Sandy Springs Crier - July 9, 2026

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church plans renovation to meet future needs

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Before there was a City of Sandy Springs, there was St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and School.

Now, more than 60 years after the parish was founded, church leaders are asking the city to approve a longrange campus master plan designed to accommodate a growing congregation and future ministry needs.

St. Jude, located on nearly 18

acres at 7171 Glenridge Drive in northeast Sandy Springs, has applied for a zoning permit that would allow a series of phased improvements and new construction. The additions are included in a campus master plan to replace aging facilities and update infrastructure as the church prepares to serve a new generation over the next 30 to 40 years, according to officials.

Immediate plans include construction of a new parish life center with a commercial kitchen

for community gatherings, such as banquets and school performances. Plans also include renovations to the church building and sanctuary and providing a columbarium garden, a sacred resting place for the ashes of the deceased.

St. Jude is seeking approval of the total master plan that includes future projects, such as a construction of a gymnatorium and a new middle school wing.

See RENOVATION, Page 6

Estate Expert Preparations underway for October wine festival

Sandy Springs Conservancy advances parks, trails initiatives

By DYANA BAGBY dyana@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Conservancy is moving forward with several major initiatives aimed at expanding parks, improving trails and strengthening long-term planning for greenspace across the city.

The organization recently received a $7,500 grant from the Sandy Springs Society, according to its June newsletter. The funding will go toward educational tree signage and beautification projects at Ridgeview Park, a 21-acre park at 5200 South Trimble Road with pickleball and tennis courts, nature trails, a picnic pavilion and playground.

Design work continues on Morgan Falls Trail Segment 2C, a planned 1.6-mile extension being developed with the city, PATH Foundation and Kaizen Collaborative as part of the city’s Springway Trail Plan. Estimated cost for this segment is more than $14 million. The Segment 2C trail will begin at Morgan Falls Outlook Park, follow a tributary of the Chattahoochee River through wooded areas featuring rock outcroppings and waterfalls, and connect to Roswell Road.

See PLANS, Page 6

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DeKalb Police arrest suspects accused of burglary spree

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga — DeKalb County

Police arrested three people accused of about two dozen business burglaries in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.

The break-ins started June 18. A news release said there were 14 burglaries at three different shopping centers: 7655 Mall Parkway, 6746 Covington Highway and 1232 S. Hairston Road.

“The burglaries continued around 2 a.m. June 23 in Gwinnett County,” the news release said. “The burglars then struck seven businesses in DeKalb County at 4860 and 4880 Lawrenceville Highway, 3210 Northlake Parkway, 1850 Lawrenceville Highway and 751 DeKalb

POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Canton man charged with obstructing officer

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Canton man was arrested June 24 on charges of trespassing and felony obstruction after allegedly kicking a Roswell officer in the groin during the arrest, according to police.

The incident began when employees at a gas station on Ga. 9 reported a man drinking on the property and refusing to leave. When an officer arrived, he saw the suspect toss aside a can and walk away from the building.

The officer spoke with the man who said he was leaving but not because anyone asked him to.

The officer caught up with the man walking down Alpharetta Highway and asked for his identification, citing the criminal trespassing violation. A records check turned up an outstanding Fulton

Industrial Way.”

DeKalb Police officers spotted a suspect vehicle leaving one of the crime scenes near Briarcliff and LaVista roads.

“Officers attempted to stop the suspects, but they chose to speed away. Officers pursued them through Tucker,” the news release said. “At one point, the driver narrowly avoided colliding with a marked police vehicle. Thankfully, no officers or innocent bystanders were injured.”

The suspects are accused of throwing cash registers and other stolen goods out of the car during the chase.

“The driver lost control and struck a curb on Hugh Howell Road, where all

County warrant for failure to appear in court.

Before being detained, the suspect asked to finish a cigarette while seated on the ground. The officer agreed to let him take one more draw, but the man never put it out or stood up. The officer and his partner handcuffed the man as he sat and explained the warrant, which the suspect said he hadn’t known about.

During the arrest search, the suspect grew belligerent, yelling and demanding to see the warrant. When the officer ordered him into the patrol car, the suspect refused to get in. As the officer grabbed the man’s legs above the knee, the suspect kicked him in the groin.

Officers secured a warrant for felony obstruction of an officer, and the man was booked into the Fulton County Jail.

— Hannah Yahne

Woman reports theft of ‘abandoned’ items

ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman returned to her apartment on Holcomb’s Pond Court the evening of June 24 to find several items had been stolen, including nearly $3,000 worth of shoes.

The woman told police she is in the

three suspects got out of the car and ran,” the news release said. “Officers located the suspects, including two who were hiding in a dumpster, and took them into custody. During the investigation, it was determined the suspect vehicle had been stolen, as well as one of three firearms in the suspects’ possession.”

Police said the suspects are a 23-year-old, a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old.

All are facing multiple charges related to the break-ins. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

— Dan Whisenhunt

process of moving out and had been away overnight. After she contacted the leasing office, some of the missing shoes were returned.

The woman reported still missing 14 pairs of shoes, laundry detergent, a Ring light, laundry hamper and makeup products. She also said her MacBook had been stolen and that she’d tracked it to another apartment on the same street.

Officers spoke with a maintenance worker at that address who said he had been at the residence with painters because of a work order. He thought the apartment was vacant, and they took what was believed to be abandoned items.

Soon after, he got a call from his boss asking if they had taken anything from inside the home and was told to return it.

The maintenance worker told police he returned the shoes and MacBook back in the woman’s apartment and showed officers a photo confirming where they were, which helped officers find the laptop.

The maintenance worker alleged any items still missing were taken by the painters.

— Hannah Yahne

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Georgia Press Association panel honors Appen advertising team

By ELLE GIRARD elizabeth@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group’s advertising team has won eight awards in the 2026 Georgia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, with the majority dedicated to Senior Graphic Designer David Brown.

Appen Media Group Publisher Hans Appen said that the company publishes free newspapers and its journalism is made possible by the support of its advertisers.

“These recognitions are a testament not only to the quality of our journalism, but also to the exceptional work we produce for our advertising partners,” he said. “They reinforce that promoting your business through Appen Media publications is a smart investment, delivering professionally crafted advertising that reaches an engaged local audience.”

The awards were announced June 12 at the 138th Georgia Press Association convention at the Jekyll Island Club, and are in addition to the 19 awards presented to Appen’s reporting team.

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

“[The awards] show the level of talent we have with our in-house designer, David Brown, who has close to 30 years of experience in the industry and has also worked for an ad agency,” said Appen Media’s Vice President of Advertising Mike Dorman.

The Appen team won awards in the following categories in Division E:

• Healthcare ad, 1st place, David Brown

• Food ad, 1st place, David Brown

• Home furnishings/appliances ad, 1st place, David Brown

• Classified section/page, 1st place, Appen staff

• Signature page, 1st place, David Brown

• Food ad, 2nd place, David Brown

• Service/institutional ad, 2nd place, David Brown

• Non-traditional ad, 2nd place, David Brown

“[Brown] really knows the client and the market, so being able to design something that's effective for the advertiser and also produce a graphically appealing ad is what makes him stand apart,” Dorman said.

Sandy Springs Wine Festival set for Oct. 11 at City Green

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — North Atlanta residents can now get early bird tickets for the fourth annual Sandy Springs Wine Festival set for Oct. 11.

The festival will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at a new location this year, the City Green at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, and is presented by the Greater Perimeter Chamber with in-kind support from the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and Visit Sandy Springs.

Attendees can imbibe on a variety of wines while enjoying gourmet bites, live entertainment and can make a community impact by purchasing either a reserve tasting ticket or general tasting ticket. A large tent will cover City Green so the festival can be held rain or shine. Ticket prices are also lower than in years past, Committee Chairperson Karen Trylovich said.

Early bird tickets for reserve tasting are $125. Beginning Aug. 1, tickets will be $135. A portion of the proceeds from reserve tasting sales will go to Solidarity Sandy Springs, a nonprofit fighting local food insecurity. The reserve tasting will be from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and will offer wines from local cellars and distributors valued at $70 and above. Participants will receive a gift bag with sponsor offers and discounts from Sandy Springs

DRIVEWAYS

and Dunwoody area businesses. Ticket holders will also receive a souvenir glass and access to the general tasting.

General tasting early bird tickets are $65. After Aug. 1, tickets will be $70. The general tasting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and will offer over 175 wines provided by Georgia-based distributors and wineries from across the globe. Local restaurants will be offering light fare from their menu, and there will be live music performances. Each ticket holder will receive a souvenir wine glass.

"The Sandy Springs Wine Festival showcases the best of our community — bringing together residents, visitors, local businesses, restaurants and charitable organizations for an unforgettable experience,” said Adam Forrand, president & CEO of the Greater Perimeter Chamber. “We are grateful to our sponsors and partners who help make this event possible while generating meaningful support for Solidarity Sandy Springs."

Attendees must be 21 years of age or older and present valid identification at entry.

For tickets, sponsorship information or additional details, contact Adam Forrand at adam@greaterperimeterchamber.com.

— Dyana Bagby

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, 4 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!

LET’S HAVE A DRINK

1. Non-alcoholic beverage. Blood line. Say with certainty.

2. Mountain glacial lake. Fortified wine. Apprentice.

3. Very weighty. Therefore. Coffee order.

4. Mustache maker drink. Fight result at times. Speaker’s spot.

5. Cut and paste, maybe. Orange drink. Verboten.

6. Christmas quaff. Pigeon shelter. Greek sandwich.

7. Guinness drink. Greek supreme god. Yellow quartz.

1 Non-alcoholic beverage. Blood line. Say with certainty

2. Mountain glacial lake. Fortified wine. Apprentice

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Very weighty. Therefore. Coffee order

4. Mustache maker drink. Fight result at times. Speaker’s spot.

5. Cut and paste, maybe. Orange drink. Verboten

6. Christmas quaff. Pigeon shelter. Greek sandwich

7.

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

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.

Plans:

Continued from Page 1

When completed, the addition will increase the Morgan Falls trail loop from 1.8 miles to approximately 3.4 miles, moving closer to the long-term vision of a continuous 5.6-mile loop around the park. The City Council is expected to consider funding for the project later this year, according to the Conservancy.

Completing the trail would enhance recreation, public health, environmental stewardship and economic vitality while creating a signature outdoor destination for Sandy Springs, Conservancy leaders say.

Renovation:

Continued from Page 1

“We are asking for a permit for the entire master plan, for everything that could happen over the next 10 to 15 years,” Director of Operations Colleen Tyner said. “But the actual work that’s going to be done right now is just the first phase of that master plan. There is no expansion to the school” at this time, she said.

The church has raised about $20 million for the first phase of the campus expansion and improvements, Tyner said. The permitting process is expected to wrap up with the city in October, and construction would begin in the fall of 2027, she said.

St. Jude was established in the

early 1960s, when Sandy Springs was a budding small town north of Atlanta. At the time, most Catholics drove to Christ the King in Buckhead or Our Lady of the Assumption near Brookhaven to attend church.

Jack Spalding, a founder of the King & Spalding law firm, and his children, Hughes Spalding and Suzanne Spalding Schroeder, were devout Catholics and had a 600-acre farm in Sandy Springs. They donated a 10.5-acre tract at the corner of Glenridge Drive and Spalding Drive to the Archdiocese of Atlanta so Catholics in the area could have their own local parish. In a letter dated Jan. 20, 1960, Hughes Spalding requested that the church be named in honor of St. Jude, a favorite saint of the Spalding family.

After the Spalding family donated

the land for St. Jude, they eventually sold off the rest of the farm to developers who built the residential neighborhoods surrounding the church and school.

When Sandy Springs was incorporated in 2005, St. Jude continued to be a cornerstone of the community, Tyner said. The church remains connected to the residents living in surrounding neighborhoods who are supportive of the coming changes to St. Jude, she said.

“We’ve had a really good relationship with our neighbors,” Tyner, 62, said. “I grew up here in the parish and live here in Sandy Springs, and the church was here before the neighborhoods were here. We feel like we’ve been here the whole time.”

The city and church have seen big changes over the years.

In the 1960s, when Sandy Springs was an unincorporated, mostly rural area, it had a population of roughly 16,000. Today, the city is home to several Fortune 500 companies including United Parcel Service and Newell Brands and has a population of close to 105,000.

St. Jude has grown from a small, rural outpost of Atlanta to a thriving 3,500-family parish that now includes Hispanic and Brazilian communities. The church has more than 80 ministries ranging from Knights of Columbus to a teen band, and more than 500 students are enrolled in preschool and K-8 school.

“Our founding parishioners were founding residents of Sandy Springs, and we’ve been with the community, and we have all grown together and it’s been really nice,” Tyner said.

Importance of skin checks for mature skin

Brought to you by – Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven

As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.

Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures

Dermatologists can assist with a

variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.

In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.

Don’t ignore the signs: What to know about colorectal cancer

Brought to you by – Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States. While advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes, it remains a significant health concern for adults as they age.

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive tract. While advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes, experts say one of the biggest challenges remains recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right.

Symptoms can include:

• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping

• Changes in bowel habits, including new constipation or diarrhea

• Iron-deficiency anemia

• Unexplained weight loss

Many people dismiss these symptoms as hemorrhoids, stress, dietary changes or a temporary stomach issue. But

experts caution that persistent symptoms should never be ignored.

“Bleeding is never normal until proven otherwise,” says Patrick Sullivan, MD, colorectal surgeon at Winship Cancer Institute. “If something changes and doesn’t return to normal, it’s important to get evaluated.”

Researchers believe colorectal cancer develops through a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle and environmental influences. Family history remains one of the strongest risk factors, and experts encourage people to know their family’s cancer history across multiple generations. Obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity and diets high in processed foods and red meat have also been linked to increased risk.

For those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, early detection can make a significant difference. When cancer is found at an earlier stage, treatment may be less extensive and outcomes are often substantially better than when the disease has spread.

Just as important as early diagnosis is where patients receive their care.

At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, every patient benefits from a

multidisciplinary team of specialists focused specifically on gastrointestinal cancers. Medical oncologists, colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, genetic counselors and other experts work together to develop a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s unique diagnosis.

Winship also has a dedicated team focused exclusively on rectal cancer, providing highly specialized expertise for patients facing complex treatment decisions.

Every colorectal cancer is different. That’s why Winship uses advanced imaging, molecular profiling and precision medicine approaches to better understand the biology of each patient’s cancer. This allows physicians to tailor treatment strategies to the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Patients also have access to more cancer clinical trials than any other cancer center in Georgia, providing opportunities to receive promising new therapies and treatment approaches that may not be widely available elsewhere.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, specialized care matters.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with a Winship colorectal cancer specialist, call 678-995-5998 or visit winshipcancer.emory.edu/colorectal-care.

Top mosquito-repelling plants, strategies for bite-free backyard

Mosquitoes are as much a part of Georgia summers as fresh peaches and Braves baseball. There is a saying that Georgia mosquitoes are so big they must check luggage at the airport. In addition to being a terrible nuisance and causing painful bites, they can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, equine encephalitis and Zika virus.

In the spirit of "know thy enemy," some basic facts about mosquitoes are important. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal — biting a person or pet — prior to laying eggs. Water is required for the larval and pupal stages of development, so eggs are usually laid on standing water. The amount needed is tiny; an empty bottle cap will do. The larval and pupal stages last around seven days, and the lifespan of an adult mosquito is two to four weeks.

Controlling adult mosquitoes can be challenging. Electrical and ultrasonic repelling devices have not proven effective. Due to the short lifespan of mosquitoes, insecticidal sprays and fogging provide only temporary control, and they can be lethal to pollinators and toxic to people and pets. An integrated mosquito management plan utilizes multiple strategies to ensure a healthy, balanced ecosystem to keep mosquito populations in check.

Since mosquitoes require water to develop, eliminating water sources for larval and pupal development is an effective option. Remove all standing water, such as from trays under potted plants, gutters, downspouts, tarps and tires. Change the water in pet bowls and bird baths at least once a week to interrupt larval development. Buckets filled with water can also be scattered around the yard as an attractive place for females to lay their eggs, and a biologically based larvicide (“mosquito dunks”) placed in the bucket prevents larval development.

Mosquitoes are a food source for birds and beneficial insects, so a layered landscape with trees, shrubs, ground covers and pollinator plants will establish habitats for birds, dragonflies and other insect-eating animals. Bats can eat thousands of insects per night, so adding a bat house may also help control the adult mosquito population. Aromatic cedar mulch may also help keep mosquitoes away from your yard, and a mosquito is no match for a wellplaced porch or patio fan.

Learn more at nfmg.net. GARDEN BUZZ

Mosquitoes target their victims by

A collection of potted herbs, marigolds, lemon thyme, oregano, English lavender and lavender cotton. I took this photo in Budapest and confirmed the plants by smell, touch or my plant app. I was familiar with all except lavender cotton. These highly aromatic varieties help mask human odors to deter biting pests in outdoor seating areas.

tracking body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. They can be repelled by strong herbal and citrus scents that mask human odor. Plants with strong fragrances can be planted in flower beds or containers around seating areas, doors and windows to repel mosquitoes. Here is a list of common mosquitorepelling plants:

• Perennial herbs: Lavender, lemon thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, sage and mint. The leaves of these plants must be crushed to release the plant oils and scent. After testing for skin sensitivities, the crushed leaves can be rubbed on arms, legs and the neck to spread the scent. Sprigs of sage, rosemary and lemon thyme can also be burned on a grill or added to a fire pit to disperse the scent.

• Basil: An annual herb that repels flies and mosquitoes without its leaves being crushed. As a bonus, the leaves are great for making pesto.

• Flowering perennials: Catnip and monarda, or bee balm, have fragrances that tend to repel mosquitoes while attracting beneficial pollinators. Allium is a flowering perennial bulb with a garlic or onion scent.

About the Author

This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Anne Wiskind, a Master Gardner since 2024. She is a life-long gardener with an active interest in protecting pollinators and encouraging biologic diversity. Anne does most of her gardening at her lake house in Blairsville, Georgia. She is appreciative of her mentors in the North Fulton County Master Gardeners.

• Annuals: Marigolds act as a natural mosquito repellent because they contain pyrethrum, a compound used in commercial pesticides. Both the flowers and the crushed leaves are fragrant. Scented geraniums are a fragrant annual for beds but can be toxic to skin. The citronella plant on its own has little effect, although the oil from its leaves may act as a repellent. Nasturtium leaves and flowers have a peppery scent.

All these plants should be regularly maintained and trimmed, as new growth is more aromatic than old. Ultimate control relies on staying one step ahead of the mosquito breeding

cycle. A few strategic adjustments to your landscape drainage and plant choices will ensure your backyard remains a sanctuary for your family rather than a haven for pests.

Happy Gardening!

North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://appenmedia.com/ opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/.

Visit us the second and fourth Saturdays at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the third Saturday at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. We will also have a booth at the Crabapple Festival in Milton on October 3, 2026.

OPINION

How a minister built a Roswell church furniture company

The Roswell Seating Company played a significant role in the city’s post-19th century textile mill era. It was founded in 1927 by the Rev. Ralph M. Donehoo (18871965) who was born in Cobb County and attended a one-room school as a child. He was a good student and was encouraged by his teacher to attend college. He enrolled in Rhinehart College for a short time before attending Mercer University where he studied for the ministry, graduating in 1912. He married Ethel Frances Scott (18911991), and together, they raised seven children all of whom are deceased. Most of the family is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell.

Ralph entered the ministry and became a circuit preacher. After several years going from church to church, he decided to slow down and purchased a small farm in Roswell on Pine Grove Road probably before 1920. (In the 1920 census the Rev. Donehoo is listed as Occupation: Minister and Industry: Farm.)

He bought some crates to hold a large crop of sweet potatoes and decided to set up a shop to make his own crates. He powered his shop with the engine from his Model T car. In 1927 he made pews for the Sandy Springs Baptist Church where he was preaching, and his new business was incorporated. His barn was reportedly where his first commercial products were made.

The Rev. Donehoo preached at numerous local churches as a supply preacher, meaning he preached as needed. He became a part-time pastor at the First Baptist Church of Roswell from 1916 to 1936 where a chapel is named in his honor, and he preached extensively at the First Baptist Church of Alpharetta from 1924 to 1942. His portrait is displayed in both churches. He preached 2 to 5 times a month at different churches, held revivals and supplemented his income with farming and carpentry.

Roswell resident Tim Worley worked in the Roswell Seating Company for

DEATH NOTICES

Gregory Bragg, age 70, of Roswell, GA passed away on June 23, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

T.S. Smith, employee of the Roswell Seating Company, is using a router to cut a design probably on an ornamental piece for a pulpit or communion table. Smith was a true craftsman according to Tim Worley who once worked with him on a special project. Even after he retired Smith was called back to work on major or urgent projects.

eight years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His mother was the bookkeeper for the company for 50 years. “In the late 1980s the company stopped being a production company and became a distributor for other producers although it still manufactured some products

Oma Foehr, age 94, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on June 26, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

the youngest son, became president of the company. All except John served in World War II but came home after the war wanting to work in the factory.

Like Tim Worley, Tim Donehoo also lives in Roswell and worked in the factory, in his case during summers from 1983-1990 before going to college. Tim started out in the paint department and worked his way through most departments up to an office job while in graduate school.

“One department took wood, and step by step made pews,” he says proudly. “We made pew bottoms, backs, ends called heads, communion tables, slanted book racks to hold hymnals and Bibles, chairs for Sunday schools and baptismal stands. It took talented craftsmen to make them.”

The work was hard and dusty but rewarding.

“If I could go back to work I would do so in a heartbeat,” Tim Donehoo says. “We produced something tangible and had pride in our work.”

with outmoded equipment,” Tim says. “By then the industry was dominated by much larger firms.”

Tim left the company in 1985, and it closed permanently sometime in the 2000s.

Tim notes that the early pews were made of solid oak, cherry or mahogany, “depending on what the customer wanted.” Later they were laminated with a veneer on the surface available in a range of colors. The laminated systems weighed less and were probably stronger and maybe cheaper to make. Tim drove a truck periodically to Wisconsin where the Wisconsin Laminating Company did the laminating and made some of the parts.

Tim recalls that it was an amazing site to see an installation.

“Workers assembled the pew upside down at the front of a church,” he says. “Two guys would get busy with a drill and screwdriver. After three or four minutes, they would put the pieces together, and we would have a church pew.”

Ralph Donehoo ran the business until old age slowed him down. His sons Pat, Scott, Bill, Sam and John, who had worked in the business at various times, took over. Tim Donehoo’s father John,

Molly Kevern, age 37, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on June 27, 2026. Arrangements by

Everything was done by hand, unlike the products made by the machines and computers used by others in the 1950s.

For well over 50 years, the Donehoo family provided seats and other church items to more than 5,000 churches throughout the Southeast. If your family attended Roswell United Methodist, Roswell Presbyterian, Sandy Springs United Methodist, Mount Paren Church of God, the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Peachtree Presbyterian, Union Hill Baptist, Crabapple Baptist or many other churches, your family sat on the handiwork of the Donehoos.

Thanks to the faith, vision and commitment of one man and the dedication of his sons and other family members, the Roswell Seating Company occupied a key role in the history of Roswell.

Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and trustee on the Board of Directors of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth. net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

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THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

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THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

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Full-Time

Trial Attorney sought by H.Q. Alex Nguyen Law Firm LLC dba 770GoodLaw (Norcross, GA). Juris Doctor (JD) degree and an active Georgia Bar license required. Some telecommuting permitted. Some travel required to for court appearances within Georgia. Email resumes to yenha@770goodlaw.com

Part-Time

YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.

To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

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