News
Intermittent Fasting and Testosterone: Helpful or Harmful for Men?
Fasting has become a popular health trend for those looking to lose weight and make improvements to their overall health. However, when it comes to testosterone, is intermittent fasting supporting your hormones or working against them? Many men turn to intermittent fasting for fat loss, sharper mental focus, and even longevity. But testosterone is central to male vitality, and its relationship with fasting is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this guide, we’ll break down what intermittent
Dunwoody sets a reserve-funded plan for capital projects
DUNWOODY, Ga. — It looks likely that the Dunwoody High School girls volleyball team will get the sand court its been asking for since last fall as a part of the city’s $5 million planned buildout of Homecoming Park. The Dunwoody City Council workshopped the 2026 budget during an Oct. 6 meeting, setting up an amendment later this year to use excess reserves to fund a number of capital projects. During the discussion, elected officials came to a consensus, focusing on allocating funds
Dad’s Garage to unveil new building addition
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company will host a grand opening of the facility’s new exterior entryway and patio in conjunction with the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association (O4WNA) on Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. This over 3000-square-foot addition to the original 12,000-square-foot theatre is the first major renovation completed at Dad’s Garage since renovations in 2015, according to a press release. “Dad’s Garage is in a unique position to connect the past and present through social bonds, programming, and its
How AI Can Help Small Businesses Compete and Grow
Whether you're a small business owner or someone considering starting your own venture, you've probably heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and wondered how it fits into your daily operations. While it may seem like a tool reserved for tech savvy companies, AI is quickly becoming essential for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow smarter, and stay competitive. That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support
The City of Sandy Springs to Host 16th Annual Veterans Day Tribute
The City will host its 16th Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. in Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This free community event welcomes all to come together in recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of America’s veterans. U.S. Navy Commander Frank Weisser, a two-time Blue Angels Aviator, will serve as the Keynote Speaker. Commander Weisser was deployed to combat three separate times. He flew in the front seat as an F-18 pilot for some of Top Gun:
General Tso Catering “We Serve Those Who Serve” Campaign to Support Furloughed Government Employees
Atlanta, GA — In response to the recent government shutdown, General Tso Catering & Events has launched a heartfelt initiative titled “We Serve Those Who Serve.” The campaign is designed to provide warm, affordable meals and community support for government employees who are currently furloughed. “Even when the government shuts down, we don’t stop serving,” says Patrick Cheng, founder of General Tso Catering. “Many of these workers serve our communities year-round, and now it’s our turn to serve
When to use Ai images. And when to NOT.
With Ai popularity on the rise, it's becoming increasingly important to know when it is appropriate to use Ai generated images and when you should steer clear. When creating content that includes technical items such as cars, planes, tools, electronics, or other very specific items, it's always best to use actual photography. Although at first glance, the Ai-generated object may seem acceptable, anyone who is at all familiar with the item will instantly recognize that it is not correct. This in turn will
Why Cyber Insurance Is Essential for Small Businesses
When small business owners think about cyberattacks, they picture major corporations like Target or Equifax making headlines. However, in reality, small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercrime and often experience devastating financial consequences. Even among those businesses that are aware of today’s cyber risks, 64% believe their operation is too small to be an attractive target for cybercriminals, according to a 2025 study by Coalition.1 Small Business, Big Target According to the
Do You Really Know Your Numbers?
Do You Really Know Your Numbers?Josh Gardner Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services @ Symphona | Helping small business owners get control of their finances If you’ve ever wondered whether your books are even right… if you’ve felt like you’re guessing at margins or worried you might be bleeding cash without realizing it — you’re not alone. What most business owners are really missing is a clear picture of their profit and loss statement. Your P&L should tell the story of your business: what it
Meet Carla Woolstrum of Cruise Planners
Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Woolstrum. Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? I had an almost four-decade career in IT Technology that over the course of several years moved me from my native Nebraska to Texas and finally to the Atlanta area, where I have lived since 1996. While I was successful in the IT world, it was a career I had just sort of stumbled into and I was never truly passionate about it. In 2019, as I was
Appen Media Publisher Hans Appen Named to Georgia Trend’s 2025 “40 Under 40”
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Appen Media Group Publisher & CEO, Hans Appen, has been selected for Georgia Trend magazine’s 2025 “40 Under 40” list. This distinction recognizes young professionals across the state who are making significant contributions in business, the arts, public service, and other fields. The Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 award is one of the most prestigious honors for emerging leaders in Georgia. Appen’s inclusion underscores his influence in the media landscape and his commitment to both
Parks & Rec earns statewide recognition
Dunwoody, GA – October 2, 2025 – Dunwoody Parks and Recreation has once again been recognized among the best in Georgia. The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) named the department District 6 Agency of the Year during its annual awards banquet on Wednesday. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Dunwoody has earned the honor, which celebrates excellence and leadership in delivering high-quality parks, facilities, and programs that enrich community life. “Each year, our team strives to
Sandy Springs sets Picnic in the Park
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After the final Sandy Springs Farmers Market of the season Nov. 22, the city is transforming Blue Stone Road into a giant picnic table to honor its 20th anniversary. Sandy Springs is inviting all residents to celebrate Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along the City Green, marking two decades of community, connection and civic pride. “Picnic in the Park,” is one celebration in a series of community gatherings in honor of the city of Sandy Springs incorporating
How a CRM Can Transform Your Customer Interactions
One of the most significant advantages of operating as a small or medium-sized business is that you can provide more personalized attention to your customers, unlike larger enterprises and corporations. However, you need the right tools to make these interactions as effective as possible. With the right customer relationship management tool, or CRM, your business can dramatically improve sales, marketing efforts, and customer satisfaction. Centralizing Your Customer Interactions It’s tough to manage
Sounds of Dunwoody to bring free live music, community-building to local shopping center
The Shops of Dunwoody, the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, and Create Dunwoody will host their inaugural Sounds of Dunwoody event on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 10 pm. The free concert event, located on the shopping center’s shared green space, will feature performances by the Francisco Vidal Band and rock cover band PDL Atlanta. “It’s really just wanting to build community in Dunwoody,” said Nida Mudd, owner of Judy and Grace Boutique and a Dunwoody resident of more than 30 years. Mudd took
Solidarity Sandy Springs helps the least fortunate
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Solidarity Sandy Springs, a nonprofit food pantry created at the outset of the pandemic in March 2020, shows Metro Atlantans how they can make a difference in their community. The grassroots organization has served more than 100,000 people in four years, operating a free-choice market with fresh produce and other healthy foods with the support of local donors and volunteers. Jennifer Barnes, Solidarity Sandy Springs co-founder and member of its board of directors,
CEO Cochran-Johnson Delivers on Her Promise to South DeKalb with $28.9M Candler Crossing Project
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, a transformative project set to restore vitality to the Candler Road corridor, deliver essential services, and spark new opportunities for the community. The project will feature a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space, and public amenities designed to create a walkable, family-friendly destination. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. The
DeKalb County Commission approves real-time crime center
DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County will get a real-time crime center to track data and deploy more cameras and drones. At its Sept. 23 meeting, the DeKalb County Commission approved an $18 million contract with Flock Safety for the technology. The contract will be paid for over the next 10 years. Since the contract is for 10 years, there will be layers of deployment strategies using crime data, identifying troubled areas, and focusing on tire dumping and street racing. In a newsletter, DeKalb County CEO
Every Child Deserves a Warm Coat
When a child receives a brand-new coat, you can see the joy on their face. For many of our neighbors, this is the only new clothing their child will get all year and it means walking to school warm, playing outside with friends, and staying healthy through the cold months. Each fall, CAC partners with the Knights of Columbus to provide free, new coats to children in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs whose families are struggling to make ends meet. This year our goal is 700 coats, 100 more than last year.
Why Data Hygiene Matters: Speeding Up Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits want the speed of automation and the promise of AI—but Alicia Eastvold, Department Leader for Client Technology Solutions at YPTC, explains why many orgs stall at the starting line: messy, bloated, and fragmented data. Her central thesis is simple and powerful: “We can’t speed things up if it’s not organized, and we can’t write simple rules around it for where it belongs.” From the first minute, Alicia reframes “data hygiene” away from fear and toward usefulness—think Marie Kondo for systems:
Conference to offer children the opportunity to write their own books
Purpose Pushers LIVE 2025 and The Kid Authors Academy Conference, a three-day AI Marketing conference in Atlanta from Oct. 10–12, 2025, is bringing together parents and children under one roof to learn how to build brands, publish books, and launch digital businesses using the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Purpose Pushers Co-founder Brenda Cottonwaters helped her four-year-old son write and publish his first book, and the impact was life-changing, according to a release by the conference.
Charting DeKalb’s Economic Future: A Q&A with KB Advisory Group on the County’s Strategic Economic Development Plan
eKalb County, Georgia, is at a pivotal moment in its economic development journey. With new leadership, emerging opportunities, and a rapidly evolving regional landscape, Decide DeKalb Development Authority is updating its Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP) to position itself for future growth. The SEDP will help guide us as we attract high-quality investment, new businesses, and jobs to DeKalb County and increase the quality of life for all residents. We sat down with Geoff Koski, President,
Critically-acclaimed hit film ‘Weapons’ puts DeKalb County on screen
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — While the latest film by director Zach Cregger and Warner Bros. Pictures is set in the fictional town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, some DeKalb County residents might see things differently. The film “Weapons” was released on Aug. 8, and with a $38 million budget, the film has made significant profit with over $239 million at the worldwide box office thus far. Critics gave it a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 3.8 out of five stars on Letterboxd. The horror film follows characters in a
Register Now for the Sandy Springs Education Force Lightning 5K
It's easy to join or create your own team to show your support for Sandy Springs Education Force! When you recruit friends, colleagues and contacts to register to run (or walk), you make a difference for public school students in Sandy Springs! Tap HERE to create or join a team. Register now for this fast, flat Lightning 5K/10K. Whether you're aiming for a Peachtree qualifier, setting a personal goal or just want to enjoy the fun, this is your race. It's an exciting community event that supports
Perimeter CID director says trail projects yield economic benefits in metro area
Perimeter Community Improvement District Executive Director Ann Hanlon said during the Sandy Springs Conservancy Thought Leaders Dinner on Sept. 17 that taxes that commercial property owners pay fund trails that boost economic development and increase their property values. The Perimeter CID has initiated public-private partnerships since its founding in 1999. Hanlon said it initially funded big infrastructure projects such as roads. Since COVID, the Perimeter CID board members have become interested in
Jiu Jitsu After 30, 40 or 50: Is It Too Late to Start? Discover the Benefits at Any Age
It doesn't matter if you're 30, 40, 50 or older: martial arts are for all ages. With proper guidance and respect for your pace, you can enjoy countless physical, mental and social benefits! See below. &##128073; How old is too late to start Jiu Jitsu? There is no age limit to practiceJiu Jitsu! Jiu Jitsu is an adaptable, safe, and effective practice at any stage of life. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is 40 too late to start BJJ?” know that often starting after 30, 40, 50 or beyond has its
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Breakthrough Cancer Therapy Moves to Phase 2 Trials
A promising cancer therapy developed by Georgia State University researchers and biotech startup Da Zen Theranostics is taking a major step forward, entering Phase 2 clinical trials. The treatment, which harnesses targeted radiation to destroy tumors with precision, could mark a turning point in how cancer is treated — and in the lives of patients who need better options. “It’s deeply rewarding to see DZ-002 advance into Phase 2 trials, marking a promising step forward in cancer treatment and offering
Atlanta International School celebrates its 40th anniversary
ATLANTA — Atlanta International School marks its 40th anniversary this year, representing a journey from 51 students in a converted army barracks on Powers Ferry Road to 1,350 students across two campuses. The school says the anniversary will be marked by year-long activities, including student-driven retrospectives, future-facing talks and celebrations with flair. The AIS community represents over 90 nationalities across two campuses in Buckhead and Sandy Springs. Read more here
Key Investments New Business Owners Should Prioritize for Success
Launching a business is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with crucial decisions about where to invest limited time and capital. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, securing your first vendor contract, or marketing your first product, choosing the right foundational investments can make the difference between surviving and thriving.1. Professional Foundations: Finance, Legal, and Compliance New business owners should start with the fundamentals: Business banking — Open a dedicated account
Construction Owners Summit Atlanta '25 Brings Together Industry Leaders, Students, and Technology Innovators
ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Construction Owners Summit (CO Summit) Atlanta '25, a premier industry event combining educational programming with an industry expo, will take place on September 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM at Kennesaw State University (1000 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144). Jointly organized by the Lumber and Construction Owner Club, the CO Summit represents one of four major events taking place across the United States (Santa Clara, Phoenix, Chicago) in 2025,
Delta Community Receives Jack Henry Cobalt Award
ATLANTA (Sept. 16, 2025) – Delta Community Credit Union has received the Jack Henry Cobalt Award in the “Barrier Breaker” category, which recognizes financial institutions that have used Jack Henry’s software and services to help families overcome challenges to their financial health. As part of the award, Jack Henry will donate $10,000 to a nonprofit of the recipient’s choice. Delta Community selected PAWKids, an organization that offers health and human services, and educational resources to metro
Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run, Walk & Roll 5K Set for September 25th
Lace up your running shoes and grab your co-workers—the 21st Annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run, Walk & Roll 5K is back on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7 p.m., starting on Hank Aaron Drive at The Olympic Cauldron and finishing with Atlanta’s Largest Office Party. Known as the city’s longest-running 5K event, the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run, Walk & Roll is more than just a race—it’s Atlanta’s premier after-work celebration. Thousands of participants from companies across the metro area will
City of Sandy Springs Wins 3CMA Savvy Award for the Performing Arts Center Brand Guidelines
The City of Sandy Springs is proud to announce that it won the 2025 Savvy Award for the Performing Arts Center’s Brand Guidelines in the Publications category for Style or Branding Guide. The award was received at the annual The City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) conference held September 2-5. Designed in-house by the City’s Communication’s Department in collaboration with the Performing Arts Center (PAC), PAC’s Brand Guidelines stood out among cities and county’s nationwide, as
‘Best of Decaturish’ to celebrates community favorites
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Decaturish and its parent company Appen Media Group are proud to announce the launch of Best of Decaturish, a community-driven contest designed to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make DeKalb County thrive. For over a decade, Appen Media has hosted a similar contest - Best of North Atlanta, that allows readers to vote for their favorite restaurants, shops, professionals and service providers. Now, the company is bringing that same tradition of recognition and
Dunwoody officials explore ways to bring contractor services in-house
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Dunwoody City Council discussed a major rebidding of municipal services during its Aug. 25 meeting that would bring 12 contracted city positions in-house as full-time employees. Dunwoody’s five-year contracts for city services are set to expire at the end of December. Elected officials voted 6-1 to table a decision until the Sept. 8 meeting, giving the city plenty of time to approve something before contracts expire at year’s end. City Councilwoman Catherine
Audit finds DeKalb County struggles with outdated systems
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County solicited an operational assessment in July, and the report found that overall, the county departments still struggle with inefficiencies and outdated systems. Mauldin and Jenkins performed the assessment, which includes 60 pages with more than 200 recommendations to improve county operations. Most of the report indicates there are inconsistencies and issues with numerous operations, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said at the Operations Committee meeting Aug. 5. She
Brookhaven is a diverse tapestry that the Arts and Culture Commission helps weave
Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 5, 2025– From City murals to art exhibits, the Brookhaven Arts and Culture Commission advocates for the advancement of arts throughout the City, ensuring that it reflects Brookhaven and its communities. The commission is composed of nine commissioners from the City, a mix of residents and members of local organizations, such as Oglethorpe University, We Love Buford Highway and Explore Brookhaven. Collaborations with local organizations and schools ensure that the art displayed
Harvest in Napa: How Brix Levels Guide Winemakers | ONEHOPE
It’s mid-August in Napa, late morning before the sweltering summer heat settles in. Our enologist, Mark, is walking the vineyard rows, stopping at each cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc block at our Rutherford vineyard. He’s pulling grape samples carefully from clusters across the vineyard to ensure an even representation of ripeness. Today, readers get a rare glimpse behind the scenes, following every step from grape sampling to measuring Brix (sugar levels), and understanding how these numbers
Explore Dunwoody's Best Green Spaces
Dunwoody is full of inviting outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying fresh air. From lively plazas to peaceful park trails, these spots offer something for everyone. Many green spaces are surrounded by popular restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to combine dining, entertainment, and outdoor fun in one visit. With scenic walkways, open lawns, and event-ready plazas, Dunwoody’s green spaces offer endless ways to enjoy the city. Whether it’s strolling through Brook Run
4 Lessons You Need to Learn About IT ASAP
We live in a time where all business owners should have some working knowledge of technology, but this lesson is often learned only after the fact. Sometimes it takes a crisis to thrust one into action, but we’re here to help you take the first step. Today, we have four lessons that you can learn about business technology today to hopefully prevent a crisis somewhere down the road. Think of Technology as an Investment Due to the price tag generally associated with IT, it’s easy to see unnecessary costs or
Be a part of Rough Draft Atlanta's Sandy Springs 20th Anniversary Special Issue
Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate 20 years of our wonderful city! Celebrate the City of Sandy Springs’ (and the Sandy Springs Reporter’s) 20th Anniversary with a tribute ad in the December issue of the paper. The special edition will include a look back at the first two decades of Sandy Springs with an eye to the next 20 years! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate Sandy Springs! Email us to reserve your space today!
AJC to move to fully digital publication, phase out print Dec. 31
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday said it plans to end its printed edition at the end of this year, accelerating its digital transformation amid a rapidly evolving media landscape. For the past three years, the AJC has worked to transform the newspaper, which traces its origins back 157 years, into a modern media company, investing millions in new reporting capabilities and technology. That strategy has centered on an ambitious goal to reach 500,000 paid digital subscribers. President and
TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Names New Executive Director
Effective August 1, 2025, Liz Loreti, CFRE, MA, became the Executive Director of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (myturningpoint.org), a unique breast cancer nonprofit focused on providing essential survivorship services for breast cancer patients of all backgrounds for nearly 22 years.“We are thrilled to welcome Liz as the new Executive Director of TurningPoint as she brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and will be an immediate asset,” said Kathy Smith, TurningPoint’s Board Chair and
How SMBs Can Successfully Navigate the Leap Into Global Markets
The dream of international expansion carries equal parts promise and pressure. For small and medium-sized businesses, the prospect of tapping into overseas markets can open up new revenue streams, diversify risk, and boost brand credibility. But the global playing field isn't just bigger—it’s trickier, messier, and often plays by an entirely different rulebook. That’s why the difference between growth and growing pains often lies in how smartly and strategically a business prepares for its global
How Small Business Owners Can Manage Change Without Losing the Crew
When a business shifts course, small companies feel the tremor more than giants. A policy tweak, leadership switch, or new technology doesn’t just ripple—it crashes through a tight-knit team, rattles long-standing habits, and pokes holes in comfort zones. Change isn’t the enemy, though; resistance to it is. If you’re running a small business, managing organizational change isn't just about pushing updates or sending memos—it's about keeping your people on board while the ship turns. Start With the Real
The Future of Work Is Flexible—And Here’s How Companies Can Make It Happen
The workplace isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Employees want more autonomy, better work-life balance, and the ability to do their jobs without being chained to a desk from nine to five. For small businesses, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. You don’t have the sprawling HR departments or endless budgets of large corporations, but you do have something better—agility. If you’re willing to rethink traditional work structures, you can create a remote or flexible work
Revolutionize Hiring with the Latest Recruitment Innovations
In the competitive realm of recruitment, staying ahead requires more than just traditional methods. The integration of technology and data-driven strategies is reshaping how organizations attract and retain talent. By adopting innovative approaches, companies can not only streamline their hiring processes but also enhance their appeal to prospective employees. This shift towards modern recruitment practices is essential for businesses aiming to secure the best candidates in a rapidly changing job
