Cindy Flynn, co-owner of Splash Festivals and producer of the event.

DeKalb Schools delays redistricting process

By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County School District is overhauling its Student Assignment Project that was initially slated to close dozens of schools.

The overhaul, first discussed at the Student Assignment Project Committee

meeting on April 29 and reported by Decaturish on April 30, received an official district announcement on May 5. The project will now focus on cluster-based community engagement.

The decision follows more than 10,000 community feedback submissions, with the majority of submissions opposing school closures.

The closure and redistricting effort is due to a significant enrollment decline seen broadly across metro Atlanta. With 110,000 seats and about 90,000 students, the district is trying to become more fiscally efficient by balancing buildings, boundaries and programs.

“We learned that the process felt too top-down,” Sauce said in a video update

about the SAP process. “We learned that the student experience was not enough at the forefront of the conversation. We learned that the scenarios felt predetermined and that it didn't make sense to separate buildings from boundaries, boundaries from programs.”

See SCHOOLS, Page 18

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County making progress on tire dumping ordinance

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County is considering ways to curb tire dumping and the improper disposal of other bulky items. An ordinance under consideration includes a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for individuals, as well as the potential loss of a business license for commercial tire producers.

The Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee deferred the ordinance on May 5 for two weeks. DeKalb Policy Analyst Marcus Allen said the staff still needs to make a couple more tweaks.

“The purpose of this legislation is that first of all, illegal scrap tire dumping is, of course, plaguing residential neighborhoods and business districts across the county, causing environmental, public health and public safety challenges,” Allen said. “These proposed amendments strengthen regulations for scrap tire enforcement and establish updated penalties for unlawful dumping in unincorporated DeKalb County.”

Illegal tire dumping occurs when scrap tires are disposed of in areas not permitted for waste processing or storage, such as stream banks, public rights-of-way and undeveloped private land.

In 2025, DeKalb County collected more than 37,000 tires. The county also recently hosted an amnesty day at the tax commissioner’s office for residents to dispose of up to 10 tires for free.

Commercial dumping

During an ERPS Committee meeting in November, county staff noted that some businesses and haulers are the primary drivers, as they may be trying to avoid disposal fees.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) manages scrap tire transportation by permitting generators, haulers and processors. In DeKalb County, there are 150 businesses permitted to generate tires and 15 haul-

ers. There

A business must work with a carrier to transport the material to a disposal facility, but there may be a delivery fee to the processing center.

The draft ordinance says that anyone who dumps business-related tires would face felony charges. This would apply to incidents in which the total weight of material is 500 pounds or more, according to state law.

DeKalb’s ordinance requires tire generators to work with authorized carriers to haul scrap material to a recycler or processing center. If they work with an unauthorized carrier, the business owner could have their business license revoked and have to wait one year to apply for another license.

“Convicted violators are financially responsible for all cleanup costs, environmental remediation and any civil damages sought by the private property

owners,” Allen added. “Then lastly, the county does reserve the right to allow state or federal agencies to file separate charges, ensuring that a violator can be held accountable across multiple levels of government.”

Violations and penalties

The draft ordinance states that an individual may not store more than 25 scrap tires.

Violations begin with a warning for the first one, provided the violator removes the dumped material. Other violations involving two or more dumped tires would be misdemeanors, with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

“The code will distinguish between minor personal disposal issues and more serious offenses to allow for educational enforcement where appropriate,” Allen said. “That is the crux of what has been

See TIRE, Page 18

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TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Dunwoody can still seize innovation opportunity it missed

In 2011, at the request of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce, I wrote a business plan for an innovation center in our city. The idea was simple: create a place where entrepreneurs, engineers and investors could come together to build companies, create jobs and shape Dunwoody’s economic future. The city declined.

A year later, something interesting happened. The Georgia Secretary of Economic Development reviewed that same plan and asked if it could be used elsewhere. I agreed, and that plan became part of what would ultimately take shape in Peachtree Corners.

Today, we see the result. The Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners stands as one of the most recognized innovation ecosystems in the country. It attracts global companies, supports startups and showcases emerging technologies in real-world environments. It has become a magnet for investment, talent and attention. And it started with a plan Dunwoody chose not to pursue.

Two years ago, Dunwoody commissioned Boyette Strategic Advisors to study whether an innovation center would make sense here. Their conclu-

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

sion was clear: Dunwoody has both the need and the opportunity, and the impact could be significant.

The question before us today is not whether this works. We already know it does. The question is whether we are willing to act.

I have had a front-row seat to innovation for much of my career. After my time at IBM, I helped launch one of the first venture capital funds in the Southeast, the Advanced Technology Development Fund. We worked closely with the Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech, which was created to retain engineering talent in Georgia. Earlier in my career, as CEO of Timex Computer Corporation, I introduced the first personal computer ever sold for under $100. That breakthrough democratized computing, making it accessible to millions of people for the first time and reinforcing a simple truth: Innovation is not just about invention. It is about access, scale, and expanding who gets to participate.

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.

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

At the time, our state’s economy was still largely defined by agriculture. We were known for peanuts and peaches. Gov. George Busbee recognized that Georgia Tech was producing world-class engineers, but too many were leaving the state for opportunity elsewhere.

The response was deliberate: build an ecosystem, provide capital, support entrepreneurs, and connect universities, businesses, and government. The result is the Georgia we live in today, a

DRIVEWAYS

technology-driven economy that competes on a global stage.

Organizations like the Technology Association of Georgia have helped knit that ecosystem together, creating networks that support innovation across industries, and Dunwoody sits at the center of it all.

We are minutes from Georgia Tech, surrounded by major corporations, connected by MARTA, and supported by infrastructure that most cities can only hope for. Even more importantly, we are surrounded by industry sectors that are defining the future. Companies like State Farm anchor what could become an insure-tech corridor. Financial technology is already thriving nearby, led by Fiserv. Just next door in Sandy Springs, UPS reminds us that logistics technology and supply chain innovation are also part of Dunwoody’s natural opportunity. These are not abstract ideas. These industries are already operating in and around our backyard.

And yet, we have not created the platform to bring them together with startups, entrepreneurs and emerging talent.

See ROSS, Page 18

Puzzles

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 4, 5 and 5 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!

COMBOS

1. One-dish meal. Vega’s constellation. Be naughty (Comb).

2. 1965 Robert Culp TV show. (Comb). Andes beast. Rube.

3. Like some beers (Comb). Fleshy fruit. Ice house.

4. Scotch garb. Plumbing problem. Flying ace (Comb).

5. Lima’s land. Start of day (Comb). Surrender word.

6. Giggle (Comb). Chess piece. Church official.

7. Low water mark. Kind of situation (Comb). Shakespeare’s stream.

Combos

1 One-dish meal. Vega’s constellation. Be naughty (Comb)

2. 1965 Robert Culp TV show (Comb). Andes beast. Rube.

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. Like some beers (Comb). Fleshy fruit. Ice house.

4. Scotch garb. Plumbing problem. Flying ace (Comb).

5. Lima’s land. Start of day (Comb). Surrender word.

6. Giggle (Comb). Chess piece. Church official.

7. Low water mark. Kind of situation (Comb). Shakespeare’s stream

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

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Perimeter Center stakeholders share vision for future growth

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — More than 200 business leaders, developers and elected officials gathered May 5 for the second annual Envision Perimeter summit, where speakers touted the ongoing evolution of Central Perimeter from a business district into a vibrant, walkable community.

The meeting was presented by Perimeter Community Improvement Districts and held on the 16th floor of the 2002 Perimeter Summit building. Attendees could look over Interstate 285 and see the King and Queen buildings, landmarks for the area that spans Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Brookhaven. More than 157,000 employees work at 10,000 companies in Central Perimeter with its easy access to I-285 and Ga. 400 and four MARTA stations.

Major corporations continue to locate and expand in Central Perimeter, such as Insight Global, Newell Brands, American International Group and TriNet, she said. Infor, a global business cloud software company, recently announced it was moving its headquarters to Dunwoody.

“These are huge successes for our three cities,” Hanlon said.

But offices are not the only spaces filling up. Hundreds of apartments have opened in recent years and hundreds more are in the pipeline. Developers of mixed-use developments like High Street and Campus 244 in Dunwoody; Perimeter Pointe, Embassy Row and Hillcrest in Sandy Springs; and Ashford Heights at Perimeter Summit in Brookhaven are including retail, restaurants and greenspaces to create “real communities” where people can live, eat and belong, Hanlon said.

“This is what thoughtful development looks like,” she said.

But Central Perimeter leaders say the commercial hub is moving beyond just commuters driving to work and leaving at 5 p.m. The district also has 47,000 multi-family units, and mixed-use projects are investing in more amenities such as restaurants and trails.

In her State of the District address, Perimeter CIDs Executive Director Ann Hanlon boasted Central Perimeter as the “safest, cleanest, most accessible business district” in Metro Atlanta.

Perimeter CIDs is a self-taxing district that spans the three cities in DeKalb and Fulton counties. Commercial property owners within the district voluntarily pay more taxes to fund improvements, often in partnership with the local governments.

Popular food truck event rebrands as ‘Dine Around Dunwoody’

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association is giving a fresh identity to one of its popular community traditions, rebranding its Food Truck Thursdays series as “Dine Around Dunwoody” and expanding the concept into a traveling food and music event designed to showcase different parts of the city.

The new series officially launches May 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brook Run Park with an evening centered on familyfriendly dining, live entertainment and neighborhood connection.

DHA President Tim Brown said the event may carry a new name and branding, but its mission remains rooted in bringing residents together.

“We took a look at a lot of things last year, made some assessments about the viability of the event, and felt like we were ready to do some new things,” Brown said.

DHA and Red Bird Events started Food Truck Thursdays in 2013 with support from the Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department. It became a fixture at Brook Run Park and attracted close to 1,000 attendees each week. Red Bird Events is no longer associated with the series.

The rebrand includes a new logo, dedicated social media pages managed by

Dunwoody’s traditional Food Truck Thursdays is changing its brand to “Dine Around Dunwoody,” expanding with more menu options and music. The Dunwoody Homeowners Association will launch the inaugural event May 21 at Brook Run Park.

DHA and a broader entertainment focus.

The May kickoff will feature live music from G Clef & The Playlist, a band Brown described as energetic and crowd-pleasing.

Food offerings are also shifting toward more traditional family fare, he said. While food trucks will still be part of the series, Brown said attendees can expect options aimed at appealing to all ages, including hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, soft-

DeKalb

serve ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and popsicles from King of Pops. Chick-fil-A will also have a tent on site, along with the company’s well-known mascot cow.

“We want families to know everyone can find something they want,” he said. “If the kids don’t want tacos and just want popcorn, there’ll be popcorn.”

He encouraged residents to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the

evening at the park. And, Brown is already planning what he will have for dinner at the inaugural event: a burger, a Chickfil-a chicken sandwich, a popsicle and ice cream sandwich.

“I will be ingesting from all the major food groups,” he said with a chuckle.

A key part of the new concept is mobility. Unlike the traditional Food Truck Thursdays model, Dine Around Dunwoody will rotate locations throughout the city to introduce residents to different gathering spaces and commercial districts.

On June 18, Dine Around Dunwoody heads to the courtyard at Spruill Center for the Arts Education Center. There will be no Dine Around Dunwoody in July because DHA is busy sponsoring the annual Fourth of July parade. DHA will host the Aug. 20 event at High Street’s courtyard amphitheater. A location for the Sept. 17 gathering is not yet decided, Brown said. The series will return to Brook Run Park in Oct. 29 for the city’s annual “Truck or Treat” Halloweenthemed party.

Brown said the updated format is intended to strengthen community ties while helping residents discover more of what Dunwoody has to offer.

“Each event is a chance to check out a different spot in Dunwoody, enjoy good food and music, and connect with neighbors and friends,” he said.

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Expand your family by four furry little feet; meet Baby Carrot 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 Baby Carrot or if you have questions about adopting, fostering or volunteering please email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Baby Carrot goes to a good home. Come visit Baby Carrot and hundreds of other adoptable pets at DeKalb County Animal Services today at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30340.

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. Your love and kindness can make all the difference.

Dunwoody family marks milestone with 4th generation of Eagle Scouts

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Jay “Houston” Hickey, 16, from Dunwoody, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout May 3 during a Court of Honor ceremony at the Dunwoody Nature Center.

He becomes the fourth generation of his family to achieve Scouting’s highest honor.

Hickey, a member of Scout Troop 477 based at Kingswood Church, completed the requirements for Eagle Scout on March 29 after more than a decade in the program. He is a student at Riverwood International Charter School, where he plays trumpet in the marching band and serves as equipment manager.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Hickey designed and built custom equipment carts for the Riverwood marching band. The carts were built with the help of family members, fellow Scouts, band students, neighbors and friends, who contributed more than 300 hours of service over two days.

Hickey designed the carts to fit precisely inside the band trailer, allowing equipment to be transported more efficiently without requiring tie-downs. Hickey said the carts also could support future marching band props.

He also recently earned the rank of command sergeant major in his school’s Junior ROTC program and received the Semper Fidelis Award. He turned 16 the day after his Eagle Scout ceremony.

According to his family, Hickey has accumulated more than 100 nights of camping and hundreds of miles of hiking and canoeing during his Scouting career. He also has provided or led more than 325 hours of community service and once assisted in rescuing a hiker in North Georgia who was suffering a medical emergency on a trail.

Hickey is a national youth leadership trainer, has served as senior patrol leader for local, council and national Scouting groups and holds a black belt in Taido Karate.

Continued from Page 8

His Eagle Scout recognition also continues a family tradition spanning nearly a century. Hickey’s great-grandfather, Rolet Vernon Hickey, grandfather, Jay Lindy Hickey, and father, Jay Barnard Hickey, all earned the Eagle Scout rank.

Only about 4 percent of Scouts nationally achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, according to Scouting America. Houston’s father said that four consecutive generations earning the distinction is incredibly rare.

“The odds of achieving this over four generations is approximately 0.000072 or 72 in a million using All-time American figures,” Jay B. Hickey said. “Whatever the number, it is a testament to his dedication to climb ‘Eagle Mountain’ and continue a legacy of nearly 100 years of Hickey family Scouting.”

As part of the ceremony, the family arranged for “Patriot,” a bald eagle ambassador from the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri, to appear at the event.

Jay ‘Houston’

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Every

Older Americans Month

Preserving independence through personalized care

Brought to you by - Home

Every May we celebrate Older Americans Month, honoring a generation that is bringing about an unprecedented transformation. The population of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 – a 47% increase. By 2035, older adults are projected to outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history. The number of adults aged 85 is the fastest growing portion of seniors, and has nearly quadrupled in the last 25 years.

As we live longer, it’s important to understand that proactive wellness is an important part of daily life that goes beyond “crisis” care. In-home care is not just for those facing physical challenges. It is a launchpad for a healthier, more active life. Personalized care has emerged as a linchpin that allows your older loved one to remain in the warmth and comfort of home, scaled to what they actually need to help them navigate aging at their own pace.

A well matched, skilled Home Helpers caregiver can help with “lifestyle pillars” that build a strong foundation for your older loved one long before serious health issues develop. Healthy habits like encouraging a consistent sleep schedule to taking vitamins and medications reinforce daily choices that lead to longer term vitality. A caregiver can also notice “small things” and subtle changes before they become problems.

Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone, it’s about having the support to live in a familiar environment. A heart centered caregiver can encourage movement by building it into daily routines with safe exercise support and functional mobility, like walking or gardening. Nutritional support helps avoid the pitfalls of processed foods. In home care can ensure that eating well remains a priority with food preparation and maintaining a balanced diet that meets specific needs – such as low sodium or heart healthy choices. Regular hydration helps prevent dehydration, a frequent trigger for hospitalizations. Caregivers also help combat a growing epidemic of loneliness, helping your loved one stay involved with family, friends and their community by providing a vital social link.

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A better way to heal

How robotic surgery is transforming gynecologic care

Brought to you by – Dr. Nathan Mordel, Wellstar robotic gynecologic surgeon

Surgery can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re thinking about recovery. Many people worry about pain after surgery and how long it will take to get back to their normal routine. Fortunately, advances in gynecologic surgery have changed that.

For more than 200 years, gynecologic procedures such as hysterectomies—surgery to remove the uterus—have been performed using large abdominal inci-

sions. These surgeries, called laparotomies, involve cutting through multiple layers of tissue. Recovery can be lengthy and often comes with significant discomfort and a higher risk of long-term complications.

About 40 years ago, a better approach emerged: minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Today, hysterectomies can be performed laparoscopically, using small incisions—about a third of an inch—and a camera to guide the surgeon. Compared to open surgery, this method reduces pain, shortens recovery time and lowers the risk of complications.

Technology has taken MIGS even further with robotically assisted techniques. Using a computer-controlled system equipped with a high-powered camera, surgeons guide robotic arms that hold surgical

tools. This provides enhanced dexterity and 3D visualization, helping surgeons perform complex procedures more precisely and efficiently.

Even with these advancements, about half of hysterectomies in the U.S. are still performed using open surgery—but most don’t require it. The majority of major gynecological procedures can be performed with MIGS to treat conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, vaginal prolapse and ovarian tumors.

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Robotic techniques also allow surgeons

to treat the most complex cases. Advanced gynecologic conditions such as stage 4 endometriosis may involve nearby organs, including the colon, rectum, bladder and ureters. These cases require the highest level of surgical expertise and coordinated care. At Wellstar North Fulton, robotic gynecologic, colorectal and urologic specialists collaborate to evaluate each patient and perform surgery at the same time. As technology continues to evolve, so does MIGS. Robotically assisted MIGS represents the most advanced form of gynecologic surgery available today—and the benefits for patients are clear. This approach means less pain, smaller incisions and a faster recovery. Most importantly, it helps people get back to their lives sooner.

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Homecare Hi-Lo Vs. adjustable beds: What’s the difference?

If your doctor has ordered a change to your sleep surface, how do you know which one to choose for your home? Here are some pro-tips so that you will soundly sleep as you recover!

Hi-Lo or Adjustable Base? A Hi-Lo bed raises and lowers to aid in getting out of and into your bed. They can go as low as 3.5” from the ground to the bottom of the bed frame (or deck as it is often called) and as high as 34” from the ground to the top of the mattress. Think of the bed acting as a lift recliner! This feature also significantly reduces the strain on the caregiver. Hi-Lo beds also have head and foot adjustments, and many have the Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positions which can increase circulation, lymphatic drainage and can aid in improving bed mobility.

When renting or purchasing a bed, choose one that is appropriate for the user's height and weight! If the user is 5’0,” a bed that only lowers to 15” may not be low enough for them. A bed that lowers to 3.5” is a better choice, and limits fall risk. Additionally, two Hi-Lo Twins can be put together to form one Dual King bed.

A “90 degree turn” bed can also be a

great option for easing caregiver strain. These beds pivot and turn either to the right or to the left to provide easy entering and exiting.

What about Aesthetics? Just because you or your loved one needs a Hi-Lo fully electric bed at home doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice great design! There are many models now that provide clinical features without a clinical look. Mobility Plus Alpharetta has a wide selection of beds from which to choose and services everything they sell.

Are There Mattress Choices? Yes! There are mattresses for all preferences and therapeutic needs! Air-circulating surfaces can reduce pressure points and skin breakdown if a sacral wound is present. Standard foam, gel, and memory foam combinations, waterproof vinyl covers and breathable bamboo, and wool blends are additional materials that provide breathability and promote skin health.

Mobility Plus Alpharetta is here to help! We sell and rent Hi-Lo beds, and are authorized dealers for Invacare, Joerns, Med-Mizer, Sondercare, Golden and more. Call us at 470-545-1827 or visit our showroom M-F 10-5pm or Sat. 9-1pm. We’d love to help you find the best solution for your needs!

The 37th annual DeKalb Senior Olympics gets underway

By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com

GREATER DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs kicked off the 37th annual DeKalb Senior Olympics on Monday, May 4, with an opening ceremony at Exchange Intergenerational Recreation Center on Columbia Drive in Greater Decatur.

The ceremony launched a multiday series of Olympic-

style competitions for adults 50 and older that include track and field, basketball free throw, pickleball, swimming, bowling, table tennis, billiards and more. Participants compete individually or as part of a team, with medals awarded to top finishers in each event.

The DeKalb Senior Olympics coincide with Older Americans Month, observed each May.

— Photos by Dean Hesse

Families stroll through the exhibits during the Dunwoody Art Festival on Saturday, May 9 in Dunwoody, Ga. The annual Mother’s Day weekend event featured artists from across the country, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities along Dunwoody Village Parkway.

Art festival:

Continued from Page 1

Flynn also highlighted the continued partnership with the Dunwoody Rotary Club, whose volunteers assisted artists with unloading vehicles and locating booths during setup.

For many visitors, the festival offered more than shopping. It created an atmosphere where artists and attendees connected through stories behind the work.

John Ellison, owner and artist at Iron Restoration, said his handcrafted cardinals remain among his best-selling pieces.

“Cardinals remind people whenever one appears, a heavenly visitor appears,” Ellison said.

Artist Lori Betts displayed watercolor artwork made from linens, turning everyday household fabrics into decorative art.

The festival drew strong support from the local community. Dunwoody Rotary Club member Fred Brandt said the event reflected the city itself.

“I like it because about one-third of Dunwoody is here,” Brandt said.

Live music added to the festival atmosphere throughout the weekend. Musician Chris Odom said he appreciated performing in an environment centered on families and community rather than nightlife.

“I prefer playing here to bars because people are enjoying their day rather than drinking their troubles away,” Odom said.

Festivalgoers also enjoyed a relocated food court near CrossFit Dunwoody, featuring festival favorites, snacks and beverages. Families gathered in the Kidz Zone, where children participated in face painting, arts and crafts and activities.

Schools:

Continued from Page 1

Sauce said that, moving forward, all these conversations will take place through community-based action groups. Sauce also emphasized that the “student experience” will play a greater role in decision-making, rather than focusing primarily on buildings and numbers.

Next steps

The new approach will proceed in phases rather than addressing the entire district at once. In a joint meeting between DCSD and the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on May 4, Sauce said the district would not have the capacity to conduct 22 cluster-specific conversations simultaneously.

“We recognize the need to move in a tiered-phase manner,” Sauce said at the meeting. “We can't do all of this at once and do so effectively at the level that our community is telling us that they expect and desire, rightfully so.”

The approach will focus on cluster-based action groups. The district will issue a competitive request for proposals (RFP) to hire a community facilitation firm to help conduct these group discussions in the future.

Tire:

Continued from Page 2

requested by commissioners and what we’re looking to accomplish as well.”

Commissioner Ted Terry advocated for a step-up approach to the penalties, where imprisonment could be 30 days and could be escalated for repeated violations.

“If we’re going to make a punishment to put someone in jail for a longer period of time, we have to buttress it with restorative justice and a racial justice component,” Terry said.

Commissioner Nicole Massiah shared some of Terry’s concerns, but supported the fine and imprisonment term in the draft ordinance. It would be up to the county judges to decide what punishment a violator is given.

“It’s not a victimless crime. We’ve got to stop it. It’s costing us a lot of money

Ross:

Continued from Page 4

At the same time, we face a different challenge. Office buildings in Perimeter Center are reporting vacancy rates approaching 30 percent. These are not just empty spaces; they are missed opportunities. An innovation center changes that equation by transforming underutilized space into a hub of activity, bringing startups into proximity with established companies, creating a pipeline for new ideas and new jobs, and connecting

In fall 2026, the district will focus first on setting attendance boundaries for new or newly renovated schools, including Dresden Elementary, Idlewood Elementary, Sequoyah Middle and High and Cross Keys High School.

These schools are set to open from 2027 to 2029, so the district will adjust to accommodate them and prioritize creating a Sequoyah cluster. The final recommendation would be presented to the board for approval in December 2026.

Attendance clusters will require evaluation during this step, which means several clusters could be affected, including Chamblee, Cross Keys, Dunwoody, Druid Hills, Lakeside and Tucker.

In the next phase, scheduled for spring 2027, the district will turn to addressing under-enrollment in the following clusters: Towers, Columbia, McNair, Cedar Grove, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and Miller Grove. All of these clusters are located in south DeKalb.

No decisions have been made through the project so far, and the Student Assignment Project will “continue to evolve with the active involvement of committee members and ongoing community engagement at its core,” according to the May 5 announcement.

Sauce said the district will provide more details about community involvement opportunities before the upcoming school year and encouraged residents to stay engaged as the process continues.

to continue to clean up,” Massiah said.

Commissioner LaDena Bolton, chair of the ERPS Committee, also supported the recommended penalties for an individual.

“I would just like to say to that if it were someone who were hungry and stealing food, or they needed diapers or formula for their child, I would understand wanting that sort of restorative justice pathway, but knowingly dumping, I would like to leave that to the judges to determine based on the totality of the situation, as opposed to us predetermining what that is,” Bolton said.

Commissioner Robert Patrick noted that there was a case in Doraville where 45,000 tires were dumped, requiring four tractor-trailers to clean up the site.

“That’s not right,” Patrick said. “I know there are lots of considerations, but we also have to understand the reason why we would want to have a law like this in place to begin with is to make sure that these instances do not hap-

insure-tech, fintech and logistics innovation into one collaborative ecosystem. It also attracts young professionals who want to live and work where innovation is happening and gives Dunwoody a defined economic identity for the future.

Peachtree Corners has shown us what is possible. Through the Curiosity Lab, the city has moved beyond concept to execution by creating a real-world test environment for emerging technologies. They have built infrastructure to support autonomous vehicles, including a dedicated test track where companies can safely develop and deploy next-generation mobility solutions. They did not

DeKalb Schools Interim Superintendent Norman Sauce discusses updates to the Student Assignment Project at a joint meeting with the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on May 4.

pen again. Frankly, if you’re going to be dumping 45,000 tires in any one of our districts, you should go to jail.”

How to properly dispose of tires

Stratton Kirton is the vice president of corporate affairs at Liberty Tire Recycling. The company has two locations, one in Buckhead and one on the Gwinnett County side of Doraville. The Buckhead facility recycles upwards of 20 million tires annually.

He noted that, according to industry data, about 300 million tires were discarded nationwide in 2023. If not handled properly, tires can trap water, attract mosquitoes and pose a fire hazard.

“If you think about what that means in terms of volume, that’s an enormous amount of volume coming off the road every single day,” Kirton said.

Tires take up space in landfills, so they end up at recycling facilities that specialize in tires. Haulers register with the state and are responsible for transporting scrap tires

just talk about innovation. They built the platform for it.

We do not need to reinvent the model because we helped write it. What we need now is the will to act. This is not just about economic development; it is about relevance. Cities that invest in innovation will lead, and those that do not will follow. Dunwoody has the location, the infrastructure, the industry, and the talent pipeline. It has worked in Peachtree Corners. It has worked in Alpharetta. It has worked in Savannah. It is time for it to be put to work in Dunwoody.

Danny Ross is a founding mem-

from businesses to processing centers.

In his experience, Kirton has also seen that hauler connections are a major cause of illegal tire dumping, as well as illegal dumping at some used tire shops and other shops that do not properly store their scrap tires.

To properly dispose of tires, Kirton recommended that businesses ask a hauler for their state registration number or check the EPD’s website for a list of legal haulers.

“For most people in Georgia, it’s probably going to be a call to their local solid waste authority asking: Does the landfill take tires or is there a convenience center or transfer station that takes tires? What is the cost? Or are you planning an amnesty day?” Kirton said.

Liberty Tire Recycling accepts gate drop-offs at its Doraville facility, but asks that individuals call first to ensure they have a crew available to unload any scrap tires. For more information, visit libertytire. com.

ber of the City Council of Dunwoody and a former venture capitalist who helped launch one of the first technology venture funds in the Southeast. As CEO of Timex Computer Corporation, he introduced the first personal computer ever sold for under $100, helping bring computing to millions. He holds seven patents on syndicated commerce on the internet and has spent his career at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Perimeter:

Continued from Page 6

Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation also spoke at the summit to provide updates on projects affecting the area.

The Ga. 400/I-285 interchange project recently wrapped after eight years of construction. Work recently started on the $4.6 billion Ga. 400 Express Lanes project, and GDOT is expected to select a developer for the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project this year.

Road closings and snarled traffic through Central Perimeter is expected for the next five to 10 years.

GDOT officials have said the express lanes, when finished, will alleviate heavy congestion, save motorists thousands of hours on trips and boost economic development.

“We are building a connected system that gives lots of options and choices

for commuters or if you live here,” said Tim Matthews, GDOT’s express lanes manager, during a panel discussion. “We think this is the right solution for Metro Atlanta.”

Matthews said both express lane projects are about more than cars and roads. The state is partnering with cities, counties and CIDs to also build bridges and trails. Public transit will also be expanded.

Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead, said Central Perimeter’s cities “get it” when it comes to investing in trails and walkability.

Sandy Springs is building segments of the PATH 400 multi-use trail north to Buckhead Drive eventually to the Ga. 400/I-285 interchange. Soon, people will be able to walk or ride bikes from Sandy Springs to Buckhead to the Atlanta Beltline and farther, she said.

“Real estate clients are looking for experiences for their tenants,” Starling said. “Trail networks give that. Investors are attracted here for a reason. This is what the future looks like.”

DEATH NOTICES

Erzulta Duprat, age 88, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 30, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Alfred Kenerleber, age 80, of Roswell, GA passed away on April 30, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rajdeep Kullar, age 59, of Milton, GA passed away on April 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Elaine Tyler, age 89, of Milton, GA passed away on April 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

In Memoriam

Colette Ann Shockley

March 4, 1945 – May 1, 2026

Colette Ann Shockley, of Dunwoody, GA, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 81 on May 1, 2026. Colette was born on March 4, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio and was the third of five children and only daughter of Catherine and Martin Braig. Catherine raised Colette and her four brothers, Ray, Tom, Joe, and Chuck. Colette learned compassion and strength from her mother and perseverance and determination from holding her own with four brothers.

and toys spread love and joy to many adults and children over the years.

Colette grew up a devout Catholic and attended St. Mary’s High School. Her brother, Tom, befriended another Cincinnati local, Richard Allen Shockley (“Rick”) and brought Rick home to meet his family. Rick and Colette fell in love and were married on November 14, 1964. Rick and Colette settled into their first home in Cincinnati and later welcomed two children, Jen and Jeff. In 1972, Rick’s career progressed, and he and Colette relocated their young family to Atlanta, Georgia.

Colette and Rick were founding members of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, Georgia and enjoyed many years of singing in the choir with dear friends. Colette and Rick sent their children to Marist School. Colette actively volunteered in organizing the Marist School fashion show for many years in the early 1980’s. Colette also became an avid tennis player and lifelong fan of the sport. In 1984, Colette and Rick welcomed an unexpected third baby, Jannette, who completed their family and would eventually attend Marist School as well.

Throughout Colette’s life, she loved and adored Madame Alexander dolls. She transformed her love of dolls into a thriving family business, The Littlest Princess Doll Shoppe, in Norcross, GA, for over thirty years. Her passion for dolls

Colette’s greatest legacy was her devotion to her family and to supporting her children and grandchildren, Brandon, Lizzie, Joey, and Wyatt. When her children attended the University of Georgia, she became a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan and loved watching football games with her family, whether she was watching with Jannette and her family or watching at home and talking on the phone with Jen during the game. Seeing and holding her grandchildren gave her the greatest joy and biggest smiles. Even during her final years when dementia had robbed her of her ability to speak, her face would light up when seeing her children and grandchildren. Her joy could not be defeated by any disease. That smile and many other memories will comfort her family in the years to come without her.

Colette is survived by her three children, Jennifer Booth, Jeff Shockley, and Jannette Shockley, her brothers and beloved sisters-in-law, Ray and Bonnie Braig, Tom and Nancy Briag, Joe Braig, and Chuck and Mary Braig, all still in and around Cincinnati, OH, her three grandchildren, Lizzie Shockley, Joe Booth, and Wyatt Schultheiss, and many nieces and nephews. Colette was preceded in death by her mother and father, her beloved husband, Richard, and grandson, Brandon.

Services were held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, Georgia. Colette will later be put to final rest and inurned at All Saints Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757

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