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OPINION

Biggerstaff marks 20 years as ‘Past Tense’ history columnist ► PAGE 8

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September 17, 2026 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976

DeKalb Schools finishes first round of redistricting talks By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County School District’s revamped Student Assignment Project has wrapped up its feedback sessions in its first of three rounds discussing redistricting overcrowding at school clusters. After attempting to redistrict,

consolidate and expand across the entire district earlier this year, the district retreated after the community opposed a proposal to close 27 schools. The current phase of the redistricting effort will focus solely on overcrowding at the Lakeside, Cross Keys, Chamblee, Tucker, Dunwoody, and Druid Hills clusters, all affected by new and expanded

schools opening from 2027-29, meaning the district must be ready by the fall of 2027. New and expanded schools coming soon include Dresden Elementary, Cross Keys High, Sequoyah Middle, Sequoyah High and Idlewood Elementary. In January, the district will begin its redistricting process for undercrowded schools. These

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

See STORIES, Page 16

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Council Member Stacey Harris shares her memories of Sept. 11, 2001 with a student from the Mount Vernon School and an intern with the Dunwoody Preservation Trust during the city’s ceremony held in honor of the 25th anniversary.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is seeking to modify a special land use permit to add a donor -funded indoor facility with four new pickleball courts, growing the center’s existing sports campus. If granted, the 10,500-square-foot pickleball facility would add to the 12 outdoor pickleball courts and single multi-purpose court already on site. The Dunwoody City Council originally granted the MJCCA a special land use permit in 2023 to build the existing courts, and the expansion is prompting an update. The new pickleball facility would be fully enclosed and have “garage-style” doors that can open for fresh air. The building would be constructed across from eight single-family homes in the Dunwoody Glen neighborhood on T illy Mill Road.

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See REDISTRICT, Page 10

Community center looking to add indoor pickleball facility

Dunwoody residents remember, share stories of Sept. 11 DUNWOODY, Ga. — On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the city of Dunwoody wanted to give residents a place to reflect, remember and connect with the community. About 25 residents, city staffers and public safety workers gathered in the council chambers at Dunwoody City Hall on Sept. 11 to participate in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. — the time the north tower of the World Trade Center was struck. A livestream of New York City’s memorial service filled the room as family members of those killed read the names of the 2,977 people who died in the 9/11 attacks.

clusters include Towers, McNair, Cedar Grove, Miller Grove, Columbia and Martin Luther King High School. The district’s current enrollment has dipped below 90,000 despite having 110,000 seats. The 20,000seat gap is not financially efficient, and the district is searching for a solution.

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45+ YEARS IN ATLANTA

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Wrecked vehicles are loaded onto flatbed trucks near the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road in DeKalb County Sept. 7 following a crash that killed 19-year-old Anthony Angeles.

19-year-old dies in crash with GSP car during chase

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ATLANTA — A 19-year -old man died after a state trooper crashed into a truck while chasing stunt driving suspects in DeKalb County Sept. 7, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Shortly before the crash, troopers were in the area of Kilman Drive and Bibb Boulevard in Tucker, responding to reports of illegal stunt driving “involving multiple vehicles that had been moving between locations throughout the night,” GSP said. Several vehicles sped away when troopers arrived. The driver of one of those vehicles, a white Chrysler 300, drove over a curb to get away, prompting a chase. During the pursuit, a trooper driving through the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road collided with a GMC pickup truck, which troopers saw minutes before “participating in the stunt driving activity,” according to GSP. Both vehicles caught fire. GSP said the trooper and his K-9 escaped

through a window, and the trooper immediately went to help the people inside the pickup. Anthony Angeles, a passenger in the pickup, was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The 20-year -old driver, Emilio DeJesus of Conyers, was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He is in stable condition, GSP said. Authorities have not announced charges against him. “We know there will be questions about how this happened, and we share the responsibility of making sure those questions are answered,” GSP said in a statement. The agency is investigating the crash and the circumstances leading up to it, and its Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative review of the agency’s response, “including the actions of the troopers involved and whether applicable policies and procedures were followed.” The trooper involved in the crash has been placed on administrative

leave while the reviews are under way, in accordance with agency policy. “Illegal stunt driving and the deliberate blocking of public roads can put everyone in danger, including participants, other drivers, law enforcement officers and people who simply happen to be nearby. In this case, a young man lost his life,” GSP said. “We owe it to his family, our troopers and the public to understand exactly what happened. We will allow these investigations to establish the facts and will share additional information as we are able. The Georgia State Patrol is committed to the transparency and accountability the people of Georgia expect and deserve.” The agency offered its condolences to Angeles’ family and friends. “The loss of a young life is tragic, and we recognize the impact this has on his family, friends and everyone involved,” GSP said. Appen Media media partner Atlanta News First provided this story.

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OPINION

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Who decides what is true in the age of AI? This week’s headlines about artificial intelligence are frightening. A young researcher, Jacob Coxon, resigned from Anthropic, one of the world’s leading AI companies, warning that the race toward increasingly powerful artificial intelligence could eventually escape human control. Other researchers have raised similarly serious concerns. They deserve to be heard, but as I read page after page about artificial intelligence, I found myself thinking about something more immediate than whether a machine might someday become smarter than we are. Who decides what is true? I have spent much of my life around technology. Computers gave us an extraordinary ability to analyze information, but computers did not decide what questions to ask or what programs to run. Human beings wrote the programs, and those human beings could be brilliant or mistaken, objective or biased, honorable or dishonest. A computer could process the information it was given with remarkable speed, but that never guaranteed that the assumptions behind the program were correct or that the resulting conclusion was wise. Then came the Internet, and suddenly

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we could distribute information almost instantaneously around the world. That was an extraordinary democratization of knowledge, but the Internet could distribute a lie just as efficiently as it could distribute the truth. Artificial intelligence now brings those two revolutions together. It can analyze enormous quantities of information and communicate its conclusions almost instantly, while increasingly creating convincing photographs, voices and videos of things that may never have happened. That should concern us, but I do not believe the answer is to fear the technology or stop its development. We have confronted disruptive technologies before. The Industrial Revolution frightened people, and so did computers and the Internet. Each created genuine problems as well as extraordinary human progress. The lesson from those experiences should be precaution rather than paralysis: understand the dangers, establish reasonable safeguards, and continue to pursue the benefits that technological progress can bring. I grew up in Winnfield, Louisiana. One of my lifelong friends, Bill Long, is a nephew of Huey P. Long, and Bill

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has written about authoritarianism and propaganda. Thinking about his observations caused me to reflect on something societies have confronted throughout history: propaganda did not begin with artificial intelligence. Huey Long understood the revolutionary communications technology of his time, radio, and used it to speak directly to people on a scale that earlier politicians could scarcely have imagined. Radio did not invent propaganda, nor did television or the Internet, and AI will not invent it either. What changes with each technological revolution is its power, speed and reach.

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I do not believe the answer is to fear the [AI] technology or stop its development.

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DUNWOODY HOME TOUR

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PAID CONTENT

An Extraordinary 3-Acre Estate

Modern Farmhouse Masterpiece, Beautiful Gardens and Elaborate Model Train Display Provided by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club Step through the front door and you will immediately feel the appeal of this extraordinary modern farmhouse, the result of a two-year renovation. Soaring ceilings and windows featuring expansive views of the gardens create a light-filled backdrop for natural wood beams, custom millwork, and carefully layered textures. Every space feels both refined and welcoming—a home designed for effortless gathering, entertaining, and everyday life. This beautiful home is one of the featured residences on the 53rd Annual Dunwoody Woman’s Club Home Tour taking place Friday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the tour support the Dunwoody Woman’s Club’s charitable initiatives and community projects. Home tour tickets are available through several convenient purchase options, listed at the end of this article. The open-concept design draws visitors in, offering seamless sightlines from one inviting space to the next. Abundant natural light highlights French oak flooring, statement lighting, and curated furnishings, while a neutral palette of soft green and cream creates an immediate sense of calm. In the main living area, a dramatic floorto-ceiling fireplace adds warmth and architectural interest, accented by a striking painting of Albert Einstein by the renowned artist Steve Penley. At the heart of the residence is a stunning kitchen that balances beauty and function. Natural wood cabinetry pairs elegantly with dramatic dark granite countertops and warm brass hardware, creating a striking contrast that feels both current and timeless. A generous center island serves as the hub of the home, where expansive windows frame views of the multi-level patio and gardens. The main level also contains the beautifully appointed primary suite. This luxurious retreat features abundant garden views, a vaulted cathedral beam ceiling, and a relaxing sitting area in front of the beautiful stone fireplace. As you tour the home, you will notice custom built-ins and an impressive collection of art and artifacts throughout. Each piece carries a story, blending cherished family heirlooms with meaningful contemporary collections. Upstairs, the home continues to impress with lovely guest

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Step through the front door and you will immediately feel the appeal of this extraordinary modern farmhouse, the result of a 2-year renovation. suites, each styled in its own warm, inviting color palette. The large terrace level with kitchen offers the family a place for recreation and relaxation, while the most delightful surprise is its dedicated train room, showcasing an elaborate model railroad complete with meticulously crafted landscape and vignettes, surrounded by a 360-degree mural. This display reflects a lifelong passion and

extraordinary attention to detail, offering a glimpse into a hobby built over time. While the home’s architecture is spectacular, its personal touches make it truly unforgettable. From the sundrenched living areas to the magical train room, this residence blends timeless luxury with personal history. It is a home designed to be lived in and enjoyed —making it a spectacular addition to this year’s Home Tour.

More information Purchase tickets in any of the following ways: • Online: dunwoodywomansclub.com/eventtickets/ • In person: The Enchanted Forest (Dunwoody Hall Shopping Center) or Judy & Grace Boutique (The Shops of Dunwoody) • From a club member: Purchase directly from any Dunwoody Woman’s Club member. • Dunwoody Farmers Market: Brook Run Park, September 12, 19 & 26, 9a.m.-12p.m. • QR code: Scan the QR code on the right to purchase tickets instantly. Will call Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the Spruill Center for the Arts, located in the Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center (5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody). If you need more home tour tickets, they will be available for sale during this time:

• Monday–Thursday September 28–October 1st: 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. • Friday October 2nd (Tour Day): 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon The Spruill entrance is located in the center of the building. Parking is available directly in front of the entrance and on the right side of the building near the Dunwoody Library. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on tour day. We look forward to seeing you at the home tour and appreciate your support. Remember, profits of the tour help fund our charitable projects. Buy your tickets today! www. dunwoodywomansclub.com/event-tickets/ For more information about the Dunwoody Woman’s Club, go to dunwoodywomansclub.com.

Experience Art in the Gardens & The Return of Our Popular Raffle! New for 2026! The Dunwoody Woman’s Club is partnering with the Dunwoody Fine Art Association to bring talented en plein air artists to the gardens of two featured homes. Watch the artists paint outdoors, purchase original artwork directly from the easel, or visit a boutique gallery at one of the featured homes showcasing additional works by local artists. Our popular raffle returns with three spectacular prizes: • An original, matted and framed painting, “Cloisters, Sorrento,” by artist Pat Fiorello. • A $1,000 shopping spree at Lauderhill’s Fine Jewelry. • A luxurious Face Haven Spa gift basket valued at $1,000 Available on Tour Day Only! Raffle tickets, original artwork from the en plein air artists and artwork featured in the boutique gallery will be available for purchase exclusively during the Home Tour. Be sure to bring cash or a credit card to enter the raffle and shop for one-of-a-kind artwork.

6 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

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OPINION

What playing rec league softball with my son taught me about community My wife and I moved to Atlanta over 20 years ago, knowing very few people and having no family in the city. Neither of us is from here. We found our footing the way a lot of transplants do, through the local community center down the street — in our case, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Our kids grew up there. Somewhere between the pools, sports camps and carpool line, it stopped being a place we went and became a place we belonged. This year, that belonging took a new shape for me. My son Josh turned 18 in time to join me in the men’s modified softball league that I have played in for years, with and against many of the same guys I have known just as long. For the first time, we were teammates instead of me watching him from the stands, or him watching me from the stands, with one of us always on the sideline. I’ve been there for every part of Josh’s baseball life: hour-plus drives for twogame weekends, rain delays, driveway lessons after school, more games than I can count. Watching him become the ballplayer he is today has been one of the great joys of raising him. So getting to play next to him this season, not coaching or watching him from a

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distance, but actually sharing the field, felt like a full-circle moment. It meant getting to be there with him the way he has always had me there for him. Win or lose, I was just glad to be out there together. It has been a little humbling, too. Josh has started coaching me between innings, telling me what I did wrong on

a play. The frustrating part is that he is usually right. I will admit that much, at least here. What surprised me was how the rest of the league treated him. Josh was easily the youngest player on the roster, 20-plus years younger than some of his new teammates, and not one of them treated him like a kid tagging along. Guys who have known me for a decade made a point of introducing themselves to him and asking about his high school season, and once they got to know each other, the conversations turned into real ones. One of the league’s longtime players, a good-natured elder statesman everyone jokingly calls the uncle of the league, lit up when he found out whose son had just joined. By the third game, Josh was no longer the new guy. He was just a teammate. We do not build many spaces like that anymore. Most of American life sorts people by age almost by default. School sorts kids by grade. Workplaces cluster around career stage. Even our leisure time tends to self-select: adults on one team, kids on another, retirees in their own social orbit. Rec leagues that deliberately mix generations are among the few remaining institutions where an 18-year-old and a 60-year-old end up on the same side of a routine, arguing about plays and games and walking away as something like friends. That mixing matters more than it might sound. There is a growing body of research and no shortage of public warnings from health officials about how disconnected young people, in particular, have become and how much that disconnection costs them. A lot of the proposed fixes are big and structural: rebuild third places, redesign cities, rethink how we work. But some fixes are smaller and more available than that.

They look like a rec league. They look like a book club, a bowling night, a volunteer crew, a faith community — anything that puts teenagers, parents and grandparents in the same room working toward the same small goal. Josh spent his season getting to know men who are 23, 40 and 60, in a setting casual enough to make the age gap disappear. That kind of relationship does not really exist anywhere else in a typical 18-year-old’s life. It has already started paying off in ways unrelated to softball. Josh is heading to college this fall, and he ended up joining a fraternity that is not predominantly Jewish, a choice he felt free to make precisely because he already had a community built elsewhere. He knows people across a wide range of ages who know him, check in on him and would show up if he needed something. He did not need one group to be his entire social world, so he could go find a new one on its own terms. Such confidence is not unique to any one institution or team. It is what happens whenever young people are given a real seat at an adult table instead of a separate one. That is the part I want other parents, and honestly anyone weighing whether to join one of these leagues themselves, to hear. It is easy to think of a rec league as just a game on a Sunday. But the relationships built there travel. They show up later as a reference, a favor, a familiar face in a new city or a reason a young person feels less alone during a difficult transition. The wider that net gets cast now, at any age, the more it tends to pay out later, usually in ways that have nothing to do with the game itself. I did not sign up to play softball with my son this spring expecting to learn anything new about community. I just wanted an excuse to spend more Sunday mornings on the same field as him, especially since I knew he was leaving to be a freshman in college. But somewhere between the good-natured ribbing about being father and son and the warm welcome Josh got from men three times his age, it became clear that leagues like this are doing something bigger than keeping score. They are quietly holding together the kind of cross-generational community that most of modern life has stopped making room for. If you are weighing whether to join a rec league, invite your teenager onto your team or sign up for any activity that mixes ages, as most of daily life no longer does, my answer is simple: do it. You might get coached by your own kid. You will probably be glad you did.

— Ryan Gotlieb

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8 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

PAST TENSE

Celebrating 20 years of writing Past Tense In the early 2000s, I enjoyed reading the Past Tense columns of Jim Perkins in the Dunwoody Crier newspaper. He authored the column from 1994 until 2006. His articles about the Hightower Trail, Roswell Railroad and history of local road names made me curious to learn more. In 2006, Dick Williams owned the VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF Dunwoody Crier and Cathy Cobbs Columnist was managing editor. I noticed an article by Cobbs in the Crier letting readers know they needed someone to take over writing the Past Tense column. Because of health issues, Jim Perkins was retiring from his position as “unofficial historian.” He would mentor the person who took over the column. As a person who loved local history and writing, I didn’t take long to consider and put my name in the hat. One of Perkins’ article suggestions for my trial run was the history of the land where DeKalb-Peachtree Airport is located. My first Past Tense article, “DeKalb-Peachtree Airport’s past life,” was published Sept. 13, 2006. I wrote about World War I Camp Gordon and World War II Naval Air Station Atlanta, both of which were once on the land that is the airport today. Since my mom was born in DeKalb County and was interested in family and local history, I asked her what she knew about Camp Gordon. She said my paternal grandfather was sent there for training in 1918. That sparked my interest even more, and Camp Gordon became the subject I have written about most frequently over the years. I also learned the Naval Air Station was used to train reserves during the Korean War. Nick Nicodemus emailed, saying he had been stationed there and recalled the introduction of jet aircraft and the limited size of the runways. Perkins was an immense help in those early years, providing topic ideas and sharing his book and map collection with me. He always added fun to our history talks by telling a joke or two. There have been many people from the generation before mine who shared their stories growing up in the

Ross: Continued from Page 4 But there is a dangerous difference between government protecting us against deception and government deciding what is true, because history shows how easily control over information can become an instrument of authoritarian power. The ultimate responsibility in a free society therefore must remain where it has always belonged: with the individual citizen. We have to ask who is telling us something, what evidence supports it, what assumptions went into the analysis, whether there is

1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Ken Anderson, who had a day named for him by the city of Dunwoody, was the person I relied on the most for those stories. Ken and his sisters, Carolyn and Jane, recalled the celebration at Dunwoody Grammar School when the class completed their World War II savings bond books. Carlton Renfroe remembered when electricity came to Dunwoody. His parents bought a home on Tilly Mill Road in the 1930s, but his mother would not make the move to Dunwoody from Atlanta until the road was paved and electricity was available. They moved to Dunwoody in 1941. Many people have shared their memories, family histories and photographs with me through the years. There are too many to name, but I am grateful to each one. They have helped me gather history from Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Brookhaven and Doraville. When I first started writing Past Tense, it seemed events that happened in my early life were too recent to be considered history. As time went by, subjects such as skating rinks, movie theaters, Rich’s pink pig and telephone party lines became more frequent in the Past Tense column. I know there are others who also enjoy reminiscing about these because thankfully I hear from them by email. Their memories often become part of a follow-up article. Authoring Past Tense also led to my becoming a volunteer and board member of Dunwoody Preservation Trust, where I continue to volunteer. I am now in my fourth year on the board of DeKalb History Center. Am I living in the past? Only when I research and write about local history. The rest of the time it seems crucial to try to keep up with the times, even though I am not always successful with that effort. I still love to hear stories of days gone by, watch old movies and listen to old music. Well, music from the 1960s and 1970s, not so long ago. One more thing you need to know — the photo you see today is the same one that appeared in September 2006. Somehow 20 years have gone by, but I have not aged at all. Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. Write her at pasttensega@gmail.com. Learn more at pasttensega.com.

another credible explanation, who benefits if we believe it, and whether we can verify it independently. In the age of artificial intelligence, we must increasingly ask another question as well: Was what I am seeing or hearing even created by a human being? Education consequently becomes one of our greatest defenses. We should teach our children not merely how to use artificial intelligence, but how to question it, because critical thinking may become one of the most important skills of the AI age. The people developing these systems should listen carefully when knowledgeable researchers raise concerns, and governments should establish reasonable safeguards against

THE ANDERSON FAMILY/PROVIDED

This 1937 photograph in front of the Carpenter home includes, left to right, Amanda Carpenter, Carolyn Andrson Parker, Lucy Carpenter Anderson holding baby Ken, Jane Anderson Autry sitting with Ambry Carpenter.

genuinely catastrophic risks. At the same time, fear should not cause America to surrender the extraordinary benefits of a technology that other nations will continue to develop. There is a distinction we must never lose: intelligence is not wisdom. A machine may someday be able to analyze more information in a minute than I could absorb in a lifetime, but that does not give it a conscience, nor does it relieve me of judgment or responsibility. Perhaps that is the challenge artificial intelligence ultimately presents to us. The more capable our machines become, the more important it becomes that human beings remain capable of thinking for themselves.

Technology can give us information, analyze it, organize it and even recommend what we should believe. Those capabilities can improve medicine, education, science, business and countless other parts of human life, but they can also magnify mistakes and deception. A free society therefore cannot outsource the responsibility for truth entirely to a computer, a technology company, a newspaper, a television network or a government. We can use all of them as sources of information, but the responsibility to question, compare, verify and finally exercise judgment must remain with us.

Danny Ross Dunwoody

COMMUNITY

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adopters will be screened to ensure Acey Wace goes to a good home. Come visit Acey Wace 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. You can also email adoption@dekalbanimalservices. com or call 404-294-2165 for more information. 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.

COME HOME TO ELEGANCE.

PUBLIC NOTICE The 2026 Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 66 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346 The festival will feature more than 20 teams competing in the categories of Beef Brisket, Beef Ribs, Chicken, and Chili. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. This is not just a BBQ event—it’s fun for all, with a vendor village, artisan marketplace, free children’s activities like petting zoos and facepainting, live music, a silent auction, and more. For more information, visit www.theatlantakosherbbq.com

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10 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

COMMUNITY

Sunshine Artist Top 200 list includes local art festival By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody Art Festival has been ranked in the Top 200 most profitable classic and contemporary craft markets nationwide. Sunshine Artist magazine placed Dunwoody’s annual festival 78th among classic and contemporary craft markets in the U.S. based on reports of the previous year’s sales. From February through April of this year, artists and craftspeople listed 10 markets they attended in 2025 and the gross profit from each market. The results were tabulated using a weighted scale based on six sales levels to ensure all events competed against each other fairly. A Mother’s Day weekend tradition, the Dunwoody Art Festival draws

thousands of neighbors and visitors each May to peruse the colorful and creative booths that line Dunwoody Village Parkway. Festivalgoers enjoy a wide variety of arts and crafts including paintings, pottery, metal, mixed media, photography, jewelry and other handmade goods. Splash Festivals produces the popular show. Organizers said they were honored by the recognition and proud of the many Dunwoody volunteers who come out each spring to help the artists and vendors have a successful and welcoming experience. Launched in 1993, Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best is split into two categories: fine art and design, for events that focus on unique, fine-art pieces, and classic and contemporary craft, which includes markets that focus on traditional or modern craft and production work.

DUNWOODY ART FESTIVAL/PROVIDED

A Dunwoody Art Festival attendee admires a hummingbird-shaped light catcher for sale at a vendor booth at the 2025 Dunwoody Art Festival. Sunshine Artist magazine recently ranked the festival as one of the country’s most profitable markets for artists and craftspeople.

Redistrict: Continued from Page 1 Community advisory teams in action The district has begun seeking feedback from residents in the six overcrowded clusters in phase one through surveys, public comments and community advisory teams (CATs) made up of roughly 75 individuals, 10 representing each school in a cluster. To support the process, the district hired two community facilitators for this phase: United Way of Greater Atlanta, which is leading the group conversations for $47,931, and KW Green Consulting, which is documenting the stakeholder feedback analysis for $47,500. The six cluster groups met individually on Sept. 8 and Sept. 10. Dunwoody High School’s meeting included about 60 attendees, broken into groups of four to seven. Along with the parents, several district leaders, including board member Andrew Ziffer, attended to hear group input. United Way facilitator Terri Johnson led the group’s discussion. Each group had about 30 minutes to discuss proposed questions on handouts, including: • “What experiences shape your views?” • “What concerns or opportunities do you want decision-makers to understand?” • “What outcomes are most important to students and families?” Some Dunwoody parents still brought old scenario maps to refer to what the district had previously proposed before it restarted the redistricting process. They felt the district and facilitators should provide more concrete options or topics

JIM BASS/APPEN MEDIA

Parent Vladimir Kelly speaks to his community action team group during a discussion in Dunwoody High School on Sept. 10. so they would know exactly what leaders were looking to change. “We feel like we're on a car ride and don't really understand our destination,” one parent said in the meeting. The district provided no concrete scenarios, just preliminary talking points that garnered feedback, but Johnson said that the next two meetings will be diving deeper into the options. “What you guys are saying here, people may have submitted in the survey, but in our next meeting, we're going to be able to look at some ideas that were formed from what you guys did, so you'll be able to look a little deeper than just submitting your thoughts in a survey,” Johnson said. In the discussions, many parent groups wanted performance and school achievement to be weighted more heavily. Parents also urged maintaining small schools instead of creating “mega-

schools,” which would increase travel time for students. Some groups discussed acquiring building utilization numbers, and others discussed the possibility of the district pushing an unpopular solution that would prompt some parents to move their children to private schools. Another parent capped off the meeting by sharing why she, alongside many others on the community advisory team, had signed up: to participate in a major community decision. “I want to be able to stand in front of the people of Dunwoody and say, not all these choices were easy, but we think that they help everybody, and I'm willing to put my name to it,” one parent said. “Instead of saying ‘sorry. I tried really hard, and I still couldn't make a difference.’” Vladimir Kelly, a parent of four whose oldest attends Chesnut Elementary

School as a first grader, shared that sentiment and signed up to get involved and better understand the community decisions being made. “Everybody is passionate and everybody wants things to be expressed so giving people a soundboard is always important … Emotions were expressed, but some really concrete options were laid out on the table for how we can move forward in a positive way,” Kelly said. Kelly wants the process to help provide more continuity in student success, which he has seen help his own child succeed in school thus far. “I’ve seen in real time how continuity helped my daughter excel from one year to the next. I want that to continue to flourish,” Kelly said. “Of course, there’s uncertainty, things are going to change, but I want some level of continuity. I think that was an overarching theme. Maintaining continuity and maintaining quality education is really important.” Round two of discussions will begin Sept. 22-Oct. 2 to discuss multiple redistricting scenarios. The third and final round will look to refine those options from Oct. 27-29. The next two public comment opportunities outside of the team meetings will be held on Sept. 22 at Tucker High School and Sept. 24 at Cross Keys High School. The engagement sessions are 6-8 p.m. Following further discussions about potential scenarios, the district will also offer public comment sessions on Oct. 20 at Druid Hills Middle School and Oct. 22 at Dunwoody High School. For more information about participating in the upcoming engagement sessions, visit dekalbschoolsga.org/ divisions/access-and-opportunity/sap.

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | September 17, 2026 | 11

DeKalb board upholds denial of Shadowbox data center bid By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 upheld a staff decision denying Shadowbox Studios’ bid to build a massive data center on land once eyed for the film studio’s expansion. The board voted to confirm county planning staff’s June 12 administrative decision to not accept Shadowbox’s request to change its land development permit for film studio land use to data center land use. The studio is seeking to build the more than 1 million-square-foot data center on 155 acres at 3600 International Park Drive in south DeKalb adjacent to its existing studio campus. The planning staff denied the application because the board of commissioners approved a temporary pause on new data center development last year. The board first approved the moratorium last July and since then has extended it three times, with the latest through March 30, 2027. Shadowbox has also sued DeKalb County in superior court, alleging the moratorium is invalid and that it should be allowed to build a data center. The case is pending. Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Mark

DYANA BAGBY/APPEN MEDIA

A proposed site plan for a Shadowbox Studios data center includes several buildings that would be three stories tall and total 1.1 million square feet on 155 acres of undeveloped land in south DeKalb County. Interstate 285 is at bottom right. A line of Georgia Power transmission towers runs through the middle of the site. Goldman said at the start of the discussion the ruling was just to be made on the planning staff’s June 12 decision “and not about how people feel about data centers.” Attorney Simon Bloom, representing Shadowbox, argued during the Sept. 9 meeting that the county’s three written confirmations that a data center could be built on the studio’s property, combined with the roughly $30 million it spent developing the site based on those assurances, established

a vested right to build the data center. He also said the county failed to follow state zoning laws by not advertising its plans to pause data center development. “The county passed a moratorium and extended it three times, and not once in those legislative decisions did the board of commissioners advertise that, provide notice or provide an opportunity to be heard, which flies in the face of due process by the Georgia Constitution and due process

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that’s protected through the United States Constitution,” Bloom said. The attorney continued: “How can the county make a decision to freeze out development progressing on data center uses for two years without so much as giving the public or the property owners that are in fact impacted any notice that those decisions were going to be made? “You don’t need to be a lawyer to be able to determine that that that is a procedural defect in the moratorium, which renders it invalid and incapable of being enforced.” Shadowbox’s requested 651 megawatts of electrical power is comparable to a 600-megawatt data center project proposed in Columbus. A Georgia Power spokesperson told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that the city’s total residential and commercial electricity use is about 550 megawatts. Opponents argued the zoning board of appeals was not the proper venue to give Shadowbox a path to building a data center. Board of commissioners meetings and their agendas, including the proposed — and then approved — resolution to halt data center development, were public, DeKalb resident Jennifer Baugh said. The county approved the moratorium because its zoning code does not specifically address data centers in its land use regulations.

SPONSORED CONTENT

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | September 17, 2026 | 13

PROVIDED

Eaton Academy program helps students transition out of high school By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com When Ally Arant, 19, finished high school, she wasn’t sure what she would do next. Arant has Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects her ability to regulate hunger. She joined Eaton Academy’s College Foundations Program, a bridge program designed to give graduating high school students real-world experience before they move on to the next stage of their lives. The program meets four days a week and combines academics, career exploration and other handson learning. It helps students build confidence as they grow, and it teaches

job skills by placing them with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. While in the program, Arant volunteered at a food bank and a library and worked at a Burlington store. She dreams of becoming a teacher or a teacher’s aide. “With my syndrome that I was born with, it’s pretty hard to go out into the world to get my own job, and the bridge program, I loved,” Arant said. “I got to experience the work world and how real life is.” Her mother, Debbie Arant, said the family enjoyed the experience so much that Ally plans to return next summer to work directly with teachers and take college courses. Brian Uitvlugt, cofounder of Eaton Academy, said last year was the trial run of the College

Foundations Program, which was limited to four or five students. He expects that number to rise. “We want to have students in this program who have the ability at some level to go to college, but they need some more seasoning,” he said. The program’s focus is independent living. Every Thursday, students prepare simple, affordable meals while learning about food safety — skills they can take to college. Moneek Brown, program director, said the idea for College Foundations came from parents. “It stemmed from a need,” she said. “These students graduated from high school and were not quite ready for college, so what can we do while we’re

figuring that out?” Brown said the program is designed for students taking a gap year between high school and college. “We focus on independent living skills, budget skills, shopping — some things we should know as adults that need to be taught,” she said. Uitvlugt said the program isn’t just about preparing students for college. It’s about preparing them for life. “We want every student to leave our program believing they can navigate their future with confidence and independence,” he said. To learn more about the College Foundations Program, visit eatonacademy.org/post-secondary/ college-foundations-program.

14 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

NEWS

DeKalb County CEO answers data center questions By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County officials — and their peers in government positions all around the country — continue to face mounting pressures on how to respond to increased demand for data centers. Data centers are considered the “backbone” of the internet and foundation of the digital world, especially as artificial intelligence and related technologies continue to grow. They’re also a source of tension within communities. Residents continue to push back against data centers and their extensive water and power usage. They also raise concerns about their impacts on the environment and public health. At the same time, data centers dot metro Atlanta, and the area is now the second-largest data center market in the country. State officials say data centers are a boon for local economies. Just over a year ago, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners implemented a temporary ban on data center development to give county planners time to write legislation to regulate data centers because there currently is no definition of a data center in the county’s code. The moratorium was extended several times and legislation was drafted to add data centers as a land use in industrial areas and regulate their location and design, plus provide supplemental review standards. But in June, commissioners voted, surprisingly, to reject the planning staff’s draft text amendment on regulating data centers. Then on July 7, the board voted again to extend the moratorium through March 30, 2027 — almost a year to the day the initial moratorium was approved. This time, however, commissioners said they wanted more than just the county planners’ input on how to deal with data centers. They requested CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to use her authority to ask that other county departments — such as watershed management — analyze how data centers could affect them. Cochran-Johnson answered questions from Decaturish on how she’s handling the commission’s request. Q: Have you directed county departments to conduct research related to data centers? A: Yes. In alignment with the Board of Commissioners’ directive and the county’s extended moratorium on new data center applications, I have initiated a comprehensive, multi‑departmental review to ensure that all potential impacts are fully noted and evaluated

DYANA BAGBY/APPEN MEDIA

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, center, at a July 8 press conference at the Manuel J. Maloof Center. to the extent possible within the various departments. This includes examining infrastructure, public safety, water usage, sewer capacity, environmental effects, and long‑term community impacts. The moratorium itself explicitly calls for departmental review so that future environmental studies, regulations are informed, data‑driven, and protective of DeKalb County residents. Q: What departments have you requested reports from, and what specifically are they asked to evaluate? A: The resolution extending the moratorium directs the CEO to initiate review by “any and all affected County departments,” specifically including: • Watershed Management – evaluating water use, sewer capacity, and system impacts; • Public Safety – assessing emergency response and operational needs; • Transportation, Roads & Drainage – reviewing infrastructure strain and service capacity; • Public Health – considering environmental and human health implications; • Additionally, Planning & Sustainability continues its zoning and land‑use evaluations. Departments are tasked with identifying operational impacts, regulatory gaps, and any changes needed to safely support or regulate data center development. Q: Do you support data centers being built in DeKalb County?

A: The decision of whether and under what conditions data centers should be developed in DeKalb County ultimately rests with the Board of Commissioners, as our legislative body. My role is not to advocate for a particular outcome, but to ensure that whatever policy direction the BOC adopts is supported by thorough analysis, sound planning, and the resources necessary to implement it effectively. My administration is focused on providing the BOC with comprehensive information regarding infrastructure capacity, energy demands, environmental considerations, public safety, fiscal impacts, and community concerns so they can make informed decisions. If the board determines that data centers are appropriate, our responsibility is to ensure there are strong regulations and safeguards in place to protect residents while supporting responsible development. If the board chooses a different path, we will implement that decision with the same level of diligence and professionalism. Independent of the submittal of comprehensive regulations surrounding data centers being provided to my office by the BOC, I am not prepared to support the development of data centers at this time. Q: How do you respond to criticism that studies should be conducted by independent entities rather than county departments? A: I appreciate and understand these concerns. Independence and transparency are essential. Departments

bring critical expertise in infrastructure, water systems, public safety, and health, expertise uniquely relevant to DeKalb’s specific operational realities. So, as a first step, I believe it is important to engage the individuals on the front line of our departments who understand the potential implications of data centers on their respective service delivery. However, the county is also consulting external experts and reviewing regional data to ensure a balanced, comprehensive understanding. Public engagement, such as the county’s town halls on data center development adds an important additional layer of transparency. Q: How closely are you working with members of the Board of Commissioners on regulations and legislation? A: We are working collaboratively with the Board of Commissioners throughout this process. The board requested this review, and my administration is coordinating across departments to provide the technical expertise, data, and operational assessments needed to support their legislative decision-making. While the board is responsible for establishing policy through ordinances and legislation, my office is responsible for ensuring they have the information necessary to make informed decisions and for implementing whatever policy direction they ultimately adopt. Our shared goal is to ensure any regulatory framework is thoughtful, transparent, protects our residents, and positions DeKalb County for long-term success.

Puzzles

rier 9/17/26 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

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!

Dunwoody Crier...........................September 17, 2026 | 15

Dunwoody Crier 9/17/26 Crossword

UP IN A TREE

Across

PuzzleJunction.com

1. Smell bad. “Norwegian Wood” instrument. Keeps the tree grounded. 2. One-dish meal. Cautious. Trees drop them in Fall. 3. Moonfish. A tree’s “clothing”. Fancy spa. 4. It grows on trees. Clan emblem. Seasonal visitor. 5. Lift. Baby’s bed. It’s like an arm on a tree. 6. Upper part of a tree. Martial artist. Slightly open. 7. Up in the air. The body of a tree. Gumbo pod. PuzzleJunction.com

12 13 14 15 16 1 Manila bean 4 Forehead 19 17 18 8 Cool drinks 21 22 20 12 Small brook 3 14 French Sudan, 24 25 26 27 23 today 15 Sugar portions 28 29 30 31 32 33 4 17 Everything’s 36 37 34 35 okay 19 Foxy-faced 5 39 40 41 42 38 primate 20 Flycatcher 44 45 43 21 Baseball players 6 47 48 49 50 46 at the July classic 23 Before, 51 52 53 54 55 poetically /17/26 Sudoku7 24 Alias 60 61 56 57 58 59 Up a Tree 9/17/26 Kakuro PuzzleJunction.com 27 Fizzles out How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle Dunwoody above has Crier three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 63 64 65 62 28 Helpless 1. first Smell instrument. the giving you the correct number of letters for each the letterbad. of the“Norwegian second answer,Wood” and so on. The connectingThey letter keep is outlined, statement tree grounded. 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 67 68 66 Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number 31 Buck dispenser for 3 answers on thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’srow, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually To the solve the Sudoku column above thedrop diagonal line inina black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum 2. One-dish meal. Cautious. Trees them Fall. 34 Diminutive 69 70 71 be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Good inluck! boxformust contain to of 9. the Got whiteit? squares the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence. suffix 3. Moonfish. A tree’s “clothing.” Fancy spa. Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com 36 Uncle (Sp.) 37 Balm ingredient 66 Sleep disorder 8 Good to go 35 Poi source 4. It grows on trees. Clan emblem. Seasonal visitor. 38 Stadium sounds 67 Hints 9 Pairs 37 In awe 5. Lift. Baby’s bed. It’s like an arm on a tree. 39 Forest god 68 Game equipment 10 Mrs. Peel of The 40 Cravings 42 Dour 69 Small whirlpool Avengers 41 Casting need 6. Upper part of a tree. Martial artist. Slightly open. 43 Ticks off 11 Cowboy boot 70 Slangy assent 47 No restrictions 44 Driver’s aid attachment 71 Waking ___ on a ticket 7. Up in the air. The body of a tree. Gumbo pod. 45 Beetle Bailey 13 Fabrication Devine (1998 48 DiCaprio, to fans pooch film) 16 12th graders 49 Madness 46 ___’easter (Abbr.) 50 Ho-hum 47 Really nervous Down 18 Close, as an 51 Exposed 51 Danish cheese envelope 54 Odyssey 52 Camera type, 22 Fleur-de-___ sorceress 1 Vineyard fruit briefly 25 Young foxes 2 Gulf ship 55 Extra 53 Color TV 26 China setting 56 Triumphant cry 3 Type of outdoor pioneer gear 29 More or ___ 57 Easy gait 56 Over a period 30 Numbers game 4 Upscale wheels 58 Touch down of time 5 Actress ___ Dawn 31 Type of bicycle 59 Paste 60 Bitter 32 Tipster 61 Atlantic food fish Chong 62 Squirrel away 6 Cantina cooker 33 Exec’s note 64 Grassland Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a 63 Conductor’s cry 7 Command answer 34 Hibernia 65 Cigar residue challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

2 3

1 7

6 5 4 2 2 3 9 2 8 5 9 5 7 4

2 4

8 9

See puzzle solutions on Page 20

Solution

Solution 4 7 5 1 3 9 6 8 2

2 3 1 7 8 6 9 4 5

6 8 9 4 5 2 1 7 3

8 5 6 9 4 3 2 1 7

9 1 7 6 2 8 3 5 4

3 4 2 5 7 1 8 9 6

5 2 3 8 9 7 4 6 1

1 9 4 3 6 5 7 2 8

7 6 8 2 1 4 5 3 9

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16 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

NEWS

Stories: Continued from Page 1

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Three firefighters with the Dunwoody Fire Department read posters that are part of a commemorative exhibit from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World.”

Posters from a commemorative exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World,” shared firsthand stories and photos from that day. Some Dunwoody police officers spent the morning taking on the Stair Climb Challenge, climbing 110 flights — 2,071 steps — to honor the first responders who died and remember all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. “Every year it’s important to take a moment and honor those who lost their lives,” Sgt. Michael Cheek said. “Participating in events such as annual stair climbs … keeps the memory of the victims alive and honors the bravery of the first responders who ran toward and into the towers.”

Pickleball: Continued from Page 1 The MJCCA hosted two community meetings with residents living within 1,000 feet of the proposed building. At a meeting in July, MJCCA representatives told residents the proposed indoor courts would not generate sound that adversely affects nearby property owners. In a Sept. 1 letter to the Dunwoody mayor and city council, Dunwoody Glen residents said allowing two sides of the four-sided building to open contradicts this because they will block noise only when the building is closed during active play. The special land use permit includes conditions that the existing 40-foot buffer of mature tree canopy will be maintained and supplemented where necessary across from Dunwoody Glen. The MJCCA will also extend the acoustical fence that currently surrounds the adjacent courts around the proposed indoor facility. Editor’s Note: The first public hearing on this matter was held Sept. 14, after this edition went to press. Visit appenmedia. com/dunwoody for updates.

CITY OF DUNWOODY/PROVIDED

A site plan submitted to the city of Dunwoody shows the proposed location of a new 10,500-square-foot pickleball facility on the Marcus Jewish Community Centers sports campus.

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody | Dunwoody Crier | September 17, 2026 | 17

From a beloved Faulkner scholar, a truly lasting legacy

JOSHUA WILSON Managing Editor joshua@appenmedia.com

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about legacy. I guess it has to do with a number of prominent people dying — like Dolly Parton, Tim Curry or Gloria Steinem — but the thoughts really intensified when a close friend from my home state of Mississippi passed

away Sept. 5. Lorie Watkins Massey was a professor of English at my alma mater, William Carey University. She was a beloved academic and one of the foremost scholars in all things William Faulkner. Faulkner, too, was a native son of the Magnolia State, and he won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1949. His novels and short stories were set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. Lorie could not only pronounce that place’s name, but she knew all the ins and outs of Faulkner’s sometimes tedious (to me, anyway) works. Her work kept Faulkner’s legacy alive and introduced him to dozens of

JOSHUA WILSON/PROVIDED

Lorie Watkins Massey and Joshua Wilson goof around in a pair of pillories during a 2012 William Carey University field trip built around the works of William Faulkner. new students each and every school term. She was a truly lovely person. As an undergraduate student, I studied history and English at William Carey, and I was drawn to Lorie’s humor and way of explaining things. Like me, she was born and raised in the Deep South, and she had the Southern charm needed to introduce a reluctant college student to Faulkner. She could, with her slight drawl and captivating manner, break down the drollest (to me, anyway)

of subjects. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I took a full-time job at the university while working on my master’s degree. Lorie needed a chaperone for a field trip she was taking with her undergrads, and I happily signed up. Of course, the subject matter was all things Faulkner, but I didn’t mind. We had a blast. I have pictures of us in a mock pillory at one stop. I don’t remember what the significance of that stop was for the trip, but it might have just been

a way for Lorie to have fun. Lorie faced years of health challenges but was always upbeat. She had time for every student, colleague and person who would stop by her office or send her a note. When I learned of her passing, I posted a message about her on my Facebook page and was quickly inundated with comments about how she had changed this person or that person’s life. That, my friends, is the textbook definition of a meaningful legacy. She was only 54, and in that time she left more of a mark than most people manage in twice as long. I’m grateful for the time I had with her. I know so many others are, too. People with such powerful legacies leave behind huge holes, and we can only hope to live up to their examples. I’ve been blessed throughout my life to be surrounded by wonderful legacy makers. They have laid out clear examples of how to live. I hope I can rise to the challenge, and I hope I can be an example of a positive legacy for others. Thank you for reading my words about my friend. I hope that you, too, will consider legacy and what you’re doing to rise up and honor the positive ones left around you.

AIKENOMICS

If you’re going to be a bear…be a grizzly Each week I write about what I see happening in the real estate and mortgage markets. Sometimes it’s rates, loan programs or strategies for buyers and sellers. Every once in a while, however, I see someD.C. AIKEN thing that concerns Guest Columnist dcaiken.com me. Today is one of those days ... and I’ll begin by saying I hope I’m wrong. Let’s go back to 2001-2005. Things were great. Home prices soared 54%, mortgage rates averaged roughly 6.2%, and getting a mortgage was ... how should I put this? ... about as difficult as fogging a mirror. I’m kidding ... but not by much. Those were the days of stated income, stated assets, 100% financing and frighteningly relaxed underwriting. Homeowners watched their equity explode and began believing home prices had nowhere to go but up. Sound familiar? The problem wasn’t simply that prices had risen dramatically. Sellers began believing those gains were permanent.

Someone who gained $200,000 in equity in five years ... sometimes for little more than keeping the lights on and mowing the grass ... wouldn’t consider lowering the price $20,000 or offering $10,000 toward closing costs. Why should they? Their house was worth what they said it was worth. Until it wasn’t. Trees don’t grow to the sky Around 2008, I was quoted in a national newspaper expressing concern about the euphoria surrounding housing. My comment was simple: “Trees don’t grow to the sky.” Neither do home prices. National home prices ultimately declined more than 25% from the housing-market peak to the bottom in early 2012, and that’s where my concern about today begins. From 2020 through 2025, U.S. home prices increased roughly 50% to 55% — eerily similar to the extraordinary appreciation of the early 2000s. There is one huge difference: Mortgage underwriting today is substantially more responsible. We don’t have anything resembling the widespread stated-income, no-document lending environment of 2005-2007. But underwriting isn’t what has my attention.

Seller psychology is. Homes in metro Atlanta are now taking close to 60 days to sell in many areas. Just a few years ago, homes sold in days with multiple offers, often above asking price. Today we’re seeing longer marketing times, price reductions and increasing seller concessions. Sellers are adjusting. I’m just not convinced they’re adjusting quickly enough. Consider the owner of a $700,000 home who has experienced roughly 50% appreciation since 2020. They may be sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional equity, yet refuse a $20,000 price reduction or $15,000 closing-cost contribution. Here’s where history gets uncomfortable. A 25% decline on a $700,000 home takes the value to approximately $525,000. Suddenly dropping your price $30,000 today doesn’t sound so bad, does it? I’m not predicting another 2008. Today’s market has tighter lending standards, substantial homeowner equity and a very different inventory situation. But markets don’t need identical circumstances to correct. Sometimes prices simply get

too far ahead of affordability. Create the market — don’t chase it If competing homes are listed at $700,000 and aren’t selling, listing yours at $699,000 probably isn’t a strategy. Maybe it’s $675,000. Maybe it’s $650,000. Maybe it’s an aggressive sellerpaid rate buydown. Give buyers a compelling financial reason to choose your house instead of the other 15 sitting on the market. I’ve watched this movie before. I hope this time the ending is different. But if you’re selling in a market beginning to favor buyers and you’re finally ready to become bearish on your asking price ... Don’t be a teddy bear. Be a grizzly bear. 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.

18 | September 17, 2026 | Dunwoody Crier | AppenMedia.com/Dunwoody

OPINION

PRESERVING THE PAST

North Point Mall’s hidden artwork – and the story it tells When North Point Mall opened in 1993, a large store was named in honor of Rich's, a beloved Atlanta department store chain founded in 1867 as a dry goods store by Hungarian-born immigrant Morris Rich BOB MEYERS (1847-1928). His flagColumnist ship store had closed two years earlier, in 1991. The iconic Rich's store occupied two blocks in Downtown Atlanta and operated from 1924 until its shutdown. The Alpharetta store at North Point Mall was named Rich's by its owner, Federated Department Stores, which had acquired the Rich's chain in 1976. In 1994 Federated acquired Macy's, one of the country's oldest department stores, founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy (18221877). Thus, Rich's and Macy's became sister companies under one owner, although they continued to operate independently. Today's column tells the stories of Rich's and Macy's at North Point and the unique feature that sets both stores apart from other stores. Rich's was the first business to open in North Point Mall, drawing huge crowds on July 12, 1993, three months before the formal mall opening on Oct. 20, and it was always a highlight. Atlantans were still upset at the demise of their beloved Downtown Atlanta Rich's, and Federated was determined to create a special shopping experience. Russell Stravitz, chairman and chief executive officer of Rich's, told The Atlanta Journal, "The demographics of the population of this region indicate that the consumer is interested in upscale merchandise and wants a wide selection." For Federated, the Rich's acquisition was a major entry point into the South, because at that time Rich's consisted of 11 major department stores, three boutiques and 11 Richway discount stores in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. Details

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

One of eight historic relief panels at Macy’s Department Store at North Point Mall that were installed during the construction of North Point Mall. The panels were installed in Rich’s which opened in 1993 as one of the original anchor stores in the mall. In 2005 the Rich’s name was retired and the store became Macy’s. Each panel illustrates an activity important to Rich’s history and each is represented by a specific year and theme, in this case 1900 and fashion. in the interior and exterior of the Alpharetta Rich's were beautifully elaborate, an homage to the memory of the original store. Of special note to shoppers and historians, even today, is a series of eight commemorative plaques, or relief panels, on the exterior of Macy's that tell the Rich's story. In 2003, Federated announced that Rich's and several other regional chains would be merged into a single Macy's division because Macy's had become Federated's dominant flagship identity. The

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Dunwoody City Council will meet Tuesday, October 13th, 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. 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.

names of all Rich's stores were changed to Rich's-Macy's for a transitional period. In 2005, all remaining Rich's stores were renamed Macy's, and the Rich's name was fully retired after 138 years. The change was part of Federated's national strategy to dispense with regional names. Separate advertising, merchandising systems and marketing campaigns for each regional name were expensive and inefficient. Federated decided to keep the panels in place. While there has been some debate about the origin of the exterior panels on the Macy's store in Alpharetta, the consensus is that they were created new for the opening of Rich's North Point store. Rich's used precast concrete panels. Salvaging panels from another building would have required redesigning portions of the building's facade, and there is no evidence that Rich's did that. When the Alpharetta store began its conversion to Macy's in 2003 as part of Federated's companywide consolidation, Macy's inherited the building and its panels. The panels were most likely cast offsite and installed with cranes. Off-site casting allows for more intricate bas-relief patterns than on-site casting, which produces more pronounced forms. Each panel has a shopping bag with

the year written on it, identifying an important period in Rich's history. Here is a summary of each panel: — 1867. Retail era: Post-Civil War. Theme: Early specialty retail, shoes and dry good. Description: Four figures in mid19th century attire, including a woman in bridal attire. One young girl holds a shopping bag labeled M. Rich and Bros 1867, the year Rich’s was founded. — 1900. Theme: Fashion. Description: Two women beside a mirror, one adjusting the other’s floor length dress. A shopping bag with the year labeled M. Rich and Bros Co rests on a seat. — 1927. Era: Roaring Twenties. Theme: Retail service, shoe fitting, modern merchandising. Description: A seated women tries on shoes while a clerk kneels to assist. A standing woman holds the same dated Rich’s shopping bag. — 1944. Retail era: World War 11. Theme Toys, holiday retail. Description: Four children play with dolls, teddy bears and toy soldiers. A newly designed bag reads RICHS 1944. — 1954. Retail era: Mid-century. Theme: Personal service, fashion, hats. Description: A woman tries on a hat before a mirror. A clerk stands behind a counter and a young girl holds a hat, presumably for her mother. The bag still says Rich’s but it has a new design. — 1965. Retail era: Mid-century. Theme: Cosmetics, personal service, modern retail counters. Description: A seated woman with a mirror interacts with a clerk at the counter displaying cosmetics. The bag has a new design. — 1970. Tailoring men’s fashion. Retail era: Post war. Description: A tailor adjusts a suit on a customer standing on a platform. Theme: Men’s apparel, tailoring. Interpretation: The growth of men’s fashion, custom tailoring and the growth of department store men’s apparel sections. —1993. Retail era: North Point Mall opening. Theme: housewares, domestic goods. Description: a clerk shows a young couple a sample of dishes. The bag still says Rich’s since the name did not change to Macy’s until 2005. The fate of the panels remains unknown as discussions continue about the mall's future. Let us hope that regardless of the mall's future, the unique and very historic panels will be preserved for the benefit of this and future generations. They are part of Alpharetta's 1990s suburban identity. Thanks to reader Dianna Smeal for suggesting the topic. You can email Bob at bobmey@ bellsouth.net. To learn more about the Milton Historical Society, go to miltonhistoricalsociety-georgia.org.

GET OUTSIDE GEORGIA

OPINION

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Look for me. Can you see me now? OK, I admit it. It’s too hot to go outside. Should I change the name of this thing to “Get Inside, Georgia, and Enjoy the Air Conditioning”? I’m tempted. How hot is it? I think of that STEVE HUDSON scene from “Good Columnist Morning Vietnam” — you know, that movie where Robin Williams (who plays a DJ named Adrian Cronauer) is asking a soldier named Roosevelt about the weather. It goes like this: “What’s the weather like out there?” Cronauer asks, and Roosevelt replies, “It’s hot. Dam’ hot!” Yeah. It’s like that. And I’m glad I didn’t end up in Vietnam, though I missed it by a whisker. But a buddy of mine, an Army Ranger, did make the trip. When he shipped out he was a happy soul, but he came back ... changed. I asked him once if he saw much action. “Some,” was all he said. Then he added the strangest thing, and I remember it clear as day. He added, “But I saw some purty flowers.” I wasn’t expecting that, just like I wasn’t expecting this particular memory to drift back into view just now. What is it about flowers? I’ve never been quite sure, though I think my favorites are the ones growing wild. I’m especially partial to daffodils, being as they are the universal harbingers of spring. Remember spring? When it was not so hot? I do, vaguely. Eventually it’ll come around again, I’m sure, and when it does, the daffodils will return. Spring. Thinking of it makes things cooler.

Last spring, we went to England, to the Lake District in the northern part of the country, a magic place. It’s the home of poet William Wordsworth of daffodil poem fame — you know, “I wandered lonely as a cloud ...” Wandering is fun. It’s always fun to wander about in England. Sometimes it’s fun, as here, to wander around in the world of words too. In fact, I think I’ll just wander through the memories of that trip now (it’s still too hot to do much else) and see where that might take me. So hold on. Along with clothes for all seasons (a good plan if you’re England-bound in early spring), we packed the binoculars. “They’re not heavy,” I said, “and they might come in handy in case you want to look at something important.” But you don’t need binoculars to see daffodils. “How I hope,” she had said more than once before we left, “that the daffodils might be blooming.” Have you figured out yet that she likes flowers? She is especially fond of roses, which I delight to bring her. Those come from the store. Storebought roses are good to bring to the one you love. Oh, but they pale beside English daffodils. As it turned out, we were in luck. Daffodils were blooming everywhere, glowing with regal exuberance as only British flowers can do. They waved at us along the highway as we drove north out of Manchester. They smiled at us as we turned onto the country lane that led to our cottage (a stone cottage, of course), and they cheered as we parked and waved in welcome along the garden walkway that led to our door. But the real prize — the one that would absolutely, positively make the trip — would be to find the very field of flowers that Wordsworth immortalized in the poem.

our home away from home. Another day or two later I decided to go hiking. I decided to climb Helm Crag, the local mountain. I could see it from the cottage, and it called me. So I packed my daypack with cheese and water and readied my walking stick, the one my friend gave me years ago, locking its sections into place. Two leg-stretching hours later I was at the top. There were no daffodils at the summit of Helm Crag, though now and then a warplane flew by at eye level, practicing for whatever might come next. In that moment I missed her. Then I had an idea, even as another jet roared by. Out came the cellphone. In seconds That’s how we found ourselves, I heard her voice. a day or two later, wandering the “Hi!” I said. English countryside looking for a “Hi to you too,” she replied. “How’s patch of yellow flowers made immortal the hike?” by a 19th-century poem. We found “Good,” I said, and I added, “Want to it, too, a fantasia of golden yellow try something?” close by the shore of Ullswater Lake’s “Sure! What?” Glencoyne Bay. We walked a while on “Grab the binoculars and go outside cozy footpaths, soaking it in. Then we and look at the top of Helm Crag.” stopped, and she turned to me and “OK — give me just a second.” spoke the poem out loud: From my perch on the mountain, “I wandered lonely as a cloud ...” I squinted toward the cottage, barely The earth whispered with her then, visible in the distance. I didn’t see I think — a gentle rustling of leaves, when she stepped outside and turned a soft lapping of water on the lake’s the binoculars my way. shore — but I heard only her voice and But I heard her voice over the a poem about flowers. phone. “... And then my heart with pleasure “What do I look for?” she asked. fills,” she concluded, “and dances with “Look for me,” I said. “I’m on the the daffodils.” ridgeline waving my walking stick. Can What does poetry mean? I’m of you see me?” the opinion that meaning comes from There was a moment of silence. context, and context comes from who Then — you are and who she is and where and “Yes. Yes! I see you!” when and, well, all of it. Well. How about that. Finding meaning is grand. Binoculars are wonderful things. We stood there a moment more. They help you see. They bring you Then we turned and walked back up close. the shore, to the car, to our cottage, to Yeah, Notices they do. Just like daffodils. T:\Obits Death Notices\2026 Death

Wandering is fun. It’s always fun to wander about in England. Sometimes it’s fun, as here, to wander around in the world of words too.

DEATH NOTICES Holly Christian, age 60, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 1, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Jacqueline Dohm, age 86, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 2, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marynelle Criswell, age 87, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Exparza, age 91, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 7, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Joy Strachan, age 77, of Roswell, GA passed away on September 2, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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