Atlanta Treasure

PRESERVING AN

Est. 1905

Hurricane Irma Visits Our ParkArticle by Krista Brewer

OLPA Annual Fund support even more critical Our beautiful old-growth forest and linear park received a most unwelcome guest in September. The same Hurricane Irma that knocked out power and downed trees across metro Atlanta also did extensive damage to the Deepdene forest in Olmsted Linear Park. Several significant old growth trees were downed by the winds. Various parts of the trails were damaged. And unfortunately, trees fell across the eastern bridge along the main trail way. The damage to the bridge is so extensive that it will have to be replaced. “When the storm was over, we walked through Deepdene and could not believe the extent of the damage. It was astounding,” says Toby Brooks, OLPA President. It will take months to clean up all the debris in the forest, which adds a new urgency to the impor-tance of OLPA’s annual fund support. Even in normal times, extensive resources are needed to ensure that the park is beautiful and safe for all to enjoy. While the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County are responsible for mowing and tree removal, the day-to-day maintenance and operations of the park such as planting and caring for trees and shrubs, maintaining trails, and addressing a broad range of damage and drainage issues is per-formed by the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance. Because of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Deepdene, we anticipate the additional cost for repairs above OLPA’s annual fund target for 2017.We know many of you are wonderful, long-time supporters of our park. We ask that you consider making a special gift this year to the OLPA’s Annual Campaign to help address this un-expected need to make Deepdene safe and beautiful again. Many thanks! ■

Olmsted Linear Park Alliance Volume 13 No. 2 Fall 2017

Root ball of downed tree dwarfs OLPA President, Toby Brooks.

ANNUAL OLPA GALA

PARTY FOR THE Parks on Ponce

Sunday, February 25, 2018 6:30 - 10:00 pmFernbank Museum of Natural History

Extensive damage to the eastern bridge.

OLPA Celebrates 20 Years With a Garden Party in VirgileeIt seems like just yesterday that Atlanta’s his-toric gem, Olmsted Linear Park, was saved from the bulldozers and road paving machines. It was one of the most dramatic and sustained efforts by residents of any city to save the char-acter and cohesiveness of a community. Soon after the settlement of the parkway dis-pute, a plan was developed to rehabilitate Olm-sted Linear Park and it called for the formation of the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance (OLPA) to guide and support the ongoing work. Twenty years later, OLPA celebrates a special anniver-sary and Atlanta residents and visitors enjoy rolling green vistas and the tranquility of an old-growth forest. In June, park enthusiasts gathered to celebrate OLPA’s 20th Anniversary. It was a gorgeous day to be in Olmsted Linear Park – then it poured rained. Not to be deterred, our dedicated park lovers pulled on their rain jackets, donned their umbrellas and had a grand ole time. Guests were met with beverages and tasty treats donated by some favorite local restaurants. Our canine friends, Lucy, Fiona, Buster, Toto and others made their debut with some dog-friendly activities. Some of our favorite local musicians joined in to share their musical talents - the Druid Hill Bil-ly’s, Rob and Bob Allen with friend Mike. We want to give a big shout out and sincere thanks to all the special businesses that donated wonderful food and drink. Thanks to Orpheus Brewery. To-tal Wine & More, Double Zero in Emory Village, Chai Pani and Wahoo! in Decatur, Mediterranea in Grant Park, Pig-n-Chik at Sage Hill and Sweet Auburn BBQ in Virginia Highlands. King of Pops was a big hit, as well as Park Pride’s toy box – no-tably the sack race and tug of war. A special note of thanks goes to Councilman Alex Wan and Arborguard Tree Specialists for sponsoring the anniversary picnic. Many thanks to our stakeholders and officials who are instru-mental in the day-to-day operations to preserve and protect this historic greenspace -- City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation; Commissioner Jeff Rader; DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs; Fernbank Museum of Natural History; Druid Hills Civic Association and Park Pride. We also want to thank our volunteers for their hard work to make this event possible. It was an amazing day and we appreciate every-one who came out to celebrate this momentous occasion. ■

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In Memory of June Hardeman HembyBy Jennifer J. RichardsonThe Olmsted Linear Park Alliance regrets to announce the recent death of June Hemby. June, and her late husband, John Hemby, were true angels to OLPA, volunteering in almost every capacity and wherever needed and donating generously to ensure the park stays viable for future generations.June Hardeman Hemby was born and raised in Tennessee and at-tended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, where she earned a BA in music. June met the love of her life, John, who was already a fantastic piano player, and the two fit together like hand in glove. They took off on a joint adventure as John rose through the ranks at Georgia Power. Being with Georgia Power meant that the couple moved to various towns in Georgia throughout John’s career, includ-ing Athens, Waycross, and Macon and ending up in Atlanta where John retired as Executive Vice President of Georgia Power.June was a homemaker, a teacher of piano, and a Sunday School Teacher. She twice served as president of the Women of Georgia Power group in Waycross and Macon. She served as president of the Macon music teachers’ Association. She and John were members of the Druid Hills Golf Club, where John entertained the Downtown Kiwanis Club group each Christmas with carols on the piano while they sang each year at the Club, and June played on the senior wom-

en’s tennis team. Both John and June were lifelong members of the Church of Christ.The couple was married for 64 years and their legacy is carried on by three daughters, one son, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grand-children.John often liked to quote the Georgia Power slogan that had been written by its first president and Druid Hills resident, Preston Ark-wright: “A citizen wherever we serve.” June and John were citizens of Georgia and of Druid Hills and they served both the Olmsted Linear Park and their community with tireless enthusiasm and per-severance. We were honored to know both of them and grateful for their service to OLPA. We extend our deepest sympathy to June’s family. ■

The management team at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) could think of no better way to recognize Julie Ralston (OLPA past president) on the occasion of her retirement than with a tree planting in the park. In honor of her many years of service (32) and dedication to ARC, Emerson Bryan and the ARC Management Team planted a large,

Sadie – PAWS in the Park Hi, my name is Sadie, and I love the Olmsted Linear Park. I live right across the street from Shadyside Park and get to walk there everyday with my mom, Linda DiSantis, and my dad, Bob Kerr. I have lived by an Olmsted park since I was a pup. My first house was next to Springdale Park, but that was before the park was fixed up by those wonderful people at OLPA. (My mom and dad told me about all the good stuff they have done.) I am almost

14 ½ years old now, so I have been walking in the park for a long time. I used to chase squir-rels and chipmunks and point the birds, but I don’t see so good anymore, nor do I run as fast or as far as I used to. But my nose works, and I love all the smells in the park. Sometimes I make mom and dad wait a long time while I sniff every leaf on a bush. I am so glad there are so many nice trees and bushes for me to sniff. I get my mom up every morning about 5:30, and we start our day with a walk in Shadyside.

She tells me she loves the walk, too, but s o m e t i m e s she seems a little grouchy that early. But I can tell she feels better when we get home. Thanks to you good people who help to make the park a great place for dogs like me. Love and puppy kisses, Sadie. ■

Julie Ralston Honored in the Park by Atlanta Regional Commission

white dogwood tree and wild azaleas in Olmsted Linear Park’s Virgilee segment. It was a beautiful fall day and many of Julie’s co-workers joined OLPA at the planting. A lovely reception was held at the OLPA office following the planting.At the ceremony, Julie and her husband Tim also dedicated a bench in the park to celebrate their love of nature and of all things park related. Congratulations Julie and thanks to the Ralstons for their loyal support of OLPA! ■

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - THANK YOU!We are so grateful for all of our volunteers who give their time and resources to make sure our park is beautiful and our events are a huge success. Whether you are a Were-wolf Cub Scout pulling out invasive plants or selling tickets to the gala – your time is valuable and OLPA is very thankful to have such dedicated individuals! Here is just a snapshot of what you have been up to this past year. ■

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In September, Druid Hills Civic Association and the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance joined forces to host the first annual Picnic in the Park. More than 250 friends and neighbors came out to enjoy the spendor of the fall colors, food, music and conversation.Entertainment included music by Journeymanz, led by Cate Moore with mem-bers Evan Paul Smith and Brandon Sherrill. The DeKalb School of the Arts Drama Ensemble, directed by Candace Lambert came out to show off their dra-ma talent. This Drama Ensemble has consistently placed at top levels in the State of Georgia High School Association’s one act play competition (https://www.ghsa.net/one-act-play). They have also been selected to perform at the annual Georgia Thespian conference several times in the past few years. Picnic goers enjoyed food truck treats from Grubin’ Out and Yumbii, who provided a variety of sliders and tacos among other delicious items. Park Pride provided games for the kids. And, our very own Sally Harbaugh, founder of Olmsted Parks Society of Atlanta and long-time resident of Druid Hills, and her son Chip came out to enjoy the fun. It was a spectacular event and we want to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the volunteers who helped make this a success, especially our partners, the Druid Hills Civic Association. We also want to give a very special thank you to DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Director Marvin Billups, DeKalb County Sanitation and Commissioner Jeff Rader. OLPA and DHCA look forward to making this an annual event – see you next year! ■

You’re invited to the neighborhood party of the year! Please join us on Sunday, February 25 for the annual Party for the Parks on Ponce at the beautiful Fern-bank Natural History Museum. This evening of ele-gant food, drink and silent/live auctions will benefit our Atlanta treasure – Olmsted Linear Park. Visit http://atlantaolmstedpark.org/feature/olpa-gala for more information, to purchase tickets, to join the Host Committee or become a Sponsor! ■

OLPA AND DHCA HOST NEIGHBORHOOD

PICNIC IN THE PARK

What’s better than a picnic on a beautiful fall day in the park?

Atlanta Treasure

PRESERVING AN

Est. 1905

OAKMartha & Toby Brooks Druid Hills Civic Association Antoinette & Hardy Gregory Billy & Carolyn Hall John & Marilyn McMullan Wendell & Mary Reilly Paideia School Jonathan Shakespeare Roger & Joanna Stroud Kathryn Lee Taylor Robert & Elizabeth Wagner Fentress & Jim Waits

HICKORYVirginia DerMoushegian Elliott Albers & Amy Erwin Nicole & Brandon Forde Virginia Hepner & Malcolm Barnes Marguerite Colville Ingram Robert Kerr & Linda Disantis Jo & Michael Koch Aneli Nugteren & Steve Place Lainey L. Papageorge Michael Purser & Robin Chalmers Julie & Tim Ralston Jay & Laura Sadd Alida & Stuart Silverman

DOGWOODAnn Critz & Frank Critz Russell Currey & Amy Durrell Paul DeSandre & Michael Ross John & June Douglas Kirk Elifson & Claire E. Sterk Linda Grant Beth Grashof Melinda & Phil Holladay Dr. Kent & Eva Holl& George & Nancy Ickes Nancy & John Jordak Lynn Kerpel Richard Lowrance Beth & Bill Morrison John Paddock & Karen Schwartz Kathie & Chuck Palmer Katherine Seville Gloria Seymour Glen & Susan Stine Sue Strauss George & Julie Zaharatos

REDBUDBryan Adams Bob & Jeanne Allen Lillian & Gene Ansley Paul F. Bianchi Katherine & Joseph Bleser Kristina & Patrick Bowen Cathy & Bo Bradshaw William & Jane Carney Catherine Howett Harry & Linder Clark Max & Rosalie Cooper Craig & Heather Couris Robin & Justin Critz Steve & Laura Cushing Kate Dannenberg Sharon Day Rob Dretler & Muffie Michaelson Druid Hills Garden Club Helen Hughes Evans & Eric Sorscher Dolly Evans Frances Finegan Doris Lee & Scott Gabler Susan Baker & Rick Gilkey Preston & Linda Herren Mark & Karen Holzberg Dr. & Mrs. James Hughes Matthew Page & Nicole Iannarone Joseph & Laura Iarocci John R. Jagger Chip Jones Bart & Michele Lester Deana Levine David Lewis & Danica Kombol Lorraine Loftis Bruce & Dell MacGregor Melinda & Dan Marshburn Allison & Warner McConaughey Jack McFarland Sally Morgens Elizabeth & Allen Moye Paul & Anne Murdoch Jim & Margaret Newsome Anne Olmstead Donald & Helen O’Shea Aja & Michael Pascale Tom & Alex Pearson Frank Pickens Kenneth Prince Dr. Henry Ricks Mark & Jill Rosenberg

Don Saliers Martha & George Sessions Jane Seward & Robert Berry Jane T. St. Clair, MD Harry Stillwell Michael & Maxine Terk Dr. Nancy Thompson Liz Throop & Joy Wasson Jane & Hal Weston Janice Whitener Bonnie & Gary Wolf Catherine Woodling Sherrilyn & Donn Wright Craig & Peggy Wyvill

MAPLEMary Alleman Dennis & Laura Ash Wade D. Austin, Jr. Dave Butler Justin Coleman Liz & Sam DeSimone Dina Franch Ann & Lewis Freedman Amy Goch Joseph Hacker Cynthia Hoffner Mary Huneke Consuelo & Robert Kertz Sarah & David Kruse Jennie Saliers & Bill Levisay Mary Donovan & Tim Merckens George Messner David Graham Nelson Edward Overstreet Will Gosnell & John Page Elliot Royston Greg Studdard & Mary Spraker Lynda & Bill Talmadge Mary & Jim Van Buren Michael & Sheila Vinciquerra Vivian M. Wright Chuck & Pat Young

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS We love our donors.Thank you for your contributions to the Olmsted Linear Park Annual Campaign.

Donations Received May 1 – November 8, 2017

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The following families and individuals made legacy contributions to park in tribute of friends and families that made a significant impact in the restoration and preservation of the Olmsted Linear Park. You will see their plaques scattered among benches and bridges within the park. If you are interested in making a legacy donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Sandra Kruger at sandy@atlantaolmstedpark.org or call (404) 377.5361.

LEGACY LEADERS

The Critz Family – in memory of Mary Francis Marion Critz Mary Vansant Disney Kirk Elifson and Claire Sterk Douglas and Jari Grimm Family Billy and Carolyn Hall – for their grandchildren Sally Harbaugh John and June Hemby George Ickes

In Memory of Roland IngramIn Memory of James Hunter LoftisOlmsted Parks Society – Dr. B. Woodfin Cobbs, Jr.Julie and Tim RalstonJennifer RichardsonTally SweatBarbara Vogel – In Memory of Gerald Vogel MDGale Walldorff Family

LEGACY LEADERS

OFFICE1788 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30307

404.377.5361

www.AtlantaOlmstedPark.org

AtlantaOlmstedPark@gmail.com

Executive DirectorSandy Kruger

Park Maintenance DirectorGeorge Ickes

EditorJulie Ralston

Photo Credits:Sandy Kruger Julia Purser Randy McDow George Ickes

Graphic DesignGareth Perry

Thank you for supporting Olmsted Park. Your donation is tax deductable. OLPA is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization.

Please remember the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance in your estate planning.

Ask your employers about matching gift opportunities.

DIARY DATESOLPA Annual FundPlease make your generous gift by December 31, 2017

Party for the Park on Ponce Gala BenefitSunday February 25, 2018 6:30pm

Phoenix Flies Event - Talk in the Park with Jennie RichardsonSaturday, March 24 - 10:00 am

Sunday, March 25 - 1:00 pm

PO Box 5500 | Atlanta, Georgia 31107

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