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Woodward basketball wins 72-66 ► PAGE 14 J a n u a r y 1 5 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 5 , N o . 3

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Board of Appeals denies variances for planned home on Jett Ferry Road By JAMIE GODIN newsroom@appenmedia.com

Families enjoy an evening on the ice at the Skate City Springs rink in Sandy Springs Jan. 7.

PHOTOS BY: WENDY EDWARDS/APPEN MEDIA

City Springs serves up hot cocoa for skaters By WENDY EDWARDS newsroom@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Skate City Springs hosted a complimentary hot cocoa night for skaters on Jan. 7. The Skate City Springs ice rink in the City Springs District welcomed patrons to partake in free hot cocoa with all the “fixins,” granted with every admission purchase. In its third year, the seasonal outdoor rink is

known for community events in addition to free hot cocoa nights on Wednesdays, such as Glow Skating on Thursdays and K-Pop Vibe Night on Saturdays. Skaters and onlookers can enjoy the festive lights, DJ-led dance music and concessions in this seasonal installation that is quickly becoming an annual tradition for many families.

See COCOA, Page 16

Decorations give a festive aura to the Skate City Springs scene downtown Jan. 7.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals denied a zoning variance request Wednesday for a proposed new home on Jett Ferry Road, siding with city staff who said the property could be developed without the requested exceptions. The applicant, Shachar Ilan, sought multiple variances to allow a new single-family home at 7821 Jett Ferry Road to encroach into required side setbacks through grading, retaining walls, and building placement. The proposal included a two-story, 4,626-square-foot home with a basement, pool, and attached garage on a 0.88-acre vacant lot. City planning staff recommended denial, stating in a staff report that while the lot is considered nonconforming due to its size and zoning, it remains buildable under the city’s development code. Staff noted that the property contains more than 14,000 square feet of buildable area and that the requested variances were not necessary to render the lot buildable, but rather to accommodate a specific house design.

See ZONING, Page 16

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RACHEL PROVOW

2 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

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OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | January 15, 2026 | 3

TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Perimeter tourism impact makes difference To the Crier, I recently had the privilege of speaking alongside Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs, to the 2026 Leadership Perimeter class about the vital role Destination marketing organizations play in our communities. Discover Dunwoody and Visit Sandy Springs are the same type of organization, each serving our respective cities. Dunwoody and Sandy Springs are fortunate to have organizations strategically focused on promoting visitation that grows the economy and benefits our citizens. During that talk, we found that many residents may not realize that every time a guest stays at one of our local hotels, a portion of their bill directly supports tourism marketing and economic development. In Dunwoody, we collect an 8 percent hotel tax, with 3.5 percent funding Discover Dunwoody, 1.5 percent dedicated to tourism product development, and 3 percent flowing into the general fund. This structure ensures tourism dollars are reinvested

Talk Back to the Crier The Crier is committed to its role as Perimeter’s community thread. As readers have reminded the paper, part of that role means budgeting premium space for letters from residents. Talk Back to the Crier by Sunday night and your note will be on page 3 that week. Email letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com. The Crier won’t publish it without explicitly getting your approval.

into promoting our city while also supporting essential services. The impact of travel and tourism on our region cannot be overstated. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travelers spent $1.3 trillion nationally in 2024, representing 2.5 percent of our entire economy and supporting 15 million jobs. Here in Georgia, 174.2 million visitors spent $45.2 billion last year, making tourism our state’s second-largest economic contributor. This activity generated $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, effectively reducing each Georgia household’s tax burden by $1,285. Tourism also supports 470,570

hospitality jobs statewide — that’s one in every 15 jobs. Looking ahead, Discover Dunwoody is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when Atlanta serves as a host city. We’re building relationships with the Argentine Consulate and Passion Soccer while planning watch parties at High Street, Ashford Lane and The Village. Tourism is everyone’s business, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing to make Dunwoody a premier destination.

MARK GALVIN

Chief marketing and operating officer, Discover Dunwoody

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BUSINESS

Teen triathlete pedals it forward with free riding lessons By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Jonathan Thai fondly remembers the freedom he felt as a kid riding his bike down the Big Creek Greenway with his dad. That feeling turned competitive when Thai entered his first triathlon in middle school. Now, at 17, he’s preparing to compete in the World Triathlon Winter Championships in Italy. “I understand that I’m very privileged to have all these experiences and be able to do the things that I can do, like be a triathlete,” Thai said. “I recognize that there’s people in my community, like how my parents grew up, that didn’t have access to all of those resources.” His mom never experienced that feeling of freedom that Thai says comes with riding a bike. She was gifted a bike from her dad, who found it on the side of the road. It broke after one day, and her family couldn’t afford a new one. As a freshman at Milton High School, Thai started volunteering with iCan Bike, a non-profit organization helping neurodivergent children learn how to ride bicycles. He also volunteers with Meals by Grace, a food pantry in North Fulton. “I just wanted to find a way to combine my passion for cycling and my sports background with how I could help the community through volunteering further,” Thai said. Finding a way forward Thai was already brainstorming ideas for his own nonprofit before learning that national retailer REI stopped offering “experiences,” which included classes and day tours of various outdoor activities. One of these experiences was a paid training program offered at the REI in Alpharetta where kids could learn to ride bikes. Thai recognized the impact that this would have on kids. From learning the rules of the road on a bike to how to pump up a tire and use the brakes, Thai said there’s a lot to learn before riding safely. “I realize that it’s also disproportionately affecting kids from underserved communities,” Thai said. “Not being able to ride also kind of puts them more at a disadvantage.” He wants everyone to feel the freedom he experienced as a kid, whether that be to play with friends or run errands when their parents aren’t home. “Biking is a really sustainable form of transportation for the whole community,” Thai said. “I realized that I could use my resources to help … not just all people, but the underserved community in specific.” Thai launched the Pedal Forward Foundation in January 2025 to provide free bike lessons and equipment to kids in underserved communities. He found an attorney who helped him attain nonprofit status pro bono, which Thai said was huge since the organization had no funding at the time. Securing insurance for the nonprofit was also a problem, Thai said. He found momentary relief among certified instructors at the League of American Bicyclists, who led his first three camps and provided coverage. By July, Thai became a certified cycling instructor through the league so that his camps could remain insured. “I knew I couldn’t depend on them for eternity, so I became a league cycling instructor myself to get the

MIKE JUDGE/PEDAL FORWARD FOUNDATION

Jonathan Thai, founder and executive director of the Pedal Forward Foundation, leads a camp participant while holding a bike at one of three summer camp sessions held last year. insurance,” he said. Pedal Forward needed volunteers to maintain a one-to-one ratio between kids and instructors. At first, his triathlon teammates volunteered their time, but as their schedules got busier while Thai’s nonprofit grew, he had to find ways to attract more volunteers. “That’s when I started partnering with the Young Men’s Service League that I was a part of,” Thai said. Pedal Forward partners with chapters of the Young Men’s Service League in Alpharetta, Milton and North Fulton, allowing members to complete their annual service hours at Thai’s nonprofit. When members of the National Charity League overheard Thai talking about his nonprofit, the Roswell/Alpharetta, Milton and South Forsyth chapters partnered with Pedal Forward to host a bike drive ensuring every participant has access to a bike and helmet. “I was kind of amazed how fast it took off and how the community came together to help this idea that I had and make it a reality,” Thai said. After camps finished for the year, Pedal Forward partnered with Bike Alpharetta to clean, repair and donate 277 bikes and over 300 helmets to North Fulton Community Charities for its annual Toyland event. Bringing it full circle In one year, Pedal Forward has mobilized 260 volunteers and impacted over 200 kids. “Teaching them how to ride and seeing the joy that they get from it is just amazing for both the kids and the volunteers,” Thai said. Since June, Pedal Forward has raised over $25,000 through creating fundraising efforts like hosting a movie premiere for donations and selling merchandise. The nonprofit has partnered with cities and schools to promote biking as safe and efficient transportation. Thai hosted a camp leading up to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School initiative last fall.

In October, he partnered with the City of Roswell to host a camp during Hispanic Heritage Month. Thai said it was an amazing experience, especially because some of his volunteers could provide Spanish translations for families. Pedal Forward’s impact expanded outside of North Fulton last year when Thai helped a South Atlanta elementary school organize a bikeathon fundraiser. He will receive a proclamation from Fulton County in February recognizing his work. Thai said starting something aligned with his passions that positively impacts young people has transformed him. He loves seeing the joy on kids’ faces as they take part in an experience he enjoyed so much while growing up. “Some of these kids want to do all this stuff, but don’t have access to do it,” Thai said. “So, to be able to provide this service to them has been great.” Two of Thai’s triathlon teammates recently started chapters of Pedal Forward in New York and Tennessee. The New York chapter is scheduled to offer its first camp in the spring. In Tennessee, Pedal Forward has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of America to provide camps every week starting this month. Pedal Forward Georgia meets for camps at the Union Hill Pavilion in Alpharetta. The three-hour camps help kids get comfortable on a bike before ending the lesson with a ride down the Big Creek Greenway. “Going from not being able to ride at all to riding on the Greenway was kind of a big moment for them and for me,” Thai said. “Riding on the Greenway was one of the biggest parts of my childhood … I wanted to give that to them too.” Pedal Forward’s first camp of the year will be March 7 from 2-5 p.m. Every kid that registers without a bike or helmet during registration will be provided one. To donate or learn more about the Pedal Forward Foundation, visit their website or email info@ pedalforward.net.

Puzzles

er 1/15/26 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 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!

Sandy Springs Crier.......................................January 15, 2026 | 5

EITHER/OR 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 2. Roomy vehicle. Whacks or slimy critters. Half moon tide. 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome. 4. Ice house. Sled dog or Robust. Moonfish. 5. Verdant or a drunk. King of the Road. Imp. 6. Suite place. Cruddy. Rubella symptom or impetuous. 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or PuzzleJunction.com carpenter’s tool. Chubby.

2 3 4 5 6

1/15/26 Sudoku 7

How to Solve: Each line in theEither/Or 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 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 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 solve the Sudoku column forTothe 3 answers on the puzzle, line. But each here’s row, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually 2. Roomy vehicle. Whacks or slimy critters. Half moon tide. contain the numbers to line. 9. Got it? Good luck! bebox for must the second or third answer in 1that 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome. 4. Ice house. Sled dog or robust. Moonfish.

6 5. Verdant or a drunk. King of the road. Imp. 6. Suite 9 place. Cruddy. 4 Rubella 2 symptom or impetuous. 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or carpenter’s tool. Chubby. 3 1 7 8 2 8 1 9 6 3 4 9 6 4

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

Solution 8 1 3 2 7 6 9 4 5

6 9 7 4 8 5 2 1 3

2 5 4 9 1 3 7 6 8

7 4 8 1 9 2 5 3 6

1 3 5 7 6 8 4 9 2

9 2 6 3 5 4 8 7 1

3 6 2 8 4 9 1 5 7

4 8 1 5 3 7 6 2 9

5 7 9 6 2 1 3 8 4

How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a 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 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.

Dunwoody Crier 1/15/26 Crossword

Across

1 Giraffe cousin 6 Renown 10 Pesky insect 14 Speeder’s bane 15 Legal claim 16 NV city 17 Karate experts 19 Consequently 20 18-wheeler 21 Foolhardy 22 Western ﬁlm classic, The Magniﬁcent ___ 23 Showman Ziegfeld 25 Tin can appliance 27 Large bird of prey, the Great ___ 31 Filth 32 Cereal grain 33 Condo division 35 Knitting ___ 39 All excited 41 Type of stare or cartridge 43 Diva’s song 44 Indicate 46 Moonshine mix 48 Mornings, for short 49 Burden 51 Gainsborough painting 53 Withstand 55 Hostel 56 Explosion 57 Wilted 60 Jason’s ship 64 Final notice 65 Embarrassed to the hilt

PuzzleJunction.com

14 17

21 23

35 42

45 49

47 51

48 52

67 Exploding star 68 Above 69 The Republic writer 70 Water pitcher 71 Sets 72 Brusque Down 1 Globes 2 Curly cabbage 3 Comic Sandler 4 Appease 5 Aggravate 6 Chigger 7 Suffers 8 Modus operandi 9 Print measures

10 Healthy Chinese beverage 11 Audacity 12 Infuriate 13 Warner Bros. creation 18 Grizzly, e.g. 22 Arid 24 Singer Rawls 26 Walking papers 27 Egg on 28 The latest thing 29 Town on the Thames 30 ___ Abner 34 Scottish cap 36 Ho-hum 37 Airport pickup 38 Effortless

40 Kindergarten reward 42 Apprehend 45 Race track tipster 47 4th century barbarian 50 Computer key 52 Empower 53 Pasta shape 54 Gullible 56 Dog treat 58 Matinee ___ 59 Driving direction ﬁnders 61 Back 62 Catches on 63 Native Nebraskan 65 Dust remover 66 Pertinent

See puzzle solutions on Page 23

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6 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

NEWS

Delta Community announces fourth Fulton County branch

Smyrna native, UGA grad Hannah Yahne joins Appen

ROSWELL, Ga. — Delta Community Credit Union announced plans to open a new branch in Roswell by summer 2026, marking its fourth location in North Fulton County. The branch will become the 32nd metro Atlanta location for Georgia’s largest credit union, providing convenience for members living in Roswell and surrounding communities. Delta Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1940 that has since become Georgia’s largest credit union. The branch will occupy a 3,700-square-foot space in the Stonebridge Square shopping center located at 660 W. Crossville Road, Suite

ALPHARETTA, Ga — Appen Media Group announced Hannah Yahne has joined its staff as a reporter. Yahne will cover local government and business in the cities of Roswell and Milton. She will report to Carl Appen, director of content and development, and she will be based in Alpharetta. Yahne grew up in Smyrna and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2024 with a degree in journalism. Throughout those four years, Yahne took courses focusing on social justice journalism, political affairs communications and completed a minor in political science. After graduation, she joined the reporting staff of the Rockdale Citizen and Henry Herald covering local government and community. “It has always been my dream to be a journalist, and I’m excited to connect with the readers in my coverage areas,” Yahne said. “It is so important that local journalism provides honest, unbiased reporting and find stories that highlight the essence of the community. I look forward to growing my skills in the newsroom at Appen Media.” Yahne started with the company

110. “Our future Roswell branch will enhance service to approximately 4,000 existing members who live within a 5-mile radius of the location,” CEO Hank Halter said. “With existing branches in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs, we are excited to expand our presence in North Fulton and provide more local residents access to the superior care and value that we offer on essential banking services.” Delta Community’s Roswell branch will be staffed by a 10-person team. The location will feature parking for members and two ATM machines that also function as ITMs. — Hannah Yahne

in October, kicking off coverage by reporting on election results and the resulting change in leadership for the City of Roswell. Since then, she has covered the Atlanta Regional Commission, profiled residents like Milton’s aspiring racing athlete Luke Yarbrough YAHNE and shared the work of community installations such as Jackson Healthcare. “Hannah is a sharp, thoughtful journalist on the rise in Atlanta,” Appen said. “She first came on our radar by leading the city’s coverage of the BioLab fire this fall and continued reporting its impact on community members. Ever since, she’s proven herself as an asset to the Metro Atlanta world of community journalism. We’re thrilled to have that kind of dedication and care in our newsroom.” For story ideas and questions, readers can reach Yahne at hannah@ appenmedia.com. — Carl Appen

PROVIDED

The Delta Community Credit Union in Vinings is one of 31 branches operating in Metro Atlanta.

WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM/PROVIDED

Parents Anna and Mike of Alpharetta hold their son, Lucas, after his birth on Jan. 1, becoming the first baby born in 2026 at Roswell’s Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.

Wellstar greets first baby of 2026 ROSWELL, Ga. — The Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center welcomed its first baby of the new year, Lucas, before the sun rose on Jan. 1.

Alpharetta parents Anna and Mike celebrated the birth of their son at 6:09 a.m. weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces. — Hannah Yahne

Sponsored Section

January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | 7

PROVIDED

An exceptional start to an unstoppable future Brought to you by - The Davis Academy The years from Kindergarten Prep through 8th Grade are special, consequential, and deserving of intentional focus. These are the years when children are most open to exploring: as students, athletes, artists, friends, and leaders. It’s when students begin to set great expectations, and when they discover their inner self is as important as their academic development. It’s when children recognize their critical role within their family, their community, and the greater world. These are the formative years, and at The Davis Academy, they mean everything. As both a highly academic independent school and a Reform Jewish Day School, we are intentional about giving children an exceptional start to their school experience, providing students with individualized learning, well-rounded opportunities, and a loving community rooted in inclusive values.

We believe that when children are given an exceptional start to their school experience, they grow up to become: • Undeterred by academic challenge and confident in their abilities. • Understood and valued for both who they are and how they learn. • Unafraid to explore their purpose, try new things, develop their voice, advocate for themselves, and speak up for what is right. • United as part of a strong community built on L.O.V.E.—living our values every day. Our families say we’re a school with a soul. That’s because we’re not just a place for the child but for the generations. When your family joins Davis, you begin a life-changing journey together and find a support system for life. Welcome to The Davis Academy Kindergarten Prep - 8th Grade 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350 770-671-0085 davisacademy.org

8 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by - Eaton Academy Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world. Academic programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 studentto-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Using STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The collegeprep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma. The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic

work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online. Post-graduate programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping. Supported employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites. The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive onthe-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently. Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • Programs for Traditional & Neurodivergent Learners • Attention to Individual Needs • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio • Independent Study Classes • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • Post-Graduate Options Available

CALL 770.645.2673 OR VISIT EATONACADEMY.ORG PHOTOS PROVIDED

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | January 15, 2026 | 9

Serving families for 50 years Brought to you by – Saint Francis At Saint Francis, students are seen, heard, and valued. Teachers build on each child’s strengths, address challenges, and respond early so students feel supported from the start. Founded in 1976, Saint Francis has spent nearly 50 years helping students succeed through steady relationships, clear structure, and thoughtful academic support. Families choose Saint Francis because learning feels personal and intentional, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Saint Francis serves families across two campuses in Roswell and Milton. Our Roswell campus is home to Elementary and Middle School, while our Milton campus serves High School and will welcome Middle School students beginning August 2026. This expansion brings a proven middle school program to Milton, creating a seamless transition to high school for families seeking continuity, structure, and long-term support, with complimentary bus service to the Milton campus.

PROVIDED

In Elementary School, students learn in small, hands-on classrooms where they feel safe, supported, and

excited to learn. One of Georgia’s strongest structured literacy programs is woven into the school day, helping

children build reading, writing, and confidence without being pulled out or labeled. Teachers notice early when something isn’t clicking and provide support before frustration takes hold. Middle School focuses on helping students stay on track during a critical stage of growth. With clear routines, strong academics, and dedicated deans and school counselors throughout grades 6–8, students learn to stay organized, manage their time, and advocate for themselves. High School offers a personalized college-prep experience built around the individual student. Flexible academic pathways, executive-function support in every class, and deans and school counselors who stay with students throughout grades 9–12 help learners take on challenges while staying organized, focused, and confident about what comes next. Saint Francis School helps every child succeed by meeting students where they are, providing structure that builds confidence, support that grows independence, and a community where each student is truly known.

10 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

18 MONTHS – 8TH GRADE

PROVIDED

Springmont’s authentic Montessori experience balances academic learning with social/emotional well-being. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide individualized learning that inspires students to become creative, independent and globally-minded. EXTRAORDINARY BY DESIGN. Applications due Feb. 1

404.252.3910 • www.springmont.com

ATLANTA’S F I R ST MONTE S SOR I SCHO OL

Applications are due February 1 Brought to you by – Springmont School As the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori experience that is extraordinary by design. Individualized learning inspires our diverse population of students to become creative, independent, and globally minded. Classrooms are large, light-filled, and thoughtfully prepared, while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons. Specially designed Montessori materials support children’s developmental needs and offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons, and concepts. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Multi-aged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates.

Art, Music, Physical Education, Outdoor Science Education, and Spanish are essential parts of the student experience. At Springmont, students are challenged to reach their fullest potential and empowered to help steer their own educations. Children’s innate curiosity grows into a life-long love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge. Middle School students run microeconomies and compete in regional academic competitions. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups make our Middle School Program a true capstone experience. Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Extraordinary by Design. Applications for the 2026-27 school year are due February 1! For more information or to schedule a tour, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | January 15, 2026 | 11

Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves. A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,210 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate. The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

PROVIDED

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

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E X P L O R E W E S L E YA N AT W W W. W E S L E YA N S C H O O L . O R G / A D M I S S I O N S

12 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Accelerate your nursing career. Impact your community. Brought to you by – Herzing University The healthcare systems of metro Atlanta, including surrounding communities like Sandy Springs, are experiencing the effects of the state-wide nursing shortage. Georgia is on track to be among the top 10 states facing the most urgent nursing shortages, projecting a need for over 18,000 registered nurses locally by 2037. This means more than just a lack of staff. It translates to longer emergency room waits, postponed critical care and increased pressure on already overworked healthcare professionals. This shortage demands an innovative approach to nursing education – one that unlocks the potential of more qualified individuals, including non-traditional students who may be balancing work and family responsibilities. Herzing-Atlanta understands this reality and has developed flexible learning options to cater to the nontraditional student, for whom time is one of the most valuable resources. As the campus celebrates one year in its new Sandy Springs location, Herzing is

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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A strong start in faith and learning Brought to you by – Dunwoody Baptist Preschool For over 56 years, Dunwoody Baptist Preschool’s vision has been to inspire the love of learning by nurturing each child within a Christ-centered environment. We are committed to encouraging our early learners to thrive academically, but even more importantly, we want them to grow spiritually. We, as teachers and staff, care deeply that all of our students know who God is and that He loves them unconditionally. We are a fully accredited preschool through COGNIA. At Dunwoody Baptist Preschool, we offer 2, 3 ,4 and 5-day classes for children ages 6 months to 2 years and

5-day classes for children in 3’s, 4’s Pre-K and our unique Young 5’s class. Early Morning drop-off, Extended Day and Enrichment classes in cooking, phonics, science, Spanish, ballet and piano are also offered. All children at DBP not only learn and explore within the classroom, they enjoy music and science classes, gym, playground time and chapel. Please visit our Admissions section on our website at dbc.org/ weekdayschool to register your child for the 2026-2027 school year. Please email Lesley Kammerer, Director at lkammerer@dbc.org for information on school tours. To see all of the fun we are having, check out our Instagram or Facebook @ dunwoodybaptistpreschool!

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14 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

SPORTS

WAR EAGLES 72, WILDCATS 66

Woodward staves off Dunwoody By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Woodward Academy boys basketball outlasted Dunwoody Jan. 6 in a 72-66 victory at Dunwoody High School. Both teams had not played since school let out for winter break, so a bit of rust was evident on a missed lob as the first play of the game out of tip-off. Both teams went back-and-forth in the first quarter, but Woodward opened the second frame with a 6-0 run to establish the tone. The War Eagles extended their lead initially and repeatedly quashed comeback attempts from the Wildcats. Standout Emerson Mitchell lit up the scoring chart for Dunwoody in the first half and led the charge to cut the deficit on four separate momentum swings. He put up 23 points and eight assists in the loss. Facing up against three members of the USA Basketball U16 national team and a major height discrepancy in their starting lineups, Dunwoody fought an uphill battle but proved their right to compete. ESPN’s No. 1 player in the country for the class of 2028, 6’9” five-star forward Bentley Lusakueno led Woodward with 28 points and five rebounds. He shot 100 percent from the restricted area (8-8) and the charity stripe (4-4) in the hostile environment of the Dunwoody gym. Lusakueno transferred to Woodward this season from Pace Academy to be closer to his family’s home on the south side of Atlanta, he said in a social media statement announcing the transfer. After the game, he said his team has given him plenty of reasons to have faith in tough situations. “You can’t get lost in these region games,” he said. “At the end of the day, we have dudes who can hit tough buckets, we have dudes who can sit down, be on an island and guard and lock it down and that’s really what it is.” Lusakueno went to the bench for part of the first quarter after racking up two quick fouls. Woodward adjusted to the officiating successfully and found themselves at the free-throw line repeatedly the second half. Lusakueno ended the game with two fouls. Woodward head coach Anthony Thomas said Lusakueno has brought leadership from day one, but the team chemistry that sets this group apart involves the full roster.

COREYA FLOWERS/PROVIDED

Woodward Academy forward Bentley Lusakueno attacks in the post at Dunwoody High School Jan. 6. Lusakueno led the War Eagles with 28 points in the 72-66 victory over the Wildcats. Thomas said a supportive mindset has been key when facing powerhouse opponents such as those the War Eagles have fallen to in their five losses this season. “We are now reaping the benefits of those tough opponents,” he said. “The guys are really starting to come together and be prepared for a strong finish. Tonight, we had to fight to the very end, but in the end, we made [necessary] corrections and that gave us the win.” Another special set of Hayes brothers make up a significant portion of the team chemistry that has propelled Woodward. Both top-30 recruits in the country, Jarvis Jr. and

ZAC BLONDHEIM/PROVIDED

Dunwoody senior Emerson Mitchell goes up for a jumper over Woodward Academy’s Yusef Morrison at Dunwoody High School Jan. 6.

Myles each scored in double figures against Dunwoody. It’s not the first time their last name has been mentioned in the newspapers as their dad and uncle made waves in the ’90s at Frederick Douglass High. Twins Jarvis Sr. and Jonas went on to play a year for Western Carolina before transferring to UGA. Jarvis Sr. had a multi-season career in the NBA and other professional leagues afterward. Jonas is now the head coach at Georgia State with Jarvis Sr. serving as an assistant. Sophomore Myles Hayes, another five-star recruit, has begun to rack up offers, too. Georgia, Auburn, Miami and

Georgia Tech are in the mix for all three recruits. Jarvis Jr. was a major source of motor against Dunwoody with a doubledouble of 23 points and 12 rebounds. The junior was named to Sandy’s Spiel’s preseason all-state first team. Woodward was dominant on the glass with a 34-19 rebound differential, only allowing Dunwoody three offensive boards. Spark from Wildcats guard Brendan Smith kept Dunwoody in the game in the second half, splashing on five 3-pointers. However, fouls piled up against Dunwoody, derailing the Wildcats’ effort at a comeback in the final minutes.

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AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | January 15, 2026 | 15

State Senate Republicans pitch gradual elimination of income tax By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — With affordability a top concern heading into the elections this year, Georgia’s Senate Republicans are proposing billions of dollars in cuts to the state income tax. A study committee assigned by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Republican and advocate for abolishing the 5.19 percent tax, approved recommendations Jan. 7 that would eliminate it for lower-income earners starting next January, eventually abolishing it altogether. The committee voted to recommend eliminating the tax on the first $50,000 in annual income for individuals and the first $100,000 for couples. The cut would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. That is midway through the next fiscal year, when it would divert $3 billion from the state budget. It would deduct $6 billion in the following full fiscal year. The committee also called for increasing the cuts to higher income levels in the future, with abolishment of the $16 billion revenue stream by 2032. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who led the committee, said the initial cuts need to help teachers, police officers and other workers who are struggling the most with the cost of living. He said two-thirds of Georgia workers would see their income tax eliminated at first. “Let’s give breaks to families who are feeling the crunch the most first,” he said. Affordability has become a top issue for Republicans in Georgia and nationally, leading to concerns about a voter backlash this year. Jones is running for governor and Tillery, who also chairs the Senate’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee, is running to succeed

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him as the leader of the Senate. Also in contention for lieutenant governor are two other members of the study committee: Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, the former Senate majority leader; and Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, who is vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee. John F. Kennedy, a Macon Republican who was Senate President Pro Tempore during the last legislative session, also served on the committee until he resigned last month to focus on his lieutenant governor primary campaign against the other three committee members. The recommendations said the

income tax would be eliminated without raising sales taxes or implementing a state property tax — and that no cuts to services would result. The recommendations passed along party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee opposed. Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, noted that the quarter of highest earners would benefit the most from full abolishment of the income tax in 2032, keeping more than $11 billion in their wallets. Abolishing the income tax for all earners would also eliminate a revenue stream equal to more than 40 percent of the current $37.7 billion budget.

The Democrats were dubious that this would not strain government services. Orrock pointed to a dearth of health clinics in some counties with needs for funding. Tillery said the elimination of the tax on earnings up to $50,000 and $100,000 could be achieved with some simple steps. He said the first $3 billion could be covered with a mix of surplus revenue — state income exceeded expenses by nearly $2 billion in the fiscal year that ended in July — and new financing. With interest rates high, the state has been paying cash for capital projects rather than borrowing money through bonds. By borrowing the money instead, it would have another $1 billion to put toward income tax reductions, he said. The state could fund the rest of the cut when it reaches $6 billion in fiscal year 2028 by slicing 10 percent off the $30 billion spent on tax credits and tax exemptions, he said. To become law, the Senate would need cooperation from the House of Representatives. Speaker Jon Burns, a Republican from Newington, said Jan. 7 that his chamber wants to collaborate with the Senate on reducing the income tax rate, like it did last year when the General Assembly dropped it a fifth of a percentage point, from 5.39 percent. But he sounded a note of caution about altogether eliminating the revenue stream. State government must be able to pay for services such as health care, public safety and education, he said. “We have to have the details, and it has to work.” This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

Georgia health officials urging flu vaccinations By TY TAGAMI Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Hospitalizations for flu spiked in the last full week of December, resulting in several deaths in Georgia and an urgent call by state health officials. The Department of Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated amid projections of more infections. “Flu activity is widespread and severe in Georgia, and cases are likely to increase following the holidays and as Georgians return to

work and school,” the agency said in a statement. “The Department of Public Health strongly urges you to take advantage of the health benefits the flu vaccine provides as soon as possible.” The agency reported more than 500 hospitalizations during the week ending Dec. 27, a more than six-fold increase from the week that ended Dec. 6. It reported seven deaths in that last full week of December. The state warnings came as the Atlanta-based Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported influenza cases had increased by a third nationally for the week ending Dec. 27, with deaths up nearly 1 percent and one pediatric influenza-associated death during the 2025-26 season. The CDC’s acting director, Jim O’Neill has also revised recommendations for pediatric vaccinations, including for flu. The federal government previously recommended annual vaccination for children over 6 months old, but O’Neill changed that blanket

advice slightly, advising medical consultation first. His memo to other federal agencies the first week of January said the flu vaccine “should not be recommended for all children,” but it should be available through insurance to those over 6 months old “through shared-clinical decision making.” This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

16 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

placement. She further argued that the requested variances were necessary to maintain property values consistent with other homes in the surrounding neighborhood, saying the proposed design would better align with nearby residences. Also speaking in favor of the request was Yaniv Regev, a neighboring property owner, local business owner,

and contractor who helped design the home. Regev described subsurface conditions on the lot as particularly challenging. “The lot is very, very sloppy in the back,” Regev said. “It’s all rocks in the lot four feet under the ground from the top surface. We have to design a special septic tank for the house, which is why we have to design it this way.”

According to city staff, however, a compliant home could still be designed for the property despite those conditions. Staff maintained that the lot’s physical characteristics did not constitute a hardship under zoning law and that alternative site layouts could allow development without encroaching into required setbacks. Staff also noted that the submitted plans showed retaining walls encroaching nearly 16 feet into side setbacks, exceeding the 10 feet allowed under city code, and raised concerns about potential impacts to neighboring properties. After discussion, the Board of Appeals voted to deny the variance request. Two other variance requests on the board’s Jan. 7 agenda were not heard. An application involving retaining walls at 1000 Johnson Ferry Road was withdrawn by the applicant, and a setback variance request for 701 Bass Way was continued to the board’s Feb. 4 meeting.

visiting often since its inaugural opening three years ago. “We just love City Springs. We live within walking distance and come up here at least once a week to enjoy the rink,” Quinn said. Quinn’s daughter, Marcie,

celebrated her seventh birthday at the rink with pizza, cake, hot cocoa and friends and family. Flaunting her new skates, she shared her father’s enthusiasm. “I like to skate, it’s really fun and I also like it because some of my friends

come, too,” she said. Skate City Springs will remain open through Jan. 19. Tickets are reservable online for one-hour skate sessions, which includes a skate rental. Visit citysprings.com/skate for more information and ticketing.

Continued from Page 1 The report also raised concerns that grading and retaining walls would extend significantly beyond what is allowed under city code and could impact adjacent properties and boundary trees. During the meeting, Lilach Ilan, speaking on behalf of the applicant, addressed the board in support of the request. She cited the narrow shape of the lot and what she described as steep and difficult terrain at the rear of the property as major challenges to development. Ilan also told the board she was unaware of the differences between RE-1 and RE-2 zoning requirements until after the house had already been designed. RE-2 zoning, which applies to the property, requires larger lot sizes and wider setbacks than RE-1 zoning, making it more restrictive for home

Cocoa: Continued from Page 1 Sandy Springs resident Charles Quinn and his family have been

JAMIE GODIN/APPEN MEDIA

Members of the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals consider variance requests for a proposed home on Jett Ferry Road. The board denied the request, citing negative impacts the changes would have to neighboring properties.

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PAST TENSE

OPINION

Residents recall heyday of Thompson’s Grocery You may have seen this photograph of an old country store before in the Dunwoody Crier. I have written before about how the old railroad depot was VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF rolled up Chamblee Dunwoody Road Columnist on logs. It became Nash’s Store in the mid-1920s. In the early 1900s, William Nash and William Joberry Cheek, Jr. operated a feed and grocery store along what is now Nandina Lane. Tragically, Cheek was shot and killed by James Clark in 1906. Nash would have died also, if not for the Masonic charm he wore that day. Following the Nash ownership of the store, Walker and Lottie Thompson became the owners and operators. Those who recall the store in the 1950s remember it as Thompson’s Store. Mike Austin shared his memories of Thompson’s store with me several years ago. The door on the left led into the post office. The other two doors entered the grocery store, but everyone used the middle door. Mrs. Thompson was known to everyone as Miss Lottie. When Dunwoody Elementary School was located across Chamblee Dunwoody Road, children would stop by the store on their way home. They

Correction: The Jan. 1, 2026 Past Tense column incorrectly stated the year of a fire at Loew’s Grand Theater. The fire took place in 1978.

LARRY JORDON/PROVIDED

The old Thompson’s Grocery occupied what was once a train depot. would sometimes spend 5 cents for a cold Coke or some candy. Miss Lottie rang you up. Lottie Mae Thompson was born in 1906. Walker Harris (Doc) Thompson was born in 1888 in Morgan County, Georgia. The couple married in 1928.

In 1930, according to the U.S. census, Doc and Lottie were living at 930 Glenwood Avenue in Atlanta. Doc worked at a restaurant. Both the 1936 Atlanta City Directories and the 1940 census show the couple owning and working at a restaurant.

By 1950, the couple had moved to Spalding Drive, east of Roberts Drive. The household included Doc, Lottie, their 3-year-old son and lodger Cicero Wright. Walker Thompson was working as a farmer. (1950 U.S. Census records) As to what brought Doc and Lottie Thompson to Dunwoody, I can only speculate. Perhaps they were ready to leave the city and move to the country. They ended up in the Dunwoody area running the local country store. Doc died in 1957. The obituary reports the couple lived on Jett Ferry Road and had lived in Dunwoody 10 years. His funeral was held at Dunwoody Baptist Church, and although the obituary states Roseland Cemetery, he and Lottie are both listed among those buried at Sandy Springs Methodist Church Cemetery. Lottie died in 1973. (Atlanta Journal, March 19, 1957) Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

What have I learned assessing value of screens vs. people? We have three children. When they were growing up, we didn’t have TV or game consoles in our house for a long time – like for 5 or 6 years – maybe longer. Then I caved. We have had a beach house RAY APPEN on a very remote Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com (accessible only by boat or plane) barrier island in the panhandle of Florida for 26 years. No stores, no courts, no restaurants, no roads – just friends, beach, wilderness, shells, boats and fish. We did not have TV there for over 20 years – by choice. I have never liked TV; I read instead. My wife Christina reads. My children read, still. I have an old friend who worked in senior management for years in

the cable industry. So, she advocated always for broadcast – cable specifically. I think it drove her crazy – or at least bugged her – that I was so anti-screens, anti any form of broadcast or narrow cast or, today, anti-streaming. Today we have TVs at home in Alpharetta and down in Florida. We stream. We Netflix. We binge watch those mini-series. Well, they do; I don’t. I haven’t caved yet – at least for myself. I’ll occasionally watch the news but other than that, I read – not on screens. The same thing goes for social media. I am going on maybe five-plus years with no Facebook. I deleted Instagram a couple of years ago. Never used Twitter, LinkedIn or any of the other social media platforms. Yes, I do miss seeing how old friends are doing on Facebook and sort of miss the entertainment of Instagram, but I gladly give that up to restore my available

time to learn, time to read, time to stay personally – as in face to face – connected with friends. It’s a trade-off I gladly make. Now Chat GPT. Yes, I use it, but… my radar is up. I see where we’re going with it. I see what change is coming – unstoppable – down the tracks – like now. And I don’t like it. I think it scares me. I think I don’t want to give up what I would or will have to in order to allow Chat more substantively into my life. Yes, there are benefits to consider, but everything has a cost – everything. The cost involved is our time, our purpose and our attention. Taken perhaps to an extreme, I would suggest that our very humanity is the ultimate cost on the table. A reader chewed me out recently for trashing screens – and streaming “vomit.” I don’t blame her, actually. She pointed out all the benefits – the time

savings, the learning opportunities and more. I get it. But, I also get human nature and most people’s – including and especially me – inability to resist the pull of the screens and the collateral time-destroying disconnecting impact of our addiction to screens. Like I said, everything has a cost. So, I am focusing on my “why” and my “what” for the new year. What do I want to use my time for and why. Where is the meaning? What activities nourish my soul, make me feel like a contributing member of the human race – part of the tribe? What is more important to me, learning or being entertained? What is more important to me, screens or people? Isn’t that what all this comes down to – choosing between screens or people? And isn’t that a “thing” that we do have to choose? And your choice for 2026?

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ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 OFF Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

“Family Owned Since 1972” Fast Dependable Service by Professional Uniformed Electricians

• BRICK • CONCRETE Alex Fraser, President www.alexfrasermasonry.com E-Mail: afrasermasonry@aol.com

• BLOCK • STONEWORK FULLY INSURED

Cell: (404) 281-0539

Driveways $250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Home Improvement

Garage Doors

ROT-DOC

Dunwoody Door Lift Co.

Don’t waste good paint on rotten wood. Minor repairs make a major difference!

We sell, install and repair garage doors and openers.

Rot Repair Technician

Interior/Exterior Painting Pressure Washing Rotten Wood Deck Repair Free Estimates

Thurman | 770.899.1354 | www.rot-doc.com

The ONLY garage door company in Dunwoody!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $5,000.

Authorized Genie Dealer serving Dunwoody since 1973.

Handyman

770-393-1652

Matthew the Handyman - Carpentry, painting, drywall, plumbing. Electrical and small jobs. 404-547-2079.

If you can’t lift your door, let Dunwoody Door Lift it!

Belco Electric

Check out our new website:

770-455-4556 BelcoInc.com

and follow us on:

Miscellaneous

Budget Fabrics And Upholstery *DISCOUNT PRICES*

-FREE Design Consultation• Thousands of designer 770-396-6891 fabrics IN STOCK 770-396-6824 Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-3

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

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T:\ADS_2025\Appen Media Group\Filler Ads\ AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs | Sandy Springs Crier | January 15, 2026 | 23 Shop, Eat, Read Local

Full-time

Donor Operations Supervisor The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized. The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL READ LOCAL

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If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

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DEATH NOTICES Isaac Goodvin, 89, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 1, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bernhard Kiemes, 69, of Alpharetta, passed away on January 4, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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A NEWSLETTER FROM

Paul Massey, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away on December 30, 2025. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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24 | January 15, 2026 | Sandy Springs Crier | AppenMedia.com/Sandy_Springs

THE REMODELING AUTHORITY

Let’s Discuss Your Project. 678.459.2292 Tune-Up Projects

Full Remodel Projects

Bathroom Tune-Up New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Kitchen Remodel Total Cabinet Replacement

Enlarge Shower

Large Island

Vanity Replacement – Cabs, Counter, Sink

New Backsplash

Shower Glass

Cut Down 2-level Island

Shower Safety

Optimize Cabinet / Appliance Locations

Free Standing Tub Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Kitchen Tune-Up Paint Cabinets New Countertops, Sink & Faucet

Open Concept – Move Walls

Bathroom Remodel New Larger Shower

Plumbing Fixtures

Great Ideas Huge Showroom Open to the Public OPEN SATURDAYS 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Rd. Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)

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ALPHARETTA